October 22, 2004

Vol. LXXXIV No. 7 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

7 Cheshvan, 5765 October 22, 2004

Win the Hanukkah Art Contest in the Jewish Press

Women’s Campaign Event Features Light-Hearted Entertainment

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Each year, the Jewish Press sponsors a Hanukkah art contest for children under the age of 12. The winner will have his or her original art reproduced in Last year’s entry from Lila Ferber, 8. four-color on the front page of the Hanukkah Gift Guide, published on Nov. 26, and receive a gift certificate to the Bookworm in Countryside Village.

Enter now; the first three entries received in this office will also receive Bookworm gift certificates!

Just send your original piece of art done in paint, marker or colored pencil with a Hanukkah theme (for example: the Maccabees, a menorah, candles, dreidels, latkes, gelt and presents, the miracle of the oil in the Temple, etc.) on a piece of white, unfolded, 8.5x11” paper to: The Jewish Press Hanukkah Art Contest, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, by Nov. 12.

For more information, call me at 402.334.6450.

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director The 2005 Women’s Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha presents an evening of lighthearted and exceptional entertainment featuring the musical stylings of pianist and vocalist Marty Henne, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m., at Ironwood Golf and Country Club, 12627 Pacific St. The Women’s event is free and open to women in the community who make a gift of any amount to the 2005 Jewish Federation Annual Campaign. A dessert reception and CD sale and signing with Henne will follow his performance.

Marty Henne is a veteran entertainer and has performed for audiences in nightclubs and country clubs, as well as aboard the most sophisticated cruise ships in the world, becoming a favorite among listeners who love good music and great entertainment.

In addition to the great music, Henne’s show is also filled with stories and insights about the writers and the times they lived and worked in, all told with his unique humor, joy and warmth. His performances have drawn comparisons to the shows of great entertainers like Mel

Kids: Enter Now;

Introducing...

Driver Crashes into Beth Israel

Late Friday afternoon, a driver lost control of her Mercury Mountaineer, missed on-coming rush hour traffic, and crashed into the corner of the new Beth Israel building on 126th and Pacific. Though the photo (taken by Don Gerber shortly before Kabbalat Shabbat services) shows what appears to be extensive damage, Beth Cohen, Executive Director, said contractor representatives from Weitz assured her the damage is not as bad as it looks. “There’s no structural damage to the building,” said Cohen, “and we hope to have most of it repaired in time for our dedication.” The driver, who sustained injuries and is still in the hospital as of press time, drove through outdoor benches, knocked brick off the corner of the entrance and jammed shut the right set of double doors. Cohen says the only delay may be matching the bricks, but the building dedication and Rabbi Gross’ investiture on Sunday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m., will go on as planned. The dedication reception is open to the entire community and is free of charge.

It’s Hammer Time: Third Annual Film Festival Next Month

by GARY KATZ Kripke Library Administrator The Third Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival opens with the smash satiric hit, The Hebrew Hammer, an action-comedy written and directed by 28-year-old Jonathan Kesselman, on Sunday, Nov. 14 at 7 p.m., and continues through Nov. 21.

The film stars Adam Goldberg in the title role. Like any exploitation film, The Hebrew Hammer pitches stereotypes like flaming fastballs at a knowing audience.

But it would be wrong to say that Kesselman, by creating a Shaft with peyos, is satirizing the Blaxploitation genre. Instead, Kesselman is honoring the genre, proud that he too has made a picture with a built-in audience

Inside

in mind. This unrated version features very strong language and adult content.

The second movie, Yossi & Jagger will make its Omaha premier on Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m. Based on a true story, the film portrays the love affair of two Israeli officers in a remote army base on the Israeli-Lebanese border. They are commanders, they are in love, and they try to find a place of their own in an oppressing and rigid system, which sends them to defend a cause in which they do not necessarily believe.

Saturday, Nov. 20 is double feature night, with Hiding and Seeking at 7 p.m. and an encore performance of the The Hebrew Hammer at 9 p.m.

Continued on page 22

This Week: Special Issue on Education and Camping Taba Bombing Hits Home: Page 2

Boston Day Schools Get $45 Million: Page 5

Torme, Michael Feinstein and Bobby Short.

Credit Ruth Erman, the 2005 Women’s Campaign CoChair with bringing Marty Henne to Omaha. This past summer, Ruth and her husband Joe were celebrating their 35th wedding anniversary on a cruise from Istanbul to Athens when they attended one of Henne’s performances on the ship.

“When we heard Marty perform, he was incredibly entertaining and charming. I could tell that he had an old Jewish soul, even though I didn’t know he was Jewish at the time,” Ruth explained. “The music he performs isn’t traditional Jewish music but they are standards that we all know and love. In fact, we enjoyed it so much that we saw his second performance!”

During the cruise, Ruth and Joe attended Friday night services on the ship and ran into Henne.

“We got to talking afterwards and I could tell right away what a mensch he was! I asked him if he’d consider coming to Omaha to perform for the Federation.

One thing led to another, and when I got back I told Bobbi Leibowitz (2005 Women’s Campaign Co-Chair) Continued on page 16

Rabbi Jonathan Gross

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Position: Spiritual leader of Beth Israel Synagogue Previous Experience: Rabbinic Intern at Beth Jacob Synagogue, Los Angeles, CA Education: B.S. in Math from Yeshiva College Simcha (Rabbinic Ordination) from Yeshiva University Personal: Married 15 months ago to Sara Kostant of Los Angeles, a fourth-year med student at USC, completing her clinical rotations at area hospitals through UNMC and Creighton University.

Rabbi Gross will be formally installed at a dinner at Beth Israel on Sunday, Oct. 31, following a 5 p.m. reception and dedication of the new building.

Jewish Press: You’ve spent your whole life on the East Coast, except for a year of study in Israel and last year as a newlywed in Los Angeles. What were your expectations of Jewish life in Omaha before you made the move here?

Rabbi Gross: I’ve been coming to Omaha since the summer of 2001, first as a member of the Yeshiva University Torah Tours program and later for other programs. I’ve actually come to know a lot of people here.

And since I’ve been here in both summer and winter, I’ve also learned about “both poles!”

So it really wasn’t a surprise when I officially arrived here as the rabbi of Beth Israel in August.

I’ve experienced both coasts; I grew up on the East Coast and spent the last year on the West. Now Sara and I have ricocheted somewhere in the middle.

While there’s no city quite like New York--where you can have 6000 Jews on one block and the luxuries a larger Jewish community offers--here, every Jew counts.

JP: This is your first pulpit; what experiences, talents, etc., do you bring to the table?

Continued on page 22

Coming Next Week: America Decides 2004 Congressional Candidates Speak at Temple: Page 22

The Voice of Yiddish in Omaha: Page 28

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

Taba Bombing Hits Home:

Gary Kuklin

Shaliach’s Teacher Among the Dead

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by URI LEVIN knowledge in Arabic JCC Community Shaliach and Islam and her stuIsrael has two dents’ grades were national languages, always good. When Hebrew (as you all the final exams began know) and Arabic. she used to invite her This fact is the main students to her house reason why most of for private and small young elementary group lessons (which school students start was common around learning Arabic in the our community highfourth grade. school teachers).

When I was in the After Nimrod and fifth grade I had a Shay graduated highteacher named Tzila. school they joined the We didn’t like her so IDF intelligence. More much. She used to than once they both give us a lot of hometold me that the eduwork and from her cation and the tools class you would usualthey got from Tzila ly hear her scream at was better that anyone the students. A week else in their units. after you usually see Both Nimrod and her coming to the class Shay went to Tzila’s with a sore throat, and funeral in Israel this a hot lemon tea glass last week. Tzila (43Twelve Israelis killed in the Oct. 9 coordinated terror attacks at the Taba in her hand. years old) and her two Hilton Hotel and the Ras Satan beach resort in Egypt’s Sinai desert.

Well, she was my sons Gilad (11Credit: Photos courtesy Israeli Foreign Ministry teacher from the months-old) and Lior fourth-eighth grade. I liked Arabic and her class, with (three-years-old), were murdered in the Hilton Taba car the screaming and homework. I had pretty good grades bombing in Egypt on Oct. 9 Her husband and twin 18in her class, a thing that led her to sit with my parents year-old daughters survived the horror and had to wait in our school parents’ day and try to convince them to another two long days before the Israeli-Egyptian resconvince me to major Arabic in high school. cue team came back to them with the worse news anyAlthough I liked Arabic, majoring it was not my cup one could ever imagine--Tzila and the kids didn’t surof lemon tea. I decided to major in English and vive.

Chemistry. But two of my best friends, Nimrod and Whenever one sees a headline in the news here, one Shay, did decide to major in Arabic and kept on learn- sometimes forgets that there is a personal story behind ing with her throughout their high school years. it. In Israel, we see the same headlines and hope there Though the fact that she did a lot of test and quizzes is no one that we know or are related to. I, Nimrod, on almost every week and the amount of homework Shay and hundreds of other students were not that was enormous, her students loved her. She had vast lucky this time.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Deadly Bombings Turn Popular Sinai from Garden of Eden to Paradise Lost

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 22 Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Chabad House

C L I P & S A V E

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 24 AIPAC National Summit in Hollywood, FL, Oct. 24-25 Klutznick-Harris Symposium at UNL, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Klutznick-Harris Keynote Speaker, 7:30 p.m.

Beth El Hazak Deli, 5 p.m.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 25 Klutznick-Harris Sympoisum continues at Creighton University, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 26 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 27 “Spice and Spirit of Jewish Cooking Club”, 9 a.m. at Chabad House NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House THURSDAY, OCTOBER 28 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Blood Drive, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel YJO Kickoff and Young Leadership Awards, 6 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club L.O.V.E Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

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

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

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by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA)--Diving coral reefs, lounging on colorful pillows by the sea, taking in views of rose-colored mountains, ordering plates stacked high with honeydrenched banana pancakes--Israelis have long made Sinai a favorite vacation destination.

But the coordinated bombings on Oct. 7 targeting Israeli holiday makers transformed the getaway spot Israelis longingly refer to as the Garden of Eden into a Paradise Lost, forever tarnished by the blood, mayhem, confusion and fear borne of the deadly attacks.

Thirty-three people were killed and 120 wounded in the attacks on Taba and Ras Satan, resorts on the Sinai coast. Among them were 13 Israelis, including a mother and her two young children. Six Egyptians and several European tourists were also among the fatalities.

Officials said that at Taba, a town close to the Israeli border, a suicide car bomber blew off a wing of the Hilton Hotel. Some 30 miles to the south, two car bombs were detonated at the Ras Satan site, popular for backpackers.

Thousands of Israelis had made their way across the border to Egypt for Sukkot despite warnings by security officials of terrorism threats in Sinai. After earlier, repeated terror alerts for Sinai had amounted to naught --and convinced that staying home in Israel they were also terrorism targets--many Israelis say they became immune to the warnings.

“Sinai for me meant a certain escape from urban Israel,” said Eitan Einwohner, 33, founder and CEO of a software company in Tel Aviv. “There is no” concept of “time in the desert and when you see the red mountains and see the scenery, intense in its minimalism, it reduces everything to the simplest.”

It was not just rank and file Israelis who were lured to Sinai by the scenery, tranquility and affordable prices. Some high-ranking former and current government officials also ignored the travel warnings and made their vacations there.

Among them were, reportedly, reserve Maj. Gen. Ilan Biran, the former director general of the Foreign

Ministry, and several Knesset members. Ha'aretz reported that Liat Cahanim, the deputy legal counsel to the National Security Council, was wounded in the attack.

Two vacationing U.S. Embassy officials were also reportedly lightly wounded in the attack.

In the bombings’ aftermath, there was heartache and frustration in Israel that the security warnings were ignored. Parts of the media, and some members of the government, had even scoffed at the alerts.

A fiery debate has arisen over whether or not a free country should let its people disregard such warnings or if more drastic measures--such as closing off the border--should be taken. At an emergency Cabinet meeting it was suggested that Israel consider adopting a U.S.-style system of color-coded warning levels.

Avi Dichter, the director of Israel’s Shin Bet, toured the blown-out remains of what was once the lobby of the Taba Hilton and had harsh words for those at the official level who did not take the warning more seriously.

“To my dismay, there were officials who treated the warnings lightly and leveled criticism at us” in the security community, he was quoted as saying in the Ma’ariv daily newspaper. “There is no doubt that this influenced the public which in turn did not take the warning seriously.”

David Aramin, from Herzliya, a 35-year-old who works in the high-tech sector, visited Sinai as often as he could. In the last two months alone he was there six times.

On Oct. 7, he and friends were lounging at their camp when they heard the blasts on nearby Ras Satan beach and saw a ball of fire burst into the night sky.

Hysteria ensued, Aramin said, adding that some people followed the Bedouins toward the mountains, others rushed for the sea.

He said Israelis were just recently starting to come back to Sinai after staying away during most of the intifada. The relaxed atmosphere helped people forget any potential dangers, he said.

Continued on page 3

October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

YJO Presents the Comedy of Joel Chasnoff Chabad’s Gan Israel Day Camp

by PAM MONSKY years. At 18, Joel enrolled Federation Communications at the University of Director Pennsylvania, home of Nationally recognized the Fighting Quakers. comedian Joel Chasnoff During college he spent brings his unique look at two summers with the the funnier side of Jewish Philadelphia Phillies life to the Young Jewish baseball organization as Omaha (YJO) event an on-field performer in Thursday, Oct. 28, 6-8 a fruitless attempt to p.m. at Ironwood Golf entertain 40,000 of the and Country Club. The world’s heaviest-drinking event is free and open to sports fans. all members of the “After graduating from Jewish community ages Penn, Joel decided to 25-45. relax a bit by serving in Joel Chasnoff The Jewish Federation the Israel Defense of Omaha will also present its Young Forces. As a tank gunner in the Armored Leadership Awards to Katherine Corps, he spent many a chilly night Finnegan and David Kohll at the event. sleeping in a metal tank in the Golan “I present being Jewish in a way peo- Heights and South Lebanon. ple haven’t seen before by incorporating “Joel currently resides in New York Jewish values into my act,” Chasnoff City with his wife and two-year old idenexplained in a recent interview. “When I tical twin daughters who--Hallelujah!-perform in different (non-Jewish) ven- have recently begun to express a serious ues, my Jewish sensibility still comes interest in potty training. His hobbies through even when I’m not addressing include baseball, reading the New Jewish issues.

Yorker, and, most of all, writing about “I believe people can be Jewish in himself in the third person.” other ways besides religious practice…

Chasnoff was a featured performer at it’s about culture and a way of life,” he the Montreal Comedy Festival and tackcontinued. “For example, in my act, I les such topics as politics, technology, criticize our society’s increasing depend- toilet training, relationships, and the ence on technology and how that affects warped way in which we Americans see our personal relationships, but my ourselves in the world today. A favorite observations about the subject are made within the Jewish world, his unique through a Jewish lens.” brand of positive Jewish humor is based Chasnoff is looking forward to his visit on genuine aspects of Jewish living. to the Omaha Jewish community. “I’ve Co-Chairs for the YJO Event featuring never been in the state of Nebraska and the comedy of Joel Chasnoff are Stacey I’m excited about reaching new audi- Atlas, Traci Kugler, Michael Silverman ences,” said Chasnoff. “A few years ago, and Adam Yale. YJO, sponsored by the I might have had pre-conceived notions Jewish Federation of Omaha, is a social about life in a small community, but I’ve group for members of the community since realized that people in Omaha are ages 25-45 and made possible by a grant just as hip as people in New York or Los from the Frances and Norman Batt Angeles!”

Family Foundation.

In an excerpt from Chasnoff’s biograFor reservations, please contact Sharon phy on his website, he describes his Kirshenbaum, Young Leadership background: Director, at 334.6485 or skirshen“Born and raised in Evanston, IL, by baum@jewishomaha.org. Baby-sitting two anti-establishment Democrats, Joel will be available by reservation only on attended Jewish Day School for nine a first come, first served basis.

Paradise Lost Continued from page 2 Ha’aretz columnist Gideon Levy tried to capture the special magic of the Sinai experience in an article headlined “Goodbye Sinai.”

“For a growing number of Israelis, a vacation in Sinai was a singular experience that had no substitute. Something happened to Israelis when they entered Sinai,” he wrote. “For the veterans of the place, being in Sinai was much more than a holiday. It was the only place of refuge, a haven from day-to-day troubles, from the terror that is all around us, and an escape from Israelis and from Israeliness, too. Something in the atmosphere of the place created a sense of relaxation that couldn’t be found elsewhere.”

“You would go and you would not think too much about warnings because it is not any less scary being in Israel,” Aramin said. “Recently, especially, you did not pay attention to warnings because there are always warnings.”

Einwohner, who was also staying at a beach near Ras Satan, said Israelis had become complacent about the warnings.

“Looking back,” he said, “I think most Israelis and I fell into this trap a little bit of saying, If there are 30,000 people doing it, how could it be that dangerous?”

Eran Reinisch, 37, who runs a financial services business in Tel Aviv, has been going to Sinai for vacations since he was a child. He has traveled the area up and

Expands to Resident Camp

by CAROL HUTCHISON for Chabad of Nebraska The Gan Israel Day Camp, a mid-winter and summer program at Chabad House, will expand this summer to include a week long resident program.

Gan Israel has been offering dynamic, exciting, fun and educational programs for two weeks each summer here. The day camp incorporates typical camping including art, music, and sports with Jewish flavor and wonderful Judaic learning experiences. Kosher hot lunches are prepared and served, and nutritious snacks are provided as well. The camp offers weekly themes, enthusiastic counselors and teachers, nurturing the uniqueness of each Jewish child.

The dates for the day camp this summer will be July 11-22. Early bird registration incentives including a discount and bonus gift, will be mailed out shortly.

“The Gan Israel program has been impacting Jewish children in a very powerful way for many years,” Shani Katzman explained. “Beyond the positive experiences that being with other

Jewish kids accomplishes, Gan Israel truly bolsters Jewish pride and identity in a way that no others do.”

To illustrate this, Katzman told how she recently “ bumped into a new friend, a newcomer to Omaha,” she said. “This young woman shared with me that she was raised in a secular home. When she was a young girl she attended a ‘camp’ that really helped her get in touch with who she was and understand her Jewish self. She described what an impact it had on her growing up. She talked about the program as if it took place yesterday!

“Of course, the camp she attended was Gan Israel in a community on the East Coast. She was blown away when I told her we had one right here in Omaha,” Katzman continued.

The resident camp is still in formation and it is estimated that it will take place the week of July 24, 2005. Chabad and Boy Scouts of America are working jointly to offer the resident camping program for children ages seven-12.

For more information please call 330.1800 or visit our website at www.nebraskajudaism.com.

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PACIFIC SPRINGS VILLAGE down, diving its waters and exploring its beaches. It is, he said, his favorite place to unwind. He describes it as “magic” and touts its “totally different atmosphere.”

He again wanted to visit Sinai with his family this Sukkot holiday. But, concerned by the warnings, they, along with a group of other families traveling together, decided to go to Taba instead of staying further down the Sinai coast as they usually do.

