October 22, 2010

Vol. 90 No. 8 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

14 Cheshvan 5770

October 22, 2010

Omaha Jewish Federation bestows Humanitarian of the Year award on Sharee and Murray Newman by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Nov. 3, the Jewish Federation of Omaha will present its annual Humanitarian of the Year award. The recipients are Sharee and Murray Newman, longtime Omahans with a strong message. To appreciate the Newmans’ dedication to the Jewish as well as the larger Omaha community, one must remember they have never operated in a philanthropic vacuum. On March 19, 1972, at the annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, C.M. “Nick” Newman delivered a speech which contained the following words: “I am more impressed with the importance of Jewish history today because I personally feel that we are privileged to live in a time of Jewish renaissance; at a time of Jewish scholarship, creativity and Jewish opportunity – that is rare in our people’s history... I see Jewish history as a continuing thing – a growing, developing, improving Judaism... We don’t have to accept the prediction of sociologists of a few years ago, that in Middle America, the center of the United States, Judaism is going to be gone. You remember the Look Magazine article – I think it concentrated on Iowa. It said that Jews were vanishing. I don’t accept that. I feel that a valid and important – and a meaningful Jewish life – is possible here in Omaha... In a little community like this we can communicate with each other – we can work together. We can create in this community an example of a vital, creative Jewish community.” As Nick addressed the meeting with this speech, he had just finished his first year in office as President of the Federation and was about to embark on his second year. “Nick was diagnosed with liver and colon cancer six

months after that speech,” his brother Murray Newman remembers, “and he died eight months later, at the age of 47.” Murray finds his brother’s words as inspirational as on

Sharee and Murray Newman the day they were spoken: “Many of the issues, concerns and opportunities of which he speaks,” Murray says, “remain today. In some respects, the challenges are even more daunting.” Murray and his wife Sharee know all about daunting challenges, but have never shied away from one. Throughout the years, they, and the rest of the Newman family, have given to Jewish Omaha on every necessary

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Oscar winning film producer headlines Federation event by SHERRIE SAAG Rosenman returned to New York in 1968 and began Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha his career working for Sir Michael Benthall, who at the Howard Rosenman, the veteran Hollywood insider time was directing Katherine Hepburn in the Broadway best known for producing Father of the Bride with musical, COCO. He also produced TV commercials for Steve Martin, Family Man with Nicholas Cage and The ad agency Benton and Bowles, winning several Clio Main Event with Barbra Streisand, Awards. In 1973, he made the highlights the Federation move to Hollywood to work for Community Event, “The Gift You the ABC telefilm unit created by Get Back”, Wednesday, Nov. 3, Barry Diller and Michael Eisner. 7:30 p.m. in the JCC Theatre. He went on to produce numerBorn in Brooklyn and raised on ous feature films, working with the Long Island, Rosenman is the son likes of Ellen Burstyn, Steve of seventh generation Israelis. It Martin, Diane Keaton, Sidney was no less than an Israeli war that Lumet, Joel Schumacher and Gus forever altered the course of Van Sant. It was Van Sant who proRosenman’s life. As a student in the vided Rosenman his acting debut, mid-sixties at Hahneman opposite two-time Oscar winner University Hospital, he was certain Sean Penn in Milk, the 2008 – but not thrilled – that his future drama depicting the life of gay was in medicine, not movies. activist and politician Harvey Milk. “Then, in 1967, at the end of my Rosenman was the creative force second year, the Six Day War broke behind two important documenout. I volunteered to serve as an taries made in the 1990’s. He extern medic as part of the IDF described the making of Common and I went to Israel. I met Leonard Threads: Stories from the Quilt, the Howard Rosenman Bernstein, the famous conductor, 1989 story of the NAMES Project who was in Israel 30 days after the war to conduct AIDS Memorial Quilt, for which he won an Oscar, as Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony,” recalled Rosenman. the high point of his career. “Bernstein was being followed by a documentary Similiarly, he described his next documentary, The crew, and I became a gofer on the shoot. It was Mr. Celluloid Closet, written by good friend Vito Russo, as Bernstein who convinced me to follow my bliss, my pas- a film “that still resonates with me today.” The sion,” Rosenman explains, “because what I always want- Celluloid Closet garnered five EMMY nominations and ed, when I was a kid, was to be an actor or a producer.” Continued on page 2

Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 12

Next Week: America Decides - Election Preview See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’

Bestselling authors highlight Jewish Book Month Page 3

occasion. Wherever one looks in the Jewish Community Center, one can find the Newman name. There is the Wall of Recognition next to the entrance, and there is a plaque next to the Kripke Library. The Newman name shows up on the Federation wall (Volunteer of the Year, 1984!), the Historical Society wall, and elsewhere. Sharee and Murray, however, will be the first to tell you it is not about those outward signs. There is something bigger brewing inside of them: a genuine passion to help make this community strong, and, more importantly, maintain what has been built up to this point. That passion shows. Federation Foundation Director Marty Ricks says: “For decades, Sharee and Murray Newman have set examples for others by their extreme generosity to Jewish and secular charities. They have shown by their significant donations to the Federation Annual Campaign, capital campaigns on the JCC campus and special campaigns assisting Israel in emergency occurrences, the importance of maintaining a strong, involved Jewish community in a city with a modest Jewish population. Recently, they have furthered their commitment through an endowment in their estate plan. They arranged for two funds that, after their death, will provide sufficient income to continue paying their annual campaign contributions at their present giving level. These endowment funds, a Lion of Judah Endowment (LOJE) for Sharee, and a Perpetual Annual Campaign Endowment (PACE) for Murray, represent our largest Foundation funds and will supplement the money raised in future Federation annual campaigns.” “I don’t like to be all doom and gloom,” says Murray, Continued on page 2

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press In 2007, when Kimberley Robinson was Presidentelect of the Jewish Community Center’s Board of Directors, she was first approached to chair the 2010 JCC Maccabi Games. What made that such an attractive

Cindy Goldberg, Stacey Rockman and Kimberly Robinson proposition wasn’t only the event itself, it was also the presence of her co-chairs. Stacey Rockman, Cindy Goldberg and Kimberly were friends long before any thought of the Maccabi Games entered their minds. “We have such an amazing friendship, and it’s what made this experience even more incredible,” Kimberly says. “We all have very different strengths, and we know each other well enough that we can build on those strengths, but we can also step away and let someone else shine. Plus, we’re great at delegating to each other, and we can take constructive criticism; something that isn’t always easy when you don’t know the person you Continued on page 2

Coming Next Month: Hanukkah Gifts and More Federation honors Karen Lepp as JFS Volunteer of the Year Page 4

First and second graders explore on Synagogue Mystery Tour Page 11

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Federation Humanitarian of the Year award Continued from page 1 says. “Murray and my husband Harlan were school bud“but the current challenge is always the most intimidat- dies since their Central High days, and we have been ing. Today, that challenge is answering this question: friends for decades. We have all watched Sharee and What will the face of Judaism be 30 years from now?” Murray give of their time and resources to better our And so the message is: giving money is great, and it is Jewish community and the greater Omaha community. necessary, but there is more Their interests are so varied to keeping this community that they have touched every strong and healthy. aspect of philanthropy in “As we are looking at many ways. They care about how this community has education, human rights, changed over the years, we women’s issues, visual pernotice how it is no longer a forming arts, and many community where everymore social justice concerns body is born here and stays that extend to Jewish causes, here; people come from as well as causes that affect elsewhere, and people leave the community in general. from here. They drift away, They not only give, they get while families go from involved. They get in there The Newman Wall of Recognition immigration to extinction, and do the work. On top of so to speak. There is a danger when your children and that, they have taught their four children to do the same. grandchildren no longer see themselves as Jews. We can [Their children are Deanna and Michael Newman of secure the financial future, but what about the other Topeka, KS; Jennifer and Jamie Newman of Mill Valley, future? Who are the people who will populate all these CA; Nicholas Newman of Missoula, MT and Alexa wonderful buildings?” Newman of Brooklyn, NY.] I am so grateful for the intelIt’s a valid question, and one Sharee and Murray have ligent, thoughtful, and loving part they play in our city attempted to answer by showing the way. It’s obvious to and our Jewish community.” all who know them they never stop, and never sit still: One can only imagine what Murray’s brother Nick “The Newman family has been so instrumental in the would have said were he here today. However, some of success of our Jewish community, as well as the Omaha the words from his 1972 speech are very apropriate: community in general. We have all been touched by “[Judaism] cannot be built on self-segregation; it cannot their generosity and commitment,” current Federation be built on cultural and social segregation, and it can’t President Jody Malashock says. “I am so pleased that be built on the hostility of the outside world. Judaism, Sharee and Murray will be receiving the Humanitarian and Judaism of the future, must be built on positive facof the Year award.” tors. The positive values of Jewish education, identificaSharee, in turn, has been as instrumental as her husband tion with Jewish history and with Israel and with love of in supporting causes like the Women’s Fund, the ADL, Jewish music, language, literature and Jewish lore. It and Planned Parenthood. “She has read grants for a vari- must be built on our religion and ethics…and our chilety of organizations,” Murray says about his wife, “and dren must know why they are Jews, and who they are cares deeply about healthcare issues and helping women’s and what it means to be a Jew and how to be a Jew! (...) causes, while being passionate about staying under the I say as Jews we choose life by studying, living, and lovradar.” That may not always be possible. The number of ing Judaism. By being positive, optimistic, and expansive organizations Sharee and Murray have supported since Jews. If we do this, we will live in the future of Jews.” Murray retired from the supermarket business in 1972 is The Humanitarian of the Year award will be presented so long, it is impossible to include them all. Nov. 3, at 7:30 p.m. during the Federation’s commuThe Newmans’ generous and passionate spirit is well nity event at the Jewish Community Center. The entire known to longtime friend Nancy Noddle. “There is a lot community is invited; please RSVP by Oct. 29 to of history with the Newmans and the Noddles,” Nancy nmartin@jewishomaha.org or call 334.6430

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Continued from page 1 are working with.” “We worked hard, but also had a lot of fun,” agrees Stacey. “We did lunch every week, and because of the Maccabi Games, we spent much more time together, which was great. We really balanced each other out during the entire project.” ‘The entire project’ included overseeing roughly 25 sub-committees, and traveling to San Francisco to gain some fresh Maccabi inspiration. Those weekly lunch meetings lasted for more than two years, according to Cindy. “The work came in waves, and we had a lot of meetings; as far as phone calls, there were too many to count. Hours? I have no idea!” The three went into the project as very good friends, and from time to time tried to talk about other things than Maccabi. “It usually snuck in anyway,” Cindy admits. The 2010 Maccabi Games were larger than life, and now that it is all behind them, the three can look back on a job well done. “Seeing this all come together was amazing,” Cindy says. “Working with the JCC staff was easy and a pleas-

ure. We simply have a top-notch staff here. Working closely with Lisa Shkolnick, Esther Katz, and Jeff Aizenberg was fantastic. To witness the level of community involvement, watching the kids have a fabulous time, the knowledge that a thousand kids from all over walk around with fond memories of Omaha: it’s priceless.” Stacey agrees: “This is the single biggest unifying event for Jews across the board. There is so much pride in the community, in the city; it brings us all together. Plus, our Omaha kids grow up in a relatively small community; it is not often they have the chance to interact with this many young Jews from this many different places and backgrounds.” “Personally,” Kimberley says, “ I feel like we connected to so many people; people I became close to because of Maccabi. Ultimately, we all did something very positive for Jewish Youth and I think by stepping up, we all set a good example for the next generation.” It is a few months later, and the JCC has gone back to its normal routine. The memories, however, will last: “When you work on something big, it has a trickle effect,” Stacey says. “This is something the entire community should be extremely proud of.”

