October 17, 2008

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 6 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

18 Tishrei, 5769

October 17, 2008

Federation announces leadership for 2009 Campaign

by LISA LIEB Federation Communications Director The name Riekes quickly brings to mind a multi-generational family dedicated to the Omaha Jewish community.

Henry and Dorothy were 1989 Humanitarian Award winners; Margo received the 2006 Spirit of Federation Award, and Steve was named last year’s Center for Jewish Education Volunteer of the Year. So it’s no surprise that when the Jewish Federation’s Annual Campaign was launched last month, two members of the Riekes clan were at the helm: Carl and Zoë, the 2009 Annual Campaign Co-chairmen.

From helping refugees to serving on boards, to providing funding to help build the Jewish Community Center, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home and Friedel Jewish Academy, Henry and Dorothy Riekes led by example. And they passed on their spirit of giving to their children.

“We were raised with the understanding of the responsibility we have to give back to the community,” Carl said. “This is something that’s been ingrained in us from the time we were little kids.”

“I’m so fortunate to have married into this amazing family,” Zoë added.

“Dorothy and Henry showed me the value and importance of giving.”

For Carl and Zoë, chairing the Annual Campaign has been an opportunity to

Zoe and Carl Riekes will lead the 2009 Federation Annual Campaign. make a difference in a community that’s very special to them. “Having lived in several other large cities, we know that nothing compares to the Omaha Jewish community,” Carl said.

Carl and Zoë have been active volunteers and donors for the Federation for many years, and Carl is also a member of the Foundation’s board of directors.

They both feel very fortunate to have their children back in Omaha. “We were surprised and thrilled that they would want to come back, because of the closeness of this community,” Zoë said.

In true Riekes style, the next generation of Riekes children have followed tradition and become involved in the Jewish community. Stacey is currently a board member of National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section, Brett is the Federation’s Young Leadership Chairman and Carin works with the Federation’s Young Jewish Omaha program.

“It’s great to have the kids back and it’s an even better feeling to know that they want to participate and be a part of the community,” Carl said. “It excites us to see them taking on roles in the commu-

nity, assuring us that the next generation will be taken care of,” Zoë added.

The 2009 Annual Campaign kicked off with two events for major donors in September. At the Major Gifts dinner, Carl thanked Phil Schrager for delivering an inspiring address at the Pacesetter kickoff event, after which Carl made an impassioned appeal for donors to give generously this year.

He pointed out that over the past several years, campaign increases have not kept up with the rising costs of basic community needs, both locally and overseas.

He added that this community has lost a number of very generous givers over the last few years, stating simply, “The only way this money can be replaced is if the rest of us make it happen.”

Zoë points out that although it’s easy to focus on the needs of this community, the Annual Campaign also helps Jews in need all over the world. In addition to her role as Campaign Co-chairman, Zoë is past president of the Federation and currently serves as Chairman of the Central Area Consortium for the Federation’s Partnership with Israel program. Thirty-eight percent of the money raised for the Annual Campaign goes to overseas and related programming. Zoë’s travels for the Federation have enabled her to see these dollars at work.

Continued on page 2

Anger greets Olmert’s concessions on Jerusalem, Syria, West Bank

Former Auschwitz Muslim POW donates first artifact to Holocaust Museum

Politicians on the right lambasted Olmert for his dovish message, and left-wingers slammed him for not going public with his vision before he was a lame duck.

Some Israeli analysts saw evidence in Olmert's transformation from one-time super-hawk to unmitigated dove of a final collapse of the ideology of Greater Israel, which advocates holding on to as much conquered territory as possible.

Olmert, who is stepping down amid a corruption investigation, in the interview published last week by the Israeli daily Yediot Achronot made the following points: • It is presumptuous to think Israel can stop Iran's nuclear drive when powers such as the United States, Russia, China, Britain and Germany seem unable to do so.

• Israel has a very short window of time in which it can take “historic steps” in its relations with the Palestinians and the Syrians.

• For peace with the Palestinians, Israel will have to withdraw from most of the West Bank, including eastern Jerusalem, and grant compensation on a oneto-one basis for whatever land it keeps. “Without this, there won’t be peace,” he insisted.

In a recent interview, outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel should trade the Golan • For peace with Syria, Heights, seen above, for peace with Syria.

CREDIT: Brian Hendler Continued on page 2

Sami Djalilov, center, who told his unique and personal story as a Muslim POW in Auschwitz last year at the JCC, was in Washington, D.C. recently to donate his Red Army book to Jackie Berkowitz, Communications Officer at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum. Born in Tajikistan in 1925, Djalilov was recruited to the Red Army in Kazakhstan in 1943 and then fought for the Ukrainian Army in 1944. In September 1944, he was wounded on the Czech border and taken by the Nazi’s as a POW. He regained consciousness in a cattle car on the way to Auschwitz and stayed there through the second half of January 1945 when he was then sent on a death march. According to Djalilov’s grandson, Jama Samiev, right, he marched for 40 days, stopped in Augsburg and then was transported to Northern Italy (Brescia). The Nazis retreated and Djalilov and his fellow prisoners were librated by the U.S. Army. He was one of 16 Tajiks to survive Auschwitz; all but Djalilov have since died.

When the war ended, he returned to Tajikistan where he Credit: Max Reid, USHMM teaches about the Holocaust.

by LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A Rosh Hashanah-eve interview in which outgoing Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said Israel should give up the Golan Heights for peace with Syria and nearly all of the West Bank for peace with the Palestinians has sparked a political storm in Israel.

Prime minister-designate Tzipi Livni, who is set to succeed Olmert as soon as she forms a coalition government, quickly distanced herself from most of Olmert’s key pronouncements, which included an assertion that it would be megalomaniacal for Israel to attack Iran unilaterally.

Inside

This Week: Klutznick/Harris Symposium line-up: Page 4 Coming This Month: Camp Issue on Oct. 24; Elections, Oct. 31

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

Temple Israel sponsors candidate forum: Page 3

Chaba offers “Challah and Kaballah” Page 9

Comfort foods ideal for Sukkot: Pages 10-11

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

Care Consultants for the Aging

Anger greets Olmert’s concessions

Since 1991

A home care registry that screens and schedules Companions, CNAs, HHAs, LPNs and RNs. You may schedule 7 days a week 1 to 24 hours a day.

Since 1991 our reputation for excellence has been our hallmark.

7710 Pacific St., Ste 100 Omaha, NE 68114 402/398-1848

4535 Normal Blvd., Ste 275 Lincoln, NE 68506 402/488-3771

www.careconsultants.com

Get in the game!

UNO Maverick Hockey

Mutual of Omaha Stampede Friday & Saturday • October 17 & 18 Qwest Center Omaha Tickets: 554-MAVS • gomavs.unomaha.edu

Why fight it?

CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 JFS Grief Program, 8:30 a.m.

W.O.W. Soup in the Sukkah, 11:45 a.m. at Chabad Visions Luncheon Meeting, noon Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SATURDAY, OCTOBER 18 C L Out of Sight Saturday Night, 6:30 p.m.

I P SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19

C L I P

Friedel Academy Family Sukkot Celebration & Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. at Beth El

BESTT 3-4’s Sukkot Program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El

S Mah Jongg Tournament, noon A Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m.

V E Beth El 20s & 30s group, 4 p.m. at Vala’s

& S A V E

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20 JSS Senior Luncheon, 9:30 a.m.

Jewish Book Club Meeting, 2 p.m.

Family Dinner for Simchat Torah, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El

Leadership for 2009 Campaign

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21 Shemini Atzeret, Federation closed WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 22 Simchat Torah, Federation closed C L THURSDAY, OCTOBER 23 I Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel P

C L I P

&

&

S A V E

Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Parsha Club, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad JFS Love & Logic Class, 6 p.m.

Visions event depart from JCC, 6:45 p.m.

Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Danny Lasker Lecture, 7:30 p.m.

All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions,call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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

This Space For Rent Call Robyn Belgrade 334-6559

Continued from page 1 Egypt; Benjamin Netanyahu withdrew Israeli forces Israel will have to return the Golan Heights. from Hebron, concluded the Wye River agreement with • Israel is very close to agreement both with the the Palestinians and negotiated with Syria over withPalestinians and Syria, and if Olmert had stayed on he drawing from the Golan; and Ariel Sharon pulled back unilaterally from the Gaza Strip. would have had a good chance of closing the deals.

Olmert, it seems, has now set the stage for an Israeli • The main security problem Israel faces today is missiles, and having the border a few hundred yards one way withdrawal from the West Bank and the Golan Heights.

Olmert confidants argue that the frank expression of or the other won’t make any difference.

• Years of conservative thinking by the Israeli estab- his views has positive elements for future peacemaking and diplomacy. They say it has created a strong incentive lishment have undermined peace prospects.

“When I listen to you, I know why we didn’t make for the various Arab parties to negotiate peace and peace with the Palestinians and the Syrians for 40 years shown the international community how far Israel would and why we won’t make peace with them for another 40 be willing to go -- a possible public relations advantage years,” he recalled saying at a recent forum with the if peace efforts fail.

Moreover, they say, Olmert has put peacemaking and country’s top policymakers.

If the interview was meant to constitute Olmert’s its time constraints squarely on the public agenda.

Critics, however, reject these claims. They point out political legacy, his presumptive successor was quick to that Olmert’s stated readireject it. ness for full withdrawal on all Livni, the foreign minister, fronts encourages Arab parsaid Olmert was wrong to go ties to cling to maximalist public with Israel’s final positions, not compromise. negotiating positions while It also puts the next Israeli she is in the midst of intenprime minister on the spot: sive negotiations with the If peace moves break down, Palestinians. they say, the next prime min“We agreed negotiations ister will be blamed for not should take place in the going as far as Olmert would negotiating room, not on have. the pages of a newspaper,” Livni bristled at the implishe said at a Foreign cation that peace would be Ministry conference in achievable under Olmert if Jerusalem after Rosh he could have stayed on, and Hashanah.

Olmert also was roundly Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert denied that he accepted if she failed to achieve peace criticized on the right for bribes from American businessman Morris Talansky in a during her tenure as prime minister, she would be to saying too much and on the statement at his house in Jerusalem, May 8, 2008.

Credit: BPH Images blame. left for doing too little.

Most importantly, Livni, Olmert’s likely successor, also Yuval Steinitz of the Likud Party took issue with Olmert’s contention that in an age of missiles, Israel came out against the substance of Olmert’s key posicould afford to give up hundreds of yards on its borders. tions.

In a meeting Sunday in Jerusalem with French Foreign “Ignoring the difference between rockets fired from long distances and an enemy perched on hills above Minister Bernard Kouchner, Livni said she opposed the Jerusalem shows just how little he understands basic framework of Olmert's offer to the Palestinians. She said she was against making far-reaching proposals for a quick security issues,” Steinitz said.

Yossi Beilin of the Meretz Party castigated Olmert for fix and that negotiations should be allowed all the time “revealing his true position on the national interest only they needed to ripen into a well-constructed and lasting deal. when he has nothing to lose.”

Livni was critical as well of Olmert’s position on Iran.

Those sentiments were echoed overseas, where Olmert's conciliatory positions were welcomed but with In the Yediot interview, Olmert dismissed as “megalomania” the notion that Israel would or should unilaterwonderment at why he hadn’t said as much earlier.

An editorial in The New York Times summed up the ally attack Iran. Olmert said the international communisentiment in an editorial on Oct. 4 titled “Mr. Olmert’s ty, not just Israel, should take the steps necessary to Belated Truths.” arrest Iran’s suspected nuclear weapons program.

“It is tragic that he did not do more to act on those Livni said Olmert’s remarks sent the wrong message to beliefs when he had real power,” the editorial said.

Tehran and that Israel should be sending the message to Olmert is the fourth Israeli prime minister to start his the Iranians that all options are on the table. political life as a hawk in the vein of the Likud or its Despite her sharp criticism, Foreign Ministry officials predecessor, Herut, and then to surprise observers later said Livni does not think Olmert’s comments will have a with the extent of his willingness to make far-reaching serious impact on the peace process. concessions.

“Olmert is not relevant anymore,” a senior ministry Herut founder Menachem Begin returned the Sinai to official told JTA. “What he says doesn't matter.”

S A V E

Continued from page 1 “By traveling on missions to different countries, I’ve seen first-hand what our overseas partners -- the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) -- are accomplishing with our community’s dollars,” she explained.

