October 7, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

That’s why we call him Buddy

October 7, 2011 9 Tishrei 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 4

This Week

The Annual Silver Palette Show showing in the JCC Gallery Page 6

NCJW’s Great Omaha Chocolate Festival a hit Page 7

by SHERRIE SAAG Community Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha “In its most general form, humanitarianism is an ethic of kindness, benevolence and sympathy extended universally and impartially to all human beings.”

Surprisingly, Answers.com provided the most eloquent definition of humanitarianism. The website described it as the “acceptance of every human being for plainly just being another human being.” The sentiment is appropriate for this year’s Humanitarian of the Year, Leonard “Buddy” Goldstein.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Humanitarian Award is bestowed upon individuals who have made a significant impact across many years. Having spent an extraordinary 60 years giving back to the Omaha Jewish community, Buddy Goldstein is more than deserving of the title, Humanitarian.

A child of immigrants, Buddy met his future wife, Shirley Gershun, a native of Council Bluffs, in high school. They married in 1942 when Buddy was a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army Air Corps.

Following the war, he returned to Omaha and joined his father and brothers in the family business,

Leonard “Buddy” and Shirley Goldstein Capitol Rent-A-Car. He and Shirley raised three children, Donald, Gail, and Kathy while he developed and

expanded the truck rental side of the business. At this point, Buddy’s story becomes entwined with his wife’s

and her tireless, selfless work on behalf of the Free Soviet Jewry movement of the 1970’s.

It started when the couple returned from a 1972 trip to the USSR frustrated by the limited access they had to the Jewish proletariat and their daily lives. Shirley’s involvement deepened with subsequent trips behind the Iron Curtain. She organized Omaha’s Free Soviet Jewry Committee and served on the board of the national Union of Councils for Soviet Jews. She led demonstrations outside the Orpheum Theatre and Joslyn Art Museum. She raised awareness and funds, and, in 1982 was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Through it all, Buddy Goldstein was by her side. He didn’t always accompany her on her far-flung travels, but he supported her and underwrote her activism, sharing her concerns and encouraging her efforts.

And when Soviet Jews finally starting coming to America, Shirley and Buddy immersed themselves in all facets of the resettlement program, eventually bringing over 300 Soviet Jews to Omaha.

Guided by their deep sense of Jewish responsibility and social activism, Buddy and Shirley have Continued on page 2

Decision coming on Young Leaders’ national Jewish museum enthusiasm is contagious Federation Campaign major gift evening Page 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

This Month Jewish Camping See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

8 10 11

by AARON LEIBEL mer curator of the city’s B’nai B’rith WASHINGTON (Washington Klutznick Museum.

Led by Soltes, the group, whose Jewish Week) -- Washington needs a major national museum of the origins can be traced to the board of Jewish people -- at least that’s what a directors during his tenure at the group of local heavy hitters and Klutznick in the late 1990s, includes international Jewish celebrities believes. They have been trying for more than five years to get that museum built, and a decision to be taken this fall will determine their success.

“Given Washington’s role as a pilgrimage point for Americans and an international audience, and given the fact that the major museum in Washington associated with Jews is the United States Holocaust Museum, I feel the other Daniel Libeskind’s design for the National aspects of Jewish life -- Museum of the Jewish People Credit: Ori Soltes religion, tradition and culture -- Nobel Prize laureate Elie Wiesel, need to be explored for that tremen- violinist Itzhak Perlman and memdous audience,” says Ori Soltes, for- bers of the Snyder (Washington Redskins football) family of Potomac, which will contribute music memorabilia for a wing of the proposed National Museum of the Jewish People (nmotjp.org).

Whether that museum will be built is in the hands of the General Services Administration, which administers federal properties, including the District’s Old Post Office, a 112-year-old facility.

Continued on page 3

by SHERRIE SAAG Community Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha This year’s Bruce Fellman Memorial and Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Awards will be presented to Stacie Brodkey and

institutions. He served on the Jewish Press board for six years, describing his experience as “a great starting point to get involved in Federation.” Moving on to the JCC Board, he chaired the 3 x 3 basketball tournament. More recently, he served on the JCC

Stacie Brodkey

Michael Siegel

Michael Siegel in recognition of their “personal commitment, dedicated involvement and exemplary leadership” in service to the Jewish community.

This year, both Stacie and Mike represent the spirit and vibrancy at the core of young leadership. Both have “can do” philosophies that translate into action and tangible results on behalf of our Jewish community.

Mike’s involvement reaches across many of our community’s

Executive Director search committee, and was chairman of the JCC Budget committee. Currently president-elect, he will assume the JCC Board presidency on July 1, 2012.

In addition, he is co-chairing Temple Israel’s general building campaign drive and serves on the Federation’s Planning and Community Engagement committee, using his skills and talents to help design the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s future.

Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Going on a Vacation? Buddy Goldstein Don’t leave your four legged friends in a kennel.

Call to reserve your vacation times soon!

House Sitting/Pet Sitting References Available

402-422-0365 Cell: 402-517-6444

Alan, Anne and Marty Cohen 17062 Harney St. | Pacific Springs | $379,900 Soft-contemporary ranch w/incredible golf course location and so much more. Steps away from Village Pointe and the West Dodge expressway w/9’-11’ ceilings. Huge formal dining room overlooks a sunken living rm. Spacious kitchenhearth room w/refinished hardwood floors, walk-in pantry, and a cozy fireplace... think Phoenix or Palm Springs!

822 S. 182nd Street | Pacific Ridge | $559,000 Irreplaceable setting... Home backs to 30+ yr-old trees and natural stream. Features include stone floors, 2-story entry, 9’ ceilings, oversized molding and cutting-edge décor. Kit. w/”batwing”island,dbl.ovens,granite,glass-tilebacksplash, walk-in pantry & family room w/stone FP. 2nd floor w/5 bedrooms, and w/private bath access.

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

Marty Cohen

677-2524 850-4161 690-1591

Wyndham Street Ltd. Closing Warehouse Everything at or Below Cost Antique Furniture, Home Décor, Lamps, Pictures and more

4533 South 134th Next to New Fashion Carpet & Flooring

402-397-5958 11 a.m.-4 p.m. | Tuesday-Friday Anytime by Appointment

“We like our mom living at Remington Heights because the staff cares about her.”

– Steve and Hugh Sons of Louise A., a happy resident of Remington Heights

Continued from page 1 made a lasting impact, touching the lives of countless individuals from Omaha to Kiev, from young students to Russian emigres, and everyone in between.

Morley Zipursky, longtime friend and former President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha said: “Much of Buddy’s contributions to the community nobody ever knew about.

But he always supported everything.”

The Goldstein’s contributions have supported numerous organizations and causes across Omaha. At the Federation Foundation, they established an endowment ensuring that the Kripke Library acquires materials for the benefit of Russian Jewish immigrants and a second endowment funds Jewish summer camp scholarships for youth.

Jan Goldstein, Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Federation of Omaha and Buddy’s niece explained: “Throughout his lifetime, Buddy has shown us all how commitment to people can change a community. His philanthropy has touched every agency on our campus and helped Jews around the world.”

Friend Tom Fellman had this to say of Buddy: “The Humanitarian Award is being given to Buddy Goldstein, but make no mistake, Buddy and Shirley are a package, a Dream Team and a mighty combination. Their leadership in bringing soviet Jews to America and Israel will always be their mighty calling. I look forward to presenting the very well deserved Humanitarian Award to Buddy because in my view, Buddy and the Goldstein family have made the world a better place.

Whatever the needs are, the Buddy Goldstein gang will be there. After all, that’s why we call him Buddy... because he’s a buddy to the community in so many ways.”

They established the New Frontiers in Transplant Medicine Fund at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. “We were so grateful for what they did (the Goldstein’s daughter-in-law,

Young Leadership Awards Continued from page 1 “It is important to me to be involved in decision-making that improves my Jewish community and steers it towards a bright future,” said Siegel. He chooses his volunteer projects wisely, knowing his strengths and applying them to things that make a real impact.

“I like to think I motivate those around me because I am willing to jump in and help out, get my hands dirty, do what needs to be done. It’s the best way to see what’s going on in the community. When I chair something, I am right in the middle of the action,” Siegel said. One understands this even better when you learn that he coaches and manages not one, but three of his children’s sports teams.

Looking forward, Mike is eager to assume the head of the JCC Board. “The JCC is an integral part of Jewish life in Omaha. The excitement is back and it’s the place to be for Jewish Omaha. I look forward to all the capital improvements and program enhancements coming our way.”

Giving back is so intrinsic to the life of Stacie Brodkey, the words cannot even be called a cliché. This is not even her first public recognition. In fact, her sorority, Sigma Delta Tau and Kansas University recognized her work in founding KU Cares for Kids, an agency for kids at risk of abuse and neglect.

Her involvement with Federation and the Jewish community began as soon as she arrived from her hometown of Sioux City, Iowa, via college. She joined a monthly gathering of young Jewish professionals called Perspectives.

According to Stacie, “it was an engaging group that opened the doors to so many opportunities.”

That led to YJO, Young Jewish Omaha, where Stacie and husband, Marc, were the Social Chairs. Shortly thereafter, both chaired the 1998 Annual Campaign’s Super Sunday.

FIRST CLASS ENTERTAIN

Call 402.493.5807 today to schedule your personal tour.

Ann, underwent a kidney transplant in 2003) that the least we could do was make a gift to the University’s transplant research program,” Leonard Goldstein said at the time.

In 1997, The Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Lecture on Human Rights was established at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Each year it brings a distinguished scholar or leading expert on human rights to campus, with all presentations open to the entire community.

