October 2, 2009

Vol. LXXXVIX No. 3 Omaha, NE

Concert at Temple Israel to raise breast cancer awareness

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator A benefit concert to promote breast cancer awareness will premier a new composition by Jonathan Leshnoff, associate professor of music at Towson University in Maryland. The 34-year-old composer has been commissioned to premiere a new composition, entitled “A Righteous Soul,” at a concert on Sunday, Oct. 18, 5 p.m., at Temple Israel.

Leshnoff wrote the composition for the Aeon Ensemble, an Omaha-based oboe, viola and piano trio, who will perform at the Women of Valor Concert with Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel.

Acquiring an international reputation as one of America's most gifted young composers, Leshnoff was asked to write the composition in memory of Omahan Florence Eisenberg, the sister of William Nerenberg, who is Leshnoff's manager.

Nerenberg is one of the commissioners of the music together with George Eisenberg, Florence’s husband, St. Paul Methodist Church, and Temple Israel.

Jonathan Leshnoff October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an initiative that began in 1985 by major charities to promote early detection via mammogram. Florence Eisenberg, who suffered from cancer and died at the age of 74 in 2001, loved music. “It was her life,” said her husband when Florence died.

Recognized for her talent as a child, she attended Juilliard School of Music and performed throughout her life.

Named by the Baltimore Sun in 2006 as an “artist to watch,” Leshnoff is currently riding the crest of a wave of popularity that has resulted in international Continued on page 2

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

14 Tishrei 5770

October 2, 2009

Brundibár’s message: bullies arise but must be resisted

by DEBBIE DENENBERG The first performances of Brundibár were in Terezin, a concentration camp near Prague. Its creators died in Auschwitz, but the opera survived.

Today, Brundibár reaches audiences worldwide, and has enjoyed major American productions at opera companies from New York and Washington, D.C., to Chicago and Los Angeles.

The Institute for Holocaust Education has collaborated with Opera Omaha to produce Opera Pacifica has produced Brundibár in Los Angeles since 1999; the children’s opera, first Credit: Opera Pacifica Brundibár in Omaha. The performed in Terezin during WWII, comes to Omaha Nov. 1-7. children’s opera will have 10 performances at the Rose ing, and I’m proud to be among the dozens of volunTheater from Monday through Friday, Nov. 2-6 for local teers bringing this event to Omaha.”

The message of Brundibár is that bullies arise but must school children. One public performance, on Saturday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., will celebrate the Institute for be resisted -- youthful determination, teamwork, and hope are its themes. This allegory was clear to the Holocaust Education’s 10th anniversary.

The survival rate of a child in Terezín was slim, yet inmates of Terezin, including many children, who were miraculously, Ela Weissberger survived. As a girl, she victims of starvation, torture, and ultimately murder. performed in all 55 original performances of Brundibár, Brundibár, the “bad guy”, was Hitler; hope lay in their and she will tell her stories at every Omaha performance. community. Today, the piece spans generations, and its Gloria Kaslow, IHE chairperson, commented, “Our message, influence and perspective are compelling and goal in producing ‘Brundibar’ is to educate 10,000 area powerful, according to Beth Seldin Dotan, IHE director.

Opera Omaha, under the supervision of General middle school students about the Holocaust. In addition, we hope to heighten community awareness of the Director John Wehrle, will produce Brundibár on behalf Institute for Holocaust Education. As we begin our of the Institute. Hal France, Director of KANEKO, is 10th year, we renew our belief in our mission -- to teach Artistic Consultant and Conductor, and Helena Binder people the lessons of the Holocaust and help them apply of New York will direct the opera with local professional Fran Sillau as her assistant. those lessons to their lives and to today’s society.”

The cast and crew consist of both professionals and “This project has developed into a profound experience for me,” said Eunie Denenberg, Brundibár chair- young community musicians who have learned about person. “The heroism and adventure surpass any mod- the Holocaust as a foundation to their artistic work. ern movie, and Ela’s presence here is a triumph. I’m Omaha’s Brundibár will feature a children’s chorus proud to see so many Omaha organizations collaborat- Continued on page 3

Obama cites ‘urgency’ in advancing Mideast talks

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The meetings ran overtime, and Mahmoud Abbas wouldn’t stop arguing even after he stepped into a room full of cameras.

Reporters could not make out exactly what was exercising the Palestinian Authority president in his exchange with President Obama, but fist pounding isn’t usually a sign of things going well.

Abbas confronted Obama as the U.S. president was preparing to deliver a statement prior to his three-way meeting Tuesday with Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Obama had just met separately with both leaders at the Waldorf Astoria, on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly in New York.

Obama’s statement was not hopeful.

Instead of announcing renewed peace talks, the administration’s optimal outcome, Obama was reduced to delivering a polite kick to both leaders’ backsides.

“We cannot continue the same pattern of taking tentative steps forward and then stepping back,” he said. “Success depends on all sides acting with a sense of urgency.”

Inside

Speaking on background, a senior aide to Obama spoke in blunter terms.

“The president is impatient,” the aide told JTA. “He’s determined but impatient. He wants to get talks started now.

There’s a window of opportunity. We have to seize it. There’s been enough talk about talks.”

Obama praised the sides for some movement, but said they had to do more.

“Palestinians have strengthened their efforts on security, but they need to do more to stop incitement and to move forward with negotiations,” the president said. “Israelis have facilitated greater freedom of movement for the Palestinians and have discussed important steps to restrain settlement activity. But they need to translate these discussions into real action on this and other issues.”

Hopes for a breakthrough were dashed last week after a period of intensive shuttle diplomacy by George Mitchell, Obama's top envoy to the Middle East, ended without agreement on the basis for renewing Israeli-Palestinian talks.

Palestinians objected to Israel’s failure Continued on page 2

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, left, shakes hands with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in front of President Obama during a trilateral meeting at Credit: Avi Ohayon/GPO/Flash 90/JTA Obama’s hotel in New York on Sept. 22, 2009.

This Week: Arts & Entertainment issue starts on Page 4

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

Curb Your Enthusiasm --The new candy store for Jewish pride: Page 5

Coming Oct. 23: Jewish Camping Federation honors volunteers, community service project: Pages 8 & 9

Legendary French chef hosts Manischewitz cook-off: Page 10

Page 2

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October 2, 2009

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Obama cites ‘urgency’ in advancing talks Continued from page 1 to agree to a total settlement freeze. Israeli officials for months have pledged to institute only a freeze that would allow for “natural growth” in settlements Israel hopes to keep in a final-status deal.

Top Israeli officials visiting Washington in recent weeks have spoken of a six-month freeze, perhaps with a few months added afterward.

Israel wants to keep the topics of Jerusalem’s status and Palestinian refugees -- key final-status issues -- off the table. The Palestinians want those issues on the table.

“Those are issues that have long been agreed as finalstatus issues,” Obama’s aide said, adding that Obama pushed for talks without any preconditions.

Saeb Erekat, the top Palestinian negotiator, voiced Palestinian frustration with Israel’s position.

“If the Israeli government believes that they want to make peace to maintain their coalition by saying Jerusalem is not going to be negotiated, refugees is not going to be negotiated, settlements will continue, then they can make peace between themselves,” he told reporters.

Netanyahu told reporters after the three leaders met that there was agreement on the need for talks to restart -- but he did not say when or how the two sides would get to that point.

“There was general agreement, including on the part of the Palestinians, that the peace process has to be resumed as soon as possible with no preconditions,” Netanyahu said.

Refusing to concede defeat, Mitchell said the negotiating teams would meet again soon.

“We have substantially and significantly progressed in reducing the number of issues on which there is disagreement, and we hope to complete that process in the near future,” he told reporters.

Obama administration officials said the teams were to have met again in New York last week and in Washington this week.

The aide suggested that Obama would forcefully resist efforts by Netanyahu to change the parameters of negotiations. Netanyahu wants for now to play down talk of two states and instead focus on economic development, with an eye on a small demilitarized entity.

“There’s a body of previous agreements and previous

negotiations that all produced a series of principles that still apply,” the aide said, referring to parameters that outline a state along the 1967 borders, with Jerusalem as a shared capital. “We should build on what has been achieved.”

Both sides needed to come down from the tree, the aide said, adding that “Nobody should hold out for a perfect formula.”

A key element of Obama’s plan was absent from the talks on Sept. 22: Obama wants Arab states to offer friendly gestures to Israel, which would make Netanyahu’s planned settlement freeze more palatable in Israel.

“It remains important for the Arab states to take concrete steps to promote peace,” Obama said.

Smaller Arab states are believed to favor such moves but will not come forward without Saudi Arabia. The Saudis say Arabs have been burned in the past when they made concessions and now want to see Israel move first.

In a reply to a letter from members of Congress urging Saudi concessions, Adel bin Ahmed Al-Jubeir, the Saudi ambassador to Washington, outlined a chronology of Israeli settlement growth from 5,000 in 1967 to more than 200,000 today even as Egypt and Jordan made peace with Israel, smaller Arab states initiated low-level ties with Israel and the Palestinians started peace talks.

“Given the above history, it is reasonable to conclude that an incremental approach, or one built on temporary confidence-building measures or gestures, will not work,” Al-Jubeir said. “It is our firm view that resolution of this conflict does require outlining the final settlement at the outset, followed by prompt resumption of negotiations on all final-status issues -- borders, Jerusalem, water, security and refugees -- with a deadline set for their early conclusion.”

Israel’s advocates in Washington pledged to continue pressing the issue as one of Israel ready to go and Arabs as recalcitrant.

“AIPAC calls on the Palestinians to follow Israel’s lead and drop all preconditions to negotiations and on the Arab states -- Saudi Arabia especially -- to heed the calls of both the U.S. House and Senate and President Obama to take immediate and meaningful steps toward normalization, and after 60 years, grasp the hand that Israel has outstretched in the cause of peace,” the American Israel Public Affairs Committee said in a statement.

Blumkin Home hosts CarFit Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

by SHELLY FOX Outreach Services at the Blumkin Home Sponsored by Nebraska AAA and Occupational Therapy students from Creighton University, CarFit is an event designed to determine a safe and comfortable fit between individuals 65-years-old and older and their automobiles. Improperly fitting cars can cause injury or possibly an accident. Research has shown that elderly people are more likely to get injured in accidents due to their bodies becoming more frail.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will host CarFit event in the parking lot outside the Home on Friday, Oct. 9, 1-4 p.m.

CarFit is a program that is designed to look at a driver’s position in the automobile, mirror position, ability to reach and operate gears, buttons, seatbelts, and mirrors. In all there are 12 check points that a team of trained volunteers look at during the CarFit event.

Trained Occupational Therapists are also on hand to give additional support and feedback on proper fit in a vehicle. OTs have the education and training to help clients relearn daily activities after an illness or injury.

They are are also trained in driving, assistive technology, and assessments. At this event, a participant’s driving ability will not be assessed.

According to Dr. Andrea Thinnes of Creighton University’s Occupational Therapy Department, “I am looking forward to the opportunity to assess individuals’ fit to their cars to ensure safe driving. I think this aspect of driving is often overlooked and unaddressed. This is a wonderful free event offered for the first time in the State of Nebraska and I am certain it won’t be the last!”

