October 11, 2013

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA October 11, 2013 7 Cheshvan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 04

2013 Sokolof Lecture

This Week

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha “The Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies has once again garnered one of the best and brightest to speak at the 5th Annual Ruth and Phil Sokolof Lecture Series,” said Gary Javitch, a Schwalb Center advisory committee member.

Ambassador Stuart E. Eizenstat is an attorney and heads the International Practice at Covington & Burling, LLP in Washington D.C. He has received seven honorary doctorate degrees and more than 100 awards including the Legion of Honor from France and an Honorary Doctor of Human Letters from the Jewish Theological Seminary of America.

Eizenstat has served in senior leadership positions in three U.S. administrations: White House Chief Domestic Policy Advisor for President Jimmy Carter and Under Secretary of State; Deputy Secretary of the Treasury and Ambassador to the European Union in the Clinton Administration, and as a member of President Lyndon Johnson’s White House staff.

“We are fortunate this year to have such a special guest. Ambassador

International Chess Grandmaster to visit Omaha Page 4

A piece of Israel in Omaha Page 5

Stuart E Eizenstat Eizenstat not only served three U.S presidents in his distinguished government career, but is also quite well known for his many contributions to the American Jewish community,” said Nate Schwalb, founder of the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies.

The lecture will take place at UNO’s Thompson Alumni Center on Wednesday, Oct. 23 at 7 p.m. It is free and open to the public.

His latest book, The Future of the Jews: How Global Forces are Impacting the Jewish People, Israel, and its Relationship with the United States, will serve as the basis for his talk in Omaha. In it, he surveys the major geopolitical, economic, and security challenges facing the world in general, and the Jewish world and the United States in particular.

Some of the challenges he references include the shift of power and influence from the United States and Europe to the emerging powers in Asia and Latin America; the battle for the direction of the Muslim world; changing demographics in relation to worldwide Jewry and the rise of a new anti-Semitism that seeks to delegitimize Israel as a Jewish state.

He also discusses the enduring nature of and challenges to the strategic alliance between the United States and Israel. “The ambassador’s strategic analysis should prove interesting to anyone concerned about the future of Jews worldwide. His depth of knowledge and experience will make for a fascinating lecture,” said Stacey Rockman, past Chair of the Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies.

Continued on page 2

The summer camp perspective Eliad Unplugged Pages 8 and 9

Inside Point of view Synagogues

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

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by DIANA BURMISTROVICH (JNS.org) For those of us who ever went to summer camp, we vividly remember our first night in a bunk, first scary story, first campfire, and for some, our first kiss. But for nine children from the southern Israeli city of Sderot, who spent three weeks in 2007 at Camp Sunapee in Georges Mills, NH, their first vivid memory of summer camp was a peaceful night.

Most of the campers at Camp Sunapee were first or second-generation immigrant Jews from the former Soviet Union. Having friends was one thing, but having a community around you that understands your culture, your ideologies, and your upbringing is another.

“A support system is equal to a trampoline. It helps us to jump high and to land safely,” wrote camp director Inessa Rifkin in an open letter to her campers. “Summer is the best time for building your children’s support system. During the summer, a child is free from all the worries of the school year. His or her soul is free and open for people.”

Word spreads fast among Russian

Jews. Whispers began before we got to camp that children from Sderot, which is frequently subject to attacks

by Palestinian Qassam rockets, would join us. My counselor the previous

with photographs and cutouts. At some point, I took on a counselor’s role and spent much of my time listening to their stories.

They were much like other girls

Nine children, from the southern Israeli city of Sderot, spent three weeks in 2007 at Camp Sunapee in Georges Mills, NH. Credit: Courtesy of Diana Burmistrovich summer was Masha Rifkin, who had spent the past year studying in Israel and would be facilitating their arrival.

The group of nine children arrived at the camp with fanfare and celebration. Regardless, we were not sure how to greet them. Were we to treat them like any other camper? Did they speak English or Russian? Did they follow sports or watch movies like we did? For the first few days, boys and girls aged 9 to 13 felt very alien.

Our initial concerns were assuaged as we got to meet, speak, and play with them. The girls quickly assimilated into our cabin life. After picking out which combination of bunk beds was the most suitable for midnight whispers, they decorated their spaces

their age. Same interests, same ideologies, and the same ways they prepared for the camp dance. But the differences between our real life and theirs soon became very clear.

The night of the dance was a stormy one. The first few drips of rain evolved into vigorous thunder and lightening, the raindrops rapping on the aluminum roof of the cafeteria building. Across the room, past the children dancing, laughing, and running, I saw 12-year-old Nadia caressing the head of the youngest Sderot camper, Dalia, and ran over.

“I thought we finally had quiet! I thought there are no Qassams here!” she sobbed repeatedly while curling Continued on page 2

Rabbi Yoffie returns to Temple Israel

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President Emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism, returns to Temple Israel as a scholar-in-residence during its dedication weekend, Oct. 11-13.

Rabbi Eric Yoffie “I am honored to be participating in the dedication weekend,” Rabbi Yoffie said. “I have a long relationship with Temple Israel. I first visited when I was director of the Midwest Council of the Union for Reform Judaism in the early 1980s, and I know what a creative, dynamic and unique synagogue it is.”

Rabbi Yoffie will deliver the sermon during the Friday evening dedication service. He will discuss, among other things, “the fact that Temple Israel is engaged in an interfaith experiment without precedent or parallel in American religious life.”

Saturday morning, Rabbi Yoffie, who writes regularly for The Huffington Post, The Jerusalem Post and Haaretz, will lead the 9 a.m. Torah study class in a discussion of the week’s Torah portion.

“The focus of the Torah in this portion moves from the universal to the particular, and we see the beginning of the history of the people of Israel as well as Abraham’s journey to the Land of Israel,” Rabbi Yoffie said.

He will also talk about “some contemporary issues related to the State of Israel today.”

On Sunday, Rabbi Yoffie will engage with the Leadership Development class over brunch, during which he “will talk both about what it means to be part of the Reform Jewish movement and specific leadership advice for new synagogue leaders.”

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, who has known Rabbi Yoffie for many years, calls him “a strong advocate for justice and a passionate supporter of the State of Israel.”

Rabbi Yoffie is “a scholar, a wise leader of the URJ, and a lover of Jews and Judaism,” Rabbi Azriel said. “We are lucky and fortunate that he agreed to come for our Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

Are you going?

15 Foundation funds provide scholarships for Omaha Jewish youth to attend Jewish summer camps. More camp scholarships are needed. Establish your own camp scholarship endowment fund at the Foundation.

Contact Howard Epstein, Executive Director 402-334-6466 | hepstein@jewishomaha.org | www.jfofoundation.org

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications, Jewish Federation of Omaha Celebrate the 2014 Annual Campaign at the upcoming B’nai Mitzvah Party for the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Chief party creators Cindy Goldberg and Kimberly Robinson are planning a celebration that emulates all the best of B’nai mitzvah parties. The fun begins at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Dave & Buster’s, 2502 S. 133rd Plaza. A complimentary Kosher dinner, drinks and endless fun are guaranteed!

In addition to music, videos and all the great family games available at Dave & Buster’s, a B’nai Mitzvah party wouldn’t be complete without a slide show! Yes, that’s right, don’t miss the “Blast from the Past” slide show!

In fact, we want you to send us your Bar or Bat Mitzvah photo for our slide show. Join in the fun as we identify our family members and childhood friends from old B’nai Mitzvah photos!

Think you can find the neighbor with the permed hairdo

or the classmate with the plaid sport jacket? How about a favorite cousin who always wore electric blue eye shadow back in the day? You won’t know unless you join us on the 20th.

Email your photo to jspooner@ jewishomaha.org, post it on the Federation Facebook page or just stop by campus, ask for Margie Utesch in the Marketing Department and she’ll scan your photo right away!

Of course, there’s more.

A photo booth will be on hand for party-goers to pose for their own unique B’nai Mitzvah shots and you’ll want your autograph on the giant community sign-in board. Plenty of schmoozing, B’nai Mitzvahstyle, is also on the agenda.

We want to encourage everyone to RSVP so there’s enough fun for everybody! Call Zach Spooner, Federation Development Associate at 402.334.6431 and let him know you are coming or send a quick email to jspooner@jewishomaha.org.

Sokolof Lecture Continued from page 1 The Ambassador’s previous speaking engagements have been described as, “a uniquely interesting view of the roles of Israel and the United States in a world that is confronting unprecedented simultaneous, cataclysmic changes.”

Ambassador Eizenstat has been a longtime volunteer leader in the Jewish community, most recently as the cochair of the Jewish People Policy Institute in Jerusalem.

As Special Representative of the President and Secretary of State on Holocaust-Era Issues during the Clinton Administration, he developed a keen interest in obtaining belated justice for victims of the Holocaust and other Nazi tyranny during World War II. Ambassador Eizenstat successfully negotiated major agreements with the Swiss, Germans, Austrian and French covering restitution of property, payment for slave and forced laborers, recovery of looted art, bank accounts, and payment of insurance policies.

His book on these events, Imperfect Justice: Looted Assets, Slave Labor, and the Unfinished Business of World War II, has been translated into four languages.

Today his articles appear in The New York Times, Financial

Times, International Herald Tribune, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and Foreign Policy and Foreign Affairs magazines. Ambassador Eizenstat grew up and was educated in the public schools of Atlanta. He is a Phi Beta Kappa, cum laude graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and of Harvard Law School.

The Phil and Ruth Sokolof Lecture Series is made possible by a generous donation from the Sokolof Family Foundation with additional support by the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Established in 2009, the Center’s mission is to create, coordinate, and promote an interdisciplinary program focusing on teaching and scholarship in Jewish and Israeli history, politics, culture, and society. The Center’s primary goal is to expand knowledge about Judaism and Israel, both on the university campus and in the broader Nebraska community.

It is a part of the University of Nebraska Omaha’s College of Arts and Sciences.

For more information about the 2013 Sokolof Lecture, contact Dr. Moshe Gershovich, Director, Schwalb Center for Israel and Jewish Studies at UNO, mgershovich@unom aha.edu, or call 402.554.3175.

The summer camp perspective Continued from page 1 into the smallest position she could get herself into.