Oscar winning film producer headlines Federation event Continued from page 1 Independent Spirit Award nominations and won the filmmaker his second George Foster Peabody Award for Outstanding Journalism. His professional career spans over 20 projects with major film studios and famous artists too numerous too mention. But he has not moved through life without an emphasis on philanthropic endeavors meaningful to him. Rosenman is co-founder of Project Angel Food in Los Angeles, which provides meals-on-wheels for AIDS/HIV patients. He has served on the board of directors of the AIDS Research Alliance, Bet Tzedek Legal, and GLAAD (Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation). He currently serves on the board of the Center for Jewish Culture & Creativity. He is as passionate about education as he is about the

arts, having taught master classes at Tel Aviv University through the Jewish Federation of Los Angeles and lectured at prominent film schools across the country. He sits on the advisory board overseeing the newly established film school at his alma mater, Brooklyn College. The accolades have not stopped for Rosenman. He will be honored this year by film organization Power Up as “one of 2010’s Ten Most Amazing Men in Show Business.” This event is open to the community. Admission to the Event is a gift to the 2011 Federation Annual Campaign. Reservations will be accepted until Oct. 29. Email nmartin@jewishomaha.org or call Nancy Martin at 334.6430. Contributing to this article: Filmbug.com, The Boston Globe, and Philly.com (The Philadelphia Inquirer).

October 22, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Bestselling authors highlight Jewish Book Month by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center For Jewish Education Jewish book lovers will have the chance to celebrate the enjoyment of reading during the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s 37th Annual Jewish Book Month events, Nov. 11 – Dec. 23. Presented each year, Jewish Book Month provides the opportunity for the Kripke Jewish Federation Library to introduce the community to new authors while celebrating the rich world of Jewish literature. In addition to the author events the library will also offer an on-site book sale, highlighting Jewish books for children and adults. Books by all speakers will be available for purchase in the library and each event will feature a book signing afterwards. “Everyone is welcome at The Jewish Book Fair in the Omaha community to meet bestselling and nationally known authors. Participants can look forward to hearing the authors, having thought-provoking discussions, and attending our special “Chanu-kids” event for children.” said Gary Katz, Kripke Jewish Federation Library Administrator. Thursday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., Kripke Jewish Federation Library with Rabbi Jonathan Gross, The Jewish Case for the One State Solution Israel, the Jewish State, is surrounded by enemies and is home to a Palestinian people, all of whom seek its destruction. The international community denies Israel’s right to exist, and a new generation of Jews is leading the ranks of Israel’s most outspoken detractors. Time is running out on Israel’s survival. In an effort to achieve some semblance of peace and security, the Israeli government has exhausted every possible form of negotiation. Wednesday, Nov. 17, 11:45 a.m., JCC Auditorium, Annual Book Month Luncheon featuring Cathleen Schine, author of The Three Weissman’s of Westport. Sense and Sensibility is transported to the world of hedge funds and infomercials in this clever, frothy novel. When

Joseph Weissmann divorces Betty, his wife of forty-eight years, she takes refuge in her cousin’s cottage in Connecticut,with her two daughters. Annie, the elder, is a sober worrywart, while Miranda is selfinvolved, inclined to melodrama, and on the verge of bankruptcy after her literary agency represented too many fraudulent memoirs. The sisters become involved in a shifting game of romantic entanglements that include a celebrated reclusive writer, a semi-retired lawyer, a Hollywoodbound schemer, an epidemiologist, and a couple of vacuous hangers-on. The ironic title -- the three are anything but wise men -- does little justice to Schine’s real wit, which playfully probes the lies, self-deceptions, and honorable hearts of her characters. Sunday, Nov. 21, 3:30-5 p.m., Kripke Jewish Federation Library, 6th Annual Chanu-kids It’s time to celebrate Chanukah! Pre-schoolers through third graders will enjoy a great afternoon of magic, story-telling, balloons, food, and more! While the kids are having fun, adults will have the opportunity to browse the selection of children’s books featured in the Jewish Book Month sale. Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m., JCC Auditorium, Eye on Israel Special Event featuring Gregory Levey, author of How to Make Peace in the Middle East in 6 Months or Less Without Leaving Your Apartment Gregory Levey’s modest goal is to solve the Middle East conflict -all by himself. After returning to North America following a stint in his twenties writing speeches for the Israeli government -- first at the United Nations and then for the prime minister in Jerusalem -he thinks he is leaving the madness of the Middle East conflict behind. But nothing could be further from the truth.

Levey soon discovers that everyone on this side of the Atlantic seems to think that they have the solution to the intractable conflict -- and they all feel the need to tell him about it. Fatigued by the endless debate, the constant hostility, and the cacophony of shrill voices, he decides that the only way he is going to escape it all is if he solves the conflict himself, once and for all. So Levey sets out on a hilarious, quixotic, and surprisingly illuminating quest to broker a peace deal where a long line of world leaders have failed. Thursday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m., Kripke Jewish Federation Library, Author Spotlight Series on: “Irene Nemirovsky” Join Library Administrator Gary Katz as he takes a literary tour through the life and works of Irene Némirovsky. Némirovsky is now best known as the author of the Suite Française, a novel portraying life in France between June 4, 1940 and July 1, 1941, the period during which the Nazis occupied Paris. She was killed at Auschwitz in 1942. Némirovsky’s older daughter, Denise, kept the notebook containing the manuscript for “Suite Française” for fifty years without reading it, thinking it was a journal or diary of her mother’s, which would be too painful to read. In the late 1990s, however, she made arrangements to donate her mother’s papers to a French archive and decided to examine the notebook first. Upon discovering what it contained, she instead had it published in France, where it became a bestseller in 2004. It has since been translated into 38 languages and sold over 2.5 million copies. For more information on any Jewish Book Month events, contact at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha. org. Jewish Book Month is presented by the Center for Jewish Education through the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and is generously sponsored by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

! e c u r B s n o i t a l u t a Congr The Jewish Federation of Omaha Volunteer of the Year We are proud of your volunteer spirit.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

JOLT Spotlights Young Leadership by SHERRIE SAAG Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha This is another profile in a series introducing members of JOLT, the Jewish Omaha Leadership Training program. As an initiative of the Omaha Jewish Federation, JOLT offers its members an opportunity to learn, connect and build strong leadership skills for the future. Here we meet Brett Atlas, founding principal of Terrahawk Group, LLC, an Omaha-based real estate services firm and member of the Omaha Jewish Federation Board of Directors. What or whom inspires you? I’m inspired by people who believe strongly in what they do. When they convey their passion and it touches you, it’s impossible not to get excited by them. My Jewish hero is my mother-in-law, Zoe Riekes, the first person since my childhood to inspire me to take a real

interest in my religion. She has always led only by example, never telling me to do anything, but motivating me by her selfless actions. No one knows ... I never had any interest in going to Israel until I moved to Omaha. Now, I’m co-founding a group mission. For me, Jewish comBrett Atlas munity means taking care of each other and helping others whenever you can, whatever your differences may be. If you could change one thing about our Omaha Jewish community, what would it be? I’d like to see young people educated about Federation at an earlier age; how it benefits all Jews, it’s structure, and where its resources come from. I’m living proof that it’s never too late to get involved, but you have a tremendous advantage if you can bring people along as they move through young adulthood. We’re only as strong as our next generation of Jews.

Pete Seeger won’t cancel by SUE FISHKOFF ahead 50 years to when the world blows itself up. It will No one tells Pete Seeger what to do. At 91, the iconic get worse unless you learn how to turn the world around folk singer has penned hundreds of protest songs, railing peacefully.” against everything from the Seeger was invited to perform for the online peace Vietnam War to global warmrally by event organizers Friends of the Arava Institute, ing. He was blacklisted in the the North American fund-raising arm of the Arava 1950s, he slept under the stars Institute for Environmental Studies. The institute with striking farmers and he works with Arab and Jewish leaders to solve the still reads the Communist region’s environmental challenges cooperatively. People’s World -- along with Thirty other organizations have signed on to the The New York Times, of course. event, ranging from Peace Child Israel to the Jewish Yet despite his opposition to National Fund. Actor Mandy Patinkin will emcee an Israeli policies in the West event that will feature group viewings organized around Bank and Gaza, Seeger refuses the world from San Francisco to Bonn, Germany. to heed calls to boycott an Things “have gone from bad to worse” in the Middle upcoming peace event organEast, says Seeger, who notes that he rarely travels anyized by an Israeli institution. more except for occasional trips to New York City. Pete Seeger In recent weeks, Seeger has Holding up the example of the Montgomery bus rejected calls by individuals Credit: winnipegfolkfestival.com boycott as the key to ending racial segregation in the and organizations demanding that he cancel his partici- American South, Seeger says he does not oppose nonvipation in “With Earth and Each Other: A Virtual Rally olent efforts, including an economic boycott, to end the for a Better Middle East,” an online event promoting Israeli occupation of the West Bank and Gaza. But peace through cross-border cooperation and scheduled standing in the way of promoting dialogue makes no for a Nov. 14 global broadcast at www.withearthand sense, he said. eachother.org. The online peace rally, which begins at 1p.m. EST on “My religion is that the world will not survive without Nov. 14, presents itself as nonpolitical. dialogue,” Seeger told JTA in an interview from his “It will be a long struggle, taking generations,” Seeger home in Beacon, N.Y. “I would say to the Israelis and said of Israeli-Arab peace. “But if we don’t try, we abanthe Palestinians, if you think it’s terrible now, just think don the world to those who believe in violence.”

Federation honors Karen Lepp as Volunteer of the Year by KAREN GUSTAFSON JFS Director Karen Lepp is much more than just a community member, a wife or a mom. She is a wonderfully caring and generous person and she is Jewish Family Service’s Volunteer of the Year. Lepp holds a Master’s Degree in Special Education and worked for many years with the Omaha Public Schools until she took time off to raise her children. Now that her children are grown, she has reentered the work force in a related area of Pre-School Education. Karen fulfills her desire to help others through her volunteer work with Yachad, and most recently, working with children with special challenges due to medical conditions. Her commitment to the individuals she works with is obvious. Not only in the number of activities that she attends, but in how “present” she is when she attends. Karen knows each person’s likes and dislikes, where they live and each of their special strengths. She also knows each person’s frustrations and unique challenges. Yachad member, Ben Friedman describes Karen as “a very nice lady. I like her. She’s friendly and she talks to me.” To many these statements may seem like small things but for a Yachad member to feel that someone genuinely likes them and wants to talk and listen to them is huge. Our Yachad program has grown leaps and bounds in the past 2 years with increased activities both inside and outside of the Jewish community, with two primary goals: to increase independent living skills for each individual member and to help create a Jewish community, where Yachad members are included as active vibrant friends. “When I think of Karen Lepp,” says Jan McCarthy, Yachad program leader, “many wonderful memories come to mind, but if I needed to use words to describe her relationship with Yachad, those words would have to be courage, commitment and above all compassion.” Karen has the right spirit to work for Jewish Family Service. We do our work very quietly but with tremendous empathy, compassion and pride.