Please make an appointment with Sherri Judah at the Blumkin Home by calling 402.334.6535 during regular business hours; you must have a scheduled appointment to participate.

Concert at Temple Israel Continued from page 1 performances of his works by the Philadelphia, Baltimore and Iris Chamber, Buffalo, Tokyo Philharmonic, Madrid, Kansas City symphony orchestras, the National Gallery (in Washington, D.C.), Curtis Institute of Music (in Philadelphia), and National Repertory Orchestras, according to Leshnoff’s website.

Three recordings devoted exclusively to Leshnoff’s music are scheduled for release on the Naxos “American Classics” label. One recording will be premiered by Michael Stern and the Iris Chamber Orchestra. The Baltimore Chamber Orchestra and violinist Charles Wetherbee will perform the second release featuring Leshnoff’s violin concerto. The third disc features Leshnoff’s chamber music.

Other recent works by Leshnoff, who is originally from New Jersey, include a double concerto performed

by the Curtis Symphony at the Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, a string sextet for Concertante premiered at Merkin Hall in New York City, and a quartet for viola, harp, flute, and percussion by the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society.

He has also been named the composer-in-residence with the Baltimore Chamber Orchestra.

All proceeds from the concert will be used to support breast cancer awareness. A reception, sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism, an auxiliary of Temple Israel, will follow the concert. Dr. Ken Cowan, M.D., Ph.D., director of the University of Nebraska Medical Center’s Eppley Institute, and director of the Eppley Cancer Center, has been invited to speak at the event.

Tickets, for sale in advance are available by calling Temple at 556.6536 or at the door, are $18, $10 for students. Patron tickets will also be available.

To order a gift subscription to the Press for the rest of 2009 and all of 2010: 12606 West Dodge Road • Omaha, NE 68154 • (402) 493-5807 www.centurypa.com

Send a check for just $40, made out to the Jewish Press, 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 2, 2009

Brundibár’s message

Continued from page 1 including Morton Middle School’s Honors Choir.

The IHE has created study guides and trained teachers in preparing their students for the Brundibár experience.

Many National Humanities Council members will be in attendance at Brundibár as the NHC is hosting its annual conference in Omaha.

significance of the Brundibár project and the Institute for Holocaust Education.”

Additional support has been provided by the Alan Simon Donor-Advised Fund, the Bruce A. and Stacy S. Simon Charitable Fund, the Dixon Family Fund, the H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund, the Henry A. Davis Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Nebraska Arts Council, the Nebraska

Left: Westside senior Scott Goldberg is one of two actors cast The Brundibár project as ‘Pepicek’ in the Institute for Holocaust Education’s proenjoys collaboration with the duction of the opera Brundibár. Above: General Director of Omaha Public Library, Girls Opera Omaha, John Wherle, left, and Director of KANEKO Inc., the Nebraska Arts and Brundibár Artistic Consultant and Conductor, Hal Council and KANEKO. France are collaborating on Brundibár next month in Fred Simon and Howard Omaha; a public performance is scheduled for Nov. 7.

Kaslow have led the fundraising for Humanities Council, Richard Holland, Brundibár. Through their efforts and the Simon Charitable Foundation, and some important grants, the IHE is able to the Todd and Betiana Simon Foundation, offer the performances to the schools at as well as other Omaha foundations and no charge, and through the generosity of private donors. the Peter Kiewit Foundation with a match Tickets for the Nov. 7 public performfrom the Ruth E. Raskin Fund of the ance are $25 for adults and $10 for chilJewish Community Foundation San dren under 13, and may be purchased by Diego, buses will be provided for all stu- calling 402.345.0606 or visiting www. operaomaha.org. For more information dents, as well.

“It has been so pleasing to see the out- information about Brundibár, contact the pouring of support by the Omaha com- IHE at 402.334.6576 or visit munity,” stated Simon. “It is a testament www.ihene.org. to our city’s generosity as well as to the

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Sign-up begins for B’nai B’rith’s Bible Quiz

by JENNY GORDON Henry Monsky Lodge Secretary “The annual call for contestants has gone out for the 24th Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz,” according to Quiz chairman and event co-founder Steve Riekes.

The Quiz will be held Tuesday, Dec. 8, 7 p.m., in the Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center, according to Riekes.

It is open to the entire community.

The purpose of the quiz is to encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with their biblical heritage. It is also to honor the memory of the late Sen. Edward Zorinsky, who had a special concern for Jewish young people.

While the Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 is the sponsor and organizer of the Quiz, the program has been developed in conjunction with Omaha’s synagogues and Jewish youth groups.

“Plus, we also are very fortunate to obtain the help of Gloria Kaslow, Stan Mitchell and Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, our community volunteers, who plan and prepare the program with us. We time the Quiz so that it coincides with Jewish Book Month sponsored by the Center for Jewish Education. The rabbis and educational directors from the synagogues help with the actual program, too. We couldn’t do the program without them,” said Riekes. ‘’The quiz adds a bit of fun to Jewish education.”

“We have great prizes, too,” added Gary Javitch, Lodge president.

First prize is $600, second prize is $350, third prize is $250, and fourth place is $125. The prize monies can be

applied toward college tuition, a trip to Israel or an approved Jewish trip or educational program sponsored by a local or national Jewish organization.

“In addition,” Javitch added, “we have increased the cash prizes that will be awarded at the conclusion of the program. Any contestant who answers three questions correctly during the preliminary round will be given $20 cash at the end of the evening. The contest winner will receive $50 cash.”

The contest is open to all Jewish teenagers in the Omaha area who are in grades nine through 12.

The subject for the annual contest is the entire Book of Deuteronomy. Prior to the contest, the contestants will be asked to read the assigned book. “Any teenager, regardless of previous Jewish education, who studies the required material, can compete,” said Riekes. “The quiz is not hard. We also offer practice sessions and use sample questions. But every teenager who enters the contest becomes a winner, because every educated person should be familiar with the Bible.”

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 Jenny Gordon in the B’nai B’rith office (334.6443), or by writing to her at: 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or sending an email to BnaiBrith@jewishomaha.org before Nov. l.

Additional information may be obtained by calling Riekes at 333.8498 or 492.9800.

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All events are free and open to the public.

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

Accompanist feels enriched after four cantors and 19 years at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator For 19 years, Julie Sandene has been the accompanist at Temple Israel. In addition to worship services, she plays whenever there is a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, for all major holidays, for cantors concerts, special events outside of Temple that involve the cantor, and at weddings.

She has worked with Cantors Karen Webber Gilat, Erik Contzius, Jennifer Blum, and the current cantor, Wendy Shermet.

“I am fortunate to be in a position where I can play such wonderful and diverse music and work with such talented cantors. Each one has had their own personal style, and I have been lucky enough to accompany them. I have When she first started playing as the accomlearned totally panist at Temple Israel, Julie Sandene never different music would have thought she’d still be there 19 from each and years later. have added it to my library. I have volumes of music at home that I’ve played, and I love all of it,” Sandene said.

But it wasn’t always that enjoyable for her at Temple.

“I originally substituted for Bev McCollum in December of 1991. She had just started the position a few months earlier but found it difficult to teach school fulltime, play at her organ position, and play at Temple. So Cantor Karen Webber Gilat needed a replacement.” Sandene, who earned a Bachelor of Music in organ performance at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and then a Master’s in organ performance, was also teaching part time and playing at a church at the time.

“Eventually, I auditioned. I remember playing ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’” because the cantor asked for a show tune and “Dona, Dona.” Sandene was actually hoping someone else would get the job. “I didn’t know a thing about Jewish liturgical music. I’d only attended one service. I had no idea what to do. I’d never worked with a cantor. I never played off lead sheets. I couldn’t read Hebrew. The whole idea was extremely intimidating,” she recalled.

But she was hired for Friday night worship services.

“I should have been fired immediately!” she confessed.

“I played responses in the wrong places, couldn’t follow the service or stay with the cantor, had problems with the organ, etc. It was extremely frustrating for all of us.

Sometimes, I’d be so embarrassed that I would sneak out after services. I was a nervous wreck before my first High Holidays,” she admitted. “I have to credit Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Webber Gilat for not giving up on me.”

Sandene, who is from Aberdeen, SD, but has lived most of her life in Omaha, has played professionally for churches since she was 19. “My mom always had a piano in the house, and my aunt played also. They both played well. My mother liked to play popular music, and my aunt played classical,” Sandene explained. “I began to take piano lessons when I was in second grade ... from the organist at our church. She was a great teacher and included music theory classes and folk dance classes along with our lessons. In school, I played violin, cello, French horn, and harp. I began organ when I was 15.”

That’s about the time Sandene began playing at church. Currently, she substitutes at Trinity Lutheran and St. Mark’s Lutheran. She’s also played for Luther Memorial, Morning Star, St. Luke’s and Grace Lutheran in Lincoln.

“My previous exposure to Jewish music was limited to traditional folk songs and music by Jewish composers,” Julie continued. “I didn’t realize that the music in the services would be so varied. I learned about the various musical styles from trope to camp songs. There are similar trends in other denominations as well,” she noted. “I have been fortunate to attend conferences with other Temple musicians to find out what they are doing in their congregations. We also have chances to participate in a variety of service styles. It’s been a wonderful experience to be able to play in all these different styles in such a variety of settings.”

She’s also had different experiences with each cantor.

Working with Cantor Karen Webber Gilat at “The Four Cantors Concert” in 2002 was “delightful,” said Sandene. Cantor Weber Gilat “first introduced me to the liturgy and explained the meaning behind the prayers and how the music connects with them. I learned that accompanying a cantor is a totally different art form. She was always creative and innovative.”

Highlighting her years with Hazzan Contzius was the American Guild of Organists concert at St. Cecilia Cathedral. “He introduced me to a wide variety of Jewish music, both sacred and popular,” pointed out Sandene. “He encouraged me to become more involved in professional musicians’ associations.” She recalled how Contzius “loved to perform, formed Kol Rina choir, promoted the role of a cantor as clergy, and composed some of his first compositions here.”

Cantor Blum “went to a lot of trouble to plan a very nice celebration” for Sandene’s 10-year anniversary at Temple. Blum “had a piece commissioned by Erik for the occasion and performed it. She put together a scrapbook from Kol Rina members and had a great Oneg!” according to Sandene. “I saw the importance of the edu-

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cational process at Temple through the effort (Cantor Blum) put in her teaching. She was an excellent teacher with Bar and Bat Mitzvah students and children. She was more comfortable in a liturgical setting rather than a concert setting. I’m the same way.”

Recording a CD for congregants with Cantor Shermet and several other Temple members last year has been a highlight of working with the current cantor. Sandene also enjoys the partnership Temple and the cantor have with St. Paul United Methodist Church and its music minister, Jerry Brabec. “We’ve premiered many notable works at services with St. Paul and Temple.” Sandene praised Cantor Shermet as “liturgically brilliant. She rarely uses music and has a fascinating variety of interests and talents.”

Sandene also had words of admiration for Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. He provides “strong leadership, is always supportive and respectful of the cantors, always acknowledges and greets guest musicians to make them feel welcome, encourages new ideas and innovations,” and, she added, “has strong musical singing talents himself.”

Cantor Shermet described Sandene as dedicated, hard working, and talented. She loves Jewish music, is very patient,” and last but not least “she puts up with me.”