Turning around to see the Sderot girls congregated around us wasn’t nearly as remarkable as seeing other campers offering consolation and support. After convincing Dalia that we were far, far away from Qassams, the Sderot girls and I ran hand-in-hand through the field to the cabin.

The composed facade that the other girls maintained unraveled as soon as we entered the door of our cabin.

Though the older girls realized the booming, thunderous sound was lightening, the volume and surprise still conjured up memories of Qassam rockets raining on their neighborhoods and Tseva Adom (Hebrew for “color red,” the emergency radar) warning them of their 30-second limit to find shelter. The rest of the night was spent trying to unwind.

Needless to say, we all slept in the same bunk that night.

“Sderot was a harsh smack into reality. I couldn’t believe that, within the very land that was created to defend the Jewish people, they were suffering—quietly—unbeknownst to most of Israel, let alone the rest of the world. I wanted to change that, both to offer some respite to the kids I had come to deeply care about and to raise awareness of their situation,” said Masha.

The night of the dance, they attempted to describe how they maintain their resilience. All they knew to do was to stick together in these times, for they were never sure if their family or friends would be seen again. Despite the hardships of living there, Sderot was their home, and they did not want to abandon it.

The courage of these children bolstered our sense of community support and connection to Israel. That summer, we learned that our responsibility was not only to take care of ourselves and our families. As we grew closer to Israel, and its children, we realized that the support we got from our own families and communities had to be extended to the

greater Jewish world.

Diana Burmistrovich is the Communications Assistant for JNS.org. She is graduating in May from Boston University with a degree in Journalism and Public Policy and her writing has been published in various Jewish publications nationwide.

Rabbi Yoffie Continued from page 1 Dedication, and to spend the weekend talking and teaching. Rabbi Yoffie is a great leader for Reform Judaism.”

Rabbi Yoffie shares Rabbi Azriel’s enthusiasm and said he is looking forward to an “exciting and historic weekend.”

Future scholars-in-residence at Temple Israel this year include Anat Hoffman, Executive Director of the Israel Religious Action Center, the legal and advocacy arm of the Reform Movement in Israel, and chairwoman of Women of the Wall, a group of Jewish women from around the world who strive to achieve the right, as women, to wear prayer shawls, pray and read from the Torah collectively and out loud at the Western Wall in Jerusalem; Rabbi Douglas Kohn, author of Life, Faith, and Cancer: Jewish Journeys through Diagnosis, Treatment, and Recovery, who will discuss, among other topics, what resources exist for individuals and communities for cancer patients and their caregivers; and Rabbi Geoff Mitelman, the founding director of “Sinai and Synapses,” a program designed to bridge the religious and scientific worlds and offer people a world view that is scientifically grounded and spiritually uplifting.

Scholars-in-residence at Temple Israel are sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.

October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Foundation Funds provide Camp Scholarships

by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Thanks to the generosity of a number of donors who established funds at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, Jewish summer camp scholarships are confidentially allocated to some of Omaha’s Jewish youth. These scholarships are based on financial need.

“Many Omaha Jewish families cannot afford to send their children to summer camp unless they receive financial assistance,” noted Howard Epstein, Foundation Executive Director.

“The Center for Jewish Life (CJL) publishes its annual guide for scholarship and grant opportunities, including Jewish summer camp scholarships. The majority of these scholarships are provided by Foundation funds. The Financial Aid Committee of the CJL reviews all the applications for Jewish camp scholarships and allocates available dollars to recipients in need.”

Epstein continued, “The summer camp scholarship recipients and their parents send heartfelt thank you notes to donors, through the Foundation. These cards and letters reiterate what we know: The unique experiences of Jewish summer camps increase and reinforce the children’s Jewish identity, and further the lessons they learn at home and at synagogue. During their camp experience, Jewish children

form life-long friendships and have fun while expanding their horizons.”

Fifteen funds have been established at the Foundation with a primary or secondary purpose designated to provide Jewish camp scholarships to Omaha area Jewish youth.

When a donor establishes an endowment fund at the Foundation, an essential question the donor must answer is: What will be the fund purpose? In other words, what will the fund’s income specifically support? The donor desig-

nates the purpose of the fund and the Foundation ensures that the fund’s income is only used for that purpose.

Donors can designate their Foundation endowment fund to have a primary purpose of providing summer camp scholarships, such as the Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Family Fund. Or, like the Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund, the fund’s purpose can be to offer camp scholarships as well as other scholarships for college or study trips to Israel.

“Each donor determines what type of legacy he or she wishes to leave our community,” explained Epstein. “We spend time carefully writing an endowment fund agreement so that it accurately reflects the intent of the donor.”

“We are grateful to those who already have endowed these scholarships, which make such a difference in the lives of Omaha Jewish youth,” noted Epstein. “But there are still some families who are unable to send their children to summer camp because of cost. Additional Jewish summer camp scholarship funds would help ensure that more of our children have the opportunity to attend a summer camp.”

To invest in a legacy gift to Omaha’s Jewish community, whether it is for camp scholarships or for a different purpose, please contact Epstein at 402.334.6466 or hepstein@jewishomaha.org.

Journey to “JEW-topia!” during Beth El’s upcoming Family Shabbaton

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity A memorable weekend is promised for adults and children alike as they journey to a marvelous Jewish Utopia during “JEW-topia!” Beth El’s upcoming Family Shabbaton. Geared to all families in the Jewish community with children in the seventh grade and younger, the special retreat is planned for Friday, Nov. 15 -- Sunday, Nov. 17, and will take place at the beautiful Lied Lodge and Convention Center in Nebraska City (www.lied lodge.org).

During the Shabbaton, families will be treated to engaging, child-centered Shabbat services, arts and crafts, music, drama, nature, games and much more, according to Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik.

“This great overnight offers a wonderful opportunity to meet and connect with other families in a casual, relaxed environment,” she said. “Kids and adults will love the activities we’ve planned and will enjoy the camaraderie with old and new friends... the strong sense of community will provide the glue for the weekend.”

In addition, she said, “We are very excited to have three members of the Ramah Wisconsin staff participating in our Family Shabbaton. They will be lending their talents to us by both assisting us in leading programs and bringing that special camp spirit and ruach to the weekend!”

Parental involvement throughout the weekend is encouraged, Gutnik noted, adding, “Whether you’re interested in leading or planning an activity, leading blessings at meal time, or baking challah prior to the weekend, your

participation would be appreciated.”

Cost to attend is $225 for Beth El members and $275 for non-members. Checks may either be mailed to the synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154 (please mark “Attention: Family Shabbaton” on the envelope), or payment may be completed online at www.bethelomaha.org. For more information, contact Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha.org, or Eadie Tsabari, at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org, or at the synagogue office, 402.492.8550.

Funding for Family Shabbaton has been provided by generous donations from the Herbert Goldsten Trust; the Donor-Advised Fund; and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Fund, all administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha; and the Dan Gordman Education Fund.

info@herzlcamp.org www.herzlcamp.org (952) 927-4002

Online Registration Opens October 21 for 2014 Summer

Register online at www.herzlcamp.org Questions?

Call us at 952-927-4002

Taste of Herzl Noar Ha’atid Aleph Ha’atid Bet Tzofim Yesod Habonim Kadimah B’yachad Teva Trek

6/16 - 6/22 6/16 - 6/29 6/16 - 7/14 7/16 - 8/7 6/16 - 7/14 7/16 - 8/7 7/16 - 8/7 7/1 - 8/7 6/24 - 8/7 6/16 - 7/14

One Week Two Weeks Three Weeks Three Weeks Four Weeks Three Weeks Three Weeks Five Weeks Six Weeks Four Weeks

3rd - 4th Grade 4th - 5th Grade 5th - 6th Grade 5th - 6th Grade 7th - 8th Grade 7th Grade 8th Grade 9th Grade 10th Grade 10th - 11th Grade

Scholarships available

4 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

International Chess Grandmaster to visit Omaha

by BEN FABRIKANT 2013 Nebraska State Chess Champion On Nov. 9 Beth Israel Synagogue will be hosting a very special guest on Good Shabbos Nebraska! – America’s favorite Shabbos morning talk show! International Grandmaster Boris Gulko will be at Beth Israel Synagogue where he will learn Torah with us and speak about the history of Jews in chess.

Even for many who don’t follow chess closely, GM Gulko is a celebrity, being closely associated with the Soviet dissidents movement in the 1970’s and 80’s as well as being one of the most widely known and distinguished players on the chess circuit. Among his many chess accomplishments, he is the only person to have won both the USSR and U.S. national championships as well as holding a winning record against arguably the greatest chess player in history, Garry Kasparov.

On Good Shabbos Nebraska, Gulko will discuss the multitude of contributions Jews have made to chess including his own championship titles, the trials and discrimination he faced as a refusenik, and battles with the Soviet KGB. The following Sunday, Nov. 10, Beth Israel will host a historic exhibition when 20 of Nebraska’s best players will have the chance to square off and test their skills against the

Grandmaster in a simultaneous competition (spectators welcome) where Gulko will play all 20 players at once!

Please visit www.goodshabbosnebraska.com for more

details on the Gulko lecture, and join us at Beth Israel Synagogue for what is sure to be a fun and fascinating weekend with one of chess’ greatest exponents.

The Gulko lecture is generously sponsored and made possible by the family of Shirley Goldstein, Nate and Hannah Schwalb, and Richard and Fran Juro.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Father Lannon will speak about Creighton University: A 21st Century Educational Achiever on Wednesday, Oct. 16, noon, at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only 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 was once thought to be a dying language, it is now very much alive, with Webster’s Third International

Dictionary listing more than 500 Yiddish words. It has been perpetuated by greeting cards, television, radio, speakers, plays and books. It is now presented in transliterated form using the Roman alphabet, so that everyone can become a maven instantly. If you want to “jazz up” your conversation, throw in a few Yiddish words. One word in Yiddish has more meaning than a dozen words in any other language. So be a mentsh and zog a por verter, (say a few words). We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the boardroom of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Herzl Camp: A warm, welcoming Jewish Community

by ANNA SIMON We are a warm, welcoming, Jewish community where young people become self-reliant, create lasting Jewish friendships, and develop commitment and love for Judaism and Israel. Herzl Camp creates a vibrant Jewish community of future leaders.

