October 18, 2013

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

Jewish positions on wealth and poverty

October 18, 2013 14 Cheshvan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 05

This Week

Omaha’s Global Day of Jewish Learning Page 3

Lawrence Baron

Geoffrey Claussen

Aryen Cohen

Hasia Diner

Gregg Gardner

Rela Geffen

Alyssa Gray

Jeffrey Haus

Leonard Helfgott

Curtis Hutt

Meir Bar-Ilan

Julia Lieberman

Gil Ribak

Yehuda Seif

by LEONARD GREENSPOON Within the long history of Judaism, from biblical times to today, wealth and poverty have been the subject of much serious consideration. So, for example, in the Hebrew Bible the author of Psalm 37 declared: “I have been young and am now old, but I have never seen a righteous man abandoned, or his children seeking bread.” True charity, the rabbis of the Talmud declared, meant “to run after the poor.” And the nineteenth century Jewish thinker, Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch, wrote: “Do not sup-

Fiber Funatics show in the gallery Page 7

press compassion or sympathy with the sufferings of your fellow man.

See in them the admonition of God that you are to have no joy so long as a brother suffers by your side.”

This year’s Klutznick-Harris Symposium, the 26th in the annual series, will showcase many significant aspects of thought and practice on this important topic through fourteen presentations on Sunday, Oct. 27, and Monday, Oct. 28, 2013. All of Sunday’s activities will take place at the Omaha Jewish Community Center. The Skutt Student Center, on the

Jewish Book Month Luncheon Jewish Republicans caught in crossfire Pages 12

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

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

8 10 11

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN people find meaning in the munProgram Coordinator, dane. Her lifestyle articles have apThe Center for Jewish Life peared in hundreds of publications Celebrating its 40th year of Jewish including Parenting, Moment, the Book Month events, the Kripke Jew- Detroit Free Press, AARP: The Magaish Federation Library’s Jewish Book zine, Seventeen, Tango, Parents, Hockey Digest, Month Luncheon Skirt!, World Jewwill be held on ish Digest and Wed, Nov. 13.

Geek Monthly.

This year’s feaGolodner also tured author will has a passion for be Lynne Meredfood - cooking it, ith Golodner. Ms. eating it, and relGolodner’s book, ishing the sweet The Flavors of and the savory of Faith: Holy Breads, life. This enthusiis the first in a asm led to writing new series with about food for the goal of inspirSaveur, Cooking ing and nourishLight, Relish, EAT, ing readers with Wine Enthusiast, real-life stories Scholastic Parent and cross-cultural Lynne Meredith Golodner & Child, Chow, food traditions.

Ms. Golodner is the author of Publix Greenwise and FamilyStyle.

With an MFA in Writing from thousands of magazine and newspaper articles and eight books. She has Goddard College and a B.A. in Coma passion for telling stories of how munication and English from the University of Michigan, Golodner is an adjunct professor at University of Detroit-Mercy. She also provides public relations and marketing/communications guidance to her clients as well as speaking around the country as a national expert on storytelling to build business. Her annual storytelling conference, Marketing, Messaging & Media, empowers business owners, entrepreneurs and Continued on page 3

campus of Creighton University, will be the location for Monday’s events.

Sunday’s first session, containing three presentations, will take place from 9:45–11:55 a.m. The three speakers in this session -- Gregg E. Gardner, University of British Columbia; Curtis Hutt, University of Nebraska-Omaha; and Aryeh Cohen, American Jewish University -- offer varied perspectives from which to view Jewish concepts of wealth and poverty.

Gregg Gardner will speak about Care for the Poor and the Origins of

Charity in Early Rabbinic Judaism.

Curtis Hutt is a relatively recent arrival on the faculty at UNO. Among his specialties is the Dead Sea Scrolls.

It is from these documents that he derives his paper, titled 1Q/4QInstruction: Training for a Money-changer?

The topic of Aryeh Cohen’s presentation is The Violence of Poverty.

Cohen teaches at American Jewish University. In his presentation, Cohen will analyze texts in the Babylonian Talmud to show that, in the rabbinic imagery, poverty wielded an Continued on page 2

Fiddler-in-progress

Choreographer Courtney Stein and the cast rehearse one of several dance routines for the December 21 and 22 performances of Fiddler Jr.

by RACHEL MARTIN The clump has many parts. Arms and legs move all at once, but in the same general direction. Some of the clump makes noise as it takes center stage.

“I used to have a director who referred to groups of people as ‘clumps,’” said Fran Sillau, Director of the JCC Musical Theater Community Acting Group. “Make sure you stand behind the people who have lines in the clump when you’re onstage,” he told the actors.

This particular clump is made up of actors playing a Russian family in the upcoming JCC MTCAG show, Fiddler on the Roof Junior.

At 56, Fiddler has the biggest cast size to date of the JCC MTCAG shows.

“The cast has a lot of new members,” said Esther Katz, JCC Cultural Arts Director. “They’re really ho-

mogenized and sound great already.”

Sixteen of the actors are adults, also more than in the previous shows.

“It’s fun having those adult figures with the kids,” Katz said. “The adults who have never done any acting before get to break out of their shells.”

There are even entire families who are in the show.

“The adults are role models,” Sillau said. “This cast is very committed, even though most folks have never done a play. It has to do with the show, but also where we are as a program. There’s a level of excellence.”

“I like that the JCC shows are made for actors of all ages,” Benjamin Brodkey said. “I’ve been in all the shows, so it’s fun to be in them with some of the same people.”

Some of the actors are even learning about their family history Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

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Continued from page 1 untamed violence over the lives of those who succumbed to it.

Following Cohen’s talk is a luncheon (from noon–1 p.m.) sponsored by the Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith. This luncheon provides an excellent opportunity for members of the Omaha community to get to know the presenters.

The second session (1:05–3:15 p.m.) also consists of three presentations, all of which center on events later than antiquity and the rabbinic period. The first presenter is Rela Mintz Geffen, a professor emerita at Gratz College and Towson University. Geffen, a frequent visitor to Omaha, will on this occasion speak about The Financial and Scholarly Interlocking Directorate in American Jewish Life. Following Geffen, Julia R Lieberman, St Louis University, will speak on Charity and Benevolence at the London Saar aSamaim Sephardi Community in the Eighteenth Century.

Jeffrey Haus, Kalamazoo College, follows Lieberman. His presentation, which takes us to another century and another famous city, is titled, Conspicuous Charity and Jewish Unity: The Jewish Loterie in Nineteenth Century Paris.

Between this session and the next, there is a time for a break in the Kripke Library. This will provide an opportunity for both physical and intellectual refreshment.

The third session (3:35–5 p.m.) consists of two papers that, broadly speaking, relate to the modern world: Gil Ribak, American Jewish University, Getting Drunk, Dancing, and Beating Each Other Up: The Images of the Gentile Poor and Narratives of Jewish Difference among the Yiddish Intelligentsia, 1881-1914, and Leonard Helfgott, Western Washington University, Crossing-Over: Class, Race, and Ethnicity in Barry Levinson’s Baltimore Films. Gil Ribak’s paper focuses on the imagery of Gentile poverty and the Gentile poor, especially in comparison to the Jewish poor, as expressed by the Yiddish intelligentsia both in Eastern Europe and America in the three decades before World War I. Leonard Helfgott turns to film -- in particular, director Barry Levinson’s four Baltimore films, Diner, Tin Men, Avalon, and Liberty Heights -- as the focal point for his analysis. All of these films take place within post WW II Baltimore’s complex, stratified economic and social milieu.

The Symposium re-convenes at 7:30 p.m. for the keynote presentation. This year’s keynoter is Hasia Diner, New York University, who will speak on Peddlers, the Great Jewish Migration, and the Riddle of Economic Success. A previous story in The Jewish Press highlighted both Diner and the subject matter of her presentation.

The sessions on Monday are held in the ballroom of Creighton University’s Skutt Student Center. Two speakers will make presentations in the first of Monday’s sessions, which runs from 8:30–9:55 a.m. They are Yehuda Seif, University of Pennsylvania, who will talk on Justice and Righteousness: Philosophical Implications of Jewish and Christian Approaches to Charity and Poor Law in the High Middle Ages; and Geoffrey Claussen, Elon University, whose topic is The Kelm School of Musar and its Legacy on Questions of Work, Wealth, and Poverty.

After a brief break, the second Creighton session begins at 10:05 a.m. and ends at 11:30 a.m. The first paper in this session is titled, Wealth in the World of the Sages: Why Were Korah and Moses Rich People? Meir Bar-Ilan, Bar Ilan University, will deliver it.

