October 5, 2007

Vol. LXXXVII No. 4 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

23 Tishrei, 5768 October 5, 2007

Curious about “George’s” background? Federation honors volunteers, projects

Institute for Holocaust Education highlights authors’ rescue in exhibit opening next month That Saved Curious George, The

by BETH SELDIN DOTAN Director True Wartime Escape of Margret and H.A. Rey by Institute for Holocaust Education There are never-ending stoauthor Louise Borden and ries that seem to surface each illustrator Allan Drummond. day as we uncover the history The book describes how Hans of the Holocaust. In addition and Margret Rey, Germanto survivor testimonies that born Jewish artist who were livhave been gathered and diaries ing in France, escaped on bicythat are discovered under floor cles as the Nazis invaded Paris. boards or in attics, there are Leaving most of their belongstories that are much closer to ings behind, the Reys had the us than we could ever imagine. insight to include drawings and One such story is that of the manuscript of a mischieMargret and H.A. Rey -- the vous little monkey named creators of the infamous “Fifi” with their few other Curious George series. necessities. Their journey took The Institute for Holocaust them to southern France, Spain and Portugal, across the ocean Education has curated an exhibit of first prints of the to Brazil and ultimately to New drawings from “The Journey York where Fifi later became That Saved Curious George,” Curious George. which will be displayed in the Drummond has lived and main gallery of the Jewish This illustration by Allan Drummond from The Journey worked in France and discussed Community Center during That Saved Curious George: True Wartime Escape of his approach to his illustrations, November, to coincide with Margret and H.A. Rey is one of many to be in the exhibit. noting, “I was happy to have Jewish Book Month. Omaha will be host to artist Allan the opportunity to use my experiences of traveling by Drummond’s whimsical illustrations of the Reys’ jour- train and bicycle in the book. I did the drawings in two ney as well as images of Curious George from Margret stages. First I imagined and sketched what I thought out and H.A. Reys’ archival collection housed at the de to be the feel and spirit of the drawings. Then I did just Grummond Children’s Literature Collection at the enough research to give the work conviction. In this way University of Southern Mississippi. my own voice came through and I was not a slave to In 2005, Houghton Mifflin published The Journey Continued on page 3

Patty and Steve Nogg admire the Hanukkah menorah and dreidel they received for their service as 2007 Federation Campaign co-chairmen. Nearly 125 people honored their peers last week as the Federation recognized volunteers, campaign leadership and community service projects.

More photos on page 2.

Former Nazi hunter now focusing on terrorists

by GARY JAVITCH Special to the Jewish Press Pro-Jewish and Irish-Catholic, John Loftus made quite a name for himself working for the United States Department of Justice while serving in the Carter and Reagan administrations.

In that prosecutorial role, Loftus successfully rooted out Nazis who had secretly entered America after WW II and unbelievably were on the payroll of the CIA. He spoke about those experiences to a Jewish Federation of Omaha group in his first visit here in the early 80s.

Loftus, 57, whose focus is now on terrorism, recently returned to Omaha to participate in a rally to commemorate 9/11 at an event sponsored by the Terror-Free Oil initiative (TFO).

Through that source, B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, which has no connection to the TFO, invited the terrorism expert to speak to its Wednesday lunch group.

Loftus touched on a number of topics at Breadbreakers in a fascinating and wide-ranging presentation that began with him describing some of his recent courtroom victories against terrorism. In particular, he cited the work he did in bringing down Kuwaiti-born Sami AlArian, a professor at the University of South Florida, for his illegal role in raising money for the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an Arab terrorist organization.

A popular presenter, frequently intertwining humor to offset the serious nature

Inside

of his talks, Loftus alluded to the reputation he has developed for his ability to uncover government secrets that prevent or hinder prosecutions. He thus observed, “The wheels of justice get stuck, and we need to give them a little kick.”

“I am currently preparing a lawsuit against CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood for harassing American charities and for violating their rights to freedom of speech and assembly.”

“The Muslim Brotherhood,” he explained, “start- John Lotfus explains the Nazi-related background of some of ed in 1928 in Egypt and had today's terrorists to a group at Breadbreakers. a connection to Hitler. The embraced an extremist minority offshoot Brotherhood worked for the Third Reich of the Sunni branch of Islam -- the cult of all during the Second World War.” Loftus Wahabism/Salafism.” stated, “Hitler had a relationship with the Drawing on his deep knowledge of grand mufti of Jerusalem whom he internal CIA workings, Loftus mainbriefed on his plans for the Holocaust tained that the “CIA kept the Arab Nazis because the Arabs supported his cause.” and Muslim Brotherhood in ‘cold storAccording to Loftus, even though the age’ in Saudi Arabia during WW II so Saudis were pro Nazi during WW II, that an underground army of Arab Nazis FDR bribed them to not sell oil to the would be able to fight the Arab Germans. Within the intricate world of Communists during the cold war.” He Arab Alliances, Loftus outlined the rela- added, “We recruited Arab Nazis to fight tionship of the Muslim Brotherhood, the the Russians in Afghanistan in 1980.”

Nazis and the Saudis. “This collaboraAs further proof of the Nazi influence tion,” he observed, “represented ‘the in the Middle East, Loftus stated, “The perfect storm of hatred.’ In essence, it Hamas group still uses the Hitler salute.” was Nazi Jihad married to the Saudis who With this preparatory briefing, Loftus

This Week: Made in Sdereot: Page 9

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

Where Are They Now? features Jane Brooks: Page 5

then jumped back to the present, noting, “We are fighting terrorists in Federal court in Texas today to cause them as much grief as possible. Our fathers didn’t finish the job of getting rid of the Arab Nazis at the end of WW II. I am going to sue them because the real goal of the Muslim Brotherhood is to establish a totalitarian form of government in the U.S. in the form of a Sharia state. The grounds for the lawsuit are based on the 1953 Refugee Relief Act.” Loftus further cautioned his audience about the huge role the Saudis are playing in the U.S. today. “They pay for 80% of the mosques in America and hold mortgages on many of them. At the same time, the Saudis fund many Islamic studies programs at the college level.” He concluded, “You can’t buy the U.S. government, but you can rent the U.S. academic community.”

Still, Loftus remarked, “The American public loves Israel. The problem is that for the better part of the 20th century, the State Department favored Arabs because of cheap oil.” Anticipating a question about the diplomatic corps’ notorious Arab slant, especially in the mid -20th century, Loftus contended, “It’s not about bigotry or conspiracy in the State Department. If Moses had turned right and settled in Kuwait, we would have made Israel the 51st state,” he related with a smile.

Continued on page 16

Coming Next Week: Arts & Entertainment on Oct. 12 People of the Byte: Israel and the Environment: Page 7

Rabbi Zweiback returns to give sermon at Temple: Page 11

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

Federation honors volunteers Christopher A. Stanosheck, D.D.S. 9202 West Dodge Road Suite 201 Omaha, NE 68114 402.884.1607 www.thesmiledesignstudio.com

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 5 Simchat Torah: JCC Open/Federation Offices Parent/Toddler Class, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, OCTOBER 6 Out of Sight Saturday Night/Overnight, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 7 The Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpach Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Four Bs, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Minyan 101, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Red Cross Babysitters Class, 12:30 p.m. & Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m.

Bellevue Artists Association Gallery Reception, 2 p.m.

Let’s Talk About It Jewish Literature, 2 p.m.

C L I P

S MONDAY, OCTOBER 8 A V Story Time, 10:30 a.m., in the Kripke Library JSS Senior Luncheon, noon E Friedel Jewish Academy Executive Board, 5:30 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

Hebrew Crash Course, 7 p.m. at Beth El Zionism Then & Now, 7 p.m.

Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 9 WOW Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Shiputznick Program, 4:30 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JFS Yachad Social Skills Class, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Hebrew Roots of Prayer, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel The Wow of Judaism, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El

C WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 10 L ADL Educator Training/Religious Diversity, 7 a.m.

I JFS Programming Committee, 10:30 a.m.

P Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon

C L I P

Board of Commissioners, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad

& JFS Love and Logic Parenting Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El S A V E

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 11 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JFS Love & Logic, 6 p.m.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

This Space For Rent Call Terri Greenwood 334-6559

& S A V E

Continued from page 1 Photos from top: Among those honored as Volunteers of the Year for 2006 were: Stan Mitchell, left, George Quittner, Ann Goldstein, Jeff Slutzsky (standing in for his father, Charles), Miles Remer, Kim Goldberg, and Mel Clancy. JCC Volunteer of the Year Gadi Tene, left, is congratulated by Rabbi Mendel Katzman of Chabad of Nebraska. Among the well-wishers are Evi Mitchell, left, Vicki Perlmeter and Helen Epstein.

Federation Community Development Director Janie Murow, left, and Opportunity Omaha Chairman Margo Riekes display their Community Service Award. Accepting the Community Service Award from Federation President Elect Bob Lepp, right, are Renee Corcorn, left, director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Carol Katzman, editor of the Jewish Press, and Howard K. Marcus, president of the Press board. Foundation director Marty Ricks, left, socializes with Bob Belgrade, president of Jewish Senior Services/Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and its executive director Mike Silverman. Pearl Giventer, left, and Iris Ricks chat during the reception. Federation executive director Jan Goldstein, right, announces results of the 2006 campaign, led by Steve and Patty Nogg.

October 5, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Curious about “George”?

Three paths to G-d debuts in series

Continued from page 1 over-detailed research.”

The Journey That Saved Curious George is written for elementary and middle school students, but has caught the attention of adults as well. Primary resource documentation helps unfold the Reys’ flight through photographs, passports, and diary pages.

Houghton Mifflin Publishers comment, “Louise Borden’s text captures the tension in Paris in 1940 and the urgency to escape, the uprooting of lives, and the difficulty of leaving a place you love. At the same time, this story is about the creative process -- the inspiration, joy and constant work that went into creating the curious, lovable monkey.”

Drummond’s illustrations are full of movement, providing a new layer of understanding of the journey of the Reys and the inquisitive monkey. To express the story through pictures, Drummond states, “for ‘The Journey that Saved Curious George’, I had to accommodate Louise Borden’s words, and right from the start it was clear that I would have to ‘work around them.’

To do this I designed many of the pages so that I was ‘illustrating in the margins of the page’ much like a notebook or journal. I think this worked very well. I teach my students at the Savannah College of Art and Design to always consider the type and words that go with their illustrations.”

Drummond has written and illustrated additional books for children, including The Willow Pattern Story.

He holds degrees in graphic design from the London College of Printing and in illustration from the Royal College of Art. He has had work included in The New Yorker, Time Magazine, The Times and The Observer.

Drummond has created murals in a London subway station and has designed a series of postage stamps in England. He is presently the chair of the Illustration Department at Savannah College of Art and Design in Georgia where he lives with his wife and three sons.

The Institute for Holocaust Education, in conjunction with the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, will host and evening program with Drummond and author Louise Borden on Tuesday, Nov. 27, 7 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center Theatre. Drummond and Borden will speak about the research behind “The Journey” and of telling the story through Drummond’s illustrations. During their Omaha visit, they will also speak to school groups and will address a Lunch and Learn at one of the Omaha Public Library sites.

The Drummond exhibit and the planned events are being underwritten by the H. Lee and Carol Gendler Charitable Fund, Gloria and Howard Kaslow, Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund, and an anonymous donor.