Together, they have served on the Board of Directors for the National Conference of Community and Justice, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the Plains States Regional Office of the Anti-Defamation League, the Nebraska Council of the American-Israel Public Affairs Committee, and the Union of Councils for Soviet Jewry in Washington D.C. “He is what I call the consummate philanthropist,” said Marty Ricks, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. “He wants to know what the program or agency stands for and if it is prudent in its mission and finances. I like to observe Buddy in action when he presides at the semi-annual meetings of the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation. He is still a dynamic leader and it’s easy to see why he was such a successful businessman. Because of families like the Goldsteins, the Omaha Jewish community has flourished for decades. And no one deserves our Humanitarian Award more than Buddy.”

Buddy’s philanthropic journey began by focusing attention on the causes of freedom and human rights and continues to this day. He lives the old adage, “one person can make a difference” and in doing so, found himself making a difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals.

The Jewish Federation of Omaha’s awards event will take place Monday October 17, at 7 pm in the JCC theater.

Sources: Angelfire.com, Leo Adam Biga, and Jewish Press archives.

“I participated in the first JOLT (Jewish Omaha Leadership Training). It was a solid foundation for the time and energy I spent serving two terms on the Budget and Allocation Committee. Growing up in the small Jewish community of Sioux City, I was overwhelmed by the kindness of the Omaha Jewish community and the opportunities I was given to get involved. Omaha is a tight-knit community, yet so welcoming to its newest members,” Stacie said.

Stacie believes being a good leader means being a good listener. “It is similar to the advice I give my children. Treat others with the empathy they deserve, as though your rabbi or teacher is eavesdropping. If you have to ask if you should, you probably should. If you have to ask if you shouldn’t, you probably shouldn’t.”

There aren’t enough columns on this page to list all of the ways in which Stacie enriches the community with her time and talent. The National Council of Jewish Women, the JCC, the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center, the Maccabi Games, Friedel Jewish Academy, Temple Israel, Women of Reform Judaism, Oakdale Elementary School and the Jewish Federation of Omaha have all been fortunate to have Stacie’s involvement.

She adds, “It’s an exciting time to be a part of the Jewish community! New leadership is in place, buildings are being built, a new Rabbi is in town; the synergy is contagious. There is a buzz in the air and new optimism about what is coming around the corner. It’s a time when voices are being heard, no idea is too far out of the box, and untapped resources are being identified. Who would want to be anywhere else?”

You can share in the excitement and enthusiasm when the Jewish Federation of Omaha recognizes and thanks all the award recipients at a special event on Monday, Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. in the campus theater..

Celebrating 40 Fabulous Years of being much more than an Art Gallery!

HONEYMAN RENT-ALL The Party Place WITH

FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, HOW CAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE US? • Tables • Chairs • Linens • Skirting • China • Glassware • Champaign Fountains • Chafing Dishes • Party Canopies • Wedding & Church Displays • Dance Floors • BBQ Grills • Coat Racks • Candelabras • Margarita Machines • Chocolate Fountains

1.11

12606 W. Dodge Rd. | Omaha, NE 68154 www.remingtonheightsretirement.com

r t Ou Visi room w o Sh

11226 Wright Circle

402-333-2882 (1 Block South of 114th & Center)

We Disp dding Sup lays & plies

Hoping to serve you for many years to come.

8600 Cass Street | 391-7733 M-F 9-6 | Sat 9-3

October 7, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

National Jewish museum Continued from page 1 Prodded by a cost-conscious Congress anxious to rid itself of underutilized federal properties that add to the deficit -- the Old Post Office currently houses some 450 federal employees and loses about $5 million annually in operating costs -- and authorized by the Old Post Office Redevelopment Act of 2008, the GSA issued a Request for Proposals to redevelop the site on Pennsylvania Avenue between the White House and the Capitol.

Several groups, including the one led by Soltes, have submitted proposals (one of the other groups reportedly is headed by Donald Trump). A decision is expected in November.

The Soltes group is partnering with Hyatt Hotels, which would turn the Old Post Office into a luxury hotel while the museum would be located on the space currently occupied by the glass annex, which would be torn down.

Soltes, Goldman professorial lecturer in theology and fine arts at Georgetown University, is excited by the fact that Daniel Libeskind -- whose work includes the Jewish museum in Berlin, the Danish Jewish Museum in Copenhagen and the Wohl Centre at Bar-Ilan University in Israel -- has designed the project.

“His enthusiasm for this project is boundless” both because of his interest in the museum and because it is his first Washington-based project, Soltes says, adding that “I’m thrilled with the design because it will be not only be an architectural marvel, but will work well as a museum and as a Jewish museum.”

The planned museum will encompass about 100,000 square feet on four floors with garden areas, an atrium and space for conferences.

Insofar as exhibits are concerned, it will have three components, Soltes explains.

There will be rotating exhibits and a permanent space devoted to subjects such as antiquities, Judaica, art, music, medicine, science and sports.

There also will be technology to enhance those areas, including, for example, the ability to walk around a holograph reproduction of important buildings designed by Jewish architects such as Libeskind’s Jewish museum in Berlin or Frank Gehry’s museum in Bilbao, Spain; an interactive display in which to play a game of chess against Bobby Fisher; and the chance to hit a computerized Sandy Koufax fastball.

Soltes says he is excited by possibilities that technology offers in a museum, but also is aware of its drawbacks. The overuse of technological enhancements “can get in the way of the audience” understanding what the museum is offering, he says. He believes the museum won’t be plagued by that kind of error.

“I hope we will have technology, and it will be a serious enhancement but not a distraction,” he says.

Raising money for the project has been a “Catch-22 situation,” Soltes says. “People are reluctant to open their pocketbooks until the GSA decides, and the GSA decision will in part depend on the amount of money raised and the potential to raise the amount needed.”

His group has raised about $500,000. For the building and to establish an endowment so entrance would be free, the amount needed could be in excess of $100 million.

Soltes says the project is “unique” in that it combines a nonprofit and for-profit project, and for that reason he is confident that GSA will choose his museum-hotel proposal.

Second Jewish Community Sukkah Hop

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator As synagogues throughout the Jewish community of Omaha celebrate Sukkot in their sanctuaries, congregants can anticipate the fun and camaraderie they enjoyed last year at the first annual Sukkah Hop. Sponsored by Temple Israel, Beth Israel Synagogue, Jewish Social Services, and Beth El Synagogue, the Sukkah Hop last year was “terrific,” recalled Beverly Fellman, president of Beth El’s Board of Trustees.

“Going to all three synagogues is a joy; everyone is so welcoming and warm. And then going to the Blumkin Home is great. I look forward to the jaunt and to visiting with many persons in our greater community. It proves we can all work together and be together as Jews celebrating our holiday.”

Mimi Silverman of Temple Israel added that last year’s Sukkah Hop was “really fun.

It was nice to have everyone participate in one community event. And this was an interesting way to celebrate Sukkot.” Her sons, Adam and Jeremy, attended with her and had a good time too.

Beth El will start off this year’s Sukkah Hop, October 16, with appetizers at 12:15 p.m. From there, the caravan will wander over to Beth Israel Synagogue for a lunch of spaghetti, salad, and garlic bread, served at 1:15 p.m. An ice cream dessert will be served at Temple Israel at 2:15 p.m. with the grand finale culminating at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at 3:15 p.m. with socializing and music by Tuffy Epstein and Anna Mosenkis. In addition to dining together in the sukkahs, crafts and games will be available for the children’s enjoyment.

Larry and Deborah Kronick plan to

attend: “Relatively speaking,” Larry commented, “there are so few of us Jews, it’s a treat when ALL of us can come together in celebration. We have so much more in common than our differences. And for

Rabbi Jonathan Gross and daughter Rayali attended last year’s Sukkah Hop. Deborah,” he pointed out, “it’s a bonus, because she gets to see former students that attended the Pennie Z Davis C.D.C.” Transportation will be available for anyone in need of it. For more information or to RSVP (by Wednesday, Oct. 12), contact Beth Cohen at Beth Israel, 402.556.6288; Wendy Goldberg at Temple Israel, 402.556.6536; or Margie Gutnik at Beth El, 402.492.8550 or programming@bethelomaha.org. The charge to attend one, two, three or all four stops is $5 per person or $20 per family. Patron tickets are $36 each.

S TA R R I N G E L I Z A B E T H B L A N C K E - B I G G S , A R N O L D R A W L S , S TA C E Y R I S H O I , & T O D D T H O M A S D I R EC T E D BY J A M E S D E B L A S I S - CO N D U C T E D M Y M A R K F L I N T

O N E N I G H T O N LY !

OCTOBER 15, 7:30PM ORPHEUM THEATER SLOSBURG HALL

SEATS AS LOW AS $19!

(402) 346-4398 OR TICKETOMAHA.COM Ask about Military and Teacher/Student discounts.

SPONSORED BY

operaomaha.org

GREAT SINGERS. GREAT STORIES. GREAT WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THEM.

4 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Beth El offers festive celebrations for all ages The days of repentance

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jewish community members of all ages are invited to join in the festivities as Beth El Synagogue offers fun-filled celebrations during Sukkot and Simchat Torah.

The synagogue’s colorful sukkah will be constructed in the front courtyard between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 9, and Men’s Club invites anyone interested in helping out to roll up their sleeves and lend a hand (bring work gloves, ladders and tools, if possible). Volunteers will be treated to breakfast and lunch, according to organizers. For more information about sukkah-building, contact Mark Kelln at 402.630.4305, or at markkelln@yahoo.com.

Then at 3 p.m., members of Beth El’s youth groups (USY, Kadima and Chaverim), will take over, spending the rest of the afternoon decorating the sukkah; all are welcome to join in the fun.

The synagogue’s Sukkot observance will commence on Wednesday, Oct. 12, with 5:30 p.m. services; holiday services will be held daily through Wednesday, Oct. 19.