Sandene, who is an elementary vocal music teacher for Millard Public Schools, is working on an English language learners endorsement through Concordia University. She has been an instructor in the Millard school system for 26 years and is currently at Montclair Elementary teaching grades two through five and Montessori grades one through five. Outside of music, she loves walking her Golden Retriever Rosie, who caused Sandene to fall last March and break her wrist, working in the yard, going to restaurants, thrift shops, and antique stores.

“Playing at Temple has been a unique and wonderful experience,” summed up Sandene. “The clergy, staff, and congregants have always been friendly and welcoming. I appreciate being a part of the services and celebrations. I feel like part of the community, and musically, it has enriched me immeasurably. I am privileged to have worked with such supremely talented cantors over the years. Lastly, all of this has been made possible through Rabbi Azriel’s visionary leadership and appreciation of the role of the cantor and music in congregational life.”

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Photos from last April’s Passover Issue may be picked up in the Press office during regular business hours; photos from the New Year’s issue are now available.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448

October 2, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Curb Your Enthusiasm:

The new candy store for Jewish pride

story I say ‘I have to do something with that.’ The chairlift episode was based on a story I read. And Larry’s almost drowning and spiritual awakening was based on a story I read about something similar happening to Cat Stevens.”

Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman play Jeff and Susie Green, David’s best friends and the Jerry and Millie Helper to his twisted Rob Petrie, an alternate universe Dick Van Dyke Show that tests all of the conventions of sitcoms and comedy.

“I’m very proud of my Jewish heritage,” said Garlin, also the executive producer of the show. “The Four Questions joke comes out of that. We’re not selfloathing in any way. We’re Jewish and that becomes part of our humor.”

“To say that I use humor to show pride about my religion would be hypocritical because I’m a non-believer and not religious in any way, but I do however feel proud to be a part of a long legacy of comedians, many of whom come from Jewish b a c k grounds,” said Essman.

“New York Jews frequently say things to me about Curb like, ‘I’m sure no one else in the country gets the show but Larry David, left, and Jerry Seinfeld on the set of “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” us.’

That Credit: HBO couldn’t be calling other drivers “Schmohocks!” and further from the truth. The humor in the still scheming in the best tradition of Sgt. show is universal, as is most Jewish humor -- or all those great Jewish comics wouldBilko and Jack Benny.

Taking on life’s everyday problems in n’t have been so popular,” she added.

The tradition goes back to the early largely improvised and symmetrically plotted episodes, with two disparate ideas days of radio and television, where Jewish converging in each episode to hysterical comedians would offer winks to their conclusion, David, who carefully outlines Jewish viewers with Yiddishisms and charevery episode, continues to push the cre- acter names. The Three Stooges two-reelative envelope, turning every convention ers were rife with Yiddish words (including “Beblach” which was mentioned a on its ear, including Jewish identity.

“Curb” has become the current club- number of times in You Nutzy Spy and house where Jewish comedians meet. The meant as an expletive which is actually former “master of his domain,” David is Yidddish for beans).

Sid Caesar (whose writers included Carl the unbridled id of “Seinfeld” and the master of Jewish comedy -- from feigning Reiner, Mel Brooks, Larry Gelbart, and orthodoxy in order to get his friend Woody Allen) and Milton Berle crafted Richard Lewis a kidney donation to sketches for a broad American audience Seinfeld making out with his rabbi’s but often character names would offer a daughter/girlfriend during Schindler’s wink to their Jewish viewers. In a parody List, or a vengeful George mixing lobster of the Japanese classic “Ugetsu,” Caesars’ into her omelet after a fight.

Samurai warrior was named “Shtarka “The formula is the same as ‘Seinfeld’,” Yamagura.”

David said, “to do awful things that peoIn a World War II movie parody,” the ple think about and sympathize with.”

German nemesis was named “Baron Over the years, the overtly Jewish Larry Katvasser.” Similarly, Milton Berle’s has contemplated his spouse-authorized sketch comedy had him playing an upper10-year anniversary dalliance with his class Brit preparing for a tennis date with Orthodox Jewish dry cleaner; feigned a “Lord Hamantash.” orthodoxy in order to curry favor with Brooks and Reiner later created the someone to get him a donor kidney so he classic Two Thousand Year Old Man, does not have to donate his own to pal where Brooks’ old man was interviewed Richard; tells Suzie Essman’s Susie Green by Reiner about pieces of history: “Paul character: “I’m much more gentile than Revere, did you know him?” “Yes. Big you,” when David gets thrown out of his anti-Semite. Ran around everywhere on country club and tries to join a restricted his horse yelling: “The Yiddish are comclub; and a near death drowning causes a ing. The Yiddish are coming!” “That was spiritual rebirth and results in Larry get- “The British are coming!”“Really? I ting thrown out of synagogue on Yom never knew. I didn’t even go to his funeral. I have to send a note to his wife.”

Kippur for trying to scalp tickets.

Robert Klein and David Steinberg were “I’m like every other Jew -- there are things I like and things I don’t like and among the first generation of Jewish understand about Judaism. I just have the comedians who did not change their last names to fit into mainstream America. ability to talk about it,” David said. “I don’t think of things to The product of the Second City Comedy do about Judaism, but if I hear or read a Continued on page 11

by EDDY FRIEDFELD “You’re not a get together guy. You hate to get together!” Jerry Seinfeld tells former partner Larry David in the third episode of this season’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

“I’m being sold something. I don’t know what yet.” Seinfeld fans will have even more reason to rejoice over the new season of Curb, a reunion of the cast of “Seinfeld.”

As “Curb” enters into its seventh and potentially final season, Larry David returns to the place that first made him a household name and he’s bringing Seinfeld, Jason Alexander, Julia Louis Dreyfus, and Michael Richards with him in a faux “Seinfeld” reunion.

The socially inappropriate and still wildly funny David (“Without your health you’re nothing. Some people are nothing even with their health. Like me.”) is still

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Annual Silver Palette Show, presented by the Bellevue Artists Association, will be hosted by the Jewish Community Center from Oct. 2-31. The exhibit is free and open to the public. This judged show presents some of the best emerging artwork in the area. The Bellevue Artists Association, since its inception, has encouraged interest and participation in the arts from the newly emerging artist to the professional. A reception and awards ceremony will be held on Sunday, Oct. 11, 2-4 p.m.

Don’t miss a rare opportunity to see the premier violinist of our time when Itzhak Perlman performs with the Omaha Symphony on Saturday, Nov. 7, 8 p.m., at the Holland Performing Arts Center.

Perlman is one of the few classical artists to achieve genuine celebrity status. This living legend is just as comfortable playing on The Tonight Show as he is at Carnegie Hall. Recently, the entire world saw his talent and personality shine at President Obama’s inauguration ceremony.

To purchase tickets to this concert, or any of the Omaha Symphony’s series, call 402.342.3560, order online at www.omahasymphony.org, or visit the symphony box office at 1605 Howard St.

14335 Hillsdale Ave. (Just South of 144th & “L”) How is this publication thinking about the future?

By becoming part of the past.

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The Omaha Community Playhouse presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat on the Mainstage Theatre, now through Oct. 25.

The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors comes to vibrant life in this delightful musical parable. It is a terrific high-energy event in which Joseph endures a series of adventures as his spirit and humanity are continually challenged. Set to an engaging cornucopia of musical styles, from country-western and calypso to bubble gum pop and rock ‘n’ roll, this Old Testament tale emerges as both timely and timeless.

Performances run Thursdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $38 for adults and $24 for students. Call 553.0800 or online at www.OmahaPlayhouse.org for information or for reservations.

Make plans now to attend the Seventh Annual Arts & Crafts Show on Oct. 10 & 11 at the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs. This is one of Iowa’s largest shows, with over 200 talented exhibitors from six states presenting and selling the Midwest’s finest handcrafts.

The show is a production of Callahan Promotions, Inc. and offers patrons the opportunity to enjoy original affordable arts and crafts. Most exhibitors also will accept special order requests from the public.

Admission to the show is only $5, and anyone 10 and under is free. All patrons will receive a hand stamp good for the entire run of the show. Show hours are Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and on Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Parking is always free. For more information, call 563.652.4529.

Opera Omaha’s opening mainstage production for the 2009-10 season, Pagliacci, a fast paced, intense and passionate opera, will run Friday and Sunday, Oct. 16 and 18. Tickets start at $19 and are available by calling Opera Omaha at 402.346.7372, online at operaomaha.org, or at the box office at 17th and Farnam Streets.

Tickets are also available through Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606 or ticketomaha.com.

All Access Previews replace Lunchtime Previews and are offered in the evenings beginning with a reception and commentary on the production followed by attending the first act “sitzprobe” or seated rehearsal. The reception and preview are held in the Orpheum Theater lobby starting at 6 p.m., with the rehearsal beginning at 7 p.m. The All Access Preview for Pagliacci is on Friday, Oct. 9. Admission is free, with the option to purchase a $9 per person box dinner and beverage.

Resident Music Director, J. Gawf gives a family friendly overview of the opera’s storyline and characters. Held in Opera Omaha’s administrative offices, families can park and walk to the Orpheum to catch the live performance. Take advantage of the Family Pack Discount with the purchase of an adult ticket, receive a free youth ticket (13-years and younger) for the Sunday, Oct. 18 matinee performances of Pagliacci. Reservations are required; for tickets call 346.7372 or go online at operaomaha.org.

Park once at the OPPD parking garage and enjoy complimentary shuttle service to and from the Omaha Press Club at 1620 Dodge and dinner for $46 per person.

Please contact Tom Chandler for more information at 402.346.4398 x111 or tchandler@operaomaha.org.

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The 11th annual Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 7 p.m., in the Thompson Alumni Center on the University of Nebraska at Omaha campus. The event was rescheduled from Sept. 15.

Brian Steidle, author of The Devil Came on Horseback: Bearing Witness of the Genocide in Darfur, will present the lecture, “Hope for Darfur.”

The Goldstein Lecture is sponsored by the Religious Studies Program at UNO. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. The Thompson Center is located at 67th and Dodge, on the west edge of the UNO campus. For more information, please contact William L. Blizek, 554.3347.

Russ Kaplan Investments announces the addition of James Meyers to its staff.

Meyers will serve as registered investment counselor for the firm. A native of Omaha, he is a graduate of Westside High School and Bellevue University, where he majored in business administration. He is licensed in the State of Nebraska. Prior to his position at Russ Kaplan Investments, he was employed by the American Red Cross.

For 26 years, Russ Kaplan Investments has been serving Omaha with sound stock advice for investors with portfolios of all sizes. For more information, please call 402.614.1321.

The 11th Batchelder Conference for Biblical Archaeology will take place Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 29-31, at the Thompson Alumni Center at the University of Nebraska-Omaha.

The topic for this year is “Strange Encounters in Biblical Studies and Archaeology” with two keynote speakers: Dr. Oded Borowski of Emory University will discuss “Daily Life in the Bible Land” on Thursday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m.; on Oct. 30, 7 p.m., Dr. Dan Bahat will address “One Thousand Years of Endowments to

Jerusalem 600-1600 CE.” Day sessions begin at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m., Friday and Saturday. Recommended admission is $5.