For more information please contact me at 334-6575 or bdotan@adl.org.

by Beth Katz Director of ADL Project Interfaith A new series -- “Three Paths to G-d: Exploring the Relationships of Jews, Christians, and Muslims to G-d and to Each Other” -- is being launched next month as part of its continuing efforts to promote a deeper understanding of and respect for religious Reza Aslan diversity.

This series, sponsored by Project Interfaith, an affiliate of the Anti-Defamation League Plains States Regional Office, will focus on the commonalities and differences among the three Abrahamic religions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and will include noted speakers and a Jewish-Christian-Muslim Study Circle.

The first program in this series will be a community conversation with Reza Aslan, acclaimed author and Muslim Affairs Analyst for CBS News, on Thursday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., at Countryside Community Church, locatedt 8787 Pacific Street.

Page 3

In his talk “No god but G-d: A Look at Islam Today and its Relationship with Judaism and Christianity,” Aslan will masterfully explore the intricate interplay between faith and politics in the Muslim world, presenting Islam as an ever-evolving faith and culture that is currently in the midst of a cataclysmic internal battle for reform and modernization. Aslan also will look at relations between the Abrahamic faiths of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam and will consider how the current internal struggles within the Muslim community impact these relations today and in the future.

This program is co-sponsored by the Center for Faith Studies at Countryside Community Church; the Islamic Speakers Bureau of Nebraska; and the American Institute for Islamic Studies and Culture.

Billed as a “community conversation,” it is open to the public at no cost thanks to funding from the Herbert Goldsten Trust, but registration is required and space is limited. To reserve your seat, please contact Cyndi Kugler, Director of the Center for Faith Studies at 402.391.0350, ext. 121 or e-mail cyndik@countrysideucc.org.

For more information on this or other Project Interfaith programs, please contact me at 334.6573 or e-mail bkatz@adl.org or visit the Project Interfaith blog at http://projectinterfaith.blogspot.com/.

Marceau recalled for mime artistry, helping orphans in WWII

by BRETT KLINE PARIS (JTA) -- In 1944, the French Jewish Resistance decided to evacuate the Jewish children hidden in an orphanage west of Paris and transport them by train to Switzerland. Resistance commander George Loinger called on his young cousin, Marcel Mangel, to help him Marcel Marceau, performing organize the dangerous his legendary mime act, died train ride. Mangel on the Sept. 22, in Paris.

Credit: Carlos Arriagada. border with Germany, was a monitor at the Sevres home and was himself in hiding.

After the war he changed his name and became Marcel Marceau, the world-famous mime artist. On Sept. 22, Marceau died in Paris at the age of 84.

“The kids loved Marcel and felt safe with him,” said Loinger, Marceau’s first cousin, now a spry 97. “He had already begun doing performances in the home, where he had met a mime instructor earlier on. “The kids had to appear like they were simply going on vacation to a home

near the Swiss border, and Marcel really put them at ease.”

Loinger, who has written a book in French on the Jewish components of the Resistance movement during World War II in France, says media reports on Marceau were incorrect. “Marcel was never a member of the Resistance,” he said. Marceau joined the Free French Forces of Charles de Gaulle, in a unit led by Gen. Lattre de Tassigny. “He and several other French soldiers were in the field in Germany, though I don’t remember where,” when a group of 30 German soldiers led by an officer surrendered to him,” Loinger recalls. “He brought them all back to his base as prisoners.”

Marceau’s father, Charles Mangel, a native of Poland, came to Strasbourg, France, where both Marceau and Loinger were born. Mangel ran a kosher butcher shop there and wore the yellow star on his jacket. “By 1944 as a Resistance commander, I knew about the death camps and the deportations,” Loinger said. “I went to my uncle and told him ‘get out now, you are in great danger.’ He refused to believe me. The Vichy police came and deported him to Auchwitz, where he died.”

Loinger said Marceau was an artist who felt the pain of the world. “You see the pain and the sadness in his mime skits,” he said. “The origin of that pain was the deportation of his father.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

Temple Middle/High School TAGs second year with new classes, first year favorites

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “We listened to the kids,” said Temple Israel Director of Education Elyce Azriel. “Middle and high school students enrolled at Temple will take classes of their choice during the first and third sessions. During the second session, each grade level will be together for core classes as the students requested allowing them to be with the friends they’ve had -- many since the primary grades,” Azriel explained.

Arranged in three sessions, T.A.G. (which stands for Torah, Avodah, and Gemilut Chasadim) middle and high school classes range from serious to lighthearted, interactive, hands-on, discussion-based, or focus on texts, food, or art. Both traditional and/or more unusual aspects of Judaic studies provide an opportunity to experience and explore original and creative approaches to Jewish history, culture, issues, and traditions.

As the second year of T.A.G. begins, classes include dinner on Wednesdays, Oct. 10, 24, Nov. 7, 14, and 28, 6 p.m. There are seven tracksfrom which students can choose, including social justice; Jewish art; lessons for life; Ahavat Yisrael to help students form a bond with the Jewish people and foster commitment to Israel; perspectives on self and others; gaining Jewish insights; and creative thinking, experience and expression.

A new class this fall is “Jewish Cooking” facilitated by Sandy Nogg, manager of Temple’s gift shop and an active volunteer, and guest chefs who will introduce dishes most American Jews associate with the Jewish home and healing the sick. Students will learn (and taste) favorite recipes of people from the Omaha Jewish community.

Ozzie Nogg, whose book, Joseph’s Bones, a collection of 12 personal stories that grew out of her life as a rabbi's daughter and won first prize in the Writer’s Digest 2005 International Self-Published Book Division, will help students tell their stories by writing and presenting their personal narratives.

Israel is much more than a country with political concerns. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will point out facts and information about Israel that are relatively unknown. At 60 years old, “Israel has a personality all its own,” according to the T.A.G. brochure, and Rabbi Azriel will bring it to

life in his class, “Israel Katherine Finnegan; and Unplugged.”

Steve Danon’s course on “Jewish Board Games” local and national Jewish is another new class. current events.

David Goldberg, biker, Winter classes, Dec. runner, skier, fisherman, 12, 19, Jan. 9, 16, 23, and frisbee enthusiast, will and 30, will feature core be the instructor for this classes which are cenclass which is an opportutered around particular nity to have fun, bond Jewish values or conwith other Jewish stucepts. Deb Finnicum, a dents, and learn someteacher, therapist, school thing new. Games selectguidance counselor, and ed for the class are Apples Leora Azriel, a student at to Apples (the Jewish verthe College of St. Mary sion), Jewish Monopoly, majoring in education, and Jewish Trivia. will teach “Why Be Rita Paskowitz, a memGood?” to seventh ber of the Nebraska Arts Zohar Winer, left, Jewish Community Center shlicha, taught Ulpan graders.

Councils’ Artists in the Hebrew last year at Temple's Middle/High School. Students in her Eighth grade instrucSchools/Communities class were Jackie Neesman, standing left, Brandon Thomas, and tors will be Rosie and the Nebraska touring Sarah Bleicher; seated: Adam Goldberg, Amanda Bucher, Andrea Zweiback, a former colprogram, will teach her Holmberg, and Scott Goldberg. lege admissions officer at class how to be emissaries of the rich anecdotal record of Princeton University and current program director at the elders of the Temple Israel community. Just as Torah Temple, and Toby Fellman, a member of Temple since has been passed down from generation to generation, 1960 and volunteer extraordinaire. The class is an explothe personal narratives of the older members of the con- ration of responsibility from both Jewish and personal gregation convey memories of the past and help define viewpoints on how to be a caring member of the comthe meaning of present-day circumstances. This class is munity, be ready to act for justice, speak out for what’s made possible by a grant from the Esther K. Newman right, or come to the aid of others.

Memorial Youth Fund.

“What’s God Got to Do With It?” facilitated by Justin For some people, Jewish identity involves cultural cui- Cooper, a member of several Jewish community and secsine such as challah, gefilte fish, and matzah balls. Jewish ular boards, and Jeff Gates, a student at the University of identity can also involve ties to the Jewish community or Nebraska at Omaha majoring in religion, will be a ninth observing laws of Judaism. High school students will grade experience in developing the students' underdiscuss Jewish identity in a class with Alan Potash, standing of the Divine. regional director of the Plains States Regional AntiL’Taken: A Teen Social Justice Program is for 10th, Defamation League.

11th, and 12th graders and will be led by Rabbi Azriel, Other classes offered this fall are “Bible Quiz Study” Rabbi Linder, and Barry Grossman, an attorney and an with Rabbi Eric Linder; “What is Klezmer?” with Tuffy instructor at Creighton Law School. Each grade level Epstein, Linda Marcoe, and Cantor Wendy Shermet; will attend the intensive four-day kallah in Washington, “Making Jewish Prayer Part of Us: Mastering Hebrew D.C. at a different time. Sponsored by the Religious Prayer Reading and Comprehension” with instructor Continued on page 15

Jewish Omaha Teens Can Win Big $$$ $600 • $350 • $250 • $125 Enter the 22nd Annual Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith

Bible Quiz Contest Q. Who is eligible?

A. Jewish Omaha high school students in A. grades 9-12.

Q. What Bible subjects?

A. All quiz questions will be based on the A. Books of Exodus and Ruth.

Q. What are the prizes?

A. $600, 1st prize; $350, 2nd prize; $250, A. 3rd prize; $125, 4th prize. Applicable to A. college tuition, an approved trip to Israel or A. an approved camp or educational program A. sponsored by a Jewish organization.

A. Extra cash prizes paid at the quiz: $50, A. 1st place; $10 to all contestants who A. correctly answer three questions. Given at A. the end of the program.

?

Q. Who wins?

A. Everybody who learns more about the bible A. and our heritage.

Q. Where and when?

A. At the JCC, Tuesday, A. December 11, 2007, 7 p.m.

Q. How to enter?

A. Submit entry to the B’nai B’rith office A. at the JCC by November 5, 2007.

Q. Can you practice before the quiz?

A. Practice sessions will be scheduled and A. sample questions will be given.

Q. Do you have any more questions?

A. Call Steven Riekes, 333-8498 or A. Lois Epstein, 334-6443.

Sponsored by Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith This contest is designed for all Jewish high school students. The only requirement is to read the Books of Exodus and Ruth.

Entry Form Name of Contestant ______________________________________________________________________ Parents Name __________________________________________________________________________ Address _________________________________________ Zip _________ Phone ____________________ School ____________________________________________________________ Grade ______________ Return form to: B’nai B’rith Office, 333 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154

Following the Sun Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you areleaving and when you arereturning.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.

October 5, 2007

Social activist carved out her own identity as a rabbi’s wife in Omaha member of the United Community Services Board of Directors, and a member of the Governor’s Advisory Committee for Long-range Planning for Mental Health

by JOAN K. MARCUS in Nebraska. She helped to establish a volunteer bureau in Omaha’s near North side and was a member of the We all said “goodbye” to Jane Brooks in 2004. Omaha Fair Employment Practices Committee.

In 1971, she received the B’nai Brith Women’s Omaha would never be the same without her. She now Citizenship Award. Other activities included volunteerlives in a retirement apartment in Braintree, ing at the Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, with League of Massachusetts, a bedroom community of Boston. She is Women Voters, Planned Parenthood and the Omaha only five or six minutes away from her daughter, Miriam Fair Employment Commission.

(Mibsy) and son-in-law, Philip Wright.