Our camp is located on 120 wooded acres on the shores of a crystal clear lake in Webster, Wisconsin. Herzl Camp is a traditional camp experience where campers escape from technology to spend lots of time outdoors, exploring nature, trying new sports and activities while building friendships and self-confidence. We are an independent, non-profit, transdenominational camp and, for over 68 years, Herzl has been the place for kids to go for summers full of ruach (spirit), Shabbat and friendship. A summer at Herzl builds independence and self-reliance as well as Jewish identity and friendships that last a lifetime.

Our newly expanded facilities provide beautiful places to learn, laugh and play. Activities include sports, swimming, boating, rock climbing, Ultimate Frisbee, drama, dance, Israeli culture, gardening, wilderness skills and photography.

On Shabbat, we alter our activities to make the day more restful and different from the rest of the week.

Campers live in modern, spacious and comfortable cabins. They enjoy healthy, nutritious kosher meals and nosh (snack) together each day. Meals are served family-style with vegetarian options for all meals. Herzl Camp provides medical coverage 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at camp with full-time nurses and doctors.

Counselors and specialists are selected for their skill, maturity, knowledge and natural connection with children. Most are Herzl alumni. Staff to camper ratio is 1:3. Program length varies by age from 1 to 6 weeks. Campers entering grades 3-11.

Explore our website to learn more and then call us to discuss your child’s interests. Visit www.herzlcamp.org or call 952.927.4002. We look forward to getting to know you!

Our winter address is Herzl Camp, 7204 W. 27th Street, Suite 226, St. Louis Park, MN 55426, 952.927.4002, email: info@herzlcamp.org.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The 26th Annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium

“Wealth and Poverty in Jewish Tradition” October 27-28, 2013 Keynote Presentation Sunday, October 27 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center

Hasia Diner Steinberg Professor of American Jewish History at New York University

“Peddlers, the Great Jewish Migration, and the Riddle of Economic Success” Sunday, October 27 Other events are at The Jewish Community Center 9:45 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Monday, October 28 Events at Creighton University Skutt Student Center 8:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.

For further information, please contact Colleen Hastings at the Klutznick office 402-280-2303 or colleenhastings@creighton.edu or visit our website: www.creighton.edu/klutznick Among the Topics we will explore: Korah and Moses as Rich People Poverty and Wealth in American Jewish Films Wealth, Poverty, and the Rabbis Conspicuous Charity and Jewish Unity The High Cost of Being Jewish Care for the Poor in Rabbinic Judaism

October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

A piece of Israel in Omaha

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor Rose Nied, a native Omahan, has recently returned from the San Francisco Bay area to open Magpie. Located in Rockbrook Village, 108th and Center, the store features 1950’s Haywood Wakefield pieces that showcase a unique collection of home décor, including Alessi design products, Frank Lloyd Wright

“I plan,” Rose says, “to continue to find even more interesting and fun gift items that one doesn’t see in other stores. In addition, I would also love to work with local artisans, and help them get started. And expand the jewelry! It’s important to me that the store is unique, and I believe Magpie makes that impression when people walk in the door.”

If you need a beautiful piece of glass, or

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! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

treasures, art glass and a variety of other beautiful gifts -- just in time for Hanukkah shopping.

“My goal,” Rose says, “is to be the number one gift shop in Omaha.”

That may actually be a realistic goal, because in addition to a long list of “must have” pieces, Rose carries jewelry by two important Israeli designers. If you’ve been meaning to buy Israeli products, here’s your chance.

Mariana (who goes by one name only) has been creating her jewelry since 1997. Each of her pieces is handcrafted, using gems, crystal or fabric beads, and layered with 18 carat gold, or antique gold or silver. Some of the Swarovski crystals she uses in her work are over 100 years old. Supporting the Israeli economy has never looked this good.

Ayala Bar works with simple metals, glass beads, mineral stones and crystal rhinestones to create a style of jewelry all her own. ‘Art Deco meets the Middle East,’ it’s been called, and her jewelry definitely has an Israeli feel to it. She creates a limited number of seasonal collections per year, and her pieces are highly collectible.

kitchen utensils that are both functional and attractive to look at (why should your corkscrew be boring?), this is the place to go. Your new favorite pen, pair of cufflinks, and the nicest handmade French soap you’ve ever seen; it’s all there.

“Still, everybody naturally gravitates towards the beautiful jewelry,” Rose says.

“And you can’t get it anywhere else in Omaha.”

Magpie is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Grand opening is Oct. 25. Mention you read about Magpie in the Jewish Press, and receive a 15% discount on any purchase over $100.

Camp fair at Temple Israel

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer On Nov. 10, Temple Israel is hosting a summer camp fair for parents and their children. Representatives, either staff or alumni, from various Jewish camps will be on hand to discuss what their camps have to offer and to answer questions.

“We know that Jewish camping has a life changing impact on our kids and is the best tool to help us reach our goals in our religious school,” Rabbi Josh Brown said.

“We hope this camp fair will be the beginning of a great increase in our kids joining their Jewish friends at camp this summer.”

The camps that have been invited include OSRUI and Herzl, both located in Wisconsin, Shwayder, located west of Denver, and Sabra, in Missouri representatives will be available from 10 a.m.-noon.

“We’re confident that there is a right camp for every child,” Rabbi Brown said.

Each Jewish camp designs its own program to be accessible and enjoyable for all campers. Whether they’re telling stories in their bunks, learning about the environment, or playing tennis, campers are encouraged to explore what Judaism means to them in a safe, nurturing and fun environment.

Director of Lifelong Learning, Debbie Massarano, credits not only her career, but her Judaism, to her Jewish summer camp experience at Camp Swig, now known as Camp Newman, in Santa Rosa, California.

“My experience forever shaped and colored the way in which I live my life and my view of education,” Massarano said. “[My brother and I] came home to our parents and said: ‘We want to do Shabbat.’ My parents looked at us and said, ‘What do you mean,

do Shabbat?’ and we said, ‘Well, you gotta get the challah, you gotta do the wine thing, we gotta go to services, and my parents were like, ‘Seriously, we have to go to services?’ So we schlepped our parents to services.”

Four years later Massarano’s father was president of their congregation and Debbie was on her way to becoming a Jewish educator, beginning with returning to Camp Swig to be a counselor.

“We transformed our twice-a-year Jewish family into actively involved members of our congregation and became a family with a foundation of rich Jewish celebrations and values in our home,” Massarano said. “Through the years I have carried with me the richness of informal education that is integral to camp life. It has shaped each teaching opportunity and every learning encounter.”

The night before the camp fair, Temple Israel will also host a Havdalah service for OSRUI, from 7 - 8:30 p.m.

For younger campers who may not be ready for overnight camps far from home, the JCC offers multiple day camp options during the summer, with activities ranging from sports, art, field trips, swimming and dance.

If you would like to talk to other families who have had Jewish camping experiences, contact Debbie Massarano and she will put you in touch with an appropriate contact.

Financial assistance is also available through Temple Israel and the Jewish Federation of Omaha Center for Jewish Life. Contact Temple Israel Executive Director Dennis DePorte, or CJL Program Coordinator Mary Sue Grossman for more information.

Sports Coming late October

Publishing Date | 10.25.13 Space Reservation | 10.16.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 10.18.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

Out

Dining

6 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

Teens battle it out for a championship title Weapons of choice: Pretzels, lettuce, Lucky Charms

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by RACHEL MARTIN BBYO plans to host another similar culinary competition BBYO Connect held a culinary competition program next year. Azriel explained that they would like to have the Sunday, Sept. 29, for eighth graders and high school-aged event in a bigger venue to accommodate more teams and teens. In this program, the more space for an audience. eighth graders participated in “We have to do this again various Food Networknext year, but on a bigger themed challenges including scale,” Siref said. “Let’s take it Iron Chef, Cutthroat Kitchen, to the next level – like middle and Chopped. school vs. high school.”

Each challenge required Coming up in March 2014, teams to create dishes from BBYO has a Cupcake Wars only the given ingredients. event planned. Participants Judges Tyler Siegel, Andy Siref, will compete to create the best and Dani Belzer then scored and most original cupcakes, a the dishes based on creativity, spinoff of the Food Network presentation and taste. show.

Congratulations to the winBBYO members and staff ning team: BBYO Iron Chefs would like to thank the Omaha Kathleen Kirshenbaum, community members who Lauren Kirk and Amanda supported the sales of Kosher Simon. cupcakes and cookies from the BBYO Iron Chefs winners were Kathleen Kirshenbaum, left, “It was really fun to get Bagel Bin, sold during the Amanda Simon and Lauren Kirk. some eighth grade teens Backyard Concert Series the excited about BBYO through an interactive program like past three Sunday evenings. this,” Siegel said.

Another thank you also goes out to Rachel Saag, Jackie Sixteen participants fought for the title by preparing Wax, and many more BBYO members who helped sell the unique appetizers, entrees and desserts. baked goods.

“One of the more interesting appetizers was a corn, letThey raised $450, and the proceeds from the bake sale will tuce, Ritz cracker, and Laughing Cow Cheese enchilada,” go toward Omaha Cornbelt Council T-shirts and Jewish said Leora Azriel, BBYO and Teen Director. “Watching the Programming. One of the upcoming programs is a “Share judges’ faces while they tasted the different concoctions was the Light” Hanukkah Program. The sales will also help buy hilarious.” coats for the Siena Francis House, to share the warmth this “My favorite dish was made by a group who combined holiday season. marshmallows, strawberries, and chocolate,” Siegel said. “It For more information about BBYO, contact Leora Azriel was surprisingly delicious.” at lazriel@jccomaha.org.

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October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Good Shabbos Nebraska!

by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS Episode 2 of Good Shabbos Nebraska (GSN) airs on Shabbos, Oct. 12. Beth Israel will host special guest Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum.

Rabbi Rosenbaum is a specialist in Biblical history, the paleography and epigraphy of ancient Semitic languages, and American Jewish history.

He was the University of Hartford’s first Maurice Greenberg Professor of Judaic Studies and director of its Maurice Greenberg Center for Judaic Studies from 1986 to 1998. He conceived and helped guide the Henry Luce Forum in Abrahamic Religions, a program jointly sponsored by the University of Hartford, devoted to advancing scholarship concerning and mutual understanding among American Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Jews, Christians, and Muslims.

Rosenbaum From 1995 to 1998, Rosenbaum served as a deputy director of the Ein Gedi Archaeological Expedition in Israel.