Zoë has plenty of examples to share. “We feed the hungry in the FSU, we help re-build vibrant Jewish life in countries like Budapest where it had been forbidden for so many years, and we’ve literally transported Ethiopian Jews into the 21st century and a new life in Israel. This community should be proud that by participating in our Annual Campaign, we’re partners in these wonderful adventures.”

So far, donor response to the 2009 Campaign has started off well. “Almost everyone has increased their gift from last year,” reports Carl. “They have a strong understanding of the challenges we face this year.”

Carl and Zoë credit the hard work of their campaign leaders with the successful start to this year’s campaign.

“We’ve put together a fantastic leadership team.

Everyone has gone above and beyond, and we’re very pleased about that,” Carl said. The Campaign Leadership team includes Pacesetter: John Lehr and Mike Platt; Lion of Judah: Gail Veitzer; Men’s Campaign: Bruce Friedlander; Women’s Campaign: Iris Ricks; Young Leadership: Brett Atlas; Super Sunday: Matt and Melissa Shapiro.

Carl and Zoë express confidence in donors to give generously to the 2009 Annual Campaign. “I believe this community is the most caring, giving community in the country, bar none,” Carl said. “We’ve always risen to the occasion, and it’s so special to be part of a community where everybody cares for one another.” Zoë emphatically agreed. “Omaha truly has the spirit of Tikun Olam, repairing the world and helping people one at a time.”

To make a donation to the 2009 Annual Campaign, contact Sharon Kirshenbaum at 334.6485, or to make an online donation, visit www.jewishomaha.org.

HIGH HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 21-22 for Shemini Azeret and Simchat Torah. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos for the Oct. 24 issue is Monday, Oct. 13, 9 a.m.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448

October 17, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Temple sponsors Kristallnacht: Night of Broken Congressional and Learning Glass recalled 70 years later

by BETH SELDIN DOTAN into a new community.

Community candidate forums Director, Institute for Holocaust Education Omer described her encounters meeting Issues such as the econA child survivor of the Holocaust, Bea the survivors, noting “It has been an omy, the war in Iraq and Karp remembers standing at the window honor and a privilege to take part in this AMERICA Afghanistan, broadening at her family’s apartment in Germany the project and a humbling experience to meet affordable access to health night of Nov. 9, 1938 -- her father dress- these couragous and inspirational people DECIDES 2008 care for the uninsured and ing quickly to run to save religious arti- who survived the Holocaust. It was a privby CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator

Two forums -- one for candidates running for United States Congress and another for representatives to a newly formed local governmental body -- will be sponsored by Temple Israel next week.

Four Nebraska candidates for elective office have been invited by Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee and Temple Men’s Club to participate in a question-and-answer forum this Sunday, Oct. 19, 10 a.m., at Temple. With just over three weeks to go before the Nov. 4 election, this could be one of the last opportunities to meet the candidates (or their representatives).

U.S. Senate candidates Scott Kleeb and Mike Johanns are vying for the seat being vacated by Republican Chuck Hagel.

Kleeb, a rancher and a professor, is the Democratic candidate. Johanns, a Republican, is a former governor of Nebraska and most recently served as the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture in President Bush’s cabinet.

Also expected to attend are Jim Esch and Lee Terry. Esch, the Democratic nominee for Nebraska’s second congressional district in the House of Representatives, is challenging Terry, the Republican incumbent, for the second time. Terry has served in the House since 1999.

underinsured, and Omaha’s shortage of mental health care services are expected to be discussed.

On Wednesday, Oct. 22, 6:30 p.m., Temple will co-host a discussion by candidates running for district three in the first-ever election for the new metro school cooperative involving the 11 Douglas and Sarpy County school districts. Other co-hosts of the forum are First United Methodist Church at 7020 Cass St, the site of the round-table discussion, and OTOC (Omaha Together One Community).

District three includes all of Westside Community Schools, Ralston Public Schools, and a midtown section of the Omaha Public Schools district. The nine candidates are Lynne Anderson, Sam Brower, Lorraine Chang, Lynne Timmerman Fess, Jack Heidel, Tony Levy, John Sieler, Richard Takechi, and David Wilken.

District three voters will elect two of the candidates on Nov. 4, and area school board members will select a third representative from the school boards. Altogether, there will be 18 members of the Learning Community Council which is expected to have a significant impact on how Omaha’s public schools are funded and how the city’s neediest students are served.

cles from the nearby synagogue. “It was ilege for me to be allowed into their lives as though the whole city of Karlsruhe was to help record their stories. The message burning,” said Karp during her interview of this DVD is to bring us closer to a legawith Jessica Omer for a commemoration cy of survivors who have lived and worked of the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht, beside us for a generation.”

In addition to the musical and DVD the so-called “Night of Broken Glass.”

Sponsored by the Institute for programs, the commemoration will Holocaust Education, the commemoration will take place at the Joslyn Witherspoon Hall on Sunday, Nov. 9, 5 pm.

The Joslyn event will include chamber music written by Jewish composers who lived during the Holocaust, played by members of the Omaha Symphony. In addition, there will be a number of vocal pieces featuring mezzo soprano Lucinda Sloan, Cantor Wendy Shermet of Temple Israel and Cantor Beth Schlossberg of View of the old synagogue in Aachen after its destruction Beth El. The commemoration will also on Kristallnacht, Nov 10, 1938.

Credit: USHMM, courtesy of Stadtarchiv Aachen include a multi-media DVD narrated by World War II Veteran Mr. Richard include the debut of a photo exhibit, Holland, and featuring interviews with “Omaha: Portraits of Survival” by David local survivors, their children and high Radler. His black and white photos of school students who attended last year’s Omaha survivors will be displayed in the March of the Living in Poland. This pro- Joslyn Fountain Court as part of the Nov. gram will recount both the beginning of 9 program. Following the commemorathe physical actions taken against Jews as tion, the photos of local Omaha survivors the Holocaust began and our local sur- will be moved to the Gallery of the Jewish vivors’ journeys to Omaha and integration Community Center.

Distinctive Surroundings…

Extraordinary Events.

• Special Sunday Wedding Packages • Entertainment Packages • Special room rates for out-of-town guests • Call today for information about other special event packages: Bar/Bat Mitzvah Parties • Birthdays Sweet 16’s • Family Reunions

909 South 107th Avenue • Omaha, NE 68114 402.397.8000 • www.regencylodge.com

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

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

Key moments in Jewish life cycles highlight Klutznick Harris Symposium

by DR. LEONARD GREENSPOON Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization Creighton University Scholars tend to call them “rites of passage.” Most folks prefer to speak of them as life cycle events or milestones. Jews like to speak of simchas, when there’s something -- birth, bar or bat mitzvah, or wedding, for example -- to celebrate.

Whatever we call them and however we commemorate them, these are key moments for individuals, families, and communities. And they form the theme of this year’s Klutznick-Harris Symposium: “Rites of Passage: How Today’s Jews Celebrate, Commemorate, and Commiserate.” A very wide variety of presenters -- from elementary school youth to a senior scholar who just celebrated his seventy-fifth birthday -- will offer insights on rituals as old as the Hebrew Bible and as new as the twenty-first century in contexts as familiar as the American Midwest and as exotic as Karaism.

The Symposium begins Sunday, Oct. 26, 10:30 a.m., at the Jewish Community Center. The first session consists of two presentations: Ori Soltes, a lecturer at Georgetown University, will address “Memory, Questions, and Definitions: Images of Old and New Rites of Passages,” and Leslie Ori Soltes Ginsparg, a New York University graduate student, will explore “Becoming Orthodox Women: Rites of Passage in the Orthodox Community.”

Soltes, who has been in Omaha several times in the past, is recognized as one of the world’s leading historians and curators of Jewish art.

Ginsparg, who received her B.A. from Yeshiva University, is actively involved in research and teaching in the area of Jewish women’s education.

Leslie Ginsparg This first session is followed by a noon luncheon, to which all are invited.

The second session features three presenters, and runs from 1:05-3:15 p.m. The first speaker, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, will draw from his own experience as well as from his research to talk about “The Making of a Rabbis’ Semicha Ordination from Moses to Grosses.” Gross has been rabbi of Beth Israel Synagogue since 2004; he is a familiar figure on the basketball court and the bandstand, as well as at religious and cultural events communitywide.

Rachel Kranson, who is earning her Ph.D. at New York University, follows Gross with an exploration of “‘More Bar Than Mitzvah’: Anxieties Over Wedding and Bar Mitzvah Celebrations in PostWar America.”

Kranson’s academic interests run from Jennie Grossinger and Barbra Rachel Kranson Streisand to Jewish weddings and vacations.

Cantor Steven Puzarne offers a unique perspective in his pr esentation, “Nes Godol: B’nei Mitzvah Program for Children with A u t i s m . ” Cantor Steven Puzarne Puzarne will speak from his own experience in establishing and implementing this program in Vista Del Mar, CA. After a brief break, session three will convene at 3:35 p.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. The first presenter in this session will be Oliver Leaman, from the University of Kentucky.

An internationally recognized philosopher and the author of dozens of wellregarded texts and collections, Leaman will speak on “New Jewish Rites of Mandell Family Passage and the Holocaust.” The last presentation of this session features five presenters: four are members of the Mandell family of Kirksville, Missouri, and the fifth is a fellow faculty member at Truman State University, Jerrold Hirsch.

Together, they will provide firsthand accounts of “Without a Minyan: Adjusting to Jewish Life in a Small Midwestern Town.”

In the JCC Theater Sunday night, 7:30 p.m., Vanessa L. Ochs, of the University of Virginia, will give the Symposium’s keynote address, titled “New Jewish Traditions; The Ones That Stick, and the Vanessa Ochs

Save the Date An evening with

RABBI MOSHE COTEL Performing Chronicles: A Jewish Life at the Classical Piano

Ones That Don’t.” Ochs’ address will be followed by a dessert reception.

The Symposium moves to the Skutt Student Center on the campus of Creighton University on Monday, Oct. 27. Two scholars will speak in the first session, which begins at 8:45 a.m.

Penina Adelman, of Brandeis University, will make a presentation titled, “‘Who Am I Supposed to Be?”: The Bat Mitzvah as a Transformative Ritual,” and Irit Koren, of Rutgers University, will talk on “Discourse About the Wedding Ritual: Hierarchies Penina Adelman of Gender, Knowledge, and Authority.” Adelman has advanced degrees in Social Work and is widely known as a storyteller and folklorist.

Koren, who received her Ph.D. from Bar Ilan University, has written widely about the religious practices of Orthodox Jews.

The second session begins at 10:20 a.m. and concludes Irit Koren at 12:30 p.m. Erika Meitner, who teaches at Virginia Tech while completing her Ph.D. requirements from the University of Virginia, starts off with “Materializing New Jewish Ritual: Jews with Jewish Tattoos.” She is well known as a poet in addition to her work in religion and culture and Jewish Studies.

Daniel J. Lasker, from Ben Erika Meitner Gurion University, is the second presenter in this session; his paper is titled “Karaism: An Alternate Form of Jewish Celebration.”

A celebrated writer on Jewish philosophy, Lasker has also published widely on Karaite Jews. Keynoter Ochs will be making another Symposium presentation to conclude this session: “Same-Sex and Heterosexual Jewish Wedding Ceremonies in Conversation With Each Other.” Through this paper, she hopes “to raise awareness of the inequalities and indignities experienced by same-sex couples.”

Immediately following Ochs’ talk there will be a kosher deli luncheon and a featured talk by Rabbi Arthur Waskow of The Shalom Center. Waskow will combine Continued on page 5

ASK FOR...

TONI ROSEN MULTIMILLION DOLLAR CAREER SALES

For Experienced Professional Service In The Sale Of Your Home

Res: 334-7257 Bus: 498-8300 How is this publication thinking about the future?

By becoming part of the past.

This publication is available from ProQuest Information and Learning in one or more of the following ways:

Thursday, November 13th, 2008 | 7:00 p.m. | Jewish Community Center

A Free Performance Proudly presented by The Karen Sokolof Javich Music Fund Rabbi Moshe Cotel, composer/pianist, presents the next chapter of his unique mix of classical piano music and personal stories. Building on Chronicles I, Cotel shares with us his private journey from the life of a renowned musician to that of a spiritual leader.

Works by Gershwin,Rimsky-Korsakov,and Ellstein will be performed as well as Cotel’s own works and virtuosic transcriptions of pieces as diverse as the Star Spangled Banner and All You Need Is Love.This program has much to teach us about a life well-lived, music and spirituality, joy and love, art and Torah.