Taba, they told themselves, would be safer. After all, they thought, it was so close to the Israeli border.

When the blast shook the entire hotel, he and his friends were eating at an Italian restaurant on the beach. Reinisch immediately realized that the explosion was a terror attack and raced to the children’s disco one flight down from the hotel’s lobby where he had dropped off his seven-year-old son, Roy. He quickly found the child, covered in a layer of blood and soot. His head had been lightly injured by falling debris.

Reinisch scooped Roy into his arms and was among the first to cross the border for the hospital in Eilat. A large photograph of Roy, his head bandaged and T-shirt and shorts stained with blood, made the front pages of the Yediot Achronot daily newspaper.

“I was supposed to go diving next month in Sinai and now I will not.

Clearly I have no desire to go.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

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Remembering Yitzhak Rabin: a Memorial Service and Discussion

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN emphasized improving the economy, Temple Israel Communications Coordinator solving social problems, and strengthenIt has been almost nine years since ing the Israel Defense Force. He conPrime Minister of Israel Yitzhak Rabin cluded an interim agreement with Egypt was assassinated by an Israeli right-wing in 1975. Under Rabin, a daring rescue by extremist at the end of a peace rally in the Israel Defense Force of hostages Tel Aviv. The Omaha Jewish community hijacked by terrorists on an Air France will mark the occasion at a memorial on flight was made at the Entebbe airport in Wednesday, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., at Temple Uganda.

Israel. The entire Jewish community is When the Labor Party was defeated in welcome to attend.

1977, Rabin served in the Knesset as a Sponsored by Jewish Educational and member of the opposition and on the Library Services (JELS) and the Jewish Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Community Center (JCC), the Rabin until 1984 when he became Minister of Memorial Service will begin with an Defense in the National Unity Yitzhak Rabin educational session for Temple Israel Government. He continued serving in Middle and High school students at 6:30 p.m. led by the Knesset until he was elected chairman of the Labor Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. Footage from the assassination will Party and then prime minister in 1992. be shown followed by a memorial service or Azkarah Rabin was awarded the 1994 Nobel Peace Prize with Memorial.

Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres and PLO Rabin was born in 1922 in Jerusalem, the son of an Chairman Yasser Arafat for signing the Declaration of American immigrant and one of the first members of Principles, which outlines proposed interim self-govthe Haganah. A volunteer for the Palmach, he served in ernment arrangements. That same year, Rabin also the Israeli Army for 27 years and became Chief of Staff. signed a peace treaty with King Hussein of Jordan.

When he retired from the military in 1968, Rabin was Rabin is buried on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. appointed Israeli ambassador to the United States.

After the Azkarah, there will be an educational disUpon returning to cussion focusing on the Jerusalem in 1973, he The Kripke Jewish Federation Library recommends these political speech and culture became active in Israel's books on Yitzhak Rabin. All are available for checkout: in Israel. The discussion Labor Party and was elected In the Name of Sorrow and Hope by Noa ben Arzti Pelossof; will address the Jewish perYitzhak Rabin edited by Dov Ben-Meir; to the Knesset after the Yom spective of political dissent, Shalom, Friend edited by David Horovitz; Kippur War that year. He land, and democracy. The The Life of Yitzhak Rabin by Dan Kurzman; was appointed Minister of entire gathering will sing Our Life, His Legacy by Leah Rabin; Labor until he became head “Hatikvah” at the conclusion The Rabin Memoirs by Yitzhak Rabin; of the government in 1974. of the evening memorial Rabin of Israel by Robert Slater.

As prime minister, Rabin program.

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by WENDI CHIARBOS JENSEN speech by Dr. Strange, titled “Jesus and his Coordinator, Bethsaida Excavations Project Archaeological Setting.” He will speak at the W.H. University of Nebraska at Omaha Thompson Alumni Center Oct. 28, 7 p.m.

At the end of October, the Bethsaida Excavations The closing conference event is the public opening of Project at the University of Nebraska at Omaha (UNO) “Silent Spectators of the Sacred,” an exhibit on loan will convene its annual Batchelder Biblical Archaeology from the Israel Antiquities Authority. Featured are Conference. This event, in its sixth year, will continue stones from the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which UNO’s long tradition of promoting biblical archaeology and sharing it with academic and general audiences.

The university’s yearly interdisciplinary forum will take place Oct. 28-30, at the W.H. Thompson Alumni Center, located at 6705 Dodge St. on the UNO campus.

This year conference’s focus is the Archaeological Jesus. Spotlight topics such as the The Roman Temple Set and Galilee in the First Century will be covered during the two-day agenda. Faculty from all over the world will share updates on Near Eastern excavations at Sepphoris, Nazareth, and Bethsaida.

Keynote speaker for the conferences is Dr. James Strange, Professor of Religious Studies and Director of Graduate Studies at the University of South Florida. He earned a B.A. in Philosophy from Rice University in 1959, an M.Div. from Yale Divinity School in 1964, and a PhD. in New Testament Studies from Drew University in 1970. He was Montgomery Fellow at the W.F. Albright Institute for Archaeological Research in Jerusalem in 1970-71 and NEH fellow at the same Institute in 1980.

Dr. Strange’s research interests are in Biblical Archaeology, New Testament Above: one of the stones from the Temple Mount in the Old CIty of Studies, Christian Origins and post-Biblical Jerusalem will be on display; the exhibit opens Oct. 30, 7:30 p.m. at UNO. Judaism. His articles have appeared in journals such as the Bulletin of the American Schools of date to the first century. The exhibit opening is in Arts Oriental Research, The Biblical Archeologist, and The & Sciences Hall, 343, Oct. 30. 7:30 p.m.

Biblical Archaeology Review (for which he sits on the Both evening events are free and open to the public. editorial board). Strange has participated in field Registration for the conference is required for all other archaeology annually since 1969 and has directed the events. All registration materials, including the proexcavations at Sepphoris, Israel annually since 1983. gram, are available on the Bethsaida website at Strange is the art and archaeology editor for the www.unomaha.edu/~betsaida or by contacting me at Macmillan Dictionary of Formative Judaism.

402/554-2902 or via e-mail at: The opening event for this conference is a keynote wchiarbos@mail.unomaha.edu.

October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Largest Gift ever--$45M--Goes to Boston Day Schools, Hailed as the Cutting Edge of all Things Jewish

by PENNY SCHWARTZ Jewish Advocate Staff, Boston, MA BOSTON--The $45 million donation to Boston area Jewish day schools raised both spirits and expectations at a national conference focused on day school education.

The gathering for the Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education assembly drew many of the biggest names and wallets--including Michael Steinhardt, Sen. Joe Lieberman, and Yitz Greenberg.

But the luminaries were overshadowed by the largest-ever donation to Jewish day schools in the nation.

Thirty million dollars of the money from the donors is slated to go to the three largest schools: The Maimonides School in Brookline; the Rashi School; and the Solomon Schechter School of Greater Boston, both in Newton.

These three were singled out by the donors as pilot schools, eligible for $10 million each during the next five years based upon plans for improving all aspects of their education and operations which they must submit to the Peerless Excellence Project, the organization created with this donation.

Funds may also be used to increase teacher salaries as part of bolstering efforts to retain and recruit teachers. These schools account for more than half of the 2,600 day school students in the area.

The remaining $15 million in the Peerless Project will be available for scholarships for all 14 Jewish day schools in the geographic area served by the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston.

The donation, made anonymously by local families, is being hailed by the Jewish community and educational leaders for the extraordinary promise it holds

Executive Director of the Peerless Excellence Project which was created with this grant, to be administered by the CJP. “Day schools have come of age,” Rabbi Joshua Elkin told The Advocate. Elkin, director of PEJE, whose headquarters are located in Boston, said: “We have a day school movement,” a line that drew applause earlier in the day.

“The investment means setting a new standard. It erases the glass ceiling,” he said, referring to the kind of large donations which had previously been reserved for medical schools and museums. “It shows that day schools are worth the same kind of support.”

Eighth grade science teacher, Katerina Sherman, teaches Steinhardt, a philanthrostudents at Maimonides School in Brookline, MA, in October pist who donates millions Credit: Photo courtesy Maimonides School 2004. every year to Jewish organito improve what it already considers zations and known for his outspoken high quality educational institutions and sometimes controversial ideas, told while at the same time presenting a chal- the gathering that they needed to find lenge to the schools to attract new stu- ways to reach beyond the narrow group dents from the large number of Jewish they appeal to in order to be considered families who have not yet embraced by the majority of Jewish American famJewish day schools for their children’s ilies. education.

“To me, the single institution that is “In the world of Jewish philanthropy, most desperately needed in the United this is a bright and shining example, in States is a secular Jewish day school of contrast to old forms of Jewish philanthro- the absolute highest quality,” he said. py,” Michael Steinhardt said at the plenary “Such an institution does not exist. And session, complimenting Boston for being that would be an institution that could on the cutting edge of things Jewish. be an inspiration for a substantial seg“The challenge is to transform the ment of the community.”

Jewish community,” said Gil Preuss, Steinhardt noted that most Jewish

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American families have no involvement with religious institutions but might be more attracted to a school which offered Jewish studies such as Jewish history and Hebrew and where religious practice and learning was optional.

According to a Boston area survey commissioned by DAF, Day School Advocacy Forum in Newton, learning Hebrew and Jewish culture and practices are lower on the scale of important attributes when choosing a school, with learning Hebrew important to 18 percent and Jewish culture important to 24 percent of the 526 parents in Jewish households. DAF reports that of the top 10 attributes considered when selecting a school, Jewish day schools exceed the performance of private and public schools in four areas, all relating to a sense of community. The “greatest strength of Jewish day schools is their ability to teach ethics and values,” according to DAF’s press release.

Lynn Schusterman, a noted philanthropist who has been advocating for day schools for 30 years, hasn’t lost her zeal and commitment to day schools.

Speaking before the PEJE board meeting which was held during the first day of the conference, she nonetheless said day schools must change to meet the needs of students in today’s world.

Day schools in the Boston area were well represented at the conference which drew more than 700 participants from 170 different schools of all variety and size from as far as Vancouver; San Francisco, CA; Memphis, TN; Portland, OR, and Overland Park, KS.

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to WinnaVegas Casino, please meet at the JCC main entrance Thursday, 8:15 a.m. Call Maggie Conti for transportation at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Lomir Redn Yiddish meeting at the JCC in the Social Hall on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Join your friends from Visions as we tour the Air Force Weather Agency at Offutt A.F.B. on Monday, Nov. 8. Cost of $14 per person includes transportation, tour, lunch (Super Buffet in Bellevue), tax and tip.

Depart from the JCC at 9:30 a.m. and return by approximately 2 p.m. A complete security check is mandatory for all; bring a picture ID the day of the trip.

Make check payable to Visions. Send to Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda Street, Omaha, NE 68144. by Oct. 27--no exceptions.

BREADBREAKERS Congressman Lee Terry will be the guest speaker at our Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Oct. 27, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. Representative Terry is running for re-election in the upcoming Congressional race. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only.

Breadbreakers is open to the community.

TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) Classes will resume next week following the Jewish holidays and are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman.

Mondays, 7:30 p.m.: “Kosher Kitchen”--Learn the laws of keeping kosher. Students will gain from this class at the home of Rabbi and Ariella Hoffman.

Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah”-Personal Growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah. located at a private residence.

Wednesdays, noon: “Maximize Your Relationships”-explore your relationships through Torah wisdom in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Thursdays, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life and Other Business”--based on the Kabbalistic text Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto at the JCC; at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, learn to read Hebrew in our Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, sponsored by NJOP.” For information, call 981.0569.

MARRIAGE

IN THE NEWS Barbara and Gil Kemp, the daughter and son-inlaw of Omahans Joe and Pauline Guss, have made a $100,000 pledge to the permanent endowment of Swarthmore College in Pennsylvania in honor of the Gusses. The gift will provide an endowed scholarship to the college with preference given to students from Nebraska or the Midwest. Gil Kemp is a member of the Swarthmore Pauline and Joe Guss Board of Directors,; he and his wife live in Scarsdale, NY. Former Omahan Dr. Guinter Kahn of Miami, FL, was elected as a trustee to the board of directors of University of Nebraska Foundation at its recent meeting. A graduate of the University of Omaha, Kahn received his medical degree with honors from the University of Nebraska Medical Center in 1958.

He revolutionized the hair-growth industry with his 1970s discovery that the Dr. Guinter Kahn drug Minoxidil is also a hairgrowth stimulant. A practicing dermatologist at Parkway Regional Medical Center in Miami, Dr. Kahn has received numerous awards, including the UNMC College of Medicine Alumnus of the Year, Distinguished Inventor of the Year, and honorary doctorate form UNMC and induction into the Central High School Hall of Fame.

Dr. Kahn has been a supporter of many institutions, among them UNMC, which named a floor of the Leon S. McGoogan Library of Medicine in his honor, and the Rambam Medical Center in Haifa, Israel. Recently, his generosity extended to the UNO Library, creating the Guinter Kahn Library addition, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of his UNO graduation.

BIRTHS

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN The Omaha Section Board of Directors will meet Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. Guest speaker Wanda Gottschalk will share information about the new NCJW-CSI project, Totes for Tots.

For more information, call President Kate Kirshenbaum 334.8541.

Rustin and Karen Ross of Chicago, IL announce the Sept. 29 birth of their first child, Jordan Elias.

Grandparents are Natan and Hannah Schwalb, and Alan and Susie Ross of Highland Park, IL. Great-grandparents are Jerry and Millie Mandel of North Palm Beach, FL, and Mollie Rosenbaum of Cincinnati, OH.

AMIT WOMEN A tape of the November, 2003, Holocaust Memorial Reunion in Washington, D.C., will be shown for AMIT members on Sunday, Nov. 7, noon, at the home of Jeanette Nadoff. Cost for lunch is $6. Please make reservations with Charlotte Kaplan, 551.5658.

Rebecca and Brian Rosen of Santa Monica, CA, announce the Sept. 20 birth of their son, Jakob Noah.

Grandparents are Jan and Howard Goldstein, Sheldon and Paula Perelman of Bloomfield Hills, MI, Cindy Sundeen and Steve Rosen.

Great-grandparents are Florence and Jack Brody.

AMDUR/KURLAND Naomi Amdur, daughter of Dale and Sidney Amdur of Chicago, IL, and Ruvane Kurland, son of Allen and Sandra Kurland of Council Bluffs, IA, were married Aug. 1 at the Radisson Hotel O’Hare in Rosemont, IL. Rabbi Robert Gamer officiated at the ceremony, which was followed by a reception at the hotel.

The bride graduated Chicago’s Roosevelt University with a B.A. in sociology, where she was on the Dean’s List and a member of the Franklin Honor Society. She works in retail sales.

Her attendants included her sister, Elisheva Greebel, sister-in-law, Shayna Kurland, and friends, Adina Reichlin, Tamar Winter, Jen Mendelsohn and Jill Pokres (who originally introduced the couple).

Her grandmothers are Gertrude Amdur of Lincolnwood, IL, and Estelle Zitch of Chicago, IL. The groom earned a B.A. in English from the University of Iowa. He is currently the Hillel Director at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, IL. His attendants included his brother, Mendel Kurland, his brother-in-law, Gavriel Amdur, and friends Aaron Reichlin, Jeremiah Diamond, and Jason Schlotman.

He is the grandson of Hy and Josephine Simes of Lillydale, MN. The couple, who lived in Chicago, now makes their home in Carbondale, IL. They are planning a wedding trip to Acapulco in January, 2005.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Opera Omaha will present a number of free programs between Nov. 2-10 for audiences to learn more about its second main stage production of the season, Aaron Copland’s The Tender Land, which will be performed at the Orpheum, Nov. 17, 19 and 21. Among the lectures is one at the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m., co-sponsored by Jewish Educational and Library Services. “The Life and Music of Aaron Copland” features Vivian Perlis, an expert on Copland’s life, who will speak about his experiences as a Jewish American composer during the last century.

The Omaha Symphony MasterWorks second concert of 2004/5 Season, “Symphonic Grandeur,” led by guest conductor Alasdair Neale, features solo pianist Orion Weiss at the Orpheum Theater, tonight, Oct. 22, and tomorrow, Oct. 23, 8 p.m.

Doors open one hour prior.

Single tickets (those not of a season subscription) range from $8.50 to $45.50. For more information on the concerts and tickets, please call Orion Weiss the Omaha Symphony Box Office at 402.342.3560 or visit www.omahasymphony.org.

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October 22, 2004

Not Just for College!

by HAROLD SIMANSKY an article in the Sept. 23 Wall Did you know the money that you collect through Street Journal) suggest. While still college savings programs like Upromise and Baby Mint worth doing, the average saver does not have to be used for college. That’s right! Use will still find themselves far short the money for college or for buying anything you want, of the six-figures they’ll need for it doesn’t matter. their own child’s education.

What Are Upromise and Baby Mint?

In fact, this leads to the biggest Here’s why: Upromise and BabyMint are essentially danger of these rebate programs: rebate programs - they are simply giving back to you a not properly saving for college small percentage of the purchase price of some good because you mistakenly believe or service. For this reason, you are free at anytime to Upromise will be there for you. While these programs request the money in cash directly from them, and they may provide a few limited dollars for education, they have to write you a check. You can then do with the cannot and should not replace a comprehensive saving money anything you please: Use it for education or to plan. So while everyone should sign up for them--if buy a new sports car. More important, as a rebate pro- only to put some money in your own pocket--get a real gram, any money you were to receive is tax-free - so it savings plan too, you’ll need it. doesn’t even count as income.

This I promise.

So why the education focus? It’s the hook Harold Simansky is the founder of that has allowed Upromise, Baby Mint and Educational Investments, LLC, a others to sign up plan sponsors that proRegistered Investment Advisory firm vide the rebate. What better PR than helpin Chestnut Hill, MA, focused on helping your customers pay for college. ing families save for education.

Be wary though: despite claims to the Harold’s book on this subject, contrary, the average Upromise or Baby College Costs How Much?! The Mint member just won’t end-up saving very Workbook to Help You Save for much in their account. Total savings is likeSchool has an entire chapter devoted ly to be measured in the hundreds to the to affinity programs like Upromise. low-thousands of dollars, not the tens-of- Author Harold Simansky and He can be reached at 617-469-9018 thousands of dollars that proponents (and his son. or Harold@edinv.com.

Temple Israel Retreats Give Adults a Chance to Go to “Camp,” Too

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN town. Shabbat is about separating the average from the Temple Israel Communications Coordinator special, and this opportunity to be away has a special “Adult education is an essential priority at Temple effect. The message works better--it sticks better, Israel,” said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “Thanks to the gen- because it allows you to be more receptive to the meserosity of the family of Hermene Zweiback, we are sage, more inventive, more creative, more calm.” able to offer numerous opportunities for meaningful “In addition to the environment,” Walts added, “for Jewish living to our congregants and to the Jewish me, the retreat is a way to connect with people. It’s an community as well as the community-at-large.” In opportunity to meet new people in a much more intiaddition, to the scholars-in-residence, Jewish Journey mate setting.”