In the Jewish community, she served as president of Miriam is a legal secretary and her husband is now District 20 of the National Federation of Temple retired. They spend time with Jane at least once a week Sisterhoods, on the board of directors of the Bureau for and sometimes more often. She is far from isolated in the Aging (the forerunner of Jewish Senior Services), her new home. and the National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Jane’s husband, Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks of Temple Section, which honored her with its highest award -- the Israel, died in 1999. And, according to Jane, “I began to Hannah G. Solomon award -- in 1995. think about leaving Omaha shortly after his death. I was “I cannot talk about myself without including Temple alone and getting up in age. I have Parkinson’s disease Israel.

My friends were largely Temple members -and I knew I might be facing some debilitation. I needSisterhood was my joy. I ed to be near family.” taught religious school, Jane has lived with was advisor to the young Parkinson’s for about 10 group and, the most fun years. “It was very bad was helping in the when I was initially diagkitchen.

It was all part of nosed. I had serious my life and gave it meantremors in my whole ing,” she said. body. However, the med“Volunteering was a way icine took hold and the of expressing my liberaltremors disappeared. ism.

My aspirations for all Even though I was better, people led me to work for I hadn’t been cured of civil rights, for equality of Parkinson’s,” she added, opportunity in housing, “and it seemed logical to education and employbe close to my daughter ment.

My activities were and her husband.” what today we call tikkun Jane met and fell in love olam. In my youth it was with her husband when called Social Action,” she she was only 16-yearssmiled. old. She was still in high “It was a difficult decischool when she went to sion to leave Omaha a Passover seder at her because I loved it. I have aunt’s home. Sidney friends who could have Brooks, then a young Jane Brooks now lives in Braintree, MA. helped me.

However, rabbinical student, swept somebody had to put the brakes on and I needed to her off her feet; they dated for the whole weekend. Their make a change.” courtship continued when she went away to college; The Parkinson’s has affected Jane’s balance and they were married in 1944 before she graduated. although she has few health concerns, she has fallen sev“My parents were educated and active in their comeral times.

Her concession to the balance problem is munity and synagogue. Reform Judaism was my family’s using a walker -- a recent decision. heritage. My mother’s father was a founding member of “Mibsy has been after me for a while to get the walka Reform congregation in New England and my father’s er.

So, it’s as much for her as it is for myself. It does help. family were members of Knesset Israel in Philadelphia It’s the little things right now but I need to be here where my father was confirmed,” Jane explained. because there might be big things later,” she said.

“So meeting, loving and marrying a rabbi felt right to Her apartment, Glen at Grove Manor, is independent me. I had no inkling of what my life would be or what retirement living.

One meal a day is furnished along with expectations I might encounter. But I was determined transportation to shopping and appointments. Some to make my college graduation my first goal.” physical help can be furnished if she needs it.

She loved being a rabbi’s wife, but said, “I also She gave up her car when she left Omaha and doesn’t remembered that I, Jane Brooks, was a person with a drive in Braintree.“They drive like idiots here,” she life, with goals apart from those of a rabbi’s wife and that laughed, “but when I don’t know where I’m going, I I mattered as my own person!” would be a menace to the people around me.”

Rabbi Brooks soon took a position in Springfield, Although she misses her friends in Omaha, Jane has Ohio, and Jane continued to attend college. She had formed a few friendships. “I joined a synagogue and previously attended Duke University, the University of attend regularly.

The congregation is about 300 people Richmond, the University of Cincinnati and eventually and they have a woman rabbi who has grown children. graduated from Wittenberg University with a degree in The congregants are very nice and the service is close to English and Philosophy. what I would want.

The cantor has a lovely voice and In 1952, Jane and Sidney came to Omaha to serve the they are using the new Reform prayer book” larger congregation of Temple Israel. She says she was so Jane says, “If I had it to do over again, I would do the young and naïve that she didn’t really know where same thing.

Selfishly, I did what was right for me. I need Omaha was. “When Sidney told me that we were going someone to look after me if -and when I need it. But I to Omaha, I thought that it was near California and that do I miss my friends and Temple Israel desperately.” we could spend our weekends there! Then, I looked at a She also spoke of her son, Joel, a licensed clinical social map!” she chuckled. worker in private practice in Tampa, Florida. His wife, “We loved Omaha from the minute we came. The Naomi, is chief financial officer for the Jewish people became lifelong friends and we knew that we Federation.

Their son, Joseph, now 23, is on the manawould stay for a long time. For the first year, Temple gerial track for a large supermarket chain in Tampa.

Israel was still at 30th and Park Avenue and then ground According to his grandmother, who couldn’t possibly be was broken at 72nd and Cass Streets.” prejudiced, “He is doing very well and is a wonderful In May of 1953, Rabbi Brooks conducted his last servyoung man!” ice in the Park Avenue Temple. The building had been She told me she wanted to send her best wishes to all sold to the Greek Orthodox Church. For one year, of her friends in Omaha. She still thinks Omaha is the Temple held services at the old Jewish Community best-kept secret in the country. She has even found the Center on 20th and Dodge Streets.

Nebraska Cornhuskers’ schedule in the Boston newspaJane was an active volunteer in the Jewish community per and continues to follow the team. but also left her mark on the non-Jewish residents of Quoting her late husband, she added, “Please give my Omaha. She served as president and founder of the love to everyone in Omaha who deserves it!”

Eastern Nebraska Mental Health Association, was a

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The paper revives the July Clinton-Obama contretemps over Iran, widely believed to have been won - at least among pro-Israel watchers -- by Clinton.

In a debate, Obama said he would meet with the leaders of pariah nations within his first year as president.

by RON KAMPEAS Clinton said she would not.

In the new paper, Clinton does not concede ground to Obama in favoring diplomacy over military conWASHINGTON (JTA) -- In her new position paper on Israel, Hillary Rodham Clinton frontation, but implicitly derides summits with rogue comes not only to praise the Jewish state but to bury leaders, at least before the time is ripe.

“Just as the U.S. government was engaged in direct doubts that she would be any less vigilant in its protectalks with the Soviet Union at the height of the Cold tion than the Bush administration.

The position paper, published last month, goes so far War, so today should the U.S. talk to Iran in order to gain valuable insight, intelligence and information as to outflank President Bush from the right.

It says Clinton, the U.S. senator from New York and about how to pressure its leadership to change course,” frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination the paper states. “But Hillary has said that as president “believes that Israel’s right to exist in safety as a Jewish she would not commit to personal meetings with leadstate, with defensible borders and an undivided ers of rogue states without conditions, such as Iran.”

Chouake was concerned that Clinton cast the potenJerusalem as its capital, secure from violence and tertial of a nuclear Iran mostly as a threat to Israel, not rorism, must never be questioned.”

Clinton’s paper comes at a time when the Bush addressing the risks it would pose to the West.

“You have the possibility of a suicidal mentality that administration is quietly pressing the Israelis and the Palestinians to come up with a final-status outline ahead could threaten any part of the world,” he said.

Otherwise, the paper is a compendium of Israel-relatof a November peace conference -- one that would address, among other issues, redrawn borders and a ed issues Clinton has tried to make her own: She cites her lead in successful efforts to admit Israel’s first shared Jerusalem.

Spokesmen for Clinton denied that the language was responder umbrella, Magen David Adom, into the International Committee of the Red Cross, and her timed to undercut the latest initiative.

“She’s had these positions for a long time and those adoption of the campaign to expose alleged incitement haven’t changed,” spokesman Jin Chon told JTA. “Her found in Palestinian textbooks.

Last month, Clinton experience and strength surrogates set their sights on supporting Israel have on an endorsement been steadfast. The paper Obama received from is just a reflection of her Zbigniew Brzezinski, consistent policy.”

President Jimmy Carter’s Perhaps, but Clinton national security adviser. faces challenges for Brzezinski rose to the Jewish support from two defense last year of scholflanks: Rudy Giuliani, the ars Stephen Walt and former New York mayor John Mearsheimer after who is a Republican they first published a front-runner, has moved paper charging that the even further to the right pro-Israel lobby stifles of Bush, saying that now debate in the United is not the time to considStates and was largely er Palestinian statehood. responsible for the Iraq And Sen. Barack Obama war. That paper culmi(D-IL), her chief rival for nated in a book, The the Democratic nomination, has made consider- Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) lays her hand on the stones of Israel Lobby released last able inroads among liber- Jerusalem’s Western Wall Nov. 14, 2005. Clinton was in Israel with month. her family for the 10th anniversary memorial of the assassination “It is a tremendous al Jewish donors.

Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA mistake for Barack Despite the stepped-up of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. challenges from Obama and Giuliani, a recent poll of Obama to select as a foreign policy adviser the one per200 rabbis from all of the major denominations named son in public life who has chosen to support a bigoted her as the presidential candidate most supportive of book,” Alan Dershowitz, the writer and legal superstar Israel and Jewish causes. According to the survey con- who is a Clinton backer, said in an interview with the ducted by a synagogue innovation and leadership website “Politico.”

Obama distanced himself this week from the organization called STAR, Synagogues: Transformation and Renewal, Clinton polled highest on the Israel ques- Mearsheimer-Walt book, calling its thesis “dead tion, at 22 percent, followed by Giuliani at 16 percent wrong.”

Obama’s paper on Israel was released to Jewish supand Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) at three percent.

Clinton also was ranked as most supportive of Jewish porters in June, but made public just this week as a causes in America in general with 24 percent, followed result of Clinton going public.

The Illinois senator notes his commitment to Israel as again by Giuliani with 10 percent and Obama with 3 a strategic ally and, like Clinton, his commitment to percent.

Ben Chouake, who heads New Jersey-based NOR- keeping all options on the table when dealing with Iran.

PAC, one of the most successful pro-Israel political But there are subtle differences pointing to his willingaction fund-raising committees, gave high marks to ness to keep doors open, especially with the Clinton’s paper. “I think it’s helpful,” Chouake said, Palestinians.

“Barack Obama supports U.S. efforts to provide aid but added that he liked Giuliani’s approach of counting directly to the Palestinian people by bypassing any out Palestinian statehood for now “the best.”

“If you want to make a deal, you have to have some- Hamas-led government that refuses to renounce vioone you can make a deal with that’s credible and reli- lence and recognize Israel’s right to exist,” his papers able, that can afford to make the deal, otherwise you’re states. “Obama believes that a better life for Palestinian families is good for both Israelis and Palestinians.” surrendering,” he said.

Clinton, by contrast, only pledges to isolate Hamas without considering the difficulties that aid cutoffs pose To Submit Announcements: to Palestinian civilians.

Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with Obama’s paper notes that he “delivered the message attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomato Palestinian university students in Ramallah that the ha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 United States would never distance itself from Israel.”

St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha Clinton, still smarting from a kiss-and-hug encounter and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at with Yasser Arafat’s wife, Suha, that nearly grounded 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: her 2000 freshman bid for the Senate, is less likely to ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit boast about chats with Palestinians. announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitAn Obama aide told JTA that Clinton had staked out ment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish a harder line in her paper “out of fear of diminution of Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. her support in the Jewish community.”

Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

AMERICA DECIDES 2008

October 5, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Israel and the environment PEOPLE OF THE

BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ We like to think of it as the Land Flowing with Milk and Honey. But unless Israel faces up to its environmental challenges, far more dangerous substances will flow through the country’s rivers, lakes and taps.

Today, a look at some of Israel environmental challenges, initiatives and successes.

To find out what is happening to Israel’s environment right now, I recommend starting at the “Jewish Global Environmental Network.” The articles are well written, interesting and challenging. Professor Alon Tal of Ben Gurion University looks at the possible effects of global climate change on Israel, which include agricultural devastation, very hot summers and beach erosion.