• Online, via the ProQuest® information service • Microform • CD-ROM • Via database licensing

Electronic Databases

Microform & Print

Chadwyck-Healey

For more information, call

1-800-521-0600, ext. 2888 (US) or 01-734-761-4700 (International) www.il.proquest.com From

October 17, 2008

Jewish life cycles highlight Klutznick Harris Symposium Continued from page 4 the theme of last year’s Symposium -Jews and the Envir onment -- with this year’s in his thoughtful analysis, “‘Lest the Earth Be U t t e r l y Destroyed’: E l i j a h ’ s Covenant Between the Rabbi Arthur Waskow Generations.”

Almost 40 years ago, Waskow was one of the creators of the Jewish Renewal Movement. Ever since, he has been at the forefront of many important interfaith projects and efforts to address issues of peace, justice, and healing of the earth.

He founded The Shalom Center in 1983.

In 2007, he was named by Newsweek magazine as one of the 50 most influential American rabbis.

The luncheon featuring Rabbi Waskow, as well as all of the other activities at Creighton and the J, are free and open to the public. For further information, please visit our website at www2. creighton.edu/ccas/klutznick or contact Fran Minear in the Klutznick Office at 402.280.2303 or fminear@creigh ton.edu.

The Symposium co-hosts are the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society at Creighton University and the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

punishment for rejecting Jesus. The reestablishment of the Jewish state in the land of Israel by people who have not accepted Christianity was a challenge to this belief. And it took the Catholic Church almost half a century to recognize the state of Israel,” he noted.

“In addition, you have the evangelical Protestants who see the State of Israel as part of God’s redemptive plan and so generally support the state. Lastly, liberal protestants tend to eye the state with suspicion; they are uncomfortable with the importance of an independent entity in a particular geographical location,” he added.

“Muslims, on the other hand, have not changed their position in 1300 years.

They considered Jewish sovereignty as an affront to their religion. Jews were a tolerated minority, not a people who exercised control over Muslims and what they believed were ‘their’ lands.”

It may be surprising to some to find out that Jewish thinkers also struggled with the theological significance of Israel. Dr. Lasker will outline the viewpoints of religious Zionists, moderate religious Zionists, ultra-Orthodox and Reform Jews, to name just a few.

Lasker holds three degrees from Brandeis University and is the author of four books and numerous other publications in the fields of Jewish philosophy and theology. He has lectured widely throughout North America and at professional conferences around the world.

This event is open to the community, free of charge. For more information, please call 334.6445.

MARRIAGE HASSLINGER/FREY M’Lee and Larry Hasslinger announce Army, is currently stationed in South the Aug. 7 marriage in Seoul, South Korea with the Second Infantry Division.

He is the grandson of Korea of their daughter, Jeanina Chacon of San Jose, Sarah to Matt Frey, son of Matthew Frey of Long Costa Rica, the late Gonzalo Island, NY and Maria Gutierrez, Helen Staats of Gutierrez of Manassas, VA. Cape Cod, MA, and the late The bride graduated from Mark Frey.

University of NebraskaThe couple will have a forOmaha with a degree in mal ceremony following biology. She is the grandtheir return to the States, daughter of Elaine and Mace where they will be stationed Jabenis and the late Betty with the 10th Group Special and Lawrence Hasslinger.

Forces in Fort Carson, CO. The groom, a sergeant in the U.S.

Page 5

COMING 10.31.08

Election GENERAL

ISSUE Information

Ben-Gurion University professor talks about Israel as “a theological dilemma”

by SHERRIE SAAG Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education Dr. Daniel Lasker, the Norbert Blechner Professor of Jewish Values at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev in Beer Sheva, Israel, will describe how the three major monotheistic religions have historically seen the State of Israel in terms of a theological problem. “The State of Israel as a Theological Dilemma” is the focus of his lecture on Thursday, Oct. 23, 7:30 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library at the Jewish Community Center.

“There are many, many ‘thinkers’ throughout the three major religions that have formulated responses to the establishment of Israel,” said Dr. Lasker.

“How they view Israel’s existence theologically -- as a conception of the divine - is fascinating,” he added.

From this point of view that Israel’s founding in 1948, after a Jewish exile of 1900 years was a political event with religious and theological ramifications, Dr. Lasker will discuss responses from Christianity, Muslims, and, of course, prominent Jewish factions.

“We are thrilled to bring this preeminent scholar to Omaha. His lecture will bring religious history alive and is sure to be a stimulating and interesting evening,” said Dr. Guy Matalon, executive director of the Center for Jewish Education.

Dr. Lasker will outline historical responses beginning with Christianity.

“The Christian Church understood the destruction of the Second Temple as a

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Publishing Date » 10.31.08 Space Reservation » 10.20.08 Camera Ready Deadline » 10.23.08

COMING 11.28.08

Business GUIDE

ISSUE Information

Publishing Date » 11.28.08 Space Reservation » 11.17.08 Camera Ready Deadline » 11.20.08 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in these very special editions.

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

Call Robyn Belgrade at 402.334.6559 or email:robynbelgrade@jewishomaha.org

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

Temple’s social justice project launches “How to Be an Angel on Earth”

PREPARE TO BE...

exhilarated at our New Location!

Art • Lamps Furniture • Accessories One Week Custom Framing

Knitting • Needlepoint Quilting • Weaving

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

Antibiotics do not fight viral illnesses like colds.

Taking antibiotics for colds can be harmful to your child’s health – in fact, unnecessary antibiotics can make future infections harder to treat. Call 1-800-CDC-INFO or visit www.cdc.gov/getsmart

Body Detox & Energy Balancing Ionic Foot Bath

ENJOY LIVING A HEALTHY LIFE Over time the build up of environmental toxins, either physical and/or chemical, overload our systems. As a result, the body’s cellular matrix can’t work at an optimal state, creating a cascade effect for physical ailments and potential health problems. These include: allergies, arthritis, immune deficiencies, migraines, fatigue, decreased muscle function, loss of flexibility, cancer, heart disease, circulatory problems and memory impairment, just to name a few.

The EB-PRO™ ION Therapy System will begin the process of enabling the body to restore its natural state of balance and health.

So join the wave of the future.

RESULTS • Healthy individuals often feel more energy and experience a greater • feeling of well-being.

• Patients with pain, edema, gout, allergies, lymph edema, neuralgia • and swollen joints have often reported immediate relief.

Call for an appointment

402.216.9581 www.solecleanse.com

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “What on earth are you here for?” asked Dr. Ron Wolfson on Rosh Hashanah morning as he delivered his d’var Torah at Temple Israel.

He wasn’t questioning why the sanctuary and social hall overflowed with people. The professor of Education at the American Jewish University in Los Angeles and dean of the Center for Jewish Education wanted to know what purpose people have on earth.

“Judaism’s answer,” he responded, is that we “are on earth to be God’s partner, to do the tasks that God has for you, to do God’s To Do List! On this list are all the things -- big and small -- that God expects us to do to further Dr. Ron Wolfson the work of creation and to repair the brokenness in the world. And when we do these ‘to-do’s,’ we discover the source of meaning and purpose for our lives.”

God’s To-Do List, 103 Ways to Be an Angel and Do God’s Work on Earth happens to be the name of Wolfson’s 2007 book published by Jewish Lights Publishing. Thanks to a gift from Janice and Bob Batt and the Slosburg family, every Temple Israel household received a copy of the book just prior to Rosh Hashanah.

All recipients were asked to read one chapter of the book each day, to be completed by Yom Kippur.

Based on nearly 200 responses to a social justice survey sent by Temple’s Social Justice Committee, headed

by Rabbi Eric Linder and congregants Mimi Silverman, Patrick Jensen, Shari Hess, and Gary Kaplan, a To-Do List was mailed with Wolfson’s book. The list challenges “us to match our spiritual ideals with our physical actions and commitments,” according to Jon Meyers, president of Temple’s Board of Trustees, “We launched this on the High Holidays, because if our liturgy is about anything, it’s the importance of actualizing our prayers through actions,” emphasized Rabbi Linder.

Priorities and interests identified by the social justice survey indicated the congregation would like to focus on health care, education and poverty, religious and racial diversity/understanding/friendship. With these areas of concern in mind, the social justice leaders sought out opportunities within the community to do God’s work.

“God doesn’t depend on angels,” explained Wolfson, son of Omahans Bernice and Alan Wolfson. “God depends on you to be an angel,” he said on Rosh Hashanah.

In step with his book, Wolfson pointed out that God’s first characteristic is to create. “And you...a human being made in the image of God...you can be creative too.” In fact, there are “ten ways we can emulate God and make a difference,” noted Wolfson. In addition to creating,

the other nine ways “to be an angel and do God’s work on earth” are to bless, rest, call, comfort, care, repair, wrestle, give, and forgive. More than 100 examples of these opportunities to follow in God’s ways are described in Wolfson’s book.

Rabbi Linder, speaking on behalf of Temple’s Social Justice Committee, said, “We created a ‘menu’ of over 30 different projects on Temple’s To-Do List” including places such as the Food Bank, public schools, Jewish Family Service, the Urban League, Stephen Center, and the Community Bike Shop of Omaha. Other choices are attending candidate and issues forums, participating in book clubs, becoming an organ donor, keeping teens healthier, donating to Nothing but Nets which protects African children from malaria, hosting a community diversity dinner, taking part in a Black/Jewish Seder and a National Human Rights Shabbat.

Options on the To Do List suggest ways to volunteer and to donate and events to attend. “Given the survey responses and the diversity of our list, we are hopeful that this will inspire our congregation to do some of these projects,” added Rabbi Linder. Congregants were asked to find time by the end of next summer to do at least three things on the To Do List. Temple will keep track of how many acts of social justice are performed and let the congregation know.

There’s something for everyone from driving the Food Bank’s fruit and vegetable truck; reading to elementary school children; purchasing gas cards for families in need; assisting college students who are writing essays to accompany their college applications; serving breakfast to families suffering from homelessness, poverty, and addiction; and donating used bikes among numerous other choices.

After indicating how they personally plan to participate on the To Do Lists that came with Wolfson’s books, congregants dropped off their lists at Temple on Yom Kippur.

Part of Temple’s mission statement is to improve communities through Tikun Olam (repairing the world).

Answering his own question of why should we repair the world? Wolfson said, “To bring God’s presence.”

“This is the most remarkable program of tikun olam in a synagogue I have seen...because you are being called to do more than just participate, more than just attend programs, more than just write a check. Because when you volunteer to work on healthcare issues, or wrap Hanukkah presents, or serve Christmas dinner at the homeless center,” Wolfson indicated, “you will be reminded that you have the spark of divinity in you...that you are God’s partner...that you matter...that you can change the world...that you can be an angel.”

Special Junior Congregation Shabbat at Beth El invites families to celebrate together

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A special, interactive Junior Congregation Shabbat celebration at Beth El will bring together the synagogue’s third-through-seventh graders and their families on Friday, Oct. 24 at 6 p.m. for an evening of camaraderie, prayer, music and fun. The spirit of Shabbat will fill the air as BESTT faculty members Eadie Tsabari and Andy Greenberg, along with participating students, lead the service and recount the creation of the world, through the Torah parasha Beresheit.

The Family Junior Congregation Shabbat has been a feature of BESTT for the past four years,” noted Education Director Judy Bisman Rubin, saying that it will be presented “in the round in one of the pods off the sanctuary that provides an intimate setting for a Friday night service.

“We all learn what we do,” Rubin said. “That philosophy applies to math, science, the arts. It is no less so for davening. Participating in a Shabbat service for Junior Congregation on Shabbat morning or the Friday night Family Shabbat service is the best way to learn the service. Oct. 24, students will be able to show their parents what they have learned in Talmud Torah and everyone-parents and children alike-will have opportunities to

participate.”

The evening will be meaningful for all involved, Greenberg remarked. “Judaism is a family affair- not just an individual one. We think that parents influence kids, but during this service the children get to influence their parents as they see their kids’ enjoyment as they lead songs and prayers.”

In addition, he continued, the service offers an ageappropriate look at the Torah portion of the week. “I love when their eyes open in amazement as together we explore the secrets and insights of the Torah. Instead of a lecture, it becomes a two-way conversation with the kids giving their insights. Parents are surprised at their children’s ability to reason and see things.”

Following the hour-long service, all families are invited to stay for a special Shabbat dinner in the West Court.

Reservations are being taken now; early-bird dinner prices - $8.50 for adults (post Bar or Bat Mitzvah), $6.50 for children in kindergarten through seventh grades, free for pre-K and younger children -- will be honored through Oct. 15. After that date, prices will increase to $10.50 for adults, and $8.50 for grades K-7.