Groups, classes, speakers from Omaha, Lincoln, and Andi Willensky, who has helped plan the retreats other parts of the country, and on-going study with the and attended most of them, also enjoys making new clergy, “we even have ‘camp’ for adults in the form of friends and reconnecting with old ones in Nebraska our annual Adult City. She mentioned that Spirituality Retreat.” she enjoys the campfire This year’s retreat in and singing at night, November will feature walks in the daytime, Rabbi Josh Zweiback and the opportunity to who grew up at Temple enjoy the surroundings.

Israel and is now the “I love the setting. It’s senior educator of peaceful, serene, and Congregation Beth Am in relaxing, and far enough Los Altos, California. away but not too far Ducky Milder, who has away. The environment attended all five of the is conducive to learnadult retreats since they ing.” were instituted by “Learning from wonTemple’s Synagogue derful teachers, top2000 Committee, has also notch scholars as well as chaired all five of them. our own clergy,” has “I love it!” she admitted. brought Willensky back Each retreat has had a Lee Needelman, right, and Andi Gordman were among partici- to several retreats. “I like different theme and dif- pants at a song session led by Mike Walts at the last year’s Temple the learning part and the ferent leaders. They have Israel Retreat in Nebraska City. more in-depth studying all unfolded at the Lied Center in Nebraska City “which on a particular subject. It has been meaningful.” has an incredible spiritual atmosphere,” Ducky said. “I Lisa and Denny Lewis have attended the retreats for like the trees, and it’s quiet and peaceful there.” the past three years. “Nebraska City is far enough away “I would go regardless of the leader. It reaches deep- that you don’t feel compelled to run an errand in the er into Judaism, understanding it. It’s 24 hours of total middle of the retreat, but it’s close enough that you can study and time away from your usual routine.” get there after work on Friday and get back home early Planning to attend this year’s retreat, Milder said she on Saturday evening after havdalah. The setting is also attends Temple’s Bagels and Sacred Books on beautiful, the rooms are spacious, the food is good, Saturday mornings prior to Shabbat worship services and it’s extremely contemplative,” according to Lisa and some of the Jewish Journey Groups at Temple. Lewis.

“The study is so key to understanding Judaism and “It’s a very enjoyable, relaxing experience, a differbeing part of the congregational and Jewish communi- ent way to celebrate Shabbat,” she said. It’s not ties, and to forming a sense of community,” she “touchy feely,” she explained, but rather “a chance to remarked. get to know other congregants.”

Mike Walts, chairman of Synagogue 2000, has also Lewis, who along with her husband, also tries to attended the retreats “from the beginning.” He planned attend as many scholars-in-residence events as they the first one including the programming and writing the can, said, “I think the retreats have really gotten me to worship service. Since then, he has been involved in song see Judaism as a part of daily life. I don’t recall having and prayer leading, and the ending havdalah service. any epiphanies, but it’s sort of like going to a ‘spa’ for “The retreats have all been marvelous, beautiful, and Judaism. It’s cleansing and invigorating.” we’ve been blessed with good weather every time.

“It’s a little shot of spirituality,” added Walts, “which Both the accommodations and being out in nature add is what Synagogue 2000 is all about and why we to the spiritual effect,” according to Walts. “There’s planned the retreats. something magical about getting away, going out of “Going to one rejuvenates my spirit.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

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Bringing the 350th into the Classroom One of the lessons of this 350th anniversary is that American Jewish history belongs in the classroom because this history matters. For most American Jews, the American piece of their historical narrative is the most recent, but certainly not the least influential.

America is not a way station for most Jews. We are here to stay, and the forms of Jewish life we have developed

by JUDITH ROSENBAUM On the Jewish calendar, the fall is a time for prayer in these 350 years are among the most creative in the and personal reflection, and the spring for communal history of our people. American Jewish history demonstorytelling. The liturgy of the High Holy Days urges us strates to young people that they can live rich and to turn inward, while the Passover haggadah demands authentic lives as American and as Jews.

American Jewish history expands our sense of what a public retelling of the exodus from Egypt and the is possible. In studying the story of the first birth of our people.

American Jewish community in 1654 New This new year brings the opportunity for Amsterdam and their successful fight to a revisiting of our communal past that will overturn Governor Peter Stuyvesant’s extend from fall to spring. In 5765, the decree that Jews were not welcome, kids High Holy Days coincide with the launch learn about the power of our community of festivities marking the 350th anniversary to promote freedom in this land. Girls of Jewish life in America. Across the United develop a broader range of dreams and States, communities are beginning the pubambitions when they learn about the perlic retelling of our American Jewish herseverance of Nobel Prize winning scientist itage with fanfare and creativity. Music fesGertrude Elion, who pursued her interest tivals, museum exhibitions, special servicin science even when employers told her es, film series, lectures, and conferences she would be a “distracting influence” in will attest to the rich cultural life Jews have Judith Rosenbaum the laboratory, or about the limitless enerbuilt in this country and honor our accomgy of Olympic Gold medalist Bobbie Rosenfeld, who plishments as Jews and as Americans.

What do these 350 years mean to young American went directly from her first track victory in the Jews, many of whom are coming of age with a strong Canadian national exhibition to playing in - and winsense of identity as Americans but little connection to ning - her softball team’s championship game.

American Jewish history provides role models and their Jewish roots? We must make sure that our commemorations include and address the next generation, inspiration, as well as moral and spiritual lessons. The who will help determine the direction of Jewish life in next generation of American Jews deserves the right to be inspired by the indefatigable activism and humor of America in the coming years.

In 1838, Rebecca Gratz founded the Hebrew Sunday the late New York Congresswoman Bella Abzug, who School Society in Philadelphia, the first of its kind, championed everyone’s right to equality and freedom because she perceived that only through education in and did it in her own style - with brashness and her sigtheir heritage could young American Jews “make [their] nature hats. As a young lawyer fighting an important wilderness bloom.” Gratz’s insight is no less true today. civil rights case in the South, Abzug spent a night The 350th anniversary presents us with an important alone and pregnant - in a bus station bathroom because opportunity to expand our definition of Jewish heritage no hotel would give her a room, and the next day to include the colorful and impressive history of our argued the case for six hours before Mississippi’s Governor. If we forget such challenges and her courage experiences in America.

As Jews, we mine our ancient texts and stories week in facing them, we lose one of the powerful ethical after week, year after year, seeking meaning and teachings in American Jewish history.

History is a central building block of identity, helping instruction. When it comes to our more recent communal past, however, we tend to be selective in our edu- us understand where we have come from and what we cational priorities, and American Jewish history often are capable of. If the American Jewish community takes gets short shrift. It falls victim to the perception that this its history seriously in this anniversary year, it must chapter of our history is not a core part of our heritage. bring it into the classroom so that students can be transIts texts, after all, are not the classical texts--such as the formed by its valuable lessons and create the next Talmud and Rabbinic codes--around which much of chapter of our living history.

Judith Rosenbaum is director of education at Jewish religious and intellectual life is based. American Jewish history also lacks the perceived authenticity and the Jewish Women’s Archive (www.jwa.org) and nostalgic appeal of Jewish life in the shtetlach and editor of JWA’s new American Jewish history curyeshivot of Eastern Europe or the pioneering struggle to riculum, Making Our Wilderness Bloom: 350 Years of Extraordinary Jewish Women in America. create the State of Israel.

Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation Offers Individualized Religious School

by JENNI L. SCHLOSSMAN Ph.D. School Director There are many educational opportunities for our congregation, from pre-kindergarten to adult. Having a small student to teacher ratio allows individualized instruction from our dedicated teachers. Classes meet on Sunday afternoons at the Jewish Community Center, from 3-5 p.m.

We have a unique Hebrew conversation class open to Beyt Shalom teens and adults, taught by Maya Wertheimer, an experienced language teacher. Jeff Ferber, who has taught for the school for eight years and is now studying for a Master’s degree in Judaic Education from Hebrew College, will be facilitating a book discussion each month for teens and adults along with educating our pre- and post-B’nai Mitzvah students. Robin Hellwig draws upon her versatile talents to teach our younger children, as she has done for the past nine years.

For more information about the Beyt Shalom Religious School, please call me at 455.8645 or 321.5346; I can also be reached at phdresearcher@earthlink.net.

New Year’s Photos may be picked up in the Jewish Press office during regular business hours. Questions? Call 334.6448.

Helping to Raise Funds for Cancer Research

Members of Beth El Synagogue’s Association for Mitzvot (BEAM) participated in the annual American Cancer Society Relay for Life on October 3. Several of the team members included, from left, Kim Novak, Helen Epstein, Janie Murow, Patti Adler, Toby Schonfeld, Heather Kelln, Sally Zipursky and Tuffy Epstein. “It was a nice way for BEAM to show solidarity with others concerned about this important issue,” said BEAM chairman Schonfeld. “What a great model of tikkun olam --raising funds and awareness to eradicate a disease that will affect one in nine women during their lifetime.”

October 22, 2004

Jewish Experiences Are Super…

But How Do You Pay For Them?

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN JELS Administrator You have heard it and read it and statistics continue to prove that Jewish youth who attend Jewish summer camps and participate regularly in Jewish activities have a much higher probability of being active in the Jewish community and retaining a strong Jewish identity in adult life. Jewish summer camps and Israel programs provide memories to last a lifetime and the friendships made often continue through adulthood.

That said, when looking at the costs of the various programs, the numbers can be quite sobering. As much as many families want their children to participate, the financial reality can make it appear to be a rather impossible dream. Thanks to the generosity of the Omaha community however, there are a number of options to help make these great experiences a reality.

The first program provides Jewish Experience Grants which are awarded by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Jewish Experience Grants are awarded to each Bar and Bat Mitzvah celebrant in metropolitan Omaha and are a gift totaling $1,000 for use toward a Jewish summer camp program. The gift is split into two, $500 awards and can be used the summer before and two summers following the child’s simcha.

The second program, available for teen travel to Israel, is the establishment of a Passport to Israel account. When children are in third grade, families can establish an account into which they can deposit funds through the child’s sophomore year in high school.

Students whose families are residents of the Omaha metropolitan community, are members in good standing in one of the area synagogues, are enrolled in a program of Jewish studies approved by the synagogue’s senior rabbi, and are members in good standing with the Jewish Federation of Omaha are eligible to participate.

Families must deposit a minimum of $125 per year and all deposits made up to $250 per year will be matched by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The funds must be used for an approved program in Israel and can be used anytime after a student has reached 10th grade but not later than their final year in college or age 23.

Another program, also established by the Jewish Federation of Omaha to encourage travel to Israel, is the Israel Experience Grant. Any student who is a resident of the Omaha metropolitan area, enrolled in grades nine-12, and whose family are current donors to the Jewish Federation of Omaha campaign, are eligible to receive a $1,000 grant. The grant is for travel to Israel to participate in an approved Israel experience. Students are required to be available for community service after their return.

In addition to the grants described above, the Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational & Library Services has several funds available from which they award financial-need based scholarships. Over the past three years, over $80,000 has been awarded to enable families to give their children summer camp and Israel program experiences to remember. The generosity of many donors and the Omaha Jewish community makes this funding available.

Letters will be mailed within the next two weeks to all families of third grade students with additional information on the Passport to Israel program. Letters will also be sent to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students this month regarding Jewish Experience Grants.

In December, the annual “Guide to Financial Assistance Programs” will be distributed as an insert in the Jewish Press. The guide provides information regarding the various grant and scholarship programs available for awards.

We encourage you now to begin investigating the camps or experiences in which you would like your children to participate. We hope with the various grants and financial assistance available, the financial side of the puzzle will be a bit less daunting. Please do not hesitate to call the JELS office at 334.6445 or e-mail scholarships@jewishomaha.org with any questions.

Beth Israel Sisterhood Meets New Rabbi and His Wife

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Don’t Miss the Boat: Make Your Reservations Now For Fun-Filled Shabbat with Dr. Ron Wolfson

Sara Gross delighted the Beth Israel Sisterhood with an insight to her first date with her future husband, Rabbi Jonathan Gross. The occasion was the first luncheon held in the new building last month. Many residents of the Rose Blumkin Home were invited as guests and were treated to a tour of the new sanctuary. Above: Elinor Matalon brought her twins to the luncheon; below: and mother-daughter team Jane Cohen and Toba Cohen-Dunning also attended.

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator There’s still time to make reservations to attend a fun-filled, meaningful Shabbat with Dr. Ron Wolfson, during his Scholar-in-Residence weekend Oct. 29-31, at Beth El Synagogue. One of the country’s leaders in Jewish family education, Dr. Wolfson is returning to Beth El to kick off the synagogue’s year-long 75th anniversary celebration.

The entire community is invited to turn Friday night into Family Night by experiencing “Dr. Wolfson’s One-of-a-Kind Take-Home Shabbat Dinner,” on Friday, Oct. 29, following 6 p.m. services. His message, “Putting the Joyful Meaning into Shabbat” will showcase his infectious enthusiasm; the interactive evening promises to be both fun and memorable.

In addition, Dr. Wolfson will present the D’var Torah during Saturday Shabbat services at 9:30 a.m., and will lead the blessings and singing during a festive kiddush luncheon afterward. Following havdalah, as well as Sunday morning, he will present workshops for Beth El board members, educators and congregants.

Cost of the Friday night Shabbat dinner will be $15 for adults; $7.50 for children ages six-12; no charge for children five and younger. Reservations are needed and may be made by sending a check to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

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Adult Education Classes Thriving at Beth El Synagogue Mitzvah class will enjoy the fruits of their labor as they become B’nai Mitzvah during Shabbat services on Nov. 6. This year’s class, including Denise Ipock, Diane Malashock, Carol Nathan, Frances Gottlieb, David Cooper, Dan Levitan, Debbie Roitstein and Caryn Rifkin, will participate in the morning’s Torah readings, as well as read portions of the Haftorah.

The most enjoyable aspect of teaching this class for Cantor Gastón has been “to see these adults’ deep desire to succeed. I love to see them challenging themselves to become better Jews and more knowledgeable of the Jewish traditions, history and prayers.”

The element of learning is evident during Shabbat.

In addition to his insightful weekly D’var Torah, once a month Rabbi Levin leads an alternative Shabbat service, which features thought-provoking discussions about the symbolism behind and contemporary application of the week's Torah reading.

To facilitate a more intimate, comfortable atmosphere, the service is held in the synagogue's chapel; more often than not, empty seats are few and far between. During these services, the parasha comes alive during animated Torah discussions, with congregants offering personal interpretations and thoughtful perspectives on the weekly reading.

The sharing of ideas is an important component of the service, Rabbi Levin said, explaining that “these Torah discussions give us the opportunity to hear pieces of wisdom from different people--it’s good to be able to learn from each other.”

Shabbat afternoon study session joined Beth El’s adult education offerings. Led by congregant Ben Shapiro, the sessions are held 30 minutes prior to Minha/Ma’ariv and Havdalah services, and focus on Pirkei Avot, a collection of ethical sayings; in addition, traditional commentaries are used supplement the discussions.

Sunday mornings, 10-11 a.m., at the synagogue are jam-packed with educational opportunities for Rabbi Mordechai Levin leads a discussion at Beth El. adults. Susi Frydman-Levin Future of Beth El;” Saturday regales her “Jewish Pot evening, he will participate Pourri”class with a little bit in a retreat for Beth El board of everything Jewish--histomembers; and Sunday ry, traditions, music, literamorning, he will lead workture. Explaining the class’s shops for Beth El congrefree-form curriculum, gants and educators.

Frydman-Levin encourages On Dec. 12, Rabbi Harold everyone in the community Kushner will return to Beth to attend--“you’ll be El to share Jewish wisdom refreshed with the aroma of with the entire community the Jewish spirit...come and during his presentation, be surprised every week!”

“Three Ideas the Jewish Beginning Nov. 7, People Can Teach the Susi Frydman Levin teaches the Hebrew Crash Course on 11:10 a.m. to noon, World.” Rabbi Kushner, Sunday mornings at Beth El. Frydman-Levin plans to author of numerous books reprise her “Hebrew Crash including Why Bad Things Happen to Good People, The Course,” which last year drew 30 students. The class, Ten Commandments of Character: Essential Advice for which teaches basic Hebrew in a fun and innovative Living an Honorable, Ethical Life, and To Life! A manner, is a wonderful vehicle for those who would Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking, will also pay like the ability to follow the Siddur during services, take tribute to the synagogue’s milestone anniversary. an aliyah, or participate in family simchas, such as chilIn addition to these special anniversary events, Beth dren’s or grandchildren’s B’nai Mitzvah.

El’s weekly classes immerse community members in For those interested in dynamic conversation, studythe joy of learning about innumerable aspects of ing Bible text and discovering how it relates to conJudaism. temporary life, Beth El is also the place to be for its Rabbi Levin’s wildly popular Thursday class began Bible Study class, led by Prof. Leonard Greenspoon. last week, with this year’s theme “The Most Important Held in the library Sundays, 11 a.m. to noon, attenPeople and Ideas of the Bible.” The class, in its third dees are currently studying Kings I; new participants year, has drawn around 50 attendees during the past are always welcome to join the discussion. several years, and has addressed subjects such as “The In addition to the afore-mentioned educational Jewish Perspective on Jesus” and “Jewish Wisdom for opportunities, Beth El also offers informative lunch ‘n’ the 21st Century.” learn events for the community and a lively Women’s “Many of the original concepts in the Hebrew Bible Rosh Hodesh group. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find laid the foundation for Jewish civilization,” he a class or something interesting and meaningful to disexplained. “We will see what they say and how the cover at Beth El, and it’s common knowledge that concepts have been developed over the centuries." learning is not only for kids these days: adult education Students in Cantor Gastón Bogomolni’s Adult B’nai is alive and kicking throughout the synagogue!

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Take a close look at Beth El Synagogue and you’ll find a congregation clamoring to participate in the many educational opportunities being offered to adults -- and having a great time doing it. “We take great pride in doing all that is required to provide our adults with creative, meaningful learning experiences,” Rabbi Mordechai Levin said. “It is a mitzvah to pursue Jewish education, and we make it a major commitment.”

The joy of learning will be front and center at Beth El this fall, as the synagogue kicks off its year-long 75th anniversary celebration with a special scholar-in-residence weekend from Oct. 29-31, featuring Dr. Ron Wolfson. Dr. Wolfson, an Omaha native and Dean of the Center for Jewish Education at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles, will preside over a lively, fun and meaningful community-wide Shabbat dinner following services on Friday, Oct. 29, 6 p.m. To make reservations for “Dr. Wolfson’s One-of-a-Kind, TakeHome Shabbat Dinner,” call the office at 492. 8550.

During Saturday morning Shabbat services, Dr. Wolfson will present a D’var Torah focusing on “The

Cooking Club to Feature Shabbat

by CHERYL LERNER for Chabad of Nebraska The Women of Worth Monthly Cooking Club will feature the “spice and spirit” of Shabbat on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 9-11 a.m., at Chabad House.

The program will explore how such foods as kugel, kishka, and cholent made their way onto the traditional Shabbat menu. There will be a demonstration on the making of gefilte fish and unusual ways to present it. Participants will also prepare a challah to take home with them.