The deadline for grant requests made to the Milton S. and Corinne N. Livingston Foundation is Thursday, Oct. 15. The board of trustees will meet later in November to determine grants for Jewish institutions and projects; the Foundation also has a secondary interest in supporting health, education, cultural and social services in the Omaha metro area. Grants are limited to institutions within the Omaha metro area and the State of Israel; no grants will be given for capital or endowment campaigns.

More information and applications are available by contacting Howard Epstein, executive director, at 402.492.9800 or at the Livingston Foundation, 11605 Miracle Hills Dr., Suite 300, PO Box 542005, Omaha, NE 68154.

Want to hire the best and the brightest? Register now for Career Fairs at Creighton University on Wednesday, Oct. 7 and Wednesday, Feb. 3, 2010.

Registration is also available for post-graduate volunteer opportunities at www.creighton.edu/careercenter and for jobs and internships at Jobs4Jays. Please call the Creighton Career Center at 402.280.3060 to schedule your visit to campus.

Matt Penland, former Husker player and now Team Chaplain, will be the keynote speaker at the Together, Inc fundraising luncheon Friday, Oct. 16, 11:30 a.m., at the downtown Hilton Omaha, 1001 Cass.

“We have many people and businesses donating to Omaha citizens in need. As Together, Inc., was formed in 1975 by six area churches and synagogues, it is ideal to have Matt share his unique insights,” said Erin Stoll, development director. Visit www.togetheromaha.org or contact Stoll at 345-8047 x206 for more information.

October 2, 2009

Four new adult-ed classes enrich Sunday mornings at Beth El

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Sunday morning adult-education line-up has just become even more exciting, with the announcement of four new enlightening and entertaining classes.

On Sunday, Oct. 18, 10 a.m., students are invited to “Meet Yourself in the Torah,” led by Susi FrydmanLevin. The weekly course will focus on “the most exciting characters in the Torah, their lives, challenges and how our personal journeys can be Susi Frydman-Levin inspired and enriched by them,” Frydman-Levin explained. She added that “during this class, we will also get a Torah perspective on topics as: self-image, emotions, interpersonal relationships, distresstolerance, and more.”

Also beginning Oct. 18, 11 a.m., Frydman-Levin will lead participants through “Jewish Images on the Big Screen.” The weekly class will use clips from films and documentaries to explore Jewish values, and to reflect about faith, identity and tradition, she explained, adding that, “You don’t have to love the movies as I do to learn from them and enjoy this class.”

The synagogue’s third educational offering, Beginning Hebrew, is geared to anyone interested in learning the Hebrew language. Teacher Eadie Tsabari will take students from their alefs and bets through basic prayers. Weekly sessions will be held

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on Sundays, 10-11 a.m., beginning Oct. 18. This class is a prerequisite for those planning to attend Beth El’s Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah class.

Finally, on Thursday, Nov. 5, noon, Rabbi Mordechai Levin will kick off his weekly class, this year focusing on “Understanding and Living Jewish Values.” The year-long class will explore the meaning and importance of Jewish values in contemporar y society and how they are relevant to our lives.

Classical texts such as the Torah, Tanakh, Mishnah, Talmud, the mus- Rabbi Mordechai Levin sar literature (works of moral instruction), offer Jewish values; these writings, among others, will be examined.

Through this class, he said, “we will present Jewish values as a living, vital resource upon which we can continue to draw as did past generations. We will discuss laws, legends and anecdotes that give us a vision of how to live. We will deal with viewpoints and guidelines, both ancient and modern, which address contemporary issues. We will examine values that help us to lead good, productive, generous and meaningful lives.”

All four classes are open to all adults in the Jewish community. Cost is $36 each for Beth El members; $45 for non-members. To register or for more information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or at programming@beth el-omaha.org.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

MARRIAGES

RICHTMAN/COHEN Walter and Harriet Richtman of The groom is the grandson of Rev. Chicago, IL announce the Aug. 23 mar- Aaron and Rachel Cohen and the late riage of their daughter, Tzvi and Hellen Kupfer.

Yael Richtman to Israel The couple live in Chicago, (Srully) Cohen, son of where the bride will continRabbi David and Ingrid ue her studies at North Park Cohen.

University towards a degree The bride is the grandin nursing, while the groom daughter of former will continue at Northern Omahan Rosa Richtman, Illinois University towards a the late Dave Richtman, Masters in tax law and raband the late Sol and binic studies at Hebrew Jeanette Benjamin.

Theological College.

ROMANIK/MARTIN She is the daughter of Susie and Marc Nikki Jo Romanik and Benjamin James Martin of Smyrna, GA were mar- Romanik, and the granddaughter of ried August, 8 at Isla Del Sol Yacht and Gerry and David Romanik of Dallas, TX, and Marcia Gallner.

Country Club in St. Petersburg, FL. The groom graduated with a BS in The bride graduated in 2003 from Economics from Harvard Indiana University with a BS University in 2003. He is a in Microbiology. She is a stuFinancial Analyst and dent at American University Comptroller for Vesta of Antigua School of Holdings.

Medicine and is doing medHis attendants were his ical rotations at Emory father, David Martin (best University affiliated hospiman), Randy Romanik tals. After completion of (older brother of the bride), rotations and exams, she will Josh Martin and Seth Martin take a Pediatric Neurology (brothers of groom), Morris clinical research job until Levy, Drew Freeman, Pat Shelander, Jack starting residency.

Her attendants were Tara Alcalde (maid Krouse, Jeff Klein, Matt Taylor, and of honor), Laynie Heller, Annie Nogg, Adam Carter.

He is the son of Lynn Dee and David Melissa Shapiro, Katy Bezy, Cari Fishman, Raychel Fensterstock, Jen Martin of Smyrna, GA, and the grandson Weingartner, Amy Razar, Rebekah of Betty Roberts of Tampa, FL. Following a honeymoon to the wine Martin and Colleen Sullivan Martin (groom’s siblings). Junior attendants country, the couple returned to their home in Atlanta. were Hailey and Hannah Anter.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

Jewish Federation recognizes 2008 Volunteers of the Year

by BOB GOLDBERG Federation Communications Director Omaha is a great Jewish community -- first and foremost because of the volunteers who give their time and care. They participate, engage and make a difference.

Every year, the agencies of the Federation recognize outstanding volunteers who helped further its mission. Each of them makes tremendous contributions and to each, the Federation says, “Thank you.”

The entire community is invited to the Jewish Community Center on Monday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., as the Federation honors these outstanding people as 2008 Volunteers of the Year. In addition, the Humanitarian Award will be presented to Evie Zysman, and Spirit of Federation Awards to Joanie Jacobson and Gary Javitch.

Below is a small sampling of what the nominating agencies had to say about their honorees.

Jewish Federation of Omaha: Norman Sheldon As president of the Federation, Norm Sheldon gave countless hours of his time and made a tremendous commitment to our Jewish community. Since the end of his presidency, he has continued his dedicated services and has remained active as a member of the executive committee, chairman of the Personnel Practices Committee, and has been active in areas of financial resource development.

Sheldon is a hands-on volunteer who spends the time necessary to understand the issues and provide comprehensive solutions.

Following his presidency, he has continued to focus on one of his primary areas of interest, which is the infrastructure of our organization. He has a keen understanding of the campus operations and his vision and leadership have helped the Federation as well as the agencies achieve greater efficiencies.

Anti-Defamation League/ Community Relations Committee: Alan Parsow As a long time ADL supporter and board member, Alan Parsow’s commitment to ADL’s future is evident in the endowment fundraising he has led and the management of the Jim and Elaine Wolf Endowment Fund.

Parsow has worked closely with previous ADL/ CRC Director Bob Wolfson and with current Director Alan Potash. His stewardship of the Wolf Endowment Fund will help to insure that the ADL Plains States Region is able to accomplish the critical work in our community and region.

In addition to the work that he has done with the endowment, Parsow plays a vital role on the ADL board as a community advocate, organizing opportunities for the director to meet with local leaders and speak at civic gatherings.

Center for Jewish Education: Cheryl Cooper Cheryl Cooper has chaired the Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish Education since July 2007. In recent years, scholarship requests have outpaced the funding available. The CornerStones Fund was for many years used primarily as an emergency fund, but over half of the principal was required in 2008 to allow the Financial Aid Committee to meet the community’s needs.

Cooper launched a fund raising campaign for the CornerStones Fund by developing a detailed plan and putting a hard working team together. With her outstanding leadership, nearly $100,000 was raised for the CornerStones Fund.

Although the official fundraising campaign has ended, she continues to promote the CornerStones Fund and encourages donations.

Her volunteer work over the years for the Jewish Federation includes serving as chairman of the Women’s Annual Campaign, board member, special event chairman, annual campaign worker, and long range planning committee member. She is an active volunteer for Beth El Synagogue and serves as a director for the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation.

Jewish Community Center: David Haller For the last five years, David Haller has worked tirelessly to support youth athletics at the Jewish Community Center. He spent four years as a volunteer head coach in the Hot Shots and Future Stars Basketball program for first through fourth graders. The last two years he has been an assistant coach in the Select Basketball program.

He gives generously of his time for tryouts, camps and any other functions the youth athletic program needs. Haller is a tremendous ambassador of the JCC. He is personally responsible for many families coming to the Jewish Community Center and is always willing to sit down with anyone and discuss the programs and facilities at the JCC. Haller is the Vice President of Operations for West Corporation. He and his wife Lori have two children,

TJ, 12, and Mary, 10. Both children are currently active participants in swimming and basketball at the JCC.

Jewish Social Services/ Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: Bernie Altsuler Everyone who knows Bernie Altsuler considers his friendship to be a gift. Many of his friends no longer drive and he has become their chauffeur. He takes people out for dinner, to movies and to doctor’s appointments. He picks up individuals who want to volunteer but don’t have transportation.

He is devoted to the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

On Monday, he calls Bingo, helps transport residents to and from the activity, and then helps pass out treats at tea time.

Altsuler has volunteered to help with sing-along for the past 17 years. He’s the resident comedian, telling jokes every week that gain him applause, laughter and sometimes even groans!

He is also an amateur photographer. His photographs fill books that bring many hours of pleasure to his friends who live at the Home. A member of the Yiddish Club, Altsuler researches and provides programming for the meetings. He gives from the bottom of his heart every day of his life.

The Jewish Press: Deborah Platt Deborah Platt came to the Jewish Press office a few years ago offering her services as a volunteer proofreader. Though the Press already had two volunteers, it’s always good to have back up when one of them is on vacation or sick. But she became more than a “reserve” proofreader. Especially during production of multi-section holiday issues, she’s only too happy to give the other proofreaders a break by picking up the responsibility for the weekly issues so they can concentrate on the longer stories in the holiday issues.

Luckily for the Press, Platt also volunteers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on Fridays! When she finishes giving manicures to residents in the tea room, she stops into the Press office to pick up pages for the following week’s issue, saving Press staff a delivery. Platt always has a smile on her face. Even when she injured her ankle in early summer, she insisted on continuing her “job” at the Press!

Contributors to the article include: Carol Katzman, Lisa Shkolnick, Lois Wine, Julee Katzman, Mary Sue Grossman, and Alan Potash.