All reservations must be received by Oct. 20.

To make reservations or for more information, contact Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.

October 17, 2008

IN THE NEWS

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) will deliver the keynote address at Girls Inc. at Omaha’s eighth annual Lunch for the Girls. The luncheon will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 21, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Qwest Center Omaha, 455 No. 10 St., in Exhibit Hall B of the convention center.

Tickets for Lunch for the Girls are expected to sell out very quickly. Regular seating is available at $75 per person ($45 of which is tax deductible). Patron seating is available for $150 per person ($120 of which is tax deductible). Reservations can be made by calling Girls, Inc. at 402.457.4676 or submitting a downloadable

THG-08916

Local Man Prevails In Scuffle With Hoodlums Go painlessly with Thera-Gesic®

Page 7

ORGANIZATIONS

Omaha Children’s Museum announced its second annual Great Friends to Kids Luncheon at the museum, on Monday, Oct. 27, noon.

Karen Levin and the Peter Kiewit Foundation will be recognized for their leadership in building the young minds of metro-area children.

“This event will bring together business, community and civic leaders to celebrate those who have worked passionately to enhance the lives of metro-area children,” said Lindy Hoyer, executive director of Omaha Children’s Museum. “We’re proud of our community’s family friendly nature and want to recognize individuals who have worked diligently to make this a wonderful place for children to grow up.”

Levin will receive the Great Friend to Omaha Children’s Museum award and Peter Kiewit Foundation will receive the Great Friend to Kids award. Last year’s honorees were Evelyn Zysman and David Karnes.

Reservations start at $50. Tables and corporate sponsorships are also available. For more information or to RSVP call 402.930.2349 or email reservations@ ocm.org. Proceeds benefit OCM, 500 So. 20 St.

BEXAR COUNTY- Tom W., after using Thera-Gesic® on a sore left shoulder, encountered two hoods breaking into a car in a parking lot. He whacked one of them upside the head and ran them off. When asked why he took the risk, he painlessly replied: “None of your dang business!”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

form, available on the Girls Inc. website (www.girlsincomaha.org). Reservation forms may be dropped off with payment, mailed with payment or faxed with credit card information to Girls Inc. The deadline for reservations is Monday, Oct. 20.

All proceeds from Lunch for the Girls will support the educational, cultural and recreational opportunities offered at Girls Inc. Dave Bonicatto of Hague Quality Water of Nebraska was the #6 salesperson in the nation for July. He was also the #1 salesperson in the Great Plains Region (Minnesota, Iowa, Nebraska, North and South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming and Wisconsin) for this same period.

Bonicatto is currently the #2 salesperson in the nation year to date. Hague Quality Water International has over 300 dealerships and 1000 sales people worldwide.

BIRTHS Rebekah and Evan Saltzman of Riverdale, NY announce the Sept. 26 births of their daughter, Alice (Elka Sarah) and their son, Alexander Martin (Micha’el Eliahu).

Alice is named for her great-great aunt, Alice (Elka Sarah) Chaifetz, and Alex for his great-great-great uncle Alex (Eliahu) Chaifetz and his great-grandfather Martin (Micha’el) Weber.

The twins have a brother, Nathan Perry.

Grandparents are Ruth and Richard Chaiftez of Silver Spring, MD, and Lynne and Errol Saltzman.

Great-grandparents are Ethel and Harry Chaifetz of Worcester, MA and Selma Weber of Whitestone, Queens, NY.

THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC with musical entertainment with the Terry Edwards Show. Lunch is served at noon for $7 per person. The program will begin at 12:30 p.m. Join us for Bingo with Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Teresa at 330.4272 for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

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

VISIONS Reminders: Visions luncheon meeting is Friday, Oct. 17, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn. For those members going to see the Capitol Steps at the Orpheum Theater on Thursday, Oct. 23, please meet at the JCC at 6:15 p.m. For Information, call Betty Sanford at 399.2001.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS There is no meeting of Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Oct. 22, due to the Jewish holiday of Simchat Torah.

Breadbreakers resumes on Wednesday, Oct. 29, noon, at Regency Lodge with a presentation by Rep. Lee Terry, the incumbent Rrepublican member of the U.S. House of Representatives for the Second Congressional District. Upcoming luncheons will feature Dick Fellman on Nov. 5, who will give his take on the Nov. 4 elections; former Omahan Lee White, a member of the inner circle for Presidents Kennedy and Johnson on Nov. 12, and Nebraska Attorney General Jon Bruning on Nov. 19.

To be added to the B’nai B’rith e-mail list, send a note to bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org or call 334.6443.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Third Degree Productions presents Dracula, The Musical? A Musical Farce by Rick Abbot, to benefit the following charities: Ted A Bear Hollow, the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund, and the Donna Reed Foundation. The play is a family friendly show at Scottish Rite Theatre on Oct. 17-Nov. 2.

Showtimes are Fridays and Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, 2 p.m. held at the Scottish Rite.

Opera Omaha invites you to turn off the news and instead embrace the hilarity and catchy tunes of The Pirates of Penzance running Oct. 15, 17 and 19 at the Orpheum Theater. Tickets start at $19 and are available by calling Opera Omaha at 402.346.7372, online at operaomaha.org, or at the Opera Omaha Box Office at 17th and Farnam. Tickets are also available through Ticket Omaha at 402.345.0606 or ticketomaha.com.

Make the opera a family outing with our Pirate Pack Discount. Receive a free youth ticket (13 years and younger) with the purchase of an adult ticket for the Sunday, Oct. 19 performance of The Pirates of Penzance. Add a great lunch for only $7 per person plus enjoy a family friendly overview of the opera’s storyline and characters by Resident Music Director J. Gawf. The preview lunch is held in Opera Omaha’s administrative offices at 17th & Farnam beginning at noon.

Omaha Area Youth Orchestra (OAYO) will kick off its 50th anniversary season with a special anniversary gala and family festival on Sunday, Oct. 19 at the Holland Performing Arts Center, 1200

Coming home

Douglas St. The gala and family festival will be held from 2:30-4:30 p.m., and will be followed by an all-orchestra concert featuring more than 300 student musicians from the organization’s audition-based orchestras.

Performers will include a juggler, a magician, a world percussionist, as well as a variety of student classical groups and rock bands, an instrument petting zoo and a silent auction that will benefit OAYO. Tickets to the gala and family festival are $13 for adults and $9 for students, and include concert admission.

Call Ticket Omaha at 345.0606 or visit www.ticketomaha.org to purchase tickets. Call OAYO at 238.2044, or visit www.oayo.org for more information.

Moscow Ballet will hold an open audition in Omaha for its “Great Russian Nutcracker” at Cherrie Anderson’s School of Music & Dance at 14633 Grover St., on Saturday, Oct. 18, 4 p.m.

A Moscow Ballet Russian soloist, Ruslana Apreleva, will conduct the audition. Applicants must have at least one year of dance experience and be between 7-18 years old. There is no height limitation. Students must dress in dance attire and bring pointe shoes, if on pointe. For more information, please contact Dance Coordinator Cherrie Anderson at 402.333.4426. To download an audition form, please visit www.nutcracker.com/ Audition.php Moscow Ballet will present its “Great Russian Nutcracker” performance at Omaha Music Hall on Sunday, Dec. 7, 3 p.m. Tickets are available on-line at www.nutcracker.com, or by phone at 402.422.1212.

by OZZIE NOGG When the Blumkin Home’s refurbished West Wing opened recently, Lisa Epstein, left, and Judy Josephson were on hand to help RBJH resident, Rose Fine, settle into her new room. At 99 years of age, Rose is the Home’s most senior resident. “No matter how old we are, change can sometimes be difficult,” Epstein said, “and we were happy to help Rose get comfortable in her new surroundings.” The large windows on the west-facing side of the wing give residents a clear view of Boys Town and the surrounding area. According to Josephson, “Rose is able to see the sunset from this vantage point, and she really enjoys that.” Both Epstein and Josephson are members of the Temple Israel Caring Community, a group that regularly provides TLC to Blumkin Home residents.

Brandeis program brings back memories

Renee Corcoran, Executive Director of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, gave an inspiring DVD presentation of The Brandeis Story. Many residents and visitors alike were former employees of the Brandeis Department Store chain and relived wonderful memories. Star Catering, made up of RBJH’s dietary staff, provided an elegant reception following the program. Pictured above, from left are: Dietary Aide Sha Rho, with visitor Lillian Schrager, and Laura Bair, Catering Manager; and Lillian Schrager, standing left, Renee Corcoran, and sitting: Sarah Silver and Ida Herzoff.

KIDS!

We Need Your Artistic Talent!

Your color drawing could be on the front of our Hanukkah Gift Guide! Use color markers,crayons, construction paper or whatever you like to create your drawing on an 8.5X11 piece of white paper. Prizes will be awarded for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners. Fill out the form below, attach it to the back and send or bring it to the Jewish Press,333 South 132 Street,Omaha,NE 68154.The deadline is Monday, November 24, 2008.

2008 Hanukkah Gift Guide Cover Coloring Contest This drawing by Yossi Katzman won him 1st Prize last year.

Name ____________________________ Parent’s __________________________ Address __________________________ Phone Number _____________ Age ___

Out

Dining

October 17, 2008

Chabad offers Challah and Kabbalah

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT become a regular feature at Chabad. “We are currently Chabad of Nebraska opened its doors to an enthusias- working on making this a regular event, since we are tic group of women from the community for the annual finding there is much enthusiasm for home-baked ‘Challah-thon’. Shani Katzman from Chabad spoke Challah in the community,” Katzman said. “Baking chalabout the importance of Challah, while visitors kneaded lah is just one of many different things you can come and and braided their dough. learn at Chabad, and once you start baking your own, Culinary help came from the capable hands of Susan you won’t want to go without.”

Fellman-Witkowski, whose tri-colored challah was Chabad has more in the works when it comes to sperecently featured on “Recipezaar,” a website dedicated cial events; potentially the most exciting of which is a to original recipes. The Women of Worth Chabad lecture by Rabbi Immanuel Schochet, planned for Auxiliary sponsored the event.

Tuesday, Oct. 28. His lecture, titled “Kabbalah:The “Baking Challah is one of the three ‘feminine Good, the Bad, and the Fad” should draw a sizable mitzvot,’” Katzman said, “along with the laws of family crowd to the Chabad House. An academic and a scholpurity and Shabbat candle lighting, so it is much more ar, he has written extensively on the history and philosthan merely baking bread. The topic of challah is, in a ophy of Hasidism and Jewish themes of thought and way, a commentary on the role of women in Judaism; it ethics.

Rabbi Schochet was born in Switzerland, lived in the speaks volumes of a woman’s ability to mold, to nurture, to affect and influence her family as well as her commu- Netherlands and Canada, and attended the Central nity. Even more poignant is the ability to step back and Yeshiva Tomchei Tmimim in New York City, from which recognize the true source of success, which is G-d’s he graduated in 1958. He holds a PhD in philosophy as well as an MA in religious blessing.” studies, and specializes in The word challah itself logic, epistemology, technically refers to the ethics, and philosophy of separation of the dough religion. He has written before the bread is baked over 30 books, among and donating it to the which a comprehensive Kohanim. However, the biography of the Baal term has come to mean Shem Tov, as well as an the particular braided annotated translation of bread we bake for and eat the Tanya. on Shabbat.

Rabbi Schochet has also Most challah use honey, authored articles for sesame seeds or poppy numerous publications seeds, and they are easily and has spoken for comrecognizable, no matter munities throughout the who bakes them. During Rosh Hashanah, however, Gabby Witkowski, left, Emily and Lauren Kirk, and Isabella Wright U.S., Canada, Europe, Australia, Israel, the Far we get creative: making play with dough -- for real challah -- at Chabad. the Challah round and sweet leaves room to try out old East, and South Africa. “Rabbi Schochet will offer a frank discussion of what Kabbalah is, and of what it deffavorites or come up with new ideas.

For this year’s Challah-thon, Witkowski showed visi- initely is not,” Shani Katzman said. “He will explore why tors her beet/carrot/spinach challah, a delectable sweet Kabbalah has taken hold in popular culture, and why bread made with various brightly colored vegetable there is so much danger of it being abused and manipupurees. Many visitors brought their daughters, since lated. His lecture promises to be very riveting and espethere is no better way to learn the mechanics and mean- cially thought provoking, and I hope many community ings of challah than alongside a room full of Jewish members will set aside time to come and hear him speak.

