Vol. LXXXIX No. 5 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Federation honors community leaders, volunteers
A crowd of nearly 300 well-wishers celebrated the accomplishments of some of the Omaha Jewish community’s most admired volunteers last week at the Federation’s Volunteer Recognition event at the Jewish Community Center. In bestowing the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year award on Evelyn Zysman, Federation President Bob Lepp (at the microphone) interrupted himself when Zysman decided she did, after all, want to address the crowd. Her son, John Zysman, smiled as his 99-year-old mother (who did admit her age!) told the gathering that “You’re all great -- but together -- you’re better!” More photos on page 8
5 Cheshvan 5770
October 23, 2009
Nationally known authors highlight Jewish Book Month by SHERRIE SAAG Administrative Assistant Kripke Library Bestselling author Jaffrey Zaslow and celebrated historical fiction writer Maggie Anton will headline this year’s Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s 36th annual Jewish Book Month, from Nov. 8 through Dec. 17. Jeffrey Zaslow Maggie Anton Zaslow is co-author with the late Randy Pautsch of the block- scholar, Rashi. Set in historically accurate buster The Last Lecture, an inspiring tale Toyes, France during the middle ages, of life lessons that spent an astonishing Anton’s books have been successful both 60-plus weeks on the New York Times on the Jewish book club circuit and as checkouts in the Kripke Library. Bestseller list. Anton was born Margaret Antonofsky His current chart buster, The Girls from Ames, published earlier this year, chroni- in Los Angeles, CA. Trained as a clinical cles the lives of 11 women, 10 of whom chemist, she became intrigued with the are now in their 40s, who grew up idea that one of Judaism’s greatest scholtogether in nearby Ames, Iowa. It is an ars had no sons, only three daughters. emotional, heart-warming and ultimately Her research and subsequent writing has uplifting look at the enduring value of made her a sought after authority on medieval French Jewish women. She has female friendships. Maggie Anton visits Omaha with the lectured at over a hundred synagogues, recent publication of the third and final JCCs and Jewish women's organizations. “We are thrilled to bring these two installment in her Rashi’s Daughters series. These books are a dramatic histor- amazing talents to Omaha this year. ical trilogy about the lives and loves of Jeffrey Zaslow and Maggie Anton were the three daughters of the great Talmud Continued on page 2
After summer as counselors in Western Galilee camp, Omaha teens ready to return to Israel
Europe, U.S. shoulder to shoulder on Iran
Those interested in by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Director of Programming participating complete an and Operations application and go Center for Jewish Education through an interview In July, the Jewish process before being Federation of Omaha accepted for the program. through its Partnership Julee Katzman, associate director, participated in with Israel program, the interviews. “Kefiadah placed Omaha high is an outstanding opporschool students Sarah tunity for young adults Sadofsky and Sarah from our community to Bleicher in “Kefiadah”, a participate in Partnership. program in which they After talking to these volunteered in summer young women, we were camps in the Western Galilee. thrilled to recommend Each summer, Partnerthem for the program, ship with Israel seeks volrecognizing they would unteers between the ages be excellent representaof 19-26 “who are cretives of Omaha.” ative, energetic, outgo- Sarah Sadofsky, center left, holds a camper, and Sarah Bleicher, Katzman continued ing, and responsible and kneeling second from right, were counselors at Nativ Ha’she’ara. “A common thread for have had experience with children.” Partnership pro- past participants is their desire to go back again and vides participants with volunteer placements, housing, Sarah and Sarah’s reaction after their return was the transportation to the placements, most meals, local tour- same. What better measure of success can there be?” The Omaha volunteers were joined by others from ing, a $400 stipend, and most importantly, an amazing platform for making personal connections. Volunteers Dallas, Youngstown, and Canton. The program was then are responsible for round-trip airfare, health insurance, enhanced when volunteers from Hungary, who had transportation costs for private trips, and some addition- worked in Szarvas, a Jewish summer camp near al meals. Budapest, arrived, further expanding the connection parBoth young women received $1,000 Israel Experience ticipants made with others. A story of the program even Grants, provided through the Federation, to help with made the front page of the Jerusalem Post in late July. the cost of their air fare. Continued on page 3
by DINAH SPRITZER PRAGUE (JTA) -- When President Obama announced at the G-20 summit in Pittsburgh late last month that Iran had built a secret nuclear plant in Qom, southwest of Teheran, he was followed by a visibly angry French President Nicolas Sarkozy and an unusually harsh British Prime Minister Gordon Brown. Sarkozy was particularly pugnacious when he spoke, warning the Islamic Republic that it had until December to come clean on its nuclear weapons program or face punishment. The usually reserved Brown accused Iran of “serial deception.” Continued on page 2
Inside
This Week: Jewish Camping starts on Page 6
See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 12
Playground at Blumkin Home to “work its magic” on residents: Page 3
President Obama speaks with French President Nicolas Sarkozy, right, and British Prime Minister Gordon Brown, left, during the G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh on Sept. 25. White House Photo
Coming Next Month: Hanukkah Gift Guide Issue on Nov. 20 U.S. appetite for Israeli food grows: Page 4
Federation honors community leaders, volunteers: Pages 8-9
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
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Tuesday, October 27 at 7:30 p.m. Jewish Community Center Auditorium 333 South 132nd Street Please join the Anti-Defamation League Plains States Region for a talk by Yaakov Katz on Iran’s growing nuclear threat. Mr. Katz is the military correspondent and defense analyst for The Jerusalem Post. His popular weekly column, Security and Defense, and frequent appearances on local and foreign news shows, provide readers with a behind-the-scenes look at the decision-making process in the Israeli defense establishment.
October 23 - November 22, 2009
Continued from page 1 Again earlier this month, U.S. and European officials stood shoulder to shoulder in Geneva in talks with Iran about its nuclear program. The united European-American front on Iran is not new, but three relatively recent developments have strengthened the alliance since Iran’s nuclear ambitions became an international preoccupation. Editor’s note: Yaakov Katz, military correspondent and defense analyst for The Jerusalem Post, will address Iran’s growing threat to Israel, the Middle East and the U.S. on Tuesday, Oct. 27, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. His appearance in Omaha is sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League. First, Obama’s policy of pursuing talks with Iran while simultaneously warning of harsher measures has brought the United States more in line with Europe’s attitude toward the Islamic Republic. The Europeans believe the threat of sanctions without direct engagement by the United States is a non-starter. The multilateral meeting with Iran in Geneva represented the first international talks in 30 years where American and Iranian delegates spoke to one another directly. The Bush administration began the move toward this direction in 2006, when U.S. officials agreed to participate in talks involving Iranian officials. Now all members of the so-called P5-plus-1 negotiating team -Britain, China, France, Russia, the United States and Germany -- agree on a dual-track approach with incentives and threats. Second, the election of more conservative governments in France and Germany has helped bring those countries’ leaders more in tune with the U.S. policies on the Middle East both on Iran and on the emphasis on Israel’s security needs. The fiery Sarkozy took over in 2007 from the socialist Jaques Chirac, who often irked Washington and Jerusalem with his sympathetic gestures toward Arab and Islamic leaders. And when German Chancellor Angela Merkel was reelected last month, she got a new conservative coalition partner, strengthening her pro-Israel, pro-U.S. positions. Third, public anger in Europe over the disputed Iranian elections in June and the handling of the protests that followed have helped throw public support behind European leaders’ tough stances toward Tehran. “Back in 2003, the Europeans thought they had a chance with the moderate Iranian president, Mohammad Khatami. That is not the mood today,” observed Volker Perthes, an Iran expert with the government-funded German Institute for International and Security Affairs. “Sarkozy and other European leaders are underscoring more than ever before their frustration that Iran is not moving fast enough” on promises to halt uranium enrichment and disclose all its nuclear sites, said Clara Marina O’Donnell, a research fellow at the Center for European Reform, a London-based think tank. Nevertheless, she said, the shift is one of tone, not substance. “The stronger message from Sarkozy is also due to the
personality involved; he is notoriously combative,” O’Donnell said. “It is not a policy change.” In one way, the U.S. shift toward negotiations has enabled European leaders to take a tougher line on Iran: Now that Iran can no longer use the absence of the Americans at the negotiating table as a stalling tactic, European leaders feel more comfortable giving Iran ultimatums. However, the European appetite for sanctions if the Iranians again fail to comply with international demands is not as hearty as in Washington. In the United States, Congress is set to push for harsh new unilateral sanctions if Iran fails to live up to its promises and if U.N. Security Council members China or Russia vetoes additional international sanctions. In Europe, however, skepticism remains about the effectiveness of sanctions even with the real fear that Iran might cause serious security problems worldwide. “Europeans look at the U.S. sanctions against Cuba and say, ‘They didn’t work, why should we do this?’” Perthes said. Many suspect tougher sanctions will only help the Iranian regime because the primary victims will be the Iranian people, who likely would blame the West for their suffering. Left-leaning governments such as Spain also likely would find new sanctions hard to swallow. The distaste for sanctions also may be economic. Italy is Iran’s largest Western trading partner, followed by Germany. Nonetheless, Germany’s sales of machinery to Iran have been on the decline, and Merkel received kudos recently from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for reducing trade and financial ties with Iran. “Our foreign minister is saying that the sanctions might not work,” said Simone Hartmann, a spokeswoman in Austria for a group called Stop the Bomb. “That is just an excuse to help Austrian business.” Austrian exports to Iran rose by five percent in the first six months of 2009 compared with the same period of 2008, reaching approximately $220 million. This isn’t to say that Europe does not regard Iran as a threat. On the contrary: German and French intelligence officials say Iran never stopped working toward nuclear weaponization. By contrast, the official position of U.S. intelligence, put forth in a 2007 National Intelligence Estimate, is that Iran’s covert nuclear weapons program was halted in 2003. The Israeli position is closer to the European position. While some in the United States favor military action against Iran, Europe holds a stronger aversion to that approach after what most of the continent’s leaders perceive as the wrongful invasion of Iraq. Sico Van der Meer of the Dutch Clingendale Institute of International Relations said that European leaders believe economic or political incentives might be more effective in keeping Iran from going nuclear than any form of punishment. “I think if Israel dropped a bomb on Qom today, the Iranians would still find a way -- would be even more determined -- to continue their nuclear program,” he said.
Jewish Book Month
by John Cariani
Continued from page 1 the most requested authors at the Jewish Book Council and to have both travel to Omaha is a real coup!” said Gary Katz, Kripke Library administrator. In addition to author events, the library will host a used book sale. Both Zaslow’s and Anton’s books will be available for purchase and each event will include time for a book signing. This year’s schedule includes: Sunday, Nov. 8, noon, Kripke Library, in conjunction with the Institute for Holocaust Education: One of the original cast members in Terezín concentration camp, where the children’s opera Brundibár was first performed, Ela Stein Weissberg will speak about the book, The Girls from Room 28: Friendship, Hope, and Survival in Theresienstadt. Wednesday, Nov. 18, 6:30 p.m., in the JCC Auditorium, Book Month features Maggie Anton, author of Rashi’s Daughters Book Three, and includes a dinner, priced at $20; reservations are required by Nov. 13. Thursday, Nov. 19, 1 p.m., The Dorothy Kaplan
Book Discussion Group celebrates its 30th anniversary; Gloria Kaslow, the club’s first discussion moderator will lead a conversation about the the book that started it all, The Fixer by Bernard Malamud. Sunday, Dec. 6, 3:30-5:30 p.m., enjoy a Hanukkah celebration with story-telling, games, food, and more at “Chanu-kids” in the Kripke Library. This event, appropriate for preschoolers through third grade and their parents, is free and open to the community. All day Sunday, Dec. 6, 9 a.m.-10 p.m., enjoy 20% off purchases at area Barnes and Nobles Bookstores. A portion of your purchase benefits the Kripke Library. Pick up a coupon at the library or mention the library when making a purchase. Wednesday, Dec. 9, 8 p.m., in the JCC Auditorium, meet Jeffrey Zaslow, author of The Girls from Ames. Jewish Book Month is presented by the Center for Jewish Education through the Kripke Library and is sponsored in part by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation. For more information, please call 334.6462 or email gkatz@jewishomaha.org.