Thank you to the outstanding team of the 2009 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign for their dedication and leadership; the 2009 campaign raised $3,020,000.

General Campaign Chairs - Zoe and Carl Riekes Pacesetter Chairs - Mike Platt and John Lehr Lion of Judah Chair - Gail Veitzer Men's Campaign Chair - Bruce Friedlander Women's Campaign Chair - Iris Ricks Young Leadership Chair - Brett Atlas Super Sunday Chairs - Melissa and Matt Shapiro

October 2, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Institute for Holocaust Education to receive Community Service award for Kristallnacht event

by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Survival. The exhibit was hung in the Director, Institute for Holocaust Education Fountain Court at Joslyn the evening of The Governance Council of the the Kristallnacht event and then moved to Institute for Holocaust Education will the Jewish Community Center for a numaccept the Jewish Federation’s ber of months.

Community Service Award for Later, after additional photos of “Kristallnacht: 70 Years Later” at the Federation’s Volunteer Recognition event on Monday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center.

“This is wonderful recognition for our program,” says Chairperson Gloria Kaslow. “Bringing to light the history of Kristallnacht through our local survivor stories and musical accompaniment was an important objective of the Institute. The products of that event have had many enduring Left: Three generations -- Nancy Kutler, Sarah Kutler and Bea results for the IHE and Karp -- pose in front of Karp’s portrait, part of David Radler’s the Jewish Community.” Portraits of Survival exhibit at Joslyn Art Museum for last “Kristallnacht: 70 Years Later” took Lincoln survivors were included in the place at the Joslyn Museum on Nov. 9, show, the Strategic Air and Space 2008, and was attended by more than Museum displayed these portraits at their 700 people from both the Jewish and Ashland location between Memorial Day non-Jewish communities. A great variety and Labor Day. More than 57,000 visiof individuals participated in this special tors passed through the museum during event. this time.

During the summer of 2008, the IHE The formal Kristallnacht presentation at worked with artist David Radler to pho- the Joslyn included musical arrangements tograph as many Holocaust survivors as written in the camps or during the possible in the Omaha area. The result of Holocaust. This music was played by this effort was a black and white photo members of the Omaha Symphony. exhibit and booklet titled Portraits of In addition, moving readings were

is in its 10th year of programming under the auspices of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. As a division of the Plains States Region of the Anti-Defamation League, the IHE is able to partner on Holocaust and anti-bias education that intersects the missions of both organizations.

The result has cultivated important relationships within Omaha, especially in the school systems, the Archdiocese, the arts community and within our own Jewish community. The response to understanding the Holocaust after 60 to 70 years is growing as scholarly information continues to unfold and testimonies of those who were witnesses are readily available to the public.

November’s Kristallnacht commemoration. Right: Dick and Bev Without the recognition Fellman admire the portrait of Holocaust survivor Roman of the IHE by the Jewish Amster.

Federation board, the The IHE also produced a documentary Jewish Federation Foundation and the called A Flicker of Hope, which encom- unending support of the Antipassed the history of Kristallnacht and Defamation League, the lofty objective to survivor recollections of the Kristallnacht create a recognized Holocaust center pogrom. Second and third generation would never have been realized. Thus, children spoke on the DVD about grow- this recognition of “Kristallnacht: 70 ing up in Omaha in the shadow of the war Years Later” as the Jewish Federation’s and Dick Holland, a U.S. World War II Community Service Award comes at an veteran, narrated the DVD. This docu- important moment in the development of mentary was later given to teachers who the IHE. The Portraits of Survival exhibit has attended IHE educational workshops returned to the IHE Gallery, next to the throughout the year.

The Institute for Holocaust Education ADL office at the JCC. shared by Holocaust survivor and Kristallnacht witness, Bea Karp, Mark Peters, son of Auschwitz survivor Kitty Williams, and Effie Tsabari, granddaughter of survivors Joe and Helen Fishel and daughter of Eadie and Eitan Tsabari.

Please join us for the Jewish Federation Awards Recognition Reception Monday, October 12th at 7:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Center Auditorium Humanitarian of the Year: Evelyn Zysman

The Phil & Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award: Joanie Jacobson & Gary Javitch

Community Service Award: Kristallnacht, Institute for Holocaust Education

Volunteers of the Year: Jewish Federation of Omaha: Norman Sheldon Jewish Community Center: David Haller JSS/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home: Bernie Altsuler ADL/Community Relations Comittee: Alan Parsow The Jewish Press: Deborah Platt Center for Jewish Education: Cheryl Cooper

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El has joyous, fun-filled festivities on tap for Sukkot and Simchat Torah, and Jewish community members of all ages are invited to join in the celebration.

The synagogue’s lush sukkah has been constructed in the front courtyard, thanks to Men’s Club. Sukkot festivities will commence on Friday, Oct. 2, 6 p.m. with services; holiday services will be held daily through Friday, Oct. 9.

Rounding out the High Holidays will be a spirited Simchat Torah (“Rejoicing in the Torah”) celebration on Saturday, Oct. 10. This festive holiday celebrates the love of Torah, and is observed with joyful instrumental music, singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls throughout the community court. Our Minha/Ma’ariv and Hakafot will take place at 6:40 p.m. The evening’s merriment will be capped off with an old-fashioned ice cream social. (Please note: while there is no charge to attend, RSVPs are needed for planning purposes. To make your reservation, contact the office.)

During Sunday, Oct. 11, 9:30 a.m., services, dedicated Beth El service attendees Jacob Rosenberg and Cary Grossman and will be honored as Hatan Torah and Hatan Bereshit, respectively.

Beth El President Steve Pitlor congratulated the honorees, saying, “Over the years, Jacob and Cary have consistently been in attendance for our Saturday morning services. Both men are usually the first individuals to show up on Saturday mornings-- many times even before services begin. Cary also has been a consistent attendee of our daily minyans.”

Pitlor added, “Both of these individuals truly have set a wonderful example with the dedication and passion they have shown toward our congregation. We appreciate congregants such as Jacob and Cary, and hope they continue their commitment and involvement with Beth El for many years to come.”

The synagogue’s Simchat Torah festivities are a wonderful way to end the High Holidays, Pitlor noted, adding that, “our doors are open to the entire Jewish community to celebrate with us.”

by PATTY MURPHY SECAUCUS, NJ -- The Manischewitz Company has announced the launch of the Fourth Annual Man-OManischewitz Cook-Off, a cooking contest designed to encourage home cooks to challenge themselves in preparing a meal that is kosher, simple and delicious.

The contest encourages home chefs to experiment with different ethnic foods and to think of preparing a kosher inspired meal as part of that experience, in the same way people enjoy preparing Japanese, Italian, Mexican, Chinese and other popular ethnic cuisine.

Entrants will compete for a chance to be crowned the “King or Queen of Kosher” and win the $25,000 grand prize package, including GE Profile kitchen appliances, cash and more. Five finalists will win an all-expense paid trip to NYC to compete live on March 18, 2010, at the Jewish Community Center of Manhattan. The contestants will be judged by an on-site cooking panel consisting of food media and other culinary experts.

This year the cook-off will be bigger and better than ever with legendary acclaimed chef, Jacques Pépin as the celebrity guest of honor who will act as MC, head judge and award prizes.

Pépin is one of America’s best-known chefs, widely recognized as the host of 11 acclaimed public television cooking series, and the author and publisher of 26 cookbooks. He is also a founder of The American Institute of Wine and Food (WIWF) and has been the Dean of Special Programs at the French Culinary Insitute (New York) since 1988.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the 4th Annual Manischewitz Cook-Off!” said Chef Pépin. “I always encourage people to experiment with new types of ethnic cuisine and products.”

Chef Pepin has created some exciting recipes using the new Manischewitz Broth which will be available in the recipe section of www.manischewitz.com.

“Over the past three years more than 10,000 people across the country, spanning all ethnic backgrounds, have shared some amazing recipes.” says David Yale, President and CEO, of The Manischewitz Company.

“As the leader in the kosher market, we pride ourselves on our wide range of specialty products that inspire cooks of all types to create exciting kosher inspired recipes.”

As an added bonus, this year’s event will benefit Jewish American Heritage Month (JAHM), a national month of recognition of the more than 350-year history of Jewish contributions to American culture. Updates on JAHM will be available on www.Manischewitz.com and will continue through the end of JAHM on May 31, 2010.

For official contest details, log onto www.manischewitz.com and complete the official entry form and submit your recipe online. You can also enter by mail by sending your recipe entry to: Manischewitz Cook-Off, c/o BHGPR, 546 Valley Road Upper Montclair, NJ 07043. All entries must be received by Jan. 31, 2010.

To inspire you for Cook-Off try this delicious chicken dish: POT OF OLIVE OIL BROTH POACHED CHICKEN WITH ARTICHOKES AND TOMATOES Ingredients: 1 whole chicken, cut up 3 tablespoons olive oil 1 1/2 cups onions, diced 1 1/2 cups celery, diced 2 tablespoons garlic, chopped 42 oz Manischewitz Chicken Broth (3 cans) 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped 2 bay leaves 2 cans artichoke hearts, drained and halved 2 whole tomatoes, chopped 1/4 cup fresh basil, cut into thin strips Preparation: In a large stock pot sear chicken skin side down in olive oil; remove. In same pot, sauté onions, celery and garlic.

Add Manischewitz Chicken Broth, thyme and bay leaves; bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Add chicken.

Simmer 30 to 45 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked and tender, skimming off any fat or broth that comes to the surface; add water if necessary to keep chicken covered.

Remove chicken and set aside on serving platter.

Skim off any remaining fat or froth; add artichokes, tomatoes and basil; simmer briefly. Serve with chicken.

Serving Suggestion: Strain 1 1/2 cups of stock and add to 1 1/2 cups of couscous for a quick side dish. Serves six.

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Saturday, October 10 in York, NE

Sukkot and Simchat Torah at Beth El offer joyous festivities

Temple Israel kindergartners begin something new on Simchat Torah

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Simchat Torah, rejoicing in the law, truly is one of the most joyful Jewish holidays of the year as the final portion is read followed by Torahs being paraded in the arms of Jews in synagogues around the world.

At Temple Israel, Simchat Torah will be celebrated on Friday, Oct. 9, 6 p.m. As the Torah scrolls are turned back to the beginning to be read again, Jenny Meyerson pointed out that it’s meaningful that Simchat Torah and the Consecration of kindergartners and new Religious School students are observed at the same time.

“It’s the beginning of the Torah and the beginning of the children’s formal Jewish education,” she noted.

Brady, son of Scott and Jenny Meyerson, is one of the consecrants. “It’s hard to believe he’s grown up so much,” his mother said, “and that he’s ready for this.”

She thinks the “fun, lively, and family friendly” service is just right for Consecration.

Ted and Jamie (Zacharia) Friedland were both consecrated at Temple Israel. Now their oldest child, Rosie, will be consecrated as she begins kindergarten.

“It means she’s growing up,” said Jamie Friedland. “It also means she’s going to have a Bat Mitzvah, and this is the start of her formal Jewish education, which brings back fond memories to me.” She recalled her youth group days, Sunday School, and the friends she made when she was growing up. “This is just the beginning for Rosie.”