We promise he will give you much to think about.” mothers.

For information about Rabbi Schochet’s lecture, Community members who missed the Challah-thon this year will be happy to hear they don’t have to wait a Challah baking, or any other programs, please call whole year for the next one, as Challah baking will 330.1800, or visit the website at www.ochabad.org.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

When you patronize these fine establishments, tell them you saw their ad in the Jewish Press.

THE GREEK ISLANDS 3821 CENTER • 346-1528 Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out Party Room We Cater Too! Full Service Bar Mon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun., 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

“Eye on Israel” hosts last session, launches new format

to provide the community with opportunities to keep

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Operations & Programming, Center for Jewish Education current on Israel is strong. The agency will offer special In 2002, Dr. Guy Matalon and Bob Wolfson decided events throughout the year, addressing specific topics.

“Providing the community with on-going informato launch a new program. Their idea was to offer a forum to discuss contemporary issues about Israel, the tion on Israel is a high priority of the agency,” reports Middle East, American foreign policy, anti-Semitism, Matalon, Executive Director of the Center for Jewish religion in society and other current events. The series Education. “We will be targeting specific current event became very popular and “The Guy and Bob Show” issues and offer the programs in the evening. We look was a fixture on forward to this new forTuesdays at noon mat which will feature in the Kripke more guest speakers.”

Jewish Federation The first event will be Library. held on Thursday, Nov. Following Bob’s 4, 7:30 p.m., when the move to New York agency welcomes Dr. Gideon Fishman, Presiin 2006, Dr. Moshe dent of Western Galilee Gershovich joined College in Israel. Dr. Guy and the proFishman will discuss the gram name was future of the college and changed to “Eye talk about the educationon Israel”. al system in Israel.

Unfortunately, all On Wednesday, Nov. good things must 12, 7 p.m., a lecture end, and last entitled “The Future of month, the final Israel and Palestine,” will session of “Eye on Israel” was held. Deputy Consul General of Israel Gershon Kedar, left, Guy Matalon and be given by Charles Mikhail.

Mikhail, a The session was Moshe Gershovich discuss current events in Israel highlighted with the appearance of Gershon Kedar, Palestinian, is an attorney in Mississippi, a good friend Deputy Consul General of Israel to the Midwest. Kedar of Moshe Gershovich, and a prior “Eye on Israel” guest.

Both events will take place in the Kripke Jewish joined Matalon and Gershovich in discussing the upcoming Israel elections as well as Iran and the United Federation Library.

To be added to the agency’s email distribution list, or Nations.

And although “Eye on Israel” is gone, the commit- for more program information, please call 334.6445 or ment of the Center for Jewish Education in continuing email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

Page 9

www.centurypa.com

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers Save Big on High-Speed Internet!

Everything You Need for $99.95 (plus S&H) )VSSZ o 0GGFS &OET %FDFNCFS Includes Free Standard Installation!

www.wildblue.com

1-800-922-0439 Subject to WildBlue terms and conditions.

Visit www.wildblue.com/legal for details and the Fair Access Policy. Š 2008 WildBlue Communications, Inc.

More income at

retirement?

6.40%*

SinglePremiumDeferred Annuity

*Current effective annual interest rate for 10-year Interest Rate Guarantee Period based on premium of $50,000 as of 10/01/2008. Rate includes a 1.00% bonus in the first year. At the end of the first year, the interest rate is reduced by 1.00% and is guaranteed for the remainder of the guarantee period.

A tax benefit today, plus retirement income you can’t outlive. Let’s talk about the FUTURE INCOME PLUS deferred annuity from State Farm.Ž Gary Kudym, Agent 8514 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68114 Bus: 402-390-1166 gary.kudym.cffv@statefarm.com

statefarm.comÂŽ

Lower rates apply for lower premium. Rate subject to change without notice. Actual rate credited will be rate in effect on the day premium is received. After 10 years, a new guaranteed interest rate, not less than

AND )NTEREST 2ATE 'UARANTEE 0ERIOD MAY APPLY -ARKET 6ALUE !DJUSTMENT IF APPLICABLE WILL DECREASE OR INCREASE VALUES IF WITHDRAWALS ARE MADE PRIOR TO THE END OF THE )NTEREST 2ATE 'UARANTEE 0ERIOD 3URRENDER #HARGE MAY APPLY IN lRST YEARS .O -ARKET 6ALUE !DJUSTMENT AND NO 3URRENDER #HARGE WILL BE applied to any death benefit payable. Consult your State Farm agent for policy details and your tax or legal advisor for specific advice. Policy Series: 03040 & 03090 in all states except MT, NY, OR, PA, TX, & WI; 03090 in MT, and A03040 & A03090 in WI. 3TATE &ARM ,IFE )NSURANCE #OMPANY "LOOMINGTON ), .OT LICENSED IN -! .9 AND 7) 3TATE &ARM ,IFE AND !CCIDENT !SSURANCE #OMPANY "LOOMINGTON ), ,ICENSED IN .9 AND 7) .OT &$)# )NSURED s .O "ANK 'UARANTEE s -AY ,OSE 6ALUE P082009 10/01/2008

Statement of Ownership, Management and Circulation 1. Publication Title: Jewish Press. 2. Publication No. 275-620. 3. Filing Date: 10-03-08. 4. Issue Frequency: Weekly, since 1920. 5. No. of Issues Published Annually: 52. 6. Annual Subscription Rate: $33 US, $72 foreign. 7. Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 681542198, 402-334-6448; Contact Person: Lori Kooper-Schwarz, 402-334-6558. 8. Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198. 9. Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor and Managing Editor: Publisher--Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Editor--Carol Katzman, 333 South 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198; Managing Editor--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--26-08. 15. Extent and Nature of Circulation: Average No. Copies Each Issue During Preceding 12 Months--a. Total No. Copies (Net Press Run): 3800. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) 1017. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies) 2128. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS Paid Distribution--175 (4) Other Classes Mailed Through the USPS--10. c. Total Paid and/or Requested Circulation (Sum of 15b (1), (2), (3) and (4)--3295. 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--29 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--125. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--154. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3449. h. Copies Not Distributed--351. i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3800 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): 3800. b. Paid and/or requested Circulation: (1) Paid/Requested Outside-County Mail Subscriptions (Include Advertiser’s Proof and exchange copies) - 997. (2) Paid In-County Subscriptions (Include advertiser’s proof and exchange copies)-2118. (3) Sales through Dealers and Carriers, Street Vendors, Counter Sales and Other Non-USPS 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)--3350. 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--47 e. Free Distribution Outside the Mail (Carriers or Other Means)--125. f. Total Free Distribution (Sum of 15 d and 15e)--172. g. Total Distribution (Sum of 15c and 15f)--3441. h. Copies Not Distributed--359 i. Total: (Sum of 15g and h)--3800. j. Percent Paid and/or Requested Circulation (15c divided by 15g times 100)--95% 16. Statement of Ownership will be printed in the Oct. 17, 2008, issue of this publication. 17. Signature and Title of Editor, Publisher, Business Manager or Owner. Carol Katzman, Editor, 10-03-2008.

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

Cooking the comfort foods of yesterday for Sukkot today

by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA) -- Though I don’t like to admit it, lately I’ve been eating the foods of my youth: chicken fricasee and stuffed peppers, sweet and sour meatballs, and braised short ribs. I liked them as a child, but that was before I was exposed to moussaka, polenta and Pad Thai noodles.

By the 1970s, I became so enamored with other people’s cuisine that I rejected my grandmother’s cooking.

Now that she’s been gone for some 30 years, I realize how much I miss her chicken pot pie brimming with peas and huge chunks of white meat, the biscuits floating atop her beef stew, and the way she folded softened cabbage leaves around a heaping tablespoon of onions, rice and chopped beef.

Right now I’d do anything for a taste of her stuffed peppers or meatloaf -- the first things I rejected after declaring myself sophisticated.

With Sukkot, I see the wisdom of such simple fare.

What could be more satisfying on cool autumn nights than the comfort foods of the last century?

Sukkot is a homey holiday rooted in our agricultural past. During ancient times, the Israelites traveled to Jerusalem to give thanks for the year’s fruits and grains.

They lived in makeshift huts, a precursor to today’s sukkahs whose walls are decorated with the bounty of the season. Like lattice work, sukkah roofs welcome fresh air and a peek at the sky.

Piping hot stews and casseroles full of vegetables and meat simmered in sauces became popular at Sukkot over the centuries, especially among those who follow tradition by eating their meals inside sukkahs.

Jewish homemakers gravitated to basic casseroles and stews because they were easy to transport, they were tasty and they called for small portions of inexpensive cuts of meat.

With the shaky economy, everything old is new again.

People are clipping coupons, albeit more often from online sources than from newspapers. Home cooking is up; restaurant dining is down.

Yesterday’s foods are a practical way to feed the family and friends likely to gather inside of the sukkah for eight nights. What else has a chance of staying warm in an outdoor hut in mid-October, when the holiday falls this year?

Decades ago, as the temperature started dropping, my mother used to make her version of chicken fricasee. She would collect the bags of parts that came inside poultry and store them in the freezer. When she had amassed enough to fill a pot, she’d declare it fricasee season.

In my Betty Crocker world, kitchen counters were not supposed to be spattered with the blood of chicken necks, livers and gizzards, which as a teenager I called lizards and gizzards. Even worse, my mother’s fricasee bubbled in a watery liquid that was missing one important ingredient -- chicken.

One Sukkot years later, a friend raved about her mother’s chicken fricasee. Curious about its origins, I discovered that this stew once called for cream sauces tinged with Vermouth. In the Old Country, kosher cooks omitted the cream in favor of brown gravy.

In Jewish Cooking in America, Joan Nathan explained that food writer Mimi Sheraton, who adored her mother’s chicken fricasee, claimed that meatballs, an American addition to the dish, were probably a sign of abundance.

Sadly my mother’s fricasee omitted the meatballs, too.

At some point in every woman’s life, she must come to terms with her mother’s strengths and imperfections. A decade after my mother died, I began recalling her cooking with both humor and nostalgia. I started freezing the bags of innards found in chicken and turkey cavities. “What are you doing with this stuff?� my husband asked one day, waving a plastic bag full of stiff parts. “Re-inventing chicken fricasee,� I said.

David is from an Italian Jewish background, so I created a yummy tomato sauce. My quest went through several stages. While I added meatballs and chicken breasts and wings to my mother’s recipe, ironically those who have tried my rendition fight over the lizards and gizzards.

For centuries, the stew pot has been a staple in Jewish households, often used on Shabbat. However, in America, stew recipes changed accents when introduced to ketchup, canned pineapple, cranberries, oatmeal and the sauces: tomato, Worcestershire, chili and barbecue.

The Campbell’s Soup company was right there to spruce up hot dishes with canned soups that could double for sauces. To make sure the public was aware of this modern convenience, in 1916 the company issued a recipe booklet that changed the course of gravy history.

Like other American women, Jewish housewives flavored their cooking with these tasty new ingredients.

In my grandmother’s day, all of these filling recipes contained beef. As I tweaked them, however, I added a couple of poultry options because people don’t eat that way anymore night after night.

Yet I suspect stick-to-your-ribs foods, prepared with tight budgets in mind, will be a big hit this Sukkot.

These dishes are irresistibly delicious, which is why we adored them in the first place.

The recipes below are by Linda Morel.

CHICKEN FRICASSEE WITH TURKEY MEATBALLS Meatballs Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds chopped turkey 1 egg, beaten 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (commercially produced) Garlic powder Salt Pepper Fricasee Ingredients: 6 tablespoons or more olive oil 3 pounds necks, gizzards and livers, or any combination, from chicken or other poultry 2 large skinless, boneless chicken breasts (4 pieces) cut in half (8 halves) 8 chicken wings 2 onions, chopped 12 carrots, sliced 12-ounce package mushrooms, sliced 3 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste, mixed with 12 ounces of water 1/2 cup Vermouth 1 bay leaf 1/4 teaspoon thyme Preparation: Mix together meatball ingredients, incorporating well.

Form into balls slightly smaller than golf balls by rolling a tablespoon of the turkey mixture in your palms, until you form perfectly round balls with no visible seams. Place on plate, cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Yield: 25 to 30 meatballs.

If necks are more than 3 inches long, cut in half with a sharp knife. If gizzards are larger than a walnut, cut in half. Using one or two frying pans, in batches fry chicken breasts and wings, livers, gizzards and necks until golden brown.

In a large Dutch oven, saute onions in olive oil. When onions are transparent, add meatballs and brown.