Rounding out the High Holidays will be a spirited Simchat Torah ("Rejoicing in the Torah") celebration on Thursday, Oct. 20. This festive holiday celebrates the love of Torah, and is observed with lively instrumental accompaniment, singing and dancing with the Torah scrolls throughout the community court. Minha/Ma’ariv and Hakafot will take place at 5:30 p.m., and the evening’s merriment will be capped off with a spaghetti and salad dinner. There is no dinner charge for Beth El members who make reservations by Monday, Oct. 17; cost for non-members is $5. After that date, dinner fee is $5 for Beth El members and $10 for non-members. RSVPs are required and may be made by sending a check to the syn-

agogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. Please mark “Simchat Torah Dinner” on the envelope.

On Friday, Oct. 21, services will begin at 9:30 a.m., during which dedicated Beth El congregants Glen Fineman and Diane Axler Baum will be honored as Hatan Torah and Hatan Bereshit, respectively.

Fineman has been a fixture at the synagogue for many years, volunteering in a variety of capacities, including president of Men’s Club, serving on the regional board of the Federation of Jewish Men’s Clubs; chairman of the Yom HaShoah Yellow Candle Project; chairman of the Beth El’s Religious Life committee; and organizer of the “Hearing Men’s Voices” speaker series. In addition, he taught at the Beth El High School for Jewish Studies and is on the faculty at the Community Chai School.

Axler Baum, a longtime congregant, has also made her mark on the synagogue. Among her many volunteer activities, she has made sure that new members are greeted with cheerful welcome baskets; she has helped transport senior citizens to Shabbat morning services; and has helped to organize the calling list for High Holidays service honors.

Beth El President Bev Fellman congratulated the honorees, saying, “Both of these individuals truly have set a wonderful example with the dedication and passion they have shown toward our congregation. We appreciate congregants such as Glen and Diane, and hope they continue their commitment and involvement with Beth El for many years to come.”

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

The month of Tishrei

From our Shlicha NA’AMA KEREN, Community Shlicha The month of Tishrei is the first month of the Jewish Year.

For us, Tishrei is a month of new beginnings, a month of new decisions. Every year I reflect on what I want to change in my life, and what will be my New Year’s Resolution. There are small plans, like losing weight, cleaning the apartment, or saving money, and big ones, like changing jobs, buying a house or not worrying so much.

So as always, in the month of Tishrei, I reflect on my big decisions for the New Year. I want to do more sports. I want to lose 10 pounds. But if I’m being honest, I made my deci-

sion a few years ago. In 2006, after I finished my Army service, I went on my “Big Trip.” You may or may not know that many young people in my country travel abroad to relax and have fun after the Army. I traveled to India, Nepal, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. It was then that I decided that I was going to be a Shlicha in one of the Jewish communities in the world. This trip made me realize that I am part of a large community outside of Israel. Most of you know, but some of you may not, that the Shlichut is a flagship program of the Jewish Agency for Israel, working with Jewish Federations in the US. Becoming a Shlicha became my resolution. It took a few more years to fulfill my decision but here I am- going after my heart. My last Tishrei resolution became a reality.

I’m so very happy to be here - even though many of you have tried to scare me about the winter! I’m still too new to worry about the winter, but I can say that since I arrived, I Continued on page 5

A Guy’s view GUY MATALON, Jewish Federation of Omaha Scholar in Residence The Jewish tradition follows a cycle – we start with Rosh haShana and end with Tisha be-Av to some extent. The cycle of our year opens with a call to an evaluation and repentance of past deeds. The notion of repentance -Teshuva -- is meant for us to take account of our life and evaluate our successes and failures. We are to turn inward and reflect upon our character, behavior and actions. The idea is to be able to improve ourselves and thereby our families, our community and the world.

But how effective can a process of introspection into our negative qualities and bad behavior be? That is, the process that is meant to bring us to a better place can actually do the opposite. Focusing on what we have not accomplished and what we have done wrong is not the only way to approach the idea of Teshuva. Dwelling on the negative may depress us even more and serve as an obstacle to moral improvement.

The Baal ha-Shem Tov, Rabbi Israel ben Eliezer (16981760) tells the following parable: When we soil a tablecloth, we can launder it. And after the laundry, the tablecloth has wrinkles, the color may fade. It is still useful but looks worn.

But if we merit to get a brand new tablecloth, then we are able to create a better look for the table. Teshuva works similarly -- we can think about the past and avoid transgressions but that is not going far enough. This is only ceasing doing evil, but we have an opportunity to do good -- replace the tablecloth altogether.

This Yom Kippur, think of Teshuva a bit differently. Rather than looking at it as repentance focusing on past events, look at the concept as meaning a return to your ideal. Focus on two questions: “how far can I go?” and “what do I need to do to get there?” How far am I from the ideal me?

These questions sometimes are used by people who are interested in growing professionally. But they can also help us grow Jewishly. We may be comfortable where we are but here is an opportunity to leave the comfort zone and try something new. Learning Jewish concepts and ideas are a beginning of a process. What we should do after learning about a Jewish idea is to make it concrete and personal -make it our own. This is one of the purposes of Yom Kippur.

Are you as far as you wanted to be? If not, do good! Do something Jewish!

Guy Matalon is the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Scholar in residence, and as such aims to educate and inform the community about matters pertaining to Judaism and Israeli politics. A Guy’s view can also be found online at www.jewishomaha.org.

Come Celebrate Go Celebrate the Holidays the Holidays with Us with Your Family The next Deli Dinner will be a BBQ during Succot on Tuesday, October 18 from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. with a special Dessert Buffet in the Succah.

The Star Deli will be closed in observance of Succot on October 14 and October 21.

Macular Degeneration Find out if telescopic glasses, microscopic glasses or prismatic glasses can help you see better. Call for a FREE phone consultation .

Telescopic glasses from $1,800 and Reading glasses from $500

Toll Free: 1-877-393-0025 Dr. Rob Stamm, Optometrist www.LecVisionSource.com Office Locations: McCook and Lincoln, Nebraska, Oberlin, Kansas, Greater Denver area

October 7, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

JFS on the WWW

by OZZIE NOGG Last May, Jewish Family Service celebrated its one hundredth birthday at a splendid JFStival. Last month, JFS launched its splendid new website, proving that a centenarian can be as tech-savvy as any youngster. “We wanted to give the agency a greater presence in the community, explain our services in more detail, and make everything easily accessible,� said Karen Gustafson, JFS Director. “Our new website does just that. It’s very userfriendly and gives prospective clients the ‘virtual’ opportunity to meet our staff, see exactly what services we provide and fill in paper-work, all from their computers.�

Visitors who click on http://jfsomaha.com are given an educational and visually appealing tour of Jewish Family Service, including its history, its mission and details of the various support available to the community. Separate pages are devoted to Financial Aid and Scholarships, Counseling, Adoption Services, Family Life Education and Enrichment, Project Dreidel Gift Wish List, Project Tzedakah Application, Funeral Fund Guidelines and Yachad Group.

When appropriate, the page also includes application forms. “Almost all our in-take forms are online,� Gustafson said. “Clients can download the forms, fill them out at home and

bring the completed form to their first appointment. It saves time and also helps make our office more ‘green’ because we use less paper. Of course all correspondence -- on-line or not -- is kept strictly confidential.�

The site, though transparent in its description of the agency’s work, does safeguard the privacy of its staff and the participants in its programs. “There are no pictures of our therapists on the JFS Counseling page,� Gustafson explained. “We want clients to pick a therapist based on his or her credentials, not on what the therapist looks like. And we don’t use pictures of Yachad members on the group’s page, either. Our site can be accessed by anyone who browses the web, and we certainly don’t want Yachad members to be exploited in any way.�

For one hundred years, the JFS mission has remained the same. To serve the Jewish community with the highest quality staff and services available in the Omaha Metropolitan area. “More than anything, our goal in launching the new website was to make Jewish Family Service more accessible,� Gustafson said. “This electronic presence helps us provide better customer service, makes it more convenient for clients to reach us, gives even more professional status to the agency and adds another level of credibility to our place in the community.�

Jewish Family Service is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Information is available at http:// jfsomaha.com or through the JFS direct phone line at 402.330.2024.

Aaron Priluck receives Academic Excellence Scholarship

by AMBER PARTIN When it comes to attending college, Aaron is excited to The Center for Jewish Education take classes that engage his academic interests. “In high The Financial Aid Committee of the Center for Jewish school,� says Aaron, “you are required to take the courses Education is pleased to announce Aaron Prulick as the 2011 that are already planned out for you. In college, you can recipient of the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms choose what you want to study.� Aaron looks forward to Foundation Education Endowment Fund for Academic applying his knowledge and skill in engineering toward the Excellence Scholarship. This is the only merit based scholar- needs of the world. ship granted by the committee and is based strictly on scholLillian Keiser Stoms and her brother David Stoms were arship, with high school grade native Omahans and this fund point averages and SAT/ACT was established in their memscores used as the primary ory by their niece, Sally measure to determine the Clayman. In addition to the recipient.

Academic Excellence award, Aaron is the son of Dr. Ira there are two other scholarand Sheila Priluck and has ships that were established in four siblings: Josh, Noah, their memory. The Lillian Jacob, and Rebekah. He gradKeiser Stoms Educational uated from Burke High Fund was established to beneSchool in 2011, as fit and assist in the education Salutatorian of his class. He of Jewish youth living in a sinwas an AP Scholar and on the gle parent family or Jewish Principal’s Honor Roll. single parents who have cusAaron will be attending the tody of their children. The University of Michigan, David Keiser and Lillian Aaron Priluck receiving scholarship check from Dorothy majoring in Chemical Keiser Stoms Foundation Spizman, Financial Aid Committee Chairman.

Engineering. His long term Education Endowment Fund goals include having a successful career in engineering and was created to provide funding for university scholarships to eventually having a family.