Following Bar-Ilan, Alyssa Gray’s presentation is titled, Wealth and the Rabbis of Late Antiquity. Gray teaches at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

At 11:30 a.m., a deli lunch will be served to all in attendance. Immediately following the lunch, there is a second keynote presentation by Lawrence Baron, San Diego State University. Baron’s presentation, titled Empty Hearts and Full Wallets: Poverty and Wealth in American Jewish Films, 19211932, will begin at 12:20 p.m. and conclude at 1 p.m. Based on close readings and research into film production records, Baron will analyze Hungry Hearts (1922), His People (1925), and The Symphony of Six Million (1932) to identify the explicit and implicit discontent that accompanied the success of their lead characters.

Baron’s presentation marks the formal end of this year’s Klutznick-Harris Symposium. For those participants who are staying until later in the afternoon or early evening, community members will provide tours and tales about Jews and Jewish life in the Omaha area. Among the highlights of these activities is a tour of the Joslyn Art Museum arranged by Jenni Schlossman.

The co-hosts of the annual Klutznick-Harris Symposium are the Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University and the Norman & Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Along with them are the Natan & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Creighton University’s Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Society, Creighton University’s Committee on Lectures, Films, and Concerts, and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. From within the Jewish community, the Ike and Roz Friedman Foundation, the Riekes Family, the Center for Jewish Life, the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, and the Dr. Bruce S. Bloom Memorial Endowment also provide generous support.

The papers presented at each year’s Symposium are published, in edited form, in the Studies in Jewish Civilization Series from Purdue University Press. Copies of the just published Fashioning Jews: Clothing, Culture, and Commerce, from the 2011 Symposium, will be available for viewing and purchase at this year’s Symposium.

The full program for the Symposium will be printed as an insert for The Jewish Press issue of Oct. 24. For further information, please contact Colleen Hastings at the Klutznick Chair office: 402.280.2303; ColleenHastings@creighton .edu. Additional features, including summaries of each paper, can be viewed at the Klutznick Chair website: http://www.creighton.edu/klutznick.

This article was edited for length. To see the full article with longer speaker profiles, please visit www.jewish omaha.org/Jewish-Press/.

Fiddler-in-progress Continued from page 1 while they practice. “My great grandpa came from Russia,� Laura Kirshenbaum said. “My mom said the village in the show is like my great grandpa’s village, so it’s cool for me to learn about it.�

Sillau said that some of the actors are taking this show to heart by learning more about the story on their own time. “Younger cast members were coming to me and saying they’ve Googled Fiddler on the Roof,� he said. “Or, they’ve looked up scenes on YouTube to really get to know the whole story. That’s really exciting because that’s not something I demanded. That says a lot about how the actors care about their characters.�

Others are enjoying the close-knit relationships formed among fellow cast members. “It feels like we’re all in one family,� Sarah Reed said. “My favorite part of the practices is that we’re all together.� “It’s nice seeing some of the real families in the show grow together, as well as the acting families,� Katz said.

Some of the actors have favorite parts of the show already, though practices are far from finished. Practice will continue on Sundays, until the performances on Dec. 21 and 22. “I like the scene when we dance at the wedding,� Lillian Cohen said. “I play a teenage boy and it’s fun because we have to balance bottles on our heads.�

Kirshenbaum added that she also liked the wedding scene. “The music is fast-paced, so it’s fun,� she said. “There’s lots of action going on. Almost everyone is always doing something.�

Rehearsal Director Jessica Reed said she likes watching the scene with the song, Tradition, right now. “It’s fun to see how the kids get into characters, such as the mamas and the papas,� she explained. “The kids sort of mesh the characters with their own personalities.� “Seeing them take on that persona is fun,� Katz added. “It sort of takes over their current 10-year-old personality.�

In the coming weeks of practice, MTCAG staff is looking forward to getting “off-book,� a term used when actors have their lines memorized, and are able to focus on their stage directions. “For me, blocking and staging is the hardest,� Sillau said. “When you get the whole thing staged and people have memorized their lines, the play really comes to life. When you have the script in your hand, you can only go so far because your face is buried in your book.�

Katz said she is also looking forward to the collaboration of the pieces of the show. “I’m looking forward to seeing how everything gets set,� she said. “I love seeing everything come together – that’s the fun part.�

Tickets go on sale Dec 9, and may be purchased from Esther Katz, Jessica Reed, or by calling the Registrar, Laura Wine, at 402.334.6419.

Fiddler on the Roof Jr. is made possible thanks to the generous support from the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, a component fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, The Nebraska Arts Council and The Nebraska Cultural Endowment.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE & OFFICE CLOSING 8 %PEHF 3E t 0NBIB /& XXX SFNJOHUPOIFJHIUTSFUJSFNFOU DPN

The Jewish Press office is closed Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving; the deadline for the Dec. 6 issue is Tuesday, Nov. 26, noon. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

October 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3

Global Day of Jewish Learning

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Life It will be 400 communities in 40 countries learning together on a single day. On Sunday, Nov. 17, Jews around the world will learn during the Global Day of Jewish learning.

This event brings the Jewish people together once a year to celebrate shared Jewish text through community based learning. The guiding values of the Global Day of Jewish Learning are: fostering Jewish unity, empowering individuals through increased Jewish knowledge, and creating meaningful shared experiences. The day was conceived to further the call of Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz, teacher, philosopher, social critic and prolific author to “Let my people know.” This day, which is specially set aside for Jewish learning, is a project spearheaded by the Aleph Society with organizers around the globe.

In Omaha, presentations focusing on the theme of the day, “Creating Together,” will be on Sunday, Nov. 17, 9:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. on the Jewish Federation of Omaha Campus.

The theme offers important material for any Jew to explore. At the same time, not every individual will feel the same way about the ideas put forth. Therefore, facilitators are challenged to lead pluralistic conversations, allowing participants to express their ideas.

Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Professor and Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations at Creighton University, will serve as chairperson for the day. Following his opening remarks, concurrent sessions will be led by Dr. Curtis Hutt, Dr. Joan Latchow, and Dr. Gerald Steinacher from 9:45-10:35 a.m.

Session two begins at 10:45 a.m. with sessions by Dr. Anat Gilboa, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Dr. Moshe Gershovich, and Mikal Brotnov Eckstrom. The third session is at 11:45 a.m. featuring presentations by Dr. Ari Kohen, Dr. Rami Arav, Dr. Halla Kim, and Dr. Sidnie White. Final remarks will be at 12:35 p.m. There will be breaks between sessions and refreshments will be served.

Omaha’s Global Day event is sponsored by funding of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. Dr. Greenspoon expressed his excitement about the day by commenting, “This is a great opportunity for the community to come together with Nebraska scholars to benefit from their knowledge and study. I am especially impressed with the depth and breadth these experts bring on a wide variety of topics. This is a nonthreatening event where individuals have the opportunity to engage in Jewish learning – regardless of background or Jewish knowledge.” Dr. Greenspoon’s remarks complement thoughts expressed by Rabbi Steinsaltz - “Torah is the shared inheritance of all the Jewish people. It does not belong to a special sect or an elite group of the Jews. We have a responsibility to share our common heritage with all Jews. We each get an equal share.”

Executive Director for the Center for Jewish Life Beth Cohen, related, “This event reflects the mission of our agency to engage Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.” She went on to say that “it is gratifying to work with Dr. Greenspoon in organizing this day for Omaha. The Klutznick Chair at Creighton University has such historical and ongoing importance to the

Jewish community. It represents so much of the quest for knowledge that is a part of the Jewish people and our heritage. Dr. Greenspoon and all of the presenters for the day are a testament to hard work and study and serve as worthy examples for our youth.”

The Jewish Day of Global Learning is open to the community, free of charge.

Reservations are not required. Questions about the event may be directed to Mark Kirchhoff at 402.334.6463 or mkirchhoff@ jewishomaha.org.

Jewish Book Month Continued from page 1 nonprofit leaders to create meaningful business-building efforts involving storytelling and relationship-building.

The luncheon begins at 11:30 a.m. in the JCC Auditorium. Ms. Golodner’s presentation will take place after lunch, focusing on her belief that “sharing food is a cornerstone of virtually every faith on the planet.” Copies of The Flavors of Faith will be available for purchase and a book signing will follow her talk.

The luncheon will feature a buffet with mushroom barley, corn chowder or broccoli cheese soup served in a bread bowl plus a salad bar with a variety of toppings. Each table will feature samples of three varieties of breads from the book – challah, a Muslim bread and soft pretzels.

Desserts and beverages will also be included with the meal. Luncheon reservations are needed by Nov. 7 by calling 402.334.6463 or via email to mkirchhoff@ jewishomaha.org.

“The Jewish Book Month Luncheon is a great event” commented Bonnie Bloch, President of the Center for Jewish Life.

“Through the Jewish Book Council, we have the opportunity to bring a new and exciting speaker to Omaha each year. It’s always a pleasure a meet the authors and have the chance to talk to them directly.”

She then adds “And with this year’s focus being on food, what’s not to love!”