The program is led by Shani Katzman, who noted,

“We tend to take Shabbat for granted, since it is a holiday we celebrate every week. But there is so much more than meets the eye if we just scratch below the surface.”

“Shabbat is our family’s favorite time together,” said this month’s hostess, Kim Novak. “Shani always has the most insightful explanations of rituals and foods that I wasn’t aware of before. It helps me add more meaning to what I’m doing at home with my family”.

Cost is $10, brunch is included. Babysitting is available by reservation, $3 per child. For reservations or information, call Carol at 330.1800.

October 22, 2004

Hallah High Braids Lincoln’s Teen Jewish Community Together

by SARAH KELEN Congregation B’nai Jeshurun In August, 24 students and their parents joined Rabbis Stanley Rosenbaum and Debbie Stiel and teachers Sarah Trainin and Brian Schur to kick off a new joint high school program between Lincoln’s two synagogues, Tifereth Israel and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun.

In preparation for the launch of the program, a committee made up of representatives of both congregations worked together for eight months to agree on policies and curriculum. At their first meeting, the students’ first assignment was to name their new school. They decided on Hallah High, representing the way the school “braids together” teen groups from the two congregations.

Teacher Brian Schur talks to parents and students at the August 29 kickoff of Hallah High. Looking on are teacher Sarah Trainin and Rabbis Debbie Stiel and Stanley Photo by Bob Evnen.

Rosenbaum.

Given the small numbers at each congregation, it has been hard for each congregation to keep a high school program running with only a few students in each grade level. The two congregations merged their high school programs to save resources and also to enhance the teens’ sense of their Jewish community.

Lincoln’s small Jewish population is spread around town, so students might only know one or two other Jewish students at their high school. Parents hoped that the joint high school would help their kids feel less isolated and more positive about being Jewish in a predominantly non-Jewish environment.

Emily Evnen, a junior at Lincoln Southwest and a member of Tifereth

Israel, said that she calculated the Jewish student body at her high school at about 0.7%, adding, “it’s sad.”

Emily Stanfield, a ninth grader at Lincoln High and a member of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, said that it was “fun getting to see Jewish kids I didn’t already know and getting to know the teenage Jewish community.”

Emily Evnen pointed out that at the first few meetings, students from each congregation tended to sit with the students from their home congregation, but now “we’re all starting to get closer to the other kids.”

Parents also seem pleased with the way the high school is uniting, and in some cases reuniting, their children with other Jewish teens. Deb Evnen of Tifereth Israel noted that her son Michael, a ninth grader at Lincoln Southeast, had been friends in elementary school with Steven Ganz of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, but “when they went to different middle schools, they went their separate ways.” She was pleased to see that after the first meeting of Hallah High, Michael came home with Steven, also now a ninth grader at Lincoln Southeast. She believes that Hallah High has helped the boys reconnect on a new level.

Rabbi Debbie Stiel of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun noted that the planning committee knew that the curriculum and the teachers would give the students “the best our [joint] community has to offer. Still we were surprised at the response from the kids. Teens who had dropped out have come back.” She added that the Hallah High students “are loving the debates and discussions on such things as current events from a Jewish perspective.”

Hallah High builds on the experience Tifereth Israel and Congregation B’nai Jeshurun have at the other end of the age spectrum with their joint preschool: Gan Simcha. With Hallah High off to a great start, members of both congregations are excited about the prospect of continuing the joint high school program in years to come, so that the current group of Gan Simcha preschoolers can look forward to meeting up with their friends again at Hallah High.

recreational areas for swim team and evening pool parties. Plans also include construction of eight airconditioned duplexes for adult staff, as well as modernization of campers’ cabins and showers.

Research indicates that a strong Jewish resident camp can play an extraordinary role in helping to create a love of Judaism--its values and culture--that can last a lifetime. “By moving forward,” added Marc Alper, co-chair of the camp with Amy Gallant, “we are able to improve Camp Sabra’s programming, staffing and camper experience. In addition to the 700 campers who join us each summer, we host many other organizations in the summer and off-season. Our goal is to provide first-class facilities as well as a full array of programs.”

For information about Sabra or an application, call the camp’s new director, Jeff Rose, 314.442.3426 or visit its website: www.campsabra.com.

Page 11

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Camp Sabra Launches $2 Million Expansion

by SHERYL FAINTICH Director of Marketing JCC of St. Louis For more than 35 years, thousands of Jewish children have enjoyed an unforgettable summer experience at Camp Sabra, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center’s premier resident camp on Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks.

Now the award-winning program is undergoing an extensive expansion and renovation, designed to not only enhance its physical facilities, but also provide added recreational opportunities for hundreds of campers.

“The JCC Board of DIrectors has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining Camp Sabra as a core program,” said Todd Siwak, Chairman of the JCC Board. “Toward that end, we’ve inaugurated a number of key capital improvements to enhance the camp’s ability to fulfill its mission to our Jewish youth and community at large.”

Central to this ambitious undertaking is the construction of an extensive aquatic complex, housing a shallow section for instructional swim, deep water diving area, pool house and

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

Camp is Cool for Counselors, Too

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “I loved attending camp as a kid,” said Sara Rips, a member of Temple Israel, “and I loved the effect that my counselors had on my personal development.” She wanted to do the same for other kids. So last summer, Sara was the assistant media specialist at Olin-SangRuby Union Institute (OSRUI) in Wisconsin. The 18-year-old, who is a first-year student at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, spent nine weeks at OSRUI teaching children about Photoshop and helping them create movies.

Sara was a camper herself at OSRUI for six years. She also attended Kutz Camp in New York. Last summer was her second year as a member of the staff at OSRUI. She had previously worked in OSRUI’s Avodah Corps, high school seniors who are responsible for camp maintenance.

When she was a camper, Sara “always really liked my counselors. In fact, I still keep in touch with some of them to this very day. It so very much influenced my decision to be a counselor,” she stated.

“My favorite counselors really made me who I am today; they had such a positive influence on me.”

Last summer she made new friends and “worked on old friendships.” It’s “a great way to spend your summer, because even as a staff member you make amazing friends.”

Molly Needelman, 19, a freshman at Washington University in St. Louis, was also at OSRUI last summer. She was a machon or counselor-in-training for sixth and seventh grade girls.She worked with campers in visual arts the first month and was in a “more sporty unit” the second month and played a lot of softball. Like Sara, Molly was in the Avodah Corps the previous summer making sure camp was clean and working “behind the scenes.”

“I was a camper at OSRUI for five years and just couldn’t get enough of it,” Molly admitted. “The friends I’ve made there are some of my closest friends in the world, and I love to just be with them and to give the amazing experiences I had at this camp to a new generation of campers. I always looked up to my counselors. I thought they were the coolest people in the world; I admired their friendships and how they dedicated so much time to us as campers. Ever since my first year as a camper, I guess I’ve dreamed of being in their position.”

Molly hopes to be a counselor at OSRUI again next summer. “I couldn’t think of anything I’d rather do,” she said.

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“The counselors are all best friends by the end of the summer. We all keep in touch. Some of the campers also keep in touch with us.”

Three other Temple Israel teens were Shwayder Camp staff members. Allie Willensky, 19, was a senior counselor at the camp in Colorado. She was responsible for supervising and planning programs for four two-week sessions. The campers were eight to 15 years old.

as much as I could to be a good staff member, for example to work well with kids in many different situations.” She worked with seven to eight-year-olds and with 13 to 15-year-olds.

J. J., a former Shwayder camper and SIT, was a counselor last summer and, as a guitarist, helped lead singing at Shabbat worship services. He also taught karate at camp.

Aly took her two-month position,

Allie Willensky, center, at Shwayder Camp in Colorado with two of her friends.

“I would most definitely be on the staff at Shwayder Camp again. It was an incredible experience, definitely the best summer of my life,” she insisted.

Allie, a sophomore at the University of Michigan, decided to work at camp “because some of my best friends from NFTY (North American Federation of Temple Youth) had gone there as campers and had worked as staff members.” They all live in different places and attend different colleges but wanted to spend the summer together. “It seemed like Shwayder was the perfect place for us to spend our summer together doing what we love -- working with children and being Jewish!” Zim Zimmerman, director of Shwayder Camp, was Allie’s regional advisor in NFTY and helped convince her that Shwayder was “the place to be” last summer and that “it would be an amazing experience. And they were right!” she declared.

Aly Friedman, 16, and her brother J. J., 19, a freshman at the University of Denver, were also on staff at Shwayder. Aly was an SIT (staff-in-training). “They trained us to take on leadership roles,” she explained.

“My personal responsibilities were to learn

“because I absolutely love the camp, staff, and the mountains.” She had been a camper herself at Shwayder where her relationship with the staff “is strong. My best friend and I met at camp. She and I were campers together along with a few of my other good friends who were SIT’s this summer,” Aly said. “I made amazing friendships with counselors and campers. And I stay in touch with a majority of them.”

In addition to spending time with all her “really good friends,” Aly said she

would work at camp again to “make a difference in a camper’s life. I have never forgotten my counselors and I hope my campers don’t forget me.”

Being at camp as a media specialist, a counselor, or an SIT also affected Aly and the others as Jews. She remarked, “It made me understand more of the Torah, because every Tuesday, we had Torah talks. I felt I learned a lot this summer about my Jewish identity.”

Allie Willensky remarked that she “gained an even greater sense of pride for being Jewish. There is really nothing quite like praying and singing as a Shwayder community every morning surrounded by a bright blue sky, the mountains, sunshine, and thousands of trees. Also, the Shabbat celebration is one of a kind. I certainly gained a new appreciation for Shabbat, and now every week, I make sure to do something special to keep the Shabbat traditions as part of my life at college.”

At OSRUI, Molly recalled the amazing amount of energy that the campers have. “Every Friday night we have an all-camp song session during which we sing and go crazy. It is amazing to hear so many people all committed to doing God’s work in repairing the world and building communities. Camp makes me believe that we really can make a difference as Jews. We just have to know where to start.”

“Camp helped to shape most of my opinions on Judaism,” added Sara.

“Camp helped me to see the ‘cool’ sides to Judaism and paved the way for me to join NFTY.”

Teens Plan “Not Your Typical Havdalah”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator It won’t be your typical havdalah on Saturday, Oct. 30. Omaha Temple Youth Group is planning “a verrrry scarrry havdalah” that night at 8 p.m. at the home of member Anne Rips, 402 J. E. George Blvd, according to Temple’s Director of Youth and Informal Education Lynne Jensen. All high school age Jewish teens are invited.

After Shabbat ends on that haunting note, the teens will take a bus to Mystery Manor at 716 No. 18 St. for “a shrieking good time.” Then they’ll return to Anne’s house for “a scary movie” and treats.

It’s $12 ($8 for OTYG members) which includes the bus ride, admittance to Mystery Manor, pizza, and snacks. Please RSVP to the Temple office at 556.6536 or to an OTYG Board member.

October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

2004-05

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

You are invited to attend Learn more about magnet opportunities within the Omaha Public Schools. Meet staff and discover the curriculum of each of the district’s magnet schools.

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Adult Retreat Adult Study with the Clergy Bagels & Sacred Books Basic Judaism Club 56 Cradle Roll Family Services & Teaching Sermons Family School Family Workshops Grade 10 Trip to New York Grade 12 L’Taken Washington, D.C. Grades K-12 The Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning Jewish Journey Groups Junior Youth Group Kesher Kol Rina Mentor Program Middle/High School Clubs • Art • Hebrew • Social Justice Omaha Temple Youth Group Scholars-in-Residence Social Justice Education Opportunities for all ages Torah Tots Tot Shabbat

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As 2004 slips away and you begin to think about how to invest wisely during the new year, you can also plan your strategy to minimize income taxes and benefit your favorite charities.

Consider these options: ■ outright gifts of cash, stock* or existing life insurance ■ policies, etc.

■ deferred gifts that provide lifetime income to you or a ■ loved one such as charitable remainder annuity trusts, ■ unitrusts, and charitable gift annuities. *forms to transfer stocks are available in the Foundation office “I’ll be happy to answer your questions regarding tax saving options while supporting your preferred charity organizations. Call me for a confidential meeting.”

Marty Ricks, Executive Director Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation 402/334-6440

Teaching in Their Pajamas Works at Jewish Summer Camps

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN that the program is consistent with what Temple Israel Communications Coordinator the parents believe in; the camp is where “Jewish summer camp, whether reli- other parents with similar values are sendgious or nonreligious, does ‘work.” It is, ing their kids,” Kaye continued. The camp for many Jews, often the single most form- should also “create a kind of framework to ative Jewish experience that they have,” make lifelong friends with people of simiwrote Jay Michaelson in “Notes on Camp” lar values. The kids are investing their time in the Forward in in the camp, and parJune. ents are investing “Social psycholotheir money. That gists Amy Sales and makes it important.”

Leonard Saxe conOSRUI, he added, firmed what camp “introduces kids to veterans have susrabbis and educators pected for years: who can tell the Camp is critical in campers what Jewish forming identity, values are.

And teaching about Jewish because OSRUI is a culture and instituReform camp, it’s not tions, and most only the letter of the importantly, socializlaw but also the spirit ing young Jews into of the religion -such the Jewish communias social justice--that ty,” Michaelson we convey.” reported.

A lot of camps try to According to Sales’s find new programs to and Saxe’s book, How appeal to kids who Goodly Are Thy Tents: change over the Summer Camps as years, Kaye said. “But Jewish Socializing every camp has the Experiences, there are Aly Friedman (on right) gets ready for same features, the 191 non-ultra- Shabbat at Shwayder Camp. same ‘fruits, vegetaOrthodox Jewish sleep-away camps in bles, and meat.’ What makes each camp America, with approximately 83,000 distinct are the traditional values that are Jewish children in attendance every sum- reinforced, peer relationships, relationmer, and approximately 18,000 staff. ships with counselors, and understanding Hasidic and other ultra-Orthodox camps what it means to be a mensch.” There are serve another 6,000-12,000 campers but all kinds of outdoor activities, Kaye noted, were not part of the psychologists’ study. but Jewish camps plan them from a Jewish Sales and Saxe found that camp is “a point of view. “Judaism has something to socializing experience much more than it say about every part of life and every part is an educational experience. In fact, even of the day,” he pointed out. among summer camps with significant Saxe and Sales also concluded that educational programming, formal educa- “some of camp’s strongest effects are on tion tended to be far less successful than the counselors. As it turns out, it is the staff either informal education or the simple who develop the strongest bonds both to presence of the camp counselor as, in their the camp in particular and the Jewish comwords, ‘teacher and friend.’ Isolated and munity in general. As they struggle to insulated, camps are their own cultures teach, organize, survive and, somehow which quickly develop their own internal sleep, they even more than the campers tribes and form social bonds among are having their lives transformed. campers and staff.”

Moreover, because most staff are between “Camp is, in other words, a holistic the ages of 18 and 25, it is they who are in immersion experience,” the authors pro- the most critical period of identity develclaim. opment in contemporary American socieJerry Kaye, director of the Reform ty, a time known as ’emerging adulthood.’

Movement’s Olin-Sang-Ruby Union To paraphrase a well known camp song, Institute since 1970, contributed to Sales’s the kids may be brats and the food may be and Saxe’s research and agrees with their hideous, but studies suggest that the expe“notion of forming identity.” rience of being a camp counselor is more “Camp is teaching in your pajamas,” said than just fun and fooling around; it can be Kaye. “During the day, there is services, even more life changing than that of being Hebrew, ‘language’ that says we talk a camper.”

Jewish here. It really solidifies at night “For most counselors,” added Kaye, “it’s when the campers are with the counselors the most intensive Jewish experience they during ‘teachable moments,’ when they’re have, because they take care of the kids going to bed.” and teach them. They are teaching all the He said the key is “that parents select the time, and this becomes an incredible camp that transmits the kind of values they learning experience for them.” want to convey to their kids. This means

Beth Israel Welcomes Prominent Israeli Scientist

by BETH COHEN Executive Director Dr. Jonathan Kipnis, a world renowned neuroscientist from the Weizmann Institute, Rehovot Israel, will soon be making Omaha his home.

Earlier this year, Dr. Kipnis was awarded the prestigious Israeli Knesset Distinguished Prize for Excellence in his research investigating how the immune system may be harnessed to protect the brain against a number of injuries and diseases. His research has important ties into finding new and permanent therapies for glaucoma, Alzheimer's disease and other forms of brain degeneration.

Dr. Kipnis will be joining the

Departments of Pharmacology and Opthamology and the Center for Neurovirology and Neurodegenerative Disorders at the University of Nebraska Medical Center in February of 2005.

Dr. Kipnis and his wife, Olga, will be in town next week to finalize their move. A welcoming lunch on Saturday, Oct. 30, noon, will be held at Beth Israel Synagogue, hosted by Drs. Howard Gendelman and Bonnie Bloch and by Rabbi Jonathan and Sara Gross.

Everyone from the community is invited to the luncheon at no charge. Please make a reservation with the synagogue office by calling 556.6288 or e-mailing BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.

October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Kids and Youth Benefit from Beth El’s Educational, Social Programming

by JILL BELMONT Jewish prayer, history and culture. Those just crossing wine glass is broken and the rituals of a traditional Beth El Publicity Coordinator the threshold into school age become acquainted with Jewish wedding are imparted in a fun and heart-warmThrough Beth El Synagogue’s various educational the Hebrew language, prayer, Jewish holidays and ritu- ing manner. and social programming geared to kids of all ages, the als through story-telling, music, arts and crafts and During the middle school years, BESTT aims to projoy of Jewish learning is being experienced on a daily other activities. For third through sixth-graders, “the vide students with different elements of Jewish life and basis. overall objectives are to provide our students with the beliefs. The importance of mitzvot is examined, along “Jewish education is essential for Jewish continuity,” knowledge, respect and love of the elements of the with opportunities to perform different types at home said Beth El’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin. “There is no Siddur, Hebrew language, Bible, history, Jewish rituals and in the community. As part of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah future without a heavy community investment in year, seventh graders and their families may parJewish education, particularly in the area of ticipate in personal mitzvah projects, with the youth. At Beth El we are committed to offering guidance of Rubin. These projects may be tailorthe best Jewish education to our young people.” made by each student, and will include aspects of The nurturing of young minds begins early on, Torah (study), Avodah (prayer/worship) and starting with the synagogue’s popular PATTER Gemilut Hasadim (doing good deeds).

(Parent and Toddler Torah, Exercise and Students also study the founding of the State of Recreation) class. For the past two years, Beth Israel, discuss current events affecting the Middle El’s diaper set – ages 18 months to three-yearsEast, and learn about 20th century Jewish old - has enjoyed the lively and fun-filled class, European history. held on Wednesday mornings from 10:45 a.m. to By the time they reach Beth El’s High School of noon, and taught by longtime preschool and eleJewish Studies, students are offered a contempomentary teacher Helen Epstein. Using music, rary curriculum, which includes a variety of subplaytime and story-telling, Epstein imparts the joy jects embracing Jewish knowledge and values in of Judaism to her small participants and their parpreparation for the future. Students explore hisents. tory, literature and the arts, as well as the differ“We have a wonderful group of mothers and ent branches of Judaism and the relationship of toddlers attending this class, and it is so much Judaism to other religions. In addition, area profun,” she said. “Not only does it provide some fessors and community professionals teach miniJewish experience on a toddler’s level, but it also courses on a variety of subjects of concern and enables the mothers to get together to talk, com- Before pronouncing the bride and groom “friends for the rest of the day,” interest to today’s Jewish teens.