Jewish youth who have earned a minimum 3.0 GPA. Both Aaron was also active in many extracurricular activities. funds are awarded based on financial need.

He was in National Honor Society in addition to Spanish For information on any scholarship program, please call Honors Society, a member of the Omaha Jewish Chai School Mary Sue Grossman, Associate Executive Director of the Curriculum Committee and the Beth Israel Teen Leadership Center for Jewish Education at 402.334.6445. Those interInstitute. Aaron served as the President of the Chess Club ested in contributing to or endowing scholarship funds and was involved in the Math Club, Art Club, and Science should contact Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Club. Aaron is also musically inclined, his instrument of Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, at 402.334.6440. choice being the cello.

"5&&%4 349,% !00%4):%23 3!,!$3 %.42%%3 -/2% %.4)2% %6%.).' /.,9 c .9KLAF? 1AF=K /."#&&- 0#( 3 , c !M=KL 'MKA;A9FK c O9J<K c GGJ *JAR=K

*)#!3%9

&OR 2ESERVATIONS s 34!.4/.

TH !NNIVERSARY 0ARTY &RIDAY /CTOBER TH

Out

Dining 34 0%4%2 3 0!2)3( (!,,

HIRO WEST

HIRO 88

WEST OMAHA

OLD MARKET

3655 N 129th St.

1308 Jackson St.

402.933.0091

402.933.5168

M-Th 11:30a-2p | 5p-10p F-Sa 11:30a-2p | 5p-12a Su 12p-9p

M-Th 11a-12a F-Sa 11a-1a Su 11a-9p

S U S H I | J A PA N E S E | C H I N E S E

The month of Tishrei Continued from page 4 have felt the warmth of this community.

Back to the month of Tishrei, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m thinking what will be my resolution for this year. This year Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve chosen to appreciate a good friend of mine in a new way. This friend is older than me, but is young among her friends. Sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a bit famous.

Some of you may know her. Some of you have visited her, even several times. In her young life, sheâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s had some struggles. She has made some mistakes. But she always recovers.

Over the years, my friend and I have been close. Sometimes I didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t understand her., but no matter what, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m always proud to be her friend.

So this year, in the month of Tishrei, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m communicating myself to my friend, whose name is Israel. As I said, some of you know Israel. Some of you are already her friends. Some of you have even sent your children to meet her. Some of you know her well and other not as well.

Thank you for welcoming me to Omaha. I canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to meet you at the J, to study with your children at Chai School and Friedel, to be among you at Beth Israel, Beth El and Temple Israel and to work closely with all of the wonderful staff and volunteers at the Federation, who listen to my

Hebrew and answer my questions patiently.

I wish all of you much success, happiness and sweetness in the New Year. Shana Tova

Organizations Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;NAI Bâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RITH BREADBREAKERS Bennett Ginsburg, President of the brokerage firm CB Richard Ellis/MEGA, will discuss â&#x20AC;&#x153;The economy and its effect on commercial real estate in Omahaâ&#x20AC;? on Wednesday, Oct. 12, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday in the board room, at 1 p.m., to reap â&#x20AC;&#x153;The Joys of Yiddish!â&#x20AC;? For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

79204

6 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Join the celebration at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will celebrate Sukkot on Wednesday, Oct. 12 at a 6 p.m. worship service. In recognition of the harvest our ancestors reaped in the early years after settling in the Promised Land, Rebecca Bloom, owner of Bloomsorganic and a member of Temple Israel, will share her expertise about eating locally grown food. There will also be a rousing game of Family Feud during which families will compete against each other in a contest to provide the most popular responses to survey questions posed to the congregation’s Religious School families.

Gretchen Radler’s artistic touch will elicit accolades in the sanctuary as the sukkah brings forth a beautiful reminder of the harvest celebrations long ago.

To remember those in our community who don’t have enough to eat, please bring non-perishable food to put in the bin in the lobby at Temple Israel. The food will be donated to Together Inc. which serves local people and families in need through a free food pantry, clothing and furniture

store, and financial assistance programs.

All are invited to dinner following the worship service.

On the following morning, after breakfast in the sukkah at 9:30 a.m., there will be a worship service at 10:30 a.m.

One of the most joyful of Jewish holidays, Simchat Torah on Wednesday, Oct. 19 at 6 p.m., marks the reading of the last section of the Torah. After that final portion is read and special prayers recited, congregants, sacred scrolls in their arms, will parade around the sanctuary in circles called hakafot. Children and adults will join in the lively celebration waving small flags and munching on apples. As the scrolls are returned to the bimah, they’ll be rolled back to the beginning symbolizing that there is no end to the Torah.

It always holds something new to be discovered.

In the tradition of Reform congregations, Simchat Torah also celebrates the beginning of formal Jewish education for young children. Consecration is part of Simchat Torah at Temple Israel. This year’s class includes Noah Atlas, Gwen Bender, Lily Brooks, Armond Davis, Jack Dodd, Leah Dysico, Sophie Epstein, Michael Finegold, Daisy Friedman, Anna Gittelman,

Flexing our “Kiddush Hashem” muscles

by RABBI MENDEL KATZMAN Chabad House of Nebraska The question, “What have you done for Me lately”? is recurring in G-d’s repertoire. In response, most of us selfrighteously pat ourselves on the back for a number of reasons. Whether we are active at our synagogues or volunteer in the community, we feel like we are paying Him dues.

Especially, when we participate in Jewish ritual at some level, we sense we have really made His day.

Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax are Jewish Hall of Famers, who stand out particularly for their refusal to participate in baseball games on Yom Kippur. Their Jewish commitment is a source of pride for us decades later though we can’t possibly imagine the struggle and the sacrifice of their choice. For each of the men career futures and opportunities lost were certainly factors in the huge decisions.

While neither Greenberg nor Koufax identified as outwardly observant Jews, their Kiddush Hashem represents the power of each one of us regardless of how we identify.

Theirs was the embodiment of the ideal that “a Jew will not, and cannot separate from the One Above”. For them, the challenge required a stretch. A move away from the comfort zone. A step in the direction of G-d. Each day affords us new occasions to flex our “Kiddush Hashem” muscles. To meet challenges in the dichotomy between world and Jew.

LARRYMARVIN U.S. SENATE

The Yom Kippur Nebraska game looms as one of those many challenges for us. Many have shared with me their concerns and dismay. The choice of where we will be during this 24 hour Day of Atonement and how we choose to observe is complicated this year by our fervor and passion for our beloved team.

While the following may seem an affront to the ‘Nebraska State Religion’, the opposite is my intention: I posit that we have the courage and capacity to observe our Holy day and withstand the pull of the stadium. Perhaps we can do even better than cheer at the game. We can play a supporting role in other ways.

The story is told of Luigi, the aged patriarch of a large Italian family who was on his death bed surrounded by many children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

With shortness of breath and increasing frustration he inquires about the whereabouts of the various individuals of the family. He is assured over and over, “She is here. He is here.” With all the strength he can muster, and in a voice filled with anger and pain, Luigi cries out, “If everyone is here, then who is manning the store?”

Let’s go man the store and leave others in the thick of the game. I bet our fellow Nebraskans expect that of us anyway.

The coach might appreciate our Yom Kippur prayers more than you think!

Gmar Chatima Tova.

Go Big Red!

A Fantastic shopping event.

READ BEFORE DISCARDING

What do you know about LARRY MARVIN? LARRY is well educated and is spoiled with 100% success as a First Responder for 32 years of“get it done now.”

M Y D R E A M S

HUGE 7TH ANNUAL

ARTS & Crafts LARRY MARVIN SHOW forU.S.SENATOR TRANSPARENCY t INTEGRITY t HONESTY LARRY MARVIN has filed to fill the 2012 opening in the United States Senate from Nebraska

What is the difference of organized MAFIA and organized SPECIAL INTERESTS?

Convince yourself that LARRY MARVIN is the best and only candidate worth supporting.

Register as a DEMOCRAT and VOTE.

SayTHANKS to LARRY by sending a contribution.

Paid for by LARRY MARVIN for U.S. Senate,Suite 202, 635 North Main Street, Fremont, NE 68025-5091. SAVE.

Over Exh200 ibito rs

Y O U R D R E A M S

Harrison Goldstrom, Benjamin Kaufman, Ryan McGauvran, Abbey Milder, Jordan Nogg, Aidan Shnayder, Kayla Shnayder, Orion Shnayder, Samantha Stern, Ava Stoller, and Charlie Yale.

Asher Stoller, whose daughter Ava, is one of the consecrants, said, “We’re happy that she’s getting a good Jewish education and learning Hebrew and being part of a wonderful Jewish community.”

Adam Yale, who was among the consecrants at Temple Israel some 30 years ago, remarked that, “It’s neat that there’s continuity there. My kids can go through the same experiences, and we can share that together.” He’s also pleased that his children will be part of “a great Jewish community.”

Please bring non-perishable food to donate to the Jewish Family Service pantry. An Oneg, enlivened by the music of Tuffy Epstein, will follow the worship service.

At a 10:30 a.m. worship service on Thursday, Oct. 20, yizkor will be recited.

The JCC Gallery presents

by LYNN BATTEN JCC Publicity Associate The Annual Silver Palette Show, presented by the Bellevue Artist Association, will be in the JCC Gallery from Oct. 3-31, 2011.

This judged show will showcase the work of several award winning and new artists in all types of art media, photography, and 3D works.

The public is invited to attend the reception and awards ceremony, which will be held on Sunday, Oct. 16, from 2-4 p.m.

OCT. 8 & 9

MID-AMERICA CENTER COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA Sat. 9-5 & Sun. 9-4 ADM. Just $5.00 Huge Aisles (10 & under free) FREE 2-day re-entry stamp PARKING

Over 200 Talented Exhibitors Present & Sell 1,000’s of Unique Handmade Creations.