Jewish Book Month is promoted by the Jewish Book Council and is an annual event dedicated to the celebration of Jewish books. The roots of Jewish Book Month started in 1925 when Fanny Goldstein, a librarian at the West End Branch of the Boston Public Library, set up an exhibit of Judaic books and used it as a focus of what she called Jewish Book Week. The event was later adopted by communities around the country. It later expanded to a one-month celebration centered around Hanukkah to promote books of Jewish content as gifts.

The Kripke Jewish Federation Library is a program of the Center for Jewish Life as part of its mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.

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4 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

Beth El gets game face on for night of family fun

By JILL BELMONT are encouraged to bring their Beth El Publicity own favorite games from Beth El is inviting everyone home. in the Jewish community to In preparation of the get their game face on and evening, congregants are head to the synagogue on encouraged to join in a baking day on Sunday, Oct. 20, Saturday, Nov. 9, for anytime between 9 a.m. and ‘Celebrate Husker Game Day 2 p.m., to help make desserts. with Beth El’s Game Night.’

To sign up, contact Linda Scrabble, Bingo, Poker, Mah Fischer at ljlaz@aol. com or Jongg and Rummikub are just a few of the games to be 402.996.0383. offered – there will be someCost to attend Game Night thing for everyone, plus an is $10 per person, $18 per indoor tailgate-style dinner to couple, and $36 maximum celebrate the day’s Husker per family; for children ages football game. The evening Surrounded by an array of family-friendly games, Beth El’s seven to 12, the cost is $5, and will begin with Havdalah at Game Night committee members met recently to finalize there is no charge for children 5:45 p.m., followed by dinner plans for the Nov. 9 event. Committee members include, ages six and younger. Reserat 6 p.m., and games at 7 seated, Jill Simon, left, and Kelly Kirk; back row, Marilyn vations and payment are p.m., according to chairmen Tipp, left, M’Lee Hasslinger, Sheryl Friedman and Marcie needed by Nov. 1 and may be made by visiting www.

Marilyn Tipp and Jill Simon. Spivack. Not pictured: Linda Fischer.

“This is a family event, and we hope to provide a fun night bethel- omaha.org.

For more information, contact Simon at simonsz@ of entertainment for all ages -- parents, as well as children, are invited to join in the fun,” said Simon, adding that attendees cox.net or Tipp, at m_tipp@hotmail.com.

Pancakes with a purpose The fundraiser brought in $250, which will help those communities damaged by the Colorado flooding. the students’ engagement in their Jewish education and commitment to tzedakah has been impressive: We are so proud of the first and second grade LJCS class for all of their hard work in making this mitzvah a success. The kids had a great time creating their cooking aprons, preparing the yummy meal, and learning about helping others.

The LJCS serves children in Lincoln’s two congregations: Congregation B’nai Jeshurun (URJ) and Congregation Tifereth Israel (USCJ). The Jewish Federation of Lincoln sponsors the school in order to ensure that the next generation maintains a strong Jewish identity and to guarantee Judaism in Lincoln, Nebraska is passed on from generation to generation.

by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS On Shabbos Oct. 19, Dr. Jonathan Adelman will be a guest on Good Shabbos Nebraska, America’s favorite Shabbos morning talk show. Dr. Adelman is no stranger to Omaha or Beth Israel. He has been a featured speaker here many times in the past for AIPAC, and last year he was the keynote speaker at Beth Israel’s annual AIPAC Shabbos.

Dr. Adelman, a full professor at the Josef Korbel School of International studies at the University of Denver, has written or edited 12 books on Russia, China and the Middle East, with specialty in security studies, foreign policy and revolutions. He was the doctoral dissertation supervisor for Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice, and he worked for the US State Department in India, China, Russia, Japan, Mongolia, England, France and Germany.

Dr. Adelman has lectured at the American Embassy in Beijing and Shanghai to think-tanks of the Chinese government. He taught at the Diplomatic Academy in Moscow, Central European University in Budapest and People’s University in Beijing. He founded and ran both the China Center and the Israel Center at the University of Denver for four years.

He briefed the Chief of Naval Operations Executive Panel on northeast Asia security issues, was sent by the US State department on international speaking tours to countries ranging from Japan, China, and India to Russia, Germany and Spain, and has lectured at universities ranging from Harvard, Columbia and Cambridge, to the Air War College and Chinese National Defense University (Beijing).

Having been around the world, it was an exceptional compliment when Dr. Adelman personally expressed that his Shabbos in Nebraska was one of the most memorable Shabboses that he can remember.

Every episode of Good Shabbos Nebraska features exciting speakers who bring their knowledge and expertise to the subjects of the weekly Torah portion. This week we will read about God’s decision to bomb the wicked city of Sodom and Abraham’s objection to the use of force as innocent civilians may be put in harms way. This is the exact same conversation that is taking place today regarding Syria and it will be interesting to hear Dr. Adelman’s expert opinion on the Torah and on current events.

Every year, Beth Israel leads a delegation to the AIPAC policy conference in Washington DC, this year on March 2-4. AIPAC representative Jessica Millstein will also be joining us for Shabbos and she will tell everyone how they can get a significant discount on the price of policy conference.

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by NAVA HALPERN Lincoln Jewish Community School Teacher On Sunday, Oct. 6, the first and second graders of the Lincoln Jewish Community School (LJCS) prepared a pancake feast as a class tzedakah project. After talking about families that had lost their Synagogue in Boulder Colorado due to massive flooding, the kids decided to contribute their earnings to the Bonai Shalom Synagogue Relief Fund. With the help of teachers Asaf Trainin and myself, seven children – Sofia Aguilar, Ava Draper-Moore, Danny Harris, Reuben Rosenblum, Itai Trainin, Max Grossbart, and Maggie Gordon-- began by making personalized aprons, then worked together to cook the meal, even dyeing the pancakes blue and green with food coloring to make them more fun to eat!

Good Shabbos Nebraska

October 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5

Young Jewish Omaha

by JUSTIN ZACHARY SPOONER of Nebraska at Lincoln. No matter what your interest, YJO Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha has something for you.

The weather may not have allowed us to party to the Lil Be on the lookout for more information about upcoming Slim Blues Band outside, but that didn’t stop things from programs. In the meantime, ‘like’ us on Facebook or subrockin’ inside the JCC Theater on Oct. 6. The third and final scribe to our email list. For more information or any quesconcert in this year’s Backyard Concert Series was forced indoors due to cold and rainy weather, but Young Jewish Omaha’s members weren’t deterred. Fueled by good drink from Nebraska Brewing Company and delicious deli sandwiches from Star Catering, YJO rocked out to the blues all evening long.

The programing year for YJO is just getting started, and we’re excited to bring new dynamic programing as well as fresh ideas to existing Josh Priluck, left, Daniel Grossman, Ben Justman, Zach Spooner, Levi Weiss, Shiri Tene, programs to Omaha’s young Sara Linn, Cari Green, David Philips, Rebekah Priluck, Corey Green and Sarah Edelstein Jewish adult community. If you are between the ages of 21 and 35, and want to hang out tions regarding YJO contact Zach Spooner in the Federation with other Jews your age, YJO is the place for you. If you like offices. You can reach him at jspooner@jewishomaha.org partying the night away, we offer holiday parties such as our or call him at 402-334-6431.

Matzo Ball party on Christmas Eve or our annual Purim YJO’s mission is to offer young Jewish singles, couples and Party. Want some deep and intellectual conversation? Try families, in their 20’s and 30’s, a broad range of social, eduour Cocktails and Conversations at a local pub or tavern. In cational, volunteer, philanthropic and leadership developthe past we’ve had great speakers such as Omaha’s own Dr. ment opportunities.

Ari Kohen, a professor of political science at the University

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First Friday at Temple, Cajun-style

by DAVID GOLBITZ “The food was great and I loved the Cajun music.”

Temple Israel Staff Writer Stephanie “liked seeing congregants of all ages participatThe first First Friday service and dinner in the new ing in First Friday” and thought “the atmosphere and tone were warm and welcoming.”

Temple Israel drew rave reviews from many who attended.

“Dinner was very social with lots of people wandering and “It was exciting to have it be in the new space, having more mingling,” she said. “I love space, and sharing dinner the idea of something and conversation with going on after dinner to friends both new and old,” encourage people to stick Susie Norton said. around for a bit.”

In addition to celebratNatasha Kraft and Miles ing Shabbat, First Fridays were conceived of as a way Remer had a great time to bring the congregation dancing to the Cajun together once a month for music. a fun, family-friendly, “It was nice being able to informal service and meal, let loose and dance with and Temple Israel took my Shabbat family,” Kraft advantage of its new buildsaid. “It was a fun evening ing by spreading out the with the community, and evening’s entertainment. the music was great.”

Following dinner in the Armon and Isabella Seina play a game of Scrabble with David Sharon Comisarsocial hall, congregants Goldberg. (Not seen, but also playing: Baye Fletcher) Langdon hopes the after were treated to live music and refreshments in the dinner “Shabbat Lounge” will become a monthly event.