Rabbi Mordechai Levin explained Jewish wedding rituals to students during Overall, according to Rubin, BESTT’s mission pare notes and bond with the other parents.”

The synagogue’s youngest congregants and Beth El's annual fourth grade mock wedding, held last May. “is to teach our children the richness of Jewish their families also enjoy delightful, joy-filled Tot and an understanding of God,” according to BESTT life, help them achieve positive Jewish identities, and Shabbat services, held once a month in Beth El’s West Education Director Judy Rubin. encourage them to actively participate in Jewish life.”

Court (the next Tot Shabbat will be held Friday, Nov. Guided by Rubin, learning at Beth El takes on many Beth El’s social programming for youth also works 8, 6 p.m.). The 30-minute service, offering age-appro- forms, from traditional textbooks and worksheets, to toward the same goals. The synagogue offers several priate prayers, stories and songs, is led by early-child- experiential, hands-on vehicles, such as art, music and youth groups, led by Youth Advisor Rachel Katskee, hood specialist Patty Nogg, and is always followed by mitzvah projects. In addition, she noted that family edu- including Kadimah, for 7th and 8th graders, which an Oneg Shabbat of cookies and juice. cation programs have been planned for all classes in offers camaraderie, learning and fun through events Shabbat observance at Beth El also includes age- third-through-seventh grades, to provide a forum for such as the recent miniature golf outing, sukkah decoappropriate services for older children, including parents and students to learn side by side and discuss rating and last winter’s Shabbaton weekend at the K’Tantan, for grades K-2, led by Daniel Christensen; issues about Judaism that might not be addressed Elkhorn River YMCA Camp; and United Synagogue Junior Congregation, for grades 3-7, led by Eadie around the dinner table.

Youth (USY) for high school students, created to meet Tsabari; and Bar/Bat Mitzvah tutoring by Stanley A longtime favorite event of students, teachers and the social and spiritual needs of Jewish teens throughMitchell, for those preparing for this simcha. family members alike, is the annual Fourth Grade Mock out the community. Led this year by USY President By introducing and examining the many-faceted Wedding, during which the bride and groom – sur- Shira Kronick, activities incorporate a variety of social, world of Judaism, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah rounded by a full bridal party -- are pronounced spiritual, cultural, educational, community and religious (BESTT) offers its students of all ages a variety of edu- “friends for the rest of the day.” No details are left out: components; the group’s involvement at Beth El Continued on page 16 cational and social vehicles to study and embrace the chuppah is raised, the rabbi and cantor officiate; the

Individually Designed Presentations

by Karen Gustafson MS, NCC, LMHP Have you ever thought about going to a parenting class or to hear a speaker but thought to yourself, “if this were only in the day when the kids are at school.” Or, “evenings just don’t work for me.”

Jewish Family Service (JFS) has an answer for you!

We are now offering “Becoming a Love and Logic Parent” and discussions on other specific topics in the privacy of your own home and with people that you choose to host.

There has been much success in the Jewish Community with this type of arrangement and JFS should be no exception. We want to make every program we offer and all of the information we have available to you.

Why have it if we can’t share it?

Please call me at JFS, 330-2024 or E-mail me at kgustafson@jewishomaha.org to let me know your thoughts and interest on this topic.

(Minimum of 4 people necessary to offer a one-hour program).

Starting This Week Chabad Women of Worth: Strength and Majesty The Womanly Art in Relationships Taught by Shani Katzman This seven-week course will focus on the dynamic of our interpersonal relationships. Learn how to bring more balance, tranquility and serenity, using the attributes of Chachma, Simcha, Chessed and Bittul.Texts of Kabbalah and Chassidus will be used as a springboard for discussion.

Oct. 26, Nov. 2, 9,16, 23, 30 and Dec. 7 at Chabad House 1866 South 120th Street, Omaha, NE Women Only Babysitting Available Registration Fee: $36 To register, call Carol at 330-1800

Enroll now! Space filling rapidly — over 250 campers already enrolled!

Call to register for Summer 2005, contact Eadie Tsabari.

402.390.0192 or eadietsabari@cox.net Visit website for a virtual tour www.campsabra.com campsabra@jccstl.org

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

Women’s Campaign Event

Kids and Youth Benefit from Beth El’s Programming

Continued from page 1 and Kathy McGauvran (Federation Women’s Campaign Director) all about Marty. They listened to his CDs and they both became instant fans.

“We’re all just thrilled about bringing in such a wonderful and uplifting entertainer for the Women’s Campaign,” Erman added.

Henne’s performance for the Federation’s Women’s Campaign is titled “Songs You Know By People You Don’t,” and includes songs such as “As Time Goes By”, “April in Paris”, and “Moonlight Serenade”.

Invitations will be arriving this week. For more information and reservations for the Nov. 16 event, please contact Lana Reichardt, Federation Executive Secretary, at 334.6430 or e-mail lreichardt@jewishomaha.org.

The money raised through the Federation’s Annual Campaign funds Jewish causes locally and overseas. In Omaha, Campaign dollars support the Community Relations Council (CRC), the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Services as well as Federation programs such as Jewish experience scholarships, missions to Israel, birthright Israel, our Partnership With Israel, Children’s Needs Scholarships and Bar/Bat Mitzvah Camp Grants.

Continued from page 15 includes running the annual Purim carnival, selling bagels and doughnuts on Sunday mornings before religious school, and participating in regional conventions.

In addition, a newly-formed Youth Commission, chaired by Francee Altman, has been established to serve as a support system for USY and Kadimah. The commission will offer guidance as a sounding board for our youth advisor and USY president, and will also be responsible for setting policies for the youth groups.

Staff, parents and volunteers work endlessly to immerse Beth El’s children and youth in the joy of Judaism. Their efforts are evident, as avenues of learning abound throughout the synagogue, making a connection that will last a lifetime.

Above: Capturing the hearts--if not always the attention--of the toddlers in her class, teachers Helen Epstein left, enthusiastically leads her PATTER class every Wednesday mornings at Beth El Synagogue; left: teacher Beth Seldin-Dotan leads a discussion with students in BESTT’s eighth grade class.

Fulbright Fund Enables Brownell Students to Learn from Japanese Schools

by Melissa Gathje Director of Admissions for Brownell-Talbot Brownell-Talbot is a community of learners gone global!

Through the Fulbright Memorial Fund - Master Teacher Program, Brownell-Talbot students and staff are engaged in collaborative exchange with schools across the United States and Japan. Beginning with a one week visit by three Japanese educators last March and a six week summer teaching residency in Japan by Brownell-Talbot teacher, Judy Hartwig, Brownell-Talbot launched "Global Understanding Through Technology." From preschool and junior kindergarten students learning to count in Japanese to our high school seniors who assist elementary and middle school science club members, global education is part of the Brownell-Talbot day.

MTP follows an environmental theme. As a member school, Brownell-Talbot is the United States’ Nebraska representative to the BUGS (Biodiversity Understanding Global Systems) and Soil Project with schools across the United States and Japan.

We collect insect and soil samples and post our results on both the FMF-MTP and Brownell-Talbot (brownell.edu) websites.

The shared data establishes an international sense of biodiver-

sity and its relationship to regional differences and soil types.

In addition to BUGS and Soil, Brownell-Talbot participates in weather exchange data with Fujine Minami School in Fujinomiya, Japan. Monthly video conferences are held via the Internet. Students and staff see, hear and exchange scientific, as well as cultural, data in "real time."

The FMF-MTP alliance allows the Brownell-Talbot community to participate in non-credit distance learning (our teacher resides in Tokyo, Japan) Japanese language classes. Teachers and students (grades 4-12) together build new language skills and serve as models of life-long learning to others.

Through US-Japan educational collaboration, MTP aims to create a sustainable system of learning that combines exchange visits, off-line learning activities and Internet based communications. It enables Brownell-Talbot to enhance curricula and present students a greater understanding of other cultures. In doing so, it fulfills Senator J. William Fulbright’s dream of creating a more peaceful world through education and mutual understanding.

FMF-MTP is funded by the Japan-United States Educational Commission.

Middle/High School Offers Clubs at Temple

by ELYCE AZRIEL Director, Temple Israel Middle School The Middle/High school has initiated a new club-the Art Club. This club will be directed by Cheri Ginsburg, a congregant and Omaha artist. Members will prepare and create the five basic Jewish symbols: Star of David; Dove of Peace; Menorah; Hamsa and Torah. The students will then put them into mosaic form. From ancient to modern times, Jewish symbols have occupied a central role in Jewish life and manners --come learn and create with us!

The Middle/High school will also be offering two other special club opportunities: the Hebrew Club and the Social Justice Club. The Hebrew Club will our youth a way to prepare themselves for: a trip to Israel; summer camp; continuing their Jewish identity through our ancestral language; or just for the pure enjoyment of learning a new language We will strive to demonstrate how the language “talks” to us today.

Al1 students Grades seven-12 are invited to join. Our meetings will he held always on Wednesday evening prior to religious school. The teacher will be Uri Levin a native Hebrew speaker and JCC Shaliach from Israel.

Uri comes to us with a wide spectrum of experience.

He has participated in the “Partnership 2000” project as a young ambassador experiencing Jewish life in the United States both in Baltimore and Pittsburgh.

If you are concerned about the world around you or want to make a difference in our community, or want to put thought into action? Then the Social Justice Club is for you. Our next meeting is Nov. 3.

JEWISH EDUCATIONAL & LIBRARY SERVICES

Beth Israel Synagogue

Yo u r c o n n e c t i o n t o e v e r y t h i n g J e w i s h

offers an innovative approach to Hebrew school...

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID Youth Programs • University Study JCC Camps • JCC Preschool Music/Cultural Arts • Israel Summer Programs Jewish Summer Camps Jewish Experience Grants Friedel Jewish Academy Academic Excellence Scholarships

CONGREGATIONAL EDUCATION Teacher Training Program Special Needs • Subvention

ADULT EDUCATION Lecture Series • Film Festival Klutznick Symposium • Yom Ha Shoah Hebrew Reading • Lunch & Learns Hebrew Speaking • Text Study Classes

...Our Talmud Torah program is entirely based on individual and small group learning, focusing on Hebrew reading and translation, Torah study and Synagogue skills. We offer a Shabbat Junior Congregation that includes weekly Parsha study for children ages 5-12, and a Sunday morning class with Rabbi Gross for 7-12th graders.

...and a Friedel Tuition Subsidy... ...All Beth Israel members are eligible for a tuition subsidy at Friedel Jewish Academy. The synagogue pays one-half of the tuition for all Beth Israel children attending the Day School.

...aimed at providing children the knowledge and skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

For more information, call the synagogue at 556-6288.

KRIPKE LIBRARY For more information, please contact JELS: 334-6445 or email: mgrossman@jewishomaha.org

Last year, summer camp and Israel Summer program scholarships were granted to every congregant who requested assistance.

October 22, 2004

Getting an Education: The Best Value

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

Aleph Champion to Join Chabad’s Offerings for Grade/Middle School Kids

by ROB A. RANDELS

by CAROL HUTCHISON With all these similarities, there was just one major CFPŽ, MBA, ChFC, Northwestern Mutual Financial Network for Chabad of Nebraska difference. In karate, students were motivated to To modernize an old saying, "An investment in education An exciting Hebrew reading program, newly devel- progress, practicing for test dates with friends and gradalways pays good dividends." --Benjamin Franklin. oped to help motivate children to read Hebrew, is mak- uated from level to level quickly. Hebrew reading for Parents faced with the challenge of funding their children’s ing its debut in Omaha. Chabad House will be offering her students was looking quite different. She asked hereducation received some real relief with the passage of the the Aleph Champion Program, developed after the self what was being done in karate that could be Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. karate motivational system of colors and levels. applied to reading Hebrew?

The bill covered a wide array of educational funding issues, but The phonetic Hebrew reading “system� is divided The karate teacher is a Black Belt. Some students provisions dealing with the expansion of Coverdell Education into levels of various colors. This arrangement ensures who have been studying for years are Purple or Brown Savings Accounts ("ESAs") and so-called "Section 529" plans are that students learn to read Hebrew in an efficient, well- Belts. Beginners wear white and there is a plethora of particularly meaningful. First, the contribution limit for ESAs was organized method. Aleph Champ gives teachers and other colors. The requirements necessary to advance increased from $500 per child (from birth through age 17) per students a clear goal and an understanding of the spe- from level to level are clearly delineated and the year to $2,000. In addition to increasing the spending limit, the cific skills to be mastered. It is also helpful with fluen- reward is the change in belt color--a change in status. bill also expanded "qualified expenses" to cover elementary and cy and speed for those who are Hebrew readers.

She wondered if there was some way to divide Hebrew secondary tuition and expenses in either public or private schools.

In 2003, a young, energetic Chabad Hebrew School reading into a color-coded system. Thus Aleph Champion Covered expenses include tutoring, computer equipment, room Director in Southern California, Chani Marcus, expand- was born. Textbooks, awards, belts were all developed, in and board, and transportation. ed her recreational activities by joining a local karate addition to the color-coded Hebrew reading materials.

Also, more taxpayers will now be able to establish an ESA class. Under the tutelage of “Sensei Diane� she began The program is being implemented in more than 30 because the bill raised the adjusted gross income (AGI) "phase- learning the karate techniques.

Chabad Houses throughout the country. outs" for joint filers to double that of single filers --$190,000 to It dawned upon her that learning karate was similar to Shani Katzman, Director of Education at Chabad $220,000. The bill also extended the annual deadline for mak- learning to read Hebrew. Both systems ran once a week, House, is working with Devra Bram and Amy ing contributions from Dec. 31 of the tax year to the tax filing leaving way too much time between classes for any sub- Finkelstein to launch this program. Katzman said she is deadline on the following April 15--the same as for Traditional stantial progress. And, at home, few parents were clued “thrilled to be able to bring this to Omaha. As an eduand Roth IRAs. in to what the child was learning. They may have cation enthusiast, I would love to share this innovative Why are the changes so significant? ESAs offer parents and/or watched their child practice some karate moves but program with other local education organizations who grandparents excellent vehicles to invest money to be used for would not have known whether she was practicing a feel they want to benefit from this, as well.� qualified education expenses and let the earnings grow on a tax- front, side, or round-house kick. Similarly, the parent tries Classes will be held on Sundays and Wednesday free basis. For example, parents who are able to save $2,000 a to help with her child’s Hebrew reading work, but can’t evenings. Special award ceremonies will be held in year in an ESA over 17 years with an investment earning 8% per tell a kamatz from a koobootz. There were also students January and May of 2005. For information, please call year (compounded annually) could see their $34,000 investment of all levels in class at the same time.

330.1800 or visit www.nebraskajudaism.com. grow tax-free to $72,900.

Although the initial contribution is not tax deductible, the account grows tax-free and distributions from the account are also tax-free as long as they are used to pay for the beneficiary’s education expenses--a big benefit to anyone saving for education.

Another huge boon to parents is the change in the rule covering distributions from qualified tuition programs – "Section 529" plans.

Previously, these distributions were taxed at the student’s top marginal income tax rate.

However, beginning in 2002, all distributions from these plans are excluded from gross income as long as the money is used to pay for qualified higher education expenses.

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Insurance Company, Milwaukee.

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

South Street Religious School Celebrates “350”

Kennealy to Teach Two More Beginner Hebrew Classes at Temple

by TRACY GORDON The 2004-05 Paula Storch Religious School year has begun and so far we are having a great time! Our school consists of 25 children from kindergarten through seventh grade. Working with our big group of Kindergartners is Judy McKeighan. Our first and second graders are in Stefani Singer’s class, third and fourth graders are working with Nikki Flatowicz and Joy Arbor and our oldest group returns to Margaret Gurewitz.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Colleen Kennealy’s Hebrew refresher class just prior to the High Holidays was so successful, that she’s agreed to teach Hebrew for Beginners, a six-session introduction to the aleph bet which starts Sunday, Oct. 31, 10:15 a.m. to noon through Sunday, Dec. 19.

“The first class was great. Colleen is a great teacher,” said Amee Zetzman who took the two-session refresher class. “It was helpful to keep hearing the prayers and was very relevant to the High Holidays. It did make me realize that I needed to start with the basics and take the beginner class.”

Sissy Silber and her husband Howard also took the class and thought it was “terrific. Colleen is patient and she’s smart. She’s wonderful! It was very worthwhile, and it was real interesting to follow the Hebrew during the High Holidays,” commented Sissy Silber.

Students of the South Street Religious School.

The school year started off with preparations for the High Holy Days including Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur and has moved on to Sukkot and upcoming Simhat Torah, to include the Consecration of the Kindergartners. In the past few weeks classrooms have spent time getting to know each other, made eternal lights, Mezuzahs and Sukkahs and heard Suzanne Blue from the Matt Talbot Kitchen speak about our community’s food needs.

Did you know this year celebrates the anniversary of 350 years of Jews in America? Our classes will spend time throughout the year in activities and discussions centered around this idea with culminating celebrations at the end of the school year.

Our school year will also include combined activities with the children from Tifereth Israel, all- school events and community speakers. Spend some time with our classes to see what all the fun is about or join us for the weekly assembly every Sunday, 11:30-noon.

Questions and comments acan be addressed to Tracy Gordon at tgordongjc@yahoo.com.

Mara Bates, one of 18 in the original class, agreed that Colleen “is an awesome teacher. Even though most of the others were above my level, the class was well worth my time. I’m starting to figure out how to blend sounds together.” Bates continues to learn Hebrew in Temple’s Family School.

Those who complete Hebrew for Beginners will be ready to take Beyond the Aleph Bet which Colleen will teach beginning Sunday, Jan. 9, 2005. The course will focus on prayer-book Hebrew as students develop their reading skills and learn key vocabulary to enrich their understanding of the liturgy. Beyond the Aleph Bet continues through Feb. 13.

Course fee is $18 for Temple members and $25 for non-members. There will be a book fee for Hebrew for Beginners. Contact Program Director Rosie Zweiback to register at 556.6536 or at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.

Help Students Prepare for College Entrance Writing Tests

by KRISTIN CROUSE ACT Media Relations As students begin investigating possible college choices, some will face a year that will include newly-introduced writing tests as part of the college admissions test experience.

New writing test In the spring of 2005, many high school juniors will be taking a writing test as part of their college entrance exam. ACT, which administers nearly 2.1 million college entrance exams each year, will offer an optional writing test as part of the ACT Assessment. Some colleges will require a writing test for admission, while others will not.

Students have options regarding college entrance exams.