Add all remaining ingredients, except livers, and gently stir. Simmer on a medium flame for 30-40 minutes, until the gizzards are softened. Add livers and simmer 5 more minutes. Remove bay leaf. Tastes best when made a day ahead. Serve with noodles or rice. Yield: 8 servings.

SWEET AND SOUR MEATBALLS Sauce Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 garlic cloves, minced 3 (8 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 cup white wine 2 cups water 1/2 cup dark brown sugar Juice from 3/4 of a lemon 1/2 teaspoon salt Preparation: In a large saucepan, heat oil briefly on a low flame.

Saute garlic in oil.

Add remaining sauce ingredients to pan and stir to blend, making sure tomato paste is fully incorporated.

Cover pan and simmer on a low flame while preparing meatballs, about 30 minutes.

Meatballs Ingredients: 1 small onion, chopped 2 pounds chopped beef 1 teaspoon salt 1 egg, beaten 3 tablespoons olive oil, or more, if needed Preparation: Place onion, beef, salt and egg in a large bowl. Mix ingredients thoroughly.

Make 1 1/2-inch meatballs (golf-ball size), by rolling a rounded tablespoon of the beef mixture in your palms, until you form perfectly round balls with no visible seams.

Continued on page 11

October 17, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Cooking the comfort foods of yesterday for Sukkot today

Continued from page 10 Heat oil on a medium-low flame in a large skillet, preferably no-stick. In batches, brown meatballs in oil on all sides.

With a slotted spoon, carefully place meatballs in sauce.

Simmer in sauce for 30-40 minutes, or until meatballs are cooked through. Recipe can be served immediately but tastes best when made a day in advance. Meatballs freeze well.

Serve them with rice. Yield: About 36 meatballs, 6-8 servings.

COLOR BURST STUFFED PEPPERS Filling Ingredients: 2 tablespoons olive oil, or more, if needed 1 large onion, chopped 6 cloves garlic, minced 2 stalks celery, cleaned and diced 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste Preparation: In a frying pan, heat olive oil and saute onion, garlic and celery. When nearly wilted, add parsley, oregano, salt and pepper.

Stir for a minute. Cool to room temperature.

Peppers Ingredients: 8 peppers ( r o u n d rather than long) in various colors: green, red, yellow and orange 2 pounds Stuffed peppers in a medley of fall colors g r o u n d bring warmth to the sukkah on a chilly fall evening. Credit: Linda Morel turkey 3/4 cup breadcrumbs (commercially produced) No-stick vegetable spray Preparation:

With a sharp knife, cut a circle around pepper stems and discard them. Remove the pith in cavities. Rinse cavities with water to remove all seeds. Drain peppers on paper towels.

In a large mixing bowl, place turkey and breadcrumbs.

Add additional salt and pepper, mixing well. Add onion mixture from frying pan and mix until combined.

With fingers, stuff peppers with turkey mixture, adding enough to create a small dome on top.

Preheat oven to 350º. Coat a 10-by-15-inch ovenproof casserole with no-stick spray. Place stuffed peppers in casserole.

Sauce Ingredients: 1 1/3 cups chili sauce 1 1/4 cups white wine 3 cups water 1/2 cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons) 1/2 cup ketchup, plus more for drizzling 16-ounce box of orzo, optional Preparation: In a large mixing bowl, combine chili sauce, wine, water, lemon juice and ketchup, and blend well. Pour over the peppers in casserole. Drizzle additional ketchup on top.

Place casserole in oven and bake for 1 hour, or until peppers pucker slightly and edges brown near meat at the opening.

While peppers bake, prepare orzo (if using) according to package instructions. Serve peppers in soup bowls on a bed of orzo. Ladle sauce over peppers. Yield: 8 servings.

CHUNKY VEGETABLE BEEF STEW Ingredients: 2 1/2 pounds boneless beef stew meat (such as chuck) Kosher salt to taste Ground black pepper to taste 2 shallots, finely diced 6 cloves garlic, minced 4 tablespoons olive oil, or more if needed 6 tablespoons flour About 1 1/2 quarts of water, or more if needed 2 bouillon cubes 1 teaspoon Creole seasoning, such as Emeril’s Bayou Blast or Chef Paul Prudhomme’s

Made possible by JNF.

Magic Seasoning blend for meat (available at the Kosher Cajun, 504.888.2010) 1 bay leaf 1 tablespoon parsley, chopped 1 zucchini 2 parsnips 6 carrots 8-ounce package of mushrooms 6 celery stalks 16-ounce package wide noodles, optional Preparation: Season beef cubes generously with salt and pepper.

Reserve.

In a large pot (preferably no-stick), saute shallots and garlic in olive oil, on a low flame, until they are transparent, about 3 to 5 minutes.

Dredge beef in flour and add to the shallot pot, stirring often until beef browns. Add more oil, if needed.

Carefully pour enough water into pot so that mixture is just submerged. Add bouillon cubes, Creole seasoning, bay leaf and parsley. Cover pot and gently simmer. Once bouillon dissolves, taste to see if more salt is needed and add if necessary. Simmer for 90 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Add more water, 1/4 cup at a time, if needed. However, you want a thick sauce.

5. Meanwhile, coarsely dice zucchini, parsnips, carrots, mushrooms and celery. Place in stew pot and stir to blend.

Add a bit more water, if needed. Check seasoning again and add more salt, if needed. Cover pot and simmer another 30 minutes, or more, until meat is tender when pierced with a knife.

If serving stew with noodles, prepare them according to package instructions.

Drain noodles and divide into soup bowls. Ladle stew over noodles. Yield: 6-8 servings.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. You’ll get the rest of 2008 and all of 2009!! For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

This is Israel today. And JNF will make sure it’s Israel tomorrow. In the face of the worst water crisis in Israel’s history, over 1.5 million Israelis receive water from 200 reservoirs, dams and water recycling centers created by JNF. We’re currently building 5 new reservoirs to help Israel avert a water catastrophe. This is JNF. We’ve evolved into a worldwide environmental leader dedicated to the growth, prosperity and security of Israel. Support us now by visiting

jnf.org or calling 1.888.JNF.0099 today.

Forestry Water Community Development Security Education Research Tourism & Recreation Ecology ●

●

●

●

●

●

www.jnf.org

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

While Rome was burning ... ... the emperors at Lehman, AIG, Fannie May and Freddie Mac were awarding themselves enormous bonuses and throwing lavish parties at a spa in California. They knew full well that their house of cards was about to come tumbling down, yet they turned a blind eye to their rotten deals and ignored their own accountants. We have many questions, starting with: • Why didn’t outside accountants resign?

Hired to audit these firms, once they knew the books were cooked, why did they ignore the warning bells and continue to collect the fat fees? Maybe they should be reminded of what happened to the venerable firm of Arthur Anderson after the Enron debacle!

Accountants are supposed to play by the rules established by their own national regulatory body. High fees for shoddy work is unacceptable.

• Why didn’t Congress listen to the warnings from officials and men like our own Sen. Chuck Hagel (R-NE), who introduced the Federal Housing Enterprise Regulatory Reform Act of 2005. While a House version passed, a joint committee couldn’t agree on its provisions, (which, by the way, some financial experts noted would actually give less oversight than the current law).

The bill was killed by Republicans, but the Democrats are culpable as well; when they took over in 2006 with majorities in both houses, where was the needed leadership from Sen. Chris Dodd (head of the Senate Banking Committee) and Rep. Barney Frank (who chairs the House version)?

• Speaking of “leaders” in the Congress,

we’d like to know why the nation’s economists and financial wizards were shtim (that’s Yiddish for quiet and meek) about the unraveling threads of America’s great investment banks.

According to a Sept. 29 article in the Milwaukee Sentinel, Craig Gilbert quotes a professor at George Washington University about Fannie and Freddie: “If you’re borrowing at 3 percent and lending at 5.5 percent, you appear to be a money machine,” said economist Anthony Yezer. Thanks in part to lavish lobbying, Fannie and Freddie sold themselves to policy-makers as engines of expanding homeownership and defeated efforts to limit their runaway growth and risky strategies, including the proliferation of “mortgagebacked securities” -- mortgages that are bundled, repackaged and sold to investors.

“There was just something fundamentally unsound about this relationship (between the government and Fannie and Freddie), especially when they get so big that, if they fail, they affect the economy tremendously,” said Yezer.

Unsound? That’s an understatement!

• And finally, why didn’t we -- the American people -smell the rotten fish?

When lousy credit risks were able to get sixfigure mortgages with not a penny down, shouldn’t that have raised our eyebrows? Were we all too busy watching “Flip That House” on The Learning Channel that we did not recognize fraud, collusion and greed when it was right before our eyes?

In the end, easy money isn’t easy at all. It has, and will continue to create much hardship for ordinary working Americans. It may take years to recover from the bad investments, bad advice, bad judgment and lack of leadership that provoked one of the worst financial crises since the 1930s. And the “bad guys”? Oh, a few will go to jail; some may eventually get voted out of office, but given human nature, it’s unlikely we’ll ever hear any apologies.

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by STEVEN WINDMUELLER LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- For Americans, but especially for Jews, 2008 will be a pivotal presidential election. Buffeted by the emergence of new global threats directed against Israel, Judaism and the Jewish people, Jews again are focusing on the presidency as the one institution pivotal to its security.

Jewish voting patterns over the past 75 years have tended to be fixed, especially in recent presidential elections, with the Democrat winning 75-80 percent. Despite the fact that Jews have been aligned heavily with the Democratic Party certainly throughout much of the 20th century, November’s presidential contest has raised some challenging options and interesting possibilities.

Selectively during the past three decades, Republican presidential candidates have created inroads into the Democratic Jewish voting bloc. Ronald Reagan did so in 1980, garnering 38 percent of the Jewish vote, while President George H.W. Bush secured more than 30 percent in his 1988 campaign. The current President Bush raised his total from 19 percent of the Jewish vote in 2000 to 25 percent in 2004.

Generally, in periods of high economic or social anxiety, voters tend to return to their traditional base; for Jews this would normally be the Democratic nominee. Due to a number of elements, however, the Jewish vote is likely to be even more contested than in recent elections. Current polling already suggests such a trend, with U.S. Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.) hovering at about 60 percent of the Jewish vote. A shift of even 20 percent of the Jewish vote rather than the normal 10-12 percent could have an impact on the outcome of this year’s election.

Despite the fact that Jews have been aligned heavily with the Democratic Party certainly throughout much of the 20th century, November’s presidential contest has raised some challenging options and interesting possibilities.

As this label suggests, such voters take on some of the electoral characteristics of core Republicans. Primarily concerned with Israel’s security, this cohort of voters embraces the current president’s commitments to Israel and supports the continuation of a strong U.S. military and diplomatic focus within the Middle East designed to contain the growing influence and threat of Iran and its allies. Some in this camp represent neo-conservatives who over time have embraced the president’s poli-

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

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

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

For Jewish voters, the ‘08 race raises interesting challenges In highly contested swing states with significant Jewish voting populations, including Florida, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, such a scenario is very possible.

Among the factors that may impact how Jews approach the presidential sweepstakes: a possible recession at home, an unpopular war abroad, and a level of unease about the demise of America’s economic and political standing in the world.

Also at play is the apparent emergence of two camps: Red State and Blue State Jews.

Red and Blue States The candidacy of Sen. John McCain (RAriz.) may represent for a significant element of Jewish voters a type of stabilizing influence that could challenge the historically strong connection of the Jewish voter to the Democratic Party. Unlike President Bush at the start of the 2000 campaign, McCain has had a long connection with the pro-Israel community that will enable this Republican to do particularly well with specific Jewish constituencies, especially the new class of Red State Jewish voters that emerged during the past eight years.

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

cies in the region in dealing with Iraq and in supporting Israel’s actions in Lebanon in 2006 but now involve other adherents to such a particular political focus.

This segment of voters believes in the rise of global anti-Semitism and the case for Israel as central elements in defining their political orientation at this time. A particular component of McCain’s support among Jewish voters appears to represent an element of the voting bloc who has articulated strong reservations and concerns regarding the Obama candidacy.

Yet McCain faces a series of challenges. His support for overturning Roe v. Wade, his health-care proposals and other domestic positions have met with opposition among key Jewish constituencies. Even when it comes to foreign policy, polls show, the bulk of American Jews reject the major elements of the foreign policy advanced by the Bush administration and backed by McCain, most notably the Iraq war.