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October 22, 2010

New Beth El adult-ed class to explore “Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The Hebrew Bible is chock-full of valuable life lessons – ancient guidelines that are still relevant, even in contemporary times. These lessons will be the focus of Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s new, weekly

studying the way in which God wants us to live. “Torah is the conversation among generations of Jewish thinkers -- sharing their perceptions of God’s presence, of life’s purpose and beauty. When we study Torah, we join the conversation.” Rabbi Levin will also spend time discussing the great personalities in the Bible, examining their lives, their hopes and struggles and the lessons that can be learned from their lives. The narratives, he explained, are universal in nature and paint pictures of the human condition; for example, the story of Cain and Abel tells of the tragic Rabbi Mordechai Levin, seen here teaching a past adult-educonsequence of sibling cation course, will lead a new weekly class, “Lessons from rivalry and family disharmothe Hebrew Bible,” beginning Nov 4. ny; Abraham’s confrontaadult-education class, “Life Lessons from tion with God to save the lives of the peothe Hebrew Bible,” which begins on ple of Sodom depicts the difficult spirituThursday, Nov. 4, noon, at Beth El al struggle between man and God. Synagogue. Although the Torah is read every During this class, the rabbi will share Saturday morning and evening, every the text’s wisdom about topics such as Monday and Thursday, and on the festifamilies, parenting, faith, failure, love, vals,” Rabbi Levin observed that “during justice and peace. Questions to be those moments we usually don’t have all explored include, ‘In what ways does the the time we need for more in-depth text reflect or conflict with our own examination. This class will be an opporbeliefs and values?’ ‘How do we relate to tunity for people to bring their questions it?’ ‘What are the practical things we can and share their points of view about learn from the text and use in our lives?’ important life lessons from the Torah. ‘What is the equivalent challenge to us in “Through this course, I hope to lead our own lives, in this time?’ The Bible’s attendees through a fascinating, enterstories of love, deceit, and the human taining and enlightening journey through condition are timeless, as are its most the most influential book in human hisimportant people, events, laws and ideas, tory.” he said. The year-long class is open to all adults “The study of Torah allows us to set in the Jewish community. Cost is $36 for ourselves into a context of meaning and Beth El members, $45 for non-members. value that transcend ourselves,” Rabbi To register, call the synagogue office at Levin remarked. “It connects us to God, 402.492.8550, or email Program Judaism and the Jewish people. When we Director Margie Gutnik at programstudy Torah, we are not studying an ming@bethel-omaha.org. abstract text of the ancient world. We are

Celebrate and Learn with NCJW Omaha Section and local author Nancy Rips by BETH FRIEDMAN Co-President of National Council of Jewish Women Nancy Rips is the author of a new book, High Holiday Stories: Rosh Hashanah & Yom Kippur Thoughts on Family, Faith and Food (Frederick Fell Publishers, July 2010). She is recognized as the Book Maven of the Midwest. She’s a longtime bookseller, NCJW Omaha Section member and volunteer and book reviewer who has always loved the Jewish holidays. NCJW Omaha Section four event Book Series will kick off on Wednesday, Oct. 27, 7 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Meet Nancy and share in this inspiring evening of celebration, knowledge and chavurah. This event is open to the community so bring a friend. Nancy began collecting High Holiday stories after her first book, Seder Stories, was so successful. Seder Stories was widely reviewed and acclaimed. Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, praised Seder

Stories: “The Passover Seder is a time to share the stories by which we define ourselves. Many families will be grateful to Nancy Rips for giving them new stories to share.” Her passion for books, reading, libraries, and the Jewish tradition is infectious. In addition, she’s a force of nature when it comes to her regular review segments on radio and Omaha’s CBS-TV affiliate. In her free time, predawn between 5 and 6 a.m., you can find her at the gym lifting weights. Pick up a copy of High Holiday Stories, open it to any page, and let the words inspire your own holiday memories. You might discover stories penned by folks who live next door or sit near you at services. One more thought. If you’ve been invited to a holiday meal, this book makes a dandy hostess gift. “It definitely ain’t chopped liver,” says Ozzie Nogg, author of Joseph’s Bones. Cost for the evening is $5. Reservations are requested in advance to bmfriedman@cox.net or 334.7539, but don’t let that stop you…walk-ins welcome.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Hanukkah ART CONTEST WHAT TO DO If you are 12 or younger, create an original work of art with a Hanukkah theme on 8.5x11” white paper using crayons, markers, paint, or create a collage using computer art. Submit your original work by Nov. 10, 2010, and include your name, age, grade and school and parent(s)’ name(s), address and phone to:

The Jewish Press 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

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Investment vs. Cost: The Future of Nebraska I believe in fiscal responsibility, local control and that state government should be Mike Meister there to offer a helping hand, not tell you what to do. If you believe like I do, I would appreciate your vote on November 2. Over the course of the last several weeks I have written several columns that have been critical of the record of Dave Heineman. While critical of his record, they have not been negative or personal. They are simply the facts. When you review these columns a stark contrast becomes apparent, Dave sees everything as a cost where I see investment. Please let me explain. I want to share with you my vision for Nebraska... I see a Nebraska agricultural sector that leads the world in livestock, grain and other commodities, making our producers realize the potential they have always known was there. I see Nebraska as the energy broker of the future, where we are creating, shipping and brokering energy transfers to the extent that we export our income tax burden to other states like Texas and Wyoming do now. To be continued… Paid for by Meister for Governor Kevin Sylvester, Treasurer 614 E. 27th St. St. C, Scottsbluff, NE

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Temple Israel scholar to explore what the Sabbath is and why it matters by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Is there value in withdrawing from the world one day a week despite obvious inconveniences in an age of convenience? “At some point, we all look for a Sabbath, whether or not that’s what we call it. Organized religion need not be involved,” writes Judith Shulevitz in the introduction to her book, The Sabbath World, Glimpses of a Different Order of Time. Shulevitz will begin a weekend of talking about the Sabbath at the 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 29 Shabbat worship service at Temple The entire community is Israel. The community is invited to hear Judith invited to listen to her and Shulevitz, author of The discuss views of the Sabbath Sabbath World, Glimpses of throughout the weekend. a Different Order of Time, at Shulevitz’s residency is Temple Israel next weekend. sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said he hopes that “learning during the weekend with Judith Shulevitz will help all of us to discover the many hidden faces of the Shabbat.” “By common consensus, the day is all about getting connected. It’s the ancient equivalent of social-networking software,” Shulevitz analyzed. “With its laws proscribing work and mandating social encounters -- meals, gatherings, study sessions -- the Sabbath blocks out time for shedding one’s professional or workaday identity and weaving the bonds of a collective identity.” After reading numerous books on the subject of the Sabbath, including Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel’s The Sabbath and Eviatar Zerubavel’s The Seven Day Circle, Shulevitz wanted to write a book on the subject herself. She wanted to explain what the Sabbath is and why it matters to Jews and how it had once mattered terribly to Christians, too -- particularly American Christians, most particularly American Puritans who founded our nation. “They had such a deep hunger for the Sabbath -- for the right kind of Sabbath -- that they left England, whose Sabbaths they considered corrupt and lax, and sailed to America, in order to keep the kind of disciplined, godly Sabbaths they believed would transform their earthly existence into a New Jerusalem,” she explained. Next Friday night at Temple Israel, Shulevitz will talk about “The History of the American Sabbath.” Her insights were discovered as she explored both cultural and contemporary sources including the Torah, the Gospels, the Talmud, and writings of the Apostolic Fathers as well as William Wordsworth’s poetry, the life of Sigmund Freud, and even the science of neuropsychology. A congregational Shabbat chicken dinner as well as a vegetarian option will follow the service. The dinner is hosted by the Adult Education Committee of Temple Israel and the Women of Reform Judaism. Dinner is $10 for adults and $6 for children six and older. No charge for younger children. Checks are requested by Monday, Oct. 25 at Temple Israel. On Saturday, Oct. 30, Shulevitz will be the guide for an intergenerational retreat from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fontenelle Forest. Rabbi Eric Linder and Temple Israel’s Family School members will lead an interactive Shabbat service inspired by the beauty of Fontenelle Forest. “It should be a fantastic opportunity to engage each other in the value of Shabbat while continuing to strengthen our own community,” said Rabbi Linder. The retreat is for those who have vowed to build more downtime into their weekend schedule but continually get sidelined by deadlines, emails, chores, and their children’s activities. Participants will examine the value of

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the custom of people passing the Sabbath day in one another’s company and taking walks or drives or sharing meals together as they celebrate their ability to stop and observe the Sabbath while the world around them hums with activity. Shulevitz and Rabbi Linder will engage the adults in a discussion considering whether Shabbat should be a time for rest or a time to be stirred to action. “…the basic principle uniting all of these rules (that deal with work not to be performed on the Sabbath) is about acknowledging that humans do not exert mastery over the world,” pointed out Shulevitz. “For one day a week, you let the world be as it is. And you be in it, and try not to dominate it.” Fees to attend the retreat, which includes a potluck lunch, crafts, and outdoor activities, are $25 per family or per individual members of Temple Israel and $50 for all others. Participants in Temple’s Family School can attend for no charge. Please make reservations by sending your check to Temple Israel by Monday, Oct. 25. Include the names of attendees. On Sunday, Oct. 31, Shulevitz will meet at 10 a.m. at Temple Israel for her concluding conversation on “Making Room for the Shabbat.” “No one thinks of time as a moral entity,” she indicated. “We think of it as a mathematically neutral one. But what was the labor movement’s fight for shorter days and work weeks about if not the social morality of time? And how about the way we’re recalibrating our feelings for our friends or our sense of how they feel about us…based on how many minutes they’ve kept us waiting? If other people’s use of our time isn’t the object of infinitesimal ethical calculation, I don’t know what is.” She also believes “that time has an architecture, and that that architecture has the power to affect us…deeply…” She said she is “eager to understand the shape of my week -- where it came from, what it meant, what values it incarnated.” According to the rabbis, the Sabbath is a taste of the world to come. “I think it’s an aftertaste of infancy,” Shulevitz remarked. “It’s a fantasy of perfect wholeness. If adult life is divided, the Sabbath is when we become one -- with our family, with our community, with God. The Kabbalists say that on the Sabbath each of us is granted an additional soul, a neshama yetera. I imagine that oversoul as a big, fleecy blanket.”