They may take the traditional ACT, the ACT Plus Writing or a revamped version of the SAT, which includes a mandatory writing exam. Help your readers make informed decisions by giving them the full story. As you put together your Back to School

issue, we'd like to offer information on the writing test, how to prepare for it, tips for strengthening writing skills and facts about the ACT. College planning resources and experts ACT can offer other college planning story ideas, research findings and experts to interview to help you cover topics of interest to parents and students. We have general college planning articles written by ACT Media Relations staff that you can run in your paper.

Visit our website, located at: www.act.org, for story ideas and background. Sections of interest include ACT's Newsroom www.act.org/news, the student section-www.actstudent.org and Research--www.act. org/research.

Call me at 319.337.1028 or e-mail me at: kristin.crouse@act.org for more ACT and college planning information and interviews.

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October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Striving to Create “Lifetime Learners” Is Goal of Beth El Education Director Rubin

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator As a high school junior, Judy Rubin took to heart the words of her religious school education director when he spoke of the growing need for Jewish educators. His plea resonated with her, and inspired her to major in Hebrew at the University of Wisconsin, and earn a master’s degree in educational administration from the University of Kansas.

As Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah’s (BESTT) new education director, Rubin brings an unflagging dedication and 30 years of educational expertise to the Conservative congregation’s children.

Saying that “the rewards Judy Rubin of Jewish education are primarily intrinsic,” Rubin said she has always been motivated to perpetuate Judaism for the next generation.

“I am inspired when I see what children can achieve, and especially enjoy the ‘light’ that appears on their faces when they grasp a concept. I had great role models, and just as they were for me, I try to be a mentor to my faculty and to my students,” she explained.

Last year, BESTT’s curriculum was revamped by a

synagogue committee; upon her arrival, Rubin fine-tuned the course of study, as well as students’ textbooks, and says the curriculum is now “more focused and the textbooks more relevant to our students.”

Before moving to Omaha, Rubin coauthored a curriculum which analyzes goals from the perspective of academic achievement, skill attainment, experiential impact and affect.

“By working with the Beth El staff over the course of the year, I plan to introduce these concepts so that the whole child is affected,” she said.

Jewish education should aspire to shape a well-rounded, complete Jewish life, Rubin noted, adding that “when students see the relevance between what is taught in our school with what is practiced at home, they can appreciate the richness of our heritage. If students attend religious school only to become Bar or Bat Mitzvah, once that goal is reached, they no longer find it relevant.

“We teach more than Bar or Bat Mitzvah skills. We give the students a broad spectrum of Jewish life, opportunities to participate in synagogue life and in communal events, plus the tools to add Jewish traditions and mitzvot to their home observances. And, as the branch of Judaism which takes the mid-road between tradition and modernity, we pass on to our students the richness of our past with modifications for the present and future.”

Jewish education has changed over the years, Rubin said, citing several factors which have affected students and teachers. She noted that in the past, Jewish educators’ salaries were comparable to those of public school teachers, but “that is no longer the case.

Today, teachers in our schools are considered parttime and they teach out of their dedication to the cause of Jewish education or to the synagogue. We need to provide greater incentives for young people to become professionals in the Jewish world.”

A vast variety of extra-curricular activities have affected students’ religious school attendance and participation, she added. “When I first began teaching, there were far fewer distractions for students’ leisure time than there are now. Jewish education was on equal footing with secular studies, and not just another afternoon activity.

“One of the greatest challenges we face is competition with the seductive nature of American society and the myriad of choices people have to fill their time.

We need to keep apace of modern technology and teaching methodology, to continue to reach our students in a way that they understand.”

Rubin’s objective at BESTT is “to produce literate Jews who are searching for Jewish learning at every opportunity. I would like our students to be able to utilize what they learn at BESTT for years to come.

For example, I would like to create a cadre of teens who feel comfortable leading tefillot for themselves or for younger students.”

Creating a “community of lifetime learners” remains her ultimate goal for the congregation’s children, and with Rubin’s leadership, curriculum development and innovative programming, Beth El’s students will undoubtedly benefit for years to come.

Local Firm Helps Students Get Organized

by GLENDA CLARE for LearningRx A new and different learning center, Learning Rx makes learning easier and faster. Its trainers are constantly amazed at the brain skill abilities enhanced and the reading gains made by students in the program.

LearningRx is a unique brain skills training program which focuses on cognitive skills such as: • attention problems--the inability to stay on task and not miss information; • auditory processing--the ability to hear the different sounds and blends needed for reading and spelling; • comprehension--the ability to understand what one has

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read; • logic and reasoning--planning and problem solving; • memory skills--both long and short; • visual processing--being able to visualize information and ideas; and • processing speed--how fast one can use information to perform a task.

LearningRx Omaha guarantees cognitive and reading skill gains in an average of only eighteen weeks. In 2002-03, LearningRx students nationwide averaged a 3.3 year gain in weak underlying skills after completing the 12-week program.

Students who also trained in the ReadRx reading spelling program experienced an average gain of 7.5 years in auditory processing and 3.0 years in word attack skills. Once students are

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In addition, those who want to sharpen their mental skills such as getting ready for college and entrance exams can get help from LearningRx Omaha.

Testing is your first step. To discuss this program with me or to schedule an assessment, call LearningRx Omaha at 991.5335. LearningRx has a national website at www.learningrx.com or LearningRx Omaha has a local website at www.learningomaha.com.

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE New Temple Journey Group Metro Offers Program to Let Those with Disabilities to Explore Jewish and Christian Perspectives Explore Career Options

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers

Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah “Preparing our students for a life guided by Jewish values.”

The mission of BESTT is to teach our children the richness of Jewish life, help them achieve positive Jewish identities, and encourage them to actively participate in Jewish life.

B.E.S.T.T. for Pre Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades For information call Judy Rubin Education Director 498-0904

Imagine if lighting Shabbat candles could bring peace to Israel and the world.

This would place enormous power in the hands of Jewish women everywhere.

Indeed, the thoughts and prayers of women – as they cover their eyes and make the blessing over the candles – have mystical powers of their own.

Light candles this Friday evening, and every Friday evening, before sunset.

After making the appropriate blessing pause for a moment and think about what it is you wish for yourself, your loved ones, your world. Bring peace into your home and help bring peace to all of Israel.

It is customary to give a coin or two to charity before lighting Shabbat candles.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator John Dacey, a member of Temple Israel who is currently pursuing his master of science degree in Jewish Studies at Spertus College in Chicago, returns to lead another Jewish Journey Group at Temple. Beginning Tuesday, Oct. 26, Dacey will guide a group on the topic, “Looking Through a Different Set of Lenses: Creation, Revelation, and Redemption in Judaism and Christianity.”

Jewish Journey Groups provide an opportunity for participants to share what is meaningful in their lives while exploring a unique Jewish theme. Groups share a common structure and seek to foster deep connections, openness to growth, and an awareness of the Divine Presence.

Dacey’s group will meet from 7-8:30 p.m. on five consecutive Tuesdays.

Although the Hebrew Bible is embraced by both Judaism and Christianity, entirely different perspectives emerge in their understanding of the creative, revelatory, and redemptive processes proclaimed in the text, Dacey noted. He plans to lead the group in an exploration of the implications of how God, human beings, and the world are viewed. Participants will also examine the religious obligations Jews and Christians embrace as they confront the mystery in their midst, Dacey said.

Differing interpretations of the Hebrew Bible lead Jews and Christians “to distinct views and determine the approach to the world we live in and to the God of our understanding,” explained Dacey.

Participants in Dacey’s Jewish Journey Group in the spring on the Jewish roots of Christianity expressed interest in continuing to explore the topic. “I loved it,” said Suzy Rubin. “I’m not teaching my yoga class on Tuesdays so I can go to John’s group.”

Linda Gates and her daughter Jenny Gates were enrolled in Dacey’s Journey Group two years ago. “I thought it was excellent,” commented Linda, “and very informative. John’s an excellent facilitator. We had some interesting and amazing discussions. He’s good at getting us talking and getting us thinking.”

by DEBRA EMERY Assistant Director of Marketing and Public Relations Students and job-seekers with disabilities can explore career options and interact one-on-one with local employers during October as part of a disability mentoring program.

Metropolitan Community College, Assistive Technology Partnership, Goodwill Industries, Marriott International Worldwide Reservation Center, Nebraska and Iowa Vocational Rehabilitation, Nebraska Workforce Development, Opportunities | Jobs | Careers at MCC and Worknet are sponsoring the program in conjunction with National Disability Awareness Month and Disability Mentoring Day on Wednesday, October 20, which promotes career development for people with disabilities.

The mentoring program helps people with disabilities evaluate their personal goals, explore possible career paths and develop lasting mentor relationships through business tours and one-on-one job shadows. It is open to all area students and job-seekers with disabilities. Twenty-five people have registered to participate in the program. Some of the employers participating in the program include Amcon, Douglas County, Florence Home, HyVee, Immanuel Village, OPPD, Park and Go Airport Parking, PetsMart and WareHouse Productions.

National Disability Awareness Month and the disability mentoring program will kick off with a breakfast from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, October 5, at Metro’s Fort Omaha Campus, Building 7. Speakers will include Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey and Maureen Mann, a mental health therapist at Boys Town National Research Hospital in Omaha.

Mann, who is hard of hearing, has counseled children and adults who are deaf and hard of hearing and has worked with abused children with disabilities and their families. She also teaches American Sign Language at the University of Nebraska and evaluates educational interpreters.

Mentoring program participants and representatives from the businesses that will host them have been invited to the breakfast. Members of the media are welcome to attend.

For more information on the disability mentoring program and other National Disability Awareness Month activities, contact Heather Whaley at 457-2207 or hwhaley@mccneb.edu.

For more information on this news release, please contact Bobbie Escolas, Director of Marketing and Public Relations, or me at 457-2414.

Temple Celebrates Joyous Holiday

The Candle Lighting Campaign is part of a 10 Point Mitzvah Campaign established by the Rebbe.

To learn more call Chabad House, 330-1800

Left: Aaron Passer holds the Torah at Temple Israel on Simchat Torah during the hakafot. Above: Also participating in the joy of the holiday are McKenna Bates, left, Alexander Kraft held by Mara Bates, and Steve Dannon.

Experience the Magic at Beber

by AARON "H" HADLEY Assistant Director B'nai B'rith Beber Camp Beber is a smaller camp - only about 250 campers and 60 counselors. As a result, we're a tight-knit family. Our goal is to make sure that campers have the best summer experience of their lives.

When asked why she wanted to return to Beber for the summer of 2004, this is what one member of the Beber 'family' wrote: “For the quiet before Saturday morning services, while everyone shuffles bleary-eyed in their pajamas down to Crown Hall.for the eight girls I shared ice cream...with on the floor of my room well after lights out one thick August night. For that one priceless photo of a camper in mid-air on their way to meet the water from the back of a pontoon boat. For some of the most talented, visionary, hands-on staff I've ever had the privi-

lege of working with. For the harmony of hearing the Hamotzi recited in 17 different accents.

“For ‘Bless This House,’ which somehow always made me want to cry because it acknowledged camp wasn't going to last forever. For the three boys who could (and did) sing the entire soundtrack of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat --in Hebrew. For the tangible, absolutely true energy that filled [the music] Hall to its brim every single Friday night during song sessions.

“For the Gum Trees, the Big Yellow Taxi, the Jet Plane, the Tin Soldier, the Pharaoh, and especially the Beber Boogie. For the most stunning sunset over Devil's Lake after a long day of rain."

If you would like your camper to experience the warmth, magic, and fun that embodies Beber Camp, please call or check out our website! Toll free 800.803.CAMP or www.bebercamp.com.

October 22, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

Jewish Distance Learning PEOPLE OF THE

BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ

Did you make a Rosh Hashanah resolution to do more Jewish learning, but find that you just don’t the time to take an evening course? Or perhaps you have the free time but don’t have access to a class that inspires you? Well, there is an alternative.

Now you can be part of a virtual classroom that’s as far away as your keyboard. Today: Jewish university studies on the web.

First, an overview of how these courses operate: Some are self-directed where you follow prescribed courses at your own pace. Others use live, classroombased videoconferencing that allow students and instructors to communicate directly with each other, face-to-face. Still others are conducted via e-mail and a web site. The instructor posts a lecture or assignment.

Participants have a few days to do the required work.

This is often followed by a “virtual” class discussion, usually conducted via an e-mail list.

Courses offered by degree granting universities normally charge a fee. Access to online materials in these courses is usually restricted to enrolled students who have a password. Most universities view their distance learning courses equal in workload and as demanding as their classroom-based courses and offer comparable credits. As with any product or service you order through the internet, check out the credibility of the educational institution before you invest your time and money.

Hebrew College is a pioneer in Jewish education on the internet and has been accredited to offer Master of Arts in Jewish Studies since 2000. The college website suggests earning a degree that way may sound daunting but it isn’t. “After a relatively short period of adjustment, online study is engaging and intellectually stimulating. Participating in an online learning community offers opportunities for interaction with instructors and

fellow students not possible in classroom-based courses.” Here’s a sampling of courses being offered: History and Ideology of Ancient Israel, Using Midrash Aggadah to Teach Ethics, and The Passover Haggadah: Text, Context and Subtext. [http://hebrewcollege.edu] The Jewish Theological Seminary runs a very sophisticated and well-designed site. The Phyllis Kaminer Center for Distance Education offers credit courses toward Masters degrees in Jewish Education and Judaic Studies. Enroll at JTS and you can choose from Encounters in Modern Jewish Thought, Midrash for Beginners, and Men and Women in Rabbinic Literature. [http://courses.jtsa.edu/] Got your Master’s and looking for an even bigger challenge? Then consider enrolling in Spertus College’s Doctor of Jewish program. Course packages include audio/video tapes, reading materials, a course curriculum and assignments. Distance learners Distance Learners are encouraged to be in regular contact with their Program Advisor by phone, fax or e-mail. And for

“The Sacred Bridge” Discussed at B’nai Jeshurun

by JEAN JORDAN for B’nai Jeshurun On Tuesday Oct. 26, 7:30 pm in the sanctuary of Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, Paul Barnes, professor of music at University of Nebraska-Lincoln, will speak about the connection between Jewish and Christian chanting.

Prof. Barnes has been busy this last year working with Philip Glass on a piece about the Lewis and Clark expedition. Still, he has found time to study about the intersection of early Jewish and Christian liturgical music, a subject that has long interested him. Students from the UNL Department of Music will be at the South Street Temple to perform some of the Greek chants.

Cantor Wendy Shermet, of Temple Israel, will be sharing examples of the parallel Jewish cantillation with us. Refreshments will be served at the conclusion. For more information, call 402.435.8004.

a real personal feeling, distance learners are expected to spend at least 5-6 days a year at Spertus’ home campus in Chicago. [www.spertus.edu/college/js/distance.html] If you’re not quite ready to make that commitment, you can still enroll in non-degree studies. You’ll study courses like What’s Next?--Jewish Views of the Afterlife, Jewish Spirituality: The Key to Jewish Continuity, and Health and Healing in Jewish Tradition. [www.spertus.edu/college/gray.html].

“A Jewish day-school teacher in Australia submits a course assignment through an internet portal in Toronto and receives a grade from a professor in Jerusalem.” [http://tinyurl.com/53jls] That scenario describes the work done by the Merkaz L’Morim. Based at Toronto’s York University, this pilot project helps teachers who want to sharpen their skills but may not have access to Jewish professional development courses. So far the Merkaz has worked with 50 teachers from Canada, the United States, England and Australia. [www.arts.yorku.ca/mlm/] Always want to enroll in a Israeli university? Bar Ilan University offers a wide assortment of distance courses guaranteed to challenge and stimulate. [http:// tinyurl.com/4sf6n] Delve into the Judean Desert Scrolls with Dr. Hanan Eshel. Dr. David Elgavish looks at War and Peace in the Bible starting with Abraham and following the exploits of Joshua and King David.

And for something a bit more peaceful, join Prof. Edwin Seroussi as he introduces you to Music in Traditional Jewish Culture and Society where he compares and contrasts Jewish music in its diverse forms across the cultural bounds of Ashkenazic, Moroccan and Yemenite, and many other communities. [http://tinyurl.com/6mmz8].

Not only does Bar-Ilan offer interesting courses, it also has the cleverest name for a long-distance program, anywhere: “Bar-E-Learn.”

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based Internet producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be reached at highway@rogers.com.

Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

Rabbi Gross Continued from page 1 Rabbi Gross: I have energy and youth on my side!

Seriously, I have the benefit of the wisdom of great and diverse teachers behind me, as well as a good, solid Jewish education, from pre-school through Frisch High School in my hometown of Teaneck, NJ, through the Y.U. college and rabbinic school experience.

I want this to be my life’s work and I envision Omaha as a longterm position.

JP: Now that Beth Israel has moved out west to a new building, what do you see as your biggest challenges?

Rabbi Gross: In Los Angeles, there are hundreds of rabbis; in Omaha, a handful. Obviously, each rabbi here has more individual responsibility.

For example, in L.A., the Va’ad HaKashrut hires its own full-time staff of rabbis for both administration and supervision. Here, it’s part of the responsibility of the head rabbi of Beth Israel. Same with the Chevra Kadishe (the Jewish burial society).

So in addition to the normal challenges faced by any pulpit rabbi--prepar-

ing for and running services, developing congregant participation, education for adults and children, serving the needs of individual members in terms of grief support, catastrophes or simchas, I also have extra communal responsibilities.

It’s a big job!

JP: What about the community’s challenges--and opportunities?

Rabbi Gross: My immediate goal is to learn about Beth Israel and the Omaha community. For now, I’m observing and trying to learn. Since I’ve only been here a short time, I think it’s premature to make any predictions and too early to decide the priorities of the community’s needs.

Obviously Jewish education is important. I definitely want to make it one of my objectives--it’s what I do--it’s my job.

But, I know I haven’t been here long enough to make judgments.

JP: After a short time here, what’s your impression of Omaha’s community?

Rabbi Gross: This community has lots of potential. We have energetic and active people who want to make things happen. I’m confident that people will support me in whatever objectives I set.

U.S. Congressional Candidates to Speak Next Wednesday at Temple

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator United States Congressman Lee Terry and his opponent in the November 2nd general election, Nebraska State Senator Nancy Thompson, will both speak at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, October 27, at Temple Israel.

They have been invited to focus on domestic policy including health care and education policy. Each candidate will give opening remarks and then have a specific amount of time to give his or her views, however, not in a debate format. Questions will then be taken from the audience.

Congressman Terry is serving his third term representing the second district of Nebraska which comprises Omaha and Douglas County as well as most of Sarpy County. He is the assistant deputy whip serving as a liaison between the House Republican leadership and rank-and-file House Republicans from Nebraska and Kansas. Terry is also the whip for the Telecommunications Subcommittee of

the Energy and Commerce Committee.

A native Omahan, Terry, graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, received his J.D. from Creighton University Law School and practiced law in Omaha before entering Congress. He also served on the Omaha City Council.