He was president of Gratz College from 1998-2009, and he now serves as president emeritus.

A rarity in the contemporary Jewish world, Rabbi Rosenbaum has served as a rabbi in Reform, Conservative, and Orthodox congregations. During his student years at HUC-JIR, he held a student rabbi position at Congregation Israel (Reform), Galesburg, IL (1970-1972). While at Harvard he was assistant rabbi, Temple Israel (Conservative), Swampscott, MA, (1972–76), and then a part-time rabbi of Congregation Israel (Conservative), Danville, IL (1976–84). From 1994 to 1998 he was rabbi of

Congregation Agudas Achim, a mainstream Orthodox, century-old congregation in West Hartford, CT. Dr. Rosenbaum has a strong connection to Omaha which formed when he taught in the Department of Religious Studies at the University of Nebraska from 1978 to 1986.

During that time he was an active member of the Jewish community, a member of Beth Israel synagogue, and the study partner of Beth Israel’s Rabbi Isaac Nadoff.

“My wife Susan, my children, and I consider Omaha our home. Of all of the many communities that we have lived in, we never found one that was more welcoming and committed to the ideals of Jewish life and living,” said Dr. Rosenbaum.

Dr. Rosenbaum is excited to be part of Good Shabbos Nebraska. In a recent interview, Dr. Rosenbaum said, “GSN is indicative of the classic approach at Beth Israel. The openness to community and utilizing Shabbos as an opportunity to engage and immerse in Torah. The program is not called Good Shabbos Beth Israel - it is Good Shabbos Nebraska, demonstrating how it is for everyone in the Jewish community.”

It is a great honor to be hosting a scholar of Rabbi Dr. Rosenbaum’s credentials and reputation. I look forward to having a chance to interview him and learn Torah together with him. It is especially nice to have a guest with deep ties to Omaha. He made a great impact on our community that is still felt 30 years later.

Every episode of GSN engages viewers with fascinating discussions on Jewish topics ranging from current events, history, philosophy, and, of course, the weekly Torah portion. Say farewell to the pulpit and say hello to the contemporary synagogue experience featuring discussions that talk with you and not at you.

Good Shabbos Nebraska airs every Shabbos at 10 a.m.

ONLY at Beth Israel Synagogue. For more information visit www.goodshabbosnebraka.com, on Facebook at www.face book.com/Goodshabbosnebraska, and on twitter @Good ShabbosNeb.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $45 for the rest of the year and all of 2014, made out to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

Have some fall fun with Beth El at Valas

Beth El’s congregants were treated to pumpkins, picnics and fun during last year’s fall outing at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch in Gretna. This year’s Vala’s get-together is planned for this Sunday at 3:30 p.m.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Valas Pumpkin Patch in Gretna will be the place to be on Sunday, Oct. 13, as Beth El’s Young Adult Committee sponsors a Fall Fun Day for all 20-and 30-somethings (single and married) and families in the Jewish community. An afternoon/evening of pumpkin-picking, a picnic, hayrack ride and campfire has been planned by organizers Sonia Tipp and Linda Fischer.

“We’ll meet inside the front entrance at 3:30 p.m. to enjoy all of the fun attractions at Valas; then at 5:30 p.m., we’ll head to campfire site #11 for a bonfire and dinner,” Tipp said. “This is a great way to get outside and participate in fun fall activities. There are over 40 attractions and a variety of shows to enjoy. The campfire is always a hit with the kids and the s’mores are a messy, fun, and sweet way to end the evening.”

Attendees will pay admission at the door, and Beth El’s dinner fee is $6 per person (bring checks to the camp site).

For more information, contact Tipp at stipp0811@ yahoo.com or 402.968.5519, or Fischer at ljlaz@aol.com or 402.996.0383.

Financial Coming early November

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October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

8 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

Eliad Unplugged

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life If you are looking for tabloid tales of childhood antics from Eliad Eliyahu Ben Shushan, don’t ask him what naughty things he did as a little boy. “Really, I was so good I think I was what you would call ‘being a nerd,’” he laughed. Eliad related that he didn’t care to play football (soccer) or other sports. And when he scored a basketball goal while in the 12th grade, a great celebration arose from the enormity of the surprise.

“I especially didn’t like running track. It made no sense to me - to run without a goal of getting somewhere. What’s the point? A cat could do that faster,” he quipped. Today Eliad still isn’t running circles, but he is on the move and he is moving toward his goals. Perhaps the seeds of determination that keep him on the go were planted by an event from his youth.

A young second grader was waiting to obtain his siddur and dutifully practicing the singing of Adon Olam. It can’t be known for sure, but perhaps the other kids were outside running track or playing football. Eliad was happily focused on his singing, which he was learning very well. As fate would have it, a visiting teacher heard Eliad’s singing and was captured by it. The teacher later promised Eliad’s father that this young boy was well on his way to becoming a notable singer. The promise served to reinforce a passion that was already kindling in Eliad and proved to be a prophecy. He continued practicing. Because of his practice and his developing skill, whenever an event called for a singer, he was asked to have the honor. “Today you would be very surprised to know that even with all that singing, I was very shy. There was kind of a conflict with being shy and being driven inside to perform,” related Eliad. “I think it is like I have these two different personalities. It was sort of an outlet for me.” His audiences today are appreciative of the fact that his outlet leads to their enjoyment.

As Eliad continued his schooling, he continued his passion for the performing arts. By the 9th and 10th grades he ran counter to many recommendations to pursue the sciences and put his energy into the study of theater and literature. Along the way he received the honors of being named the best student in his class, and then the best student in the town of Akko. “That’s pretty good, isn’t it?” he asked, as if the accomplishment needed validation. Eliad wanted to be in the theater. “I learned that the stage was but a platform to finish life and a way to keep you sane,” he reflected. All during this time he continued to perform as a singer. When he joined the army Eliad became a part of an entertainment group. “I had the wonderful privilege of traveling and entertaining throughout all of Israel.

It was a great feeling knowing that I helped bring some joy and happiness to many people. That really was a special time for me,” Eliad shared.

If you have been with Eliad for even a brief time, you sense an incredible amount of joyful energy. Where does that come from? “I believe in G-d and I cherish the Torah,” he said sincerely. “The Torah gives us the power to understand what it is to do the right thing and then to do it. There is some peace in that, and from this peace I am blessed with having a great deal of energy.” For Eliad, being Jewish is not only important, it also forms the core of who he is.

“Maybe this heritage is part of the reason that I believe in the importance of Israel. It is not only a country, it is a way of life and encountering the world,” he said. “I want to share this Israel that I know with as many people as I can.” Given his energy, he will.

Eliad relates that whether he is speaking and performing for a large group or with 1 or 2 young children it is all the same. Someone is hearing the message.

Perhaps this inner peace and outer energy played a part in his reaction when he first saw the person who was to become his wife, Sara. Eliad smiled, “My best friend was the college roommate of Sara’s brother. This guy kind of liked a CD that I had produced and thought, ‘why not – I can introduce him to my sister.’” If you are thinking that the rest is a great story, you are correct. “The first time I saw Sara I was overwhelmed. She was the most beautiful woman I had seen, and who she was made her even more beautiful. She was a little shy, certainly very soft-spoken and humble, and quietly confident.” Things went pretty fast after that. “I wasn’t sure I could make it through the first meeting with her family. I was shy, scared, and almost trembling. But the evening went well, and Sara and I continued to date.”

Continued to date indeed. Eliad had met Sara on Aleph Kislev and they were married exactly 9 months to the day later, on Aleph Elul. That time and those dates have taken on special meaning for the couple. And things must continue to go well. They have three children, a son, Nehoray (6), a daughter, Shilat (4), and another son, Amitay (2). When asked what it meant for him to be a father, Eliad shared that he thought it was important for him to teach his children to find a way to be happy in life. “I don’t mean that they are happy because they have things. I want them to be happy because they discover their own character, establish their own space and pursue their own dreams. I want them to enjoy their uniqueness. I want them to appreciate the basic things in life. I want them to love G-d.” Together with Sara, the children are in good hands.

Perhaps indicative of the way Eliad approaches life by being grounded in Judaism and his belief in G-d, is the way in which his family came to be in Omaha at this time. “It really started in October of last year when I was visiting,” he explained.

He saw that Omaha had good schools, that there were friendly people here, and that he liked the city. “Zoë Riekes kind of got me thinking about the possibility of coming here as a Shaliach. The idea intrigued me.” Being a community shaliach and maintaining his work as the Education Coordinator for Partnersip2Gether would be a daunting task and one that no one had ever pursued before. If you doubt that Eliad could do it, read the paragraph above regarding his energy.

He’s doing it. Moving out of Israel with three children is not something one decides to do in an evening. “Sara and I talked about it a lot. We asked ourselves if this is really the best thing for our children. We knew that there were possibilities to be in Brooklyn, New York, Tucson, Arizona, London, England, and Omaha, Nebraska.” Eliad and Sara contacted many other shlichim and asked their advice. Every one of them said that the experience was fantastic for children. Done. They decided to move ahead. “If you are committed to G-d, things work out. You can’t imagine how happy we were when we found out that we would be coming to Omaha. I felt like I would be right at home there.” So do we, Eliad.

We sincerely and joyously welcome you and your family to your home in America – Omaha, Nebraska. Mazel Tov to all of us!

Eliad and his family are here through a collaborative effort of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s Shaliach program, the Partnership 2Gether platform, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Financial support for the program comes from the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation; Phillip & Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation, Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation; Rich & Fran Juro; and the Special Donor-Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation. The Shaliach program is coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life whose mission it is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences. As the emissary from Israel, Eliad will surely play a large part in bringing forth the reality of these goals.

10 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

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Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 10-11-13. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 50. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $40.00 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--20-13. 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) 858. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 1944. (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)--2,962. 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)--130. f.

Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--140. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3,102. h. Copies Not Distributed--498. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600 j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--95.5%. 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) - 854. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-1945. (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)--2,958. 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--7 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--137. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--144. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3102. h. Copies Not Distributed--498 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3600. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--95.4% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct. 11, 2013, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner.

Annette van de Kamp, Editor, 10-01-2013.