Community Courtyard. The Prairie Gators, “Omaha’s Cajun “I loved the music,” she said. “It was something new and music connection,” performed while congregants different and lighthearted. You could dance, you could talk, schmoozed, drank and danced. it was just a wonderful atmosphere.”

“The music was a very nice touch,” Norton said. “It helped The next First Friday service and dinner will be Nov. 1. create a more festive environment and allowed people to RSVP by emailing RSVP@templeisraelomaha.com or callstay after dinner and experience Shabbat as a community.” ing Temple Israel at 402.556.6536.

Stephanie and Barry Grossman agreed.

Temple Israel First Fridays are sponsored by Bob and Elly “It was great reconnecting with congregants,” Barry said. Gordman, Andie Gordman and Dan Fitzgerald, and Lindsey Thomas, in memory of Brandon Thomas.

Organizations

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Mark Martin, The new JCC director will speak about Moving Forward and will share his Goals and Outlook on Wednesday, Oct. 23, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3.

For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

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

Bagels and Finance

by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments The Stock Market can be a ponderous mystery to most of us. Yet, it does not have to be that way. Would you like to find out what is happening in the financial world, without having to pay for the advice? Do you enjoy discussing the happenings in the world of investing? This can be done when you stop by Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc. Bagels and Finance, held monthly on Friday, at the Bagel Bin, at 3:30 pm. Enjoy your late Friday afternoon, kibitzing, enjoying a delicious bagel, being with like-minded individuals, and keep up-todate on the Stock Market. I am an independent financial adviser with thirty years of experience in the field. We always have current and interesting topics to discuss. We are happy to answer any of your financial questions. Bagels and Finance is an open discussion group to the public. Be sure to check the dates on the Russ Kaplan Investments Facebook Page or call Russ at 402.614.1321. We hope to see you there.

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6 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

Temple members join Habitat for Humanity

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by DAVID GOLBITZ Bhutan, according to a Habitat press release. They applied Temple Israel Staff Writer for a home through Habitat for Humanity because “they Temple Israel has once again partnered with other reli- want to stand on their own two feet as their family rebuilds gious organizations throughout Omaha in helping Habitat their lives in the United States.” for Humanity build a house for a deserving family.

The Biswas also have a one-year-old-daughter, Rabeena, for The Carpenter’s Crew whom Lok and Reena hope Coalition, made up of volliving in a house they own unteers from Temple Israel will provide stability as she and more than 10 other grows up. Lok is also planfaith organizations, has ning to take classes at been working in shifts diliMetro Community College gently over the past few in order to learn new skills months, installing floors, and find a better job with support beams, drywall which to support his family. and siding.

“The family were “The great thing about refugees for years before Habitat is you’re actually coming to Omaha,” doing something,” said Cooper said. “I told them Social Justice Chair Paul how much I had learned Rabinovitz. “There’s a physnot only about drywall but ical aspect to helping. You about how a diverse comcan actually see and touch munity comes together to what you’re helping with.” Habitat for Humanity volunteers from Temple Israel included Dan help a family and improve Dan Marburg, who has Gilbert, left, Stan Jaeger, Mackenzie Jaeger, Jamy Jaeger and our city, one family and worked on previous Paul Rabinovitz. one house at a time.”

Habitat for Humanity builds, also enjoys the physical nature That connection the volunteers have with the new homeof volunteering. owners is a strong component of why Rabinovitz feels proj“You work for six or eight hours and you can stand back ects like this are important. and actually see the work you’ve done,” he said. “It’s nice to “Knowing you’re helping a specific family really resonates drive by and know you helped do that. It’s nice to see the with the social justice part of Reform Judaism,” he said. tangible, lasting effects.”

In addition to providing physical labor, Temple Israel has In addition to Rabinovitz and Marburg, Temple Israel vol- also pledged to raise money to support Omaha’s chapter of unteers include Phil Bierman, Justin Cooper, Dan Gilbert, Habitat for Humanity and help revitalize neighborhoods Larry Gittelman, Mackenzie Jaeger, Stan Jaeger, Dana throughout our community. Temple Israel has pledged to Kaufman, Eli Rosenberg, Theresa Ruback, Jim Silverman raise $5,000 by the end of the year. and Mary Wampler.

According to its website, the Omaha chapter of Habitat for Volunteer Justin Cooper attended a Carpenter’s Crew Humanity has built or renovated more than 300 houses for meetup at Urban Coffee on Oct. 6. Coalition members were local families. Families who move into the houses are given a able to relax and get to know one another, as well as the fam- zero interest loan that must be paid back, and family memily whose house is being built. bers are required to put in 350 hours of “sweat equity”; basi“I said that this year, helping to build a home for a family cally, they have to volunteer to work in the community, either was somehow additionally more powerful because of the on their own home or on a different construction project. building of our new Jewish home at Temple,” Cooper said.

Future volunteer opportunities for Temple Israel congre“There was something about the feeling and the sense of gants include Oct. 20, 26-27, and Nov. 2-3. Volunteers are calmness, well being and warmth I find at Temple that I needed both for labor and for delivering breakfast and lunch wanted the new family owners to feel in their own home.” to the workers. Contact Dan Gilbert for more information.

The new owners, Lok and Reena Biswa, are refugees from

The Blumkin County Fair

by OZZIE NOGG and they all had fun. Mary Heiman made a cameo appearEven in the middle of the city, there’s nothing like a ance as Phyllis Diller and, together with her granddaughter, County Fair. Couple that with Grandparents’ day, invite the Zoey Jane, sang Hot diggity, dog ziggity boom, what’cha do to community, and the result is a fun-filled, intergenerational me. Eleven-year old violinist Laura Kirshenbaum and Karen double-whammy of an afternoon, held on Sunday, Sept. 29 Menagh’s four-year old son Gavin -- who belted out a song at the Rose Blumkin like a pro -- were named Best Jewish Home.

In Show. The program was “We had so many stellar.” kids and adults enjoyBig hits on the Midway ing the games and included a Tattoo Parlor, food,” said Mary The Kissing and Heiman, a Rose Complement Booth, games Blumkin Home of chance and a clutch of 4Activity Director, who H animals -- in particular coordinated the event. the sheep that walked “The caramel apples around Main Street. put out by the RBJH Attendees went home with kitchen were a real stuffed animal prizes as well treat, the funnel cake as beaded necklaces, book was light and fluffy, bags and lunch bags. “While and we downed a lot we were enjoying the of popcorn, ice cream County Fair at the Blumkin and lemonade. There Home, rural communities in were smiles on the the surrounding counties faces of kids and were also putting on their adults, whether they Fairs,” Heiman said. “Since it were in the photo would be impossible to booth, at the duck bring residents to those Joie Simon and Gloria Goldberg enjoy the RBHH County Fair. pond, or just watching events, it was wonderful to other people enjoying various activities.” be able to duplicate the experience right here at the A highlight of the afternoon was the ‘Tiaras and Blumkin Home.”

Yarmulkes’ talent show arranged by RBJH Activities “The Grandparents’ Day County Fair was phenomenal,” Director Karen Menagh. A spoof on Toddlers and Tiaras, the added Lois Wine, RBJH Director of Volunteer Services. production was held in the RBJH Auditorium Big Tent and “We’re already planning for next year’s event.” attracted a standing-room only audience. “We had particiThe Sept. 29 Grandparent’s Day County Fair was pants from eleven months to thirteen years of age,” said underwritten by these funds administered by the Jewish Joanie Bernstein, MC. “Who knew that just getting up in Federation of Omaha Foundation: The Sheldon A. and front of a room full of people and smiling could demonstrate Lorrie Bernstein Endowment Fund; The Betty A. Studna so much talent. The residents and families cheered and and Seymour T. Lee Endowment Fund; and The Chester clapped loudly for each child, everyone received a present, and Phyllis Lustgarten Endowment Fund.

October 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7

Be a fashionista at Beth Israel Sisterhood’s Annual Luncheon

by JEANNE NICKELS encourages Bette Kozlen, Gift Shop For Beth Israel Sisterhood Chairman and luncheon committee memFash•ion•is•ta. A noun. A devoted follow- ber. “Remember, Hanukkah is right around er of fashion.

Join fellow fashionistas from throughout the community on Sunday, Nov. 3 and see the latest in fashion trends at the Annual Beth Israel Sisterhood Luncheon, Style Show and Silent Auction. It will be a delightful afternoon of socializing, delicious food and a silent auction culminating with a style show featuring fashions from Gramercy, Garment District and Christopher & Banks.

Sisterhood’s Donor Luncheon is a favorite fall Above: Toba Cohen and her daughter Eleanor Dunning placevent for many in the com- ing a silent auction bid at last year’s event. munity. “This is a great way to Below: Rocky Stern making a gift shop purchase from Bette treat yourself to a relaxed Kozlen at the 2012 luncheon. afternoon,” shared Mary Sue Grossman. “It’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up with friends, shop the wide variety of items in the silent auction and the Sisterhood Gift Shop.