BIRTH Robyn and Jason Jensen announce the Sept. 16 birth of their daughter, Ava Marie. She is named for her great-grandmothers, Annette Frank Schloff and Marie Hansen, and for her great late aunt, Dawn Marie Jensen. She has a brother, Isaac, who will be three in November. Grandparents are Marsha and Ron Frank, and Carol and Roy Jensen.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Tom White will tell why he should be the Representative of Nebraska’s Second Congressional District in the US House on Wednesday, Oct. 27, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $13; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

October 22, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Beth El’s newly-established President’s Discretionary Fund honors leaders Richard and Beverly Fellman by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Of the many things a husband and wife share, it’s not often that both can say they’ve led their synagogue’s congregation. Not so with Beverly and Richard Fellman. The couple holds the special distinction of being only the second husband and wife (Don and Ozzie Nogg being the first), who have served Beth El Synagogue as president of its board of trustees: Dick, from 2002-‘04; and Bev, who began her two-year term this past June. As a tribute to this accomplishment, the Fellman family has honored Bev and Dick by recently establishing the Beth El President’s Discretionary Fund. The fund will be available to be used for programming, projects, speakers, and special events, and Tom and Darlynn Fellman have expressed the hope that families of future presidents will supplement it. “I am happy that I can give this gift to Beth El,” said Tom, noting that his sis-

ters, Jane Pickus, of Chicago, and Nancy school and high school students, in memRips, are also a part of this Fellman fami- ory of their mother. Tom recalled growing up at 53rd and ly gift. Rips added, “Not many families can Farnam St., just a few blocks from Beth claim two presidents of one synagogue. It El, and cited his mother’s involvement with the Sisterhood is a compliment to and his father’s love their intelligence, for the rabbis over hard work, and devothe years, including tion to Beth El.” David Goldstein, The Fellman family Myer Kripke, Alex has a rich history at Katz and Paul Beth El: their parents, Drazen. Dr. Leon and Frances “To Bev and me,” Fellman joined the said Dick, “Beth El synagogue in 1943 so has been our reliDick could attend gious and spiritual Hebrew school, and his three siblings all home since we were Richard and Beverly Fellman followed suit. For married in 1964, years, the congregation has benefited and it has remained that home through from the Dr. Leon Fellman Family both good times and not-so-good times, Scholar-in-Residence Fund; and since the but especially – and this was all good – in mid-‘60s, the family has provided gradu- the raising of our four children, Susan, ation gifts for the Talmud Torah’s middle Deborah, Jonathan and Daniel. Our

daughter, Susan, led the synagogue’s challah-baking effort this past year, and our Omaha grandchildren, Gabby and Julian, attend Sunday school.” Bev shared that, “We began to attend Shabbat morning services when our youngest child was three, and we just continued attending though the years. All of our children became Torah readers and never said ‘no’ when asked to read. We listened as each child practiced those Torah portions again and again in our living room, using the Tikun they received at their b’nai mitvzah.” With the establishment of the President’s Discretionary Fund, Bev Fellman will have a myriad of opportunities to benefit her fellow congregants – and she and her husband expressed gratitude for the tribute. “Bev and I each feel that it has been a great honor to serve Beth El as president,” Dick said, “and it is good of our family to honor us with this gift.”

Chabad Offers Medicine and Morals course, a Jewish guide to tough decisions through JLI by SHEVI KATZMAN The highly anticipated Fall JLI course, Medicine and Morals, begins on Monday, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. at Chabad Center. Rabbi Mendel Katzman will teach the six week course through Nov. 29. New students are invited to try the first class free with no obligation to continue. The six lessons will include Choosing Life: The Obligation to Seek Healing; Flesh of My Flesh: Organ Transplants in Jewish Law; Rolling the Dice: Risky and Experimental Treatments; New Beginnings: The Ethics of Reproductive

Technologies; With You In Mind: Ethical Treatment of the Mentally Disabled; Secret Code: Genetics and the Ethics of Patient Confidentiality. “As medicine advances and life expectancy increases, almost all of us will encounter an ethical dilemma in dealing with our own health or that of a loved one,” said Rabbi Zalman Abraham of the JLI’s Brooklyn headquarters. “But Jewish law creatively draws analogies with ancient paradigms to provide guidance through the maze of medical decisionmaking.”

Dr. Michael Feinman raves about the course in a promotional video available at www.vimeo.com/15775209. He urges viewers to take the course to address issues such as this: “The Catholic church, for instance, was against in-vitro fertilization. And from the early days, because of the Torah’s view on when life begins, it was pretty easy: Is in-vitro fertilization allowed? Is artificial insemination allowed? Is insemination with a donor sperm allowed?” Many medical professionals have signed up to take the course and like all JLI pro-

grams, this one is designed to appeal to people at all levels of Jewish knowledge. This includes those without any prior experience or background in Jewish learning. All JLI courses are open to the public, and attendees need not be affiliated with a particular synagogue, temple, or other house of worship. Interested students may call 330.1800 or visit www.myJLI.com The course will be available for CME and CLE credit (students who are pursuing continuing education credit may have to fulfill additional requirements).

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

1911

October 22, 2010

Celebrating a Century of Service to the Community

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

2011

Many families and individuals in our own community face poverty, disability, chronic illness, domestic violence and issues of mental health. For 100 years, Jewish Family Service has provided assistance to overcome these challenges. The agency’s acts of loving and kindness strengthen and preserve life in our community, make a difference to those in need and help create a more perfect world for all of us. In the summer of 2011, we will celebrate JFS and a century of caring, compassion and concern.

Rabbi Hillel said

“If I am not for myself, who will be? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” These words remind us that though self-interest is our right, we also have a duty to care for others. Today. For nearly a century, Jewish Family Service of Omaha has focused on providing crucial aid to individuals, couples and families facing challenges in their lives. Between July, 2009 and June, 2010, our efforts have been sustained by the following contributors who chose to balance their own needs with the needs of others. Grants

Endowments

Members of our community deserve to live with dignity. These grants provide financial assistance, counseling services, YACHAD activities and other critical programs that strengthen Jewish family life.

Paul and Joy Grossman Family Endowment Fund Kutler Dental Fund Richard “Pete” Lee Memorial Endowment Fund Ruth and Otmar Liebenstein JFS Financial Assistance Fund Jerome J and Frances O. Milder Endowment Fund Ruth and Bernard Raskin Endowment Fund Leo and Frances Rodick Memorial Endowment Fund Harry and Fannie Stock Rothkop/ Theodore Rothkop Fund Mark and Sophie Sturm Immigrant Education Fund Jake and Mary Wine Fund Yachad Endowment Fund Louis Friedman Fund for New Americans Pitlor Family Transplant Support Endowment Fund Nathan and Rose Lillian Fine JFS Tzedakah Endowment Fund JFS Discretionary Fund Rosalie and Milton Saylan Endowment Fund for JFS

Carl Frohm Memorial Foundation Phillip and Terri Schrager Supporting Foundation Special Donor Advised Fund Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for Youth Shirley & Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation Murray H. & Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Herbert Goldsten Trust Ernest A. & Ruth K. Nogg Charitable Fund Parsow & Simons Families Special Needs Community Fund Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Howard & Judy Vann Family Education Fund Eastern Nebraska Office on Aging (ENOA) The Kavich Family Charitable Foundation National Council of Jewish Women

Endowments Tikkun Olam -- repairing the world -is a moral obligation. Through these endowments, JFS continues to help people build lives of hope and joy. Paul Alperson Endowment Fund Pennie Z. Davis Family Life Education Fund Ike Friedman JFS Financial Assistance Fund Glazer Family Endowment Fund Edith and Paul Goldstein Endowment Fund

Friends of Jewish Family Service The Talmud says, “A good friend is a tower of strength. To find one is to find a treasure.” Friends of JFS help families in crisis receive guidance to put their lives back in order. Friend for Life The Noddle Family Nancy Noddle Susie Noddle Jay and Kim Noddle Fred and Eve Simon Benefactor Marvin and Susie Cohn Howard & Sandy Friedman Jay and Kim Noddle

Friends of Jewish Family Service

Friends of Jewish Family Service

Friends of Jewish Family Service

Friends of Jewish Family Service

Contributions & Tribute Cards

Contributions & Tribute Cards

Angel Barry Carnine Paul and Sandy Epstein Jeff and Sharon Kirshenbaum Rabbi and Mrs. Mordechai Levin Alan and Sandy Nogg Steve and Patty Nogg Dr. and Mrs. Jeffery Passer Marty and Iris Ricks Michael and Mimi Silverman

Jean Neff Reva Oruch Ellen and Jeff Platt Jonathan and Stacey Rockman Cynthia Schneider Dr. and Mrs. Norman Sheldon Dr. and Mrs. Peter Silberstein Joie Simon Andi Willensky Alan Wolfson Morley and Charlotte Zipursky Dr. and Mrs. Speedy Zweiback

Rose M. Davis Larry and Cheri Ginsburg Don and Ann Goldstein Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Gutnik Mace Hack and Rosie Zweiback Marc and Kimberly Kahn Beatrice Karp Donald Klein David and Shane Kotok Marshall and Barbara Kushner Vidar and Vera Levit Dr. and Mrs. Larry Malashock Drs. Ruth and Eyal Margalit Alvin & Sharon Milder Dr. and Mrs. Gordon Moshman Beth Staenberg Dr. and Mrs. Bob Olesh Phil and Helga Patterson Nancy Rips Debbie Salomon Lisa Shkolnick Irving and Gail Veitzer Norman and Joodi Veitzer Leon and Sally Wintroub Steve and Kathleen Zalkin

Franklin Kaiman Robert and Esther Katelman Tom and Kate Kirshenbaum Marvin and Sandy Kohll Jack and Bette Kozlen Dr. and Mrs. Sol Kutler Dr. Michael Levine Maury and Rosalie Meiches Stuart and Bettie Muskin Leslie Norman Sheila Rosen Mark and Alla Rubezhin Milt Saylan Larry and Sherry Shapiro Howard and Sissy Silber Esther Silver Harold Siporin Dorothy Spizman Helen Weber Ted and Amee Zetzman Michael and Alla Zinkov

Barb, Steve & Ali Brehmer Freda Bucheister Scott Burger Barry Carnine Mrs. Donald Cohen Edith Comisar Frank, Cheril and Andrea Comisar Harvey and Rose Cooper Justin and Joan Cooper Henry Davis Twedy Donna Rick Eirenberg Audrey Epstein Mike and Jill Erman Tom and Darlynn Fellman Daniel Fitzgerald and Andrea Gordman Sharon Fohrman Morris & Cindy Friedman Howard & Sandy Friedman Scott and Debbie Friedman FVB Foundation, Inc. Heidi Gilliland Jay and Allison Gordman Robert and Ellen Gordman Scott Haber Dr. and Mrs. Philip Itkin Jeanie Jacobson Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kader Howard and Gloria Kaslow Lawrence and Andrea Kavich Heather Kelln Esther Kessler Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum Donald Klein Ivy Kohll Jerry and Gail Kohll Sandra Kohll Sherry and Mark Kohn Howard and Sharon Kooper Lloyd and Edith Krasne Randy Langdon and Sharon Comsar Langdon Sissi Lapides Steve Levy Thomas and Angela Malicki Harold and Linda Mann Todd and Wendy Manvitz