Callahan Promotions, Inc., 563-652-4529

RECREATIONAL LEASES Hunting and recreational land. Includes rivers, lakes, creeks and timbered cover.

Leases for 5 or more years. www.belf.nebraska.gov Call 402/471-2014.

Bring this ad to show for $1.00 OFF One Admission

BLUE RIBBON Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Over 25 Years Experience Steve Snail 402-558-8617

Dr. Margaret Block and the nationally recognized Nebraska Cancer Specialists are at the forefront of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D.

John Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D.

Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Stephan D. Thomé, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.

Alegent Health Cancer Center - Bergan (402) 393-3110 Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (402) 354-8124

Midwest Cancer Center Papillion (402) 593-3141 Midwest Cancer Center Legacy (402) 334-4773

West Dodge Medical Plaza (402) 445-8010 Plus, Fremont andWest Point

nebraskacancer.com

October 7, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

NCJW’s Great Omaha Chocolate Festival a hit

by TIPPI DENENBERG Co-Vice President of Public Relations for NCJW The National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section (NCJW) premiered a city-wide fundraising event “The Great Omaha Chocolate Festival” took place Sept. 25 at the UNO Fieldhouse to raise funds for its many projects. By all accounts the festival was a huge success, and received glowing coverage from attendees and all local television stations.

Concert in the backyard

tooth.” Die-hard chocolate fans were clearly in attendance, creating a joyous atmosphere. Many of the estimated 2000 visitors came in chocolate themed outfits, or adorned with chocolate “bling”. One gentleman sported a t-shirt with the words, “will sell wife for chocolate”. His wife stood good naturedly at his side.

Event co-chair Holly Weill said, “It was great to produce an event that made so many people happy while at the same

Co-chairs Holly Weill, center left, and Jan Fischer, flanked by assistant-chairs Sonia Tipp, left, and Melinda Graham.

Vendors included: The Afternoon, Art Chicks, Bakers Candies, the Bread Oven, Broadmoor Market-Ferds Bakery, Candyopolis, Chocolaterie Stam, the Chocolate Bar, Chocolate Peacock Boutique, the Cookie Company, Cordial Cherry, Dove’s Chocolates, Garbos, Hy-Vee Bakery at 90th and Center, Janicek’s Cake Box, Le Quartier Baking Co., Lithuanian Bakery, Market Basket, O’Donnell’s-Vic’s Popcorn, Pettit’s Pastry, Purjava Coffee, Rocket Fizz, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, RSVP, Taste, Trader Joe’s and Three Dog Bakery.

Surprises came in many forms that sunny afternoon.

Chocolate chili from HyVee’s private chef Karin Waggoner was in as much demand as gourmet cupcakes. Lines spread in two directions to get a sample of Pettit’s new line of baked goods. Everyone wanted a dollop of Garbo’s body chocolate souffle. And Baker’s Candies was mobbed for their debutedthat-day chocolate covered potato chips. The Lithuanian Bakery also debuted two new tortes.

WOWT 6 called it a “dream event for those with a sweet

Enjoying the September 25 Backyard Concert (and the beautiful weather) are, from top: Deron, Kai, and Heather Fredrick; The Mitch Gettman Band; Michael, Noah, Sarah and Melissa Schop.

Dipping pretzels and marshmallows into chocolate are Don Nogg and his granddaughter, Natalie. time providing for so many worthy projects.” Assistant chair Sonia Tipp couldn’t get over how many people inquired excitedly if this was going to be an “annual event”.

The event also served to energize and mobilize an alreadyactive Omaha section. President and event co-chair Jan Fischer reported that in attendance were at least 14 past section presidents and many members. Proceeds are going to support the group’s many Community projects including Mini-Grants for Teachers, Reading Pups, Women for Career Advancement, and the Adopt-a-School program.

All concerts below take place at the Holland Center.

ARTIST SPONSOR

SERIES SPONSOR

8 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Game on

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press It was a bitter weekend for Husker fans, with Wisconsin putting its foot down and teaching Nebraskans who’s boss.

So, for those of you who are still hurting, we won’t dwell on any of that.

The great thing about football is, there’s always the next game, and hope rises eternal. Except when that next game happens to coincide with Yom Kippur. In that case, you’re out of luck, do not pass go, do not collect $200: you can’t combine being a good Jew, attending services, and still watch the Huskers beat Ohio. Tough luck, no?

Not so fast, says Joel Alperson. Back in 2007, when the University of Southern California’s football team came to Nebraska on Shabbat following Rosh Hashana, an idea was born. In order for Joel to see the game, he would have to attend services within walking distance of the stadium.

“I was able to fly in three rabbinical students from Yeshiva University,” Joel says. “They led services for UNL students at the UNL student union. As a result, not only was I able to attend the football game (which we unfortunately lost), but the UNL students were able to have a high holiday experience on campus. In fact, remarkably, one of them, after having connected with the YU students, became Orthodox (no kidding), and was recently married by Rabbi Gross in Chicago.”

Alperson decided that what worked then, should work now, and invited Rabbi Dovid Bashevkin to Omaha. Rabbi Bashevkin will not attend the actual game, but will be available all day Saturday, Oct. 8 to provide Yom Kippur programming at the Gaughan Cultural Center, room #313.

There’s an introduction to explain what Yom Kippur is all about, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. This is followed by a series

of sessions, as well as private study sessions and plenty of opportunity to ask questions. The event is hosted by the UNL Hillel, and lasts until 6 p.m; just in time for the game to start at 7. Everyone is welcome, even Ohio fans.

“As much as I love Nebraska football,” Joel says, “I don’t want Yom Kippur to be forgotten. This program will try to reach Jews where they are. It is in no way a substitute for attending services in a synagogue or Temple. On the other hand, attending the program (which people can join and leave as they wish), is far better than doing nothing at all to observe the day. In short, I want Jews to realize that in spite of the football game, it is still Yom Kippur and that doing something to honor the day will be quite easy for them.”

So, if Judaism, as Joel says, is not an all or nothing proposition, where does that leave us the rest of the year? What lesson can we learn from this that we can apply in other areas?

To be clear, Joel (or this paper) isn’t claiming that it is preferable to skip the synagogue this Saturday, or any other time. But I think Joel is a realist, and understands that for many of us, life gets in the way of our obligations. What’s more, we are quite willing to let it. Because, let’s face it, we often think of Judaism in those terms: obligations, what we should be doing, the musts and must-nots, what our responsibilities are. At the end of the day, we’re very good at making the distinction

between what’s enjoyable, and what’s proper.

What Joel is doing is blurring the line between fun and responsibility, showing that we can be capable of having our cake and eating it too. That we shouldn’t simply opt out because it is convenient, and that to be a Jew is a 24/7 proposition. And that when we are tempted to say: “we can’t” we should immediately follow that up by asking: “why not?”

“As we engage in that struggle, even when it comes to choices between Nebraska football and Yom Kippur, we’ll be more committed Jews,” Joel says. “And then we all win.”

For more information, please email dbash@ou.org

Jewish vote in play for 2012

Focus on issues LAWRENCE GROSSMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- Will the Jewish vote, normally overwhelmingly Democratic, be up for grabs in 2012? That question became a subject of intense debate when a Republican was elected recently to the House of Representatives from New York’s 9th Congressional District for the first time in 90 years.

The district, which encompasses parts of Brooklyn and Queens and is about one-third Jewish, had been predictably Democratic and liberal. But in the blink of an eye it gave the non-Jewish Republican candidate an 8-point victory over the Democrat, an Orthodox Jew. Public rabbinical endorsements in the district and extensive reportage in local Jewish papers indicated substantial Jewish defections from the Democrats, particularly among Orthodox Jews, estimated to make up about a third of the Jewish electorate there. Since the election, Republican presidential candidates have been ramping up their pro-Israel rhetoric on the assumption that Jews are disappointed with the administration’s Middle East policy, while Democrats are organizing special outreach initiatives in the hope of holding on to their Jewish support.

The just-released AJC Survey of American Jewish Opinion indicates a definite falloff of Jewish support for Obama, although it is not clear that the Republican candidate for president next year can count on a significant shift in the Jewish vote.

Jewish support for Obama began at a far higher threshold than in the electorate at large: In 2008 he received an estimated 78 percent of the Jewish vote while polling 53 percent nationally. Three years later his national approval rating

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Vice President; Jason Epstein, Treasurer; Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Paul Rabinowitz; Caryn Scheer; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma-

stands at 39 percent, a 14-point drop, while his approval rating among Jews -- according to the AJC survey -- is 45 percent, a decline of 23 percent but still 6 points higher than among Americans as a whole. Among Orthodox Jews, who made up 9 percent of the sample, disapproval is much higher, 72 percent.

The AJC poll indicates that the president has retained the support of American Jews on certain issues. A solid 68 percent approve of the way he has handled national security, for example. Yet there has been a striking reversal in Jewish attitudes toward the president’s handling of U.S.-Israel relations.

In the fall of 2009, toward the end of the administration’s first year, the AJC survey showed Jewish approval outstripping disapproval by 54 to 32 percent. Now, two years later, disapprovers outnumber approvers by 53 to 40 percent.

Among the Orthodox Jews, 81 percent disapprove.

But Jewish disaffection from the president is not confined to Israel policy; Jews share the broader American unhappiness with recent economic trends. In March 2010, an AJC survey had Jewish approval of the president’s economic policies at 55 percent as compared to 45 percent in the general population. Today the Jewish approval rating on the economy is down to 37 percent, about the same as among Americans as a whole.