Isaac, son of Kevin and Saundra Clarke, is one of the group of 14 kindergartners, one first grader, and one third grader who will participate. “He’s excited and doesn’t know quite what to think,” said his mother.

“We’re excited, too, and a little overwhelmed, because it’s our first, our oldest child.”

Tuffy Epstein and his Fabringen Fiddlers will fill the sanctuary and the Friedman Social Hall with festive Klezmer music before and after the service. An ice cream Oneg will fill the social hall with a sweet finale.

October 2, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Curb Your Enthusiasm

October is Domestic Violence Awareness month

Continued from page 5 troupe, Klein’s early standup focused squarely on his Jewish upbringing in The Bronx, where his father thought that everyone was Jewish (“Babe Ruth: Jewish, Joe DiMaggio: Jewish, Franklin Roosevelt: Jewish”), and his college years at Alfred University: “I had to learn and grow. A little thing I encountered there that I really hadn’t encountered before, uh, anti-Semitism. Well, nothing -- it was subtle, nothing you could put your finger on. Subtle to be sure: ‘Hey Jewboy!’ You know, just what I needed. I wanted to meet the guy next door in the dormitory. He was decorating his room with a swastika mobile.”

Steinberg, the son of Orthodox Jews and both Second City and yeshiva trained, used Jewish identity as a platform for social critique, including Jews changing their names. He came out dressed as a Reform rabbi and poked fun at Judaism in general and the movement in particular: “We’re going to talk about God, who you may remember from last week’s sermon… God told Moses to approach the burning bush. ‘Take your shoes from off of your feet for the land that you are standing on is holy land.’ Moses approached the bush and burned his feet. God said ‘Aha, third one today!’ We’re not sure what Moses said, but we’re pretty certain that it’s the first mention of ‘Christ!’ in the bible.”

Steinberg’s success led him to a regular gig on the Smothers Brothers comedy hour on CBS in the 1960s.

The Moses sermonette generated more negative mail than any other show in CBS history. Rather than back down from the pressure, Steinberg, encouraged by Tom Smothers, fanned the creative flames. “I went on the Tonight Show and talked about the letters. I said some of them came from Baptists who wrote ‘Mr. Steinberg, you shouldn’t make fun of the Jewish people, that’s our job.’”

Comedians like Richard Lewis followed, whose angst was a product of his parents; he described coming from the only family that had “a Menorah with a dimmer.”

In addition to pushing the creative envelope, Curb has also offered a haven for other masters of comedy to strut their stuff: Brooks did an arc parodying the success of the producers; Sasha Baron Cohen played an angel in the fifth season finale. Shelley Berman has a recurring role as Larry’s father and the late Bea Arthur played his mother. And semi-regular Richard Lewis said “I use my Judaism proudly as a comedian on stage mostly to boast about the food but keep my spiritual and biblical notions locked in my safety deposit box. I believe in separation of temple and stage.”

As Larry David would say: “That’s pretty good -- pretty pretty good!”

Friedfeld is a film and entertainment journalist and teaches the History of Comedy in America at Yale and NYU.

by KAREN GUSTAFSON Director of Jewish Family Service As we begin this New Year, remember to take care of each other and ourselves. What is often not in the forefront are the people affected by domestic violence and the impact it has on families and children of all socio-economic levels. The recent news stories of Chris Brown and Rihanna, and Jaycee Dugard’s kidnapping and rescue after 18 years bring to light that domestic abuse can happen anywhere by anybody, maybe right under our noses.

We never want to think that violence can happen in our home, neighborhood or community but it does.

As non-profit agencies’ donations are down (yes, because of the poor economy) it is important for agencies to work together. With the help of the Estate of Grace Plotkin, established for Jewish Family Service to use for domestic violence work, JFS made the decision to increase awareness of the subject and to provide information in locations throughout the Jewish community.

Posters and resource cards have been placed in each synagogue and in bathrooms throughout the Jewish Community Center this month, to call attention to the on-going problem of domestic violence.

According to the Violence Policy Center, 2006 data shows that Nebraska ranks 42nd with domestic violence where there was a female murder victim and one male offender. There were six victims in Nebraska (0.67 per 100,000) compared to the highest ranking state, Nevada, with 40 murders (3.27 per 100,000).

Nationwide, 1,836 females were murdered by males in single victim/single offender incidents this same year.

Out of these reports, 9% were younger than 18 and 9% were 65 or older. The average age was 38. Where race was identified, 99% were white. For homicides where a weapon could be identified, 54% were killed by a gun, with 73% of those by handguns.

Meet Beth El at the Playhouse for matinee of ‘Joseph’

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El has obtained a block of tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and on Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m., everyone in the Jewish community will have an opportunity to enjoy an afternoon matinee at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This blockbuster show, based on the biblical tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors, is a great musical experience for audiences of all ages and a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Tickets have been discounted for all takers, thanks to a special group rate; cost is $27.10 for adults, $16.82 for students; RSVP by sending your check -- made payable to Beth El -- to Margie Gutnik in the office, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154, no later than Oct. 2.

Your check is your reservation.

A little closer to home, Douglas County’s preliminary data for 2008, shows nine aggravated domestic assaults, with one arrest and 127 simple domestic assaults resulting in 24 arrests. What is the difference between an aggravated assault and a simple assault?

According to the Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, a simple assault does not involve the use of a firearm, knife, cutting instrument, or other dangerous weapon and in which the victim did not sustain serious or aggravated injuries.

No one really wants to hear this kind of information.

No one really wants to know that domestic violence is not a private matter. Domestic violence isolates the person being abused and can rob inner strength, feelings of self-worth and the ability to make personal choices.

Often victims of abuse begin to feel responsible for the abuse. Exposure to domestic violence traumatizes children and can destroy their ability to feel safe in the world as well as cause them to feel responsible for the abuse.

How can we help? We can help by educating ourselves about domestic violence, volunteering for the YWCA (and its local domestic violence project); recycling old cell phones that can be used for women in a domestic violence program to contact 911 if necessary (drop them off at JFS); lending a sympathetic ear to someone who needs help; acknowledging that no one deserves to be hurt (this includes teens in a dating relationship); guiding a friend or relative to community services and giving the emotional support needed.

JFS staff is available for consultation and referrals to domestic violence resources by calling 330.2024. Other local numbers are “The Shelter” (a safe haven for women and children at an undisclosed location) at 558.5700; the YWCA Women Against Violence 24-hour Hotline at 345.7273, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1.800.799.7233 or for TTY 1.800.787.3224.

ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, with a musical program, Everything Sinatra, with Chris Saklar. Lunch will be served at noon and the program will begin at 12:30.

Cost for lunch is $7. Come play bingo at 10 a.m. Call Theresa for transportation at 330.4272. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

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

VISIONS Reminder: Visions board meeting is Friday, Oct. 2, 9:30 a.m. at the JCC. Visions luncheon is Friday, Oct. 16, 12:30 p.m. at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Celebrate Visions’ 17th birthday

as members Maxine Noodell and Esther Wax share their musical talents. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114, by Oct. 9. Call Harry Alloy for information at 697.8709. For transportation to the JCC, call Florence Hauss at 571.4583.

Make check payable to Visions.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Dr. Howard Gendleman, University of Nebraska Medical Center researcher, will talk about the latest advances on cures for Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s on Wednesday, Oct. 7, noon, at Regency Lodge. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free; a buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3.

For information or to get on the email list, contact Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

Omaha Performing Arts’ season opens

and wit on stage, Blues Review says, “Watching them perform is

by JENNIFER BOLDRA Omaha Performing Arts’ 2009-10 season opens Friday, Oct. nearly as much fun as hearing them play.”

23, 8 p.m. at the Holland Performing Arts Center with Corky Chamber Blues also has been recognized as among Siegel’s Chamber Blues.

Billboard’s Top 10 Picks of the year, with a ground-breaking Siegel comes to Omaha with an international reputation as a sound that has been touted as “…a match made in heaven…” blues harmonica master. He is best known for his partnership in by the Chicago Tribune. New and old concertgoers alike are the Chicago-based Siegel-Schwall Band. With the Chamber Blues sure to experience a symphonic performance like no other. project, Siegel has pioneered an innovative, genre-busting sound, “Corky’s group is just outrageous and fun. The music they play lending his blues expertise to original symphonic compositions is exhilaratingly good,” said Joi Brown, OPA vice president of that walk the line between the music of Beethoven and B.B. King. programming and education.

Backed by the highly respected West End String Quartet and The music alone is enough to make this a must; patrons will also world-renowned percussionist Frank Donaldson, Chamber Blues appreciate the pre-show activities including a chat with Corky and a captures the precision and splendor of classical music with the beer tasting. Tickets are available at the box office at 13th and fun of gritty Chicago-style blues. Famous for their wild personality Douglas, by calling 402.345.0606 or online at TicketOmaha.com.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

Don’t worry; be happy!

Last year, the housing market went bust; the United States economy faltered in the worst recession since 1974 and we still haven’t recovered. Nearly 10% of the population is unemployed (probably more, since many whose benefits have run out have simply stopped looking). Contributions to charitable organizations have dropped, and families are worried about how they’ll pay ongoing bills, not to mention dues or tuition.

But it’s Sukkot! And God commands us to “Be happy!”

How are we supposed to do that when it feels like the sky is falling?

One way to combat the cloudy skies above our heads is to remind ourselves that there’s only so much we can control.

Liken this, if you will, to raising teenagers -we try our hardest to instill good values in them, but know they’re going to test our limits as they attempt to become independent young adults. We ache in our hearts as we watch them make mistakes, but we know intellectually that they’ll never mature and learn from their life’s errors unless they’re the ones that have to take responsibility.

So, too, it is with the world around us. We may be unhappy with the state of the economy, the votes of Congress or the policies of the current administration (or not), but there’s not a heckuva lot we can do except to express those concerns by e-mail or phone now and at the ballot box later. There’s no point in yelling or being rude (regardless of where you stand on these issues) as this bad behavior will only result in headaches and stomach aches -yours! -- not theirs!

Like the weather in Nebraska, where it is said: “If you don’t like it, wait five minutes,” the economy is mostly out of our control right

now. The best thing you can do is put your own house in order; pay down debt and place the important priorities first.

Speaking of priorities, however, we are reminded of advice from tzedakah guru Danny Siegel. He noted that when delivering food baskets to shut-ins or the needy, especially during holidays, donors should always include one item that’s considered a “treat” -some candy, fresh flowers, a toy for a child.

Even recipients of tzedakah need to feel that they’re special, Siegel says. And so should we.

Sukkot begins Friday night. And as we sit in our temporary huts, open to the stars in the skies, we can remind ourselves that even the strongest financial market can disintegrate like a wisp of smoke, that a well built home cannot withstand the forces of a hurricane, tornado or earthquake, and that even the healthiest athlete can succumb to a debilitating disease.

And in this week of Sukkot meals and remembrance of our ancestors wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, we can tell ourselves that we are not in control of the weather, the economy, or world politics; we’re barely in control of our own small place in the universe. We’re tiny, tiny specks in a continuum of the human species and the Jewish people.

So all we can do at this moment -at any moment really -- is to enjoy the innocent smiles of our children and grandchildren, the warmth and friendship of our closest circle of companions and relatives and the blessings from our Creator, Who

has enabled us to reach this day and celebrate the simchas of our lives with those we love.