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).

by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer The first big event of the year for the Omaha Temple Youth Group (OTYG) was the fall chavurah, held this year from Sept. 20-22 at Camp Shwayder in Idaho Springs, CO. “It is important for our youth to engage with teens from around our region because these are the same people they will know when they go to college or start their careers,” said Director of Youth Engagement Nikki Flatowicz. “The kids engaged in social action discussions regarding some current events taking place around the world, experienced nature, socialized and had a great time.”

For some teens, being at Shwayder brought back memories of summer.

“It was a lot of fun,” said Madison Bierman, a junior. “I liked going back to camp, because I was an S-I-T (staff-intraining) there this summer.”

For others, like freshman Mikayla Langdon, the weekend was a chance to be somewhere new and meet her peers from around the midwest.

“It was the most fun experience I’ve ever had,” Mikayla said. “I met so many new people and that was my favorite part, because this was my first time and I didn’t really know anybody, besides the people that go to Temple Israel. I met a bunch of people from all over. I made some of my best friends there.”

OTYG Vice President of Communications and Visual Sophie Budwig, said “being up in the mountains of Colorado made it easier to meet new people.”

After enjoying an outdoors Shabbat service Friday night, the kids spent Saturday enjoying the nature around them and attending social action seminars. Topics included the current tumult in Syria, the gay rights in Russia, gender identity and anti-bullying. Kids had to attend two of the four discussions.

Hannah Budwig, a senior and current OTYG President, attended the discussions about Syria and gender identity, which she said were valuable learning tools.

“The gender identity one, I think everyone needs to learn about,” Hannah said. “I was really uninformed about it, and of course I still don’t know everything, but I know a lot more about the subject now than I did before.”

Hannah, who is in her fourth, and last, year of OTYG, had a great time at the chavurah and tried not to let her responsibilities as OTYG President get in the way.

“I don’t want to be like, ‘Oh, I’m president so I have to make everyone do all the stuff,’” she said “I wanted to back off a little and try to have my own fun, because being president is kind of stressful sometimes. I don’t want to make an event stressful if it doesn’t have to be.”

If anyone did get too stressed out, however, there was a meditation program Saturday afternoon before the

Havdallah service.

Overall, OTYG seemed to have a wonderful time at this year’s fall chavurah.

“I think it’s one of the best ones I’ve been to,” said sophomore Maddie Miller, OTYG’s Vice President of Membership. “I really like how we all stay together. It gives us more time to see each other. There was never really a dull moment.”

Upcoming OTYG events include a “Haunted Havdalah” hayrack ride and bonfire at Shady Lanes Ranch in Council Bluffs on Oct 12, and a Lock-In and Movie Night in November. The youth group is also planning to visit Remington Heights Retirement Community during Hanukkah to celebrate with the Jewish residents.

Gary Katz to lead book discussion

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Life Former librarian and continuing friend and participant in the activities of the Center for Jewish Life, Gary Katz will lead the discussion for the Oct. 17 meeting of the Dorothy Kaplan Book discussion group. The group has chosen The Innocents by Francesca Segal for the 1-2 p.m. meeting in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

In the book, Adam and Rachel are getting married at last. For Temple Fortune, a small tight-knit Jewish suburb of London, Adam represents the prized catch.

For Adam, Rachel embodies the highest values of Temple Fortune; she is innocent, conventional, and entirely secure in the community. The marriage promises to cement a warm relationship in a supportive community.

As the wedding plans progress, Adam feels the first faint touches of claustrophobia. Then, Rachel’s younger cousin Ellie moves home from New York and she unsettles Adam even more than he would like to admit.

Beautiful, vulnerable, and fiercely independent, Ellie offers a liberation that he hadn’t known existed.

Suddenly, Adam is torn and questions everything.

Continued on page 15

Habonim Dror Camp Tavor

Camp Ramah in Wisconsin

by BRITTANY ABRAMOWICZ Outreach Manager Habonim Dror Camp Tavor, located in southwest Michigan on 69 acres of rolling hills, has created life-changing summers for Jewish children and teens from around the country for 58 years! We are an overnight, co-ed camp that fosters enduring friendships, life skills, and a connection to Israel in an exciting, dynamic, fun-filled environment. Camp Tavor takes pride in providing a non-denominational Jewish overnight camp experience focused on leadership, social action, stewarding the environment, and connecting to Israel. We offer programs for boys and girls entering grades 3–12. Session lengths range from 5-days to 7-weeks.

With a 4:1 camper-to-counselor ratio, a maximum of 200 campers per session, and activities that bridge the age gap, Camp Tavor’s community is nurturing and inclusive.

Activities are individualized and aim to build self-confidence.

Habonim Dror Camp Tavor’s emphasis on youth leadership is apparent in every aspect of camp. Programs are designed to encourage campers to take responsibility for the camp community and environment. Camp Tavor prides itself on being a youth-lead community and giving children the tools to become leaders in the camp setting and beyond.

Camp Tavor serves kosher meals, and much of the food grown is from the camp organic farm. In addition, we are peanut free and nut sensitive. We can also accommodate gluten free, vegetarian, and other special diets.

New campers maybe eligible for up to $1000 off of camp tuition. Also, campers that register by Oct. 8 will receive the early bird discount. For more information or to register, visit www.camptavor.org.

Habonim Dror Camp Tavor Executive Director, Shelley Goldwater can be reached at 262.334.0399 or execdir@camp tavor.org. Our Summer address is 59884 Arthur L. Jones Rd., Three Rivers, MI 49093.

by ANN LESLEY ROSEN Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is a magical place where fun and friendship build Jewish lives. A full range of fun-filled activities integrates Jewish values and observances into the daily camp experience for campers entering grades 4 to 11.

Ramah offers two 2-week sessions for entering 4th graders (June 17-29 and July 1-13), a 4-week session for entering 5th graders (June 17-July 13), a 4-week session for entering 6th graders (July 16-Aug. 11), and an 8-week session for entering 7th-11th graders (June 17-Aug. 11). Activities include sports, swimming, high and low ropes courses, climbing wall, sailing, kayaking, music, dance, nature, archery, photography, radio, arts and drama. Meals are kosher and Shabbat is observed. The camp is located 15 miles north of Eagle River, Wisconsin on beautiful Lake Buckatabon.

Tikvah is a division of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin developed in 1973 to provide inclusion opportunities for children with learning, social and communication difficulties, including those who are higher functioning on the Autistic Spectrum. Tikvah provides all the opportunities of the Ramah experience with additional staffing and support.

Through specialized programming, supported by highlyskilled staff, teens in the Tikvah program develop friendships, have fun and learn in formal and informal Jewish settings. Tikvah offers a full eight-week session for teenage campers, a four-week “Taste of Tikvah” option for first-time younger campers, as well as the Tikvah Vocational Program for qualified high school graduates.

For more information please email registrar@ramahwisconsin.com or visit www.ramahwisconsin.com. Our Winter Address is 65 E. Wacker Place, Suite 1200, Chicago, IL 60601, Phone: 312.606.9316, ext. 221, Fax: 312.606.7136 and our Summer Address is 6150 E. Buckatabon Rd., Conover, WI 54519, Phone: 715.479.4400, Fax: 715.479.9258, Camp Director: Jacob Cytryn.

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October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Community GALLERY

September was a busy month for Jewish Omaha. At left, from top: Rachel Kricsfeld, Doron Margalit, Leora MacNamara and Rachel Aoki celebrate Simchat Torah at Friedel; Max and Beth Spizman at Temple Israel’s blessing of the animals; Jim Wax at Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s Grandparent’s Day and County Fair. Middle: Eadie Tsabari with Zoe Gross at Beth El; Right, from top: Our Shalicha Eliad entertains the crowd during the Sukkah Hop; Izzy Cooper brought her cat to be blessed at Temple Israel.

12 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Damage control 101

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor So, they talked on the telephone: President Barack Obama and President Hassan Rouhani, America and Iran, and it was the first time there was any sort-of-friendly contact since 1979.

That is a big deal, no matter how you look at it. Still, we should see it in its proper context: one phone call doesn’t change much in the grand scheme of things. This is, after all, Iran.

Here’s what the Iranian State media would like us to believe. First of all, they’re very sorry we all had to put up with former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He was a bad leader, with delusions of grandeur; broke the law thousands of times and argued with the clerics. He caused debilitating sanctions to be imposed by the West, crippling the Iranian economy. He put unqualified cronies in important cabinet positions and has become the butt of jokes. He’s forced the Iranian government into massive damage control mode. We should all be glad he’s gone.

(I’m not really arguing with that. I do question what motivated Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei to endorse Ahmadinejad during the 2009 elections, only to do an about-face, but that’s a different editorial).

Anyway, now that the big bad wolf is gone, we can focus on the shiny new President. Rouhani has been touted as a “moderate,” someone who believes in diplomacy with the West, and he was elected democratically. He’s whom the Iranian people really want. He has promised them a better economy, he wants to work on making Iran less isolated, and most importantly: he is a proponent of nuclear transparency. The clerics love him, the people love him; the rest of us should be relieved; apparently, “moderate” is no longer a dirty word.

But how moderate is “moderate?” Discussing an Iranian politician in a Western context, using Western terminology, poses a problem. And while we’re at it, what does it mean to be the President in Iran? Is Rouhani actually in charge of

anything, or is he merely a figurehead, a lightning rod for the media to stare at while the real power is busy doing other, more nefarious things?

Writing for Yahoo, journalist Yeganeh Torbati called Ayatollah Khamenei “the ultimate arbiter of security and diplomatic policy under Iran’s hybrid system of clerical and republican rule.” The Ayatollah. Not the President.

He’s not exaggerating.

The Ayatollah is at the top of the food chain, and it doesn’t appear that will change any time soon. The current Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, has been in power since the previous Ayatollah, Ruhollah Khomeini, died in 1989. While Khomeini only ruled for 10 years (since the Revolution), the current one has held his position for 24 years. And he has held it firmly: his oversight of domestic and foreign policy is written into Iran’s Constitution. In addition, he is Commanderin-Chief of the armed forces, and he is in charge of, you guessed it, intelligence and security operations. He appoints (and dismisses!) judges, has total control over the media, and commands the Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps. He even

personally appoints half the Council of Guardians, the same Guardians who decide which candidates can run for office.