The latest AJC survey indicates some falloff in Jewish identification with the Democratic Party, which stood at 53 percent in 2009 and is now at 45 percent. However, this has not translated into gains for the Republicans, which stands steady at 16 percent. Rather, the number of Jewish political independents rose in that time period from 30 percent to 38 percent. In the Orthodox sample, Republicans now outnumber Democrats by 35 to 21 percent, with 41 percent identifying as independents.

Looking forward to the 2012 election, the AJC survey

matched up Obama with a number of potential Republican candidates and asked respondents to indicate for whom they would vote. Mitt Romney did best in the hypothetical contest, garnering 32 percent to Obama’s 51; Rick Perry garnered 26 percent to Obama’s 54; and Michele Bachmann received 21 percent against 59 percent for Obama.

Since 1928, Democratic candidates for president almost always have received at least 60 percent of the Jewish vote, with many doing far better. Only Jimmy Carter in his 1980 re-election bid did worse, winning a plurality of 45 percent in a three-candidate race.

Do Obama’s numbers in the AJC matchups, all in the 5159 percent range, portend trouble for him? Not necessarily.

Approximately 20 percent of the respondents said they were undecided or unsure about whether to vote for Obama or for any of the named Republicans. To be sure, there is still a year to go before the next presidential election. Much could happen to change the electoral calculus both in the Jewish community and outside it, whether on the domestic economic front, in the Middle East or elsewhere. Also, other candidates could conceivably enter the race.

Clearly the president faces challenges in attracting Jewish voters, especially the Orthodox. Some are identical to those confronting him with regard to all voters, others specific to the Jewish community.

It is far too early to tell if 2012 will be the year that Republicans finally fulfill their long-held aspiration to draw a large chunk of the Jewish vote or if, despite serious misgivings, the tradition of overwhelming Jewish allegiance to the Democrats continues.

Lawrence Grossman is the American Jewish Committee’s director of publications and former editor of the American Jewish Year Book.

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view.

Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial

material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org..

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events.

News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content

news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

October 7, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

After week of U.N. speeches, it’s up to Palestinians to make a move

Focus on issues RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- After the mutual accusations of ethnic cleansing and the sarcastic posturing, the ball is back in the Palestinians’ court.

The upshot of last week’s Lollapalooza of speechmaking at the United Nations is that the Obama administration has succeeded in persuading the international community to back the resumption of talks without preconditions -- a key demand of the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

A statement released last Friday by the Quartet -- the grouping of the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations that guides Middle East peacemaking -- “reiterated its urgent appeal to the parties to overcome the current obstacles and resume direct bilateral Israeli-Palestinian negotiations without delay or preconditions.”

The statement came just hours after Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas delivered a fiery address to the U.N. General Assembly demanding statehood recognition and setting as a condition for renewed talks a “complete cessation of settlement activity.”

Netanyahu’s U.N. address delivered the same day, by contrast, repeated his readiness to talk without preconditions.

“The day I came into office, I called for direct negotiations without preconditions,” he said. “President Abbas didn’t respond. I outlined a vision of peace of two states for two peoples. He still didn’t respond. I removed hundreds of roadblocks and checkpoints to ease freedom of movement in the

Palestinian areas; this facilitated a fantastic growth in the Palestinian economy. But again, no response.

“I took the unprecedented step of freezing new building in the settlements for 10 months. No prime minister did that before, ever. Once again -- you applaud, but there was no response. No response.”

Such exchanges have been boilerplate for the past year since talks collapsed, but Netanyahu followed up with something new: a public declaration that he was ready to abide by parameters set out by President Obama in a May 19 speech in which the U.S. leader called on the sides to negotiate borders using the 1967 lines, with agreed-upon land swaps, as the basis.

Netanyahu was backing away from his previous insistence that Israel could not abide such conditions, as well as paying back Obama for his U.N. speech Wednesday in which the president made a forceful case for recognizing not just Israel’s security needs but its ancient stake in the region.

“Let’s be honest: Israel is surrounded by neighbors that have waged repeated wars against it,” Obama told the General Assembly. “Israel’s citizens have been killed by rockets fired at their houses and suicide bombs on their buses. Israel’s children come of age knowing that throughout the region, other children are taught to hate them.

Israel, a small country of less than 8 million people, looks out at a world where leaders of much larger nations threaten to wipe it off of the map. The Jewish people carry the burden of centuries of exile and persecution, and the fresh memory of knowing that 6 million people were killed simply because of who they are.

“Those are facts. They cannot be denied.

The Jewish people have forged a successful

state in their historic homeland.”

The speech may have sounded like a pitch to a domestic constituency by a president flailing in the polls, but administration officials insisted it was also part of a strategy: To get the parties to talk on the basis of the May 19 parameters outlined by Obama, which he sees as the only viable way toward achieving Palestinian statehood.

“If these negotiations are going to succeed, they must be serious and credible and deal with all of the core issues,” an anonymous senior administration official told reporters.

“I think a very important departure point -and it was stressed throughout this statement and in our discussions with the Quartet -- has been the fact that the remarks of President Obama in May that are guiding us and that provide the solid foundation for the negotiations to succeed. And in fact, I think the Quartet in the statement is making clear those ideas that are key.”

The Quartet statement also outlines a timeline for talks, and says borders and security should be the priority for the first three months, with a deadline for an agreement of the end of 2012. That made some pro-Israel groups nervous.

“We believe the Quartet erred in setting a preliminary agenda limited to issues of security and borders and timetables for proposals,” the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement. “By going as far as it does, the Quartet statement misses an opportunity to send the clearest possible message to the Palestinians that the sole path to statehood lies in direct negotiations with Israel.”

Overall, however, the pro-Israel reaction was one of relief at the perception that the onus was on the Palestinians to turn up for talks or explain why they were a no-show.

It remains to be seen how the U.N. week

will play out in the immediate future.

Democrats and Republicans in the Congress stepped up demands to cut off the approximately $600 million in aid received annually by the Palestinian Authority, both because of Abbas’ statehood bid and because of talks with Hamas aimed at setting up a unity government.

“President Abbas has been warned repeatedly,” said Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), the senior Democrat on the U.S. House of Representatives’ foreign operations subcommittee of its Appropriations Committee, in a statement to JTA. “I remain firm: his action crosses a line and should lead to a reevaluation of U.S. assistance for the PA.” But Israel and some of its closest allies in the pro-Israel community are quietly pushing back against an assistance cutoff, saying security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority has been key to maintaining the quiet in the West Bank.

The explosion that some Israelis had feared in the wake of Abbas’ statehood demand never materialized, although a father and baby apparently were killed last Friday in a stone-throwing attack near Kiryat Arba. The same day, a Palestinian man died when Israeli soldiers fired on Palestinians who had been clashing with settlers who were torching their groves.

Additionally, Abbas -- while sticking to his insistence on a settlement freeze -- said he was otherwise ready to come back to the table, and notably did not set a deadline for the United Nations to address his membership request. Meanwhile, his unity talks with Hamas are all but moribund.

Nonetheless, pleas from Israel and its friends might not stop a Congress bent on cutting waste from trimming the Palestinians right out of the budget.

The right choice for individualized Alzheimer’s and dementia support in a home-like environment State-of-the-art care Staff trained in accordance with Alzheimer’s Association guidelines • Private rooms • Transportation • •

ESCAPE t h e c o l d SNOWBIRDS

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

SAVE TIME & MONEY

SPARE TIME? Earn up to $1,890 in your spare time.

Celerion, a leader in health science, is looking for people to assist medical research.

t Healthy men & women t Non-smokers

When You Advertise with One of Our Statewide Programs!

Nebraska 2x2 $895* Display Ad For over 170 newspapers Network

t Ages 19 to 55

NEBRASKA

t Assist medical research

Ask about our referral program!

We can also place your advertising message in other states statewide programs. Call for more pricing.

Building a healthier future.

CALL TODAY | 1.866.516.9293 www.helpresearch.com

Lincoln, NE

$210* For over 170 newspapers

|

621 Rose St.

Call your local newspaper for more information* or 800-369-2850 www.nebpress.com

168th & Blondo • 402-614-5222 HeritagePointeOmaha.com

!"#$ &#$ '()#*"! +!,) '"-# .$!&/0

Low-Cost High-Speed Internet

SHIPPED TO YOUR DOOR VIA UPS LOW IN-STATE SHIPPING RATE

ORDERS OVER $99 FREE SHIPPING! !" $"%& '( )*"%! +(, )*-."( /"+0--, )*-1 233 45"* !" 6-*3,7 8'*"9& 299"%% - 8-9:% -( 233 !*"" ;-+%&%<

SINCE 1979 www.absolutelyfresh.com

$

39

95* month

GUARANTEED FOR LIFE!

Call now to see if you qualify: 1-888-628-1982 www.wildblue.com/usa *Low Cost Broadband Initiative package only. Not available in all areas.

To check eligibility, please call above listed phone number.

Courtesy of the U.S. Recovery Act. 800-279-9026 Omaha, Nebraska

10 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Kol Nidre services, 7:30 p.m. with guest, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, We are Crossing the Jordan River; But How about the Missouri?

SATURDAY: Services, 10:30 a.m. with guest speaker Dr. Oliver Pollak, Would the Synagogue of 1911 be Recognizable in 2011? Concluding service and Break-the-fast potluck, 5:30 p.m.

Please call 712.323.8885 to RSVP and let us know what dish you’d like to bring.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kol Nidre, 6:55 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service (Yizkor), 9 a.m.; Alternative service, 9:45 a.m.; Family Service, 10:30 a.m.; Tot Service, 11:30 a.m.; Study session, 4:35 p.m. with Rabbi Jules Harlow; Minha-Ne’ilah service, 5:35 p.m.; Children’s procession, 7:10 p.m.; Sounding of the Shofar, 7:20 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: No BESTT Classes; Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Sukkah Building-Volunteers are welcome to help Men’s Club members as they construct the sukkah from 8 a.m.–3 p.m. If possible, bring tools and work gloves.