(Editor’s note: Alon Tal is highlighting the Klutznick-Harris Symposium later this month. He’ll be exploring “What Makes Jewish Environmentalism Jewish” on Sunday, Oct. 28, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center.)

Prof. Tal does mention some ecofriendly initiatives such as a plan to create Israel’s first solar power plant in the Negev desert but ends on an ominous note. “Even if Israel does its share, global warming is primed to affect Israeli life dramatically. Emissions released in places far across the sea, including by Israel’s friends in America, will alter Israel’s land, its plants and animals, its weather, and its people.” [www.jgenisrael.org/]

colleges across Israel.” [www.green.org.

You get a more upbeat mental organizations include: • The Council for a Beautiful Israel, il/eng/] view of the country at the You may not live in Israel but you can Ministry of Environmental which protects the natural beauty of Protection website. For Israel, preserves historical sites and devel- have an impact (or less of one) the next example, 84% of the coun- ops public recreation sites and gardens. time you visit. Consider biking it. Israel for Bicycles’ goal is to make Israel’s cities try’s beaches (which are not [www.israel-yafa.org.il] • Green Action promotes “socio-eco- bike-friendly, and improve the country’s patrolled by lifeguards) have been deemed “very logical change through direct non-vio- quality of life and road safety. clean.” Only six percent are considered lent action, community service, and [www.bike.org.il/] empowerment.” [http:// If you’re up to it, consider tackling the “dirty” and none “very dirty.” youth tinyurl. com/32js3l] Israel Bike Trail, an 850-kilometre route [http://tinyurl.com/33f • The Arava Institute for that reaches from the slopes of Mt. 8m9] For in-depth coverage of the state of Environmental Studies – prepares Hermon in the north to Eilat’s Almog Beach in the south. [http:// the environment from the government’s perspective, tinyurl.com/2k6e6c] you can download the The Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs glossy Environmental presents some forward thinking articles about Israel’s future and the environBulletins. [http://tiny ment. url.com/374hl8] One that caught my eye was Although it may not Environmental Change in the Messianic come to mind immediateEra. We are all familiar with the vision ly, the Jewish National Fund has been involved in that foretells a fundamental change in environmental change in nature when the “wolf shall dwell with Israel for over a century. the lamb, the leopard lie down with the Best known for its plantkid” (Isaiah 11:6). As for the food suping forests and making ply in the End of Days, a Midrash says the desert bloom, I was that “when the Messiah arrives, there interested to read about a will be a harvest every month and the more recent JNF project. trees will give fruit every two months.”

When I was growing Aside from that, Ezekiel prophesizes up, I was taught how the that foul waters will become healthy JNF was able to dry up A lake formed, from the rain run-off from the mountains to the ones. (Ezekiel 47:12) [www.jcpa.org/ the Hula lake and marsh- east, is connected to an upper lake by a rivulet. In the background jep.htm] lands. While the region is the Turkish fort which dominates Tel Afek, near the Tel Aviv sub- Until then, there’s work to be done Credit: Edgar Asher for ISRANET and plenty of Israeli environmental gained an additional urb of Petach Tikvah, Israel. organizations determined to do it.

16,500 acres of arable farmland, the Sea “future of Galilee lost the Hula lake, a natural fil- Arab and Jewish leaders to cooperatively [http://tinyurl.com/34jgjf] ter for waters flowing into the sea. A solve the region’s environmental chalMark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based decade ago the JNF sought to correct its lenges.” [www.arava.org/new/] error and reflooded some of the area.

• Green Course: Students for the Internet producer who writes, lectures [http://tinyurl.com/2m3u6t] Environment has “6,000 volunteer stu- and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He Other lesser known Israeli environ- dents in 24 chapters in universities and can be reached at highway@rogers.com.

The 20th Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium

“‘The Mountains Shall Drip Wine’: Jews and the Environment” Keynote Address Dr. Alon Tal, Blaustein Institute for Desert Research Ben Gurion University

“What Makes Jewish Environmentalism Jewish?”

Sunday, October 28, 7:30 p.m.

The Jewish Community Center Theatre 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha Sunday, October 28 additional events at The Jewish Community Center

Monday, October 29 events at the Skutt Student Center, Creighton University

10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

8:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

All events are free and open to the public.

For further information, please contact Fran Minear at the Klutznick Office 280-2303 or fminear@creighton.edu.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

B’nai Israel announces Grand turnout A little elbow grease, line up for Speaker Series for Grandparents Day a little polish help

by ALLEN KURLAND

by ANDREA M. BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH The second Friday of the month is always a special Beth El’s Rosh Hodesh Shabbat at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs.

The Pancake Man was featured again this year at Guest speakers, with a variety of topics, make presentathe Grandparents Day celebration hosted by group shine tions during the service, which is open to everyone in L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers for the

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The women of Beth El will be given a great opportunity to shine during the synagogue’s upcoming Rosh Hodesh Group meeting on Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. In an effort to restore synagogue’s silver pieces to their sparkling best, meeting co-hosts Ann Goldstein and Cheryl Cooper have planned a polishing party, and invite fellow congregants to join in the fun.

“The synagogue’s silver could use some loving elbow grease so everyone is invited to help make things sparkle again!” Goldstein said.

Participants will meet at Beth El for wine and sweets at 7 p.m.; then the party will begin at 7:30 p.m. The hosts noted that attendees may bring old rags and silver polish, but added that rubber gloves and all necessary supplies will be provided.

This is a great opportunity to enjoy a social evening and take part in a worthwhile synagogue service project; to reserve your spot, RSVP to Cooper at 391.7514 or coopsrandc@cox.net or to Goldstein, 391.1050, akgoldstein@gmail.com.

the Council Bluffs/Omaha Jewish community.

The series opens next Friday, Oct. 12, 7:30 p.m., with Darrell Morse, owner of the Breezy Hills Vineyard & Winery. He’ll enlighten the congregation about Western Iowa Wine and wine tasting.

On Nov. 9, Rivkah Sass, Executive Director Omaha Public Library, will explore, “Dybbuks, Golems, & Books -- Oh, my!” in her ruminations on Jewish stories.

The last in the series for 2007 is Jewish Community Center dance teacher, Cheryl Lerner, who will talk about “Shtetl Dances of Eastern Europe” on Dec. 14.

Beginning the 2008 portion of the series is Roger Schwartz, a meteorologist at KETV Channel 7, whose topic is “Inside TV Weather” on Jan. 11.

On Feb. 8, B’nai Israel welcomes community shlicha Zohar Winer, who is spending the yom tovim and chaggim (Jewish holidays) in Israel with family and friends.

She’ll talk about “An Eye to Israel.”

Michael Sigmond, a local financial advisor, will explore, Managing Your Investments” on March 14.

Closing out the series for the year is artist Eliska Morsel Greenspoon on April 11, with “A Presentation of Light Works.”

Services begin every Friday at 7:30 p.m., followed by an Oneg Shabbat.

Elderly). About 145 people enjoyed breakfast and entertainment by the River City Jazz and Ragtime Band.

Activities included a silent auction of handbags to support L.O.V.E, and Woodmen of the World handed out DNA and fingerprint identification kits to families for their children. For more information on L.O.V.E. and its annual membership drive, going on now; please call Lois Wine, director of Volunteer Services for the Blumkin Home, at 330.4272.

A silent auction of handbags raised funds for L.O.V.E. at the annual Grandparent’s Day celebration.

JCC host site for flu/pneumonia vaccines

Surrounded by trays, punch bowls and other silver pieces, Ann Goldstein, left, and Cheryl Cooper take inventory of items that will get a proper polishing during the upcoming Beth El Women's Rosh Hodesh Group meeting.

by LESLEY GENDELMAN JCC Community Services Director As a convenience to the Omaha Jewish community, members of the Jewish Community Center, and campus staff, the JCC will serve as a host site for Kohll’s Pharmacy to provide flu and pneumonia vaccinations.

The price for the flu shot will be $24; flu mist is $44; and the pneumonia shot will be $46 and will be given on Sunday, Oct. 14, noon-5 p.m., and Monday, Oct. 15, 3-7 p.m. in the JCC auditorium. There is no charge for Medicare recipients, but those eligible should bring their Medicare cards.

This will be the third year the JCC has hosted the clinic. Last year nearly 200 people were vaccinated.

Pharmacist David Kohll says it is important for people to get the flu shot, noting that “People should get the flu shot starting from October through the end of November. Anyone who wants to reduce their chances

of getting the flu should get vaccinated.”

Reservations are required in order to ensure the correct amount of vaccine will be available for each day. A reservation is not an appointment however.

Reservations can be made by stopping at the JCC Member Services desk, or the JCC Front Desk, or by calling 334.8200.

The Center for Disease Control recommends vaccinations for everyone, but strongly recommends vaccinations for children ages six months to 23 months and adults 65 years of age or older. Vaccinations are also suggested for school children and those with chronic medical conditions and their caregivers.

For more information please visit our website www.jccomaha.org and click on “Flu Vaccines” for information on the vaccines as well as required forms that can be printed. Please contact me at 334.6418 for any additional information.

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October 5, 2007

Helping fuel the creative spirit under fire “I heard about this technique three years ago, which combines knitting and the interweaving of beads.”Her great love for art and color inspires her to create countless pieces of jewelry in many colors and combinations. “The website gives my work wide exposure, which I would not otherwise get since people are no longer willing to come here to see my work.”

Ceramicist Mali Melon of Kibbutz Bror Hayil hails from Brazil. Her practical and decorative ceramic works, including tiles, are on sale at a small shop near her studio. She also makes jewelry. “Although the Kassams haven’t fallen here, buyers are scared to come. I have to take my work to them.” Melon, who is also a dental technician, makes a living from her artwork and does her own marketing. As far as inspiration and creativity with the threat of the Kassams so close, Mali tries to remain focused on her work. “I hear the Kassams falling in the distance. I don’t panic, because it doesn’t help to panic. My work is a combination of work and therapy for me.”

The Michsaf Cutlery factory is located in Kibbutz Nir Am, which has been the target of countless Kassam missiles.

“The difficult situation affects us as human beings,” states Asaf Dolev, marketing director of Michsaf and a resident

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of the kibbutz. “When there is a Red Alert, we go to a relatively protected area but everyone is worried about their children and family.

There are times when people close themselves up in their homes for up to a week.

Our minds are just not on our work.”

Recently it has been relatively quiet with two to four Kassams a day falling in the region, but even this situation is abnormal and intolerable.

“The security situation has had a negative effect on proA unique hand-knitted beaded necklace by Nurit Rosenfeld duction, packaging and delivof Kibbutz Kfar Aza, combines glass and pearl beads, semi- ering orders on time. It has precious stones and crystals.

Credit of Nurit Rosenfeld made our work very difficult.” help protect them physically, at least I can Although orders have been coming in help them earn a decent living.” through the Made in Sderot website, Drillings, who is volunteering his skills Dolev does not expect a major turnand time for the initiative, started the around since Michsaf -- whose cutlery project last year by recruiting artisans can be found in many Israeli restaurants through advertisements in the local press and private homes -- is a veteran player in and by contacting the local kibbutz the field. offices. “I traveled around the area for a “But every initiative which shows supfew days with a photographer, took pho- port is important, especially for the small tos of the products and spoke to the businesses. It increases the general awareartists and manufacturers. ness of the situation. When small busiSome have amazing stories. nesses collapse, the larger businesses are Ceramicist Shlomit Siboni of Kibbutz also affected.”