Jan & Abbe Marholin Allan and Jane Murow Linda Muskin Jean Neff Alan and Sandy Nogg Michael and Susie Norton Alan and Carol Parsow Michael Parsow Miss Alex Pichik Ann Pickel Oliver and Karen Pollak Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Rennard Marty & Iris Ricks Gary and Caryn Rifkin Jonathan and Stacey Rockman Rose Blumkin Foundation Ruth Somberg Krantz Debbie Salomon Judy Saniuk Milt and Rosalie Saylan Philip and Terri Schrager Rick Schrager Phyllis Schwartz Shoshana Shapiro Larry and Sherry Shapiro Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet Michael and Patricia Sherman Nathan Shukert* Leonard Siedlik Michael and Mimi Silverman T.N. and Carol T. Thorstenson Selma Tretiak* Ronald and Ruth Watson Andi Willensky Leon and Sally Wintroub Philip and Nancy Wolf Phyllis and Harold Zabin Richard and Terri Zacharia Steve and Kathleen Zalkin

Champion Steve and Carol Bloch Justin and Joan Cooper Larry and Debbie Josephson Howard and Gloria Kaslow Dennis and Lisa Lewis Patron Harry Berman and Beth Cohen Albert Bloch Sylvia Cohn Judge and Mrs. Sam Cooper* Dr. and Mrs. Ronald Cooper Mike and Jill Erman Jim and Judy Farber Toby Fellman Dick and Bev Fellman Sam and Frances Fried Sanford and Amy Friedman FVB Foundation, Inc. Richard and Phyllis Glazer Dr. and Mrs. John Goldner Jerry and Linda Gordman Donald and Nancy Greenberg Joshua and Amanda Gurock Jeff and Karen Gustafson David and Nancy Jacobson Gary and Sally Kaplan Lawrence and Andrea Kavich Milton and Marsha Kleinberg Harold and Alice Kosowsky Marty and Joanie Lehr Cliff Levitan Leonard and Bert Lewis* Van and Judy Marcus Joe & Tina Meyers

Supporter David and Carol Alloy Tom and Mary Bernstein Louie and Frances Blumkin James and Marge Bresel Amnon and Beth Dotan Howard and Sharon Epstein Cantor and Mrs. Leo Fettman Lloyd and Lois Friedman Alex and Mary Sue Grossman Myron Kaplan Rick and Julee Katzman Kevee and Myrna Kirshenbaum Stan and Angie Krieger Dr. and Mrs. Neal Malashock Rita Novak Louis Pachman and Allison Latenser Miles and Eileen Remer Dr. and Mrs. Stephen Rennard Andrew and Kimberly Robinson Susan Rothholz Phyllis Schwartz Dr. and Mrs. Paul Shyken Scott and Jill Simon Bud Studna Philip and Nancy Wolf Barry and Nora Zoob Sponsor Anonymous (1) Phyllis Aron Ron and Beth Brodkey Larry and Judy Brookstein Frederick and Molline Cassman

Circle of Friends Anonymous (4) Jeffrey and Susan Aizenberg Bernie Altsuler Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel Gerald and Mary Berman Freda Bucheister Cantor Wendy Shermet and Mr. Len Burrell Jack and Marcia Cohen Harvey and Rose Cooper Jean Duitch Arnold “Tuffy” and Helen Epstein Beverly Gillinsky Mikhail Ginsburg and Elvira Stetamova Mort and Jan Glass Howard and Jan Goldstein Alan and Gloria Goodman Richard and Joanie Jacobson Gloria Jones Marcel and Ilse Kahn

Contributions & Tribute Cards Donations in honor and in remembrance of family and friends help meet the emotional and financial needs that accompany unexpected medical problems or the loss of employment. 39 Forever Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue 5th grade class Beth Israel Synagogue Friedel Academy Home Instead Senior Care Swanson Towers Association Inc. Temple Israel Visions Harry and Doris Alloy MeriKay Anderson Harold and Millie Bernstein Albert Bloch Steve and Carol Bloch Irvin and Susan Blumkin Louie and Frances Blumkin

Project Dreidel

Project Dreidel

At Hanukkah, JFS volunteers bring toys to children. Through this active intervention, the fundamental human needs of others are met.

Susan Rothholz Rabbi Maximo and Jeanne Shechet Lisa Shkolnick Michael and Mimi Silverman Stewart and Judy Tully Steve and Joye Wees

CDC students Hadassah Henry Monsky Lodge/B'nai B'rith Temple Israel Religious School Harry and Doris Alloy Phyllis Aron Albert Bloch Sherman and Sandy Brodkey Nancy Burkhart Cathy Christiansen Sandy Epstein Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein Judy Farber Hilary Fletcher Jim and Jill Folsom Shelly Fox Ted and Jamie Friedland Debbie Friedman Bennett and Julie Ginsberg Jeff and Danielle Gordman Debbie Josephson Lawrence and Andrea Kavich Nancy Kavich Adam and Nikki Kirshenbaum Matt and Jenn Kirshenbaum Jeff and Sharon Kirshenbaum Tom and Kate Kirshenbaum Gail Kohll Howard and Sharon Kooper Gary Kudym Sandy Lehr Harold and Linda Mann Julie Martin David and Sue Meyers* Jenny Meyerson and sons Ann Moshman Alan and Linda Muskin Jay and Kim Noddle Michael and Susie Norton Ms. Fefe Passer Ellen Platt Marty and Iris Ricks Jonathan and Stacey Rockman

Jewish Family Service is able to do its work because members of this remarkable community genuinely care about one another. Thank you for your generous support.

*Of Blessed Memory We apologize if your name was omitted from this list. Please call JFS at 330-2024.

Project Tzedakah Each year, during Rosh Hashanah, Hanukkah and Passover, JFS supports the less fortunate with holiday food baskets. Giving to others is an act of social justice. Harry Berman and Beth Cohen Richard & Tara Briscoe Nancy Burkhart Janey Dann Arnold "Tuffy" Epstein Bev Fellman Jill Folsom Shelly Fox Julie Ginsberg David Goldberg David and Shirley Goodman Karen Gustafson Sheryn Joffee Michael and Carol Katzman Nancy Kavich Kate Kirshenbaum Nikki Kirshenbaum Gary Kudym Harold and Linda Mann Wendy Manvitz Joy Mason Bruce Meyers Jennifer Miller Sandy Nogg Susan Rothholz Suzanne Singer Visions

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

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

Eisenberg Fund helps Temple kids attend Jewish summer camps by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Erwin loved to read, and he spoke sevTemple Israel Communications Coordinator eral languages and was “quite an athlete Imagine being the parent of a third of sorts,” said Bob. His father liked to grader and receiving a letter informing swim, dive, bowl, play pool and cards. He you that your child will be provided a also “took us traveling all over the voucher in the amount Western World. Very of $1,000 to attend his well rounded and, or her first overnight according to people of Jewish summer camp. his generation, very In today’s economy, friendly, he had a good that’s what you call sense of humor,” Bob good news. remarked. Every family of every “I was motivated to third grader enrolled in name the scholarship” Religious School at after Erwin, “because Temple Israel receives he is my father. It’s such a letter. The really as simple as that,” voucher can be used Bob explained. “I have through the youngbeen pleased with the sters’ senior year in fund. Camp is very high school. Families important for Jewish who join Temple Israel Erwin Eisenberg in 1966 on a Boat continuity, and the after their children Cruise between Italy and Haifa, Israel Reform Movement has have completed third often been successful in grade will also be eligible to receive the this regard. I would encourage others to campership. set up similar funds,” he added. “I think the camp experience is an Adam and Alec Folsom went to Camp excellent way of transmitting Judaism,” Sabra last summer and wanted to thank said Bob Eisenberg when he established Bob Eisenberg for their camperships. In a the Erwin Eisenberg Campership Fund in letter, the boys wrote, “We had such a 2004 in memory of his father. The schol- great time even though we were homearships are not needs-based. Noting that sick…..(we) met so many new people. camp is expensive, “no one has to ask” for Everyday was something fun to do and a this scholarship. It’s “an option for every- new experience. We both really apprecione no matter how affluent they are.” ate it. Thank you again.” Erwin Eisenberg was born in 1920 and Hannah and Shelby Goodman also raised in Budapest, Hungary. He studied wrote thank you letters to Eisenberg. architecture but was unable to complete “Thank you so much for giving my sister his degree due to World War II. His fam- and I money to go to camp OSRUI,” ily, including both his parents and seven penned Hannah. “It was an experience siblings, spent most of the war years in I’ll never forget. I met tons of nice peoBudapest and, except for one brother, ple and will definitely come back next survived. “My father did spend a few year. I came shy and timid and left knowmonths in a labor camp,” added Bob, ing that my cabin mates are my sisters I’ll “which was considerably ‘lighter’ than a remember forever.” concentration camp.” There were Jews as Younger sister Shelby explained to well as non-Jews there. Eisenberg that “without your help I After a few months in the camp, Erwin probably wouldn’t have had this wonderwas put on a passenger train. He didn’t ful experience at camp. It was one of the know where he was headed, but fearing best places I’ve ever been to.” She admitthe worst, he managed to jump off the ted that although she missed her family, train when it slowed down. Along with “this camp was amazing. I loved it.” several others, he returned to Budapest. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel acknowledged that After the war, Erwin stayed in Europe the campership “has been a great gift for where he worked as “a small trader, an strengthening the Jewish identity of our entrepreneur” of sorts, according to Bob. youth. Participation in summer Jewish Arriving in America about 1948, Erwin camps has helped the youth groups to opened an art gallery in Des Moines, meet other Jewish kids from the Iowa, in 1958. He bought paintings from Midwest, go to retreats, enjoy Jewish Europe and sold them in the United learning, etc. Summer camp participation States. In 1960, he opened the Eisenberg is one of the reasons for the strength of Art Gallery in Omaha. Bella, Erwin’s Reform Judaism in America.” wife, ran the business for many years after Contact Dennis DePorte, Temple he died in 1974. Bella died about one Israel executive director, for more inforand a half years ago, and the art gallery mation at 556.6536 or at ddewas sold to a new owner from Lincoln porte@templeisraelomaha.com. There who has been refurbishing it. is a $10,000 minimum donation requireAlthough Bob has lived in New York ment to set up a named fund at Temple. for a number of years, he likes “keeping These funds, which make a statement ties with Omaha” and is a member of about the values and beliefs that you hold Temple Israel. His own children, Talia dear, can be set up at any time or can be and Zev, attended Jewish summer camps part of your estate plans. and enjoyed them, according to Bob.

Eye On Israel to resume in November by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center For Jewish Education Dr. Guy Matalon’s Eye On Israel discussions will resume Tuesday, Nov. 2 from noon-1 p.m. in the Kripke Library. This is a great way to keep up with what’s happening within the state of Israel and surrounding areas, as well as to stimulate thought and debate about current Israeli and American foreign political policy.