In short, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is the boss. And President Rouhani will not move a muscle without being ordained to do so by the Ayatollah. Which makes that phone call between him and Obama interesting, because it shows that Khamenei must have been in favor of Rouhani talking to the U.S. “Iran’s top leader hinted Saturday that he disapproved of the phone call between Presidents Hassan Rouhani and Barack Obama during the Iranian leader’s trip to New York last month, but he reiterated his crucial support for the president’s policy of outreach to the West,” wrote Ali Akbar Dareini on huffingtonpost.com.

“Hinted?” First we go moderate, now we “hint?” Are we seriously expected to believe Rouhani would do something so out of character as to pick up the phone and actually call Obama without Khamenei’s direct approval? Besides, a foreign leader does not simply pick up the phone and dial Obama’s number. A phone call like this means logistics. It means assistants talking to secretaries and security talking to aides. It means checking schedules and approving the topics for discussion. What do you talk about after more than 30 years? Like I said: that phone call is a big deal. It doesn’t just happen, it wasn’t some impulsive act Rouhani cooked up by himself. And so, Khamenei had to do more damage control, lest anyone thinks he wants to be nice to the West.

"We are skeptical of Americans and have no trust in them at all,” he said. “The American government is untrustworthy, arrogant, illogical and a promise-breaker. It’s a government captured by the international Zionism network.” (huffing tonpost.com) The Ayatollah is caught between a rock and a hard place.

He wants those sanctions lifted, but he can’t appear weak (as in, willing to negotiate with the U.S.). I guess even a Supreme Leader can’t have it all.

The need for financial assistance in our community is greater than our ability to help

Focus on issues KAREN GUSTAFSON, JFS Executive Director For the first time in my thirteen-year history with Jewish Family Service, the financial needs of our client base exceeded our budget, based on previous years’ history. I repeatedly ask myself, “Why?” I’ve come up with a few answers which I think you -- our supporters and clients -- deserve to know.

In the past, the main purpose of JFS was to provide assistance for individuals and families in financial difficulty.

Simply put, to write a check for rent, medical bills or groceries. Today, Jewish Family Service offers far more than financial aid. The customer service we currently provide helps community members find jobs and housing; deal with substance abuse, mental illness and physical disabilities; learn parenting skills and strategies for aging safely. Our clients are as young as eighteen months and as old as ninety-two. Each is unique, and so are their needs. To serve them well in today’s world requires more dollars than we currently have on hand.

For the past five years, JFS has provided the community with a full-time Assistance Coordinator, Sandy Nogg. The families Sandy works with on a monthly, weekly or sometimes daily basis, trust her. They feel respected by her, which translates into knowing that their very own Jewish community is here to help them. Sandy is worth her weight in gold, and the many thank you notes we receive from clients attest to her value to the agency and to the community at large.

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

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Caryn Scheer, Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Sandy Friedman; Noah Priluck; Paul Rabinowitz; Mark Senal; Nancy Wolf.

The mission of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to build and sustain a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish Community and to support Jews in Israel and around the world.

Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish LIfe, Jewish Social Services, and the Jewish Press.

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My goal at JFS has always been to provide care and respect to every person who walks through our door. Their stories could be any of our stories.

• Men and women who need to get to work, but can’t afford gas or insurance on their car.

• A husband who had planned to retire at 65, now realizes he can’t afford to not work, but finds he is unemployable due to age and health issues.

• A couple on a fixed income whose age and medical needs now exceed their ability to stay in the home they’ve shared for thirty years.

• Families forced to make a choice between paying for food or paying the monthly MUD bill.

• Community members challenged with developmental disabilities who would benefit from programs that promote independence.

In all cases, the Jewish Family Service staff performs a comprehensive, totally confidential needs assessment to determine how we can best help our clients overcome these, and other, obstacles. When possible, JFS assists with job leads; refers clients to Vocational Rehabilitation classes to learn new skills; refers families to the Omaha Housing Authority to determine if their earnings qualify them for low income housing; guides clients through the process of applying for Medicaid, if applicable; suggests addiction programs and support groups; offers counseling services; invites moms and dads to participate in “Parenting the Love and Logic Way” classes; sponsors Yachad, the program dedicated to including individuals with disabilities as part of the Jewish community.

Statistics can be dull, but I think these numbers will help answer the “Why” question I posed earlier.

During the 2012-2013 fiscal year, Jewish Family Service provided: • 1490 total counseling sessions. Of these sessions, 376 were provided on a sliding fee of (on average) $28. Our reimbursable rate through an Insurance company is $108.

• Project Tzedakah served 197 families or 301 individuals.

This is the total number of all three Jewish holidays combined.

• Project Dreidel spent $5329 (approximately $250 per family) to provide Hanukkah gifts to children whose families would not have been able to celebrate the holiday.

• $40,840 in Financial Assistance to the Jewish community, not including funerals, Project Tzedakah, Project Dreidel, sliding fee counseling or Sandy Nogg’s time.

The Jewish Family Service staff knows that almost everyone in the community wants to support the agency in some way. Your gifts allow JFS to be the conduit through which this community helps their own. Yes, today we do far more than just write a check. That’s why we appreciate, more than ever, the fact that you, our donors, still write checks to support our work. For these acts of generosity, you have our profound thanks.

Edgar M. Bronfman, a leading philanthropist, former CEO of the Seagram Company Ltd. and former president of the World Jewish Congress, says, “It is a vital, active imperative for the Jewish people to be on the front lines of issues protecting and promoting the rights of any group . . . As Jews we are instructed to seek justice for the stranger, the widow and the orphan because too often society discriminates against and takes advantage of those without advocates.”

For more than a century, Jewish Family Service has been the advocate for those in our community who face financial, Continued on page 13

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

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October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 13

Homecoming and hunger pains

Focus on issues COURTNEY BIERMAN My junior homecoming was on Yom Kippur.

Well, not exactly on Yom Kippur -- homecoming started after sundown. But, still, it was pretty poor scheduling on the school’s part. It turns out that when they were planning the dance, Millard South’s administration apparently didn’t know that Yom Kippur fell on the same day. What I originally thought to be an act of insensitivity turned out to be the use of a calendar that didn’t include the High Holy Days.

I was told by someone involved in the planning that the chosen Saturday evening was about the only convenient time, anyway, as every other option would have overlapped with another significant event that they actually knew about.

Granted, they probably should have been a little bit more extensive planning process, but I’m willing to let it slide. It didn’t really affect me anyway; I still went to the dance.

As far as I know, I am the only practicing Jew at Millard South. Because of this, one of the biggest events of the school year happened on the most important day on the Jewish calendar without much fuss. I didn’t issue any formal complaints. If this were to happen at a school with a large Jewish population, such as Millard North or Westside, or any school with a lot of kids belonging to a minority religion, hell would be raised. And that makes sense. Even if it’s not particularly considerate, it makes sense for a school with one Jewish kid to overlook an important holiday: they’re more concerned with meeting the needs of the other 2000-some-odd kids for whom that particular Saturday worked well.

I have a bigger issue with major tests or sports events -- occa-

sions for which student attendance is more-or-less mandatory -- that conflict with a day of religious observance. Such acts are more thoughtless because the student, unable to attend said mandatory occasion, suffers as a result. It’s pretty darn difficult for an involved student to find a time to make up a missed, hour-and-a-half-long math test, and it’s just as frustrating to be reprimanded by a coach for missing a game.

I understand it is difficult for school districts in Omaha to observe every religious holiday; it requires a lot of really good planning as well as extensive knowledge of the calendar year. It’s virtually impossible to satisfy the needs of every student’s religion. However, they’re not currently doing a very good job. There’s room for improvement.

This article was made possible by a generous grant from the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Foundation.

The future of frumkeit in Lancaster, Pa.

Behind the headlines TEVI TROY On the first weekday of chol hamoed Sukkot, most years, my wife and I take our four children to Hershey Park. The park, which is in Lancaster, Pa., is closed to everyone but frum Jews on that day.

Lancaster is not known as a center of frumkeit — it is most decidedly “out of town — but on that day Hershey not only makes accommodations for the visitors, but actually reconfigures the whole park to be frum friendly. The food stands, including the kettle corn that draws some of the longest lines, are all kosher. Placards advertise the times for minyanim, and hundreds of men converge to daven at prearranged times or, if they miss the large gatherings, come together in small minyanim abutting food stands or roller coasters. In addition, the park has at least two sukkot to allow the visitors to fulfill the obligation of eating in the sukkah.

Hershey is not the only amusement park to accommodate frum Jews for Sukkot, but it may make the most effort. The two Disney parks, in Florida and California, also typically host Orthodox Jews on this day, although not exclusively, as in Hershey. Disney Orlando allows the local Chabad rabbi to build a sukkah on the premises, outside the ticket-taking area. This is unlike Hershey, where there are two sukkot on the inside of the park. Hershey in chol hamoed — aka #jewday on Twitter — is also popular because it is in the heart of

the Northeast corridor that houses the bulk of the country’s Orthodox Jews. It is a manageable drive from Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York, and more specifically from Orthodox enclaves in Silver Spring, Potomac, and Reisterstown, Md.; Cherry Hill, Englewood, Teaneck, and Lakewood, N.J.; and of course, Brooklyn, the Five Towns, and Queens in N.Y. The crowd, although nearly all frum, is nonetheless quite a diverse mix of the entire range of frumkeit, including haredi, chasidic, Modern, and barely. I delight in seeing chassidishe families, notable for their boys sporting long curly peyot and speaking rapid-fire Yiddish, standing on line next to modern jeans-clad teenagers hanging out in “coed clumps.” Although much is written about the divisions within the modern and non-Orthodox camps, it seems as if Hershey Park, and other similar parks around the country that sponsor or encourage special days for Orthodox Jews, have found the magic formula that will unite these oft-times contentious communities — namely rides.

At Hershey Park — where strangers happily exchange the Yiddish greeting a gut moed — we see that despite differences in prayer books (Art Scroll vs Koren), pronunciation (taf vs. saf) and Zionism (silent vs pro), Orthodox Jews are just like everyone else. They are looking for a place they can enjoy a fun day with their families, where their restrictions — kosher food, the need for a minyan and the need to eat in a sukkah — do not prevent them from sharing in that enjoyment. You can almost sense the excitement kosher-keeping

When Bibi’s good: Netanyahu and the shutdown

by RON KAMPEAS (JTA) For a leader who has made his name as a great communicator, Benjamin Netanyahu has been taking some hits lately, particularly when it comes to the U.S.-Iran relations.