Senator Thompson was appointed to the Unicameral in 1997 and then was elected in 1998 and 2002 serving the district that covers central Sarpy County. She is a member of the Appropriations Committee and the Executive Board of the Legislature. Prior to being in the Unicameral, Thompson was the executive director of the Omaha Community Partnership. She is a former teacher and was a member of Congressman John Cavanaugh’s district staff. She also served as deputy chief of staff to former Governor Ben Nelson. Thompson has lived in Nebraska since she was a college student at Creighton University where she received her B.A. and M.A. degrees.

Jane Rips, a member of Temple Israel, will be the moderator of the discussion.

Library’s Third Annual Film Festival Starts Next Month Continued from page 1 Hiding and Seeking features a testimony to the power of tolerance as filmmaker Menachem Daum, his wife, and their sons travel to a Polish town where his father-in-law and his two brothers hid from the Nazis with a non-Jewish family for 28 months. Daum proposes the journey when he becomes increasingly worried that his ultra-Orthodox sons, who live in Israel, have become affected by a culture of interfaith intolerance and distrust.

3rd Annual

At first, Daum’s family resists his idea, unwilling to explore the country of their family’s persecution. Eventually they agree to go along. His father-in-law fears for their safety, and also worries that the Muchas, the family who hid him, will demand compensation or express anger over his failure to keep in touch with them after the war.

For the final showing on Sunday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., the film festival will feature the award winning Broken Wings. The film is an extraordinarily

Don’t miss your exclusive chance to see these award winning films in Omaha!

Jewish Omaha Film Festival

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 7 P.M.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 7 P.M.

DOUBLE FEATURE!

7 P.M.

9 P.M.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 7 P.M.

ALL SHOWS IN THE JCC THEATER Ticket Info Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 Film Festival Combo Pack [4 tix] . . . . $15 For reserved seats, please call FILM FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE 334-6462

Presented by: Jewish Educational & Library Services Kripke Jewish Federation Library The Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation

by Lindsey Miller-Lerman

moving story of the life and loves of the Ullman family, an ordinary Israeli family coping with everyday life.

Told with sincerity, drama, and selfdeprecating humor, Nir Bergman's feature debut has a remarkable freshness and a keen sense of observation of the contemporary family. Shot entirely on location in Haifa and Tel Aviv, Broken Wings reveals an Israel very different from the televised news images and violent world politics, and also portrays a truly universal experience.

To purchase tickets, call the Kripke Jewish Federation library at 334-6462 or e-mail gkatz@jewishomaha.org.

Tickets are $5 each or a four ticket Festival pack is $15. Free babysitting service will be provided for ages two and up. Please RSVP to 334-6462 because of limited space.

The Film Festival is sponsored by: Jewish Educational and Library Services, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, and Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman.

October 22, 2004

Just Like When We Were 17

BERT’S EYE VIEW

by BERT LEWIS

Like you, and everybody else, I get lots of junk in my mail. Advertisements, mooches for money, religion (of every description) oriented pathetic pleas and of course, bills plus personal mail. And, both my room-mate and I are often the “addressee”, in addition to “present occupant”. Just for a change, however, the other day I found a wonderful treasure mixed in with all the junk. A small envelope with a return address label bearing a familiar name had me tearing it open before I even got back in the house.

The familiar name belongs to a contemporary of mine--a dear friend from all the way back to high school. The kind of friend who wrote in my O-Book, “to Bert, a sweet kid.” You remember friends like that, don’t you? Well, I last saw this woman at a reunion, some years ago. I don’t remember how many, but it was a lot! She lives in California now, and had changed so I hardly recognized her at that time.

In our high school days she was very cute, maybe a few pounds more than necessary, but certainly not heavy, darkish hair and a ready smile. We were good friends, actually part of a group of maybe five or six girls who hung out together at school and socially.

And now that I think about it, her mom and mine may have been in a card club together.

We were friends and we liked each other. Following graduation from high school, we went our separate ways and until that fateful reunion I mentioned earlier, I probably hadn’t seen her since my wedding. (She must have been there.)

Flash forward to the present and my exciting piece of mail. It was just a simple envelope containing a tiny snapshot and a tiny note, which said: “look what I found while going through some old stuff”. She referred to the snapshot, which showed me, at the ripe old age of 17, posing on what looks like the grounds of Boystown. On the back, in her handwriting, it said “Bert Wine--1942”. For a moment I was nearly speechless. I showed it to my fella, who said, “Look at that;

Jews Protest Conference at Duke; Jewish Schools Withdraw from TIP

you haven’t changed a bit.” No comment, but we did spend some time with a magnifying glass, trying to really get a good look at that very young, thin person with the long dark hair. (Yes, my hair was dark then.)

That photo brought back many, many memories of lots of fun, good times, teen agonies, dates and heaven only knows what else. It made me think a lot of the person who sent it, making me regret all the years we had been out of touch with each other. In fact, I sent her a note immediately, thanking her.

Thinking of her, I found myself picturing her as she looked when we met at that reunion. I still remember how much she had changed and how I hardly recognized the stunning, blond beautifully put-together woman. I swear she was even taller. It was wonderful to see her at that time, but I haven’t heard a word from or about her until that snapshot came.

It took me a while to get over how long ago that picture was taken, and to try to remember what my life was like at that time. I can hardly recall many details, except who my friends were and the excitement about our last year together as school-mates, since we graduated in 1943. That was a very long time ago.

Well Harriett, if you’re reading this, now you know how I reacted. I thought about those days when we were really just kids...when there was so much yet to come. Things we couldn’t even guess might happen, in fact did. If we had a magic wand and tried to assemble our original group, sadly, we’d find some missing.

We don’t have that magic wand and we certainly can’t make our old gang appear, but we have lots of memories stashed away. Most of them were good, even great, but the bottom line might be simply this: It’s wonderful when somebody takes an opportunity to reawaken some of them by just sharing a photograph taken an eternity ago.

Maybe I feel that way because I tend to be a very nostalgic person, but I only know that since that little snapshot came into my hands, I’ve thought a lot about some of those old friends. None of that original gang live here in Omaha now, at least not to my knowledge, but wherever they are, they’re very much in my memory bank.

And you want to know the best part? When I see them in my mind’s eye, they look just like they did when we were all 17! How bad is that?

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

Opinion Just What is Jewish Education?

For many, Jewish education is sitting in a classroom, facing the front, where a “certified” Jewish educator lectures about a Jewish topic. But is that really Jewish education?

(And more importantly, does that work for everyone?) If we get stuck in the mode that the only good Jewish education is that model, then it’s no wonder we’ve lost so many young people to other religions (or no religion).

Let’s face it, for most of us, that image is boring. We were subjected to it in Talmud Torah 20, 30, 40 years ago--and looked how well it worked then.

If you look around this community--and others--you’ll see Jewish education taking place in many forms. It’s an area in which some institutions have become very creative in “turning people on” to their Jewish heritage. And we’d like to see more.

For example: OSRUI, the Reform summer camp in Wisconsin runs an all-Hebrew session in which the campers, their counselors and program staff only speak Hebrew. Those campers probably learn more Hebrew in one month than they have in all the prior years.

Perhaps to continue immersing them in Hebrew, the JCC should consider partnering with these campers for a one-week Hebrewonly session of day camp (using our Israeli shaliach Uri Levin as staff). This keeps the campers’ Hebrew fresh and involves a younger group of campers in a fun way to learn language.

Here’s another example: The Friedel Jewish

(Founded in 1920)

Academy combines literature, art, science and Jewish studies to create units on the holidays and other subjects. Five-year-olds dip their fingers onto ink pads to make “bees”, learn how bees make honey, taste apples dipped into honey and learn about its significance on Rosh Hashanah.

Why can’t adults do the same? Why can’t teachers of adult courses combine art projects, literature (even fiction) and science to involve other senses besides hearing? The Klutznick-Harris Symposium did that a few years ago when its theme was centered around food. The dinner served prior to the keynote speech by Joan Nathan featured exotic items using recipes from her cookbooks.

(This year’s Symposium--on Sunday and Monday--is on Popular Culture.)

We need to think more creatively in using the resources (both human and financial) in educating our children and adults. Frontal learning doesn’t work for everyone. Some of us are visual learners and would do better by having books, films and art projects to go along with a lecture (at least if a teacher is going to lecture, she should use some visual aids to keep her stu-

dents awake!).

One more suggestion--there are a number of adults in this community who are not necessarily “certified” as teachers, but certainly have the experiences, talents and knowledge to educate young people. Are we really taking advantage of them? Are we thinking out of the box? Are we reaching out to people beyond our own insular cliques to find the best teachers in our community?

Field trips, films, crafts, art projects, books, CDs, guest speakers, discussion groups, integrating Jewish studies into general curriculum, and more can all be used--for adults as well as children--in enhancing our Jewish heritage. We deserve it!

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

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

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A Quick Lesson in Everyday Hebrew

OUR MAN IN ISRAEL

by CARL ALPERT Haifa--A tourist complained to me recently: “I spent a year attending ulpan back home, hoping to obtain a simple, useful vocabulary in Hebrew to make my visit more enjoyable.

But upon arrival in Israel I find that the average Israeli with whom I have come in contact, makes common use of words which, though they sounded familiar, had different meanings entirely.”

I listened carefully, and realized that my visitor had been subjected to a stream of Hebrew slang that comes naturally to the natives here. Several volumes of such slang have been published, but they are all in Hebrew, and of no help to the tourist.

Further, each generation gives birth to its own unique vocabulary. Young people are quick to coin phrases and usages that even their own parents can not understand. Some become standard; others give way to the vocabulary innovations inaugurated by the next generation.

However, if you are planning a prolonged stay in Israel, I offer you a short list of some of the more standard expressions that will undoubtedly be of help. Much depends on the age of your contacts.

Remember, even parents do not always understand what their kids are saying. Some colloquial expressions have become common in parts of the country, but may not be universally understood. Various professions or social circles, and especially the military, have also developed their own vocabulary.

It is significant that many expressions that have come into use are of Arabic origin. For example, when the Bnei Sakhnin became the first Arab soccer team to win a State Cup, one Hebrew paper emblazoned its first page with a giant “Mabruk”, meaning Mazal Tov in Arabic. We understand that the Arabs, too, in

their own everyday speech, have incorporated many Hebrew words and expressions.

Save this list for the trip. If you are alert and have the time, your vocabulary will undoubtedly acquire many more similar words and expressions that are commonplace here.

• Achla: Common expression of warm approval, sweetness. From the Arabic “chilo”, meaning sweet.

• Sylvester: You’d never guess. This is New Year’s eve.

• Sof Haderech: Literally, end of the road, but used to express wonderful, superlative, the very best.

• Jobnick: A man who has a softcushion job, with no risk. Usually applied to office personnel in the army.

• Item: Pronounced as in English. Means, worthy of attention. Referring to a popular matter or figure: “Him? Oh, he’s not an item any more.”

• Chaval Al Hazman: Literally, this could be translated as “Why waste time? Why go on with the story?” In slang use, however, it has been given a secondary, positive meaning: “This was so great, there’s no need to waste more time praising it.” In abridged form: Chavlaz.

• Nylon: Anything made of plastic, usually refers to the bags in which supermarket groceries are bundled. Plural: Nylonim. Also refers to seat covers in a new car.

• Sababa: It’s great, wonderful.

• Tick-Tuck: Right away, quick, fast, from the sound made by a clock. As a verb: “l’taktek”, to perform efficiently.

• Basa: In Arabic, a swamp; in Hebrew, a disaster.

• Walla: Equivalent to a nod, as if to comment, “You don’t say!”

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constutional committees of the Jewish Federation.

• Lo Ichpat Li: Common adolescent expression meaning “I don’t give a damn.” Used by adults, too, when in that mood.

• Zabashcha: This is your problem.

Acronym of the Hebrew phrase, in your eyes.

• B’seder: Nothing to do with Passover.

Usually means everything is okay, but also serves as reply to an argument when one does not want to become involved.

• Ma Pitom? Expression of vigorous denial, in the sense of, who says? since when?

• Davkeh: Exactly, precisely; also, to spite, on purpose.

• Yallah: An exclamation: Okay, I agree, let’s go.

Most of the above are used by the younger generation.

My original list contained many more that I recalled from my early years in the country, but the succeeding generations have admonished me firmly that nobody uses these any more.

Indeed, our daughter, Ruthy, referring to some of the oldtime expressions which we had listed, remarked: “You can’t be serious! The last person who used those has streets named after him!”

However, as nostalgic reminders for the old-timers, I recall a few of them: • Mabsoot: Satisfied, content.

• Dechilak: From the Arabic, meaning, please do me a favor. Sometimes used satirically to mean: Who are you trying to fool?

• Loksh: Obviously from the Yiddish. Here its particular meaning was the slip of paper which reported not only the monthly salary, but also the long list of various deductions from the basic pay, leaving a pathetic net total.

• Shtuyot B’Mitz Agvaniyot: Literally, nonsense in tomato juice, meaning, an absurdity.

But remember, when it comes to definitions, like everything else in this country, every second Israeli has a different opinion.

...our daughter, Ruthy, referring to some of the oldtime expressions which we had listed, remarked: “You can’t be serious! The last person who used those has streets named after him!”

Carl Alpert can be reached at: alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il.

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October 22, 2004

At 350-year Mark, Jews Must Look out to the World, not Just at Selves

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by ELI N. EVANS NEW YORK (JTA)--The yearlong celebration of the 350th anniversary of the Jews coming to America must be much more than the predictable self-congratulation for the achievements of individuals and institutions.

Reinterpreting the American Jewish story is a oncein-a-generation opportunity to commemorate and reinvigorate the American Jewish narrative through the lens of all that has happened in our nation--and make it a time of renewal, a period of reflection and selfexamination, and a moment of resolve for the future of the most free and successful Jewish community in history.

In a post-9/11 world, Jews understand that America's primary answer to a troubled world is religious freedom and its mirror image, religious tolerance.

The celebration must face outward to a troubled world community--to Europe and the Middle East and Latin America--and echo the rights of minorities and ethnic groups that are guaranteed in our Constitution, and by the core beliefs of our founding fathers.

It must proclaim what is true -- that Jews and other minorities are not guests in this country but blood-andbones part of its history, its culture, its hopes and its dreams.

Professor Jonathan Sarna of Brandeis University has pointed out that, unlike Europe, “persecution, expulsion, tragedy, and mass murder are not the central themes of American Jewish life and never have been.

Instead, American Jewish history offers us the opportunity to explore how Jews have flourished in a free and pluralistic society where church and state are separated and where religion is entirely voluntary.”

And as Robert Rifkind, the chair of the 350 celebration, declared: “the values that have been precious for us, have also been the safeguard of all other minorities of which the nation is comprised.”

American Jews are fortunate to have two special precedents to guide us: the records of the 250th anniversary at the turn of the 20th century and the 300th anniversary in mid-century.

In the first, in 1904, the leaders were in the midst of the great wave of immigration that brought more than 2 million Jews to America. The second celebration, in 1954, was almost a decade after the end of the World War II victory over Nazi brutality; it also occurred in the somber memory of the Holocaust, and in the optimism embodied in the creation of the state of Israel.

Each celebration occurred within the stream of history and was influenced by its perceptions of the present conditions of the community and its future prospects.

The next celebration of the American Jewish story will be our 400th anniversary in 2054 and we must ask ourselves how we want to be remembered.

Consider this answer: As 21st century American Jews, this celebration will occur in the aftermath of the collapse of communism and in the shadow of worldwide terrorism that invaded our land and will engage this generation of Americans and all civilized people for years to come.

This celebration must not just be an insular conversation among ourselves but, with the strength of a mature and confident community, must speak to and engage all Americans in proclaiming the lessons in the American Jewish story to the world.

After all, it is American values, not just military might, that stand against the onslaught of religious fanaticism.

What a timely message for all Americans and freedom-loving people everywhere to hear--that freedom to worship, that bedrock value that shaped our nation by proclaiming that no one faith is more true than another--can shape a national purpose and that pluralism, which provides the fertile ground for tolerance, is necessary to build a safer and more secure world.

Eli N. Evans, author of The Provincials: A Personal History of Jews in the South and Judah P. Benjamin: The Jewish Confederate, is president emeritus of the Charles H. Revson Foundation.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 25

Jewish Education: Our Children’s Beacon through the Fog

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by YAFFA PODBILEWICZ-SCHULLER, PH.D. for Friedel Jewish Academy We all know that Jewish education plays an important role in Jewish life. Knowing our traditions, history, common language, and religious practices provides a tangible connection to our culture and our sense of people hood. What I did not know was the extent Jewish education plays in the likelihood that our children will remain Jewish.

I had no tangible numbers to understand the relationship between Jewish education and Jewish survival until I reviewed the findings from The National Jewish Population Survey (NJPS) 2000-01. This survey, conducted by the United Jewish Communities and the Jewish Federation system, gathered information from thousands of Jews living in all regions of our country.

Their responses were representative of four to five million American Jews.

During the ten years since this study was last conducted, Jewish population in the U.S. declined 5%, not simply because parents are having fewer babies. The NJPS findings show that : • the Jewish population is older than the U.S. population (this means that a large proportion of our Jewish population is dying); • more Jewish women are remaining single, getting married later, having fewer children, and having them later in life, thereby suffering from greater fertility problems (this means that fewer Jews are born); • the rate of intermarriage continues to rise in population, 4% increase, up to a total rate of 47%, which now represent one-third of all married American Jews; • only 33% of children of intermarried couples are being raised Jewish, and as a group, children of intermarried couples have a 74% likelihood of intermarriage themselves (meaning that many born Jews and their children are lost through intermarriage).

In a nutshell, the bad news is that we are aging and shrinking, due to falling birthrates and rising intermarriage. Looking at these numbers, the 5% decline in the Jewish population found by the NJPS seems like a conservative number, one likely to further increase.

Why would an optimistic person like me take the time to tell you about this gloomy report? I can think of two reasons: First, these findings were not any less real when I did not know about them. Second, there is always another side to the story. Yes, the NJPS also sheds light into the solution.

The good news is that participation in Jewish education is increasing and that increased participation in Jewish education has a strong, protective effect.

For example, let’s examine the relationship between more Jewish education in childhood and intermarriage in adulthood. According to the NJPS findings, those who as children did not participate in a formal Jewish education program have a 43% likelihood of intermarriage.

Among those who attended a one-day-per-week Jewish educational program the rate was 29%, and for those who attended a part-time Jewish school that met more than once per week the rate of intermarriage was 23%.

The impact of a strong Jewish education in lowering the likelihood of intermarriage becomes clear: among adults who attended Jewish schools daily such as day schools and yeshivas, their intermarriage rate was only 7%.

In addition to the low rate of intermarriage found among those who attended Jewish Day Schools, the NJPS also found that the rate of enrollment in Jewish Day Schools is increasing. Whereas only 12% of adults attended Jewish Day Schools, currently 29% of kids do!

This is happening at a time when affiliated Jews (56% of Jews) are: increasing their participation in communal life and Jewish traditions, like attending a Seder or a Hanukkah celebration; sending their children to Jewish summer programs, and their college-age children are taking more college level Jewish courses than ever before.