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The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m., for the Dec. 4 issue. Photos used in the New Year’s issue may be picked up during regular business hours. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
October 23, 2009
Western Galilee camp
Continued from page 1 The following is a report from Sarah and Sarah’s recounting of their experience. “After a few long plane rides, we began our adventure in Israel by heading North to Nahariya, a small town 10 km from the Lebanese border and right along the Mediterranean Sea. Through the Jewish Federation and Partnership with Israel, we volunteered in a program called Kefiada. “Our first week in Israel was spent adjusting, relaxing, touring, and preparing for the three weeks to come. For three weeks, we volunteered in day camps in different moshavim and kibbutzim in the Western Galilee. “We planned many different activities and games to teach the children about America, English, and our culture. Some of the activities were playing baseball, postcard making, a giant game of memory with American/ Israeli items, a n d American c a m p songs. E v e n though we were there to teach the Sarah Sadofsky with Nativ Ha’she’ara Campers c h i l d r e n about America, we ended up learning a lot about Israel. “The kids patiently taught us Hebrew, explained their daily lives, and we learned from other Israelis about life in Israel. During the afternoons, we toured around the Western Galilee, and once a week, we volunteered at a counseling center for teens in Akko, Hafuch al Hafuch. “During our last week of volunteering, we were joined by a group of Hungarians from Budapest. This new aspect to the Kefiada program brings more communities together. We enjoyed getting to know everybody and learning about their lives as well. In the beginning, we would end each day completely exhausted from working with the kids and struggling to communicate, but by the end, we really made connections with children and the people with whom we worked; we were sad to say ‘l’hitraot.’ “After the fourth week, the program was over and we extended our stay to spend a week traveling and staying with Dan and Line Bleicher in Jerusalem. We walked all over the city trying to see and take in everything possible. This trip reminded both of us that this will not be our last time visiting and volunteering in Israel. We can’t wait for the next opportunity!” Information on Kefiadah 2010 will be available from the Center for Jewish Education office in early January with application due in late February. For additional information, please call 334.6445.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Playground at Blumkin Home will “work its magic” on residents
by OZZIE NOGG made in order to create a fun, safe playground that’s When the playground located inside the Rose Blumkin environmentally friendly.” Jewish Home is completed later this fall, it will give resThe Main Street play area includes a lounge with comidents an opportunity not always afforded the elderly -- fortable seating where Blumkin Home residents, family a chance to enjoy watching young kids at play. members and visitors can watch the children at their var“We know of no other nursing facility in the country ious activities. With its large west-facing windows, the that has an indoor playground,” said Mike Silverman, space will be bathed in sunlight throughout much of the RBJH executive director. “The area will be a highlight of day. Walls on the north and south side of the playground the Home’s Main Street, and we’re confident it will -- each 16 feet high and 25 feet wide -- will be painted attract the entire community.” with murals by local artist, Kelli Zaugg. The work incorThe Blumkin Home playground is being supplied by porates Jewish symbols within a colorful, serene outdoor Crouch Recreational Design, the company founded by landscape. Eric Crouch, former Cornhusker quarterback and 2001 Four young moms -- Stacey Atlas, Laurie Epstein, Heisman Trophy winner. Danielle Gordman and Sarah “I believe the Blumkin Yale -- were the driving force Home playground will genbehind the murals. erate a special link between “Kelli’s work is fresh and family members of different inviting and will add a sense generations,” Crouch said. of youth and playfulness to “Sometimes we take our the Home,” Yale said. older family members for “Hopefully, the playground granted and forget what an will be a place of coming integral part they play in our together for kids, for families lives. I learned so much from and for residents, where all my grandparents and greatof us will benefit.” grandparents, but I never According to Stacey Atlas, had the opportunity to The playground is designed by a Swedish firm and supplied youngsters in the Jewish spend time with them in a by Crouch Recreational Design. community are already comsetting that had components ing together and benefitting as special as these.” from the project. Crouch and Silverman worked hard to design the per“With the help of CDC art teachers, Hayley Swanson fect play environment to fit inside the Blumkin Home. and Carole Greenberg, we’ve invited children ages four “Mike wanted something different,” Crouch through twelve to literally make their mark on the new explained. “He wanted something exciting that wasn’t playground by decorating a tile that will be part of the already constructed in our area.” Eventually the pair mural,” Atlas said. chose Unimini Structure from Hags in Sweden, a leading “Everyone agrees that the playground will be a unique manufacturer of play equipment geared for pre-schoolers. and special part of the Blumkin Home, and a legacy for “This system will be the first of its kind in Nebraska,” generations to enjoy. Right now, the children are excited Crouch said. “The features include a slide, a climbing to be doing an art project. But as they get older, and wall and footbridge, a playhouse with cook top, a tele- come back with younger siblings and eventually with scope, an algebra game plus other ingenious modules children of their own, they’ll be able to fully appreciate and functions that encourage kids to learn as they play. the magnitude of their contribution,” she added. The look is very modern. Even the colors are different The Blumkin Home’s Main Street will be the hub of from your typical playground colors. Kids will flock to the facility. “You’ll enter through the new front door, this equipment.” turn right and there’s the playground,” Silverman said. In addition to its aesthetic appeal, the play area is fully “Residents will have easy access to the space from every ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliant. wing of the Home. The play area is a true intergenera“Playground safety has changed tremendously over the tional project, designed to connect young, old, and past twenty years,” Crouch said. “The surface we’re everyone in-between on a daily basis. installing underneath the Blumkin playground is made He added, “Some healthcare professionals say that the of local Nebraska recycled rubber which has been tested presence of small children in a nursing home is magical, and surpassed all ASTM and CPSC standards for safety. because they provide the unconditional love and affecGreen values and ethics also influenced the choices we tion that older people need. I’m sure our playground will
The community is invited to NCJW’s Health Care Policy Forum Featured speakers: • Toby L. Schonfeld, PhD, Director of the Center for Humanities, Ethics and • Society and Associate Professor - University of Nebraska Medical Center • Amy M. Haddad, PhD, Director of the Center for Health Policy and Ethics • at Creighton University • Gary Lerner M.D., Chair of the Ethics Committee at Children’s Hospital Discussing the realities of our current health care system and the ethical issues that must be considered when deciding how best to reform the system. Refreshments will be served.
Monday, October 26th at 7:30 pm at the JCC
For more information, call Sara Juster at 880-9962
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
U.S. appetite for Israeli food grows
by GIL SHEFLER NEW YORK (JTA) -- When the staff at Hummus Place hauled the oven into the kitchen of the Israeli-owned chain's flagship branch and switched it on, no one was quite sure it would work. After all, the baking equipment had been collecting dust in a storage room for five years. A few minutes later, the first of hundreds of piping-hot pitas began emerging from the oven, soft and moist on the inside and firm on the outside -- just like they make them back in Israel. “It felt like the right moment,” Yigal Ashkenazi, a senior manager at the chain, said of Hummus Place’s decision to start baking its own bread. “Business is booming. During peak hours there are lines outside all our branches.” Hummus Place, which began life as a small restaurant in East Greenwich Village in 2004, opened at its fifth location in New York two months ago. Many other Israeli-owned food businesses in the United States are reporting similar successes offering the kind of fare found in the Old Country. Falafel Maoz, a fast food franchise started by an Israeli couple in Amsterdam nearly 30 years ago, opened its first U.S. store in Philadelphia in 2004 and is now in the midst of a nationwide expansion. The company says it plans to have at least 15 stores across the country by next year. The apparent growing enthusiasm in the United States for Israeli food is by no means limited to hummus and falafel. In Philadelphia, chef Michael Solomonov offers a gourmet take on the tastes of his native Israel at Zahav restaurant. “There are so many different cultural and gastronomic ideas that make up
Israeli cuisine,” Solomonov told JTA. sity in the U.S., many Americans are “Our kebabs are Romanian or Bulgarian, looking to eat more healthily,” Gur said. the merguez sausage is Moroccan, we “Israeli food has more vegetables and less have chraime fish stew from North Africa meat. We are the only people in the world and kubbeh dumpling soup from Iraq.“ who eat salad for breakfast.” Since opening last year, Zahav has Israeli cuisine is a relative newcomer to received glowing reviews in the local the culinary world, a loose mix of differpress. Solomonov says he might open a ent foods Jewish immigrants brought second branch in with them from the another city. Diaspora combined It’s not just restauwith local fare rants. Israeli-style and Middle Easterners Israeli-manufactured had been eating for foods are increasingly centuries. visible at U.S. superSome Israeli-owned markets, especially in operations hoping to areas with large tap the mainstream Jewish communities. U.S. food market “There's no queschoose not to hightion that Israeli foods light their Israeli crehave become more dentials. popular, largely beSabra, a food manucause improvment in facturer that makes the packaging and packed hummus and more effective marsalads and is jointly keting,” said Menaowned by the Israeli chem Lubinsky, who Hummus Place baker Dudu Elbaz displaying Strauss-Elite comparuns the annual pita dough just before it goes into the oven. ny and PepsiCo, Photo credit: Gil Shefler recently launched a kosher food trade Kosherfest, which will take place the last national ad campaign based on its week of October. “Sales of salads in the “Mediterranean” appeal. kosher market have tripled over the past Other food companies owned by few years.” Israelis also have expressed ambivalence Israeli companies export $115 million over how much they ought to identify worth of food to the United States annu- with their homeland. ally, up from $30 million a decade ago, “We are a company which was set up by according to Lubinsky. Israelis, but our emphasis is on vegetarian Janna Gur, editor of the Israeli food food,” said Yair Marinov, a senior execumagazine Al Hashulchan and author of tive at Falafel Maoz and an Israel native. “The Book of New Israeli Food,” says “We're kosher, but we have no direct American palates have been won over by connection to Israel or Israeli food.” the nutritious value of Israeli food. “We're competing with McDonald's “With the widespread problem of obe- and Burger King,” he said. “We plan
opening more locations in New York, Boston, Chicago, L.A., and I think we'll do especially well in the [San Francisco] Bay Area, where there's a lot of health food consciousness.” Ori Apple, the founder and owner of Hummus Place, says there’s a balance when it comes to how strongly to identify Israeli roots. He says he’s happy to acknowledge his product's ties to Israel but sees no need for overt patriotic displays. Though the restaurants’ staff and management is predominantly Israeli, none of the Hummus Place branches play Israeli music, display flags or feature any other obvious Israeli symbols. “Most of our customers aren't Israeli and have no idea what the origin is of the food we have here,” he said. “At the end of the day we're selling hummus, not Israel.” Sometimes it takes time for U.S. consumers to adjust to Israeli food -- and pronunciation. “When I was at the opening of our branch in Boca Raton, Fla., people couldn't even pronounce our name -- falafal, falawel,” Marinov recalls. Some in the Arab world have taken umbrage by Israel's adoption of Middle Eastern specialties, particularly hummus, which has become something of a national dish in the Jewish state. In 2008, a Lebanese businessman went so far as to ask the European Union to grant exclusive naming rights for the term “hummus” to chickpea puree made in Lebanon. In the United States, Arab customers are among Hummus Place’s regulars. “We had an Egyptian customer who would routinely ask for a plate of ful and hummus,” Apple said. Ful is the Arabic and Hebrew word for fava beans. “He said the ful was just like his mother's.”