Truly that is what matters. We should stop being angry at what we can’t change (or those who aggravate us) and be thankful for being able to arise every morning, breathe on our own and get out of bed without assistance.

We live in the most prosperous, intellectually creative nation on earth, one that has given the Jewish people and others the freedom and opportunity to worship as we please, live where we want, attend the schools we choose and chart our own destinies.

If that isn’t a reason to be happy, then what is? Chag Samayach -- have a joyous holiday!

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by MORTON KLEIN

PHILADELPHIA (JTA) -- Is J Street a pro-Israel group? The lobbying organization never tires of claiming it is.

Yet what pro-Israel group would invite a man to speak at its forthcoming conference who has called for Israel’s destruction, stating that “the establishment by force, violence and terrorism of a Jewish state in Palestine in 1948” was “unjust” and “a crime,” and vowed to “work to overturn the injustice”?

The man who signed this Sept. 17, 1993 statement by the Muslim Public Affairs Council was its executive director, Salam AlMarayati, who will be speaking next month at J Street’s Oct. 25-28 conference.

Marayati and MPAC have made numerous other hateful anti-Israel and anti-American statements: • A few hours after the 9/11 attacks, Marayati said on a radio show in Los Angeles, “We should put the State of Israel on the suspect list” of possible 9/11 perpetrators.

• After a suicide bombing at a Jerusalem pizzeria on Aug. 8, 2001, his organization issued a statement calling the attack “the expected bitter result of the reckless policy of Israeli assassination that did not spare children and political figures.”

• Marayati’s group condemned the U.S. strikes against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan and Sudan following the bombings in 1998 of the U.S. embassies in Kenya and Tanzania as “illegal, immoral and illogical.”

• He has likened Israel’s supporters to Hitler.

... despite strong support by most Israeli and American Jews for Israel’s campaign last January to stop Hamas’ rockets from Gaza, J Street opposed the operation. It even has challenged the adoption of more robust sanctions against Iran ...

J Street pressures Israel to make concessions, yet says virtually nothing specifically about the 16-year failure of the Fatah-controlled Palestinian Authority to dismantle terrorist groups. The lobby group also said nothing about Fatah’s recent conference, which proclaimed the legitimacy of terrorism against Israel and honored, by name, killers of Jews as heroes.

Additionally, J Street showed its animus toward Israel by citing polls inaccurately to bolster its claim that Israelis and American Jews want greater Israeli concessions and agree with President Obama’s pressure on Israel to stop Jews building in eastern Jerusalem and Judea and Samaria -- the land known as the West Bank.

In June, J Street’s campaign director, Isaac

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J Street should rescind its invitation to Al-Marayati Marayati also has condemned France’s fining of Roger Garaudy for Holocaust denial as “persecution of his right to express an opinion” and in 1997 gave a chilling, anticipatory justification for anti-American terrorism, saying, “Where Israel goes, our government follows. ... What is important is whether the American people are aware of and ready for the consequences.”

Some of these statements caused Marayati’s 1999 appointment to a U.S. congressional committee on terrorism to be rescinded.

J Street’s invitation to Marayati makes one wonder whose side the organization is on.

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Luria, misleadingly claimed that “Israelis want the president to stand up to the settlers.”

Luria said, “A poll recently showed that 52 percent of Israelis want a freeze on settlement construction and 56 percent want Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to agree to President Obama’s call for an end to settlement construction.”

In fact, the Dahaf Institute poll to which Luria referred actually showed that Israelis favor continued natural growth of Jewish communities by 54 percent to 42 percent, and that they believe that Obama’s policies are not good for Israel by a margin of 53 percent to 26 percent.

J Street simply buried the evidence of actual support for natural growth and cited only a contradictory general finding of support for a construction freeze. More damning still, the only other partial truth in J Street’s claim -that 56 percent of respondents said they wanted Netanyahu to agree to Obama’s demands -left out the major point that they favored this only if the alternative meant U.S. sanctions.

J Street misrepresents polling data and ignores other polls that show majority Israeli and American Jewish opposition to Obama’s demands. For instance, a recent Smith Research Institute poll shows that Israelis, by a decisive 69 percent to 27 percent margin, oppose freezing construction within large Jewish communities in Judea and Samaria and that only 4 percent of Israelis favor Obama’s policies.

Additionally, a July Global Marketing Services poll of American Jews who are Democrats shows 55 percent believe that Obama is naive in thinking Palestinians want peace. Only 27 percent supported Obama’s promoting of a Palestinian state and 52 percent said Israel should be allowed to build in existing settlements.

Continued on page 13

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October 2, 2009

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Get out your crystal ball!

It’s time to take the 5770 Jewish pundit quiz on next year’s news

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by JONATHAN S. TOBIN

Did you have a good time in 5769?

For Jews around the world, it was the usual assortment of bad -- and even worse -- news.

Of course, not everything was awful.

The rocket barrage on southern Israel restarted but then was largely squelched by a successful Israeli counter-offensive in Gaza. But despite the fact that Israel had every right to defend itself against attacks from territory it had already completely evacuated years earlier, the international verbal assault on every Israeli measure of self-defense seemed to gather even more momentum. New governments in Washington and Jerusalem found themselves at loggerheads over settlements while Iran’s fanatic Islamist leadership not only engineered its own re-election in a sham election with the West no closer to a hope of a plan to stop Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Elsewhere, the international economic slide continued throughout the year but many Jewish philanthropies (as well as some of their big donors) suffered even more cruelly because of the collapse of the multi-billion dollar Bernard Madoff Ponzi fraud.

So, as we pause to catch our collective breath, the arrival of a new Jewish year has us all wondering about what’s in store for 5770. Can things get worse? Of course, they can!

Yet, even as we cope with bankruptcies, frauds, indicted prime ministers, Islamists building nukes and the American politicians and their cheering sections who have abandoned any pretense of civility, we shouldn’t lose what’s left of our sense of humor.

But before the Almighty writes down just how much worse (or better) it will be for us in the proverbial Book of Life, I present (with apologies, as always, to former New York Times columnist William Safire) the annual “Jewish Pundit Quiz” for 5770.

Save this column, and see how you or I do in 5770.

So guess -- or should I say prognosticate -- along with me about the coming year. My answers are at the bottom of the column. And remember, if you are worried about the outcome, teshuvah (“repentance”), tefillah (“prayer”) and tzedakah (“acts of justice and charity”) may avert the severe decree.

L’Shanah Tovah Tikatevu!

... even as we cope with bankruptcies, frauds, indicted prime ministers, Islamists building nukes and the American politicians and their cheering sections who have abandoned any pretense of civility, we shouldn’t lose what’s left of our sense of humor.

1. By the start of 5771, the prime minister of Israel will be: a. Benjamin Netanyahu b. Tzipi Livni c. Ehud Barak d. Avigdor Lieberman e. Madonna 2. By the end of 5770, the government of Iran will have: a. Announced the cessation of all nuclear activity after being subjected to effective international sanctions. b. Avoided sanctions by engaging in inconclusive talks with the Obama administration while continuing clandestine nuclear activity. c. Proclaimed that it is now in possession of a workable nuclear device d. Fallen after the military refused to implement widespread and bloody repression after renewed dissident protests. e. Been strengthened by the international outcry over Israeli air strikes on nuclear facilities.

3. By the end of 5770, the Middle East peace process will: a. Have led to a comprehensive peace accord that ended all violence and ensured a two state solution. b. Be largely forgotten as conflicts with Iran and the resurgence of the Taliban in Afghanistan occupy the world’s attention. c. Be stalemated as U.S. initiatives are

J Street should rescind its invitation to Al-Marayati Continued from page 12 While the poll also showed that 58 percent of Jewish Democrats believe Obama is “doing a good job promoting peace in the Middle East,” the question isn’t specific to Israel and may include Obama’s policies on Iraq, Iran, Egypt, etc. The poll also showed 55 percent of respondents believe Obama is not “too tough on Israel” -- but they disagree with Obama’s specific policies on Israel, as other answers in the poll indicate.

Most disturbing, despite strong support by most Israeli and American Jews for Israel’s campaign last January to stop Hamas’ rockets from Gaza, J Street opposed the operation. It even has challenged the adoption of more robust sanctions against Iran right now.

All these issues have enhanced relevance in view of the fact that J Street receives tens of thousands of dollars in donations from dozens of Arab and Muslim Americans, according to the Federal Election Commission filings cited by the Jerusalem Post, as well as money from individuals connected to Palestinian and pro-Iranian advocacy groups.

J Street continues to relentlessly display its support for the Palestinian cause. We urge the group to start doing the right thing by rescinding its invitation to Salam AlMarayati and ceasing to accept donations from those hostile to Israel.

Morton Klein is the president of the Zionist Organization of America.

stymied by the Palestinians’ refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state or to give up their hope of a “right of return.” d. Be hanging on the outcome of fighting between Hamas and Fatah for control of the West Bank.

4. By next Rosh Hashanah, Israeli settlements in the West Bank will: a. Be frozen as Netanyahu’s pledges to Obama of no new building are kept. b. Growing at their highest rate yet because of the collapse of the latest peace initiatives. c. Begun shrinking as Israel signals that its hold on communities that are outside the security fence will soon be relinquished. d. Be growing on a modest rate as Jerusalem finds itself unable or unwilling to maintain a freeze in the absence of a viable peace process.

5. The most serious problem for President Obama in 5770 will be: a. The war in Afghanistan b. The fate of his health care initiative c. The state of the economy d. Iran’s nuclear ambitions e. The fallout from White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel’s fist-fight with House Republican Whip Rep. Eric Cantor.

6. By the end of 5770, America’s health care system will: a. Start to resemble that of Israel as a government-run single-payer system is rammed through Congress over Republican protests. b. Be a mess as insurers, employers and ordinary citizens scramble to adapt to a partial reform package that pleases no one. c. Be unchanged as Obama’s initiative eventually collapses due to lack of public support and partisan infighting.

7. In 5770, Israel’s biggest problem will be: a. The conflict with the Palestinians b. Iran’s drive for nuclear weapons c. Coping with a post-Zionist malaise that undermines its society and national defense. d. Haredi-secular conflict in Jerusalem and throughout the country. e. All of the above.

8. In 5770, American Jews will be most worried about: a. Peace in the Middle East

b. Iranian nukes c. The fate of President Obama’s domestic agenda d. The decline of Jewish identity as assimilation leads to more intermarriage and lack of affiliation. e. A new wave of kashrut scandals.

9. The most significant force in American Jewish life in 5770 will be: a. J Street as the left-wing lobby topples AIPAC as the key Jewish player on Israel in Washington. b. The Reform movement whose effective lobbying on behalf of the Obama health care package will be seen as crucial to its passage. c. The Zionist Organization of American as the backlash against Obama’s pressure on Israel gives new life to the right. d. Orthodox outreach movements that continue to grow the numbers of their adherents as other Jewish denominations continue to shrink e. The Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations, whose mainstream bully pulpit will galvanize a united community about the threat from Iran.