Nir Am not only has to cope with the The smaller businesses rely more heaviconstant Kassam missile attacks but she ly on outside support and the Made in also lost a son ten years ago when two Sderot site is just one example of Israelis IDF helicopters collided in northern using their creative acumen to help their Israel.” brethren in the south. However, it is the Nurit Rosenfeld of Kibbutz Kfar Aza artisans and manufacturers whose prodholds a job in accounting on the kibbutz. ucts appear on the site who should be She designs and creates hand-knitted jew- admired for mustering the inner strength elry as a hobby, which is beginning to to fuel the creative spirit even under evolve into a business. relentless missile fire.

Page 9

42nd

by BATSHEVA POMERANTZ (IPS) -- During the past year, with increased numbers of Kassam missile attacks on the southern town of Sderot and the nearby communities of the Gaza Perimeter, the area’s economy has been ravaged. Regular customers, purchasers for major chains and local Israeli tourists stay away from the area and artisans and small businesses have been unable to sell their products.

In order to salvage the situation, local manufacturers and home-based artisans have now come together to create an online method of selling the many unique and high quality products made in this region, and the opportunity to support them and buy their products is now a mere ‘mouse click’ away.

The ‘Made in Sderot’ Hebrew website, www.madeinshderot.com (for English, click on “English” in small grey letters at the upper left), developed by Internet entrepreneur Meir Drillings, showcases products ranging from aromatic candles, children’s toys and abstract paintings to mezuzah cases, hamsas and decorative glass.

“The objective of this website is to stimulate commerce for the entrepreneurs whose businesses have been stagnant due to the constant security threats in the area,” says Drillings. “The hope is that people around the world will visit this site and purchase products made in Sderot and at the same time help the citizens of the city and the surrounding area to once again thrive economically.”

Drillings, who lives in central Israel, realizes that what is happening in Sderot can one day happen in Tel Aviv. “I couldn’t remain indifferent. Instead of just complaining about what was happening, I decided to do something. While I can’t

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Special Sections COMING NOVEMBER

Hanukkah Gift Guide

A time for laughing and a time for crying BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS If I didn’t have a calendar, I could tell the season by what I see at the grocery store.

It doesn’t take a genius to know Passover is coming when the big matza display is placed strategically, and when the deli specials include potato salad and hot dogs, the fourth of July can’t be far away. The vast supply of pumpkins tells us pretty soon is Halloween, of course -you see what I mean? The very best hint that the fall yom tovim are here us surely must be the arrival of the little blue plums, the ones sometimes called Italian prune plums.

You can count on it like Monday will follow Sunday ... it’s a given! I remember well the presence of this fruit along with the crisp new apples and bunches of fat, sweet grapes in the fruit bowl on the dining room table during the time we call the Days Of Awe. The apples are especially remembered also, because they were the only thing that tasted better than challah when dunked in honey. Matter of fact, the festive yomtov table isn’t complete without the sliced apples surrounding the dish of honey, at least in my family anyway. As Tevya always said, “Tradition!”

The little blue plums are a lovely nosh, right out of the hand, and also for a beautiful tart if the cook happens to be a home pastry maven. Fine ... we know about that.

But let’s get to the apples for a minute. Now that’s a fruit always favored by the entire family. And if you live in a climate friendly to apple orchards, boy are you lucky.

Because few apples we see and buy in the market are as good as those we buy from the grower.

Lots of folks like to pick their own, but we always have been satisfied to study all the varieties offered, then take home more than we really need. Our kids were all apple fans, but one in particular so yearned for the Jonathons

A Guide for special gifts+ Beth El offers ‘Love and new and old traditions. Logic’ parenting class Publishing Date » 11.23.07 Space Reservation » 11.04.07 Camera Ready Deadline » 11.08.07

COMING DECEMBER

Senior Living Celebrating Senior care and independence.

Publishing Date » 12.21.07 Space Reservation » 12.06.07 Camera Ready Deadline » 12.10.07

Contact your advertising representative to advertise in any of these special editions.

Call Allan Handleman at 402.334.6451 or email: ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

Call Terri Greenwood at 402.334.6559 or email: terrigreenwood@jewishomaha.org

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beginning this month, Beth El will offer the community ‘Love and Logic Parenting,’ a monthly class led by Karen Gustafson, director of Jewish Family Service. The class, scheduled from 7-8 p.m. on the second Wednesday of the month, will be held on Oct. 10, Nov. 14, Dec. 12, Jan. 9, Feb. 13, March 12, April 9 and May 14.

‘Love and Logic’ offers guidance which puts parents and teachers in control, teaches children to be responsible, and prepares young people to live in the real world, with its many choices and consequences.

The approach also helps children to develop and grow in a healthy manner and provides them with confidence and dignity.

Karen Gustafson Cost is $36 per person, or $50 for a couple; $8 will also be assessed for the textbook. Free child care will be provided by reservation only.

To sign up, please send a check, made payable to Beth El, to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

we used to buy at the orchard, I sent some to her at the U of Illinois. That was a real touch of home for her.

Lately, with baking various traditional holiday treats, I've been remembering my mom’s apple strudel. Her “regular” strudel was A-One delicious of course, but when she decided to make something really special, it was apple strudel. I’d give a lot if I had that recipe, but I’d give a lot more if I could just ask her how she made it. Thinking back, I’m not sure what made it such a stand-out, but I just know it was in a class by itself. I don’t even know what kind of apple she chose for that michel, but the pastry that surrounded it was indescribably delicious.

So often I wish I could either ask or tell her something, particularly at this time of the year. And how sweet it would be to watch my Dad lift the little glass of wine and say kiddish. Or to sit with my brother and exchange our favorite old “do you remember?” stories.

No wonder so many are heard to say they dread holidays; so many of us are missing those very dear ones who were the most important figures of our family history.

We recall what they said, what they did, how they influenced us, how important to our lives was their touch.

It’s an old story, and the more birthdays one has, the more the story is recalled, whether triggered by blue plums or apple strudel. When I sat with my mom in shul, trying not to fidget, I’d notice how many of the older ladies around us were weeping as they davened.

As a child, I wondered why. I no longer wonder, because I’ve reached the age where I very well understand.

Still, it’s a special time, this long season of holidays, and it shouldn’t all be sad. Let’s instead use some of that energy to wish and hope for a coming year of blessings.

May the year ahead be filled with good health, peace, contentment and happiness for you and yours.

And, if you’re really lucky, maybe you’ll connect with some marvelous apple strudel. Now that’s the way to start a new year!

Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

MARRIAGE LITTMAN/LANDOW Ruby Littman and Charles Landow, both of New York City, were married on Sept. 8 in Westminster West, VT,

by Federal District Judge Joseph F. Battaillon.

The bride, daughter of Jonas and Elizabeth Littman, of Greenwich, CT, is a magna cum laude graduate of Mount Holyoke College. She works for Sempra Energy Trading in Stamford, CT. The groom, son of Paul and Susie Landow is a cum laude graduate of Columbia University, and also earned a Masters in International Affairs. He is employed by the Council on Foreign Relations in New York.

BIRTH Andrew and Carin Parcel announce the Sept. 12 birth of their daughter, Sydney Nathan, named for her great-grandfather, Nathan Meltzer.

Grandparents are Zoe and Carl Riekes, Judy Carroll of Denver, CO, and Randy Parcel of Westminster, CO. Great-grandparents are Dorothy Riekes and the late Henry Riekes, David Carroll of Warrenville, IL, and LaVera Parcel of Perry, IA.

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October 5, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

IN THE NEWS

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Ed Walsh,will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Oct. 10, noon, at the Regency Lodge. Walsh is Director of Developmental Auditory Physiology Lab, Boys Town National Research Hospital. His topic will be “Amazing Discoveries in Sound”; he will explore disciplined methods of science and the need to separate research from religion. Cost is $12 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Enjoy the music of Jack Kouth on Monday, 12:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center, as he sings songs by Jewish composers. Lunch is served at noon for $7 per person. Join us for bingo with Eileen or Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursday from 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS The Visions Board Meeting is Friday, Oct.12, 9:30 a.m., at the JCC. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Opera Omaha presents “War Horse 101”-- A multimedia introduction to opera, featuring Verdi’s Aida -on Wednesday, Oct. 24, 7 p.m., in the JCC auditorium. For more information, call Linda Fitzgerald at 334.6520.

Dr. Howard Gendelman will be honored Saturday, OCt. 6, 6-10 p..m., by the American Parkinson Disease Association-Nebraska Chapter for his achievements in establishing a basic research program in Parkinson’s disease. He is Chairman of the Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

The recognition ceremony, “Hand In Hand Linking Lives for Parkinson’s,” will be held at the Bemis Center for Contempoary Arts (12th and Leavenworth).

Highlights include: cocktails and hors d’oeuvres buffet, music by the Chris Saub Band, and raffle drawing with prizes donated by Borsheims. Cost is $75; tax deductible amount is $50. For more information, call 402.392.APDA or e-mail apda@qwest.net.

Dr. John Bertoni, Professor of Department of Neurology, will also receive recognition for his contributions. He specializes in Parkinson’s disease and is responsible for the Parkinson’s Assessment Clinic, affiliated with Creighton University Medical Center and Creighton University.

Over the next few months, Women of Spirit will host “Wisdom Circles: What Feeds Our Spirits.” These three smaller gatherings will replace the single annual event of past years. Three women chosen from different faith perspectives will introduce each session by focusing on the event’s theme and how that theme plays out in their lives. Participants will then shift their focus to the small groups at their own tables to discuss the topic together in light of their individual experiences.

“Nourishing Our Inner Spirit” will be the topic of the first meeting, set for Sunday, Oct. 21, 2-5 p.m., at Service Center of Compassion, 7400 Military Ave. The

second gathering, Cultivating Women’s Friendships, will be Sunday, Feb. 3. The final offering in the series, Connecting with Mother Earth, is slated for April 6.

Women walking conscious spiritual paths are invited to attend any or all of the sessions.

Cost is $20 for each event. The registration deadline is Oct. 5. A form can be printed from the group’s website at http://groups.creighton.edu/womenofspirit.

For additional information, contact Phillips at 280.2934.

The University of Nebraska at Omaha UNO Program for Women and Successful Aging will host “Aging with Passion and Purpose, A Conference on Aging” on Sunday and Monday, Oct. 21-22, on the UNO campus. Keynote speakers for the event will include Dr. Ann Basting from the TimeSlips Project and Dr. Gene Cohen, director of the National Center on Aging, Health and Humanities.

The conference is sponsored by The Center for Healthy Aging, Ministries, Programs and Services (CHAMPS), the UNO School of Social Work, the UNO Department of Gerontology and PWSA. To register for the conference, go to www.champsonline.info, or call CHAMPS at 402.895.2224.

Andy Greenberg, Director of Marketing for The James Skinner Baking Company, has been asked to speak at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce Academy downtown on Oct. 10, 8 a.m. His two hour session will be “Never Close a Sale -- Always Open.”

All Chamber members can attend by registering on-line at: www.omahachamber.org/chamber/EventDetail.aspx?

EventDateID=9105 for this $15 course.