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October 23, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Memories of camp BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS
It’s true. It’s been a long time since I worried about sending kids to camp, but if we’re talking a really long time, listen to this. I remember all the excitement and discussions that had to do with being the camper! So I hear you laughing and asking if camp had been invented way back then. Yes, it had, and the ancient version I remember isn’t really related to today’s camps. But it was camp, and while I don’t recall looking back and thinking it was the best experience of my 12 years, it’s definitely in my memory bank. It was Girl Scout Camp -- Camp Maha. It wasn’t very far from home, and it was authentic in that there were no cabins. Oh no, this place was outfitted with tents! And it no doubt would have been a fun time if it hadn’t been a summer when we had torrential rains, one after another. Guess when? Uh huh. Exactly when I was at camp. As in oy, it’s raining again. I remember a sea of mud surrounding anything dry, and also clearly recall peering over the edge of my cot and seeing socks, shoes and various other items floating lazily around in several inches of water. This had to be around 1937, which you’ll recall preceded cell phones and other handy electronic instant devices. Why do I say that? So you’ll understand that my parents were terribly worried about me and couldn’t easily get information. And it kept raining and raining. Actually, I don’t really have a clear memory of how it all ended, but of course eventually my dad was able to
drive to the campsite and despite the mud, do as other parents were doing: collect a bedraggled, damp, disappointed kid and go home! Home probably never looked so good, nor was a nice clean bed ever so welcome. Naturally, the discomfort and inconveniences were soon forgotten and only the fun we were missing was talked about. I doubt I complained too much about the shortened time at camp. I did have a good time, but never was too crazy about a footlocker full of damp clothes. And wet Keds. remember those? They were the forerunners of the expensive tennies the kids today favor. Fancy or not, when wet they were awful. I had put away all those memories of my first camp experience when it was time for my own kids to talk camp. The eldest of my crew went to the old JCC camp that came before Esther K. Newman, which seemed like the lap of luxury to me. After all, there were cabins and showers and civilized amenities to enjoy. And a real lake, not one made from too much rain, with a canoe to paddle around. Definitely no comparison to the old ways. I do know my kids came home with many stories, lots of mosquito bites, secrets they whispered about for months and dark healthy tans. A good time was had by all. Every now and then a picture turns up; a tiny black and white photo taken with who-knows-what-kind of cheap camera. Usually the subjects are a group of grinning girls with arms wrapped around each other, clearly having a ball. Proving once and for all, camp is great. Even if everything isn’t perfect, the memories of it last forever. And maybe someday I’ll find out why one of mine gets that suspicious grin when the topic of camp arises. Hmmmm.
at Children’s Hospital, will round out the panel. Dr. Lerner, a pediatrician, will discuss implications of health reform for children, especially those who are particularly vulnerable due to chronic illness. “Sponsoring a forum on the ethics of health care reform makes perfect sense for the NCJW. The deep roots of our commitment to health care are based on the Jewish value of social justice,” Juster added. Monday night’s forum will focus on the moral and ethical issues that underlie the health care reform debate. The three speakers will not be advocating for any particular reform package, instead they will be discussing the realities of our current health care system and the ethical issues that must be considered when deciding how best to reform the system. The forum is designed to help the community become better informed about the ethical issues and challenges involved in health care reform. Topics of discussion will include end-of-life care, decision-making issues, and access to health services. Plenty of time will be available for questions and discussion and refreshments will be served. For more information, please contact Juster at 880.9962.
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Temple’s Social Justice Committee to present ‘chai impact’ “Issues and Hot Topics”
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Eric Linder and Mimi Silverman, chair of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee, will facilitate “Issues and Hot Topics” on Sunday, Nov. 1, 10:30 a.m., at Temple as they explore advocacy, a central tenet in Reform Judaism, while building understanding and encouraging involvement. Starting with an educational presentation on the history, organizational structure, and key issues of the Union for Reform Judaism’s Rabbi Eric Linder Religious Action Center (the RAC), the discussion will also include Omaha Together One Community’s (OTOC) leaders. They'll bring up pertinent local issues concerning summer recreation for youth, libraries, neighborhood revitalization, economic security and jobs, and health care reform. “This event will give congregants a wonderful oppor-
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NCJW sponsors Health Care Forum
by TIPPI DENENBERG NCJW Vice-President of Public Relations “Throughout its history, NCJW has been committed to advocating for high quality, comprehensive, confidential, nondiscriminatory health care coverage and services that are both affordable and accessible for all. In particular, NCJW is dedicated to seeing meaningful health reform that meets the needs of women and families enacted this year,” said Omaha Section Vice President for Public Affairs Sara Juster. The National Council of Jewish Women-Omaha Section will be sponsoring a Health Care Policy Forum on Monday, Oct. 26, 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. Featured speakers will be: Toby L. Schonfeld, PhD, Director of the Center for Humanities, Ethics and Society and Associate Professor and Vice-Chair Health Promotion, Social and Behavioral Health at the College of Public Health/University of Nebraska Medical Center; and Amy M. Haddad, PhD, Director of the Center for Health Policy and Ethics, recipient of the Dr. C.C. and Mabel L. Criss Endowed Chair in the Health Sciences at Creighton University. Gary Lerner M.D., chairman of the Ethics Committee
Page 5
tunity to listen and to be heard,” said Silverman. “We are really looking for opinions. We want to have a hearty discussion on local and national politics with a Jewish perspective, and we hope to have many voices as we discover our commonalities.” She added, “Breakout sessions will give participants a chance to identify, discuss, and prioritize hot topics of national and local concern while brainstorming about how most effectively to do the work of justice as an institution.” Located in Washington, D.C., the RAC has been the hub of Jewish social justice and legislative activity in the nation’s capital for more than 40 years. The RAC educates and mobilizes the American Jewish community on legislative and social concerns, advocating on issues from economic justice to civil rights to religious liberty to Israel. The RAC’s eNewsletter system will deliver Chai IMPACT action alerts to anyone who signs up at www.rac.org. The action alerts are a good way to stay informed about the RAC’s work. Sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, “Issues and Hot Topics” is open to the community.
From
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
Beth El students to learn Camp Gan Israel, aka Gan Izzy, what makes synagogue tick fires up Omaha’s kids
by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Every fall, the third to fifth graders of Beth El Talmud Torah (BESTT) are treated to a special Shabbaton, and this year, not only is the program at the synagogue, it’s also about the synagogue. According to BESTT Education Director Judy Rubin, the Nov. 7-8 retreat will explore how the concept of the synagogue evolved, plus “how our house of worship fulfills the three aspects of synagogue life: as a house of prayer, a house of study and a house of assembly.” During the program, participants will be visited by Beth El’s professional staff, who will discuss the intricacies of their jobs. The kids will also be treated to a tour of Boys Town and a fun-filled rendezvous at a surprise location after Shabbat ends. The evening will end with a sleep-over. “We’re all looking forward to this program; it will provides lots of opportunities for camaraderie, fellowship, fun and learning,” Rubin said. The Shabbaton will begin on Nov. 7, 10 a.m., and conclude Sunday, 9:45 a.m., she added, noting that there will be no religious school classes for those grades. Cost to attend is $25, and reservations are required by Nov. 1. To reserve, please contact Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org, or Youth Director Jason Rich at 492.8550 or youthdir@ bethel-omaha.org.
Herzl expands, renovates
by ANNE HOPE Herzl Camp Director The Herzl Camp Family is celebrating the start of Phase 1 of our campaign to renovate and expand Herzl Camp. This winter, we are building 12 cabins, one new haks (showerhouse), expanding and renovating the George Kaplan Mercaz (outdoor synagogue), and creating a new entrance for our waterfront to serve all our campers, including those with physical challenges. This is the culmination of two years of planning and the early support of our “Here’s to Dear Old Herzl” campaign donors who have contributed $3.7 million to date. However, this is only the halfway point in construction and in fundraising. “Herzl Camp has changed the lives of so many of our alumni. Their response to our early solicitation campaign has been remarkable,” says Mike Fiterman, Capital Campaign Chair. Believing in the generosity of our friends has led us to take a chance: We’ve laid the foundation for 18 cabins. If we raise another $500,000 by Dec. 15, we’ll be able to complete all of them now and have 18 new cabins ready for campers next summer. Capacity at Herzl Camp will be increased by 20% when the build is complete. For more information, please contact Holly in the Herzl office, 952.927.4002 or holly@herzlcamp.org. PAID ADVERTISEMENT
by ROCHI KATZMAN Benjamin, 5. “I adore all the Katzman girls and I trust Rishe Deitsch of New York City was vacationing with that my children are in good hands. Their experience is her family in South Florida. As they rode up the eleva- like being with family. It’s a relaxed atmosphere, yet tor, a perfect stranger, a well dressed business man filled with fun.” caught sight of the Gan Israel t-shirt Rishe’s son sportA recent promotional video by Chabad of the Valley ed and started to sing most enthusiastically: “I’m a Jew (which can be viewed at www.chabadofthevalley.com/ and I’m proud …,” a song he had sung 25 years earlier 893593) describes Gan Israel, also fondly known as Gan at a Gan Israel in Long Beach, CA. He continued to Izzy, as the “everything” camp for kids and their parents. Camp Gan Israel is the largest Jewish camping netshare more memories of his Gan Israel days and how the work in the world. Established more than 50 years ago experiences of then impact his today. by the Rebbe, Rabbi Stories like this one Menachem Mendel Schneerabound with second and son, Gan Israel Camps the third generation Gan world over are dedicated to Israelniks spanning the discoverimg the beauty and globe. They are testimony uniqueness in each child, to to the critical role Gan Israel nurture those qualities and Camps play in the emerging help each child experience Jewish identity of today’s the thrills of Judaism. Jewish kids, tomorrow’s “Gan Israel, literally ‘garleaders. den of Israel’ was named for Next year’s dates for Gan Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov Israel at Chabad House are whose love for young chilJuly 5-14, 2010. This two dren was legendary,” week session is packed with friendship, closeness, and Gan Israelniks chant ‘Everybody say Ah’ as they wait to ride explained Shani Katzman, the camp’s director. “His fun -- long remembered and the Skyfari at the Henry Doorly Zoo. first job was a ‘bahelfer’, an appreciated many months assistant to a Cheder teacher. later in the dead of winter. He would walk through the The proof is this: The kids shtetl to fetch all the chilkeep on coming back year dren from home and escort after year. “On the last day of them to school. The Baal camp, I always wish it was Shem Tov taught that G-d’s next year because I miss love for each and every Jew everybody already,” says is akin to the love parents Isabella Wright, who has feels for an only child born completed five Gan Israel to them in their old age. summers. She added, “This is the misEach child who attends sion of our camp. To see the camp is warmly received by innate good qualities and the loving, dedicated, proendless possibilities latent in fessional counselors. “Much Judaic knowledge is impart- Rabbi Mendel Katzman and John at Rotella Bakery take the each individual child, to nurture, to appreciate, to offer ed through fun,” Mushka Gan Isrealniks on an insiders tour at the kosher plant. Katzman, a veteran counselor comments. “It’s amazing the grandest time.” Lunch and healthful snacks are served daily. The camp how much children can grow in just two weeks. It’s quite impressive how much can be accomplished with is open to children in the entire community ages five-11. love and patience. The children remember many of the A reunion and informational Havdalah social will be important concepts discussed during activities and study announced in November. Opportunities for parents and circle. For young kids this experience is like a teenager’s grandparents to participate are frequent. For more information visit www.OChabad.com/ first visit to Israel!” “I am so grateful to have Camp Gan Israel available for Camp or email Camp@OChabad.com. my children,” says Pam Kutler, mother of Emily, 8, and
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Temple kids grow spiritually while having fun at camp