And lunch is always delicious, catered by Nancy Mattly of Culinary Services.” The buffet lunch will feature stuffed chicken breasts, rice and side dishes plus a variety of dessert selections.

The event will be held at Beth Israel Synagogue, 12604 Pacific Street. The Sisterhood gift shop and the corner and this is the perfect opportunithe silent auction bidding open at 11:30 ty to make those special purchases.” a.m. with time to socialize and enjoy appeHelene Shrago, also a luncheon committee tizers. “Shop for your friends and family in member, coordinates the silent auction and both the gift shop and the silent auction,” there is a wide array of items including gift-

ware, jewelry, housewares, gift cards and much more. And it’s always fun to watch the good natured competition that takes place for the “hot” items found on the auction tables.

The style show will begin immediately after lunch with Beth Israel Sisterhood members modeling the latest fashions. Gramercy and its sister store, Garment District, are new vendors for the style show. Gramercy, located in Countryside Village, is a women’s apparel and accessories shop featuring New York fashions. Its sister store, Garment District at the Shops of Legacy, offers clothing, jewelry, hats and a small selection of shoes designed by independent New York designers. Christopher & Banks is a return-

ing vendor who has the tag line “Life. You Wear it Well.” With stores in Montclair Center, Westroads and Village Pointe, C&B provides a fresh and colorful mix of clothing and accessories for every season, creating looks that work for your lifestyle.

The luncheon is the annual fundraiser for Beth Israel Sisterhood, providing financial support for Sisterhood projects. Attendees are encouraged to be “donors” at categories from $36 - $108. Each donor category includes one lunch. One may also enjoy lunch for $18. Reservations are needed by Oct. 25 and can be made by calling the synagogue office at 402.556.6288 or by email to jnickels@orthodoxomaha.org.

October Gallery: The Fiber Funatics

by LYNN BATTEN Publicity and Gallery Manager Experience the excitement of seeing fabric used in non-traditional ways! The Fiber Funatics will present an exhibit of recent work at the JCC Gallery during the month of October. Items on display will include original fabric made using “new” techniques and art pieces inspired from an assigned word, picture, or historical art movement. The Fiber Funatics members include Jo Drueke, Sheila Green, Merrilee Hansen, Dorothy Heidemann-Nelson, Cynthia Levis, Karen Murphy, Lynne O’Rourke, Roxann O’Hare, Cindi Pape, Peg Pennel, Marilyn Rembolt, and Pat Stava.

Hanukkah Celebrating

Coming late November

Publishing Date | 11.22.13 Space Reservation | 11.04.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 11.15.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Jessie Wees | 402.334.6559 | jwees@jewishomaha.org

8 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

The private rabbi

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor First, a caveat: when I mention rabbis in this editorial, I am not referring to any specific rabbis here in town—or anywhere else. I am speaking in general terms, about rabbis as a loosely connected group of professionals.

The Jewish Council for Public Affairs (JCPA) recently conducted a survey among American rabbis, posing the following question: If a rabbi has certain opinions about the State of Israel, is he or she able to share those, uncensored, with his or her congregation? Or do rabbis generally pay lip service to both congregation and lay leadership, and hold their tongue when they disagree?

There are several flaws in both the central question that is asked, and in how the survey was conducted.

A total of 552 rabbis were questioned, most of whom were Reform and Conservative, and a very small number Orthodox. As far as baseline opinions on Israel, most were identified as “dovish.” The survey then continued to ask specific questions about how and when these rabbis share their views on Israel with their congregations.

“Reluctant or repressed?” is the title of the study; insinuating a foregone conclusion that, when rabbis choose to not share their every opinion, something must be wrong.

“For rabbis,” the study says, “the challenge is not only to sort out their own positions on complex Israel-related issues, but also to discern how to express views that may challenge, annoy, or even distress friends and people who hold influence over their careers and livelihood. They frequently find themselves fearful of or caught in the maelstrom of tension regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and their personal views about it.”

In case we don’t get it yet, the point is driven home.

“As much if not more than other leaders, rabbis (especially congregational rabbis) must navigate the conflicting passions of the community they serve and lead. To complicate matters, they must do so not only knowing that their pro-

nouncements will bear the imprimatur of their synagogues, but also will be subjected to the will of lay leaders who ultimately hold the power to determine their compensation and, more critically, whether they will retain their jobs.”

That is an insult to rabbis as well as lay leaders, and I am not convinced it is the truth. Are we to believe there are a number of rabbis in America who are truly fearful to speak their mind because if they do, they’d lose their jobs? And are we to believe that whenever a rabbi speaks, he or she should

always say exactly what’s on his or her mind? Who does that?

Do you always say exactly what you are thinking? I don’t. In the quagmire of half-formed opinions, things I still need to read up on, topics I have not quite finished thinking about (and who ever is completely done thinking about anything) I find it much more logical that we all hold back a little when discussing politics. Especially Israeli politics.

It is not a rabbi’s duty to always be an open book. A rabbi’s public face does not always need to be exactly the same as his or her private face. A rabbi’s position in the community is public enough as it is, I imagine. He or she should be allowed to keep some things private. At least, that’s my opinion. But what do I know?

If you ask a subjective question, of a group that doesn’t represent the whole accurately, you get subjective answers.

The study doesn’t offer hard data, just opinions.

In its conclusion, the JCPA states that “With Israel the subject of such passion among a large number of American Jews, and an even larger number of their leaders, including their rabbis, divisions about the moral an political issues related to Israel and its conflict with the Palestinians are inevitable.”

Sure, but we already know that. We all disagree, all the time.

“Given these differences, it is also inevitable that leaders, especially those with views somewhat at variance with those held by official Israeli leaders and their American Jewish supporters, will find it challenging to publicly articulate their views on the conflict. For communal and policy makers, the survey’s results point to the need to advocate increasing civility in the conduct of discourse and debate around Israel. Repression of such a debate and the free expression of views by people, such as rabbis, who are deeply committed to Israel, means the loss of an opportunity to engage members of the Jewish public with a full variety of views about Israel and the conflict.”

Maybe the biggest flaw of the survey is that it ignores one important fact. Congregations do not think with one brain.

We are all individuals, and the idea that the congregation, or the lay leadership, always agrees on everything is ridiculous.

And the idea that any rabbi would stand before a congregation and only speak truths that everybody agrees with, and is comfortable with, is equally ridiculous. It is simply not how Judaism works. We argue, we disagree, and that’s how we grow.

Having a rabbi who week after week presents us with “safe” sermons, who never challenges us to think differently; it’s a terrible idea, and it’s not the reality. Besides, as congregants and lay leaders we don’t want to look at our rabbis and question whether they really mean what they say, or whether they are just pretending. They deserve more respect than that.

Source material from www.jewishpublicaffairs.org.

America’s two-state solution fixation

Focus on issues BEN COHEN (JNS.org) A hint of frustration flashed across Israeli Deputy Defense Minister Danny Danon’s face when I asked him about the criticism he has received from American Jewish establishment organizations concerning his rejection of the two-state solution.

“If American Jewish organizations will call upon the Israeli prime minister to fire me because of my opinion on the two-state solution, it’s crossing the line,” Danon told me on his recent visit to New York, referring to recent statements issued by both the Anti-Defamation League and the American Jewish Committee that charged him, as well as his ministerial colleague Naftali Bennett, with damaging Israel’s image because of their forthright views.

“I can’t imagine that the same Jewish organizations would have called upon [the late Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak] Shamir to fire Shimon Peres when he was promoting one of his peace plans,” Danon added, invoking the uneasy leftright coalition government that ruled Israel for much of the 1980s. “When the government leans to the left, they will support it ‘unconditionally.’ If the government is positioned to the right, you start to see maneuvering not to support it.”

My purpose in relating this conversation is not to trigger yet another debate about the role of American Jewish organizations in dutifully restating the positions of the White House in their dealings with Israeli officials. Danon’s comments are instructive because they demonstrate that influ-

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ential Israelis are reconsidering what has become, for both American Jewish leaders and the American administration, an article of faith: namely, that the two-state solution is the only show in town.

There is an understandable reluctance to question both the wisdom and the viability of a two-state outcome to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Traditionally, this has been the preserve of Palestinian extremists, like the Hamas regime in Gaza, who reject Israel’s very identity as a Jewish state.

Equally, there is no reason to allow those who would happily annihilate Israel to frame the terms of the discussion.

Israel has to make its calculations based upon its own interests. As far as Danon is concerned, Palestinian intransigence has left the case for the two-state solution looking flimsy. As he argued in a recent New York Times op-ed, Israel would be better off annulling the Oslo Accords and seeking a solution to the Palestinian issue that places more responsibility upon Egypt for the Gaza Strip, and more responsibility on Jordan for the West Bank.

Such a stance is radically removed from the official American position, which continues to pursue the two-state solution, most recently through Secretary of State John Kerry’s initiative, which has been heavy on PR and light on impact.