Former Omahan Rabbi Josh Zweiback to give sermon at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communication Coordinator Rabbi Josh Zweiback, who grew up in Omaha and now serves Congregation Beth Am in Los Altos Hills, California, will give the d’var Torah at the Shabbat worship service on Friday, Oct.12, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. The title of his d’var is: “That We May Make a Name for Ourselves: The Tower of Babel and the Evil Inclination.”

“It’s always wonderful to welcome home a kid who grew up in this congregation,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel. “Josh is an outstanding teacher, extremely well respected by his colleagues, and has done very interesting work in his congregation.”

A 1991 magna cum laude graduate of Princeton University, where he won the highly prestigious Isadore

and Helen Sacks Prize for Outstanding Jewish Scholarship, the guitar-strumming, poetry-reading expert in Jewish education joined the staff at Beth Am in 1998 following his ordination from Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York.

Rabbi Zweiback is remembered fondly by many in Omaha as a member of Mah Tovu which published three compact disks of Jewish music as well as a children’s book that accompanies one of the recordings.

The recently issued book/CD, “Days of Wonder, Nights of Peace,” is a collection of prayers and songs for morning and bedtime.

At Beth Am, Rabbi Zweiback was hired as the first full-time adult learning specialist in a Reform synagogue in the country before being promoted to the newly created position of senior educator overseeing both youth

and adult education programs. Currently, in addition to his rabbinical duties, he is a member of Beth Am’s Social Action Committee, a position that embodies his passion for tzedakah. He is the founder and executive director of KAVOD, a nonprofit tzedakah collective operated out of Omaha.

Son of Speedy and the late Hermene Zweiback of Rabbi Josh Zweiback Omaha, Rabbi Zweiback and his wife, Jacqueline Hantgan, an educator at Beth Am, have three daughters.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

Giving a forum to petty dictators A number of columnists, presidential candidates and others have shown their disgust at last week’s appearance by Iran’s president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at Columbia University. It’s not even necessary to add ours, however, we’ll raise an issue asked by a reader about a rally hosted by a group called “TerrorFreeOil,” in which terrorists were labeled Islamo-fascists.

It’s a term used by the President of the United States on repeated occasions. Talk show hosts and columnists have also used this phrase. We like to think that regardless of one’s position in the political spectrum, our readers can decide on their own whether or not to support those who use terms such as “Islamo-fascists” or protest them. The reader who queried the Press, however, termed it a racial slur and said it is being used by those calling for an Iraq-style invasion of Iran.

It’s a thought-provoking statement. And we wondered where our readers stand on this issue.

Some academics, like Stephen Walt and John Mearsheimer, for example, whose book, The Israel Lobby, portend that AIPAC and its friends are so powerful they were able to persuade President Bush and the Congress to go to war in Iraq. According to Ron Kampeas, who interviewed Walt and Mearsheimer for JTA, Larry Wilkerson, the former policy planning chief at the U.S. State Department and a fierce critic of neoconservatives in the

Pentagon who backed the Iraq war, said that Israeli leaders expressed concerns beforehand about the invasion.

So far, the two academics have not accused AIPAC of lobbying for war against Iran, but the Jewish community and Israelis, specifically, are worried, as they should be. Ahmadinejad is controlled by the mullahs in Iran; he doesn’t make statements which aren’t approved first by the Muslim clerics. Which means that all his pointed references to the Holocaust as a myth and wiping out the State of Israel should not be taken lightly.

And neither should the revelation two weeks ago of Israel’s “secret strike” in Syria. Israeli leaders aren’t talking (except for former Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, whose slip of the tongue confirmed what others suspected -- that Israel had indeed bombed a potentially dangerous facility storing components to develop nuclear arms).

Somehow Iran has to be stopped. We’d like to believe that

sanctions will work (and according to one expert quoted below, they do).

But sometimes there is no choice but to strike first. Israel had to do that in 1967 when armies of four nations -- Egypt, Syria, Lebanon and Jordan -- were amassed at its border.

The question for world leaders today is how far can they go in diplomacy before they are transformed by events and history into Neville Chamberlain’s pre-World War II philosophy of “peace in our time” -- and at what point do we stand up to bullies some call “Islamo-fascists” including Ahmadinejad?

Fallout from political theater unclear as nuclear issue remains unresolved

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- The high political theater surrounding Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s visit to New York triggered plenty of protests, headlines and debates. But it remains unclear if, even after all the exertions this week, the international community has inched any closer to resolving the standoff over Tehran’s nuclear program.

Ahmadinejad’s Jewish critics gathered Sept.

24 in the thousands across from the United Nations, portraying the Iranian leader as the heir to Adolph Hitler and the quintessence of evil.

“You are being heard around the world today,” former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Richard Holbrooke told the anti-Ahmadinejad rally. “You’re not wasting your time by being here today. Ahmadinejad is losing the PR battle.”

For his part, Ahmadinejad parried by accepting an invitation from Columbia University, where he presented himself as a reasonable democrat and academic willing to engage in dialogue and face sharp questioning from students. The Iranian leader may have not won many admirers this week, particularly with remarks like the one denying Iran had any homosexuals, but he dominated the opening of the U.N. General Assembly and did not appear to lose any significant ground on the world stage.

Members of the U.N. Security Council remain as divided as ever, with China and Russia resisting American and French calls for more stringent sanctions on the Islamic Republic. A further rift has also opened up within Europe, with Germany openly opposing France’s desire to see Europe impose separate sanctions if the Security Council effort fails.

In the end, Ahmadinejad’s provocations, and his critics’ tremendous show of force at Columbia and the United Nations, may help break the impasse -- or at the very least strengthen the American case for further sanc-

tions. But on the more important question -whether sanctions can succeed preventing Iran's acquisition of a nuclear weapon -- the experts are skeptical.

Trita Parsi, an adjunct professor at Johns Hopkins University and author of Treacherous Alliance: The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States, says that sanctions have been in place against Iran for more than two decades and have only succeeded in making the country stronger. “We should set aside these notions and try to focus on what’s going to work. And what hasn’t worked for 20 years is sanctions,” Parsi said.

Critics argue that American policy has been overly obsessed with sanctions, rather than with changing Iran's behavior. For that, the United States would need to offer carrots as well as sticks.

“Sanctions are not just there for their own sake,” said Gary Sick, an Iran specialist at Columbia. Sick claims that sanctions have been useful, particularly in pressing Iran to reach an agreement on outstanding issues with the International Atomic Energy Agency, as it did last month. In that, he agrees with Malcolm Hoenlein, the executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, who told JTA that sanctions have placed Ahmadinejad under mounting pressure and now the international community should tighten the screws.

Hoenlein said that he truly believes effective sanctions could obviate the need for war. But Sick and Parsi agree that ultimately, if the U.S. genuinely wants Iran to change course, American officials will have to negotiate with Iran and offer it incentives. “Up until now we have never put an offer on the table to Iran,” Sick said. “We’re not using sanctions to accomplish anything. If you want to actually change Iran’s behavior, you’re not going to do that by putting on more sanctions.”

As many have observed, the attention lavished on Ahmadinejad in New York only strengthens him at home, where he is otherwise exceedingly unpopular -- not because of his hard-line on Israel, but because of his economic policies. Last December, his party lost ground in city council elections in what was

widely seen as a referendum on his leadership.

“At the end of the day, those in Iran that are trying to move diplomatically are having their jobs constantly undermined by the rhetoric of Ahmadinejad,” Parsi said. “Every time he gives an interview, half the Iranian Foreign Ministry has to focus on damage control.”

While Ahmadinejad may not be known for holding his tongue, anti-Ahmadinejad rhetoric continues to escalate to near-apocalyptic proportions, particularly in Jewish circles.

Ahmadinejad is now routinely compared to Hitler and the current period to 1938, the year in which a naive British prime minister, Neville Chamberlain, sacrificed the Sudetenland to an ascendant Nazi Germany.

“President Ahmadinejad seeks to be another Hitler,” U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-N.Y.) said at the rally, in a comment typical of the way speakers described the Iranian leader. “He brags about it.”

This rhetorical escalation comes as the Jewish community confronts allegations that the pro-Israel lobby used its outsized influence in Washington to propel the American invasion of Iraq. For some, the current situation contains dangerous echoes of the run-up to the Iraq war, a concern that Jewish leaders shared not too long ago. Yet this week, in a battle over perceptions, the media spotlight was focused on the central role of Jewish-led rallies in ratcheting up the pressure on Iran.

For Jewish leaders, Hitler-Ahmadienjad comparisons appear morally clarifying, placing the Iran issue in stark terms as a choice between good and evil. They also suggest a narrow range of policy options: The commonly understood lesson of 1938 is that tyrants cannot be reasoned with -- only confronted with Churchillian resolve.

The potential danger of a nuclear Iran does not allow for a more cautious approach, say Israeli leaders, Jewish organizations and many U.S. lawmakers and presidential candidates. But some observers of Iran see things differently.

“We’re constantly focused on the most extreme and radical comments,” Parsi said.

“But if we’re only focused on them, then we paint ourselves into a corner where the only way out is war.”

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

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October 5, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

French Jew defends claim that Arab boy’s death was staged

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by BRETT KLINE PARIS (JTA) -- Ever since Mohammed al-Dura was shot and killed at Gaza’s Netzarim Junction on Sept. 30, 2000, some have claimed the boy’s death was staged for prime-time television.

One of them, the director of a small French media watchdog group called Media Ratings, went to court to defend his version of the controversial story.

Now a French judge has ordered the release of video footage that could reopen the controversy.

Philippe Karsenty is appealing a 2006 decision that he slandered state-run France 2 television, whose camerman caught the 12-year-old’s death on tape during the fateful exchange of gunfire between Israeli forces and Palestinians.

Karsenty was slapped with two $1,380 fines -- one to be paid to France 2 and one to the station’s reporter -and ordered to pay another $4,000 in court costs when he wrote that the shooting was a hoax, saying it constituted a “masquerade that dishonors France and its public television.”

He says the original trial was a travesty. Some partisan Jewish groups like the Zionist Organization of America and Camera-The Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting in America have lined up behind him, but French Jewish groups have withheld their support.

Last month, an appeals court judge in Paris ordered France 2 to show the court about 25 minutes of raw video footage shot at the Netzarim Junction when alDura apparently was shot and killed.

Al-Dura’s shooting death became an instant icon for Palestinian suffering at the hands of Israeli brutality, but the Israeli army, after initially apologizing for the death, concluded after an investigation that the boy could not possibly have been hit by Israeli bullets.

Karsenty called the court’s decision a victory.

“This is only the first step in a victory,” his lawyer, Marc Levy, corrected him.

France 2, whose cameraman in Gaza, Talal Abu Rahma, shot the exclusive footage that was considered a major scoop at the time, was given until Nov. 14 to hand over the video to the court.

Several French and U.S. journalists who have seen the raw footage have indicated the shooting might have been staged by Palestinians.

A decision on Karsenty’s case is expected in February.

It’s the latest twist to a controversial episode that became an instant icon for Palestinian suffering at the hands of Israeli brutality but later turned out to be as murky as the origins of the intifada itself.

Some Israel supporters, among them Karsenty, now point to the incident as a sign of Palestinian manipulation of the media against Israel.

“I feel like there should be a debate going on here in

Paris -- having nothing to do with me, but with the events themselves -- but there is nothing,” Karsenty told JTA. Karsenty is not the first to question the conventional version of the story, which has Israeli troops firing the rounds that hit the boy and left him to die in his father’s arms.