The American Jewish Committee and some of his Knesset colleagues think he’s too shrill. He keeps on saying that Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and Hassan Rouhani are two sides of the same coin, which, as I’ve previously pointed out, risks suggesting Ahmadinejad’s Holocaust denial was not worth noticing.

Recently on Piers Morgan’s CNN show, though, he delivered a master class in communication. And his topic was not Iran — but the U.S. government shutdown.

Morgan brought it up — an inevitable question for a

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leading recipient of U.S. defense assistance — and Netanyahu was ready, not with a plaint, but a solution.

First, he flattered the American system as “probably the best political system in the world,” and better than Israel’s.

Then, in precise, paced tones, he structured in three or four sentences how Israel passes budgets. It’s a classic MBA pitch and could handily be delivered over pre-dinner drinks at an upscale steakhouse: First the problem — not long ago, Israel also couldn’t pass budgets; then the solution: If no budget is passed by Dec. 31, the previous year’s kicks in automatically, and if within six months there’s still no budget, there are new elections.

Then he leaned in for the kill, the punchline, delivered as an intimacy: “And you know what, Piers? We. Always. Get. A. Budget.”

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Jews feel at not having to bring their own food to a family fun outing.

Hershey Park helps tell another tale as well. Fifty years ago, American Orthodoxy was being demographically dismissed as a relevant force in American Jewish life; over the last two decades, however, Orthodoxy has grown from its nadir at about 5 percent of the nation’s Jewish population to somewhere between 10 and 15 percent of the Jewish population, and the numbers are rising. About 27 percent of Jews under 18 are Orthodox, in large part because Orthodox Jews tend to marry earlier, have more children and intermarry far less frequently than Conservative and Reform Jews. In addition, Orthodox parents are far more likely to send their children to Jewish day schools or yeshivot, which are key predictors of generational Jewish continuity.

This growing community is in the process of shifting the face of Judaism in America from a cultural, economic and political perspective. The crowd that gathers every year in Hershey is providing a preview of what that changed Jewish community could look like. Next year, out-of-towners and in-towners alike should consider a visit to Hershey on chol hamoed to get a glimpse of the emerging future of American Orthodoxy. And then, when the eight days of chag are over, they can breathe a sigh of relief and get back to work.

Tevi Troy is a senior fellow at Hudson Institute and author of the new book What Jefferson Read, Ike Watched, and Obama Tweeted: 200 Years of Popular Culture in the White House.

The need for financial assistance Continued from page 12 emotional, physical and mental challenges. Our professional, licensed staff is focused on restoring dignity, hope and meaning to clients when life’s struggles seem insurmountable. The question, “Why is the need for financial assistance in our community greater than our ability to help?” has a simple answer. Here it is. Our agency’s reputation continues to grow, our client base continues to increase and the need for assistance rises. But our income is relatively static. Correcting that imbalance, however, isn’t so simple. We look to you to be part of the solution, as you have been in the past.

To find out how you can help Jewish Family Service continue meeting its responsibility to the Omaha Jewish community, please contact the JFS office. 402.330.2024.

How is this publication thinking about the future?

By becoming part of the past.

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From

14 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Larry Blass on the Care System for the Elderly is Like an Oriental Menu (It may sound good, but you’re not always sure of what you’ll get.) The community is invited.

Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.

Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:31 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Good Shabbos Nebraska, 10 a.m. Guest Jonathan Rosenbaum; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of the aufruf of Scott Susman, son of Abby and Jim Susman and Shoshy Shrago, daughter of Leon and Dani Shrago; Mincha, 6:15 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:29 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m.

TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy Weiner.

WEDNESDAY: Coffee and Your Jewish News, 7:45 a.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m.

THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds: Great Torah and Great Coffee, 9:30 a.m.

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 Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Family Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., family-friendly services followed by congregational dinner (dinner by reservation only.)

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Mini Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Torah Tots, 10:30 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m.; Kibbutz Chaverim Bowling Afternoon, 12:15 p.m. – 3 p.m., at Mockingbird Lanes. Cost, $10. Bus transportation provided to and from the synagogue. For more information, contact Eadie Tsabari in the synagogue office, or at etsabari @bethel-omaha.org; YAC goes to Vala’s, 3:30 p.m., for all 20s and 30s (single and married), and their families. Pay admission at the door. At 5:30 p.m., we’ll head to Camp Site #11 for a picnic dinner. Dinner cost, $6 per person (bring checks to the camp site). For more information, contact Sonia Tipp at stipp0811@yahoo.com or 402.968.5519, or Linda Fischer at ljlaz@aol.com or 402.996.0383.

MONDAY: Tai Chi class, six-week session, led by certified Thai Chi instructor Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. Three sessions remaining. Cost, $18. Register online.

TUESDAY: Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham.

No charge to attend; everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY: Masters in Judaism, Adult-education series scheduled on Wednesdays, from now through Nov. 20, from 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be led by Dr. Anat Gilboa, Susan Paley, Rabbi Abraham and Andy Greenberg. Cost, $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org; for more information, contact Eadie Tsabari at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org. It is not too late to register; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel.

THURSDAY: Jews ‘n’ Brews, 7 p.m., sponsored by Men’s Club and open to all men in Beth El’s congregation. For more information, contact Ari Kohen at ari.kohen@gmail.com.

The Secrets of Jews, monthly, adult-education class led by Andy Greenberg, on Sunday, Oct. 27, 10 a.m. Cost is $36 for members, $45 for non-members. Register online.

Family Shabbaton, Nov. 15-17, Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. All families in the Jewish community with children in seventh grade and younger, are welcome. Register online at Beth El’s website.

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

Bat Mitzvah Sarah Schop, daughter of Melissa and Michael Schop, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 19, at Beth El. Sarah is a seventh-grade student at Buffett Middle School, where she is a Summa Cum Laude student. She received third place in the National History Day District Competition with her documentary about Kristallnacht.

Her interests include playing catcher for Millard Athletics softball team, reading, writing and camping.

For her mitzvah project, Sarah has volunteered at events run by the Autism Society of Nebraska (ASN) for children and families affected by Autism. She has also raised money for ASN by sharing her story of being a sibling of a child affected by Autism.

She has a brother, Noah.

Grandparents are Bobbie and Bob Epstein, and Edith Schop and the late Willard Schop.

Great-grandmother is Sis Adler.

CHABAD CENTER 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: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed

by Kiddush lunch sponsored in honor of the anniversary of Estie and Leibel Baumgerten; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office.

WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak.

THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu.

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: Diner and Early Family Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Classical Reform Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Shannon and Michael Boekstal.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Lech Lecha; LTYG depart for Haunted Havdalah with OTYG, 4:45 p.m.; Jewish Movie Night with Havdalah service, potluck dessert, and the showing of “The Big Fix”, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes; Board of Trustees, 1 p.m.

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

Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein on Sunday, Oct. 20-Tuesday, Oct. 22.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by David Herzog and Jim Polack.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Dedication of the New Building, 6 p.m. Come celebrate Shabbat and help dedicate our new building. Hear the newly commissioned choral version of Hashkiveinu by Cantor Jonathan Comisar and listen to the sermon by Rabbi

Candlelighting Friday, October 11, 6:31 p.m.

Eric Yoffie from the URJ. An oneg will follow the service and you can also explore the new building.

SATURDAY: Torah Study with Rabbi Eric Yoffie, 9 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. OTYG Haunted Havdallah and Hayrack Ride with Bonfire, 5:45 p.m. at Shady Lane Ranch. Contact Nikki Flatowicz at 402.556.6536 for more information.

SUNDAY: Second Sundays and Prayer Assembly for Grades K-6, 9:30 a.m. Each Second Sunday of the month when we have Religious School, we invite the entire family to come for breakfast, join us for Prayer Assembly, and then stay and visit with friends, participate in learning opportunities or volunteer in the classrooms; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.

TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with Na’ama; Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: Dilemmas of Faith: God and Spirituality in the Modern World, 10-11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel. Class Fee: $45 for members, and $55 for non-members.

Habitat for Humanity House Build, Saturday, Oct. 20, 8 am.-noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help build a home for a deserving family. If you’re interested, contact Chair Dan Gilbert, dmgilbert@gmail.com, for more information.

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, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Join us for Lucy Bowers Adult Bat Mitzvah service, 10 a.m. led by Lucy and her family and followed by Kiddush lunch in honor of Lucy and her accomplsihment.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes.

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

Beth El introduces new family Shabbat service

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity At Beth El Synagogue, children and Shabbat go hand in hand. For years, programs such as Tot Shabbat and Say Shalom to Shabbat have delighted youngsters and have attracted families from throughout the Jewish community.

Now, as the new year begins, a new monthly Shabbat celebration geared to families with young children will be introduced in the synagogue’s chapel, on Friday, Oct. 11, 6 p.m.

The monthly Family Shabbat Service will also double as the congregation’s evening service, and will be held in lieu of both Tot Shabbat and Oh Say Shalom programs.

“We have been steadfast in trying to provide meaningful Jewish experiences for our entire congregation, and we’re excited about this new Shabbat service,” said Rabbi Steven Abraham, emphasizing that this will be a ‘shhhhhhh-free’ service for little ones.

“Children are the lifeblood of our synagogue, and they should be free to be themselves, celebrating and enjoying Shabbat as they always have at Tot Shabbat,” the rabbi said.

“Their smiling faces, their singing and their laughter provide us with some of our greatest moments as a synagogue.”

The 45-minute service will be engaging, participatory, and will include songs, plus music, creative movement and plenty of surprises, led by Rabbi Abraham, Hazzan Michael Krausman, and Eadie Tsabari, the synagogue’s Director of Congregational Learning. It will feature many beloved elements from Tot Shabbat, including the special rug Miss Patty brings for little ones to sit on and the plush Torahs they love to hold; and like Tot Shabbat, the children will be surrounded by family and friends sitting behind them in a circle of chairs. Following the program, the festivities will continue during a congregational dinner.

The next Family Shabbat Service is planned for Friday, Nov. 8; reservations are being accepted now for that evening’s dinner. Dinner cost for Beth El members is $10 for adults, and $5 for children ages 7-12; for non-members, cost is $12.50 for adults and $7.50 for children ages 7-12.