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Founded in 1952 by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism), Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI) serves campers throughout North America and beyond. More than 30,000 youngsters, including several hundred from Temple Israel, have called OSRUI in Oconomowoc, WI, their summer home. Programs for children range in length from five days to seven weeks and focus on specific areas of interest including kibbutz life, the arts, Hebrew immersion, outdoor challenges, and more. Activities range from archery and the Alpine Tower to fencing, photography, and water skiing. OSRUI f o s t e r s campers’ independence, personal growth, and lifelong friendships. Proud of its commitment Abby Reiss spent her first summer at to provide OSRUI campers with strong Jewish role models, the camp is staffed by mature college students under the guidance of experienced senior staff members. More than 40 rabbis, including Temple’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, cantors, and educators from Reform congregations each spend at least two weeks helping campers learn more about themselves and their Judaism. The faculty also assists campers who are in the midst of Bar and Bat Mitzvah preparation. Among the 23 campers, who all attend Temple’s Religious School, this past summer was Abby Reiss, 11, a sixth grader. Abby’s sister, Eliana, nine, also went to OSRUI -- both for the first time. Abby liked swimming, and “the food was really good. On Shabbat it was fun. They had a big service, and they sing a lot of songs.� Continued on page 9
October 23, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Beth El youths make solid connection with Jewish summer camps
Jew, Brodkey replied that “Ramah has enriched my by JILL BELMONT Jewish life in so many ways; from improving my Hebrew, Beth El Publicity Coordinator Summer camp experiences offer kids adventure, cama- to studying passages from the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) raderie and countless memories. Add to that mix a daily and learning all 500 possible interpretations of it. I really dose of Judaism and spirituality, and you have a recipe enjoy going to camp and coming back with new knowlfor an even more meaningful summer. edge of my own faith every year, and being able to share For years, Beth El children and teens have been avid what I have learned with people is truly a great feeling.� Jewish summer camp attendees; several of them recently shared thoughts about their special summer getaways, their meaningful immersion in Jewish life and a community bond that has touched them all. Ari Brodkey, 17, has called Camp Ramah in Conover, WI, his home away from home for the past four summers. Ramah, the camping arm of the Conservative Movement, offers a full range of activities -- including swimming, sailing, kayaking, music, dance, nature, photography, arts, sports and drama -- which integrate Jewish values and Ari Brodkey, second from left, joins his fellow Nivonim group members as they turn up the observances into the daily team spirit in preparation for an Israeli song festival at Ramah. camp experience. With his days as a camper over, Brodkey will attend the This summer was Brodkey’s final one as a camper; as a Ramah Israel Seminar next summer. The program serves member of the oldest group, he also participated as a as a bridge between being a camper and counselor, and counselor-in-training, helping to plan programs for offers Ramah “graduates� from all over North America younger attendees. Ramah has become an important the opportunity to explore Israel for six weeks. part of his life, and he shared what this summer retreat “I am really looking forward to spending six weeks in means to him. Eretz Yisrael with my closest friends and meeting new “There’s a saying about Ramah: ‘For those who go, friends from other Ramah Camps all over the country,� they can never describe it; for those who don’t go, he said. “I have been looking forward to this experience they’ll never understand it.’ It’s hard to describe it: even and I cannot think of a better place to be reunited with the physical place itself leaves you at peace; the environ- my closest friends than Israel. I know it will be, like the ment is very relaxing. You get there and you’re away rest of my Ramah adventures, a life-changing experience.� from a lot of the worries and hectic part of your life at For more information about Camp Ramah, contact home. Being away from the busyness of the city is really Beth El Education Director Judy Rubin at 498-0904, or nice; things move a lot slower and you get a lot of time visit www.ramahwisconsin.com. Continued on page 9 to enjoy everything around you,� he explained. “My experience at Ramah has been an experience of a lifetime. Every year, I come to camp with high expectaTo order a gift subscription to the Press... tions and every year, I leave with those expectations Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, blown away by yet another amazing summer that was for the rest of 2009 and all of 2010 to 333 So. 132 St., even better than the last. I now am closer with all 65 Omaha, NE 68154. people in my eidah than I ever thought I would be with For more information on how to connect your out-ofany friends, and I can't wait until I see them again.� town relatives and friends, call 334.6448. When asked how Camp Ramah has influenced him as a
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Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
Federation honors community leaders, volunteers
Photos from top left: Eveylyn Zysman displays the gift from the Jewish Federation as the 2008 Humanitarian of the Year. Gary Javitch was honored as a recipient of the Philip and Terri Schrager Spirit of Federation award. In accepting her Spirit of Federation award, Joanie Jacobson praised Omaha’s Jewish community’s donors, leaders, staff and volunteers. At the Federation board meeting prior to the event, Campign Director Sharon Kirshenbaum was recognized for 15 years of service.
Photos from top: Mark Javitch, left, and Jennie Javitch of Minneapolis, children of Karen Sokolof Javitch and Spirit of Federation winner Gary Javitch were among many relatives in attendance for the honorees. JCC shlicha Elya Wilson, left, chats with ADL staffer Ilana Weiss and her husband, Rabbi Yaakov Weiss. Evie Zysman gets a laugh out of Federation president Bob Lepp. He and past ADL president David Gilinsky congratulate Beth Seldin Dotan and Gloria Kaslow on the 2008 Community Service award.
Hanukkah ART CONTEST WHAT TO DO If you are 12 or younger, create an original work of art with crayons, marker, colored pencils or paint with a Hanukkah theme on 8.5x11” white paper -- or use your photos, computer art, etc. to create a collage. Submit your original work by Nov. 6, 2009, 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 Tickets to an Omaha Performing Arts production will be awarded to the winner!
Beth El youths make solid connection Continued from page 7 Chelsea Kavich, 13, is a four-year veteran camper at Camp Sabra, located in Rocky Mount, MO. In addition to typical camp activities, it offers an annual Maccabiah competition, Israel Day, Rock School (for aspiring musicians) and the Masada Banquet, capping off each camp session.
Chelsea Kavich, bottom, left, chills with friends at Camp Sabra. Like Brodkey, Kavich says re-connecting with fellow campers and staff is something she always looks forward to; she also cited favorites such as swimming and tubing, celebrating Shabbat each weekend and being with her Jewish friends. More information about Camp Sabra can be found at www.campsabra.com. Another popular Jewish camp for Beth El’s young people is Herzl Camp in Webster, WI. Among the group from Omaha who head north for the summer are Brad Kutler and Samantha Wiener, who have attended for eight and five years, respectively. Simply put, “Herzl is full of Judaism,” Wiener said. “It connects me with other Jewish kids my age around the country who have become friends for a lifetime. The Judaism at camp changes not only my camp experiences, but the ones I have at home. I learn how to bring Judaism into my daily life, even in the small things I do, such as the birkot hamazon, the prayers after mealtimes.” Returning to camp is a certainty, she noted, saying “I can’t wait to see my camp friends and be back at Herzl!” Kutler also sang the praises of camp, saying, “After my first few years I always looked forward to going back to Herzl, because I loved the kids, the great spirit and the programs. The spirit there is unlike almost any other camp -- everyone is so energetic all the time. I have returned to camp because of the amazing friendships I have made and will hopefully have for the rest of my life.” Herzl has greatly influenced Kutler’s Jewish life. He noted that this past summer “made me think more about my own Jewish identity and how Judaism can be much more than services,” and different than BBYO and USY, organizations in which he is heavily involved. He hopes to travel to Israel next summer and plans to apply to be a counselor-in-training at Herzl Camp in 2011. For more information about Herzl Camp, visit its web site at www.herzlcamp.org. Beth El encourages its young congregants to participate in Jewish summer experiences, which supplement and enrich Jewish home life and classroom experiences. The synagogue offers a variety of service grants to help offset the cost. All who plan to attend a Jewish summer camp or trips endorsed by the synagogue, may contact Rubin at 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org about service grants; applications will be available in December. All students are entitled to benefit from grant money; the amounts awarded are based upon merit and are repayable by service to Beth El or its Talmud Torah.
October 23, 2009
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Federation honors volunteers
Continued from page 8 The award winners for 2008 include: Spirit of Federation honorees Joanie Jacobson, standing left, and Gary Javitch, Federation executive director Jan Goldstein, Volunteers of the Year: David Haller, Norman M. Sheldon, Alan Parsow, Deborah Platt, Cheryl Cooper and Bernie Altsuler, Community Service award winners: Beth Seldin Dotan, director of the Institute for Holocaust Education, and Gloria Kaslow, chairman of the IHE advisory board; Federation president Bob Lepp, and seated: Evelyn Zysman, Humanitarian of the Year.
Temple kids grow spiritually while having fun at camp Continued from page 7 Thirteen-year-old Rachel Saag, an eighth grader, spent her second summer at OSRUI. In 2008, she was there for two weeks and returned this year, because “I loved it!” for four weeks. “I really like Shabbat. We get to do Shabbat Shira. We get to see our friends from other units in the camp on Shabbat.” She participated in the Gesher program which offers numerous electives (or chugim), field trips, preparing the all-camp carnival, and emphasizes the campers’ role as members of a community. Lindsay Osborne, 10, was swayed by a video to attend OSRUI. “I just thought it would be fun to go,” she said. She especially enjoyed the sports center and swimming. “Shabbat was really, really fun with all the people singing.” Naomi Teetzel, 11, spent her second summer at OSRUI. Working in the vegetable garden and on the farm were some of her favorite activities. “You take care of the animals like goats, sheep, and chickens.”
campers were there,” insisted Budwig, “the oldest camper” at the reunion. Singer Debbie Friedman and Rabbi Joe Black performed. Budwig confided that he was “dumbfounded” while touring the camp as it is today. At the end of the day, OSRUI’s 400 young campers participated in havdalah with the returnees. “It was absolutely meaningful in a Jewish way,” emphasized Budwig who marveled at “the Jewishness that comes out of this. It was so inspiring, so spiritual to see these kids so into their Judaism.” Two Temple teens were staff-in-training at 10,000 foot-high Shwayder Camp in Colorado. Haley Burns, 16, who “loves” attending Religious School at Temple, spent nine weeks at Shwayder. She had been a camper there the past two years. This year she worked with fifth and sixth grade girls and was the arts and crafts specialist. “I absolutely love Shwayder ... and wanted to grow as a leader and learn skills that will help me for the rest of my life.”
Left: Ben Noodell, left, was visited by his dad, Dave, on Parents Day at OSRUI. Right: Ron Budwig went back to OSRUI
last summer for a reunion with hundreds of alumni and his granddaughter, Hannah Budwig and her camp friend.
Two Temple campers, Ben Noodell, 15, and Yaniv Azriel, 15, participated in Chalutzim which offers campers the opportunity to live and learn in a dynamic and intensive Hebrew-speaking environment. Chalutzim is accredited by the Chicago Community Foundation for Jewish Education. “This was my fifth year (at OSRUI),” said Ben, 15. Some of his favorite activities were “translating from Hebrew to English and English to Hebrew. The counselors talked to us in Hebrew, and my Hebrew improved a lot.” He also enjoyed “meeting new people and learning about Israel.” Yaniv has been going to OSRUI “with my parents (Rabbi and Elyce Azriel) since I was a baby. This was my eighth year” as a camper. He wanted to learn more Hebrew, and “my parents strongly recommended that I go to camp.” His favorite activities were fishing, water skiing, and spending time with his friends. Chalutzim “was really difficult,” he admitted. “The Israeli counselors spoke to us only in Hebrew. Now, I’m almost fluent.” OSRUI faculty leader Rabbi Steven Bob said “Chalutzim is the only program of its kind in North American. Yaniv and Ben (who both had to pass a test to enroll) participated enthusiastically!” In addition to the kids, Ron Budwig, who attended OSRUI when he was “not quite seven years old in 1943 and 1944” attended a reunion, Celebrating the Ruach, OSRUI’s 50th anniversary in July. OSRUI “was called Briar Lodge then. It was a camp for Jewish kids” but wasn’t connected to the Reform Movement at that time. “I loved it so much, I called my parents, and they let me stay two extra weeks!” Budwig recalled. Now his granddaughters, Hannah, 13, Sophie, 11, and Aleia, nine, attend OSRUI. With 900 to 1000 guests at the reunion, “It was one of the most spectacular days of my life plus all the
Haley added, “I found myself becoming more spiritual this summer and also interpreting the prayers into something that relates to me. Everyday during silent prayer, all I could think of was to be thankful for the sound of the creek, the smell of the air and the views of the beautiful mountains.” Grace Hack, 16, has been to Shwayder five summers, including as a camper, a counselor, and as kitchen staff. “I love Shwayder, and I have always spent at least some of my summer there. I loved being surrounded by all my friends. Camp is a larger and different Jewish community that I can be a part of and, therefore, strengthen my ties to Judaism,” Grace Hack, left, and Haley Burns said the high school were staff members-in-training at junior. Colorado’s Shwayder Camp last This was Hannah summer. Grossman’s seventh year at Shwayder. The 17-year-old was a kitchen staff member. “Camp is a blast. I have enjoyed going up there to be with some of my best friends in the world for the past few years,” said the high school senior. “The intense friendships and relationships you make with others,” are among the reasons Hannah continues to go. “You are up there with other Jewish teens praying, laughing, and getting to know one another in a gorgeous setting. That, to me, is a direct connection to God and God’s creations.”
Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
Beth El teens experience unforgettable summer in Italy, Israel
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by JILL BELMONT “It was by far my favorite city,” she shared. “We stayed Beth El Publicity Coordinator there the first few nights in Israel, as well as the last Two Beth El teens got a great ‘two-fer’ this past sum- week. A couple days before we returned the second time, mer as they enjoyed one six-week trip with two mar- everyone in my group was anxious and looking forward velous destinations. The globe-trotting teens, Dayna to being ‘home’ in Jerusalem. Jerusalem was exciting Cohen and Yonatan Dotan, traveled with the USY but familiar to all of us. The history behind the city also Italy/Israel Pilgrimage, sponsored by United gave us a much greater connection than anywhere else.” Synagogue Youth. Every year, USY offers an exciting Dotan undoubtedly viewed Israel through a different variety of trips to Israel, including an Eastern lens: he lived there for six years, before moving back to Europe/Israel Pilgrimage, Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Omaha in 2000, at age seven. He and his family try to Seminar; and Etgar! Outdoor Adventure, Israel. return once a year to visit his dad’s family. So, he said, Dotan, a junior at Westside, said he went on the pil- while going to Israel wasn’t a new experience, “I always grimage for a variety of reasons. “I knew that I wanted to love going back, and it was the first time I really toured go to Israel during the summer but there were a lot of the country with other Jewish kids.” different trips and it was hard deciding on which one. I The USY Pilgrimage emphasized more religious pracchose USY Pilgrimage because I’ve been involved with tices, Dotan said, including praying every morning and at BILU and I thought it night. “In Jerusalem we were would be a good experience given the choice to go to sevto be with USY on an intereral synagogues on Shabbat. national level with people It was cool going to a small, from all over the U.S. and Orthodox synagogue as well Canada. I was also very interas a Conservative one similar ested in going to Italy and to Beth El. Overall, it was this was an opportunity to do interesting seeing the differso with other Jewish kids my ent parts of Judaism and age also involved in USY.” being in Jerusalem -- that For Cohen, a senior at was awesome.” Millard West, friends from When asked how the trip around the country who had enriched her Jewish identity, made the trip during past Cohen replied, “simply by summers influenced her educating me more about my decision. “I’d always heard religion and history. USY that it was something I Pilgrimage makes praying a HAD to experience. Along staple in our everyday activiwith that, as I have gotten ties no matter where we were more involved in USY, my or what we were doing. We love and understanding of had Shacharit services in Israel has grown.” incredible places. One day, we The first stop was Italy, had a morning service at the where they spent a week Red Sea. We prayed about the learning about the history of splitting of the sea where it Italian Jewry, exploring Top picture: Dayna Cohen and Yonatan Dotan, visit the had actually happened. I Milan, Venice, Florence and Roman Colosseum, during last summer’s USY Italy/Israel learned a great deal more Rome. Cohen cited Rome as Pilgrimage; bottom picture: Dayna and Yonatan place notes about the daily services and her favorite place, saying, in the Western Wall during their stay in Jerusalem. how to lead them. Because all “The architecture was so incredible and I had just fin- of our services were led by USYers, we had to step up and ished a European History class in school in May, so I learn how to do it.” knew about the places we were visiting. It was also pretBoth teens said they would encourage other teens to ty neat to see all of these sites I’d seen in movies and on experience Israel, USY-style. “There is no other time or television right in front of me, like the Roman group where you can get the same experience,” Cohen Colosseum and the Trevi Fountain.” Other highlights said. “Never again will I be able to see Israel from the included the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the canals of Venice perspective that I did last summer. I learned so much and “some very old, huge synagogues in Florence and more than I imagined I would and made such incredible Rome,” Dotan said. friends, too. The teens then traveled to Israel, where they spent “It’s also really exciting to me to know that I’m a part weeks learning about the land, the country’s history, plus of something much bigger. There are many other contemporary Judaism and Israeli society. According to groups doing and accomplishing the same things as you Cohen, the group visited over a dozen different towns, are when you’re on this trip, and the best part is that cities, and kibbutzim, from the Golan Heights all the they all are there for the exact same reasons you are. It’s way to Eilat. She recalled the “gorgeous beaches” of a connection that is impossible to find anywhere else.” Eilat and snorkeling for the first time. The place that held For more information about USY and its summer prothe most significance to her, however, was Jerusalem. grams, please visit www.usy.org/programs/escape/.
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob Houston, Director of the Nebraska Correctional System will speak on Wednesday, Oct. 28, noon at Regency Lodge. He’ll describe “A day at the office” with Nebraska’s convicts and felons. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Jenny at 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.
WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to the Ameristar Casino on Oct. 29, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish brings us closer to our roots! Come join us Thursdays, 1-3 p.m., at the JCC. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
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October 23, 2009
IN THE NEWS According to former Omahan Stephanie Seldin Howard, the Knock Foundation, an international NGO, is hosting a benefit for Matumaini Child Care in Rau Tanzania. 100% of the proceeds of the event will go towards the construction of a new center which will benefit not only the children at the orphanage but the community as well. The event will be held at Karen’s Fireside in Papillion on Friday, Nov. 6, 6:30. Dinner and drinks; silent auction; entertainment provided by the Weisenheimers and raffles will all be included. Tickets are $60 each or $100 per couple with a portion being tax deductible. For more information, visit: www.knockfoundation.org or contact michelle@knockfoundation.org. Larry Kipperman, PhD, has received a Special Contribution Award from the Department of Veterans Affairs Readjustment Counseling Service for his contribution to veterans. According to the commendation, “Dr. Kipperman’s contribution reflects the highest quality of professionalism and commitment to quality care delivery. His willingness to provide effective clinical consultation to the Omaha Veterans Center staff serves as an inspiration for all Central Region staff. Thousands of veterans and their families have benefited from his therapeutic skill. He has significantly enhanced the readjustment of veterans across the nation! While continuing stellar performance in his duties as a psychologist, he volunteered to present training on clinical matters pertaining to veteran’s care and staff training.” Dr. Kipperman is a clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Nebraska Medical College and Creighton University Medical School. As part of the psychiatric resident training of both schools, he conducts a Trauma Rounds Group training of all residents. He has also trained Offutt Air Force Base security forces supervisors under combat zone conditions. He received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor. In 1981, he moved to Omaha to work with the Omaha Veterans Center.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Get ready for the all new Cirque Dreams Illumination from the creators of the groundbreaking hit and only show of its kind to ever perform on Broadway, Cirque Dreams Jungle Fantasy. Hailed as “Dazzling! A reason to stand up and cheer,” by the New York Daily News, this event will ignite Omaha when Omaha Performing Arts presents this event Nov. 20-22 for four shows only. Tickets, priced from $28 to $54, are now on sale at the Ticket Omaha box office in the Holland Performing Arts Center, 13th and Douglas, online at Ticket Omaha.com or by calling 402.345.0606. For group sales call 402.661.8516 or toll-free 866.434.8587 and ask for Group Sales. For more information, visit www.cirque productions.com or www.OmahaPerforming Arts.org.
RECREATIONAL LEASES
Hunting and recreational land. Includes rivers, lakes and timbered cover. Leases for 5 or more years. www.belf.state.ne.us Call 402/471-2014.
Beth El families enjoy best of BESTT during “Bring Your Parents to School Day” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jewish education will be a family affair at Beth El on Sunday, Nov. 1, 10 a.m.-noon, as the synagogue’s Talmud Torah (BESTT) sponsors its fifth annual “Bring Your Parents to School Day”. All families with students in pre-kindergarten through seventh grade are invited to participate in the open house, which offers parents the opportunity to become familiarized with their children’s Sunday school classes and participate in a funfilled morning of learning alongside their children.
Parents and children enjoyed classroom activities during last year’s “Bring Your Parents to School Day” at Beth El. This year’s event is planned for Sunday, Nov. 1. The morning will begin with an open assembly in the chapel, where Education Director Judy Rubin, Rabbi Mordechai Levin and a member of the BESTT school board will discuss goals for the year. During the rest of the morning, parents may attend their children’s classes and enjoy refreshments in the West Court, courtesy of Beth El Men’s Club. In addition, Sherri Saag, representing the Center for Jewish Education, will speak to all parents at 11:30 a.m., to introduce the Passport to Israel Program, a savings incentive program in partnership with the Federation and synagogues. It enables students to travel to Israel on approved programs when they are in high school. A directory of classrooms and teachers’ names will be posted in the canteen area, Rubin said, adding that parents are welcome to stay for either the entire open house, or just a portion. She also noted that parents are always welcome to visit mid-week religious school classes and may set a date and time by contacting her at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org. In addition, several mid-week faculty members have already designated dates for parents to visit their classrooms.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Ramah integrates Jewish values into camp experience by ANGELA GOLDSTEIN for Camp Ramah Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is 150 acres of magical space, tucked away in the heart of Wisconsin’s Northwoods. Within this space, campers and staff from throughout the Midwest and Israel unite each summer to form a very special Jewish community. Together, they experience the joy of overnight camping while leading vibrant Jewish lives. For campers, Ramah is a second home. It's also a place to learn new skills, gain independence, make lifetime friendships and become totally at ease as Jews. A full range of fun activities integrates Jewish values and observances into the daily camp experience. Activities include sports, swimming, high and low ropes courses, climbing wall, sailing, kayaking, music, dance, nature, photography, radio, arts and drama. Sports courts upgrades enable campers to play softball, basketball, tennis and volleyball both during the day and under the lights at night! All meals are kosher and served in our brand new dining hall facility. Shabbat is observed. The camp is located 15 miles north of Eagle River, on beautiful Lake Buckatabon. Ramah Wisconsin offers a half season for campers entering fifth grade (June 15-July 13) and a half season for campers entering sixth grade (July 15-Aug. 9). The full season for campers entering 7th-11th grades runs from June 15-Aug. 9. For more information, call 312.606.9316 ext. 221, email regis trar@ramahwisconsin.com or visit our website at www.ramahwisconsin.com.