Subsequent to its apology for the shooting, the Israel Defense Forces found that its soldiers could not possibly have struck the boy from their positions at Netzarim Junction, an ongoing flashpoint for violence between Israeli troops and Palestinian militants.

Karsenty goes even further, maintaining that France 2 TV and its Israel correspondent, Charles Enderlin, staged the incident with the active participation of Abu

Mohammed al-Dura is generally believed to have been shot and killed at Gaza’s Netzarim Junction on Sept. 30, 2000, but some have claimed the boy’s death was staged for prime-time television.

Rahma. Karsenty relies primarily on journalists who have viewed additional raw footage of the incident and saw Palestinians pretending to be shot, then springing up to replay the same scenes. Such footage would suggest the al-Dura shooting was staged, too.

Others have suggested that France 2 and Enderlin were not involved in the hoax but were duped by Rahma. Enderlin, a veteran journalist and a Jew, was not in Gaza that day and did the voice-over for the shooting story from the West Bank, relying on the footage Rahma provided him.

“I believe the cameraman screwed Enderlin and France 2,” said Luc Rosensweig, the former editor-inchief of France’s daily Le Monde.

Rosensweig, who has seen the raw footage, added: “The most plausible hypothesis is that the images of the boy are staged.”

A year ago, a Paris judge determined otherwise, finding Karsenty guilty of slander. But Karsenty says last year’s trial was bungled.

“I went to court with experts offering testimony and analysis,” he said, but the judge “asked no questions about anything.”

Karsenty said the attorney for France 2 handed the judge a letter of praise for the public television network from President Jacques Chirac, which mostly brought the trial to an end.

“The court criticized the television for not showing up

and then decided in its favor,” Karsenty said. “This time I have more evidence to present and Chirac is no longer president.”

More than anything else, Karsenty and his supporters wanted the court to order France 2 TV to release the raw footage of the incident. Among others, the IDF sent a letter to France 2 demanding the footage be released.

Morton Klein, the Zionist Organization of America’s national president, sent France 2 a similar letter.

“We’re not taking the position that al-Dura’s alive; it’s possible he’s alive,” Klein said. “Those who have seen the additional film say you see his head pick up and look around. This is not likely of a person who's dead.”

France 2 dismisses the claims.

“Frankly, these hearings are of little importance,” said its communications director, Christine de la Vena.

“Enderlin is a top professional journalist and the images are real.”

“Everyone has forgotten about this case except this man in the hearing and a couple of others who refuse to give it up. Only in France could a couple of individuals cause so much trouble.”

Several U.S. news outlets have run stories about Karsenty and the al-Dura controversy, including The New Republic and The New York Times. Some have compared the al-Dura controversy to the infamous Dreyfus case, when it took 12 years to prove the innocence of the French Jewish army captain Alfred Dreyfus. Others have called the al-Dura case a classic blood libel against the Jews.

Among journalists in France, Jewish or not, few seem to be buying Karsenty’s story.

“The problem here is Karsenty himself,” said Stephane Bou, who has written on the subject for Charlie Hebdo, a satirical political weekly. “He is known here for being obsessed with international plots against Jews and against Israel.”

Karsenty represents something of an archetype: The Jew who steadfastly maintains that despite overwhelming skepticism, the establishment is out to get the Jews.

In this case it’s the media.

It’s a position in which pro-Israel watchdog groups, including ZOA and Camera, often find themselves.

Rosensweig suggested that the case has not made waves in the French media because France 2, the flagship of French public television, is considered quite powerful.

“You know, I think this whole affair is dead in the water,” said a senior journalist at France 3 TV, Clement Weill Raynal, who is also a well-known contributor to Jewish media. “Karsenty is so shocked that fake images were used and edited in Gaza, but this happens all the time everywhere on television and no TV journalist in the field or a film editor would be shocked. This has become more about him than anything else.”

Still, Karsenty refuses to relent.

“The journalists here think I am a rabble-rouser,” he said, “but I think I am a whistle-blower. We’ll see what happens in court.”

JTA Associate Editor Uriel Heilman in New York contributed to this report.

Hitler in Bayonne: Columbia dean would have invited him, too

F OCUS ON ISSUES

by DR. RAFAEL MEDOFF The savants of Columbia University, one of the major intellectual and cultural centers of New York City, might assume they have little in common with the residents of blue-collar Bayonne, New Jersey.

But last week, woeful ignorance of the Nazi era was on display in both communities.

In Bayonne, two elementary school students triumphed in their legal struggle to wear protest buttons comparing their school’s mandated uniform policy to the ways of the Hitler Youth. One of their parents explained that they chose a photo of the Hitler Youth for the button to illustrate “what can happen when we turn children into 'uniform' followers.” The lawsuit filed by the families of seventhgrader Anthony LaRocco and fifth-grader Michael DePinto generated much controversy over the legality of limiting offensive speech. But there is a much bigger problem if these youngsters and their parents know so little about the Nazi era that they believe the defining characteris-

tic of the Hitler Youth was its regimented dress code.

Once the dust settles from the legal skirmishes, the boys’ teachers need to explain to the class --and to parents as well-- that the problem with the Hitler Youth was not how they dressed.

The Hitler Youth movement inculcated millions of German children with totalitarian Nazi ideology, vicious antisemitism, and glorification of violence.

Hitler Youth members took part in numerous atrocities, from forcing Vienna’s Jews to scrub the streets with toothbrushes in 1938, to the mass shooting of Jews swimming from sinking boats in the German harbor of Lubeck, just before Germany’s surrender in 1945. In addition, many of those who graduated from Hitler Youth filled the ranks of the Gestapo and participated in the annihilation of European Jewry.

While other branches of the Nazi apparatus collapsed or surrendered in the waning days of World War II, Hitler Youth remained fanatically loyal to their Fuhrer to the very end, which is why one often finds them mentioned in connection with atrocities in the spring of 1945.

For example, Menachem Weinryb, an

Auschwitz survivor forced to take part in a death march from Poland to Germany recalled how when they reached the Belsen area on April 13, 1945, the German guards went to a nearby town “and returned with a lot of young people from the Hitler Youth [and local policemen] ... They chased us all into a large barn ... we were five to six thousand people ... [They] poured out petrol and set the barn on fire. Several thousand people were burned alive.”

It’s bad enough that the Bayonne parents did not take a few minutes to read up on the Hitler Youth before invoking that image.

But what excuse is there for a distinguished historian to exhibit an equally shoddy grasp of history? John H. Coatsworth, dean of Columbia’s School of International and Public Affairs, earned a Ph.D. in history, has authored or edited seven history books, and served as president of the American Historical Association. One would expect him to be familiar with at least the basic facts about Nazi Germany. Yet there was Dean Coatsworth telling the New York Daily News on Sept. 23 that he would “certainly” have invited Adolf Hitler to speak at

Columbia in, say, 1939, since “in 1939, he had not started the war and the Holocaust hadn’t begun.”

So the ‘bad Hitler’ of the 1940s, the one responsible for World War II and Auschwitz, would not have been welcome at Columbia--but the not-so-bad Hitler of the 1930s would have made a perfectly acceptable guest speaker.

For Dean Coatsworth’s information, Hitler’s 1930s included, among other things: the widescale imprisonment and murder of dissidents, the banning of opposition newspapers and political parties, mass book-burnings, the Nuremberg Laws that stripped Jews of their rights, the Kristallnacht pogrom that devastated German Jewry, the annexation of Austria, and the dismemberment of Czechoslovakia.

Whether the issue is Hitler’s record or the nature of Hitler Youth, is it too much to suggest that those who intend to publicly comment on such issues, whether in Bayonne or at Columbia, should first familiarize themselves with the basic facts?

Dr. Medoff is director of The David S. Wyman Institute for Holocaust Studies, www.WymanInstitute.org.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, Oct. 5, 6:41 p.m.

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

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

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

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 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 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Minyan 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

Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Offsite classes: First Plymouth Church, 20th and ‘D’ Streets Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com

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

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Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: No services FRIDAY, Oct. 12: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with speaker, Daniel Morse, owner of Breezy Hills Vineyard & Winery.

The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat Tunes & Tales, 11:15-11:45 a.m.; Minch/ Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.

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

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Minyan 101, 11:15 a.m.

MONDAY: Hebrew Crash course, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: “The WOW of Judaism,” 7 p.m.

LOVE AND LOGIC PARENTING: A monthly class led by Karen Gustafson, director of Jewish Family Service. The class, begins Oct. 10, 7-8 p.m., and is scheduled the second Wednesday of the month through May. To register or for information, contact Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or programming@bethelomaha.org.

PRESCHOOL CLASS: Offered to all unaffiliated Jewish families in the community, class is open to four-year-old children who will enter kindergarten next fall. Led by Patty Nogg, sessions are Oct. 14 and 28, 10 a.m.noon. To register or for information, contact Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@ bethel-omaha.org.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m., for a “polishing party” (polishing silver) at the synagogue. (See full article on page 8.)

FRIDAY-Simchat Torah: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Chavrutah learning, 5 p.m.; Minchah/ Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 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 Sukkah sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 6:30 p.m. followed by Suedat Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:39 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam”, 9:45 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Board of Commissioner’s meeting, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 7:30 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.

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

FRIDAY, Simchas Torah Shacharit, 9:30 a.m., youth/tot minyan, 10:30 a.m., children’s Torah March, 11 a.m. Hakafot & Torah Celebration, 11:15 a.m., followed by luncheon, l’Chaims and dancing. No charge for meal.

SATURDAY, Shabbat Bereshit: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

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

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion, 7 p.m.

Mishpacha WEDNESDAY: University TGI Playgroup, 10:15 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

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.

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

FRIDAY: Special Simchat Torah Service and Sanctuary Rededication, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Lori Merliss.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Grades 1-2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Teacher Training, 1-3 p.m. at South Street Temple.

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

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Oct. 7, 14, 21, and 28, 7 p.m. A Taste of Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

TUESDAYS, Oct. 9 and 23, 7 p.m. Jews in Space! (or, Up, Up and Oy Vey!), led by Rabbi Emanuel. Learn about the Jewish origins of sci-fi tv shows, movies, and comic book superheros.

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

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

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

days”, 10:30 a.m.-noon.

TUESDAY: Hebrew “Roots” of Prayer, 7 p.m. with Naama Artzi. Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback to register: $18 for Temple members; $25 for non-members.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Club 56, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m.; B’nai Mitzvah Panel, 6:30 p.m.

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

TOT SHABBAT: Friday, Oct.12, 6 p.m. Contact the Temple office, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha.co m, to make a reservation. Cost for the dinner is $5 for adults and children are at no charge.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN No services during the Yom Tovim; services resume Oct. 12.

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

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

FRIDAY-Simchat Torah: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 4-6 p.m..

TREE OF LIFE CENTER TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Parent/ Toddler class, 9:30–11 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Yaniv Azriel, son of Elyce and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9:30 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon; Bring the book Goodnight Moon, to be donated to kindergarteners at Omaha’s Field Club Elementary; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; The 4 B’s. “God is Not Great? -- So It’s Popular to be an atheist these

Services and activities led by Rabbi Michael Weisser; call for location of classes.

SATURDAY: Morning Minyan and Torah study, 10 a.m.; drumming meditation and Jewish mystical chanting, followed by a meal and Havdalah, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Jewish roots of Christianity, 8 and 9 a.m.

MONDAY, 6:30 P.M.: Insight Meditation.

TUESDAY: Torah, prophets and writings: 9:30-11 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; Comparative Religion, noon, offsite location.

WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.: Adv. Mindfulness Meditation.