“I feel it is very important to know what is going on in Israel, and the world,” said regular attendee Bea Karp. “It is our homeland, and should be very important to every Jew.” Eye On Israel is held on Tuesdays, every other month and is open to the public, free of charge. The program is tentatively scheduled for the months of November, January, March, and May. For more information, call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

October 22, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

First and second graders go exploring on Omaha’s first ever Synagogue Mystery Tour by ILANA WEISS Institute for Holocaust Education, Plains States Office of the ADL On Oct. 10 over 50 first and second grade students hopped on two buses for the community’s first ever Synagogue Mystery Tour. The program, supported by Beth El, Beth Israel, Temple Israel, Friedel Jewish Academy, the Center for Jewish Education and a grant from the Herbert Goldsten Trust, allowed students to take their Jewish learning out of the classroom and travel to all three of Omaha’s synagogues. While there, the children were greeted by rabbis who guided them through the sanctuaries, showing the anxious learners various symbols that one can find in all synagogues around the world. At each site, the children were given a game card with pictures representing each of the objects that would be shown to them. The students’ task was to mark off each picture with a sticker as they saw the real-life object within the synagogue. The first stop on the tour was Beth Israel where Rabbi Mizrahi delighted the students by showing them not just one, but two spaces – the main sanctuary and the chapel. Pointing out the Ner Tamid -- the eternal light -- in the smaller chapel, Rabbi Mizrahi asked, “Did anybody see

this object somewhere else here?” The children clamored saying that they had seen it in the larger sanctuary, and Rabbi Mizrahi explained that it is a light which is

Synagogue Mystery Tour participants look on at Beth El as the Torah scroll is rolled out. Credit, Judy Rubin always on within sanctuaries everywhere. By the second stop at Temple Israel, the participants were eager to play another round of their synagogue

search with Rabbi Linder. Interspersed with some jokes along the way (“Where is baseball found in the Torah?” he asked -- “In the BIG-INNING!”) Rabbi Linder pointed out the same types of symbols that the students had learned about earlier in the day noting that while the objects may be in different locations or look slightly different, they still carry the same meaning and importance. Finally, the young synagogue explorers got off of the buses at the last stop -- Beth El. There, they met Rabbi Levin who showed the students the symbols that they were looking for, and also pointed out some of the more artistic elements of Beth El’s sanctuary such as the curtains depicting the days of creation. Children eagerly gathered around a long table in front of the bima where Rabbi Levin rolled out a large portion of the Torah allowing the students to see the inside of the Torah upclose. At the end of the tour, the first and second graders departed with a souvenir to remind them of the day, and hopefully also departed with an understanding that while many synagogues may look a little different from each other, wherever they go around the world they can be sure to find the same things inside.

Brisket rules at Star Deli Dinner Main Street event by OZZIE NOGG Brisket -- the quintessential Jewish comfort food -- will receive star billing at the Star Deli Dinner, Tuesday, Nov. 2, on Main Street at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “Brisket will be the evening’s special,” said Josh Gurock, JSS Facilities Coordinator. “We’re offering seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. You can start your meal with a choice of matzah ball, kreplach or hearty beef barley mushroom soup, and then enjoy savory, tender brisket accompanied by kasha varnishkehs -- the traditional dish of cooked buckwheat groats tossed with bow-tie macaroni and flavored with sauteed onions. A colorful medley of cooked vegetables rounds out the menu. Totally full of tam, and all for just $12.99 a plate.” Mike Silverman, RBJH Executive Director, is the local poster boy for pastrami, corned beef and knishes. “Ever since I moved to Omaha from New York,” he said, “I’ve craved authentic deli food. The Nov. 2 Star Deli Dinner is our latest offering to those who enjoy delicious, plentiful family-style meals,” Silverman said.

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Since it opened on July 30, the Star Deli has developed a group of Faithful Friday Foodies, including Guy Matalon and Barbara Kirkpatrick. For Matalon, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation’s Center for Jewish Education, Friday deli lunches are “an exciting opportunity to enjoy delicious kosher entrees, meet new people and build the community. We talk about the food, about Israel, Judaism, the weather, you name it.” When pressed for his favorite menu item, Matalon said, “Every dish is my favorite, but the chicken tenders rank near the top. They’re home-made in the Home’s kitchen and coated with a secret batter. Amazing.” Barb Kirkpatrick, Omaha Jewish Federation bookkeeper, often “does” the Star Deli Friday lunch with Nancy Martin, a Federation secretary. “The sandwiches are so thick, Nancy and I split one,” Kirkpatrick said. “You really get a lot for your buck.” The fast, efficient service also rates kudos from Deli patrons. “The entire atmosphere is so entertaining,” Kirkpatrick added, “and when the weather is pleasant, we take our lunch outside and sit

in the Blumkin Home courtyard. That’s a nice break in the work day.” A Google search revealed some sophisticated, international brisket recipes. A Greek version -- smoked -- calls for 15 cloves of garlic plus generous amounts of oregano and Kalamata olives. In Hong Kong, brisket is cooked with cinnamon, star anise and cloves, and served with noodles in soup or curry. The Star Deli brisket, on the other hand, resembles the fragrant, savory brisket Bubbie used to make. “When people order take-out food for holiday dinners, Star Deli brisket is the most requested meal,” Silverman said. “Come enjoy a plate on Nov. 2.” Reservations for the Star Deli Dinner are appreciated. Please call Teresa at 330.4272 to save your spot.

Remember... Join the community on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium when the Jewish Federation recognizes its Volunteers of the Year and awards the following honors: The Phil & Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation Award, the Chesed Award, and the Community Service Award. A dessert reception will immediately follow the presentation. The entire community is invited.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

Dressing up by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press We all like to dress funny from time to time. It allows us to temporarily be someone else, go a little crazy, and have some innocent fun. Whether it’s Halloween or a Purim party, putting on a wig and a different set of clothes doesn’t hurt anybody, right? Except when your choice of costume is long on drama but short on common sense. As is the case with Ohio Congressional candidate Rich Iott, who recently had to face some criticism about a particular suit he donned for a WW II re-enactment. Iott, who dressed like a Nazi, didn’t see the problem: “I don’t see anything wrong about (sic) educating the public about events that happened. And that’s the whole purpose of historical reenacting.” (Yahoo.com) Educating the public about the atrocities of war is a noble cause indeed. Particularly what happened during WW II needs to be taught; not just in schools, but to the public in general, on a continuing basis. I would like my children, who are growing up far from the Holocaust, to know what went on. But I don’t expect my children’s teachers to dress like the Waffen SS while they broach the subject, thank you very much. Asked what he said while wearing the Nazi uniform in schools, he said, “We talked about the atrocities that were committed, and it was a horrible, horrible part of history. But we can’t forget about it, or sweep it under the rug. Because those who forget about history are destined to repeat it.” (Yahoo.com) That’s a nice P.R. line, and I’m not buying it. Dressing like a Nazi isn’t equal to reminding people of the Holocaust. You can do that without a historically accurate uniform. Did you ever say to yourself: “I would understand the Holocaust much better, if only someone

(Founded in 1920)

dressed like Heinrich Himmler would explain it to me?” Exactly. So why, then, do people find it necessary to dress up like the enemy? Could it be that some people are simply a little too fascinated with the face of evil; does Iott put himself in a Nazi’s shoes because he has a morbid curiosity about the nature of the beast? Glorification is by no means an innocent phenomenon. It is a small step from fascination to admiration, from “The Nazis were pretty smart to pull that off” to “They did the right thing.” I believe it is equally dangerous to WW II as purely historical. It opens the door to a certain kind of nostalgic worldview, the way we tend to view the 1950’s as innocent while forgetting about racial segregation and the Korean War. Sure, it is over, Hitler died in a bunker and the surrounding countries were liberated, but the effects of WW II continue to this day. It is evident in the eagerness with which so many neoNazis leave the fringe and enter mainstream society, the way defacing monuments and buildings w i t h swastikas continues to be commonplace. Make no mistake:

the Nazis, in many ways, are still here. People like Iott are suspect for two reasons: one, for putting on a Waffen SS uniform, and two, for defending it. The act of wearing a Nazi uniform is wrong, and it is still wrong 70, 80 years later. There are no reasons that justify this, and there are no conditions under which this is acceptable. The other day, I took my nine-year-old shopping. She had begged for weeks to go visit the Halloween store, only to instantly regret it when I finally allowed her inside. It was all just a little too gory, too naughty, to disgusting. No funny witches or spiders, no ladybugs or other cuddly animal costumes. Instead, she got a (very short) taste of what it looks like when people go overboard when dressing up. My nine-year-old knows what Rich Iott apparently still needs to learn-you need to know when to stop. When it comes to dressing for a party, less is always more.

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by ABRAHAM H. FOXMAN National Director of the ADL BOSTON (JTA) -In recent months our society has devolved into one more and more characterized by polarization, rage, stridency and partisanship. We find ourselves in a time where people are put to loyalty tests, where one’s motivation in disagreeing is interpreted in the most cynical way no matter the record of the individual. And it opens one up to hyperbolic charges of one kind or another. People can’t just have different legitimate opinions anymore -- they are charged with being guilty of betrayals, of conspiracies, of abandonment of principles, of endangering all our values. Most symptomatic is the tendency to exploit issues associated with an ethnic, racial or religious group by reviving or updating stereotypes about a particular community. Unfortunately, this is not new to America. The classic case study is the treatment of African Americans. As American Jews we have been subjected to virulent anti-Semitism, often with the acquiescence of government or its apathy. Catholics, too, were victims of religious prejudice. As recently as 50 years ago, some questioned whether a Catholic should be president: Would John F. Kennedy be directed by the pope rather than the American people? Mormons continue to be ridiculed for their religious beliefs. Now, as a result of the debate surrounding

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Speak out against anti-Muslim bigotry the mosque near Ground Zero, we are witnessing a surge in anti-Muslim bigotry. It is evident that this surge is taking place with greater force now than at a time when one might have expected it, immediately after 9/11. At that time we were worried about an explosion of hatred against American Muslims, particularly after there were a few serious incidents following the terrorist tragedy. As things turned out, anti-Muslim bigotry did not explode. Yes, there were incidents, and even one is too many, but dire predictions did not materialize. But now, nine years later, we are seeing a surge of incidents. I believe it is related to the broader trends in America -- the lack of civility, the tendency to see enemies all around and the reinforcement of prejudicial views rather than diverse views. Islam is one of the world’s great religions. But like Judaism and Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism and others, if it isn’t your religion you most likely have little knowledge, if any, of its beliefs and practices. Ignorance has always been one of the common denominators of those who are bigoted against “the others.” And ignorance can breed fear, which too easily can become hatred. The Muslim community in America is being confronted by ugly, in-your-face religious bigotry and we must speak out against it, educate against it and label it anti-American. Therefore, despite the fact that there is a serious enmity between the Children of Ishmael and the Children of Isaac; despite the fact that the greatest conveyer belt for antiSemitic incitement in the world today comes from the Muslim world -- in the Middle East,

Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

in North Africa, in Europe and even in Latin America; and despite the fact that Hamas, Hezbollah, al-Qaida, and Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his Iranian regime purport to speak in the name of Islam, and commit to end Israel’s existence and to the destruction of the Jewish people -- when religious bigotry rears its ugly head against Muslims, we must speak out. We must differentiate between extreme theology and ideology in Islam, and condemn it and challenge it, while at the same time define and separate it from the non-extremist ideology and theology. We must condemn the brand of Islam that venerates violence and intolerance, and welcome into the modern world the rest of Islam that rejects violence and intolerance. We must speak out when there are threats to burn the Muslim holy book, the Koran. ADL condemned the threat to burn the Koran on “Burn a Koran Day” in Gainesville, Fla., and spearheaded a coalition of interfaith leaders to speak out with the message of “we will not remain silent in the face of religious Intolerance.” We must speak out when Muslims face opposition to the legal building, expansion or relocation of their houses of worship -- their mosques, which is why we established an interfaith task force. We must speak out when Muslims are denied religious accommodation. We believe you fight hatred -- be it because of one’s religion, race, ethnicity -- with legitimate action and civil discourse. By standing up, speaking out, saying no to religious bigotry, gaining understanding and respect through education and working Continued on page 13