Foundation for Jewish Camp launches website by ALICIA ZIMBALIST NEW YORK -- The Foundation for Jewish Camp (FJC) announced the launch of the new and improved FJC website; www.JewishCamp.org is now a comprehensive, user-friendly, informative online destination for anyone with an interest in Jewish camping. The dynamic site allows visitors to learn about and feel the spirit of Jewish camp in addition to accessing a variety of resources. The updated and redesigned site is full of upgraded and unique features including: • New “Find a Camp” Tool: This new database is an easy-touse instrument for finding nonprofit Jewish overnight camps. With filters that allow families to choose preferences from specialties to special needs, it shows where each camp is on a map and links to their individual page; as well as Leaders Assembly News and Information; “The Campfire” blog; research; directory of camp scholarships; job board; new specialty camps information; and a resource library. FJC raises the profile of Jewish camp and serves as a central resource for parents and organizations alike. FJC works with more than 150 camps, 70,000 campers, and 10,000 counselors across North America to further its mission. www.jewishcamp.org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
Letting go, stepping back and knowing the future’s secure Last week, this newspaper published two oped pieces about the work of Jewish Federations across North America. In one, the CEO of the Federation umbrella organization, United Jewish Communities’ Jerry Silverman, noted, “It is clear that younger Jews want to help shape our system and our communal future. They have many ideas but often feel our system doesn’t let them in, or their input is not taken seriously. Before all else, we need to reframe the terms so that young people never feel as though they are outsiders.” Another, by young Jewish communal professionals in their 20s and early 30s, added, “Many believe that moments of crisis and change are best met with creative risk-taking. Federation could take some creative risks of its own by engaging the leadership that younger Jews can offer. We’re ready to do our part.” This is not a new concept. Young people in every generation look at the “elders” (yup, that’s us!) in leadership positions and inwardly groan. Whether it was the young people who formed the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry in 1964 or the first group of Federation Young Leaders to demand kosher meals for the annual General Assembly in 1968, young people have always challenged the status quo. It’s easy to understand why -- not ensconsed in leadership roles of major organizations, they’re free to take risks, without worrying about their status. In a strange way, it’s liberating. They forget about what “they will say” -- they, being the establishment -- and move the issues and causes relevant to their generation on to the communal agenda. While we “advanced leaders” may be caught up in the bureaucracy, the jostling for ever higher positions in the heirarchy (especially on
the national stage), young adults have the advantage of seeing the big picture. It’s something that, unfortunately, many senior leaders lose over their years of service. That’s not to say that all senior leaders should be pushed aside. On the contrary; they can be (and should be) mentors to younger leaders. With their years of experience, they can guide up-and-coming leaders through some of the pitfalls of organizational life. And advanced leaders can also be used for training -- in the budget process, parliamentary procedure, formulating policies, and group interaction -- from running a successful meeting to keeping those inevitable microphone grabbers from stealing floor time from others who have opinions to share. One of the ways the Jewish Federation of Omaha is looking to encourage more participation from young people is through the reintroduction of JOLT: the Jewish Omaha Leadership Training program. Set to begin in January, the program will have 25 participants who will complete a 10-session course. Local Jewish organizations, synagogues and Federation agencies can submit names to Bob Goldberg, Federation Communications and Young Leadership Director at: bgoldberg@jewishomaha.org by Nov. 1. We know the pro-
gram is a success, as many of the participants in the last JOLT programs from seven and 10 years ago are now in leadership positions at the Federation, its agencies and local synagogues. We welcome JOLT back to the leadership development scene in Omaha and look forward to this new group of young leaders adding their energy, talents, creativity and ideas to the mix. It’s imperative that the next generation of leaders be well trained, not just to take over when the current leaders step down, but to face the hard decisions that will be necessary to ensure a vibrant future for this amazing Jewish community. And we hope that the organizers will use the “elders” of this community to serve as mentors to this newest group of young leaders. As recent Spirit of Federation award winner, Joanie Jacobson, stated during her acceptance at the Federation’s Volunteer Recognition event: “Pass it on!”
FOCUS ON ISSUES by LESLIE SUSSER
JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Although warm and effusive in their congratulations, Israeli officials fear President Obama’s Nobel Peace Prize could limit his options on Iran. They argue that Obama, having won the prestigious award for restoring the role of diplomacy in international affairs, may be more inclined to take the military option off the table, paving the way for Iran to advance its nuclear plans with relative impunity. The Israelis have similar concerns on the Palestinian track, fearing the prize might encourage Obama to redouble his efforts for an independent Palestinian state by 2012 by pressing Israel to make far-reaching concessions. Even before news of the Nobel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had deep misgivings about the new U.S. diplomatic engagement with Iran. Successful dialogue could lead to pressure on Israel to dismantle its reputed nuclear arsenal. One Israeli nightmare scenario is that Iran demands Israeli nuclear disarmament as a condition of its agreement to drop its nuclear weapons program. Were this to happen, the Israelis fear the praise the Norwegian Nobel committee heaped on Obama’s advocacy of a nuclear-free world could exacerbate their predicament. What worries Israeli strategic thinkers more is the more likely scenario of a U.S.-Iran dialogue that fails to produce conclusive results, sucking the Obama administration into a longmeandering process the Iranians use as a cover to advance their nuclear activities. The concern persists despite U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton’s reassurance
What happens if the United States gets sucked into a long, seemingly aimless dialogue with Iran, and Israel sees smoking-gun evidence of an incipient Iranian nuclear capability that America chooses to ignore? The main plank of the Israeli waiting game, however, is to coordinate throughout as closely as possible with Washington on intelligence and on possible military action. Netanyahu, who has warned repeatedly that Israel will not tolerate a nuclear Iran, does not want to act without close U.S. coordination. That’s where this month’s huge joint military exercise in Israel’s Negev Desert comes in. In maneuvers dubbed Juniper Cobra, the Israel Defense Forces, the U.S. European Command and the U.S. Missile Defense Agency will test four defense systems against incoming ballistic missiles, such as those from Iran. The main purpose will be to hone the interoperability of Israel’s Arrow 2 and three state-of-the-art American systems: the high altitude THAAD, the ship-based Aegis and the lower altitude Patriot PAC 3.
Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Michael Sigmond, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Eric Dunning; Jason Epstein; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press . Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.
Obama’s Nobel, Israel’s problem? in London last weekend that “the international community will not wait indefinitely for evidence that Iran is prepared to live up to its international obligations.” With all these developments, the Netanyahu government seems to be developing a pragmatic Iran strategy. Netanyahu seems resigned to waiting out Washington’s efforts at dialogue and to giving international sanctions a chance if dialogue fails. Some of Netanyahu’s close advisers say the dialogue stage is necessary so that when it fails -- as it is bound to do, they argue -- Obama will be able to muster an effective and widely backed sanctions regime.
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All four will be coordinated by American XBand Radar, deployed in the Negev since last October and capable of tracing an object as small as a baseball from a distance of approximately 3,000 miles. This means that with XBand and the various interceptor systems, Israel theoretically could shoot down Iranian Shihab missiles shortly after take-off and possibly still over Iranian territory. Israelis also would get warning time of 5 to 7 minutes to take cover after Iranian missile firings. About 1,000 U.S. soldiers and 15 U.S. naval vessels are taking part in the exercise, the fifth of its kind since 2001 and by far the biggest and most complex. After the exercise, the Americans may leave behind some PAC-3 interceptors and deploy Aegis vessels in the Mediterranean and Red seas. Washington is considering deploying parts of the missile defense system it had intended for Eastern Europe in Israel, Turkey and the Balkans. U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates says this will enable the United States to have a partial system working by 2011, whereas in Eastern Europe it would have taken until 2017. All this sends a strong message to Iran. Attacking Israel would mean confronting an Israeli-American defensive umbrella at the very least, and possibly a lethal Israeli-American counter-offensive. But it also sends a strong message to Israel. If it can count on a strong American umbrella, it should feel less compelled to act against Iran on its own, less concerned about giving up its reputed nuclear arsenal and more inclined to make concessions to the Palestinians. Of course, that still leaves the $64,000 question unanswered: What happens if the United States gets sucked into a long, seemingly aimless dialogue with Iran, and Israel sees smokingContinued on page 13
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October 23, 2009
CAIR’s inner workings exposed
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES
The Council on American-Islamic Relations has, since its founding in 1994, served as the Islamist movement in North America’s most high-profile, belligerent, manipulative, and aggressive agency. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., CAIR also sets the agenda and tone for the entire Wahabi lobby. A substantial body of criticism about CAIR exists, some of by me, but until now, the group’s smash-mouths and extremists have managed to survive all revelations about its record. The publication last week of Muslim Mafia: Inside the Secret Underworld That’s Conspiring to Islamize America (WND Books) may, however, change the equation. Written by P. David Gaubatz and Paul Sperry, the investigation is based largely on the undercover work of Gaubatz’s son Chris who spent six months as an intern at CAIR’s D.C. headquarters in 2008. In that capacity, he acquired 12,000 pages of documentation and took 300 hours of video. Chris Gaubatz’s information reveals much that the secretive CAIR wants hidden, including its strategy, finances, membership, and internal disputes, thereby exposing its shady and possibly illegal methods. As the book contains too much new information to summarize in small compass, I shall focus here on one dimension -- the organization’s inner workings, where the data shows that CAIR’s claims amount to crude deceptions. Claim 1: According to Ibrahim Hooper, the organization’s communications director, “CAIR has some 50,000 members.” Fact: An internal memo prepared in June 2007 for a staff meeting reports that the organization had precisely 5,133 members, about one-tenth Hooper’s exaggerated number. Claim 2: CAIR is a “grass-roots organization” that depends financially on its members. Fact: According to an internal 2002 board meeting report, the organization received $33,000 in dues and $1,071,000 in donations. In other words, under 3 percent of its income derives from membership dues. Claim 3: CAIR receives “no support from any overseas group or government.” Fact: Gaubatz and Sperry report that 60 percent of CAIR’s income derives from two dozen donors, most of whom live outside the United States. Specifically: $978,000 from the ruler of Dubai in 2002 in exchange for controlling interest in its headquarters property on New Jersey Avenue, a $500,000 gift from
Saudi prince al-Waleed bin Talal and $112,000 in 2007 from Saudi prince Abdullah bin Mosa’ad, at least $300,000 from the Saudibased Organization of the Islamic Conference, $250,000 from the Islamic Development Bank, and at least $17,000 from the American office of the Saudibased International Islamic Relief Organization. Claim 4: CAIR is an independent, domestic human rights group “similar to a Muslim NAACP.” Fact: In a desperate search for funding, CAIR has offered its services to forward the commercial interests of foreign firms. This came to light in the aftermath of Dubai Ports World’s failed effort to purchase six U.S. harbors in 2006 due to security fears. In response, CAIR’s chairman traveled to Dubai and suggested to businessmen there: “Do not think about your contributions [to CAIR] as donations. Think about it from the perspective of rate of return. The investment of $50 million will give you billions of dollars in return for fifty years.” Combining these four facts reveals a CAIR quite unlike its public image. Almost bereft of members and dues, it sustains itself by selling its services to the Saudi and U.A.E. governments by doing their ideological and financial bidding. This in turn raises the obvious question: should CAIR not be required to register as a foreign agent, with the regulations, scrutiny, and lack of tax-deductible status that the designation implies? Data in Muslim Mafia certainly suggests so. Looking further ahead, I expect CAIR’s days are numbered. It’s a dirty institution, founded by Islamic terrorists and with many subsequent ties to terrorists. Over the years, it has established a long record of untrustworthiness that includes doctoring a photograph, fabricating antiMuslim hate crimes, and promoting suspect polling. It has also intimidated critics via libel suits, boasted of ties to a neoNazi, and allegedly paid hush money. Eventually, close scrutiny of this outfit will likely lead to its demise. That’s the good news. Less happy is my expectation that CAIR’s successor will be a more savvy, honest, respectable institution that continues its work of bringing Islamic law to the United States and Canada while avoiding the mistakes and apparent illegalities that render CAIR vulnerable. In that sense, the fight to preserve the Constitution has just begun. Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. © 2009 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved. Read more at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Obama’s Nobel Continued from page 13 gun evidence of an incipient Iranian nuclear capability that America chooses to ignore?
That’s the scenario Netanyahu hopes his coordination strategy will help avoid. Otherwise he is facing one of the hardest choices of any Israeli leader: To antagonize America or face the consequences of a nuclear Iran.