It suggests—as the Israeli political analyst Yossi Klein Halevi observed last week in the Wall Street Journal in a piece highlighting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s pledge that Israel “will not allow Iran to get nuclear weapons”—that on both the Palestinian and Iranian fronts, Israel might decide that a “strained relationship with the

White House” is a less risky option.

Of course, no one wants that scenario to become reality— Danon, for one, genuinely believes that there is a special relationship between the U.S. and Israel that needs to be preserved—but at the same time, Israel cannot allow vital security decisions to be determined by whatever ideas happen to be in vogue in Washington. And looking at the Kerry initiative, the holes are painfully visible. Indeed, we talk about a two-state solution as if the very real split between the Fatahruled West Bank and Hamas-ruled Gaza were taking place in a parallel universe, rather than being a powerful reason why the two-state solution is looking rather haggard.

During our talk, Danon mentioned the “Iron Wall,” a concept that originated with the great Revisionist Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky who described it, in a 1923 essay, as a “strong power in Palestine that is not amenable to any Arab pressure.” Jabotinsky did not argue that an agreement with the Arabs is eternally doomed—his point, which remains valid today, was that a sovereign Jewish state must approach the issue from a position of confident strength.

That doesn’t mean just military strength. It also means, I’d venture, alliances with other peoples in the region, like the Kurds, who have suffered from both Arab chauvinism and Islamist extremism. Above all, it means having the courage, as Danny Danon does, to start thinking alternatively.

Ben Cohen is the Shillman Analyst for JNS.org. His writings on Jewish affairs and Middle Eastern politics have been published in Commentary, the New York Post, Ha’aretz, Jewish Ideas Daily and many other publications.

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October 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9

Observing the power of faith

Jewnior Press SARA COHEN A note from Courtney Bierman: Get excited, because you’ve found your way to the first installment of the Jewnior Press! Here’s what you need to know: Each month a section of the Jewish Press will be dedicated to the works of teen writers from the community. These stories will be on teen-relevant topics that also appeal to those outside of our demographic.

I spent my summer at the Jewish Press as an intern. Along with the articles I wrote, my duties included putting a staff together for a prospective teen page. Those I included on the list were a mix of kids whom I already knew would be great for the job, and kids who were recommended to me. Currently, our staff is about twelve strong. Because our printing space is limited, writers will take turns getting published.

I am not the sole editor of this section. Most of the other writers have credentials nearly identical to my own, if not better.

Luck is a large part of why I am in this position; I was fortunate enough to be offered the internship that led to my commissioning of the other writers. I lack the authority necessary to be the only one in charge of this initiative. A better scenario is one in which all of the writers have creative control over the content.

The Jewnior Press welcomes any teen in the Jewish community who is interested in writing. If interested in becoming a staff member, contact me at courtbierman@gmail.com or at 402.682.1909.

The Jewnior Press is made possible by a generous grant from the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.

My name is Sara Cohen. I am currently in my junior year of high school at Duchesne Academy. My academic interests include math and English, but I also play cello as a hobby. I participate in many activities, including Math Club, Student Council, Academic Decathlon, Strings Ensemble, OAYO Youth Symphony and Scrabble Club. I also work at a learning center called Kumon and volunteer on a weekly basis. At school, I am part of the journalism staff for our newspaper, The Bird Post.

Among standard Catholic names, “Sara Cohen” sticks out like a sore thumb. In a similar way, the title of my school, Duchesne Academy of the Sacred Heart, tends to prompt reactions of bewilderment when mentioned to other Jews. I can remember one particular situation at an event for a local Catholic radio show at which I had somehow been volunteered to assist. As it turned out, the majority of the attendees were either priests or nuns. Along with the other high school volunteers, it was my job to serve these ecclesiastical guests hors d’oeuvres and replenish their water glasses throughout the night. While I dished out a piece of spanakopita for one priest, I saw him scan my name tag. “Thank you, Sara Cohen,” he said, grinning sheepishly. I can only imagine what his thoughts might have been (What the heck is this Jewish girl doing at a Catholic radio event? What would her rabbi say about this? How would her bubby respond? What a shanda!).

Now, I assume that many readers of this article may be puzzled by questions of this same nature, starting with how I ended up attending a Catholic high school in the first place. The answer to this question manifests itself in a variety of situational factors.

First off, I should make clear that for the first two years of my Catholic high school experience, I was not the only Jew in the school. Together with my sister Zoe, who graduated my sophomore year, we composed about two-thirds of one percent of the school’s population.

Aside from this minuscule feat, Zoe and I both saw multiple advantages in choosing Duchesne when making our high school decisions. Before my sister had even entered the seventh grade at Westside Middle School, several of our close family friends had sent their daughters to Duchesne.

They would tell us stories about the crazy traditions, the quirky teachers, and their countless adventures within this peculiar school. Zoe, though fascinated, dismissed Duchesne as a possibility after hearing about its strict foundation in Catholicism. A few months later, however, our babysitter at the time (a junior at Duchesne) insisted on my sister taking the entrance exam. This girl must have made a convincing argument, because within a couple of weeks, Zoe would return home, armed with Number Two pencils and a graphing calculator, from her first encounter with the young women who would soon make up her graduating class, A’13.

Although my decision had more complications than Zoe’s

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and thus took longer to arrive at, I knew all along that I would follow in her footsteps. Certain aspects, such as the policy of school uniforms (I was never one for fashion in grade school), appealed to me immediately. Others, though, developed over time.

To get a better sense of Duchesne, I spent a few days “shadowing” my sister in her classes. Through these valuable experiences, I recognized the incredible community atmosphere that the school instilled. The relatively small class sizes, which ranged from 70-80 students, allowed for more classroom involvement. Additionally, the high student-toteacher ratio created an intimacy incomparable with that of a public high school.

Many separate elements of Duchesne can be credited for the community environment that it fosters. The student body, made up entirely of girls, promotes a better social milieu and elevates self-confidence. This, in turn, leads to confidence in an individual’s academic abilities, making them more likely to devote their time to homework and studies rather than engaging in the stereotypical risky teenage behavior.

Another important doctrine of Duchesne is the freedom that it allows its students. Following every two classes, there is a built-in break time that can be utilized to the student’s desire. Sometimes, girls will use this time to work on assignments or speak with teachers. Most of the time, though, they will head to their class common rooms on Ground Floor, a level devoted solely to the students. It is primarily here where each grade forms sturdy relationships between its members.

Other than social and academic reasons, the random features of this 130-year-old school also attracted me. I loved the vintage architecture of the building, and the countless nooks and crannies that could be found in its halls. I loved hearing ghost stories about Fourth Floor, the level on which nuns used to dwell that was now forbidden to students. And I especially loved the brilliant teachers whose distinct personalities and extensive libraries of knowledge engendered in their students a love for learning.

With the combined influence of all of these factors, I knew that Duchesne was the right place for me. When Mrs. Jones, our recruitment director, came knocking on my door with a bouquet of flowers and an academic scholarship to Duchesne, I felt welcomed into the community, as if they truly wanted me there. Within a few months’ time, I was wearing my own red plaid skirt, carpooling with neighbors, and beginning classes at Duchesne.

At first, the religious integration at school came as a shock to me. Coming from nine years of public school, I had never witnessed such a prominent display of faith. Students and faculty would pray at the start of the day, before all school homeroom, during theology class, prior to exams, and at scheduled Tuesday masses. Luckily, my sister had informed me on how to avoid participation in a polite manner during these times of reverence. When everyone went up to receive communion at mass, I would file out of the pew with them, and then wait silently at the end until they had all passed to sit back down. I knew not to kneel or take holy water from the chapel, but I had to learn a respectful way to lead prayer in religion class (I would either teach them a simple Hebrew

prayer, or would otherwise pick a song to which they could “listen and reflect”).

My sister, on the other hand, can mention many awkward religious situations to which she chose the wrong way to react. She recounts with detail one of the first masses that she attended, during which the priest offered communion to each individual student instead of orchestrating the usual procession to the front of the chapel to receive the Eucharist.

When he approached Zoe, she became aware of the foreign object he was directing at her throat, and whispered forcefully, “No thank you.”

At the time, Zoe did not possess the knowledge of how to react politely in this situation, and when the priest reached out to bless her, she jumped in surprise and asked him what he was doing. He sent her a quizzical look and moved on. Soon, Zoe learned the proper way to respond to a situation like this.

Had she known better, she would have crossed her arms to signal that she did not want to take the wafer, and then would respect the silence that usually accompanies communion.

Contrary to what some may think, Duchesne offers a lot more to its students than uncomfortable encounters with Catholic clergy. I have been able to participate in numerous clubs and activities, varying from Student Council to Scrabble Club. Just this summer, my school allowed me to travel to Taiwan to take part in a Cultural Exchange program. This opportunity was made available to me because of Duchesne’s active part in the Sacred Heart Network, which has over 200 schools worldwide that all adhere to a common set of goals and criteria.