THURSDAY, 7 p.m.: Int. Mindfulness Meditation.

B’NAI MITZVAH Megan Lauren Bucher, daughter of Michelle and Ron Bucher, will become Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Temple Israel.

Megan is an eighth-grade Distinguished Honor Roll student at R u s s e l l M i d d l e School.

Her interests include attending weekly art classes, animals, volleyball, reading, and spending time

with friends.

For her mitzvah project, Megan volunteered with Paws for Friendship. She worked with three Yorkshire terriers, mainly in nursing homes, letting the residents play with the dogs.

She has a sister, Amanda.

Grandparents are Joan Kaiman, and the late Ben Kaiman, and Shirley and Gerald Bucher of Tucson, AZ. Gabe Levin, son of Rabbi Mordechai and Susi Levin, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Beth El.

Gabe is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School and has been selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

His interests include listening to music, watching movies, and being with friends.

He has a sister, Tali and a brother, Ari. Grandparents are Eva and

Enrique Frydman, and the late Paulina and Jose Levin.

Ben and Lee Lohman, sons of Helene and Michael Lohman, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 13, at Beyt Shalom.

Ben is an eighth-grade student and Lee is a seventh-grade student. Ben received the most valuable player award from his basketball team. Lee received an award at an all city art contest.

Ben’s interests include being active in football, baseball, basketball, soccer and track, playing Continued on page 15

October 5, 2007

In the beginning of ... what?

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Bereishit Opening the Bible at the very beginning allows the reader to enter a world of wonder and significance.

This wonder world is not, however, of absolutely invulnerable text dictated by God, and thus by definition perfect. Those who believe that it is perfect need read no further.

The problem begins with the very first word. The first word means “In the beginning of,” of what? Of what?

The great medieval commentator and interpreter, Rashi, himself raises the question, “Of what?” He offers several different answers, none of which convinced us readers or himself.

The first word, bereishit, is made immediately sensible if we change the vocalization of the second word, normally read bara, to b’ro, which then goes on to say, In the beginning of God’s creation of heaven and earth, when the world was, etc. etc., then God said, “Let there be light, and there was light.”

It is disturbing, of course, to think that we have to read our Sacred Text with a full understanding that it may require emendation. But a moment’s thought will tell us that copying by hand, generation after generation, and not necessarily by the hand of scholars, could result in many misquotes, and errors in spelling or vocalization. Indeed, the vocalization (adding vowels to the consonants) did not take place until many centuries after the Text was in the hands of our ancestors.

If it is disconcerting that the first two words require emendation that results in a long rambling sentence that

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

Page 15

Pulverent e

MONUMENT CO. continues for three verses (pesukim); so be it.

Now this: the reader, whether in Hebrew or English, Frank L.85Ciciulla Jr. if he is conscious of good writing, recognizes the v2 10:40 12/2/02 JC IRIS-1 200498 that200492ar1.tif first chapter and the first few verses of the second con60 Years Experience stitute a prose-poem, leading up to the life of human With Jewish beings, and of the Sabbath. It thus becomes immediateLettering and Memorials ly clear that this Bible of ours is going to be a double celebration -- the human being and the Sabbath.

1439 So. 13th Thus our Text does not intend to spring something on It all starts with Newspapers. us; from the beginning it celebrates humanity and a “religious” approach to life. From here, the reader may choose either to slam the book closed or to go on to read it, curiously or reverently.

I remember a famous British literary critic declaring that the Book of Job in our Bible is, in his view, the greatest piece of work ever to come from the hand of man. No matter how many times one reads this book, he is constantly impressed with its astonishing literary superiority connected with its profound questioning of the values inherent in human life.

Young children are often turned off by lessons in Bible. But maturity and sophistication lead the reader to recognize that he is in the presence of a masterpiece of literature. He constantly wonders who taught the writer (or writers) their craft? How could anyone, with no teacher(s) have learned to use words with such power? www.girlsgotech.org Abba Eban, Israel’s Ambassador to the United States and to the United Nations, once remarked that the two most powerful tools he knew of were the Hebrew language and the English language. We who are native speakers of English are blessed with this tool at hand. We ought not to neglect studying Hebrew and acquiring this second powerful tool to make words (yes, words!) a powerful instrument for thought and contemplation of life.

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Continued from page 14 video games, and reading.

Lee’s interests include being active in Boy Scouts, sports, video games, and art.

For their mitzvah project, Ben and Lee provided service at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home by participating and helping out with the Saturday services led by Congregation Beyt Shalom.

Grandparents are Mira Lee and Henry Goldstein, Carolyn Camp, and Frieda and Ben Lohman.

JEWISH PRESS DEADLINES Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Jewish Press

by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues. Early deadlines will be announced in advance. (There is an early deadline for the Hanukkah issue, which publishes the Friday after Thanksgiving, Nov. 23 -- the deadline is Monday, Nov. 12.)

Questions? Call 334.6448.

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.

To Submit 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, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You 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.

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Several thousand people came to hear the traditional Succot priestly blessing of the Cohenim last week in Jerusalem. Young and old worshipped at the Kotel (the Western Wall) bearing their arba minim (four species).

Credit: ISRANET

TAGs second year Continued from page 4 Action Center of Reform Judaism, L’Taken focuses on Jewish values and social justice drawing upon experts from inside and outside the Jewish community.

Spring classes, Feb. 13, 20, 27, March 5, 12, and 26, mark the return of some favorites from last year such as “Jewish Camping: Is This for Real?” with Mace Hack and Bruce Goldberg, “Learning How to Speak with Your Hands” taught by Amy Katz, “Jewish Fiber Arts: Knitting Our Way Through Jewish Music” taught by Rosie Zweiback, “The Holocaust and Beyond” facilitated by Rita Paskowitz and Jeff Gates, “International Jewish Current Events” with Steve Danon, and “Jewish Greeting Cards” with instructor Miriam Moran.

New classes in the spring include “Ulpan Hebrew” taught by Zohar Winer, Jewish Community Center shlicha, and David Swenson, who helped begin a modern Hebrew club in Omaha. Rabbi Azriel will facilitate a class on Jewish ethics, while Sally Kaplan, a licensed clinical social worker who works as a forensic interviewer at Project Harmony and a therapist at Jewish Family Service, will start a class called “Let’s Talk Frankly” with guests Marta Fox and Dr. Lynda Madison. They’ll discuss topics such as dealing with pressure from friends.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 5, 2007

Sukkot teaches vagaries of nature

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT build a sukkah, to plan an outing, to drive for Friedel Jewish Academy an hour to get outside of the city. You are There are few things more attractive to subject to the weather; your plate with children than going outside and getting the hotdog still on it blows away, and the dirty. Add a picnic lunch and some fun kids get dirty. And when you go outside, games, and you have a winner. That is you run the risk of stepping on a rotten exactly what Friedel offered enthusiastic apple or getting stung by an angry bee. students and parents last Sunday. Parents However, it is when things get a little Naava Naslavski and Ruti Margalit organ- inconvenient that we gain the most for ized the outing to DeSoto National Park, our children. There are things they learn to celebrate Sukkot. from getting out of the classroom they The day started organized; there was much to do. Religious school, meetings, and finally the Friedel outing packed neatly on the calendar, so we had to be streamlined with our morning routine.

Alas, nothing ever goes as planned. When I came downstairs, I nearly stepped on a dead mouse our cat deposited by the back door. I did not scream in panic, but calmly told my husband Ilana McNamara and Isabella Wright cooperated nicely in order to build their miniature sukkah. “to clean up.”

My daughter ran to the back door, just can’t get anywhere else. They learn exclaiming how disgusting it was. I told her to enjoy the awesomeness of nature; they about ‘the cruelty of nature’ and that it was make unlimited discoveries and get to be normal for cats to act like this. Perhaps not part of a bigger whole. There are some the best lesson to start a day that’s sup- very specific reasons why, during Sukkot, posed to end with outdoors fun? It didn’t G-d tells us to get outside and open our stop her from being excited about the out- eyes to the world he has created. ing to DeSoto, though. Sukkot.

Finally, our kids learn that it is okay for It’s easy to stay in the classroom and parents to get off the beaten path in keep the kids indoors. It’s a hassle to order to teach their kids something

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Focusing on terrorists Continued from page 1 (Loftus’ 1994 best-selling book, The Secret War Against the Jews, detailed some of the ideas mentioned.)

Loftus had been speaking almost nonstop for 20 minutes about his activities when he paused to reflect, adding, “I keep busy. I’m your token Irish troublemaker.”

At that point he was interrupted by a questioner who apologized for breaking in. John reassuringly said, “That’s okay.

I’m from a large Irish family. You lose your breath; you lose your turn.”

The questions rolled forth. “It’s argued that we slept with Stalin during WW II; we supported Ho Chi Minh during that same era. Now because of oil, we support Saudi Arabia, even though at the same time we know that the Saudis are funding the Madrassas (Muslim schools) in the U.S. How do we break those alliances?”

“We do have a tendency to sleep with those people,” John affirmed. “In part that alliance is there because many Americans didn’t care about foreign policy. They let the State Department tilt and tilt toward the Arabs. In fact, Rumsfeld frequently joked he wished we had an American desk at the State Department. However, while the proportion of Arabists in the state department was about 20-30% before WW II, it’s now down to about 5%.”

“I’m an old fashioned Scoop Jackson Democrat,” Loftus revealed, referring to the late U.S. senator (D-WA) who helped open up the Soviet Union (1974) so that Jews could emigrate to Israel and America, among other places. “Like then, there is a bi-partisan congressional consensus: everybody comes to Israel’s defense.”

He explained why. “Israel has carried a lot of water for us. Today, for example Sept. 12 news reports told of Israel attacking Syria. My resources tell me that the government of Iran sent missiles to Syria.

Israel learned of this, jammed the Russian defense system, and destroyed those

weapons. Syria has said very little about this, yet it happened about a week ago.”

He added, “I think Syria is in deep trouble going back to their assassination of Lebanese Prime Minister Hariri, which is under UN investigation. We have wiretaps of Syrian President Assad’s brother and brother-in-law discussing the murder.

Assad cannot let the trial go forward. It’s conceivable that Assad would take weapons to start another war” (of distraction).

“Then too, there’s the problem of Iran.

It’s being run by a 50-family mafia through the IRGC, or the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps. Economic sanctions will hurt them. Iran is dangerous because they are willing to fight Israel down to the last Syrian!” he stated.

Regarding the government of Pakistan: “It’s an open secret in Pakistan that we have secret forces there rooting out terrorists.” On General Petraeus: “He’s the best shot we have, but we should not have American soldiers playing cops on the beat. Dividing Iraq into three parts is not a good way to go. It’s what Iran wants. Over 80% of Iranians want the mullahs out. The best thing for us is economic sanctions. The Iranian Achilles heel: they have few refineries and with all their oil, they still need to import gas.

“The solution to our problem in the Middle East is finding an alternative. If we could cut our use of oil by 10%, we could reduce the price by 50%. We could then reduce the influence of Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Russia all at once. We need a Manhattan project for oil reduction,” he added. “China is probably the biggest danger to us and Israel. Learn Chinese to save Israel.”

The Pulitzer Prize nominee has a new book (Witness Tree) coming out in October in Canada. He also hosts a nightly radio show and a website: www.Loftus.com.

Loftus has often been threatened.

“However, I do take precautions,” he said, ending his talk. “I have my motherin-law start the car in the morning.”

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