Left: Some Israeli officials fear that President Obama, shown addressing a U.N. Security Council non-proliferation summit on Sept. 24, 2009, may be more inclined to dismiss the military option against Iran after winning the Nobel Peace Prize. UN PHOTO
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Gail Chalew, the author of the Sept. 11 front page article about the relationship between two synagogues in New Orleans, is a personal friend of mine. Rabbi Benjamin and Frances Groner were personal friends, as well, and my father, Edward Kahn cherished his relationship with them when Rabbi Groner was the spiritual leader of Beth Israel Synagogue in Omaha. A minor correction: Rabbi Groner served as rabbi of Congregation Chevra Tihillim in New Orleans from 1965-85. The Beth Israel mentioned in the Sept. 11 article is another Orthodox congregation in New Orleans. Our family moved to New Orleans in 1967; we made immediate contact with Rabbi Groner and attended servies at his shul but wound up joining CCNO -- the Conservative Congregation of New Orleans. Interestingly, CCNO was formed in 1960 by former members of Chevra Tehillim. It was the first Conservative congregation here and subsequently changed its name to Tikvat Shalom. Fast forward to 1999: Chevra Tehillim merged with Tikvat Shalom and the new name became Shir Chadash. Our membership is around 300 now, down from a pre-Katrina high of 400. It is located in Metairie, a suburb of New Orleans. Lis and I are involved in all aspects of the Jewish community here and I think our fellow New Orleansans are tired of us saying, “Well, this is how they do it in Omaha!” One fond memory of Rabbi Groner: the department store that I managed had a huge warehouse sale of home furnishings in our 100-year-old warehouse. Rabbi and Frances Groner came in and she went to check out the merchandise. Rabbi Groner and I were talking and somehow our conversation tilted toward some Talmudic subject. We were so engrosed that we looked up at the old timbers and dozens of people scurrying about looking for bargains that we laughed and said to each other: “Where else but in New Orleans would you find two Jews discussing Talmud at a gigantic warehouse sale?” Keep up the good work. Yasher Koach ya’ll and please contact us when you come to New Orleans; we need your tourism shekels! Hugo Kahn New Orleans, LA To the Editor: On Oct. 2, Pauline Guss passed away at the age of 90. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Joe, who died on Sept. 17, 2008, just shy of his 90th birthday. Those of us who were privileged to have been part of their lives knew Pauline and Joe as two incredible role models who taught us much about love and family. Their combined resume is really quite impressive. An army veteran of World War II, Joe’s first job was with Micklin Home Improvement, filling coolers with ice and driving the owner to the synagogue. He worked hard and continued to move up, eventually becoming owner of the company. An active volunteer, Joe belonged to the Round Table Organization to keep young people on the right path, served as president of the PTA, participated in numerous Jewish organizations and was president of Mount Sinai Cemetery for 33 years. But to me he was simply Uncle Joe, story teller extraordinaire. Pauline was very clever, and spent some time working as a copywriter for an advertising agency. She excelled in her studies
at Omaha University (now UNO), where she graduated with honors. Pauline gave generously of her time to the community, including participating in various fundraising campaigns and serving terms as president of the PTA, two-time president of Hadassah, and Cub Scout den mother. Warm, witty and full of life, it was always a pleasure spending time with Aunt Pauline. Pauline and Joe were married on Sept. 15, 1940. They shared a story in the Remington Heights newsletter in September of 2007, when the couple was highlighted as Residents of the Month. As the story goes, Joe didn’t have $2 for the marriage license when they got married, so he turned to Pauline for a loan. She complied, but said they would have to stay together at least until Joe paid her back. Hearing that, Joe vowed to never repay the $2, because he wanted the marriage to last forever. The couple remained happily married for almost 68 years – and the outstanding loan was never repaid. Through years of hard work, Pauline and Joe enjoyed many successes in life. But ask anyone who knew them what Pauline and Joe viewed as their biggest success, and they would give a one-word reply: family. Pauline and Joe’s whole world centered on their family, raising their three children with strong values, an appreciation of a good education, and a home that was always filled with the people they loved. When their children grew up and had children of their own, Pauline and Joe became tireless babysitters who were willing to travel near and far, thrilled with each new opportunity to spend time with their grandchildren. In my youth, I spent holidays and Shabbats with Aunt Pauline and Uncle Joe, Pauline cooking up culinary delights (my mouth still waters at the memory of her meatballs!), and Joe capturing our imaginations with stories filled with colorful characters. Their house was always full, and it was obvious that they were at their happiest when bringing us all together. As I grew up, Pauline’s energy constantly amazed me, and even during my college years, she could still run me around a tennis court. Lisa Lieb
To the Editor: Though I left Omaha many years ago, I still maintain my subscription to the Jewish Press and enjoy seeing familiar names pop up from time to time. When I read the story about Evelyn Zysman being honored as Humanitarian of the Year, I was brought back to my elementary school days at Dundee School. Evelyn Zysman lived down the street from Dundee, and sold educational books and records out of her home. One afternoon when I was in first grade, my mother Ann Stern, zichrona livracha, walked me over to Mrs. Zysman’s house where she bought me a record -- a dramatization for children of “Midsummer Night’s Dream” -- which I still own, and which I was thrilled to be able to share with my own children when they were very young. Thank you, Mrs. Zysman, for all you’ve done over the years to provide the very best for young people. Joel Stern Los Angeles, CA HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m., for the Dec. 4 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
Candlelighting Friday, October 23, 6:13 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: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Karla and David Cohen, in honor of their daughter, Alyssa, becoming a Bat Mitzvah; 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: Meet Yourself in the Torah, 10 a.m. with Susi Beginning Frydman-Levin; Hebrew, with Eadie Tsabari, 10 a.m., prerequisite for Adult Bar and Bat Mitzvah class; and Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 11 a.m. with Frydman-Levin. Call Margie in the office to register. Classes open to all adults in the Jewish community. Cost is $36, members, $45, non-members. BESTT MINYAN: Sixth and Seventh grade minyan, Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Breakfast included. BESTT FAMILY PROGRAM: Seventh Grade Family Education Program, Sunday, 10:15 to noon. TOT SHABBAT & SAY ‘SHALOM’ TO SHABBAT: Shabbat celebrations for toddlers, children, parents and grandparents each led at the same time by Patty Nogg and Susi FrydmanLevin. Service is followed kidfriendly dinner. Dinner cost is $5 if RSVP’d by Wednesday, Oct. 28; after that, $10. No charge for children six and younger. Contact Margie in the office or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.
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, 6:13 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Bruce and Sarah Potash in honor of Linda’s birthday; “Guard Your Tongue”, “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) one hour prior to every Shabbat; Mincha, 6 p.m. followed by Seuda Shilisht; Havdalah, 7:12 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Bagels & Beit Midrash begins with breakfast, 9:40 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 10 a.m.; Sacred Text Messages (for teens) with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m.; Living in Season with Miriam Gross, 10 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m. MONDAY: Mincha & Mishna, 5:15 p.m., Mishna study with the rabbis along with Mincha. TUESDAY: Scholar’s Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 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: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:15 p.m. and Ushpizin movie will begin at 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings Remix, 10:15 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and
B’NAI MITZVAH Ben Dietrich, son of Sheri and Greg Dietrich, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Beth El. Ben is a seventhgrade Honor Roll student at Elkhorn Ridge Middle School. His interests include playing football and basketball He has a brother, Connor and a sister, Lauren. Grandparents are Maxine and Allen Passer, and Lu Dietrich. Jack Gilinsky, son of Katherine Finnegan and David Gilinsky, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 31, at Temple Israel.
Jack is an eighth-grade student at Westside M i d d l e School and a member of the WMS Show Choir. His interests include skiing, playing tennis, riding his bike, and hanging out with his friends. For his mitzvah project, Jack volunteered at the JCC’s Child Development Center. He has two older sisters, Molly and Laura. Grandparents are Deanna and Larry Gilinsky, and Beverly and Frank Finnegan of Kingston, NY. Great-grandparents are Chickie Gilinsky, Eunice Fox of Kansas City, and Fraces Bradley of Kingston, NY.
Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com. All events and 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 Sara Friedman. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Oct. 25, 7 p.m. Taste of Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. For more information or to sign up for the class, please call the office. A $5 dollar donation per session is requested for non-members. TUESDAYS, Nov. 3 and 10, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Book Month, discussions of Bernard Malamud’s short stories led by Gerry Shapiro.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Temple Israel Members; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Miles Remer. THURSDAY: LOVE Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Cantor Wendy Shermet; Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led by Rabbi Eric Linder; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Cantor Wendy Shermet with guest Milton Erman on “Family’s Torah. A Tree of Life.” SATURDAY: Yoga at Temple, A Shabbat Alternative, 9 a.m. Six week session: $30 for members, $50 for non-members. Contact Wendy Goldberg, wgoldberg@
templeisraelomaha.com, to participate; Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Hannah and Leah Miller, daughters of Lori and Michael Miller, will celebrate their B’not Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Religious School (K1 and 3-6), 10 a.m.; Grade 2 departs for Humane Society, 10:15 a.m.; Congregational Forum on Health Care Reform, 10 a.m.; Bible Quiz Practice, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; OTYG Lounge Night, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 712, 6-8 p.m.; Adult Beginning Hebrew, 6:30 p.m. with Mor Sheinbein; Nurturing the Nurturer: Stress Management, Judaism and the Arts, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $18 for members; $25 for non-members; no charge for Family School parents for each class. THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. Shabbat Guest Speaker Ran Kuttner on Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. (See full story on page 15.) Tot Shabbat, Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. Dinner is $5 for adults and children at no charge. Contact Maureen Kube, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha. com, to make a reservation. OTYG Tree planting and Havdalah, Sunday, Oct. 31, 1 p.m. at the home of Jon and Ellie Bleicher.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:13 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY:Morning service, 9 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; No Hebrew classes.
Kindergartners consecrated at Temple On Simchat Torah at Temple Israel, 15 kindergartners and new students were consecrated as they begin their formal religious training. The students are, front row: Brett Miller, left, Jordyn Kirshenbaum, Elizabeth Matz, Brady Meyerson, Ethan Rubin, Abigail Kaufman; second row: Max Brooks, Micah Gilbert, Rose Friedland, Alec Feidman, Zev Gordman, (madrich) Ben Noodell; third row: kindergarten teacher Melany Fullenkamp, Jeremiah Schondelmeyer, Ethan Bargas, Nathan Krasno, Isaac Clarke, kindergarten teacher Ann Noodell. In the back row are Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Interim Religious School Coordinator Lori Bennett, and Cantor Wendy Shermet.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
October 23, 2009
DEATHS SHIRLEY A. KIRSHENBAUM Shirley A. Kirshenbaum died Oct. 17 just a month before her 82nd birthday. Services were held Oct. 19 at Mount Sinai Cemetery. She is survived by her husband of 58 years, Max Kirshenbaum; daughters and sons-in-law, Jayne and Altan Ruback, Debi and David Kutler; sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Barb Kirshenbaum, Corey Kirshenbaum and Marcy Noodell; grandchildren, Andy and Teresa Ruback, Michael and Teasley Ruback, Adam and Abigail Kutler, Matt and Cally Kutler, Kevin, Rachel, Alex and Jacob Kirshenbaum, Bradley Kutler, Ryan and Kylie Kirshenbaum; three great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center at the Jewish Community Center of Omaha or the Methodist Hospital Foundation. AMY ARDELL HERZOG Amy Ardell Herzog, wife of former Omahan Ian “Buddy” Herzog, died in Los Angeles on Sept. 9 after battling lung cancer. She was 68. A graduate of Tulane and Stanford, she earned a law degree from the University of West Los Angeles. She was admitted to the bar in 1979 and and began practicing law with Buddy Herzog in 1985. They tried landmark cases of discrimination, harrassment and insurance bad faith together. In addition to her husband, she is survived by her children, Dachen Ardell Farrow, Rebecca Ardell Markman and David Ardell; step-children Erin Herzog Greenman, and Alexander Herzog; nine grandchildren; sister Jane Gelfman; and brother-in-law and sister-inlaw, David Herzog and Julianne Dunn Herzog. Memorials to the America Cancer Society.
Happy birthday, Visions!
The Visions group celebrated its 17th birthday recently at the Venice Inn. Members enjoyed cake and a musical program with Maxine Noodell and Esther Wax.
PERSONAL Roie Meyers and her family extend their heartfelt thanks to her many friends and family who helped her celebrate her five-by-sweet 16th birthday at the Blumkin Home. Sorry. The cake is gone! Roie Meyers and Family
UNVEILING of the gravestone for the late Lois Epstein Sunday, Oct. 25, 1 p.m. Temple Israel Cemetery, 6412 No. 42 St. HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Nov. 26 for Thanksgiving. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is Tuesday, Nov. 24, 9 a.m., for the Dec. 4 issue. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.
Noah by any other name ...