10. Which of the following will not be true in 5770? a. Barack Obama will maintain strong Jewish support despite his attitude toward Israel and Iran. b. Anti-Semitic incitement against Jews and Israel will continue to grow in malevolence and volume in Western Europe. c. Quentin Tarantino will direct a new film on the Madoff scandal, starring George Clooney and Barbra Streisand as Bernie and Ruth Madoff. d. Jewish day school enrollment in the United States will decline as economic pressures devastate non-Orthodox schools. e. Israel will be forced into military confrontations with Hamas and Hezbollah.

Tobin answers: 1. a 2. b 3. c 4. d 5. a 6. b 7. e 8. c 9. e 10. c

Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of Commentary magazine where he contributes to its blog Contentions, located at: www.commentarymagazine.com.

Tobin can be reached via e-mail at: jtobin@commentarymagazine.com.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009

Candlelighting Friday, October 2, 6:46 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 3, no earlier than 7:44 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

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: No Services at the synagogue. Sukkot Celebration with a dairy potluck. For information call Carole and Wayne Lainof at 293.0321.

FRIDAY, Oct. 9: Services, 7:30 p.m. The Speaker Series for October has been cancelled; a new schedule will be announced in next week’s issue.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your ad can go here... to reserve space,

call

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451

Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored

by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:55 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

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

SUKKOT: Saturday morning service, 9:30 a.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 6:55 p.m.; Sunday, morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Minha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Monday-Thursday-Shaharit, 6:40 a.m., Minha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.; Friday, Oct. 9, Hoshana Rabbah Shaharit, 6:15 a.m.

BESTT SHABBAT SCHOOL: Saturday, 10 a.m. -12:30 p.m., for grades Pre-K to 7. Prayers, sukkah visits, activities and lunch served to all students in BESTT. No BESTT classes on Sunday.

BETH EL/PLAYHOUSE: Beth El has a block of tickets for Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, for Sunday, Oct. 18, 2 p.m. at the Omaha Community Playhosue. (See full story on page 11.)

SIMCHAT TORAH: Oct. 10 and 11. (See full story on page 10.)

“MEET YOURSELF IN THE TORAH”: New weekly adult-ed class, starting Sunday, Oct.18, 10 a.m. (See full story on page 7.)

JEWISH IMAGES ON THE BIG SCREEN: New weekly adult-ed class, led by Susi Frydman-Levin. Starting Sunday, Oct. 18, 11 a.m. Cost: $36 for Beth El members, $45 for nonmembers. To register, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

BEGINNING HEBREW: Teacher Eadie Tsabari will take students from their alefs and bets through basic prayers in this weekly class, beginning Oct. 18, 10 a.m. (see full story on page 7).

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush in the sukkkah is sponsored by Sisterhood. A Kiddush Lunch in honor of Beth Cohen’s birthday is sponsored by Harry, Zoe and Brad Berman, Marilyn Berman, and Harvey and Sheila Cohen; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush in the sukkah is sponsored by Sisterhood and lunch in the sukkah (by reservation) follows; Mincha, 6:50 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:42 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m.

TUESDAY: Scholar’s Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush lunch follows; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 7 p.m.; Holiday ends at 7:43 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: W.O.W. Soup in the Sukkah, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m.

FRIDAY, Oct. 9: Service, 7 a.m.; Hakafot and Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, and complete form.

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

FRIDAY: Snacks, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Sukkot Service and Potluck Dinner, 4 p.m. at the home of Ellin Siegel and John Mosow (RSVP requested).

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan SimchaGrade 7 Sukkot Celebration, 10 a.m.-11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Oct. 4, 11, 18 and 25, 7 p.m. Taste of Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. For more information or to sign up for the class, please call the office. A $5 dollar donation per session is requested for non-members.

TUESDAYS, Oct. 6 and 20, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Ethics, led by Rabbi Emanuel and Nancy Coren.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Sukkot Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

SUNDAY: Sukkot Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY, Erev Sukkot: Shabbat Service/New Member Welcome, 6 p.m. with Potluck dinner following services. The Women of Reform Judaism will provide salad and drinks. Enjoy dessert at an Oneg Shabbat following services.

SATURDAY: Breakfast in the Sukkah, 9 a.m.; Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9 a.m.; Sukkot Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; OTYG Haunted Havdalah, 3 p.m.

SITTER SERVICE: Available Wednesday evenings during Family School hours, Friday evenings service except when there is a Tot Shabbat, Saturday mornings when there is a B’nai mitzvah, and Sunday mornings

during Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation appreciated. Young children, including infants, are welcome.

SUNDAY: Teacher Meeting, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Breast Cancer Awareness, 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Kenneth H. Cowan and Dr. Beth Reed; Children’s Choir Rehearsal, noon with lunch provided for choir members and younger siblings; OTYG Board Meeting, 12:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6-8 p.m.; Adult Beginning Hebrew, 6:30 p.m. with native Israeli Mor Sheinbein. Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents; Nurturing the Nurturer: Stress Management, Judaism and the Arts, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents.

THURSDAY: Thursday morning Adult Study Orientation, 10 a.m. with a presentation given by clergy about the 2009-10 sessions.

Simchat Torah: Friday, Oct. 9, Torah Services/Consecration, 6 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 10, Morning service & Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

Call Temple at 556.6536 by Oct. 8 to have your loved one’s name read at this service.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN There will be no services until after Simchat Torah. Services will resume Oct. 16.

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

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Erev Sukkot Services, 6:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Sukkot Services, 9 a.m.; LJCS Gan Simcha-Grade 7 Sukkot Celebration, 10 a.m.11:30 a.m. at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel.

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

DEADLINE NOTICE Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. There is an early deadline of Wednesday, Nov. 25 for the Dec. 3 issue as the Press office is closed for Thanksgiving on Nov. 26.

Questions? Call 334.6448.

Prayerbooks Available for Visually Impaired The Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the High Holiday Machzor in large print and in Braille free of charge for those who need them. A doctor’s note stating necessity is required.

To receive a complimentary Machzor, contact our office at 718.338.4999; or fax to: 718.338.0653; or e-mail to Jewishheritage@gmail.com.

October 2, 2009

DEATHS ROSALINE EPSTEIN Rosaline Epstein died Sept. 23 at the age of 89.

Services were held Sept. 25 at Beth El Synagogue, followed by burial at Golden Hill Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Sam Epstein; sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Judy Epstein of Las Vegas, NV, and Howard and Sharon Epstein; son, Eddie Epstein; grandchildren, Andy Epstein, Laurie Epstein, David Epstein, Jason and Laurie Epstein, Jennifer and Jon Benowitz, Emily and Nick Ray, Brad Epstein, Haley Epstein, Darcy Epstein; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Beth El Synagogue.

DEBORAH JEANNE BROOKSTEIN Deborah Brookstein died Sept. 14. Services were held Sept. 17 at Temple Israel cemetery.

She worked for the Blumkin Home as an assistant activities director, and also volunteered there and served on its board.

She is survived by her husband, Spencer Brookstein; daughters, Leah Brookstein and Marci Mainus; parents, Rita and George Meister; sisters, Karen Martens and Mary Lynn Vaccaro; brother, Joe Waller; and father-inlaw, Marvin Brookstein.

Memorials to Temple Israel.

Young cantor lead services at Chabad House

by SHEVI KATZMAN for Chabad House He may have been the youngest chazzan to lead Rosh Hashanah davening in the Midwest. Last week at Chabad House, 14-year-old Cantor Menachem Rapaport of Toronto, led the congregation in prayer and song during the Days of Awe. “As I entered the shul,” recounts Elaine Urban on her experience with the young cantor, “the chazzan’s voice filled the air with the most beautiful, melodious tone as

The Chazan and his team at Chabad House, left to right, Menachem Rapaport, Chaim Shushan, Yossi Katzman, Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Asher Sossonko and Efraim Sputz. he effortlessly and powerfully progressed through the Machzor.”

Rapaport came from a yeshiva with some fellow students to back him up during the prayers. He has been singing since he was five. His maternal great-grandfathers were both cantors. His grandfather and older brother are his role models, being cantors themselves.

David Cohen, a participant in the services, noted, “I thought the young chazzan was excellent, combining mastery of the melodies for Rosh Hashanah with devotion to and respect for the meaning of the prayers he chanted.”

Chavie Rapaport, the cantor’s mother, claims her son is “full of life. He’s a go-getter and takes initiative. He likes to joke around and his 10-year-old brother says Menachem is the best brother around.”

The congregation at Chabad House, where everyone is welcome, was honored to daven with the youngest cantor they’ve heard.

Urban adds, “As [the cantor] proceeded to carry the Torah, I was amazed to see that he was a child appearing barely to be of Bar Mitzvah age. Though quite young, he had the heart and ability to lead us into a most profound spiritual experience through the two days of Rosh Hashanah.”

Large print living will available Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the large print “Jewish Halachic Living Will”, produced by the Agudath Israel and the Orthodox Union. Forward your request on your formal stationery to fax #: 718.338.0653 or send an e-mail to jewishheritage@gmail.com. Requests must include a phone number to confirm delivery. The supply is limited.

Be happy!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Sukkot It is quite a relief to be through with Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

By that, I mean to say that these Holy Days at the first 10 days of the new year are full of thoughts about what a new year may bring: happy days or days of disaster?

But Sukkot is totally different.

We are urged on Sukkot “to be only happy.”

The Torah expects us to believe that the Good Lord housed his people in sukkot during their long trek through the Wilderness. But a succa, at least in our own experience, has walls and some kind of roof. Where was one to get these supplies in the desert?

Paying no attention to the realities of the situation, we are advised by the Torah “to be only happy.”

In our own situation in these great United States, there is every opportunity to lead productive lives.

Therefore, “be only happy.”

Be happy! Be happy!

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Page 15

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JTA NEWS BRIEFS • JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Some 150 Palestinians surrounded and threw stones at Jewish worshipers visiting the Temple Mount.

Israeli police fired stun grenades and tear gas at the attackers Sunday, on the eve of Yom Kippur. Nine police and 15 Palestinian attackers reportedly were injured.

Police also arrested eight Palestinian youth who they say attacked them.

The Temple Mount, which houses two Muslim mosques -- al-Aksa and the Dome of the Rock -- overlooks the Western Wall, where prayers continued undisturbed Sunday.

Following the incident, the Temple Mount was closed to Jewish visitors, though not to Palestinians. Several Palestinian stone-throwing incidents also were reported in the Old City of Jerusalem following the attack.

On Saturday night, a closure was imposed on the West Bank until after the Yom Kippur holiday on Monday at midnight.

• (JTA) -- Kiev’s mayor shot down a plan to build a hotel at the site of the Babi Yar massacre memorial.

Mayor Leonid Chernovetsky blocked the plan Saturday by exercising his veto power.

Israeli President Shimon Peres praised the decision in a statement released Saturday night.

Kiev officials approved a plan Sept. 17 to build 28 hotels to accommodate the tens of thousands of visitors expected for soccer’s 2012 European Championship, including one at the Babi Yar site. The officials reportedly did not realize exactly where the controversial hotel would sit when they approved the site.

The decision caused hurt and outrage in the Ukrainian and world Jewish community, prompting an outcry when news of the decision became public last week. More than 33,700 Jews were gathered and killed by the Nazis along the Babi Yar ravine’s edge on Sept.

29 and 30, 1941.

The Babi Yar memorial is located in a residential area of the Ukraine capital.

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

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

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

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 2, 2009