Blue State Jewish voters represent those individuals who approach their political choices through the lens of a multi-issue agenda, encompassing a woman’s right of choice, an aggressive environmental policy, gay rights, and other selective social and public policy concerns. One element of this Jewish voting sector is comprised of a growing segment of voters described as “the gentry liberals” who are the primary beneficiaries of both globalization and the financial investment markets.

Residing in a number of this nation’s wealthiest congressional districts, they live in and around New York, Boston, Washington, San Francisco and West Los Angeles.

The presence of this new constituency can be seen in their active participation in MoveOn.org and the Huffington Post, and in turn through their support of specific Jewish progressive and environmental priorities.

According to polling data and funding sources, many of these Blue State Jews were early supporters of the Obama campaign.

Continued on page 13

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

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org..

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written.

Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.”

The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing.

All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request.

No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $33 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422.

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

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2007

October 17, 2008

The ‘08 race raises challenges

Continued from page 12 Obama may represent a fundamentally different type of American politician, as he draws upon his organizing instincts, the influence within his life of religious and cultural values, the rhetoric and style of the black church, and his sense of American politics and history. This specific phenomenon appeals to a particular type of Jewish liberal instinct, especially for those Jews who are ideologically driven, having either grown up in political or social “movements� themselves or whose family roots are tied to the culture of the labor union tradition. His focus on community-organizing themes and principles resonates to their connections to the labor movement and to an array of social causes.

A second factor involves the candidate himself, as Obama represents a new cosmopolitan generation of leadership, someone who is well educated, articulate and with a diverse set of life experiences. As a result, he appeals to an intellectual class of Jewish voters.

The “gentrified liberal� sector of the emerging new Jewish class of wealthy technologists and business entrepreneurs find both Obama’s style and message in concert with their own social values and political instincts, and correspondingly they have rallied to his campaign, offering their resources and their votes. Similarly, Obama for some reflects the continuation of the traditional antiwar/anti-establishment faction within American politics, thus his rhetoric also appeals to this element within the Jewish community.

A significant sector of Jewish voters across this nation identified with the Obama candidacy. In many of the most liberal districts with high density Jewish populations, Obama outpolled Hillary Clinton in primaries over the course of the past several months. In Massachusetts, for example, Obama received more than 50 percent of the Jewish vote, while in Connecticut he took six of every 10 Jewish votes. Among Jewish voters in California, he defeated Clinton by receiving 49 percent of their support to her 47 percent, and similar figures have appeared in other states, including Maryland.

Some Jews when asked about the Obama message report that his ideas portray for them a “prophetic calling� sparking in their consciousness a link to their own Jewish social justice imperative. The supporters of former presidential candidate John Edwards have expressed how easy the transition has been for them into the Obama camp in light of the latter’s attention to the reenvisioning of social service programs, alternative energy initiatives and health-care priorities. Obama’s older Jewish supporters recall the parallels to Robert Kennedy as offered by the Obama mystique.

Despite the appeal of Obama in certain Jewish quarters, there is a countervailing force within the Jewish community as a result of the revelations involving the political views of his former pastor, the Rev. Jeremiah Wright, and the failure of the candidate to repudiate and step away earlier from his association with Trinity United Church of Christ.

Similarly, Republican efforts to paint him as an unreliable supporter of Israel surrounded by unsympathetic Middle East policy advisers and his publicly expressed willingness to hold direct negotiations with the leader of

Iran also have hurt Obama’s standing within certain Jewish circles.

With Clinton’s withdrawal from the race and his decision to tap someone else as his running mate, Obama faces yet an additional challenge in capturing her supporters.

Looking ahead Since the 2004 presidential campaign, it is possible to identify a number of significant political and social trends that may impact and possibly alter the Jewish vote in this year’s presidential race. While a solid majority of Jews remains in the Democratic fold, their voting patterns and political inclinations seem to reflect an array of policy interests and represent a changing set of priorities.

Demographic changes within the Jewish community itself add to this new complexity. The emergence of a growing segment of new American Jewish voters includes recent emigrees from Russia, Israel and Iran, and the coming of age of a younger cohort of Orthodox Jewish voters. All of these constituencies are increasingly aligned with the Republican Party.

With reference to generational voting, Jews born prior to 1945 identify in higher numbers with the Democratic Party than do baby boomers, those born between 1946 and 1964, and Generation X and Y, those born between 1965 and 1983. Fifty-five percent of the pre-1945 cohort identifies with the Democrats and 15 percent with the Republicans. Identification with the Democrats drops to 43 percent in the case of the younger cohorts.

One of the primary characteristics of Jewish voters wherever they are found on the political spectrum is that as a group there is an overwhelming negative reaction to mismanagement, scandal or the absence of effective leadership. The lack of competency is a value shared with other key constituencies. The current disgust with government has been a significant contributor to the growth of a significant segment of Jewish voters who describe themselves today as “independent.� Today, a third of all Jews consider themselves to be independent voters.

With the selections of the respective vice-presidential candidates, another significant dimension has been added to this election cycle. Senator Biden’s candidacy is designed in part to galvanize at least elements of Hillary Clinton’s Jewish base and to strengthen the Democratic ticket’s foreign policy credentials.

Governor Palin is the unknown equation. Despite her conservative positions on many domestic issues, she may help solidify Jewish support for McCain as a result of her hawkish foreign policy views among Jewish voters in the red states. For more liberal Jewish voters, Palin’s candidacy will serve to solidify support for the Obama ticket.

Again “the Jewish vote� will be in play for the forthcoming national elections, in part due to the high turnout exhibited by this body of voters. As in the past, there will be a heightened level of interest by Jews in the presidential campaign and, in turn, the Jewish voter will receive a significant amount of attention as candidates seek to appeal to the various emerging and diverse constituencies that now comprise this community.

Dr. Steven Windmueller is the dean of the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Los Angeles and adjunct professor of Jewish communal studies.

The current disgust with government has been a significant contributor to the growth of a significant segment of Jewish voters who describe themselves today as “independent.�

Today, a third of all Jews consider themselves to be independent voters.

&ORT 2OBINSON -USEUM

7OUNDED +NEE

&ORT 2OBINSON 3TATE 0ARK

3TAY IN !LLIANCE

#ARHENGE

'O %VERYWHERE 4OADSTOOL 'EOLOGIC 0ARK #HIMNEY 2OCK

/REGON 4RAIL

-OST OF THESE GREAT ATTRACTIONS ARE ABOUT ONE HOUR AWAY

s (OTELS -OTELS s 26 #AMPGROUNDS s 2ESTAURANTS s #ONVENIENCE 3TORE s "IKE 7ALKING 4RAIL s 'REAT 3HOPPING s -UCH -UCH -ORE

#ALL OR GO TO VISITBOXBUTTE COM

#ABELA S

3MITH ,AKE 7ILDLIFE -GMT !REA #RESENT ,AKE 7ILDLIFE 2EFUGE

3CENIC 2IVERS ,AKE -C#ONAUGHY

4HE 3ANDHILLS

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Sukkot of transition: Use holidays to help cope with economic angst

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by RABBI RICHARD ADDRESS

NEW YORK (JTA) -- The start of the month of Elul brings our community into its preparation for the High Holidays. Now the pace of communal life starts to change and our focus is on reflection, reconciliation, repentance and the annual response to new beginnings. For too many in our community, however, this season will hold more angst than joy.

The economic situation in our country presents us with challenges unseen for nearly a generation. Too many will sit in synagogues next month and be equally concerned with their own economic situation as they will the state of their soul. Increasingly senior citizens on fixed or limited incomes are seeing their resources challenged. Young adults are concerned about job security. Too many of our people of all ages have lost jobs, been downsized or live on the edge of job and financial uncertainty.

This reality presents our community with a unique and necessary opportunity to become an even more meaningful “caring community.� This is a time when no one should be left to feel that they are “l’vado,� alone. This is a time for community and relationships to be enhanced and expanded, so that our congregations can be seen as responsive to and involved with those who are hurting.

In every community are untapped human resources: people who may have some time to give, who have experienced life and if asked, may be willing to assist leadership in developing support systems for individuals and families in need. At the least, a call can be made to members who have experience in the workplace, who have counseled people in job changes and career moves.

Establishing a congregational or communal service corps with members willing to give advice and direction -- or just lend a sympathetic ear to those who may be searching for new directions -- is one possible course of action.

During a similar economic downturn in the early 1980s, I worked in Philadelphia and was involved in helping congregations create a community wide job bank. It had some success helping people get back to work. Simply we polled the members of the community’s congregations for possible job openings, advertising those openings throughout the area so members could see what was available from those within their own community.

This could be done again. Synagogues can join other local organizations, JCCs, Jewish Family Services and others to broaden the base of opportunities to search. Even in this day of electronic and Internet job searches, personal networking and relationships go a long way in opening doors.

A difficulty in some of this may be the unwillingness on the part of many to come forward. So often we face this challenge of having people admit they may need some assistance, guidance or help in establishing goals.

Transitions are tough and filled with fear. But let us not forget the power of the pulpit. The simple act of the rabbi offering a sermon on the need for this type of caring "inreach" can help worshippers see their congregation as more than a life-cycle institution.

Continued on page 15

RECONSTRUCTIVE SPINAL SURGERY & ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY

ADULT & PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDIC & SPINE SURGERIES

• Minimally Invasive Spinal Surgery • Complex Orthopedic Spinal Surgery • Pediatric Scoliosis & Spinal Deformities • Complex Orthopedic & Spinal Fractures • Total Hip, Knee & Shoulder Replacement • General Orthopedic Trauma • Spinal Pain Management • Orthopedic Sport Medicine & Arthroscopy

402-371-0839 or 402-371-8266

For Appointments at any of our Locations

www.esurgeon.com/asossan Allen A. Sossan D.O Board Certifie O pedi S g on Fellowship T ai ing Adul /P d at ic Spinal Surgery & Orthopedic Trauma

109 N. 29th St., Norfolk Nebr.

2601 Fox R n Pkwy Yank o S D.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, October 17 6:21 p.m Monday, October 20, 6:16 p.m.

Tuesday, October 21, 7:16 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

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

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

SHABBAT MORNING LIVE: Saturday, 10:30 a.m., led by Esther Katz, geared to children in pre-K-2nd grade.

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

Bible Study SUNDAY: Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; BESTT Nitzanim program, featuring learning activities for Sukkot, for 3 and 4 year olds and their favorite adult, 10:30-noon.

MONDAY-Shemini Atzeret/ Simhat Torah: Hoshanna Rabbah, 6:15 a.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 5:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Morning with Yizkor, 9:30 a.m.; MinhaMa’ariv, 5:50 p.m.; Hakafot, 6:15 p.m.; Family Spaghetti Dinner for Simhat Torah, 6:45 pm. following Hakafot, free for all. RSVPs required for planning.

RSVP to the office or email programming@bethel-omaha.org.

WEDNESDAY: Morning (Hafakot), 9:30 a.m. During the service, Stan Mitchell and Gloria Kaslow will be honored as Hatan Torah and Kalla Bereshit; MinhaMa’ariv, 6:15 p.m.

S’MORES ’N MORE at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch on Sunday. (See article on page 15.)

BESTT: Junior Congregation Shabbat, Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. (see full story on page 6.)

SHABBAT TUNES & TALES: Shabbat sing-along, led

by Patty Nogg, for children up to age five and their parents, on Saturday, Oct. 25, 11:15 a.m.

TATTOOS & JEWS: led by UNMC medical ethicist Toby Schonfeld on Mondays: Oct. 27, Nov. 3, 10, 20 and 24. For more information or to register, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30

a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:21 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored

by Vera Lewis in commemoration of the yahrzeits of Sylvia Parilman, Isadore Lewis and Arthur Parilman; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” are one hour before Mincha; Mincha, 6 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:20 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Teen Class is on break for Sukkot; Senior NCSY Sukkah Dinner, 6:30 p.m. in the sukkah; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

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

M O N D AY- H o s h a n a h Rabbah: Shacharit, 6:30 a.m.; office closes at noon; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 6:20 p.m.

TUESDAY-Shemini Atzeret: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 6:20 p.m.; Ma’ariv and Hakafot, 6:45 p.m., followed by a dairy dinner.

W E D N E S D AY - S i m c h a t Torah: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 6:20 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:11 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s weekly class resumes Oct. 30.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; W.O.W. Soup in the Sukkah, 11:45 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch in the sukkah; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Heading Somewhere, studying the book of Numbers, 9:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.; Girls Sukkot Party, 5:45 p.m.; Hakafot, 6:45 p.m.

TUESDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Holiday

Kiddush luncheon noon.

WEDNESDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Hafakot, 10:30 a.m.; Holiday Kiddush Luncheon 11:30 a.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Marc Shkolnick.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Sukkot Celebration, 4 p.m. at the home of Ellin Siegel and John Moscow, 8103 Northshore Drive with Services, 5 p.m and potluck dinner following.

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

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Hebrew classes for Simchat Torah.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by NCJW Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg and assisted by Naomi and Aaron Zipursky.

TUESDAY: Shimini Atzeret Services with Yizkor, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

WEDNESDAY: Simchat Torah Services, 9 a.m. led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led

by Rabbi Linder with OTYG members; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m., led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet. Rev. Greg Howe will give the sermon.

(See article on page 15.)

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Olivia Baker,

daughter of Amber and Tom Baker, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teacher meeting, 9:30 a.m.; Grades Pre-K-6, 10 a.m.; Men’s Club Candidate Forum, 10 a.m. bagel brunch with Senate and Congressional candidates; Club 56 Pizza and Bowling, noon-2 p.m. Fifth/sixth graders meet in Social Hall for pizza and walk to West Lane Bowl. Cost is $5. RSVP to Leora, 960.5796 or leoraann@ aol.com.

MONDAY: Erev Simchat Torah Consecration, 7 p.m. Join Tuffy Epstein’s group, the Fabrangen Fiddlers, for Israeli dancing.

TUESDAY-Simchat Torah: Morning Service with Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 712, 6 p.m.; OTYG Board Meeting, 6 p.m.; Learning Community Candidates Forum, 6:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Linder, Cantor Shermet, 10 a.m.; Religious School Steering Committe Meeting, noon.

TOT SHABBAT SERVICE & DINNER: Friday, Oct. 24, 6 p.m. Cost is $5 for adults and no charge for children. Please RSVP to the office or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com .

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN No services will in October.

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

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

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

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

TUESDAY: Shemini Atzeret services with Yizkor, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv’/Hakafot/Consecration, 7:15 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Simchat Torah Shacharit, 9 a.m.

B’NOT MITZVAH Olivia Helen Baker, daughter of Amber and Tom Baker, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 18, at T e m p l e Israel.

Olivia is an eighth-grade honors student at Westside Middle School.

Her interests include music, dance, cheerleading, and track.

For her mitzvah project, she volunteered for Westside Community Schools.

She has a brother, Jonathan.

Grandparents are Judy and Jack Baker, and Deborah and Larry Murphy.

Great-grandparents are the late Helen and Abe Baker, and the late Rose and David Krantz.

Zoe Elaine Cohen, daughter of Marla and Bob Cohen, will become a Bat Mitzvah on

Saturday, Oct. 25, at Temple Israel.

Zoe is an eighth-grade honor roll student at Westside M i d d l e School.

She received national, state and grand recognition in the Duke Univeristy Talent Program..

Her interests include Girl

Scouts, Kumon Math and Reading Center, and softball.

For her mitzvah project, she raised funds for Rose Blumkin Jewish Home by weekly tutoring of math and reading at the Kumon Center for the past two years.

She has a sister, Sara, and two brothers, Josh and Charlie.

Grandparents are Carol and Manny Goldberg, the late Elberta and the late Harry B. Cohen, and the late Elaine Goldberg.

October 17, 2008

Good Tom Tov!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE SUKKOT Unfortunately for very many American Jews, Sukkot is an after thought. It is an idea that may be banished as soon as it arrives.

My mother (olav ha shalom) used to write assiduously to our teachers explaining that the holidays prevented our attendance at school. Some of the teachers thought that this was fake since most Jewish children, with bright shiny faces, were in their usual places.

But in our family, my sister and my brothers and I stayed out of school -- perhaps too joyously!

Actually, Sukkot should be considered a major moral festival. For the very symbol of the succah, a frail, unstable dwelling place, reminds us of how frail our lives are in the face of nature. Nature, usually friendly to human life, sometimes turns angry.

The succah has no roof. Only thatch and what may be pulled from the fields cover the top. It is so designed so that rain (snow?), lightning and thunder threaten those who sit in the succah and try to eat there when the elements of Mother Nature become angry.

I remember how my father-in-law (olav ha shalom) used to particularly like it when it rained furiously or even hailed when he ate in the succah. Both the food and he would later come in to the house soaking wet.

Barring the possibility of a bad cold, but happy he had performed the mitzvah of Sukkot emphasizing the frailty of human life, he had braved the elements.

What if nature smiles during those eight, nine or 10 days? These many be among the kindest and most beautiful days of the fall season. But that is precisely the lesson: we do not control nature; it controls us.

Sometimes Sukkot may be wonderful, but sometimes it may be a period of heavy rain and punishing winds, which make living and eating in the succah nothing less than miserable.

Back to my father-in-law: he rejoiced when this was true. He alone in the family lived in the succah during the days when Mother Nature turned an angry face to us. So Sukkot reminds us what to expect: either beautiful weather or the most unendurable weather of the autumn.

Good yontuf -- or more literally: good Yom Tov!

Sukkot of transition Continued from page 13 The High Holidays are a perfect example of a moment in time when Jews attend synagogue. Why not take a few moments at each service to launch this internal support network? Why not have in each prayer book a form that someone can fill out who has a job opening or position request, or has a willingness to give time to counsel or advise a fellow congregant on career change and possibilities?

Use your caring community committee to organize these forms and launch, right after Yom Kippur, a Sukkot of Transition so that all can feel the possibility of a “sukkat shalom.”

We enter our season of possibilities. In each of our communities there are those we need to support and those with the ability to create that sense of support and caring. All we need to do is ask.

Rabbi Richard F. Address is the director of Union for Reform Judaism’s Department of Jewish Family Concerns. More information is available online at www.urj.org/jfc.

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

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

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

DEATHS JANET S. PERLMETER Former Omahan Janet Perlmeter died Oct. 7 in Key Biscayne, FL. A memorial service was held Oct. 10 at Temple Israel of Greater Miami.

She served as president of Temple Israel Sisterhood and later as president of District 20 of the North American Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (now Women of Reform Judaism) and on its national board. After moving to Florida, she became active with Temple Israel there, where she was named 1992 Volunteer of the Year.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, Stanley E. Perlmeter of Key Biscayne; sons, Jeffrey, Michael and Rex Perlmeter; daughters-in-law, Rosemary Perlmeter and Rachel Hertzman; grandchildren, Amy and Brian Thomas, Cari and John Rabroker, Dan and Katie Horwich, and Hunter, Cody, Jacqueline, Sarah, Mitchell and Nathaniel Perlmeter; five great-grandchildren.

Memorials to the Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami Health System, 1475 N.W. 12 Ave., Miami, FL 33136.

ENRIQUE FRYDMAN Enrique Frydman died Oct. 11 at the age of 81.

Services were held Oct. 12 at Tablada Cemetery in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

He is survived by his wife, Eva; daughter and son-inlaw, Susi Frydman-Levin and Rabbi Mordechai Levin; son and daughter-in-law, Mario and Roxana Frydman of Vancouver; grandchildren, Ari, Tali and Gabe Levin, Jonathan and Dani Frydman; brother and sister-in-law, Berko and Miriam Frydman of Kfar Saba, Israel.

Memorials to Beth El Synagogue.

Jewish connections highlighted

by Episcopal Reverend

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator An authority on Episcopalian liturgy and an acclaimed “storyteller historian,” the Reverend Gregory M. Howe will speak at worship services on Friday, Oct. 17, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. His topic will be “Jews and Episcopalians: Building a Bridge Through Prayer” highlighting Jewish influences on the Episcopalian prayer book and bringing to life connections between Judaism and Christianity.

The Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska and the American Institute for Islamic Studies and Culture formed a trifaith partnership with Temple Israel about two years ago.

Rev. Howe, known for his wit and candor, has been Custodian of the Book of Common Prayer since 2000.

Previous to that, he was rector of Christ Church in Dover, Delaware; a member of various Delaware state committees on bio-ethics issues; founding “outside” member and vice chair of the Institutional Ethics Committee at Kent General Hospital; and adjunct instructor of history at Wesley College in Dover.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate during the Shabbat services as the congregation continues its observance of Sukkot.

Beth El promises fall family fun during S’mores ’n More at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator What better way to enjoy the change of the season than with Beth El’s fun-filled picnic at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch! All families in the Jewish community are invited to gather on Sunday, Oct. 19, to enjoy hayrack and tractor rides, the Spook Shed, a pumpkin-eating dragon show and more. Picnic-goers will meet at the hayrack ride at 4 p.m., and will enjoy dinner at Beth El’s designated campfire site at 6 p.m. Cost is $6.50 for adults and $4 for children 12 and younger; there is no charge for children ages three and younger. All families will pay for their own admission to Vala’s -- $12 per person and no charge for children two and younger.

“I’m so excited that Beth El can offer families this fun family event,” said program director Margie Gutnik.

“Not only does Vala’s offer lots of activities that kids can enjoy, we thought it would be a great place to visit during Sukkot. I know everyone will have a great time!”

To RSVP, send a check for dinner costs only to Beth El (the admission fees will be paid when you arrive at the pumpkin patch), at 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154, and write ‘S’mores’ on the mailing envelope.

For more information, contact co-hosts Amy Raffel, 359.1459, or Sonia Tipp, 408.5657.

Pulverent e

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Before someone offers you alcohol or other drugs, decide what you are going to say.

Having the facts can give you confidence

For more information, call

1-800-648-4444

Page 15

MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

341-2452

BULL SALE? Run this size ad in over 170 Newspapers for just $4.82/newspaper!

Place your 2x2 display ad in over 170 Nebraska newspapers & get your message to over 900,000 readers. Statewide coverage for just $4.82 per publication. Regional ads also available in Central, Northeast, Southeast or Western Nebraska.

Other sizes available upon request.

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

Nebraska 2x2/2x4 Display Ad Network

Immediate Openings Available NOW!

We are seeking candidates for our industrial maintenance operations, located at the Cargill corn milling site in Blair, NE

• Journeyman Electricians • InstrumentationTechs • Project Mechanics -50%Travel

• Grounds Maintenance • LubricationTechnicians

We offer competitive wages, medical/dental insurance, 401(k), paid holidays/vacation and work uniforms.

Background check & drug screen required.

Submit resume with position title to tcoe@ugl-unicco.com or by mail to P.O. Box 582, Blair, NE 68008 or FAX to (402) 533-4305. No Phone Calls, Please.

EOE M/F/D/V

Statewide Classified ADOPTION: LOVING, financially secure couple built a nurturing nest and is looking for a little one to fill it. Expenses paid. Lisa & Richard, 1-800-336-5316.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING in over 170 newspapers. Reach thousands of readers for $195/25 word ad. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Go to www.midwestclassiccars.com. It’s your midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 800-369-2850.

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

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

BREEDING STOCK for sale. Bred cows, bred heifers, cow/calf pairs, and feeder calves. Rod Wright, 308-530-4537, or Doug Wright, 402-340-2427. Website: www.bredcowswrightlivestock.com.

HOT TUBS, State Fair display model sale, twelve 2008 models priced from $2,995 $4,895. 1-800-869-0406 for price list and pictures. We deliver. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE. RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.

ABSOLUTELY RECESSION proof! Do you earn $800 in a day? Your own local vending route. Includes 30 machines and candy, all for $9,995. 888-755-1356.

WANTED: 29 serious people to work from home using a computer. Up to $1,500 $5,000 PT/FT. http://kcrmarketing.com.

AIRLINES ARE hiring - train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified - job placement assistance. Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-349-5387.

IMMEDIATE OPENING for an experienced John Deere Ag Service Tech. Competitive wages, health, vacation, 401k. Stutheit Implement, Syracuse, Nebraska. Contact Wayne, 1-800-374-4630 or 402-467-1223 after 6pm. Email: wayne@stutheitimpl.com.

TRAVELING SKILLED laborer: small, aggressive company looking for skilled laborers to travel throughout the country. CDL license, welding, concrete and mechanical knowledge a plus. Valid drivers license and pre-employment drug screen a must. Call Jo, 402792-2612.

NO IDLE law, no problem. 100% APU equipped. OTR drivers wanted, Pre-pass EZ-pass.

Every 60k mile raises. 2006 and newer equipment. Passenger - pet policy. 100% no touch. 1-800-528-7825.

OTR TRUCK drivers wanted to haul cattle, OTR flatbed drivers also needed. Good equipment, home time and miles, $.40/mile, 507-240-1080.

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 17, 2008