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Noakh Mr. Noah, Mr. Noah: you’d better get ready, for you know darn well it’s sprinkling already -- and it’s gonna rain like hell! I have said before that I am a skeptic. If I had been Noah, I probably would not have seen even a torrential rain as the beginning of a worldwide flood. Living in Nebraska, with its smooth plains stretching 500 miles to the west, even a heavy rain that leaves the roads and fields with standing water six or eight inches deep, we know that this is probably not a worldwide flood! But poor Noah, whose wife is not even named, built himself an ark to ride the flood waters and to re-people the earth after everything was wiped out. Everything and everybody. Thus, not only Adam, but Noah as well, is the ancestor of all of us. Note how cagey the Good Lord was when he said that He would not destroy the world by flood. He made no promise about anything else -- such as disease, starvation, war, earthquake and other delightful events. No, I don’t think Nebraska suffered from the Great Flood. That’s the power of Big Red!
Temple to host Creighton professor from Israel discussing conflict resolution by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Ran Kuttner, assistant professor of conflict resolution at the Werner Institute for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Creighton University School of Law, will be Temple Israel’s guest at the Shabbat service on Friday, Oct. 30, 6 p.m. His topic is “Israel: The Value of Dialogue and the Role of American Jews.” He plans to discuss “the increased fragmentation in recent decades in Israeli society and the various splits within it.” In addition, he’ll talk about “the concept of dialogue -- and pose the question: What needs to be done in order to transform destructive mechanisms of conflict management into constructive conflict interaction in social, interpersonal, and international conflicts.” Ran Kuttner Originally from Tel Aviv, Kuttner earned his Ph.D. from the Program on Conflict Management and Negotiation at Bar-Ilan University in Ramat-Gan, Israel, where he co-taught a graduate-level mediation certification course. He also designed a mediation certification program at his own Center for the Study of Mediation and Conflict Management in Tel Aviv and has taught numerous mediation courses for Israeli educators, companies, and the general public. He has addressed Israeli/Palestinian issues, conflicts between Jews and Arabs who live in Israel, and splits within Israeli society and also worked at the Rabin Center in Tel Aviv. Prior to arriving in Omaha a year ago, he was a visiting researcher and an associate at the Program on Negotiation at Harvard Law School for three years. Among his research projects, he helped redesign and teach Harvard's mediation course, a joint course for law and MBA students. Dr. Kuttner’s talk is presented by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Large print living will available Jewish Heritage for the Blind announced the availability of the large print “Jewish Halachic Living Will”, produced by the Agudath Israel and the Orthodox Union. Forward your request on your formal stationery to fax #: 718.338.0653 or send an e-mail to jewishheritage@gmail.com. Requests must include a phone number to confirm delivery. The supply is limited.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials
Page 15
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Statewide Classified ADOPTION IS love; happily married couple promises infant arms full of hugs, love, security and absolute devotion. Expenses paid. Patty & Louis, 1-888-877-0683. ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $210/25 word classified you can advertise in over 175 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 3346448 or call 1-800-369-2850. GUNS - GUNS - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns - guns. Gun Show, Oct. 24 & 25, Fonner Park, Grand Island, NE. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-3692850 to place your ad on the national www.midwestclassiccars.com web site for only $25.00. Your ad runs until your vehicle is sold! BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates. Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. www.steffenslaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. STOP WASTING $ on rent! Own a new singlewide home for as low as $400/month W.A.C. Call for details: 307-635-3100. FOUNDATION/BASEMENT repair. Bulging walls, broken footings, water proofing. Statewide service. Call Landmark Construction, Terry Loos, 402-432-4517. Free estimates. Affordable. Insured. References. Member BBB. www.lincolnlandmark.com. NEW FINANCE Program! For doublewide and modular homes. Great rates, low down. No down for landowners. Big Screen TV with purchase. Call to prequalify, 800-375-3115. 20' CONCESSION Trailer, custom built, tandem axles with electric brakes, fully equipped. Excellent condition. Call 402-890-1157 or 402-890-1141. 2006 TOYOTA RAV 4 Limited, V6, 4x4, sunroof, Barcelona Red, CD changer, bought new, very clean & loaded. 55,000 miles. $17,900, 308-530-0221. WALK-IN BATHTUBS $2,995, hot tubs $995 to $4,995, saunas $1,995 to $2,795. Call 1-800-869-0406 for price list and pictures. Town Center Showcase, Lincoln, NE, goodlifespa.com. ALL NEW Happy Jack Kennel Dip II: kills fleas, ticks, stable flies & mange mites without steroids. Biodegradable. At Orscheln Farm & Home Stores. www.happyjackinc.com. ATTENTION GRAIN producers! Cutting edge on farm/field storage systems. Accelerate harvest, expand marketing opportunities, high moisture capabilities. Info: Sales/Service. Ag Solutions LLC, 308-750-0700, www.loftness.com. LOOMIX FEED supplements is seeking Dealers. Motivated individuals with cattle knowledge and community ties. Contact Kristi @ 800-870-0356/kboen@loomix.com to find out if there is a Dealership opportunity in your area. BUTCHER: FULL-TIME position for butcher/meat cutter available immediately at Aurora Meat Block. Possible ownership opportunity. Apply at 402-694-2365, or 1001 13th St., Aurora, NE 68818. THE CITY of Chadron is accepting applications for full-time Wastewater Operator. Grade II Wastewater Operator's License and Grade IV Water Operator's License required. Applications will be taken until position is filled. Applications may be obtained at City Hall, 234 Main Street, Chadron, NE. EOE. THE VILLAGE of Edison, NE, is looking for a full-time employee for water, sewer and maintenance of city property. Send resume to: PO Box 152, Edison, NE 68936 by November 3, 2009. WANTED: LIFE Agents. Earn $500 a day. Great agent benefits. Commissions paid daily, liberal underwriting. Leads, leads, leads. Life insurance, license required. Call 1888-713-6020. AIRLINES ARE hiring - train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Housing available. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-349-5387. SALES PROFESSIONALS are needed at a prominent John Deere dealer with locations across Nebraska. Ag Industry experience required. College graduates and sales experience is desired. Career growth, aggressive compensation and benefits provided. E-mail to recruiting@plainspower.com.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 23, 2009
NFTY Institute deepens Beth Israel rebbetzin loves teaching -- and catering SHUKERT JONES own businesses and are from Baltimore, MD. Temple teen’s Jewish identity byIsGLORIA it really possible for kosher cooking to classify as Gross spent her early years in Denver, and later the
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Emily Katz, Omaha Temple Youth Group Fall Conclave co-chair, spent six days last summer at her first North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY) Institute (TUTE) in Indiana. “It was packed with programs, socials, swimming, and song sessions,� said the junior who attends Westside and Temple Israel Religious School. “It was also special, because not only was I with my normal region (Missouri Valley), our sister region, Ohio Valley, was there too. Double the kids, double the fun!� mentioned the enthusiastic 16-year-old. “This experience definitely added to my Jewish identity,� said Emily. “The theme of the week was ‘My Judaism, My World, My Challenges.’ We talked all about ourselves as Jews and how we contribute to the world and different types of challenges we have overcome. It got me thinking about my Judaism on a deeper level and it made me appreciate it so much more.� Another plus: Missouri Valley won the annual softball game. “I would like to go back!� she summed up. “It was an awesome time.�
Both Molly Goldberg, second from left, and Emily Katz, third from left, attended the NFTY Institute in Indiana last summer.
gourmet? According to Miriam Gross, wife of Rabbi family moved to Baltimore when she was nine or 10 Jonathan Gross, “It is not only possible, but I do it all years old. She has an undergraduate degree in Judaic the time.� Currently, she is conducting cooking classes studies from Thomas Edison State College in New Jersey, and a Masters in at Whole Foods, where they recently began carJewish education from rying kosher, all-natural poultry and wines. Hebrew College in Boston, “What I showed at the first cooking class, where she studied, taught Gefilte Fish Goes Global,� she explained, “is and catered for three years. that you can take typically Jewish food, add When I asked how she got international flavors and you have Jewish fusion interested in the field of cuisine. The definition of ‘Jewish cooking’ is catering, she explained, “My expanding every day.� grandmother was a caterer, In order to get a better idea of what she was so it was always a possibility. presenting, I attended her introductory class, a When it came time for my tasty, fun-filled educational experience. brother’s bar mitzvah, my Gross had been catering for 13 years before parents asked if I wanted to she decided to leave the field and teach the cater it -- and that was it.� tricks of the trade to home cooks. “There are She has been catering since simple tricks that all caterers use to cook fast, she was 16. cheap and delicious food. There is no reason why everyone should not be able to do that,� Recently married to Rabbi Jonathan How the former Miriam Gross, Miriam Gross is teaching a class Shamberg and Rabbi Gross she said. met was another question. Following a few basic principles, anyone can on kosher cooking at Whole Foods. cook for a crowd. That’s the theory on which Gross’ She was living in Phoenix at the time, and explained, “My Whole Foods series is based. The series, “Secrets from a mother is a speaker, and she was going to speak at a conCatering Kitchen�, will occur twice a month and present ference in Omaha on both Friday and Sunday night. She different aspects of cooking and entertaining. The first needed a place to stay that was close to a shul and kosher will focus on a cocktail party and she will demonstrate 10 food, since she was going to be spending Shabbat here. easy snacks to wow a crowd. The November class will Her friends had heard of the dynamic and kind rabbi in feature a Thanksgiving dinner for 15-35 people, which the area, and helped my mother reach him. She called takes only two hours to prepare. For more information Rabbi Gross and he set her up at someone’s house, close on the classes and their schedules, contact Whole Foods to the shul, and got her food.� Miriam added, “During a conversation, my mother or email Gross at mimimgross@ gmail.com Gross also teaches classes at Friedel Jewish Academy in mentioned that she had a daughter and he asked for my gymnastics and interpersonal ethics, as well as an adult number. He called to ask me a ‘professional’ question class as part of Beth Israel’s new Sunday morning about Jewish education. One topic led to another and “Bagels and Beit Midrash� program. The class “Living three days later, he took me to a Diamondbacks game in in Season� will explore the historical and psychological Phoenix!� approach to Jewish holidays, for both beginning and seaThough Miriam Gross has lived in several cities, she soned scholars. finds Omaha to be “a warm and vibrant community� Miriam Gross’ parents are Aaron and Shoshana and added, “I am so happy to be a part of it. Getting setShamberg. Her mother is an occupational therapist, and tled here has been easy because everyone is so nice and her father is a landscape architect. They both have their caring.�
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Look who’s housing for the JCC Maccabi Games:
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• At least one adult in your home must be Jewish.
• House a minimum of two visiting athletes.
• Provide separate beds for each athlete. Pull-out couch or air mattresses are acceptable. Athletes can share a room, but cannot share a bed.
• Provide breakfast each morning and two dinners during the week.
• Transport the athletes to the JCC in the morning, and pick up at night after Evening Programs. • Provide one evening of Home Hospitality to your athletes on Host Family Night.
• Attend one Host Family Orientation; multiple meeting dates will be offered.
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We’re off to a great start, but need (9(5<21( to Questions? Contact Corey Kirshenbaum at 334-6415 or ckirshenbaum@jccomaha.org. To register, contact Jessica Reed at 334-6418 or jreed@jccomaha.org. Visit our website at www.jccomaha.org.
YES! We’d like to be a host family! 1DPH BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB $GGUHVV BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB 3KRQH BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB ( PDLO BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB RI DWKOHWHV \RX SUHIHU WR KRVW PLQLPXP RI BBBBBBBBB 0D[LPXP BBBBBBBB &DQ \RX KRXVH HDUO\ DUULYDOV VWDUWLQJ WKH ZHHN RI -XO\ WK" U <(6 U 12 &DQ \RX DFFRPPRGDWH DWKOHWHV QHHGLQJ NRVKHU PHDOV" U <(6 U 12 Complete & return this form to: JCC Maccabi Games Housing, Attn: Jessica Reed, 333 S. 132nd St. 68154.