Breakfast and lunch will be served.; USY, Kadima and Chaverim youth groups Sukkah Decorating, 3 p.m.

MONDAY: Jews ‘n’ Brews, 7 p.m., at the synagogue.

TUESDAY: Beth El Playgroup for children ages five and younger and their parents, will meet at 10:30 a.m. at the home of Caryn Scheer. All families in the Jewish community are welcome; no cost to join. Participants are asked to bring sack lunches for themselves and their children. To RSVP, contact Scheer at 402.614.2721, or at carynscheer@ yahoo.com.

WEDNESDAY-Erev Sukkot: Minha-Ma’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

THURSDAY-Sukkot: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

SIMCHAT TORAH: Our Simchat Torah celebration will take place on Thursday, Oct. 20. (see full story on page 4.)

All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Selichot, 6:40 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m.; Kol Nidre, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 8 a.m.; Torah Reading, 9:30 a.m.; Sermon, 10 a.m., followed by Yizkor; The Book of Yonah class, 4:15 p.m. with Rabbi Gross; Mincha, 5:15 p.m.; Neilah, 6:30 p.m.; Fast Ends, 7:35 p.m.; A dinner to break the fast will be held at the synagogue.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast; Help put up the synagogue’s sukkah after breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Selichot, 6:40 a.m.; Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call; New Monthly Women’s class led by Ilana Weiss, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders is cancelled this week; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY-Sukkot: Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by lunch in the sukkah; Mincha, 6:30 p.m.; Kiddush no earlier than 7:28 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Kol Nidre, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Service, 9 a.m.; Yizkor Memorial Service, 11 a.m.; Afternoon Service, 5 p.m.; Neilah Closing Service, 6 p.m.; Fast Ends, 7:37 p.m. followed by light refreshments.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

WEDNESDAY-Erev Sukkot: Services, 7 a.m.; Evening Services, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY-Sukkot: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Evening Services, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, Oct. 14-Sukkot: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Evening Services, 6 p.m.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Yom Kippur Evening Service, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Yom Kippur Children’s Service (Parents are encouraged to attend) 9 a.m.; Yom Kippur Morning Service, 10 a.m.; Yom Kippur Afternoon Service, Yizkor (Memorial Service), and Neilah (Concluding Service), 3 p.m.; Break-theFast Potluck, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; LJCS Breakfast in the Sukkah, 11:30 a.m. (parents invited) WEDNESDAY-Erev Sukkot: No LJCS Classes THURSDAY-Sukkot: Choir rehearsal, 7:30-9 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 There will be no services starting Sept. 30 until after Simchat Torah. Services will resume Oct. 28.

B’nai Mitzvah Abby Hack, daughter of Rosie Zweiback and Mace Hack, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Temple Israel.

Abby is an eighth-grade High Honor Roll student at Westside Middle School.

Her interests include dance.

For her mitzvah project, Abby is a volunteer counselor at Camp Munroe, a UNMC summer camp for children with intellectual disabilities.

She has a sister, Grace, and a brother, Joe. Grandparents are Debbi and Speedy Zweiback, the late Hermene Zweiback, and Renee and Robert Hack of Greenwich, CT. Jacob Aaron Spivack, son of Marcie and Brent Spivack, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 15, at Beth El. Jacob is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Millard North Middle School. He received the Star Student Award

and a Merit Scholarship Award.

His interests include playing guitar, piano, baritone, football, basketball, ping pong, billiards, hanging with friends, and volunteering.

For his mitzvah project, Jacob is working with the Youth Emergency Services organization. He borrowed a fire pit and brought indgredients for s’mores for the teens, played guitar and sang songs with them. He also did odd jobs to earn money that he used to purchase bus passes for the teens.

They all had a great time. The fresh fruit displayed in centerpieces at his bar mitzvah luncheon will be brought to the teen shelter afterward.

He has a brother, Ethan and a sister, Chaeli.

Grandparents are Shirley Spivack and the late Richard Spivack, and the late Gail and the late Chase Doughten.

Great-grandparent is Jessie Ray Bremer.

Candlelighting Friday, October 7, 6:38 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Kol Nidre, 7 p.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

SATURDAY: Yom Kippur Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led

by Andy Greenberg; Mincha & Neilah, 3 p.m. led by Marti Nerenstone.

THURSDAY: Sukkot Service, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Kol Nidre Service, 7:30 p.m.; Sitter Service is available.

SATURDAY: Children’s service, 9 a.m.; Tot Service, 9 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:15 a.m.; Reading and Meditations, 12:30 p.m. read by lay leaders; The Shofar Calls You to Tell a Story, 12:30 p.m. Come share with us your stories and yourself; Moments of Remembrance, 2 p.m. with Marla Cohen, MS; Sermon discussion, 3 p.m. with congregation members and clergy; Afternoon service/Yizkor/Neilah/Havdalah, 3:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School TUESDAY: Social Justice Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; No Grades 7-8; Erev Sukkot Service, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: Breakfast in the Sukkah, 9:30 a.m.; Sukkot Service, 10:30 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kol Nidre, 6:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Yom Kippur, 9 a.m.; Child care is available, 9 a.m.-noon; Youth Services, 11 a.m.-noon led by Marina Kushner and Avi Knecht; Mincha, 5:30 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:39 p.m. with Break-the-fast meal to follow.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; LJCS Breakfast in the Sukkah, 11:30 a.m. (parents invited) WEDNESDAY-Erev Sukkot: No LJCS Classes Join us for our Joint Sukkot Dairy Potluck Dinner on Sunday, Oct. 16, 12:15 p.m. in the Tifereth Israel Sukkah.

Please bring a dairy dish in a disposable aluminum pan to share with others.

Freed Iranian captive Josh Fattal’s father is ex-Israeli

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Josh Fattal, one of the American hikers freed by Iran, has a Jewish father who once lived in Israel.

The reports are coming out now with the release of Fattal and Shane Bauer, who had been accused of espionage, from an Iranian prison last week.

Fattal's father, Jacob, emigrated from Iraq to Israel in 1951, and after serving in the Israeli army moved to the United States. Jacob Fattal’s siblings still live in Israel.

The senior Fattal had stayed out of the media spotlight during the two-year ordeal, allowing his wife and another son to give media interviews, the Philadelphia Jewish Exponent reported. The family also rejected offers of several Jewish organizations to intervene, according to the newspaper.

Josh Fattal had visited Israel several times, including a short trip prior to his hiking trip in Iraq.

Fattal and Bauer, as well as Bauer's girlfriend, Sarah Shourd, were arrested in 2009 as they were hiking near the unmarked border between Iran and Iraq; Iran said they crossed into Iranian territory. Shourd was released a year ago.

Josh Fattal has returned home to suburban Philadelphia. JTA had refrained from reporting on his capture until his release for fear of connecting him to something Jewish during his captivity in Iran.

The Jewish Press will be closed on Thursday and Friday, Oct. 13-14 for Sukkot, and Thursday and Friday, Oct. 20-21, for Shemini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.

Pulverent e

October 7, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Life is not a carnival

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Yom Kippur In our neck of the woods, now and then a traveling carnaval will come by.

You pay a quarter, and you get balls, like baseballs, to throw at a moving target.

When you’ve missed with all three, you ask for another, and the owner says: “Not unless you buy another three. You have used up your chances.”

Life isn’t like that, you haven’t used up your chances.

You may have wanted, during the last year, to change your life from frivolities to a serious effort to find meaning in life.

But life is not a carnival. You have not used up your chances.

Yom Kippur reminds us of that. There are still chances, as

many as you require and sincerely want.

You may have wanted during the last year to effect a serious change in your life. You may have wanted -but failed- to become a human being of high standards and purpose. You may have wanted to find in life justice and truth and purpose.

If you have failed, you have not given up your chances.

There is always another one, as long as you ask for it in honesty and truth. Yom Kippur tells us you can still be the kind of human being that God wants us to be, seeking truth and meaning and depth. You have another chance.

But you must earn this chance. Yom Kippur suggests there are three requirements: repentence and prayer and acts of kindness and selflessness. These three, teshuvah, tefillah, and tzedakah, would soften any decree of disaster that has been made about you.

Yom Kippur emphasizes all of this by trying to create spirituality in us, by requiring us to get away from our physical selves. How? By fasting, thus showing that we can be in control of our physical selves, and come to the synagogue in a spirit of repentence and truth.

In memoriam RICHARD A. KATZMAN Richard A. Katzman passed away Sept. 27 at age 62.

Services were held Sept. 28 at Beth Israel Synagogue followed by interment at Beth Israel Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by parents, Julius and Anne “Jan” Katzman.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Julee; son, Jacob; sister and brother-in-law, Sherry and Mark Kohn; father-inlaw and mother-in-law, Jack and Coke Tillman of Wahoo, NE; and many loving relatives and friends.

Richard “Rick” was raised in Omaha and was co-owner of Mastercraft, a local furniture manufacturer. Rick was a lifelong member of Beth Israel Synagogue. He served in many volunteer capacities for the synagogue including two terms as President.

Memorial donations may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue.

NORMAN E. LINCOLN Norman E. Lincoln passed away on Oct. 2 at age 90.

Services were held Oct. 4 at the Temple Israel Cemetery.

He was preceded in death by his daughter, Judy Robinson; brothers, Irving, Harold and Harry Lincoln; sisters, Gloria Cohen and Helen Lerner.

He is survived by wife Marjorie Lincoln; daughter, Susan

MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

402-341-2452

One Call, One Low Price* for over 170 Newspapers!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 170 Nebraska newspapers and get your message to over 760,000 readers. Statewide coverage for less than $5.20 per publication*. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska. Other sizes available upon request.