At the Taiwan Sacred Heart school, 26 girls from six different countries came together to participate in a two-and-ahalf week program. Throughout my stay, I lived with a host family, went to classes, and immersed myself in the vivid culture. I even taught the Taiwanese girls, who mostly practiced Buddhism or Daoism, about Judaism. All in all, it was an incredible experience that would not have been available to me had I chosen to attend a school other than Duchesne.

Also, I have vastly expanded my understanding of Catholicism since I have been at Duchesne. Although during Tuesday masses I still pass most of the time by counting wooden floorboards on the ground of the chapel, I do my best to listen to the priest’s homily and interpret it in a secular, ethical way that I can apply to my daily life. When we have “Espacio” or silent meditation time, I try to self-reflect upon my relationships with others and develop the steps I can take to improve them. For example, I just returned from an optional retreat for juniors and seniors, where I made it my goal to bond with both my close friends and with girls to whom I don’t usually talk.

Observing the power of faith within other people’s lives how it can uplift one’s spirit and provide an outlet for both emotional and physical healing - has not only made me more interested in expanding my own Jewish faith, but has also led me to appreciate the unique facets of Judaism even more. As I submerge myself daily into a different religion, I am compelled to find out more about my own faith to be able to share it better with others. And in impelling me to take an active role in the building of tolerance among people of all backgrounds, I have Duchesne to thank.

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10 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

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

FRIDAY, Nov. 8: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Gary Javitch, President of Javitch Mediation on the Israel: Are Settlement the Real Problem?

The community is invited.

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Schop, daughter of Melissa and Michael Schop; B’nai Mitzvah Family Shabbat, 9:30 a.m.; Mini Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman.

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

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

No charge to attend; everyone is welcome.

WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Masters in Judaism, Adult-education series offered through Nov. 20, from 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be led by Rabbi Abraham and Andy Greenberg. Cost, $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. Register online at www.bethelomaha.org; for more information, contact Eadie Tsabari at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org. It is not too late to register; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel.

On Saturday, Oct. 26, 9:30 a.m. Leonard Greenspoon, Creighton University’s Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor in Jewish Civilization and Professor of Classical and Near Eastern Studies and of Theology, will present the D’var Torah.

Habitat for Humanity, Sunday, Oct. 27, 8:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.bethelomaha.org.

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

Torah Tots, Sunday, Oct. 27, 10:45 a.m.

Our Shabbat Tables kick-off dinner for the season is Friday, Nov. 1. There’s still time to sign up for future dinners. For more information or to register, visit www.bethel-omha. org.

Have a cup of coffee with God, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.

Join Hazzan Krausman and Rabbi Abraham for this interactive Shabbat morning service, as they discuss various elements of the Shabbat morning service as it happens. We’ll sit

B’nai Mitzvah The Jewish Federation of Omaha “Jewish Omaha” The Jewish Federation of Omaha, child of The Jewish Welfare Fund and grandchild of the Associated Charities founded in 1903, becomes a B’nai Mitzvah on Sunday, Oct. 20 at Dave and Buster’s, 2502 S. 133rd Plaza.

The Federation builds and sustains a strong and vibrant Omaha Jewish community and supports Jews in Israel and around the world.

Its interests include education, physical well-being, cultural arts, caring for the aged, support to the vulnerable and international aid.

The Federation’s siblings include The Jewish Community Center, the Center for Jewish Life, Jewish Social Services, The Jewish Press and the ADL-CRC. The B’nai Mitzvah celebration is open to the entire community, free of charge. A kosher dinner, drinks, games and a community slide show are some of the fun activities planned.

in a circle with coffee and snacks as we daven. Everyone is welcome.

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

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

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

FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:20 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Good Shabbos Nebraska, 10 a.m. Guest Jonathan Adelman; Mincha, 6:05 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:19 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

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

by Kiddush lunch.

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

WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m.

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

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

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: No Service at South Street Temple; LJCS Teacher Appreciation Shabbat Service, 6:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel, including Consecration of this year’s kindergarten students.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayera; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein, 5:30-7 p.m. A family event for kids and adults to learn and create Torah inspired art together at South Street Temple. Please RSVP to the Temple office.

MONDAY: Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein, 6-8 p.m. Wine and Cheese event for adults and open to the Lincoln community as an interfaith event at South Street Temple. Please RSVP to the Temple office.

TUESDAY: Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein, noon-1:30 p.m. Ladies Lunch Group, Lunch & Learn kosher lunch. It is open to all at Tifereth Israel. Please RSVP to Tifereth Israel at 402.423.8569.

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

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 6:30-8 p.m. Intro to Judaism, Session #7 , led

by Rabbi Lewis.

THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m.

Tot Shabbat, Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Candlelighting Friday, October 18, 6:20 p.m.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.

THURSDAY: LOVE Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School; Habitat for Humanity House Build, 8 a.m. - Noon. We’re looking for volunteers to help build a home for a deserving family. If you’re interested, contact Chair Dan Gilbert, dmgilbert@gmail.com, for more information.

TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with Na’ama.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Temple Teen Night, 6 p.m.; Tools to engage in a conversation about Israel as an American Jew, 6:30 p.m. with Director of Lifelong Learning, Debbie Massarano.

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

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m. with the LJCS students and teachers leading the service.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Lunch and Learn on Rambam’s Rules for Maintaining a Heathly Body led by Nancy Coren.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Tifereth Israel Board Meeting, 2 p.m.; Artist-inResidence, Mordechai Rosenstein, 5:30-7 p.m. A family event for kids and adults to learn and create Torah inspired art together at South Street Temple. Please RSVP to the Temple office.

MONDAY: Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein, 6-8 p.m. Wine and Cheese event for adults and open to the Lincoln community as an interfaith event at South Street Temple. Please RSVP to the Temple office.

TUESDAY: Artist-in-Residence, Mordechai Rosenstein, noon-1:30 p.m. Ladies Lunch Group, Lunch & Learn kosher lunch. It is open to all at Tifereth Israel. Please RSVP to Tifereth Israel at 402.423.8569.

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

THURSDAY: Habitat for Humanity House Painting, 8 a.m. for Shift 1 and noon for Shift 2 at 4749 S. 48 St in Lincoln. Please call Nava in the office to let her know what time frame you plan on joining our members at the site.

Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennifer, Friday, Oct. 25, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Community Adult Ed session with Alan Potash, Regional Director of the ADL, Sunday, Oct. 27, 3 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. He will speak about Extremism in the Midwest.

Childcare will be provided.

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

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

Pulverent e

October 18, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11

Unconcealed impudence

In memoriam STEPHEN L. SIEGEL

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Va’yeira Our Sidrah is startling and unusual. It includes the destruction of the wicked cities of Sodom and Gemorah.

The Sacred Text identifies the source of the wickedness of the cities as inhospitable behavior on the part of its residents.

There is, however, the issue of men’s willingness and his right to question God. Is he a righteous God, a just God? Is he a sensitive and understanding God? There is an unconcealed impudence in man’s questioning of God. Here are these two wicked cities where wickedness is specifically identified, but is there not a larger impudence in man’s questioning of God? Does God have the right to destroy two cities, and all the people in them? To bring down brimstone and fire?

It has been called a “glorious impudence” for it recognizes mankind’s humility before God, but it is not humility of total silence. Man has the right to question whether God’s power, limitless power, allows him to destroy the wicked cities without a trial. He is the prosecuting attorney, and he is the Judge. What gives Him the right? Has there been a proper examination of the principals involved, has God listened to mankind and made a just decision?

Man is humble, powerless, and yielding. Man’s impudence helps us understand the relationship between Man and God. For Man is impudent from one viewpoint only: he has no power against God, and still he has the right to question and intrude on God’s decisions.

There is a fascinating bargaining between Abraham and God. Abraham questions: “If there are 50 righteous people among the wicked, will you destroy them?”

And God answers: “No, of course not.”

Abraham continues: “How about 45? How about 40? 35?”

Until he gets to ten.

God does not consider this a matter of Abraham sticking his nose in affairs that are not his business. God realizes Abraham is trying to make sure the decision to destroy is thought through as a righteous decision. Our Sidrah is a lesson to see justice as apparent impudence. In every century and every generation we have to question whether there is justice or not. God’s limitless power must be accepted, but it is not immune to examination and questioning.

Man is not simply a piece of dust, of nothingness before God. If this is really impudence, it is a glorious one.

Pope warns of anti-Semitism

by JTA NEWS STAFF ROME (JTA) — Pope Francis urged vigilance against any resurgence of anti-Semitism ahead of the 70th anniversary of the deportation of Rome’s Jews to Auschwitz.

The pope made the warning last week during a meeting at the Vatican with Italian Jewish leaders, including Riccardo Di Segni, the chief rabbi of Rome.