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jewish omaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $35 per calendar year U.S.; $72 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

October 22, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Orthodox unsure how to react to anti-gay violence, discrimination “We want to reiterate the absolute prohibition of student after his roommate posted video on the Internet homosexual relationships according to Jewish law,” Joel showing him kissing another male, Rabbi Steven BEHIND THE wrote in a statement co-authored with Rabbi Yona Reiss, Wernick, the executive vice president of the United the dean of YU’s rabbinical school. “We are committed Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, wrote an open letHEADLINES to providing halakhic guidance and sensitivity with ter to Jewish teens and college students discussing how by URIEL HEILMAN

NEW YORK (JTA) -- When the Republican candidate for New York governor, Carl Paladino, addressed an Orthodox crowd on Sunday about his opposition to gay pride parades and how children shouldn’t be “brainwashed” into thinking being gay is OK, he clearly thought he’d find a receptive audience. He was right. Orthodox viewpoints on homosexuality are derived from the Torah, which is clear in its condemnation of male gay sex, and Orthodox leaders almost uniformly oppose celebrating gay identity. It was that opposition that prompted The New Jersey Jewish Standard, a Jewish weekly in a heavily Orthodox area of northern New Jersey, to apologize earlier this month for offending Orthodox sensibilities by printing a gay wedding announcement (though the newspaper later switched course, expressing regret for its hasty apology). “Sometimes people feel that they have the right to make their choices and then to obligate others to celebrate their choices,” said Rabbi Shmuel Goldin, a past president of the Rabbinical Council of Bergen County in northern New Jersey. “We believe that we cannot celebrate these choices.” Goldin was the rabbi who in a meeting with The Jewish Standard warned the paper that its same-sex wedding announcement might alienate Orthodox readers. Yet on other issues involving gays beyond sex -- discrimination, anti-gay violence -- the Orthodox community appears unsure about how to act, if at all. While Conservative and Reform leaders issued statements condemning anti-gay violence following a spate of recent gay suicides in the United States evidently prompted by bullying and the Oct. 3 beating of a Bronx, N.Y., man thought to be gay, Orthodox voices largely have been silent. “We don’t issue statements in response to every single incident on every single situation that happens across the board,” said Nathan Diament, director of the Orthodox Union’s Institute for Public Affairs. The dilemma for Orthodox leaders is how to condemn anti-gay activity without being seen as endorsing the “mainstreaming of the homosexual lifestyle,” as one Orthodox spokesman put it. For many that means not addressing the issue of anti-gay violence or discrimination at all. For others it means addressing the issue only when pressed or absolutely necessary. Rabbi Steven Pruzansky, spiritual leader of one of the biggest Modern Orthodox synagogues in New Jersey, Bnai Yeshurun of Teaneck, said he is “against violence against any person or group,” but he declined to address violence against gays specifically. “I can’t say more than I’ve said,” he told JTA. When Yeshiva University, the flagship institution of Modern Orthodoxy, held a forum last December on “Being Gay in the Orthodox World,” the president of the university, Richard Joel, declined to attend. Instead he issued a statement warning that the event could “send the wrong message” about the Torah’s opposition to homosexuality.

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respect to all challenges confronted by individuals within our broader community, including homosexual inclinations, in a discreet, dignified and appropriate fashion.” Joel did not respond to multiple requests from JTA for interviews for this story. Rabbi Avi Shafran, spokesman for Agudath Israel of America, which represents the black-hat segment of Orthodoxy, said the traditional Orthodox community is appalled by hate violence against anyone, including gays, but that the community is also “deeply dismayed at the ongoing and increasingly successful public and media campaign to ‘mainstream’ the homosexual lifestyle.” It might have been insensitive for Paladino to reiterate his opposition to homosexual lifestyles in the immediate wake of anti-gay violence, Shafran said, but that was “a matter of sensitivity to feelings.” For his part Paladino, after his remarks to the Orthodox audience in Brooklyn made national news, was unapologetic. But the candidate also took pains to say that discrimination against gays was “horrible” and should not be tolerated. Some Orthodox Jews say that stance -- expressing distaste for homosexuality but condemning anti-gay discrimination -- should be a model for the Orthodox community. Goldin, the spiritual leader of Congregation Ahavath Torah in Englewood, N.J., said he has spoken from the pulpit against anti-gay discrimination and encourages others to do so. Goldin also is the vice president of the Rabbinical Council of America, the main modern Orthodox rabbinic organization. “The Orthodox approach to gays in our community is guided by two principles that are somewhat conflicting,” Goldin said. “We believe in respect for all individuals regardless of their sexual orientation and stand adamantly against any physical, mental or social violence committed against them. At the same time we have a deep commitment to the integrity of Torah law, which clearly proscribes same-sex relationships.” The Orthodox Union opposes same-sex marriages and is lobbying for religious groups to be exempted from a proposed federal law that would bar workplace discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. Asked about the recent gay suicides and the beating in the Bronx, Diament said, “We’re on record as being opposed to acts of violence and harassment, and certainly any criminal activity against individuals based on their identity or perceptions of their identity.” For their part, Reform and Conservative leaders have had fewer qualms about speaking out, reflecting their movements’ stances on gay issues. The Reform movement believes same-sex unions are “worthy of affirmation through appropriate Jewish ritual,” welcomes gay rabbis and cantors, and advocates for legalizing same-sex unions. The Conservative movement still officially forbids one specific sexual act between men, but now permits its clergy to officiate at same-sex ceremonies and allows gays and lesbians to become rabbis. Following last month’s suicide by a Rutgers University

bullying is antithetical to Judaism and offering resources to adolescents feeling bullied or considering suicide. Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of the Union for Reform Judaism, said, “These tragedies underscore the dangerous consequences of bullying in general and ongoing public insensitivity to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people. The Union encourages every congregation and school to create an anti-bullying program that addresses both sexual orientation and gender identity. We must not stand idly by and wait for the next tragedy to occur.” Keshet, an organization that advocates for full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender Jews in the Jewish community, said it got more than 3,500 individuals and Jewish institutions to sign on to a pledge to end homophobic harassment in the community. Four hundred rabbis were among the signers. “Our gay youth must know that our synagogues, communities and our rabbis welcome them,” Rabbi Andrew Sacks, a Conservative leader in Israel, wrote on his blog, Masorti Matters [http://cgis.jpost.com/Blogs/con ser vative/entr y/on_gay_teenage_suicide_and]. “Religious leaders of all denominations must take the lead by speaking out.”

Rabbinical Assembly weighs in on controversy by URIEL HEILMAN The Conservative movement's Rabbinical Assembly issued a statement Friday on the heat the N.J. Jewish Standard is feeling over its decision to print, then apologize for, then express regret for apologizing for a gay wedding announcement in its Sept. 24 issue. Among the more surprising elements in the R.A. statement: It's just as holy to be a journalist as it is to be a rabbi (tell that to your kids!). “The running of a Jewish newspaper is no less a sacred endeavor than the work of rabbis and teachers, as all strive to convey our most deeply held values in a manner that promotes kavod ha’adam, the sacred essence of the human being.” As a journalist, I must say this goes a wee bit over the top... (Is the R.A. even remotely familiar with the profession of journalism?)

anti-Muslim bigotry Continued from page 12 together, we can -- to borrow an ADL catchphrase -make a world of difference and at the same time strengthen the fabric of our democratic and diverse society. We can do no less. We can help restore respect and civility. Abraham H. Foxman is the national director of the Anti-Defamation League. This Op-Ed was adapted from a speech he delivered to ADL’s annual meeting in Boston on Oct. 7.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

Candlelighting Friday, October 22, 6:15 p.m.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat TUnes and Tales, 11:15-11:45 a.m. led by Miss Patty; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:20 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Frydman-Levin. B’NAI MITZVAH PARENTS’ MEETING: Sunday, 11 a.m. for parents of children born in 2000, who will become B’nai Mitzvah in 2013. USY/KADIMA: Will enjoy an apple-picking outing at Ditmars Orchard on Sunday, 2-4 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up at Beth El. On Thursday, Oct. 28, 6–7:30 p.m., the youths will meet in the synagogue kitchen to bake pies with the apples they picked the previous weekend. For more information, contact Youth Director Shiri Tene in the office, or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. RABBI’S THURSDAY CLASS: New weekly class, Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible will begin on Thursday, Nov. 4, noon. During this class, the rabbi will discuss what the text has to say about topics such as families, parenting, faith, failure, and many more. The year-long course is open to all adults in the Jewish community. Cost is $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. To register, call the office, or email programming@bethel-om aha.org. GLASS RIBBON PROJECT: Women throughout the Omaha Jewish community will come together at Beth El on Monday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., to participate in this free community art project to

support the fight against breast cancer. For more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office. All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 6 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:13 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Lecture Series with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel. blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: After school teen program, 3:40-4 p.m.; JLI class,

Medicine & Morals, Your Jewish guide through life’s tough decisions, 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Shevi at 330.1800 or JLI@OChabad. com. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Lori and Mark Schwartz. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes due to LPS fall break. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes due to LPS fall break.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Naama Chana Weiss’ first birthday party followed by Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Rabbi and Naama Weiss; Kabbalat Shabbat, 5 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Grades PreK-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 2 @ Humane Society, 10 a.m.; WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m.; OTYG Tree Planting, noon-4 p.m. at Bleicher’s Farm. Meet at Temple Israel at noon; Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, noon; Raise Money for Religious School by eating a Julio’s, 4-9 p.m., 123rd and West Center. 20% of the proceeds from dinner goes to Temple Israel’s Religious School. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. Join them by contacting Program Director Wendy Goldberg, 556.6536 or wgolberg@templeisraelomaha. com. An Adult B’nai Mitzvah ceremony is scheduled for May 13. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m. with Mor Sheinbein; Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents; Temple Mitzvah Corp.Learning Community 101, 6:30 p.m. with Lorraine Chang and Nancy Jacobson. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy,” 10 a.m.; Leadership Development, 7 p.m. Scholar-in-residence, Judith Shulevitz on Oct. 29-31. (see full story on page 6.)

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes due to LPS fall break. WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes due to LPS fall break.

Nancy Rips visits Blumkin residents

Biden to speak at Jewish Federations’ annual parley by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) -- Vice President Joe Biden will speak at the annual General Assembly of the Jewish Federations of North America http://jewishfederatio ns.org, the organization announced. The conference, which annually gathers several thousand officials and lay leaders of the Jewish federation system, will be held Nov. 7-9 in New Orleans. “We are proud to be hosting Vice President Biden at the GA,” said GA North American chairs Steve and Judy Silverman, who are leading the event along with international chair Eitan Wertheimer.