Call this newspaper or 1-800-369-2850 for more information.

Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation

Bickford; grandchildren, Todd and Amy Robinson, Andy and Lisa Robinson, Dan and Paige Gerelick, Amy and Jason Kinsey; great-grandchildren, Nicholas Davis and Max Gerelick; brothers, Joey and Sheldon Lincoln; sisters, Betty Black, Martha Bird, Shirley Lipsey; sister in law, Helga Patterson; nieces, Rocky Lewis and Sandy Epstein; nephew, Bernie Altsuler.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

SARAH “CHICK” MEYER Sarah “Chick” Meyer passed away on Sept. 28 at age 101.

There was a private family burial.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Morris and Bess Weiner; brother and sister-in-law, Albert and Esther; brothers, Arthur and David; sister and brother-in-law, Rose and Burton Sherre; and husband, Leon Nogg.

Survived by daughter and son-in-law, Peggy and D. David DeLand; grandchildren, Lesley Cohen, Sharee and Murray Newman, and Lawrence Cohen; great-grandchildren, Rebecca Ringley, Nicholas and Alexa Newman, and Jordan and Gabriel Cohen; sisters-in-law, Bea Weiner and Sheila Weiner; stepson, Gerald Meyer; and many loving relatives and friends.

Memorial contributions may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue or the Josie Harper Hospice House.

Bedouin Arabs riot following mosque arson

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Rioters in a Bedouin Arab town in northern Israel torched buildings in the wake of an arson attack on a local mosque.

Youth from the village of of Tuba-Zangariyye who set fire to the council building Monday night and also seriously damaged the youth cultural center and village health clinic.

On Sunday night, the community’s mosque was set on fire, destroying holy books and prayer rugs. Graffiti, including the words “price tag” and “Palmer,” were spray-painted on the walls of the mosque, according to reports. Police reportedly have arrested some suspects in the Sunday night arson attack.

Price tag refers to the strategy that extremist settlers have adopted to exact a price in attacks on Palestinians in retri-

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

bution for settlement freezes and demolitions or for Palestinian attacks on Jews. Palmer likely refers to Israeli Asher Palmer, who was killed Sept. 23 along with his infant son after a rock thrown in an apparent terrorist attack crashed through the windshield of his car.

Residents of Tuba-Zangariyye, which has a population of slightly more than 5,000, have blamed extremists from the nearby town of Safed. The village also is near the Golan Heights.

Israeli police have stepped up alerts in the area out of concern that Israeli Arabs will carry out revenge attacks, Haaretz reported. The price tag attack was condemned across Israel’s political and religious spectrum and by Jewish organizations in the United States.

1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 10-07-11. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 50. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $37.50 US, $72 foreign. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 681542198, 402-334-6448; Contact Person: Lori Kooper-Schwarz, 402-334-6558. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Creative Director: Publisher--Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Editor--Annette van de Kamp-Wright, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Creative Director--Richard Busse, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 10. Owner: Jewish Federation of Omaha, Inc., 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 11. Known Bondholders, Mortgages and Other Security Holders Owning or Holding 1 percent or More of Total Amount of Bonds, Mortgages or Other Securities: None. 12. For completion by nonprofit organizations authorized to mail at special rates. The purpose, function and non-profit status of this organization and the exempt for federal income tax purpose: Has Not Changed During Preceding 12 Months. 13.

Publication Title: Jewish Press. 14. Issue Date for Circulation Data Below: 9--16-11. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 896. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2030. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other NonUSPS Paid Distribution--150 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3086. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form--3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--110. f.

Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--120. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3206. h. Copies Not Distributed--394. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96%. No. Copies of Single Issue Published Nearest to Filing Date--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3600. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) - 897. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2021. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--150. (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--9 c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3077. d. Free Distribution by Mail: (Samples, Complimentary and Other Free). (1) Outside-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (2) In-County as Stated on Form 3541-0. (3) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--110. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--120. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3207. h. Copies Not Distributed--393 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--96% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct. 7, 2011, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner.

Annette van de Kamp, Editor, 10-03-2008.

I certify that all information furnished on this form is true and complete. I understand that anyone who furnishes false or misleading information on this form or who omits material or information requested on the form may be subject to criminal sanctions (including fines and imprisonment) and/or civil sanctions (including multiple damages and civil penalties).

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS PREGNANT? CONSIDERING Adoption? Living expenses, housing, medical, continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. Adopt Connect, 1-866-743-9212. (Void in Illinois, Indiana).

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $210/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale.

Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

DO YOU live in rural Nebraska and need a small business loan under $50,000? REAP can help! Call 402-656-3091 or visit www.cfra.org/reap.

Toddlers and Yarmulkas On October 27, from 1:30 to 2:30 p.m., the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will host its own not-soserious version of a beauty pageant.

If your child is between 6 wks and 5 years old, they can compete in various categories, such as ‘worst singer,’ ‘worst bedhead’ or ‘most creative headwear.’ To sign up, and for more information, contact Karen Menagh at 402.334.6520, or email her at kmenagh@rbjh.com.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.

CONTRACT SALESPERSONS to sell aerial photography of farms on commission basis, $5,000-8,000/ month. Proven product and earnings. Travel required; sales experience preferred. 1-877-882-3566.

CNAs (CERTIFIED Nursing Assistants) Wanted: Alpine Village Skilled Nursing, attractive salary, benefits, meaningful employment. Housing available, new school, beautiful community. 402-668-2209 or e-mail administrator@alpinecares.com.

HELP WANTED: Experienced Scraper & Dozer operators. Wage DOE, EOE. Please call 605-343-5162, fax resume to 605-341-6343, or e-mail resume to lindarconst@rushmore.com.

HELP WANTED: Meat cutter/manager needed in Aurora, Nebraska. Please call Patrick at 402-694-6121 to apply. Aurora Mall is a combination hardware/grocery store in a vibrant rural town with great schools.

ATTENTION OWNER Operators! New pay increase. No upfront costs, industries best fuel discounts, bonus programs and home weekly. 25+, 2 years OTR, CDL-A. 1-866-9464322, www.drive4fcc.com.

RAILCREW XPRESS hiring dependable and dedicated drivers in multiple areas of Nebraska. Pass background check, drug screen and MVR test. Apply online at www.railcrewxpress.com, 1-866-601-3270.

YOU GOT the drive, we have the direction. OTR Drivers, APU equipped pre-pass EZpass, pets/passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% No Touch. 1-800-528-7825.

WANTED TO buy all grades of alfalfa. Also hiring hauling & grinding positions, clean driving record & CDL required. Fries Hay, Benkelman, 308-737-1024 or 308-423-2872.

12 | The Jewish Press | October 7, 2011

Mainstreeters musical luncheon

Campaign 2012 is here

by OZZIE NOGG Mainstreeters continues its monthly lunch series on Monday, Oct. 17 with a Musical Memories Luncheon featuring Joyce Torchia, a self-described “former shower singer” who went on to perform in the Omaha

Doing a World of Good

Attending the 2012 Major Gifts Campaign Kick-off event at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home were, clockwise from left: Jerry Silverman, President and CEO of the Jewish Federations of North America; Jay Noddle, Allan Murow, and Buzz Malashock; Ellie Batt and Joel Alperson; Barb Platt, David Gilinsky, Katherine Finnegan, and Mike Platt; Stacie Brodkey and Stacey Rockman; Debbie Denenberg, Gloria and Howard Kaslow, and Shami Jacobs.

Community Playhouse productions of Annie and The Full Monty as well as in From Generation to Generation at the Jewish Community Center. Torchia is a Vocalist Joyce Torchia is member of The Merrymakers, a smitten with singing, and group that provides the very best performs every chance in professional entertainment for she gets. Hear her at the senior audiences. “Joyce has a Oct. 17 Mainstreeters cute personality and is lots of luncheon. fun,” said Maggie Conti, RBJH Activities Director. “Her program will take us on a musical journey through the decades.

You won’t want to miss this tune-filled afternoon.”

The Musical Memories Luncheon begins at 12:30 p.m. in The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auditorium. Entree choices are Panko Crusted Cod with Seasoned Rice or Spinach Lasagna, both served with mixed vegetables and mushroom barley soup. Cost is $10 a plate. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send full payment to: Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha NE 68154. Reservations are appreciated by Monday, Oct. 10. If you have questions, call Shelley Stern at 402.333.1201.

Before the Musical Memories Luncheon, Mainstreeters is offering a flu shot clinic sponsored by the Visiting Nurses Association. The shots are available from 10 a.m. to noon on Main Street at the Blumkin Home and are free for persons with a Medicare Part B card. “Be sure to bring your card,” Conti said. “Prevention is the key to fighting the flu bug.”

Please join us for the Jewish Federation’s Humanitarian of the Year Award community-wide Buddy Goldstein awards event The Phil & Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award Bonnie Bloch & Jim Farber

Monday, October 17 7 p.m. | JCC theater Special guest emcee Tom Fellman A special musical performance from the upcoming production of the Wizard of Oz.

Community Service Award (co-winners) 2010 JCC Maccabi Games & JFStival! Celebrating 100 Years of Jewish Family Service Bruce Fellman Memorial Young Leadership Award Mike Siegel Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Young Leadership Award Stacie Brodkey

Volunteers of the Year Jewish Federation of Omaha | Ellie Batt Jewish Community Center | Maccabi Games volunteers David Finkle, Judi Finkle, Denise Meyers, Susan Polack, Ben Shapiro, David Kohll, Justin Kohll, Tony Gedroez and James May Jewish Social Services/RBJH | Dr. Jim Wax ADL/Community Relations Committee | Kristy McGuire Jewish Press | Bobbi Leibowitz Center for Jewish Education | Sharon Comisar-Langdon Institute for Holocaust Education | Bob Cohen