There is no charge for children six and younger. Register and pay online at www.bethel-omaha.org, and call the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, for more information.

Future services are scheduled for Dec. 13, Jan. 10, Feb. 21, March 28, and May 16.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

October 11, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 15

Because of Abraham

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Lech Lecha Most of us can look back on certain experiences of our lives and remember people who influenced us profoundly.

Parents, perhaps, or teachers, or friends.

Nations and societies have those memories too. The glory of ancient Greece and the grandeur of ancient Rome still excite feelings of pride in the hearts of people who live in the lands where once Pericles lived, and Horace, and Cicero.

No wonder every Israeli is an amateur archeologist: he walks where David walked, and Isaiah.

And if that is all true, and I think it is, then what shall any Jew think when we open our Chumash, as we do this week, to read about Abraham?

Abraham was the great dissenter, who would not be satisfied with the beliefs and religious practices around him.

In his day, no one cared about it. But it is different with us, his spiritual descendants.

For Abraham’s life and career set in motion that intellectual and spiritual process that made the whole history of man meaningful. Isarel was always a small people. But it played a great part in the development of civilization.

If the piping voice of a Bar Mitzvah, or the cultured voice of a great cantor chants the Kiddush, thanking God for the Sabbath, it is because Abraham left Mesopotamia for the land of Israel.

If the resounding voice of freedom reverberates in the halls of Parliament, or Congress, or the Knesset, it is because of the insights of Abraham and his children after him.

If Jews the world over pray for, work for, plan for and hope for a better world of love and compassion and peace, it is because they are children of Abraham.

The spiritual history of mankind begins here. For with Abraham were the seeds of man’s greatness, man’s wisdom, and man’s visions.

Man’s comforts and man’s pleasures may lie in computers and rocketry and in the farthest reaches of chemistry and physics. But the greatness of soul which is man’s is found in the simple things which Abraham knew instinctively 4,000 years ago.

Camp Sabra

by LISA MARUCCI Summer Camp, Sabra camp, Ooh, Ahh! The premier residential camp at the Lake of the Ozarks offers a safe, fun, activity-packed summer and a Jewish living experience for hundreds of kids from third to tenth grade each year.

Camp Sabra is situated on a peninsula with three and a half miles of private shoreline, and offers water sports – skiing, tubing, paddle boarding and more; a confidence-building ropes course; a zipline through the woods; and stellar staff who also offer music, crafts, drama, land sports, Judaics and more.

No internet or XBOX here – just person-to-person interaction, fresh air and individual, cabin, unit and all-camp activities. Best of all? Through mail, social media, phone and personal visits by Camp management to your city, Sabra becomes a year-round experience, resulting in additional – and lifelong – Jewish family and friendships! Our campers really do refer to Sabra as “home.”

Camp Sabra is a unique place to experience the joy of being Jewish through creative, fun and enriching programs.

From singing and dancing and sunset Shabbat services on the Lake, to traditional all-camp programs like Maccabia, the Jewish program at Camp Sabra has a special feeling that is experienced throughout the close camp community. Camp Sabra is kosher, and our chefs prepare healthy and delicious meals, offer a substantial salad/food bar and bake all breads and rolls in our kitchen!

Various sessions are offered, but most campers prefer four weeks. Call Terri Grossman, Camp Director, to discuss how Sabra might be the perfect fit for your family.

The camp’s peninsula sits on the Gravois arm of the Lake of the Ozarks, about 12.5 miles from Eldon, MO. For more information, call 314.442.3151; find us at facebook.com/ campsabra; or visit campsabra.com. Our Winter Address is 2 Millstone Campus Dr., St. Louis, MO 63146, Phone: 314.432.5700, Fax: 314.432.5825 and our Summer Address is 30750 Camp Sabra Rd., Rocky Mount, MO 65072, Phone: 573.365.1591, Fax: 573.365.0577.

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Book discussion Continued from page 10 Author Francesca Segal was born in London and studied at Oxford and Harvard University before becoming a journalist and critic. Her work has appeared in Granta, The Guardian, and The Observer, among other publications. For three years she wrote the Debut Fiction column in The Observer and has been a featured writer in The Tatler. She divides her time between London and New York.

Copies of the book are available on loan from the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. New participants to the group are welcome. Even if you don’t have time to read the book before the meeting, you do have time to join in, hear what others thought of the book, and make some new friends.

And for this meeting, you will have the pleasure of having Gary as the discussion leader. You can win in many ways.

Mark your calendar for Thursday, Oct. 17 at 1 p.m. as the time you will want to be in the Kripke Library to participate in the discussion. The Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group has been in continuous existence since 1979. It is supported by the Center for Jewish Life (CJL), an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The mission of CJL is to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

Women of the Wall’s calmest service in months

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) – Scores of women gathered for a Women of the Wall service at the Western Wall with little police protection and minimal disruption from protesters.

Friday’s service, which drew 100 to 200 women, was the group’s calmest in at least six months. Women of the Wall, which gathers at Judaism’s holiest site for a women’s service at the beginning of each Jewish month, prayed in the women’s section with no physical barriers enclosing them.

The group scored a legal victory in court this year that allowed its members to pray without fear of arrest. In addition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has convened a committee to forge a compromise between Women of the Wall and the haredi Orthodox leaders who want to retain exclusive control of the holy site.

These changes in the status quo sparked a backlash from Israel’s haredi Orthodox community, which turned out protesters en masse for several services in a row.

During those services, from May through August, Women of the Wall participants were barricaded behind a tight police cordon in various parts of the Western Wall plaza. Groups of haredi men yelled epithets and threw eggs, coffee and water at the women, while thousands of Orthodox girls, spurred by rabbis and activists, packed the women’s section of the plaza and prayed silently.

Leading up to Friday’s service, Western Wall Rabbi Shmuel Rabinowitz asked that the Orthodox girls not come to pray -- a request that went unheeded. Thousands packed the plaza to participate in a joint service with a group in the men’s section, praying for the health of Sephardi sage Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, who has been hospitalized.

But in contrast to recent months, Women of the Wall prayed in the plaza with nothing separating the group from the Orthodox girls. A few police officers stood in the crowd but had no unrest to quell.

The only protests facing the Women of the Wall were intermittent screams from some girls. A few girls tried to shush Women of the Wall, to little avail.

UNESCO passes six resolutions against Israel

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- UNESCO passed six anti-Israel resolutions with support from France.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization passed the resolutions Friday at a meeting in Paris of its executive committee.

France backed all the resolutions, as did Russia; the United States opposed all of them. Britain and Italy abstained in the votes.

Among the resolutions was one condemning Israel for canceling at the last minute a visit of UNESCO inspectors to look at preservation work at 18 sites in the old city of Jerusalem. The visit was canceled after Palestinian Authority officials said they would take the delegation to visit the Temple Mount and to meet with politicians, effectively politicizing the visit, according to Israel.

Other resolutions condemned Israel's work at the Mugrabi Bridge at the Temple Mount Plaza, and naming Rachel's Tomb and the Cave of the Patriarchs as Israeli national heritage sites.

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Service Manager Needed Full time management position is open at HorizonWest Inc. in Torrington, WY. Job functions are to manage all aspects of a service department.

Requirements include excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Motivational, interpersonal and negotiation skills are also a must. A background in the equipment industry is preferred and PC skills are highly desired. We offer competitive wages, 401k retirement plan and an incentive program. There is also Health/Dental/Life Insurance, personal time off, 7 paid holidays, uniform allowance and factory schooling/training.

Call: Bruce at 308-635-3727 or toll free at 888-322-7344 or send resume to PO Box 1070 Scottsbluff, NE 69363

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BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

PELVIC/TRANSVAGINAL Mesh? Did you undergo transvaginal placement of mesh for pelvic organ prolapse or stress urinary incontinence between 2005 and the present? If the mesh caused complications, you may be entitled to compensation. Call Charles H. Johnson Law and speak with female staff members, 1-800-535-5727.

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.

DEALERS WANTED. Red Roof Antiques & Collectibles, North Platte. 13,000 sq. ft. Open 7 days/week, convenient location on I-80, Internet sales available, reasonable rates. 308-532-4841.

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.

SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 1-800-369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars web site for only $25.00. Your ad with photos runs until your vehicle is sold!

REGULAR/HANDICAP Walk-in tubs or shower units, complete bathroom remodeling, reasonably priced models available. Licensed government contractor. 402-896-2966, more info: www.showersplumbing.com.

COLONIAL LIFE: Seeking Licensed agents or B2B sales representatives to market voluntary benefits to employees. Commissions average 52K+/yr.

Training and leads.

Call Jordon Scott, 402-552-8785, Jscott@ColonialLife.com.

PROTEC BUILDINGS, division of Sioux Steel Company, is looking for Dealers/Erectors with a background in concrete/building sales. Call Monte James: 605-359-6657, www.protecbuildings.com.

AFS TECHNICIAN Position Available. Grosshans International, Inc., is hiring for a full-time technician for Trimble Precision Farming Systems. Entry level position requiring computer, people and organizational skills. Applicant will install systems on ag equipment as well as be capable of selling agriculture equipment. Extensive training required to become certified and some travel for education required. Position includes excellent benefits for the right person as part of a growing team. Please send resume to: Grosshans International, Inc., PO Box 168, Aurora, Nebraska 68818, Attention: Alan Anderson, or call 402-694-2121.

UTILITIES FOREMAN and Lineman: The City of Chappell is accepting applications for both positions of Utility Foreman and Lineman. The positions are responsible for the management, operations, and maintenance of the 2person City owned electric distribution and water system. Both positions need Lineworker and Municipal experience and must also be able to obtain a Grade 4 Water Operator license. Salary and wage is negotiable and depends on experience and qualifications. Quality benefits package. Please forward resume to PO Box 487, 757 2nd Street, Chappell, NE 69129. An application can be obtained at www.chappellne.org. Inquiries can be sent to 308-8742401. EOE. Position will be open until filled.

CLASS “A” OTR drivers, excellent miles. 2011 & 2013 Kenworths, scheduled home time, E-logs, paid vacation. No East Coast. Call Chuck or Tim, 800-6453748.

HELP WANTED: Class A OTR/CDL driver. Two years minimum experience required. Caudy Trucking Inc., 402-768-6134.

“PARTNERS IN Excellence” OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825.

16 | The Jewish Press | October 11, 2013