Nevertheless, these numbers are worrisome. Are the current 29% of kids attending Jewish Day Schools mostly from the affiliated Jewish families, which are rough-

ly half of Jewish families? That would mean that nationally, about half of the affiliated Jews are sending their kids to Jewish Day Schools. Clearly, that is not the case in Omaha. In our case, we may have about 10% of kids in our Jewish Day School. It is a smaller proportion of kids, families, and community that is reaping out the benefits.

We are moving in the right direction. Just in the past two years, enrollment at Friedel Jewish Academy has grown about 50%. New children have been enrolling for almost every grade, with larger classes in the lower grades.

What do I attribute this growth to? One of many factors is that the school is offering excellence secular education. Our 2004 scores on the California Achievement Test (CAT) averaged in the 85th percentile nationally for the lower grades and a whopping 95th percentile average for our fourth to sixth graders.

Our children are learning Judaics beyond the classroom, as values and principles are applied throughout the school day, providing a foundation to live responsibly and to enable the kids to make decisions well rooted in Jewish teachings.

The small classes allow teachers to know each student well to foster their personal growth and to achieve academic performance at each kid’s own potential.

The Hebrew immersion curriculum has proven true to its international reputation.

Science and computer training is incorporated in the curriculum.

Top-notch physical education opportunities are made possible in our community’s JCC campus. With the growing number of families and dedicated board and community members the school is offering a wellrounded education with an innovative art curriculum, music instruction, and initiatives that develop unique opportunities that link our children to Israel and to our community at large.

A strong Jewish education is making its mark. But what is the relationship between Jewish education and the demographic trends that show that we are shrinking and aging? Certainly, there are complex socio-cultural factors that we need to examine to understand how we got here.

The NJPS does not address the relationship between our shrinking and aging to patterns in Jewish education. Nonetheless, the trends toward greater involvement in Jewish life among affiliated Jews, seems to begin with the increase proportion of children receiving a strong Jewish Day School education. Maybe the key determining factor is the deep knowledge and appreciation of Jewish values derived from a thorough Jewish education, which brings to the forefront--as a priority--a desire to remain Jewish, to have and raise Jewish children so they too will become a strong link in the chain of Jewish life.

(The NJPS report and other documents associated with it are available on the UJC web site www.ujc.org/njps. Additional information can be obtained from the North American Jewish Data Bank.)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

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

October 22, 2004

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Leonard Greenspoon will present the D’var Torah on “350 years of Jews in America”; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Kelly and Paul Sadofsky, in honor of their daughter, Brianna, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; Evening Service, 6:20 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

SUNDAY, 10 a.m.: Jewish Pot Pourri Class in the synagogue library, join teacher Susi Frydman-Levin for a new class offering a little bit of everything Jewish: from music and literature to history and traditions. For reservations, call Harriet Einziger; Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. led

by Leonard Greenspoon; 2-4 p.m.: Join Beth El Association for Mitzvot members as they clean the grounds at the Beth El Cemetery, 84th and L. WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) session class for 11/2 to three-year-olds with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m.

For more information, call Harriet Einziger, 492.855; Adult B'nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, noon: Join Rabbi Levin’s class; “The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible.” Lunch is available following class; for reservations or for information, contact Harriet Einziger in the synagogue office.

Ron Wolfson Scholar-inResidence Weekend, OCT. 2931: (see article on page 9).

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY GALA Saturday, Nov. 13: Make your reservations now to attend the synagogue’s sparkling and festive 75th anniversary celebration.

Cocktails at 7 p.m.; dinner at 8

p.m., followed by dancing.

Reservations are required; for information, please call event chairmen Ann Goldstein, 391.1050, or Cheryl Cooper, 391.7514.

HEBREW CRASH COURSE: Beginning Sunday, Nov. 7, 11:10 a.m., learn basic Hebrew in a fun, innovative way with teacher Susi Frydman-Levin. For more information or to make reservations, contact Harriet Einziger in the synagogue office.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush and Kids’ Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Mincha, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:23 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 30: Luncheon to welcome Dr. Jonathan and Olga Kipnis at noon, following Shabbat morning services. (See article on page 14) Sunday, Oct. 31, 5 p.m.: Building Dedication Ceremony followed by a reception; reservations are not required for the building dedication and reception. Dinner, by reservation only, Investiture of Rabbi Jonathan Gross, at 6:30 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM SATURDAY: Blumkin Home Shabbat, 9 a.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:30 p.m.; Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. Guest speaker Dr. Ronald Caplan, former Hollywood costumer, will address the group during dinner on “What Are You Wearing? Do The Clothes Make The Man?” Open to the community.

SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Halacha, “Walking the Walk” of Jewish Law, 7 p.m. This course offers study and practical how-

Candlelighting Friday, October 22, 6:14 p.m.

to’s on the laws of the Festivals.

TUESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; “W.O.W: Strength and Majesty-The Womanly Art in Relationships”. This course focusing on the dynamic of interpersonal relationships using the attributes of Chachma, Simcha, Chessed and Bittul, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available upon request.

WEDNESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9 a.m. See creative ways to make your Shabbat table fit for a queen. Babysitting by reservation. Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month.

Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at rabstiel@aol.com to set up an appointment.

FRIDAY: Children’s Advocacy Shabbat, 7:45 p.m led by Rabbi Stiel with oneg to follow provided by Stephanie and Dennis Dohner. Speakers Dr. Vicky Weisz and Ellen Feingold and our congregation will join thousands of other Jewish and Christian houses of worship in hosting a Children’s Advocacy Sabbath.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. All led by Rabbi Stiel; Havdalah and Movie Night, 7 p.m. The film, Trembling Before God, was made over several years in New York, California, Israel, Britain, and Florida, and follows the lives of several people struggling to express both their faith and their sexuality. Join us for havdalah, snacks, and discussion.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 9 a.m-noon ADULT EDUCATION Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 pm: Professor Paul Barnes, with the help of Cantor Wendy Shermet, will be leading the “Sacred Bridge”. (see article on page 21)

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Guest speaker Dr. Jenna Weissman Joselit will give the D’var Torah, “Surviving Freedom: The Challenges and Possibilities of American Jewish Life.” Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by Barbara and Marshall Kushner in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their grandson Aaron Michael Placzek, and WRJ. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Dr. Weissman Joselit will join the discussion; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.: Aaron Michael Placzek, son of Kimberly and Matthew Placzek, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at Shabbat Morning Services.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, Oct. 26, 7-8:30 p.m.: Jewish Journey Group-Looking Through a Different Set of Lenses: Creation, Revelation and Redemption in Judaism and Christianity, led by John Dacey.

(See article on page 20.)

THURSDAY, Oct. 28: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, Oct. 29: Readings in the Zohar, with Prof. Guy Matalon, noon-1 p.m.

SUNDAY, Oct. 31, 10:15 a.m.Noon: Hebrew for Beginners.

Register for Hebrew for Beginners, a six-session introduction to the aleph bet taught by Colleen Kennealy.

Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7-8:30 p.m.: Candidates Forum at Temple Israel. (See article on page 22).

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Mincha/Maariv, 6 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

MINDSTRETCHER SERIES New date: Thursday, Nov. 11.

B’NAI MITZVAH Hannah Deresiewicz, daughter of Kathy Kirshenbaum and Bob Deresiewicz, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 23, at Temple Reyim in Newton, MA. Hannah is a eighth-grade student at the Rashi School, Newton, MA. She is editor of her yearbook and an active member of the Thespian Society. She loves drama, skating, and summer camp.

For her tzedakah project, she has selected the Tikvah Program at Camp

Ramah in New England. This program is designed to accomodate children with special needs while allowing them to experience all the joys of summer camp.

Hannah has a younger sister, Ellie.

Her grandparents are Myrna and Kevee Kirshenbaum, Herbert Deresiewicz, and the late Evelyn Deresiewicz.

Joseph Jacob Slosburg, son of Martha and David Slosburg, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 30, at Temple Israel.

Joe is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School involved in the Excellence in Youth Program; he was chosen to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program.

He has a black belt in Tae Know Do, and is a certified scuba diver, and enjoys snow skiing, tennis, wilderness tripping,

fishing, and squash. He also plays clarinet in the Westside Middle School Jazz Band.

For his mitzvah project, he volunteered in the construction of building a home through Habitat for Humanity.

Joe has three younger sisters, Ali, Libby, and Kate, and a younger brother, Max. His grandparents are Stanley J. Slosburg and the late Eleanor Slosburg, Barbara and Edwin Gorelick.

October 22, 2004

Go!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI DEBBIE STIEL Parashat Lech L’cha As I look at the first few verses of Lech-Lecha, I am struck by how much subtle guidance there is for us in them. Immediately God says to Abraham: “Go!” Not only does Abraham have to get off his tuchus and march, oh no, it is not that easy! The text says “go from your land, from your birth place, from the house of your father.” Abraham has to leave what he knows, what he loves, what is comfortable, what is familiar.

How many times in life do we find that to move forward, we have to leave our comfort zone? Like Abraham, we turn from financial security or the comfort of friends and family or a job we know well, to follow a strong calling. Life is not stagnant. It requires us to listen to the call of where we need to be at any moment in time.

Yet a few verses later we hear that Abraham took with him his wife and his nephew, Lot. While we move forward, we need to remember those we love and help to bring them along. We need to be there for them, as they are a support for us. Judaism stresses the value of community and family. We seek to create holiness within community structure--not setting up a permanent abode alone on a hillside. So at the same time that we are moving forward, we aim to nurture what is most vital in our present lives.

How do we know when to “lech-go?” What do we strive for as we go? The text says “you shall be a blessing.” In these verses we hear the Holy call to all of us to make our lives a blessing. In fact one commentator says where is Abraham going? He is going to seek out God. We too seek out God and God’s will for us that tells us when it is time to move.

Lech-lecha reminds us that life is a journey. We need to listen for when we are called to move forward, attend to that which is important in our present, and constantly ask ourselves, “am I doing what I can to make my life a blessing?”

(My thanks to Rabbi Norman Cohen of HUC-JIR, who speaks brilliantly on this portion. The seeds of my thoughts here stem from his words.)

B’nai B’rith Thanks Retiring Public Safety Officers

by GARY JAVITCH President, Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 With the mayor, the county commission board chair and the police chief nearby, Randy Endelman told retiring Omaha police, firefighters and Douglas County sheriff’s deputies that the community appreciated and thanked them for their service and dedication to duty.

Rabbi Mendel Katzman, a chaplain for the Omaha Police Department for nearly 10 years gave the invocation at the hour-long ceremony.

The B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge dessert reception, chaired by Endelman, brought together other dignitaries who added their praise and commendation to the many accolades the retirees received. The Lodge holds this public thank you every two years.

Perhaps most endearing to the nearly 70 people in attendance were the two representatives from BBYO, Gal Tsabari and Alex Raskin. The teen duo spoke compassionately about service, compassion and tzedekah.

Also serving on the committee were Dan Marburg, Gerald Meyer and Lois Epstein

JTA NEWS BRIEFS • (JTA)--President Bush signed into law a bill that requires the U.S. State Department to document antiSemitic attacks around the world each year. Bush signed the Global Anti-Semitism Review Act of 2004 into law Saturday. “This nation will keep watch, and will make sure that the ancient impulse of anti-Semitism never finds a home in the modern world,” he said at a campaign stop in West Palm Beach, FL, later that day. The act requires the State Department to create an office to monitor and combat anti-Semitism, and to file a report on anti-Semitic incidents around the world. The government also would be required to include information about anti-Semitic acts in its annual reports on human rights practices and international religious freedom. The State Department opposed the legislation.

• Nearly two in three Israelis back Ariel Sharon’s plan to leave the Gaza Strip and some of the West Bank, a poll found. According to the weekend survey by Channel Ten television, 65 percent of Israelis would vote in favor of the disengagement plan were a referendum held today, while 35 percent would be opposed. Calls on Sharon to hold a referendum have mounted, but so far the prime minister has said he will make do with a Knesset vote on the plan scheduled for Oct. 25.

• The fourth annual conference of the Palestine Solidarity Movement took place with little disruption. The weekend conference at Duke University, which drew some 600 people, generally was peaceful, except for a bomb threat, the campus newspaper Chronicle reported.

Meanwhile, more than 100 students and community members attended events about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict at Duke’s Freeman Center for Jewish Life. A handful of protestors from the New York-based AmchaThe Coalition for Jewish Concerns stood outside the conference building on Sunday. “When you refuse to condemn bombing, you support it,” Amcha leader Rabbi Avi Weiss said, according to the Chronicle. Conference-goers reconsidered the Palestine Solidarity Movement's policy of not denouncing Palestinian violence, but two resolutions condemning attacks against civilians failed to get the two-thirds majority required for approval.

• A British Muslim cleric who has been implicated in terror attacks, and who has claimed the Sept. 11 attacks were a Jewish plot, is to face trial in Britain. Abu Hamza Al-Masri has been fighting extradition to the United States since his May arrest on 11 charges that included involvement in a 1998 Yemen hostage crisis and trying to establish an Al-Qaida training camp in Oregon. But British authorities are now expected to formally charge him in the coming week, a move likely to upset United States attempts to bring the 47-yearold Egyptian-born imam to trial.

• The Anti-Defamation League brought more than a 100 U.S. high-school student leaders to the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Participants used their visit to the Washington-based museum from Sunday to Tuesday to examine tolerance and courage.

• A Jewish congressman rejected an offer to discuss the Presbyterian General Assembly’s decision to divest from Israel. Rep. Howard Berman (D-CA) led 15 congressmen last month in condemning the Presbyterian GA’s decision. In a reply, the church stood firm in its July decision to divest from companies trading with Israel, but offered to discuss the issue. “It has been very disappointing to us that the U.S. Congress has not proven to be an ally or a balanced arbiter in the negotiations for peace in the region,” the letter to Berman said. Berman said he would continue to pursue dialogue with Presbyterian ministers and lay leaders, but said the letter from the church’s Washington office turned him off. “Disinvestment is what you do with an apartheid regime in South Africa or a brutal, repressive regime in Burma,” he said. “I don’t know how one talks with people who think Israel is in that category.”

PERSONALS We wish to thank their friends for their condolences, donations and kind wishes during this most difficult time in their lives.

The Family of Golda Lieberman Speaking at the event were: Rabbi Mendel Katzman, left, Police Chief Thomas Warren, Mayor Mike Fahey, award recipient Sgt. Mary Bruner, Randy Endelman, Gary Javitch, Dan Marburg, Alex Raskin, Gerald Meyer, Gal Tsabari, Douglas County Commissioner Carol Pirsch and City Councilman Franklin Thompson (not pictured: Chief Photo by Karen Javitch.

Sheriff’s Deputy Martin Bilek).

I would like to thank my family and my dear friends for the flowers, cards, and donations to different organizations. Also I would like to thank Rabbi Levin and his wife, Susi, for their concern and phone calls during my recent hospitalization. I greatly appreciate their thoughtfulness and God bless all of them.

Lola Reinglas

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 27

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Page 28

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2004

The Voice of Yiddish Omaha

by RITA SHELLEY for Jewish Senior Services The people who gather once a week at the J to study Yiddish have at least one disagreement they may never settle: Is the pudding that is made from potatoes or noodles pronounced “koogel” or “kehgel?” It depends on where your parents were from, Bernie Altsuler says with a grin, generating a ripple of laughs from one end of the table to the other. It’s an inside joke.

Ann Skolkin, the group’s unofficial leader and organizer, explains to a visitor that Yiddish was spoken differently in Germany, Poland, Lithuania, and Russia.

So even though this entire group grew up hearing their parents speak Yiddish, mostly in Omaha, they didn’t all learn the same dialect.

The discussion reminds Eve Handleman, whose family came from Russia, of how her relatives coined the word “kehgelkoogel.” An aunt had a recipe that the younger women in the family coveted, but she wouldn’t share her recipe unless the nieces promised to adopt her pronunciation.

“Auntie, can we call it kehgelkoogel?” the younger women asked. “Whatever you call it, it’s still good.” And the aunt agreed to share her recipe. Eve’s story is followed by more laughter, stories and small talk in both Yiddish and English, and several rounds of Oy Vei, also known as Yiddish bingo.

Bernie takes a turn as caller, reading words in English that players match to Yiddish words on their Oy Vei cards.

The first player to get “oy vei,” a complete row of words, collects a penny from each of the other players.

Jack Noodell’s parents and addition to speaking it, so grandparents emigrated more of it stuck with me,” from Russia in about 1920, Meyerson said. “My parafter the Russian revolution. ents are gone, and so are They chose Omaha as their my brother and sister. But destination because they I’m helping keep had relatives here, and (Yiddish) going. eventually operated restauVeda Dobin grew up in rants downtown, Liberty Russia hearing her grandLunch and New Liberty parents speak Yiddish.

Lunch. The restaurants are She was fluent enough to long gone, as are the buildwrite letters to them in ings they occupied at 14th Yiddish when she was a and Dodge streets. But the university student in St. language they spoke when Petersburg.

But the Jack was a boy still is familSoviet government wantiar to him, and speaking it ed its citizens to speak among friends helps bring only Russian, and Veda back old memories. When forgot much of the lanhe and his Yiddish-speaking guage of her grandparfriends get together, one ents. word in particular comes to “I almost forgot everyJack Noodell calls A “gut vort,” a good word, during a game of Yiddish bingo. thing. I could only write mind.

“The word is haimish,” he He is a regular member of a group that meets on Thursday afternoons at the my name. I even bought said. “It means a group that Jewish Community Center to share and add to their knowledge of the language a book, Yiddish for they heard spoken by their parents and grandparents. gets along well together.”

Idiots. But when I saw a For instance, if he was bothering his note about the group in the Jewish Press, Nathan Shukert also is a member of the generation whose parents immigrated to mother and she wanted him to leave her I decided to call. I really was glad I Omaha. He recalls that Yiddish provided a alone so she could get her work done, went. I heard words I hadn’t heard since common language for newcomers to she might have said “Hak mir nit keyn I was a child,” she said.

Omaha’s historically Jewish neighbor- tshaynik.” But the literal translation Members of the group may not agree hoods. “People came from Poland, Russia, would be “Don’t bang me on the teaket- on the pronunciation of kugel, but tle.” “Some things just have to be said in they’re unanimous about looking forLatvia and Germany,” he said.

“Their native languages were different, Yiddish because if you said them in ward to Thursdays at 1 p.m., when they but they had Yiddish in common. Or half English, people would think you’re meet to schmooze in the mame-loshn English and half Yiddish.” Even today, crazy,” Shukert said. (mother tongue).

Miriam Meyerson has been surprised many words with Yiddish origins are “It’s just a lot of fun to reminisce,” used by Americans in everyday lan- how much Yiddish she remembers, even Noodell said, before calling a final round guage-schmooze and nosh, for instance. though it was spoken less and less in her of Oy Vei. Then Ann Skolkin summoned But Shukert added that some of the home as her parents learned English and attendees to the refreshment table for a expressions he grew up hearing in she’s hardly heard it spoken for decades. bit of a nosh--coffee, tea, and homemade Yiddish don’t translate well into English. “I learned to read and write Yiddish, in cookies from Doris Shukert’s kitchen.

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