This year’s GA, which is themed “The Big Embrace in the Big Easy,” takes place five years after the federation system raised nearly $30 million to help the Jewish and general communities of the Gulf Coast rebuild from Hurricane Katrina’s devastation. The GA also will feature notable voices from the arts, business, politics and philanthropy, as well as leaders of federations and their partner organizations, including the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee and the Jewish Agency. Israel’s opposition leader, Tzipi Livni, and its U.S. ambassador, Michael Oren, will be among the top Israeli political figures to attend.

Nancy Rips, author of ‘High Holiday Stories’, and Linda Gordman visit during a special literary tea time at the Rose Blumkin Home.

To submit obituaries: E-mail to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mail to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

October 22, 2010

Noah

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE The great flood In talking about Noah and the Flood, we must remember that we are talking about a limited world, the Mediterranean basin. The Mediterranean was relatively large, and those who wrote these stories thought that this was the world. Even as late as the time of Columbus, with his great fleet of pathetic tiny boats (I hesitate to call them “ships”) there were those who in all goodwill urged him not to go beyond the Mediterranean, for after the Mediterranean, they said, your ships will fall over the edge, and you will all be destroyed. We ought to be able to understand that those who thought the Mediterranean was “the world” honestly believed that Columbus and his tiny fleet were about to fall off the edge. It is not hard then, to understand that a great wind, which created the waters of the Mediterranean to rise, made the local people afraid that the whole world was flooded enough to destroy all living things. We must forgive them. They had no knowl-

DEATHS SYLVIA SUMMER Sylvia Summer passed away on Oct. 14 at the age of 83. Services were held Oct. 15 at Temple Israel Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon Summer, and sister, Shaney Davis. She is survived by her children, Nancy and William Ferer, Joan and Benjamin Rischall, and Barry Summer; grandchildren, Robert Ferer, Reuben Rischall, Aaron Rischall, Emily Rischall; brother and sisters-in-law, Charles and Cynthia Schneider, Anita Summer; numerous nieces and nephews. Memorials are suggested to the American Cancer Society or the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. SIDNEY WEISSMAN Sidney Weissman passed away on Oct. 13. Services were held Oct. 17 at Chesed Shel Emeth Cemetery in St. Louis. He was preceded in death by his parents Paul and the Fannie Weissman, and brother, Al Weissman. He is survived by his wife, Roberta Karsh Weissman; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Geri Weissman; son, Lenny Weissman; daughters and sons-in-law, Sheri and Mike Abramson, and Nancy and Marc Kessler; grandchildren: Cori Weissman, Melissa and Cory Gale, Allison Weissman, Lauren Weissman, Samantha Weissman, Danielle Weissman, Bradley and Marissa Abramson, Erin Abramson, Jaime Abramson, Garrett Kessler and Spencer Kessler; sister-in-law Elaine Weissman, uncle, great-uncle, great-great-uncle, cousin and friend. Memorials may be made to the Howard Park Center, 15834 Clayton Rd. Ellisville, MO 63011 or Make-AWish Foundation, 11926 Arbor St., Omaha, NE 68144.

edge of geography and the extent of the world beyond the Mediterranean. They thought, indeed, that the rise of Mediterranean waters would destroy all living things: human, animal, and vegetable. Thinking and writing in our time, the 21st century, we must understand the naiveté of those who wrote the stories about a worldwide destroying flood. It is to be noted that the flood story as we have it in the Bible is only one of many similar stories around the world. Early peoples thought in many places that rising waters meant the destruction of everything. Our T’nach has only one of many flood stories around the world. Wherever in the world the rains were heavy enough to leave standing waters in the fields, people thought this was the end of the world. Our T’nach, however, always moral, looked for a reason for God to bring a flood. The reason was not hard to find: all of mankind had become corrupt, and there was nothing else to do but to destroy mankind. Only Noah and his family survived. Under divine instruction, Noah had built a three-story ship, for all human, animal, and vegetable life could remain to people the world again and restore life. Our Bible, nevertheless, was necessarily obliged to say that Noah and his three sons (without mentioning any wives) were righteous, so that they were permitted to survive and bring about a new humanity!

Naomi Campbell embraces Kabbalah

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by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Supermodel Naomi Campbell has embraced Kabbalah. Campbell told Interview magazine in its October cover story that she is practicing the teachings of Jewish mysticism in response to recent difficulties in her life. “I study Kabbalah because it takes me to a positive, calm place,” she said. “That’s what I use it for, and it helps me a lot. I’ve been in and out of Kabbalah since around 2000. It’s just something I have taken more seriously Credit: Style Frizz [recently].” Campbell said Kabbalah has helped turn her life around and calm her notorious temper. “I’ve been practicing. I don’t know if I’ve been pronouncing everything right,” she said, “but I’ve been practicing.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

October 22, 2010

At San Diego Jewish school, snacks must be kosher -- pigskin allowed by EDMON J. RODMAN The coaches, who both hail from the high school foot- runs and short passes, as well as a Noam Baltinester field SAN DIEGO, Calif. (JTA) -- The snack bar is always ball hotbed of Texas, were flummoxed initially by the goal. kosher and the games are never on Friday night. The lack of interest. At halftime, watching the parade of decorated electric roster is packed with names like Adam, Isaac, Benjamin “In Texas,” Wetzel said, “everybody plays.” golf carts, the football parents were all smiles. Was the and Micah, with an Ori, Ethan, Yuval and Noam stereotype of the Jewish mom or dad, too fearful of thrown in. The players huddle to say the Sh’ma before their child getting hurt to let them go out for football, taking the field; the quarterback calls the plays in turning end over end on its way out of bounds? Hebrew. “I love it,” said Lee Posnock, whose son Jake is a Meet the San Diego Jewish Academy Lions, perhaps freshman offensive lineman. “The kids are part of a the only 11-man Jewish high school football team in team.” America. Another mom, Shifra Baltinester, who has two sons on It’s homecoming, and the players are lining up on a the team, reluctantly let her kids play. sunny, green bluff, where you can see the Pacific Ocean “At first I didn’t like” the full contact, Baltinester said, and just a surf ride or two from La Jolla, Calif. There’s recalling how she worried that Tomer, a freshman linea balloon arch, a lion mascot, cheerleaders and stands backer, and Noam, a junior kicker and safety, could get filled with fans. hurt. But then she thought it’s safer than soccer. “Today there will be two anthems,” the public “There are pads and helmets,” she noted. address announcer informs the crowd a few moments Another parent, Micha Danzig, acknowledged having later on this Thursday afternoon in a game against the concerns. league rival Julian Eagles. “Sure I’m worried about my kid,” Danzig said, gesThe crowd rises, listening first to a recording of the turing proudly toward son Jeremy, an outside line“The Star-Spangled Banner” and then “Hatikvah.” backer who leads the team in quarterback sacks. “He Bruno Garcia-Jed takes the opening kickoff, cuts left, San Diego Jewish Academy helmets feature the Hebrew let- weighs 155 and he’s going up against that kid who Credit: Edmon J. Rodman weighs 250.” breaks a tackle, fakes a defender and races down the ter lamed-shaped L for Lions. sideline into the end zone -- the first kickoff returned for “We needed more players,” he added, “so like David As for the players, the culture of contact -- of “hit hard a touchdown in San Diego Jewish Academy history. looking for more stones for Goliath, I needed to get out and tackle low” drilled into them at practice -- is catchAt the season’s beginning, this would have seemed a and find four more stones.” ing on, albeit somewhat painfully. dream. Considering that the team has 27 players, nearly a “I was sore after the first practice,” acknowledged Seeking a higher level of competition, the academy third of the male enrollment, perhaps a bit of Texas had Zack Smith, a junior wide receiver and linebacker, in an had upgraded its program the previous year from eight- come to the Southern California academy. interview following practice one day. “But it got better.” man football to 11. Surprisingly, the Lions finished with Helping the coaching staff field a team is the fact that Smith enjoys the team’s camaraderie, noting how the a winning season in the Division 5 league of small unlike many high schools, academic probation at San players high five and fist bump each other passing in the Christian and public schools, even qualifying for the Diego Jewish Academy is not a problem. halls at school. playoffs. “We have a team GPA of between 3.4 and 3.5,” Wund “We hang together,” he said. This fall, despite losing a few players to graduation, said. “Every single one of these kids will go to college.” On the field, that camaraderie was being tested. In the expectations were high. But first the academy, whose “We have the opposite problem of academic proba- third quarter, San Diego Academy suffered a couple of high school has 180 students split evenly between boys tion,” said high school athletic director Mike Quigley, interceptions. And early in the fourth period, the Eagles and girls, had to do some recruiting. who supervises 10 varsity teams in addition to football. recovered a Lions fumble and returned it for a touchFirst-year head coach Charlie Wund, a former college “Our kids might need to be late to practice, but it’s down. The point after made it 15-7 with slightly more player and the academy’s middle school athletic director, because they have to study for an SAT test.” than nine minutes remaining. said his coaching staff made some “house calls,” taking “Our philosophy is ‘opportunity,’” he said in speaking Three minutes later, the visitors scored on a 30-yard the case for trying out to potential players and their about giving kids a shot who have never played. run and ran for the two-point conversion to even the sometimes reluctant parents. “And here there are also real life experiences we can score at 15. Wund recalled a meeting at the beginning of the sea- teach,” Wund added. In the final six minutes, as the sun began to set over son. Wund, who is not Jewish, has found himself learning the Pacific, both teams looked worn. San Diego “I asked if you are the first in your family to play foot- on the job. Academy parents in the stands grew quiet with concern. ball, raise your hand. Everyone but two raised their “In my first year at the academy, I supervised the Several had expressed the view earlier that having their hands,” he said. tefillah class,” he said. “I’ve gained so much respect.” sons on the team would help them “to learn to build Though perhaps new to many of the families at the Wund replaced last year’s coach, John Milisitz, who teamwork”; now that lesson was being put to the test. academy, participation in full contact sports is not new with his mother is facing an 18-count federal indictment The Eagles have owned the size advantage; the Lions to Jews in America. Among the dozens of Jews who have for “mail fraud and interstate transportation of stolen had countered with speed and team tackling. played in the National Football League are three who property,” according to a U.S. Department of Justice With just a few seconds left, the Lions take over at were inducted into the Football Hall of Fame: Benny news release last March. midfield with a last chance. Friedman, Sid Luckman and Ron Mix. “It’s had no effect on the program,” Wund said, wav“I don’t want a tie,” Wund is heard saying from the Several others, like the late Lyle Alzado, were selected ing off the affair. sidelines. All-Pros, too. Against Julian, Wund had nothing to wave off: His But a dropped pass ends the game with the 15-15 tie. Searching the small high school for their own waiting- coaching staff’s recruiting and tutelage was paying divi“We didn’t have enough at the end,” Garcia-Jed said to-be-discovered stars were the team’s two new offensive dends. on his way to the locker room. “But we didn’t quit.” coaches: Jason Carter, who played five seasons in the The Lions, with a squad featuring 14 members playing Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on NFL, and assistant Mark Wetzel, a former college player football for the first time, grabbed a 15-0 halftime lead Jewish life from Los Angeles. Contact him at edmoand assistant college coach. that included a 60-yard scoring drive featuring several jace@gmail.com.

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