Commemoration of the 1943 deportation, Francis said, “will also be an occasion to recall the importance of remaining vigilant in order that we do not regress, under any pretext, to any forms of intolerance and anti-Semitism, in Rome and in the rest of the world.”

More than 1,000 Roman Jews were deported by Nazi occupiers on Oct. 16, 1943; only 16 survived.

Noting that Jews had lived in Rome for more than 2,000 years, the pope said that this history “as we well know” was “often marred by misunderstandings and real injustice.”

However, he added, “by now this history includes, with the help of God, many decades of the development of friendly and brotherly relations.”

Francis also indirectly responded to criticism of wartime Pope Pius XII by noting that many Catholic religious institutions helped save Jews during the Holocaust. Critics say Pius turned a blind eye to the persecution of Jews during the Shoah.

The pope said he hoped to contribute “to that nearness and friendship” in the way that he had with the Jewish community in Buenos Aires, where he had been cardinal.

He added, “It is a contradiction for a Christian to be antiSemitic. His roots are in part Jewish. A Christian cannot be anti-Semitic! May anti-Semitism be banished from the heart and the life of every man and woman!”

Francis also paid tribute to Christians who aided Jews during the Holocaust. “We know that many religious institutions, monasteries and indeed the Papal Basilicas, in accordance with the wishes of the Pope, opened their doors to provide a fraternal welcome, and that Christians offered the assistance, great or small, that they were able to give.”

Stephen L. Siegel passed away on Oct. 5 at age 72 in Long Island, NY. Services were held Oct. 7 in Hewlett, NY. He is survived by his wife Anne Siegel of Hewlett, NY; sons and daughters-in-law, Mike and Andrea Siegel, Richie and Marion Siegel of Bedford, NY and Andy and Elisa Siegel of Merrick, NY; and seven loving grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Omaha Jewish Community Center.

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Longtime Women of the Wall members protest Robinson’s Arch decision

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) – Ten longtime members of Women of the Wall are protesting the organization's agreement to meet at Robinson's Arch if certain conditions are met.

In a public statement Friday, the protesting members said the Women of the Wall board betrayed the group’s fundamental mission with its decision earlier in the week.

“We remain committed to the Kotel, the place sanctified by the memory, prayers, and hopes of Jews for 2,000 years,” read the statement. “We remain unalterably committed to the right of all Jewish women to pray together in the women’s section at the Kotel with tallit and tefillin, reading from the Torah scroll.”

The board had decided by majority vote to agree in principle to pray at the Robinson’s Arch area next to the Western Wall Plaza should the government meet several of the group’s demands. Until then, the group, which meets at the beginning of each Jewish month for a prayer service in the women’s section of the Western Wall, will continue praying in the women’s section.

Officials from Women of the Wall told JTA that the decision to conditionally embrace Robinson's Arch was motivated by concern over possible legal and legislative challenges. Members of Knesset have been attempting to pass legislation restricting the group's rights.

The pushback against the group's decision has exposed significant divisions within Women of the Wall -- between advocates of pragmatism and pure ideology, between activists in Israel and North America, and between the group’s current and past leaders.

“This is a useful way of having the group pay attention to what we're saying,” said Phyllis Chesler, a founder of Women of the Wall who lives in New York. “What we're hoping for is a more transparent and democratic process that will clarify what the basic vision and principles are of this group.”

Women of the Wall’s leadership, including Chairwoman Anat Hoffman, long opposed moving the group to Robinson’s Arch – a solution first proposed in a Supreme Court ruling 10 years ago. Hoffman had called it “the back of the bus” and insisted on the group’s right to stay in the women’s section.

But with the government moving forward on a plan to expand and renovate Robinson’s Arch for use by nonOrthodox prayer groups, the board voted 9-2 to accept the Robinson’s Arch solution should it fulfill several criteria -among them that the new section equal the existing plaza in size, budget and facilities and be overseen by a pluralist body of Jewish leaders.

The vote allows Women of the Wall to negotiate with the government over the area’s layout and management, and puts it in line with the Reform and Conservative movements, which support the plan.

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12 | The Jewish Press | October 18, 2013

Jewish Republicans caught in party shutdown crossfire

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The first lawmaker to speak at a closed-door Capitol Hill confab convened by the Republican Jewish Coalition’s women’s affiliate was, naturally enough, a woman. So was the second.

Against the background of the current federal budget battle, that’s about all that united Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) and Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.).

Ayotte has been a leading Republican voice calling on her GOP colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to stand down in their battle over President Obama’s signature health care law -- a fight that led last week to a shutdown of the federal government. Bachmann has been a leader among those urging them to hold the line.

Judging from the RJC’s Twitter feed Tuesday from the Capitol Hill Club, the white linen establishment near the Capitol where the coalition’s National Women’s Committee was hosting its event that day, both women received an equally warm reception.

But the genteel veneer can barely paper over the sharp divisions among Jewish Republicans as they watch their party rend itself over an impasse that has ground government operations to a halt and could presage an unprecedented default on the national debt.

“My party has magnificently grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory,” said Fred Zeidman, a Houston-area lawyer and major donor to Republican presidential campaigns.

The current crisis stems from the refusal of the Republican-controlled House of Representatives to pass a federal budget unless Obama agrees to delay or defund aspects of the 2010 health care law known as Obamacare. The president has refused to negotiate, arguing that the Republicans are threatening to blow up the national economy because they oppose a measure already duly passed into law.

Zeidman made it clear that he blamed both sides. Obama should agree to negotiate with his Republican counterparts, he said, and the Republicans should adopt a continuing resolution that would permit the government to keep functioning. Failing to do so, Zeidman said, would cost Republicans at the polls next year.

“Am I against Obamacare?” he asked. “Yeah. Am I going to shut down the country over it? Never.”

Zeidman, who said he had personally urged House

House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) at a news conference in the Capitol, Oct. 5, 2013.

Credit: Chris Maddaloni/Getty Images Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) to bring an unconditional funding authorization to the floor, blamed a cadre of about 35 to 40 conservative Tea Party Republicans in safe House seats for holding the national party hostage.

“These are the zealots,” he said. “They love this stuff. What are they going to do when they see we lose elections?”

Jewish Republicans by and large have been reluctant to address the issue.

Matt Brooks, the Republican Jewish Coalition director, turned down several requests for interviews, and the office of Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the only Jewish Republican in Congress and the House majority leader, did not respond to two requests for interviews.

Cantor, who supports the party’s strategy, earned cheers at the Capitol Hill Club meeting for calling on Obama to negotiate with Republicans, according to tweets from conserva-

tive blogger Melissa Braunstein, who was present.

“When you have divided government, you work through things by talking,” she quoted Cantor saying. “This is about more than Obamacare or the debt. We have a real debate about the balance of power.”

More telling, perhaps, was how expansively the RJC’s own Twitter feed reported the remarks by Ayotte, who has said elsewhere that the shutdown is not a “winning strategy.”

According to the tweets, Ayotte sharply criticized the isolationist faction within the GOP that has helped drive the shutdown, arguing that it was harming the U.S. on the world stage.

The RJC tweeter followed up: “Ayotte: ‘Withdrawing from the world is not an option.’

Predicts Reagan wing will win debate with isolationists within GOP.’” A senior Jewish Republican aide in Congress said the Tea Party wing deserved praise for galvanizing Republicans following the demoralizing Obama victory last November. The shutdown, said the aide, would open up a broader philosophic conversation about the role of government.

“Soon we’ll shift the message to spending, what type of government we have, what kind of country we want to live in,” the aide said.

The aide dismissed claims that shutting down government is an illegitimate tool, a way to roll back a despised law that Republicans were unable to repeal through normal legislative tactics. He noted that Tip O’Neill, the esteemed Democratic House speaker in the 1980s, had shut down the government several times.

Mel Sembler, a Florida real estate magnate who, like Zeidman, is a major fundraiser, recalled that President Bill Clinton agreed in 1996 to negotiate an end to a government shutdown with Republicans. Democrats counter that no previous government shutdown was aimed at undoing settled law.

“Our president says he won’t negotiate,” Sembler said.

“Our president is not a problem solver.”

The aide said that notwithstanding some complaints from moderates, the response from party members countrywide - including from donors like the billionaire industrialist Koch brothers -- had been positive.

“They’ve been spoiling for a fight for years,” the aide said.

“They’re thrilled we shut the government down.”

The Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies Presents

The Ruth and Phil Sokolof Lecture Series Featuring Professor, Author, and Advisor to Three Presidents

AMBASSADOR STUART EIZENSTADT Attorney at Law Head of International Practice Covington & Burling LLP

Wednesday October 23, 2013 at 7:00PM William H. and Dorothy Thompson Center University of Nebraska at Omaha 6705 Dodge Street Omaha, Nebraska Parking is available in the lots adjacent to the Thompson Center

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EVENT SPONSORS The Natan & Hannah Schwalb Center for Israel & Jewish Studies The Ruth & Phil Sokolof Family Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha