Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Friedel Annual Campaign
October 25, 2013 21 Cheshvan 5774 Vol. 94 | No. 06
Next Week
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Friedel Jewish Academy Eleven years ago, enrollment at Friedel Jewish Academy was 18 students. Today, there are 49 eager kindergarten through sixth graders studying everything from history, math, and reading as well as participating in band, orchestra, physical education, art, and library. They also learn about Israel and how to speak Hebrew through an internationally acclaimed, totalimmersion program. “It’s not yesterday’s Friedel,” said Debbie Denenberg, chair of the school’s annual campaign which is now in progress. With a goal of $150,000, Denenberg, a Friedel Board member for approximately eight years, pointed out that national studies conclude that being Jewish is “very important” to 64 percent of day school students, seven to twelve years old. That’s 13 to 28 percent higher than for other Jewish children who represent all three of Omaha’s synagogues. They also come from unaffiliated families and from Lincoln. They speak a variety of languages including Dutch, Spanish, and Hebrew at home. “As the institution most dedicated to growing future knowledgeable
Full coverage of the 2014 Federation Campaign event
This Week
From left to right: FRiedel students Rachel Kricsfeld, Noah Blair and Jack Cohen Jews, Friedel can best ensure a next generation commitment to Jewish heritage. Friedel benefits every Jewish institution from the synagogues to Federation to the JCC,” according to Denenberg, “because Friedel students have the greatest chance of growing up to become Jewish lead-
PartnershipTRIP2GETHER: Phil Schrager’s garden Page 7
An extraordinary experience
ers, volunteers and contributors to Jewish organizations.” In addition, she noted that “Friedel attracts and retains Jewish professionals,” including rabbis with young children, to Omaha. “Friedel is an anchor to a vibrant Jewish community,” said Denenberg.
Tuition of about $6,500 per student covers about half the expense of educating each child. “That’s true for private schools everywhere,” Denenberg explained. “We really need the support of the entire Jewish community,” she emphasized, “and we promise Continued on page 2
Twin communication
Beyond Greenberg and Koufax Page 12 Adeev and Ezra Potash | Credit: Jonathan Edelman Omaha group shot – Front: Bonnie Horwich, left, Patty Nogg, Zoë Riekes, Rhoda Priesman, Harlan Priesman; Middle: Steve Nogg, left, Ari Harel (tour guide), Robert Weinstein; Back: Howard Goldstein, left, Jan Goldstein, Marty Ricks, Iris Ricks.
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
8 10 11
by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Program Coordinator, The Center for Jewish Life A joint mission had been a longtime dream of the communities in Omaha’s Partnership2GETHER consortium. That dream became a reality last month when 33 people from Omaha, Austin, Des Moines, Dayton,
South Bend and Louisville participated in PartnershipTRIP2GETHER. The mission was triggered with the decision by Ballet Austin to travel to Israel to present an extraordinary program entitled Light/The Holocaust and Humanity Project. A fulllength contemporary ballet, Light includes a Holocaust education partnership that promotes the protection of human rights against bigotry and hate through arts, education, and public dialogue. Since its world premiere in Austin in April 2005, Light has travelled to Philadelphia, Miami and Denver. The overseas performances in Akko and Tel Aviv came about through the collaborative efforts of the Partnership2GETHER Central Area Consortium, the Austin Continued on page 2
by AARON MICHAELSON Adeev and Ezra Potash also known as the Potash Twins have been selected to participate in the upcoming TEDx talk on Oct. 26 at Creighton University’s Harper Center. TED is a nonprofit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading.” It started in 1984 as a conference bringing together people from three worlds: Technology, Entertainment, Design. Since then its scope has become ever broader. Along with two annual conferences -- the TED Conference and TEDGlobal -- TED includes the award-winning TED Talks video site, the Open Translation Project and TED Conversations, the inspiring TED Fellows and TEDx programs, and the annual TED Prize. Check out more about TED at www.ted.com. TEDxOmaha 2013 will explore influence: “Influence is the push and pull on all of our experiences,
internally, externally, globally” according to the TEDxOmaha website. Adeev and Ezra will explore how twins influence and communicate with each other through Jazz improvisation. Upon graduating from Westside High School, Ezra and Adeev moved to New York City to develop as performers and educators. Adeev studies under Dizzy Gillespie protégé Jon Faddis at SUNY Purchase and Ezra studies at the Manhattan School of Music. The Potash twins are recipients of the prestigious Karen Sokolof Javitch Fund for music scholarship. The Potash Twins have performed around the country at notable venues as Jazz at Lincoln Center and First Avenue, as well as the festival South By Southwest (SXSW), and have performed with piano virtuoso Jonathan Batiste. Continued on page 3
2 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
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Friedel Annual Campaign Continued from page 1 to give it back in many ways. Every dollar raised is an investment in identified, joyous, knowledgeable Jewish children.” As Jewish Press Editor Annette Van De Kamp-Wright wrote in a recent editorial, day schools are among community institutions we should give to “because it is a need, rather than a choice.” Endowment funds, grants, and the Jewish Federation also help meet the cost of running the school. “The biggest expense is staff compensation,” said Pam Cohn, now in her second year as principal of Friedel. A veteran of 17 years at Omaha Public Schools’ R. M. Marrs Magnet Center, Cohn remarked that the Friedel teachers are “the most dedicated staff I’ve ever had the pleasure to work with.” A Friedel Board member for about eight years, Denenberg, mother of a Friedel fifth grader, described how her own upbringing exposed her to Holocaust survivors and was somewhat of an “osmosis to the Old Country. This generation doesn’t have the same anchors I did. We are the People of the Book, and we need to be literate in that Book in order to lead a meaningful Jewish life.” Harry Berman, serving his second year as president of the Friedel Board of Directors, said, “When we see the studies that come out, they indicate that children who are immersed in Jewish education are much more likely to stay involved later in life as adult leaders and volunteers.” Father of a fourth grader and a sixth grader at Friedel, Berman described the school “as a place where kids are really happy to be. We have a chance when they’re really young to give them a positive experience.” Cohn added that children who will be entering kindergarten in 2014 and their parents are invited to attend a Meet & Greet Fall Fest at Whole Foods in Regency on Sunday, Oct. 27 from 1-3 p.m. Parents choose Friedel for their children because it nurtures the values and identity they seek through daily living, Jewish concepts such as tikun olam (repairing the world) and gemilut hasadim (acts of loving kindness), as well as small class
sizes, dedicated teachers, and the dual language program. The children participate in activities and converse with residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home from time to time as well. Friedel students consistently rank in the top percentiles in reading and math as tested yearly by the national TerraNova Achievement Tests. Denise Bennett, fifth and sixth grade teacher, has consistently prepared her students to score high in the Woodmen of America speech contest against much larger schools that have enrollments through eighth grade. Friedel fourth graders took second place in a citywide math tournament last year. “A robust art program,” led by Julie Phillips, instrumental music taught by Nestor Herzbaum and Jim Misner, who both played with major symphony orchestras, and drama taught by Fran Sillau who also teaches youth at the JFK Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., attract parents’ attention, too. In addition to Denenberg, others helping on the primarily telephone solicitation annual campaign are Jerry Gordman, Friedel Board treasurer; Lloyd Roitstein, immediate past Board president; most Board members and others. Gordman, who has served on the Board for at least 25 years, said, “Fundraising is a very critical thing. Just like the synagogues and the Federation, we raise funds. We have a Jewish community that has people who are engaged -involved in the community,” commented Gordman who “fell in love with the kids at Friedel years ago” when he blew the shofar at the school. “Being around these kids is enough to let you fall in love all over again!” he insisted. Principal Cohn said donors need not wait to be solicited. They can send a check to the school (335 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154), and then no one will call on them. Denenberg suggested that Friedel is a good destination for donation checks in honor of simchas. She invited people to call her for a tour of the school where they will see children say The Pledge of Allegiance and then sing Hatikvah. She can be reached at 402.614.2213 or by email at debbie@ denenberg.com. You’ll see, she assures, “Friedel makes Judaism second nature, instead of second best.”
PartnershipTRIP2GETHER
Continued from page 1 War. “To think every Israeli mother could experience what Jewish Federation and numerous other supporters. she did made me realize how we are so far removed from the Zoë Riekes is the American Chairman of the Partnership reality of keeping Israel secure.” Central Area Consortium. “This trip Marty and Iris Ricks decided to parwas two years in the planning and was ticipate in this trip as soon as they perfect” she reported. “It was a wonheard about it nearly two years ago. derful group of people and having so “This was my eighth time in Israel,” many of our Partnership communisaid Marty. “Other than the trip ties represented was very exciting.” where I proposed to Iris, this was The mission took place in late absolutely the best trip I have experiSeptember and highlights included enced.” Iris echoed his comments sayattending the Ballet Austin opening ing “It was absolutely marvelous.” Iris performance, touring the Ghetto also found Mickey Goldwasser’s talk Fighter’s Museum, experiencing touching. “Her spirit is quite amazing. Sukkot in Akko, a talk by the I was so moved by her comment that Goldwasser Family at the Civil wherever she went in the world to try Command Center in Matte Asher, and gather support for her son’s touring the Western Galilee Medical release, the Jewish communities Center, visiting Sde Eliyahu, the Bio opened their arms to her. She said, Bee Biological System, Simchat Torah ‘The Jews are one family. We are all and Shabbat in Jerusalem, Yad connected,’” commented Iris. Vashem and a presentation by Chaled “I had never been to Israel before,” Abu Toame, a West Bank and Gaza commented Bonnie Horwich. “I correspondent for the Jerusalem Post retired at the end of May so it was the Patty Nogg making a new friend. and U.S. News and World Report. perfect time for this adventure.” Another special experience was participating in the cor- When asked about her trip highlight, Horwich first mennerstone ceremony for the new Damon Rose Partnership tioned seeing all the amazing historical sites she has learned and Cultural Center. The center will become the heart for about since Sunday school and Hebrew school. “Other highPartnership2GETHER activities with multifunctional com- lights were seeing what’s happening in the Western Galilee munity space, Partnership offices, meeting space and coffee because of the Partnership and the amazing hospital there. shop. With the adjoining Akko Art Glass Center, and locat- But the biggest highlights were the wonderful people on the ed near the Western Galilee College, the building will be a tour with me,” she added. hub of activity. During the trip, Riekes was interviewed by Israeli televiIn addition to Riekes, others traveling from Omaha were sion’s Channel 2 about Israeli’s establishing philanthropic Bonnie Horwich, Patty and Steve Nogg, Iris and Marty Ricks opportunities similar to fundraising done in Jewish commuand Jan and Howard Goldstein. Jan Goldstein is the stateside nities in the U.S. “I am excited that our Israeli friends are director for the Partnership Central Area Consortium. Also realizing that giving is also their responsibility and are workjoining the Omaha group was former Omahan Robert ing with us, side by side, in these fundraising efforts. For 65 Weinstein, who currently lives in California plus Lincoln years, Israel has built a country with the help of funding proresidents Rhoda and Harlan Priesman. vided by U.S. Jewish communities. Israelis are now looking Patty Nogg is Omaha’s Partnership Committee chairman. toward the future in a different way, stepping up to the plate, “It was the most wonderful time,” reported Nogg. “Being and choosing to be Partners2GETHER. with people from our other Partnership communities was Partnership2GETHER, a program of the Jewish Agency for great and the time spent in the north was amazing.” She was Israel and coordinated by the Center for Jewish Life promotes particularly impressed with their visit to Western Galilee people-to-people relationships between Israel and communiHospital. “Having the chance to see the special underground ties throughout the world. Omaha is one of 12 cities in the U.S. facilities was incredible. While disturbing, it is needed. partnering with the city of Akko and the Matte Asher region in Seeing it ‘up close and personal’ was quite compelling.” Nogg northern Israel, sharing cultural, social, medical, educational was also moved by a talk given by Mickey Goldwasser. and economic programs. For more information on Partnership, Goldwasser’s son, Ehud, was killed during the 2006 Lebanon please call the Center for Jewish Life at 402.334.6445.
October 25, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 3
Pink Shabbos on Good Shabbos Nebraska by JEANNIE NICKELS Beth Israel Synagogue Oct. 26 is Pink Shabbos on Good Shabbos Nebraska – America’s favorite Shabbos morning talk show. The month of October is breast cancer awareness month, so every year Beth Israel synagogue dedicates one Shabbos in October to raise community awareness for this disease. The subject of breast cancer is especially pertinent to members of the Jewish community. Jewish people who trace their roots to Central or Eastern Europe – Ashkenazim are frequently carriers of certain changes in genes known as BRCA1 and BRCA2 which are associated with an increased risk of cancer. According to the Centers for Disease Control, about one out of every 40 individuals of Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry have a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene, as compared to one out of every 800 members of the general population. Although these genetic mutations increase the risk of developing some cancers, not everyone who carries a gene mutation will develop cancer. And, despite these genetic abnormalities, prevention and lifestyle strategies can still be
helpful in preventing cancer. Every year at Beth Israel, we host Pink Shabbos to educate the Jewish community about breast and ovarian cancer. This year, pink Shabbos will feature the national organization Bright Pink. Bright Pink is the only national non-profit organization focusing on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancer in young women, while providing support for high-risk individuals. They are passionate about enlightening and empowering young women to be proactive with their breast and ovarian health. They are the big sister, the best friend, the trusted advisor, the dependable source of support. Bright Pink’s vision is a world where every young woman proactively develops, and lives by, a personalized breast and ovarian cancer risk-reduction or early detection strategy, while being lifted up and supported by a community of vibrant, confident, and inspiring women, all seeking the same happy ending – a better, brighter future. Being proactive is better than being reactive and prevention is better than treatment. Educate yourself, take action, and join us for Pink Shabbos.
Twin communication Continued from page 1 They continuously developed meaningful relationships with notable musicians, entertainers and celebrities. Followers of theirs on Facebook and Twitter are always eager to see who they have connected with next. A few of the notables are Chris Botti, Gregory Porter, Terell Stafford, Stefon Harris, Joshua Redman, Don Vappie, Big Sam Williams, Andrew Zimmern, Elvis Costello, as well as Wynton Marsalis and the entire Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, and many more. One of their many goals is to use their networking skills to spread jazz to a wider audience. As a part of their ongoing efforts to increase the awareness of jazz and live performance, the Potash Twins have
been appointed the role of “Artistic Directors” at the Love’s Jazz and Arts Center in the historic jazz district of North Omaha. In 2012 the Potash Twins released their first album, TwinTuition (available on ITunes) and are busy working on a second one. Additionally they have been recording. The Potash Twins will be in good company; TEDx other featured presenters include Scott Blake, Karen Burchart, Laura Burhenn, Chris Hughes, Mike Feilmeier, Susan Ann Koenig, Paul Kulik, John Kynat, Jeremy Pietroncini, Tunette Powell, Ben Sasse, Laurie Smith Camp, Joe Starita and host Ben Smith. To learn about these folks and TEDx Omaha go to www.tedxomaha.com.
Beth El invites you to “Have a Cup of Coffee with God” by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Beth El will present Shabbat services with a twist on Saturday, Nov. 2, as Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman lead “Have a Cup of Coffee with God.” The engaging, interactive Shabbat experience will begin at 9:30 a.m.; attendees will sit in a circle to daven, enjoying coffee and snacks as the clergy discuss various elements of the Shabbat morning service as they happen. “Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions about the prayers as they come up in the service, and people with prior knowledge about the service will be able to share ideas with those who are learning for the first time, so there’s something for everyone,” Hazzan Krausman said. Even the morning’s prayer book will be different, he added: Instead of Siddur Sim Shalom, participants will use a special siddur that was created just for this service, complete with transliterations and explanations accompanying the Hebrew text. “The ‘Cup of Coffee with God’ service was first developed for family camp at Camp Ramah Darom in Georgia,” said Hazzan Krausman. “It is a special opportunity to pray, learn and explore our traditional liturgy together in a friendly informal environment. We hope you’ll join us for this unique Shabbat experience!”
Hear the response from Omaha’s rabbinic leadership to the first major survey of American Jewry in more than 10 years that reports the intermarriage rate is 58%, two-thirds of Jews do not belong to a synagogue, one-fourth do not believe in God, and more Jews identify as “no denomination” than as Orthodox and Conservative combined. Community members may submit questions in advance for consideration to be included in the discussion. Send via email to bcohen@jewishomaha.org by Monday, November 4. The summary document and the full results of the Pew Research Center’s “A Portrait of Jewish Americans” can be found at www.pewresearch.org and click on the “religion” tab.
A Portrait of
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TUESDAY
Jewish Americans 2013 - A RABBINIC PANEL DISCUSSION Moderated by Joel Alperson
NOVEMBER 5th
7 p.m. | Temple Israel Dessert reception to follow
Rabbi Steven Abraham
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel
Rabbi Josh Brown
Rabbi Jonathan Gross
Rabbi Mendel Katzman
Beth El Synagogue
Temple Israel
Temple Israel
Beth Israel Synagogue
Chabad House
The Center for Jewish Life has organized this Rabbinic Panel as part of their mission to maximize involvement of Omaha’s Jewish community in imaginative, compelling and meaningful Jewish experiences.
4 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
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Community Calendar FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25 Friday Learning: Shira Ivrit with Eliad, 11 a.m. 39 Forever Event (Deli Lunch and Movie), 11:30 a.m Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel The PEW Research Study – A Rabbinic Panel Discussion, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, OCTOBER 26 Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Bnei Mitzvah Family Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Annual Pink Shabbat, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El RESPECT Artist in Residency, grades K-6, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel
WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 6 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El Conversation About Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 27 Beth El Social Action day, 8:30 a.m. at Habitat for Humanity 26th Annual Klutznick Harris Symposium, 9 a.m. Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Ed Class The Secrets of the Jews, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El TED Talk, 11:30 a.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, OCTOBER 28 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel 26th Annual Klutznick Harris Symposium, 8 a.m. at Creighton University Board of Directors Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Tai Chi Class taught by Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El TUESDAY, OCTOBER 29 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El IHE Teachers’ Workshop, 4:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study with Na’ama, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30 BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Conversation About Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10:00 a.m. at Temple Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 1 Friday Learning: Jewish Conspiracy Theories with Rabbi Gross, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH First Friday Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Beth El Our Shabbat Tables, 7 p.m. Congregational Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Have a Cup of Coffee with God, 9 a.m. at Beth El Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El First Annual Norm and Dorothy Zevitz Memorial Lecture, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El RESPECT Artist in Residency Performance, noon at Beth Israel Kadima/USY Havdalah and Dancing, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Annual Sisterhood Donor Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Scholar-in-Residence, Rabbi Joel Levy, 7 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Leadership Development, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Friday Learning: Jewish Conspiracy Theories with Rabbi Gross, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat comes to you at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. Family Shabbbat Services & Congregational Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El International Chess Master, Boris Gulko, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Game Night, 5:45 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Ed Class The Secrets of the Jews, 10 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Volunteer Recognition for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 1:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Friedel Executive Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El Jewish Medical Ethics, noon at Med Center BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Eye on Israel, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 13 Jewish Book Month Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Conversation About Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Master in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Dames and Drinks, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Chef Demo with Beth El Members, 1:30 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Beth El Family Shabbaton, 4 p.m. thru Nov. 17 SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 16 OTYG Lock In and Movie Night, 8 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Teens 4 Israel Shabbaton, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Global Day of Jewish Learning, 9:30 a.m. Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Nebraska Jewish Historial Society Genealogy Club Meeting, 1:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Friedel Board Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El The Ethics of Our Fathers Class, 2 p.m. at Remington Heights BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Study, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Talmud Torah Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board of Trustees Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 20 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Board Meeting, 4 p.m. BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Conversation About Israel with Cantor Shermet, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Hebrew High, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Master in Judaism Class, 6:45 p.m. at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with Rabbi Azriel, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Leadership Development, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Friday Learning: Jewish Conspiracy Theories with Rabbi Gross, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Beth El Our Shabbat Tables, 7 p.m. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 23 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Turkey Day Shabbaton, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 24 Talmud Torah Classes, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El Synagogue Hazzan Krausman’s Adult Bnai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Interfaith Thanksgiving Service, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel Lauter Tun Series, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, NOVEMBER 25 Daf Yomi: Week in Review, 7:45 am at Beth Israel TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Friedel Latke Lunch, 8 a.m. Rabbi Abraham Weekly Class, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO Night, 6 p.m. B’nai Mitzvah Class: Bible Study with Rabbi Azriel, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Director’s Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Youth Department Overnight, 6 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’ Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Sacred Grounds, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 29 Friday Learning: Moroccan Jews with Moshe Gershovich, 11 a.m. Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Hanukkah Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Mini-Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m. at Parkwoord Terrace Clubhouse RBJH Hanukkah and Havdalah Celebration, 7 p.m.
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Pat Anson at 402.334.8200. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
October 25, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 5
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Temple Israel dedication by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Temple Israel’s dedication weekend was filled with song, prayer and learning, as congregants and members of the greater Jewish Omaha community came together in celebration of the Sterling Ridge synagogue and the congregation’s bright future. “From the last service on Cass Street until the dedication, it was one long, exciting celebration of this congregation,” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel said. “There were so many occasions, so many events, to bring us together as a community, and this weekend had everything: things for the heart, things for the mind, things to dream about. It was really a full, full weekend of so many wonderful moments.”
“Having Jane Brooks here, and paying tribute to the contribution of her and Sidney, and having a past president of the URJ, it was overwhelming,” Rabbi Azriel said. Also at the dedication was Cantor Jonathan Comisar, composer of the choral version of Hashkiveinu, the prayer that encircles the sanctuary, called Hashkiveinu: A Shelter of Peace. His rendition utilized both the Kol Rina and a special youth choir made up of Religious School students. Cantor Comisar’s composition was sponsored by the Janis Yale Enrichment Fund. The architect for the new Temple Israel, Maurice Finegold, of Finegold Alexander + Associates, also spoke briefly during the service of his pride and good fortune to
Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, center, with Rabbi Eric Yoffie and his wife Amy during Temple Israel’s dedication weekend.
Members of Temple Israel’s all women choir who performed Shalom Aleichem during Temple Israel’s dedication service: Ellie Simon, left, Isabella Seina, Rachel Stoneking and Courtney Bierman.
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The weekend was even more special as Temple Israel welcomed Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President Emeritus of the Union for Reform Judaism, as Scholar-in-Residence. “The dedication was extraordinary: vibrant, joyous and inspiring,” Rabbi Yoffie said. “I thought that the Temple members were filled with enthusiasm, both for the new structure and for what the Temple has been and will become with its new facilities.” Rabbi Yoffie delivered the Friday evening sermon, taught Torah Study before the Saturday morning service and spoke to the Leadership Development class Sunday morning. “I am reluctant to predict specifics for the future of the congregation, but the leaders, and, in fact, all the people that I met, impressed me with their devotion and their commitment to the community,” Rabbi Yoffie said. In his Friday evening sermon, Rabbi Yoffie praised the new building and commended the congregation for its commitment to openness and inclusiveness, evidenced by Temple Israel’s partnership with Tri-Faith Initiative. “Once the other places of worship are built, personal relationships will develop that will make great things possible, and that will quickly overcome any lingering doubts or concerns,” he said. “The Initiative will be the great, historic contribution of Temple Israel to American Jewish life.” Jane Brooks, wife of the late Rabbi Sidney Brooks, came to Omaha for the celebration, as well. She was asked to lead the blessing over the candles at the start of the service.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE & OFFICE CLOSING The Jewish Press office is closed Thursday, Nov. 28, for Thanksgiving; the deadline for the Dec. 6 issue is Tuesday, Nov. 26, noon. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.
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have been asked to design the congregation’s new home. “We not only celebrated the strength of the congregation this weekend, but we also celebrated the strength of our movement,” Rabbi Azriel said. Following the service, a special oneg organized by Nancy Noddle was held in the social hall and community court. Temple Israel congregants baked homemade challahs for the oneg. “There were so many challahs; I saw people eating a little piece from each one of them, to compare the taste,” Rabbi Azriel said. “We cannot thank enough the army of volunteers who organized and baked and made this weekend as special and memorable as it was,” said Program Director Wendy Goldberg. “From the women who baked the sweets and baked the challahs to the dedication committee to the audio/video team, this weekend couldn’t have happened without their help.” Future Scholars-in-Residence include Anat Hoffman, Rabbi Douglas Kohn, Rabbi Geoff Mitelman and author Daniel Smith. Temple Israel’s Scholars-in-Residence are sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning.
Arts+Entertainment Princess Diana the Musical, written by Karen Sokolof Javitch and Elaine Jabenis, was such a success this past summer in the Twin Cities that the Actors Theater of Minnesota is bringing it back for five weekends starting Nov. 1. If you have friends or family in the area, please have them call 800.838.3006 for ticket information.
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6 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
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Tifereth Israel celebrates Parshat Noach
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by NANCY COREN Forty-five individuals between ages three and 90 joined together on Shabbat Noach at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo for a special experience involving animals, nature, and community. Tifereth Israel spiritual lay-leader Nancy Coren had dreamed about having such a gathering for several years, but with this year’s early arrival of Parshat Noach, the gathering finally became a reality. The evening began with a short tour of the zoo, with children and adults enjoying the animals. Those attending then heard a story about Noah and the Flood, davenned the Kabbalat Shabbat service in the Rainforest Room, and enjoyed an Oneg Shabbat together. Having the zoo open only for the Tifereth Israel members made the experience a truly unique one!
What it means to be a leader by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer The first session of this year’s Leadership Development Program was held on Sunday, Oct. 13, as a capper to Temple Israel’s dedication weekend. Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Eric Yoffie spoke to the class about the main pillars of Reform Judaism and what it means to be a leader in a congregation. “It was a great opportunity for our participants to be able to listen to Eric Yoffie talk about what it is to be a leader in the Reform Jewish movement,” said Jon Meyers, whose parents set up the Jon Meyers Leadership Fund to ensure the availability of programs like Leadership Development. “This was a really good opening session for our people.” Subsequent sessions will focus more on the “nuts and bolts” of congregational leadership, such as the budget and how to interact with the Board, Meyers said. “We’re going to have a lot of past presidents come and talk about their presidency,” Meyers said. “What it was like to interact with the Board, what were the pitfalls, what were the successes. We want these people to know what it means to be a good volunteer board member.” The congregants asked to participate in the Leadership Development Program come from a variety of backgrounds and experiences, according to Justin Cooper, who leads the class alongside Meyers and Rabbi Josh Brown. “It’s a much more diverse crowd than we’ve had,” Cooper said. Meyers added, “From people in their 20s to folks in their 80s, men and women, Jews by choice, we want new, fresh ideas for how to lead a congregation like ours. We don’t just want clones of ourselves.”
The final Leadership Development session in December will encompass a class retreat during which participants will “get to work on themselves and start to create their own leadership styles,” Meyers said. In addition to attending classes at Temple Israel, participants in the Leadership Development Program are encouraged to attend the Union for Reform Judaism Biennial, held this year in San Diego. The Biennial is a national conference of Reform Jews, held every two years, “where Jews gather to learn, pray, share ideas, dance and sing, hear from inspiring guest speakers, reunite with old friends, make new connections and reimagine Jewish life,” according to the URJ website. “After [Rabbi Yoffie] talking about Biennial and us talking about Biennial, and the way we created it this year, I think we’ll be able to entice more people to attend,” Meyers said. The Jon Meyers Leadership Fund will pay the registration fee for any current or past Leadership Development participants for this Biennial or a future one, and any congregants interested in attending are also encouraged to register. Additional financial aid is available. For more information, contact Executive Director Dennis DePorte. Future Leadership Development classes will cover a wide range of topics, with titles such as “It Takes a Village (and a Balanced Budget!),” “Temple Israel Success Stories: Who are we... Really,” “L’dor V’dor: Lessons of Leadership,” “Where is God and our Temple Staff in All of This?!” and “A Personal View of Leadership.” The next Leadership Development class meets Oct. 24, from 7-9 p.m.
Athletic trainers keep young athletes safe and healthy Parents know that sports are great for kids. Physical activity, teamwork and fun can combine to make for a healthy, happy child. Still, an active life comes with risks. Injuries happen – pulled muscles, broken bones, even head trauma. Whether young athletes have access to a trained healthcare professional can make all the difference between safe play and injuries. Athletic Trainers are the ones who make that difference. “Athletic Trainers have the skills and education to not just respond to emergencies but also to prevent injuries and illness whenever possible,” said Anne Minton, Assistant Executive Director of the Board of Certification, Inc., the Omaha-based organization that nationally certifies more than 40,000 Athletic Trainers. “Athletes of all ages, and especially youth, should have access to healthcare professionals who know how to care for them under any conditions.” Minton said that it’s important for parents to know that an
Athletic Trainer is on hand when their children are at play. Just as a lifeguard keeps watch over swimmers, BOC Certified Athletic Trainers keep watch over participants in other athletic activities, she said. But their responsibilities go beyond emergency response. They are healthcare professionals who work to prevent, diagnose and treat injuries. They are also uniquely qualified to respond to other emergency, acute and chronic medical conditions – including cardiac abnormalities and heat stroke. Each year, high school athletes experience 2 million injuries, 200,000 doctor visits and 30,000 hospitalizations, according to the Youth Sports Safety Alliance. Yet the Journal of Athletic Training notes that 58 percent of high schools do not have access to Athletic Trainers. “As healthcare professionals, Athletic Trainers are not concerned with winning the game,” said Minton. “They’re concerned with whether the athletes are healthy.”
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October 25, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 7
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Phil Schrager’s garden by DAVID GOLBITZ Temple Israel Staff Writer Timed to coincide with Temple Israel’s dedication weekend, the sculptures for the Philip G. Schrager Memorial Garden were installed in the week leading up to the celebration. The Garden, designed to be a warm, introspective space, was designed by Philip’s son Jeffrey and local artist John Lajba, who is perhaps best known for his Road to Omaha College World Series sculpture that sits in front of TD Ameritrade Park. “My siblings and I knew that we wanted to create something special at the new Temple Israel building to celebrate our father and the impact he had on the Omaha Jewish community and our congregation,” Jeffrey said. “After viewing the architectural plans, we were presented with the opportunity to design a small, special, outdoor space in the middle of the building.” Philip’s brother Harley, who had previously worked with Lajba on the College World Series sculpture, introduced Jeffrey to the sculptor and the two began thinking of a way to honor Philip Schrager. “First, we worked through an idea about who Phil was,” Lajba said. “Instead of making it a sculpture garden, we wanted to make it a memorial to him and use sculptures as artifacts of his life, sculptures that represented passions of his life.” Jeffrey and his siblings, Timothy, Richard, Angel and Jack, chose four sculptures from their father’s collection that they felt best represented the various facets of Philip’s life. There is a red-orange aluminum sculpture called Mandela’s Mantle, created in 1990 by an American sculptor named John Henry, “known worldwide for his large-scale public works, which grace numerous museum, corporate, public and private collections,” Jeffrey said. Another piece is a 98-inch tall bronze-cast pillar called Bell Jar, created in 1992 by Baltimore-born artist, Jene Highstein. And
the three carved white marble pieces comprise a sculpture by Omaha artist Dan Whetstone. The fourth sculpture, which resembles a man kneeling in prayer, is a bronze casting called Humanidad, which means “humanity” in Spanish. It was created in 1975 by
Mexican artist Victor Salamones, who “was considered the most widely-known sculptor living and working in Mexico during his lifetime,” Jeffrey said. “And, coincidentally, he was born in the same year as our father.” In addition to helping to design the Garden, John Lajba also created a memorial piece specific to Philip Schrager: a six-by-six foot, 4,000 pound copper plate, colored black, to serve as the focal point of the garden. “We wanted to create a piece that would be iconic,” Jeffrey said,” to represent the life that our father led and be a thoughtful contribution to our congregation and the space in which we would place it.” The copper sculpture was created in Germany because there is only one factory in the world that can roll a piece of copper that large. Added Lajba, “One company in the world that would take copper, heat it up and shape the copper. I wanted all the marks they used to hammer down and press the copper into the plate form, I wanted all those marks to be there. I wanted it to be as raw as possible. I wanted to create a vast space around it out of very neutral gray. I thought that would give the blackness of the copper its power. I wanted to create almost a void that can be filled by what people bring into the space.” “His intent was to create something that represents both the strength of Phil’s life and
the void that all of us leave behind when we leave this earth,” Jeffrey said. “It represents our father’s love for minimal art and its simplicity and beauty.” The Garden walkway is made of the same Jerusalem limestone used in the construction of the building and two benches will sit amidst flowers on either side of the copper plate. The stained glass windows are also visible from the walkway, and parts of the garden can be seen from within the contemplation room. “When you’re out in that space, I want you to take another breath and feel like this world is very special,” Lajba said. “I wanted this memorial to be as strong and as powerful as it could possibly be.” Lajba concedes that his work and the work of the other sculptures, “might be hard to understand” at first, “but by that journey it will create a better experience, a much deeper experience.” Rabbi Aryeh Azriel has already taken to walking through the Garden and standing among the sculptures. “I’ve taken a little walk out there and stood in front of those sculptures and felt inspired,” he said. “I think the outdoor display of the sculptures is something that uplifts the spirit. I think people will find the garden is inspirational.” “Tim, Rick, Angel, Jack and I hope that this special space strikes the right balance between a dedication and remembrance of our father and his love for art and the beauty it brings to the world and a peaceful, intriguing and beautiful space for all our congregation to contemplate and enjoy,” Jeffrey said. “We created it out of love for our dad and what his memory means to us. Temple Israel and the Omaha Jewish community were so important to him that creating this space in the middle of our new building feels fitting and restful.”
LEE/TIPP Steven and Marilyn Tipp announce the Oct. 4 wedding of their son, David to April Lee. April is originally from Butte, MT., and is the daughter of Danetta and Thomas Lee. Alan Tipp, the groom’s brother, acted as his best man, and Hayden, age 9, the daughter of the Bride, acted as the Maid of Honor. The couple resides in Chandler, AZ.
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS John Sieler, Nebraska State Board of Education Member, will speak about Are we failing our kids by failing to educate them on Wednesday, Oct. 30, noon, at the Blumkin Home. An optional lunch costs $11; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish is now presented in transliterated form using the Roman alphabet; everyone can become a maven instantly. One word in Yiddish has more meaning than a dozen words in any other language. So be a mentsh and zog a por verter, (say a few words). We meet every Thursday from 1-3 p.m., in the boardroom of the Rose Blumkin Home. For information, please call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.
In the news Pages and Standard Bearers for the 117th Ak-Sar-Ben Scholarship Ball were: Miss Emma Catherine Boggust, daughter of Paula and John Boggust; Miss Abigail Elisha Sasson, daughter of Lise and Dr. Aaron Sasson; Master Noah Henry Atlas, son of Stacey and Brett Atlas; and Master Alex Michael Friedland, son of Jamie and
Ted Friedland. Charles Mogens Yale, son of Sarah and Adam Yale, was Crown Bearer to the King. This unique, regional event recognizes volunteerism, philanthropy and civic pride. Proceeds from the Ball fund Ak-Sar-Ben’s Scholarship Endowment, awarding 50 college scholarships annually.
Shopping Guide Coming early November
Thank you to our community partners for contributing to the Weekend Food Program! Find out how you can help feed hungry children at completelykids.org or call (402) 397-5809.
Publishing Date | 11.08.13 Space Reservation | 10.30.13 Camera Ready Deadline | 11.01.13 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.
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8 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
Point of view
American Jewish Press Association Award Winner
Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008
About that Pew Poll... by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Jewish Press Editor I imagine that many of you have, by now, taken a look at or at least heard about the recent PEW poll, predicting a dire future for Jews in this country. We are disappearing; we are intermarrying at an astounding rate, no longer very religious, uninvolved. The younger generations consider ‘being Jewish’ a cultural preference at best. Reactions have been everywhere; open a Jewish paper, any Jewish paper, and you’ll see a response. Those responses have run the gamut: initially, there was shock, disbelief, and despair. Then came anger, and what I call “the great push back;” columnists high and low set out to explain why Pew is wrong. “There’s one more thing you need to know,” wrote J.J. Goldberg for The Forward. “It’s not true. None of it. A ‘rise in those who are not religious?’ Wrong. More Jews marrying ‘outside the faith?’ Wrong. More Jews ‘not raising their children Jewish?’ Wrong. No, not wrong as in “I think there’s a better way to interpret those numbers.” Wrong, as in ‘incorrect.’ Erroneous. Whoops.” (Forward.com) Goldberg insists there is a large problem in comparing the 2013 Pew numbers with the 2000-2001 survey, because that survey itself was erroneous and asked all the wrong questions. Instead we should look back at the 1990 National Jewish Population Survey. It shows a similar percentage of Jews who consider themselves ‘not religious,’ indicating there is no downward trend. In addition, the 1990 survey
found 5.5 million Jews, while Pew counted 6.3 million this year. In addition, Passover Seder attendance has risen, as has fasting on Yom Kippur, Shabbat candle lighting, and kosher food observance. And what of the fact that Pew pays no attention to the 559 Chabad centers in North America and Canada? Jews from all walks of life attend programming at various Chabad houses. What about secular parents who nonetheless send their children to a Jewish Day School? What about secular Jews who don’t equal synagogue affiliation, or Federation
A BETTER QUESTION FOR US, RIGHT NOW, MAY BE “WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A JEW?” membership, with Jewish pride? What about Jews who call themselves agnostic, but donate thousands upon thousands of dollars each year to Jewish causes? What about those who’ve let their synagogue or JCC membership expire, and yet visit Israel on a regular basis? “Rather than see the Pew survey’s ‘Jews of no religion’ as disconnected and a lost cause,” David Katznelson and Rachel Levin write in Haaretz, “these ‘cultural Jews’ show us how Jewish identity is evolving.” And right there is the elephant in the room. Who is a Jew? The question no one wants to ask, and no one dares to answer. And that, at least partially, is because we’ll
never, ever, agree on it, and we don’t really know. A better question for us, right now, may be “what does it mean to be a Jew?” All the articles that have been published online in recent weeks have one thing in common: a long comment thread. The Pew poll hit a nerve; that much is obvious. And with the exception of one comment I found stating that “we had it coming because we voted for Obama,” these comments are interesting, well thought-out, and evidence of a lively and involved readership. While the Pew poll attempts to paint a picture of disconnected, uninterested and disappearing Jews, the reality is of course much more complicated. Isn’t it always? One thing is for sure: we’ll all be talking about this for a very long time. I think that’s a gain: when we talk, we grow as a people. The worst thing we could do is to ignore the facts presented by Pew. Regardless of how we interpret those facts, the more we talk about this, the more we’ll be likely to remain committed to our own future. In Omaha, we will have an opportunity to join that discussion, and contemplate what the Pew research means for us. The Center for Jewish Life will present a Rabbinic panel to discuss the Pew survey on Tuesday, November 5 at 7:00 p.m. at Temple Israel. The panel will include Rabbi Steven Abraham, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Josh Brown, Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Mendel Katzman, and will be moderated by Joel Alperson. The full results of the Pew poll can be found at www.pewforum.org/2013/10/01/jewish-american-beliefs-attitudesculture-survey/.
Living beyond life -- Reflections on the passing of (Uncle) Forrest Krutter by MUSHKA KATZMAN The circumstances were surreal. Instead of packing my bags and playfully fooling around with my siblings on this, my final night home for a time, I was on the phone with United Airlines making arrangements to fly to Boston, not New York. In place of the usual packing banter about which clothing to take, or that I have nothing to wear, we were in earnest calculating which flight would get me in on time. On time. On time to pay solemn tribute to Forrest, a giant of a man-sensitive, kind, humble, who was so suddenly cut off from life as we know it. On time to escort his holy soul, together with family and friends from all corners of the globe, on its continued journey from this corporeal world to its destination -- the eternal world. I could not help but see the paradox in this. And the pain. Forrest, who was always pulsating with warmth, creativity, innovation, and a stream of thoughts -lively and full of life -- would now be laid to rest. There were throngs of people converged from all walks of life. Forrest had touched so many. And in the most varied and unusual ways. Everyone seemed to think that their relationship with Forrest was the most unique. In so many conversations I heard the same thing over and over again. “Forrest and I/WE had a special relationship”. So many CLOSEST friends! That’s how he made you feel. I often think about the incident my father recounted at the funeral of Forrest’s meeting a special needs boy from a modest, simple family in Milwaukee during the High Holidays one year. While most would have been friendly and talkative with the young boy when they met, Forrest took it one giant step further and kept in touch with him. He would often call the boy to chat or help him with his homework. Though he wasn’t asked to help, and certainly held no obligation to, he showed real compassion and incredible care to a young soul who so desperately needed that extra attention, and undoubtedly affected his life for the better. I remember when I would answer his call at Chabad or at home in the evenings. Forrest was definitely not needing to speak with me. He was calling either to chat about important
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matters with my father or for their weekly study session. He always took time and interest in what each of us were doing at the time. Always had something encouraging to say. Really listened.
My father taught us, and continues to teach us that Torah study and its effect on a person are paramount to life. Of course, HE would say and teach that. After all, my father is a Rabbi, an emissary of the Rebbe and together with my mother has dedicated his life to disseminating Torah in a way that makes it palatable, interesting, attractive, even compelling. But Forrest taught me (and others) perhaps in a more dramatic way -- showed me how the study of Talmud can be an oasis of calm and a guiding. Whether it was a quiet or hectic night at home. Even when we were traveling or out of town - my father’s Talmud session with Forrest was sacrosanct. When Forrest was in town, of course, we would prepare some home-baked goodies, snacks, and tea for their session in my father’s study. He always liked that! When Forrest was in London, or wherever, they still studied. Clock work. We all know how busy Forrest was and how much responsibility he ha.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
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shouldered. Dozens of companies and corporations relied on his brilliance and advice, students counted on him for mentoring. He was a remarkable family man, fiercely dedicated and devoted to his special family. He always, invariably found, nay made, time for Torah study. My father always came away from their sessions exhilarated. Even during his final harrowing months, when his terrible disease left him no respite, Forrest turned to the timeless words of Torah and Talmud for comfort and relief. They were his stronghold, his refuge On the subject of life after death, the Rebbe’s comment was that in Judaism death is referred to as “Life after Life”. That this world is the world of action and the World-to-Come is the world of consequence. My father explained during his remarks at the funeral, “The actions and legacy a person leaves in this world allows the soul to continue to live on in the next world. When we perpetuate the legacy of a loved one by following in his footsteps, we not only better our own lives, but give the soul renewed life in the world of consequence. Forrest’s unwavering commitment to always “learn from others” -- a virtue that embodies the essence of all knowledge and the core of over 3000 years of Jewish scholarship, offers us all a universal message and a shining example of how to grow in our own personal and professional lives: Always learn from others. Listen well. Keep your eyes and ears open to anyone and anything you encounter. Some of our greatest insights and innovations will come from that openness and receptivity. Of course my father will continue his studies with Forrest. He does so every Wednesday night at Chabad at 7 p.m. You are welcome to join and participate. And continue the great legacy of Ephrayim Menachem ben Avraham Yitzchak VSima. May G-d comfort Lisa Krutter, his beloved wife, and his mother and sister in this challenging time of grief. May his life and its living lessons continue to be a blessing for him and for all of us. Amen. and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid per-
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October 25, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 9
How to inspire a Jewish future in America
Focus on issues YOSSI PRAGER NEW YORK (JTA) -- Last week, the Pew Research Center released the first national demographic study of Jewish Americans in more than a decade. The big news is that one in five self-identified American Jews does not identify as Jewish by religion (one in three among younger Jews), and that even among Jews by religion, the intermarriage rate since 2005 is 55 percent. The big question now is how funders and Jewish organizations respond to this data. By itself, the news that one-fifth of America’s Jews do not see themselves as Jewish by religion might not be disastrous. After all, there are many Israelis who identify with the Jewish people who call themselves “secular.” The problem is that the Pew study found that unlike Israeli “chilonim,” most of whom see themselves as integral members of the Jewish people and actually perform more than a few Jewish rituals as a matter of course, American “Jews of no religion” are unlikely to raise their children as Jews, be attached to Israel, give to Jewish causes or see being Jewish as important in their lives. In short, most Jews of no religion have both feet out of the Jewish community -- or at least are on their way to the exit sign. The astonishingly high intermarriage rate among recent marriages outside of Orthodoxy is so important because according to the Pew study, nearly all children of two Jewish spouses are being raised as Jewish by religion, while only 20 percent of children of intermarriages are being raised exclusively as Jewish. Some of these couples are Jews of no reli-
gion and others are headed for the exits anyway. Others might be seen as having one foot within the Jewish community and one foot out. So what to do? Without offering firm policy recommendations, which should be carefully developed, here are initial principles: • We should recognize the big picture. In the aggregate, the many programs developed by Jewish philanthropists and organizations after the 1990 population study that first showed alarming intermarriage rates have failed to stem the tide of assimilation. (It will be interesting to see whether the Pew study supports the contention that Birthright Israel increases Jewish identity and participation.) There is likely nothing that can be done to attract Jews heading for the exits, and the programmatic efforts should focus on those who at least have one foot still within the community. • Based on the Pew study, at least in America, Judaism will endure across generations almost exclusively in families that identify with Judaism as a religion. (It is less clear to me what level of observance or participation generates a “tipping point.”) The reasons are less clear, but I imagine that part of the answer stems from the famous Ahad Ha’am saying, “More than the Jews have kept the Shabbos, the Shabbos has kept the Jews.” Or, as Rabbi David Wolpe wrote in his thoughts about the study: “As a countercultural tradition in America, Judaism asks a great deal of its adherents. Judaism is a behavior-centered tradition. It is primarily enacted in a language strange to most American Jews [Hebrew] and requires an extensive education to understand its fundamentals. ... That which is
continually diluted will eventually disappear.” • Along these same lines, we should measure the likely success of programs based on whether they offer the intensive and immersive education needed to give participants an understanding of the power and beauty of Jewish values and practices. Anything less will fail to give participants sufficient motivation to make the commitment of time, energy and money needed for engaged Jewish life. Programs that attempt to “meet people where they are” can only be justified if they actually succeed in attracting Jews to more substantive ongoing programs. • Every business owner knows that it costs less to retain a customer than to attract a new one. While economic considerations may not be the only relevant ones, it is far more cost effective to invest in Jews who are closer to the core of the engaged Jewish community, whether they are children or young adults. The study tells us that these, too, are Jews at risk of assimilation. Investment in these young people is our community’s best chance for increasing retention of an energizing nucleus that has the potential to reverse the trends painfully evident in the study. We all prefer good news to bad. This has caused some commentators on the Pew study to celebrate the number of Jews regardless of their commitments or argue that the answer is to be more “welcoming” of those who are heading for the exits. There are no easy fixes. The only way to retain the next generation will be to inspire them to desire and love substantive Jewish life. If enough Jews can be so inspired, the Jewish future will be far rosier than the snapshot offered by the Pew study. Yossi Prager is the executive director-North America of the Avi Chai Foundation.
Pew points the way toward more avenues to Jewish life
Focus on issues ANDRES SPOKOINY NEW YORK (JTA) -- Since the release of the Pew report on American Jews, the question I’ve been asked most often is what surprises me about it. What surprises me most is that anybody is surprised. The Pew report points to a series of phenomena that are well known in the world today: identity fragmentation, radical free choice, embracement of diversity, and the breakdown of organizational and ideological loyalties. Jews are, as Tolstoy said, like everybody else, only a little more so. For many of these phenomena we are the canary in the coal mine, the early adopters and the over adapters. The report is not good or bad news. It shows us a reality we can’t ignore anymore. It is up to us to see the opportunities hidden in this new reality. There are a few things we should be thinking about here. One, inclusiveness is no longer optional. In a highly diversified community like ours, inclusiveness -- of mixed marriages, of people with disabilities, of different sexual orientations, of different ideologies and levels of observance -- is not optional. We can no longer think in terms of a majority including a minority because in our highly diverse world, everybody is in one way or the other part of a minority. Two, we need more avenues to Jewish identity. Those of us who grew up in communities where the main expressions of identity were secular (Zionism, Hebrew, arts and culture) are not surprised to learn that more than 30 percent of young American Jews do not identify as religious in any way.
But it would be foolish for us to think that they have a weaker potential to identify themselves meaningfully as Jews. If we don’t want to lose 30 percent of our people, we need to work much harder at developing alternative avenues for Jewish engagement. We significantly underinvest in Jewish culture as a way to foster Jewish identity. The report makes self-evident that one of the main tasks of Jewish leadership needs to be opening as many gateways as possible to Jewish life without being judgmental about which ones are more authentic. The more doors we open, the more people will come in. As the Talmud says, the Torah is a heart with many rooms. In a context of extreme uncertainty, we can’t foresee which ones will be successful in offering a good avenue for engagement. Three, nothing is either/or. The Pew report shows that American Jews don’t see their identity in either/or terms. However, those of us in leadership positions usually do. In a world of fragmented, plural identities, we need to break loose from old definitions that condition our thinking and action. The concepts of religion, culture, nation and people are 19th-century ideas created to respond to the specific reality of European Christianity. They are not adequate (and never were) to describe the Jewish experience. Things shouldn’t be either/or in terms of communal funding. We shouldn’t invest in culture at the expense of investments in education or synagogue life. Rather we should look at the synergies that will materialize if we stop looking at those areas as unconnected silos. Skeptics will say that hard choices must be made because resources are scarce. But excluding any part of Jewish expression will only shrink the pie further. Exclusion is a
For the Taste of Old Sweden, Come to the
vicious circle. We should not look at funding as a zero-sum game because new initiatives and matching grants can bring new philanthropic resources to the Jewish community. Four, organizational paradigms are inadequate. Legacy Jewish organizations in many cases are stuck in paradigms inherited from the Industrial Revolution. They are pyramidal, centralized, top-down structures that rely heavily on the loyalty of their constituents and donors. Yet Jews don’t think in terms of organizational loyalty anymore. Pew and other reports like Committed to Give and NextGen Donors show that Jews don’t give to organizations but to causes. Organizations need to see themselves as tools for donors and users rather than vice versa. This is not merely semantics. It implies seeing the relation between missions and users, donors or members in a completely different light. Organizations need “network weavers” rather than fundraisers, facilitators rather than directors, and catalysts instead of organizers. The Pew report and others show that this is a time of bubbling creativity in the Jewish community. Rather than announcing doom, the report could spur us to create mechanisms that capture and catalyze that energy. Maybe instead of lamenting the lack of connection to modern Jewish ideologies, we should be working on creating postmodern ideologies. This is not a purely philosophical issue. It’s about the critical question of what Judaism as a culture, religion and civilization has to offer to those of us who yearn for meaning in an uncertain world. Answering the question of why be Jewish is just as important as how to be Jewish. Andres Spokoiny is the CEO of the Jewish Funders Network.
You can see the future in his eyes.
Wausa Smorgasbord Saturday, Oct. 26, 5 to 8 p.m.
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Employment Opportunities DRIVERS WANTED Seeking full-time tanker/pneumatic drivers out of the following terminals: Columbus, NE; Marshall, MN; Wahpeton, ND. Make $45,000 to $70,000 per year. Benefits Available • 401K• Driver Referral Bonus • Profit Sharing• Professional Driver Bonus • Health Insurance• Dental Insurance • Vacation Pay• Uniforms Provided For information and an application contact Ryan Viessman at 1-605-272-3210 or apply on-line at www.viessmantrucking.com Commercial Driver License with Tanker Endorsement is Required
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10 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 712.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com For information on our historic synagogue – dates and times for Friday night services, call 712.323.8885. FRIDAY, Nov. 8: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by an oneg with guest speaker, Gary Javitch, President of Javitch Mediation on the Israel: Are Settlement the Real Problem? The community is invited. Miles Remer will officiate at all of the Speaker Series Services.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: B’nai Mitzvah Family Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. We’ll discuss the idea of mitzvot as it relates to Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and share ideas about this milestone celebration. Lunch for sixth and seventh graders and their families will follow. There is no cost for the lunch, but RSVPs are requested to secretary@bethel-omaha.org, or 402.492.8550. For more information, contact Hazzan Krausman in the synagogue office, or at hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org. Also during the morning service, Leonard Greenspoon, Creighton University’s Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick Professor in Jewish Civilization and Professor of Classical and Near Eastern Studies and of Theology, will present the D’var Torah; Mini Minyannaires, 10:45 a.m.; MinchaMa’ariv, 6:15 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Habitat for Humanity, 8:30 a.m. For more information or to register, visit www.bethel-omaha.org; BESTT Classes, 9:45 a.m.; Torah Study Group, 10 a.m.; The Secrets of Jews, monthly, adult-education class led by Andy Greenberg, 10 a.m. Cost is $36 for members, $45 for nonmembers. Register online; Torah Tots, 10:45 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 11 a.m. with Hazzan Krausman. MONDAY: Tai Chi class, six-week session, led by certified Thai Chi instructor Beth Staenberg, 6:30 p.m. This is the last class of the session. TUESDAY: Wrestling with the Rabbis of the Talmud, 10 a.m. weekly adult-education class led by Rabbi Abraham. No charge to attend; everyone is welcome. WEDNESDAY: BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m.; Masters in Judaism, Adult-education series offered through Nov. 20, from 6:45 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. Sessions will be led by Rabbi Abraham and Andy Greenberg. Cost, $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members. Register online at www.bethelomaha.org; for more information, contact Eadie Tsabari at etsabari@bethel-omaha.org. It is not too late to register; Choir Rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. in the chapel. Our Shabbat Tables kick-off dinner for the season is Friday, Nov. 1. There’s still time to sign up for future dinners. For more information or to register, visit www.bethel-omaha.org. Have a cup of coffee with God, Saturday, Nov. 2, 9:30 a.m.
B’nai Israel Speaker Series At B’nai Israel Synagogue on Oct. 11, Miles Remer conducted services in what he called, his “inaugural rehearsal” for the B’nai Israel congregation. Larry Blass, retired from the military and then retired as a financial planner after 15 years, was the guest speaker. Larry’s presentation focused on the current healthcare/eldercare system. He paid special attention not to make it a political talk, but instead, related the difficulties he and his wife Claire encounter with their respective mother and father in providing them with the best healthcare available. It was humorous, factual, disturbing and crammed with contradiciting choices. He also discussed the many choices we make that have to do with religious customs. The next speaker series service will be on Nov. 8. Gary Javitch, President of Javitch Mediation, will discuss the topic, Israel; Are Settlements the Real Problem? Services begin at 7:30 p.m. and are followed by an Oneg.
Join Hazzan Krausman and Rabbi Abraham for this interactive Shabbat morning service (see full story on page 3.) Scholar-in-Residence, Nov. 3, 7 p.m., Rabbi Joel Levy, Dean of the Conservative Yeshivah in Jerusalem will address ”How to Live with People Whose Ideas You Loathe: Medieval Jewish Models for Extreme Co-Existence, and What Maimonides Can Teach Us about Easing the Worsening Relations Between Republicans and Democrats.” No charge to attend. Family Shabbat Service, Nov. 8, 6 p.m. Family-friendly service with Shabbat dinner to follow. Reservations and information online. Husker Game Night, Saturday, Nov. 9, 7–10:30 p.m. Everyone welcome to enjoy an evening of games, camaraderie and noshes. Cost, $10 per person, $18 a couple, $5 for children ages seven to 12, and free for children six and younger. Maximum cost per family, $36. Register online at www.bethel-omaha.org. B’nai Mitzvah Parents Meeting, Sunday, Nov. 10, 11:15 a.m. All parents of 4th and 5th graders are invited to attend this informational meeting. Family Shabbaton, Nov. 15-17, Lied Lodge in Nebraska City. All families in the Jewish community with children in seventh grade and younger, are welcome. Register online at Beth El’s website. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha-Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Good Shabbos Nebraska Pink Shabbos, 10 a.m.; Mincha, 5:55 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:10 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Daf Yomi: Week in Review with Rabbi Gross, 7:45 a.m. TUESDAY: Women’s Study Group, 6:30 p.m. at the home of Kathy Weiner. WEDNESDAY: Coffee and Your Jewish News, 7:45 a.m.; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m. THURSDAY: Sacred Grounds: Great Torah and Great Coffee, 9:30 a.m.
CHABAD CENTER An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Minyan and Meditation, 9:30 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: Minyan, 8:30 a.m.; Breakfast Bonanza, 9:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Minyan and Meditation, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Dynamic Discovery with Shani Katzman, 10:15 a.m. A class for women based on traditional texts with practical insights and application. RSVP by calling the office. WEDNESDAY: Personal Parsha class, 10 a.m. with Rochi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office; The Development of the Oral Tradition, 7 p.m. with Rabbi Katzman. RSVP by calling the office. In memory of Forrest Krutter -- Efrayim Menachem Ben Avraham Yitzchak. THURSDAY: Women’s Study at UNMC with Shani Katzman, noon. RSVP by emailing Marlene Cohen at mzcohen@unmc.edu. All programs are open to the entire community.
Candlelighting Friday, October 25, 6:10 p.m.
Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Joint Adult Education, 3 p.m. with speaker Alan Potash, ADL Regional Director at Tifereth Israel (Childcare is available). WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE Capehart Chapel 2500 Capehart Road | Offutt AFB, NE 68123 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. every first and third of the month.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.
TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 13111 Sterling Ridge Drive | Omaha, NE 68144-1206 | 402.556.6536 http://templeisraelomaha.com FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Tot Shabbat, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Torah and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 1 Education Day, 10 a.m.; Temple TED Talk, 11 a.m. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah: Hebrew Study, 6:30 p.m. with Na’ama. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.; Tools to engage in a conversation about Israel as an American Jew, 6:30 p.m. with Director of Lifelong Learning, Debbie Massarano. THURSDAY: Dilemmas of Faith: God and Spirituality in the Modern World, 10-11:30 a.m. with Rabbi Azriel. Class Fee: $45 for members, and $55 for non-members. First Friday Shabbat Service, Friday, Nov. 1. Candle lighting, 5:30 p.m., Service, 6 p.m. followed by a dinner. Services will be led by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Brown and Cantor Shermet along with Grade 5. Please RSVP by contacting Temple Israel, 402.556.6536 or RSVP@templeisraelomaha. com by Wednesday, Oct. 30. Adults are invited to stay after for Shabbat Lounge featuring live music.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat with Ms. Jennifer, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a Kiddush Luncheon. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; LJCS Teachers Meeting, 12:15-1:30 p.m. at Tifereth Israel; Joint Adult Education, 3 p.m. with speaker Alan Potash, ADL Regional Director, at Tifereth Israel. He will speak about Extremism in the Midwest. Childcare will be provided. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. International Shabbat Service and Dinner in honor of Shabbat Toldot, Friday, Nov. 1 at 6 p.m.
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South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel for children through age 6 and their families; FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE! Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with oneg following hosted by Lori and Mark Schwartz -- guests from First Lutheran Church and the Unitarian Church; LTYG Lounge Night, Time TBA. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Chaye Sarah. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High Lite, 9:45 a.m.-noon at Tifereth
Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, by e-mailing the editor at: avandekamp@jewishomaha. org or online at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Federation website: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press,’ scroll down to ‘Submit Announcements, complete form and click on “submit.”
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October 25, 2013 | The Jewish Press | 11
For each generation
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Chayei Sarah The last Sidrah ended with a genealogical notation, so that we would know that a granddaughter of Abraham’s brother was Rebecca, destined to be the wife of Isaac. This notation triggered a discussion by the rabbis of the Midrash of a phenomenon they thought they detected in history. They quoted one of the first verses of Ecclesiastes: “The sun rises and the sun sets.” Fiddler on the Roof used
this expression to denote the passing of time from childhood to young adulthood. But the rabbis saw in it the inexorable march of history, not in a single generation, but in the succession of generations. They said the Lord never permits a generation to be without adequate leadership. On the day, they said, that Rabbi Akiva died, Rabbi Judah (later called the Nasi, the Prince) was born. One giant of the spirit succeeds another. Rebecca was born before Sarah died. It is the account of the death of Sarah that opens our Sidrah. One may pause to note that although the Bible does not bother to tell us the names of Mrs. Noah, or Mrs. Job, or the mother of Samson, we have nonetheless a careful listing of the names of the Matriarchs. The rabbis give attention to this, although they too lived in a male-oriented society.
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In memoriam ROLAND LEWIS
DOROTHY BLAU STRAUSS
Roland Lewis passed away on Sept. 24 at age 92, after a brief illness. Services were held on Sept 25 at Beth El Cemetery. He was preceded in death by parents, Millie and Sol Lewis, son, Gary Lewis and grandson, Jonathon Lewis. He is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Sheila and Ron Dworak; grandchildren; sister-in-law; nieces and nephews, and special friend, Deline Faris, and countless friends in Leesburg, FL, where he spent the last 30 winters.
Dorothy Blau Strauss passed away on Oct. 16 just six days prior to her 94th birthday. Service were held Oct. 18 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband of 49 yrs, Donald B. Strauss. She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Judi and Bob Lipscomb of Tucson, AZ; daughter, Shelli Katelman; grandchildren: Jana (Stein) Payan and John Payan of Atlanta, GA, Joshua Katelman of Prescott, AZ, and Julie Katelman; and four great-grandchildren: Justin and Jackson Payan, and Haley and William Miles.; brothers, Marvin Hornstein of Tarzana, CA, and Joe Hornston of Decatur, GA. Dorothy donated her time at the Dr. Philip Sher Home for the Aged and later at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home as a hair stylist, her occupation for decades. She also volunteered for many years at the Veterans Administration Hospital or Home? She’ll be remembered for her joyful sense of humor and for the beautiful prayer shawls she knitted. Memorials may be made to Josie Harper Hospice House, 7415 Cedar St., Omaha, NE 68124.
ELAINE SHAPIRO Elaine Shapiro passed away at age 83 in Phoenix, AZ. Services were held Oct. 20 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was preceded in death by husband Dr. Irving Shapiro and mother Eve Roth. She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Stephanie and Steve Cohen of Phoenix, sons and daughters-in-law, David and Jennifer Shapiro, Craig and Kathy Shapiro of Pueblo, CO and Ira and Karla Shapiro of Phoenix; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Beth El service to put the ‘mitzvah’ back in B’nai Mitzvah by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Beth El will put the ‘mitzvah’ back into B’nai Mitzvah during a special Shabbat service on Saturday, Oct. 26, at 9:30 a.m. During this B’nai Mitzvah Family Shabbat, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Hazzan Michael Krausman will explore the idea of mitzvoth as it relates to the Bar/Bat Mitzvah and share different ideas which enhance this milestone experience. Members of this year’s B’nai Mitzvah class will participate in leading the service. Following the service, the conversation will continue
during a lunch for sixth and seventh grade families, featuring Liz Feldstern, of the Holocaust Education Center who will discuss a special B’Nai Mitzvah twinning program. Eadie Tsabari, Beth El’s Director of Congregational Learning, will share tips about event planning, and the clergy members will also be there to answer questions. There is no cost for the lunch, but RSVPs are requested to secretary@bethel-omaha.org, or 402.492.8550. For more information about the B’nai Mitzvah Family Shabbat, contact Hazzan Krausman in the synagogue office, or at hazzankrausman@bethel-omaha.org.
Homeland Security to brief Jewish leaders on cyber security by JTA NEWS STAFF WASHINGTON (JTA) -- U.S. Homeland Security officials will advise Jewish organizations on cyber security, a “primary” area of concern according to the body that advises Jewish groups on security issues. “It is imperative that Jewish leaders, executives and senior staff, beyond traditional IT personnel, better understand the magnitude and implications of this growing and dynamic threat which has the potential to cripple networks, steal private information, impact organizational reputation and compromise both physical and IT security,” said a statement announcing a webinar organized by the Secure Community Network, the security arm of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations.
“Over the past year, the issue of cyber security has emerged as a primary threat and concern as it relates to crime and homeland security,” the Secure Community Network said in a statement. “In recent months, a number of Jewish organizations including national agencies, synagogues and camps have reported suspicious cyber incidents, hacking, website defacement and probing from overseas locations including the Middle East, prompting heightened security concerns.”
CORRECTION Rocky Lewis was incorrectly identified as Rocky Stern in the page 7 article about the Beth Israel Sisterhood Donor Luncheon in the Oct. 18 issue. The Press regrets these errors.
Douglas County Historical Society presents Dickens Charles Dickens spent a lifetime capturing the spirit of those he met in everyday life. Charles John Huffam Dickens was born in Portsmouth, England in February of 1812. With the conflict on the horizon between Britain and the burgeoning United States, it was a time of great turmoil. When Charles was 12 years old, his father was imprisoned, sending Charles to work in the factory to support his family. It is believed that through the hardships Charles faced in his life, he learned to pour his ideas and passion into his writing. During his career, Charles edited a weekly journal, wrote 15 novels, 5 novellas and hundreds of short stories and non-fiction articles, lectured, and performed throughout the UK and the United States. With an established career as an actor and producer in
Oxford, England and after much pleading by those who knew him, Gerald Charles Dickens (great-great grandson of Charles Dickens) became fascinated by his late ancestor’s life and works. In 1993, Gerald created his first one-man show, a theatrical performance of A Christmas Carol, inspired by Charles’ own energetic readings of the 1860s. Soon, Gerald’s passion for Charles’ works grew and fostered Gerald to write and direct further one-man shows including those he will be performing for Douglas County Historical Society Nov. 15 and 16. Don’t miss your opportunity to be a part of living history. Tickets to his performances are currently on sale – be sure to mark your calendars now! Visit us online at www. DouglasCoHistory.org for ticketing and event information.
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Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS ATTENTION ADVERTISERS! For $225/25 word classified you can advertise in over 170 Nebraska newspapers. For more information contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800-369-2850. FINANCING THE Good Life...Taxing Issues for the State of Nebraska. November 7th, Lancaster Event Center, Lincoln, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. Register: www.neagrelations.org or 800-535-3456. SELL YOUR classic car, truck or motorcycle online. Call this newspaper or call 800-369-2850 to place your ad on the national Midwest Classic Cars web site for only $25.00. Your ad with photos 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, 308-872-8327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code. AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details. WALK IN TUBS Lowest price guaranteed. 100’s sold in Nebraska. For more information, call 402-896-2966. www.showersplumbing.com BUSINESS ANALYST position at Hamilton Telecommunications in Aurora. Process/prepare billing data records/reports. Degree in accounting, information systems or related field needed, experience preferred. Visit workforhamilton.com. EOE HELP WANTED: Securitas Security immediate full-time openings in Aurora area. Must have clean background. Benefits, paid training, 401(k), national vendor discounts, free uniforms, more. Apply at www.securitasjobs.com, select Lincoln location. EOE M/F/D/V HORSCH PRODUCES premium agricultural seeding/tillage equipment and is searching for an ag product specialist to assist in product development, improvement, sales and service efforts in Nebraska. Call: 855-446-7724 or online: tom.bonau@horsch.com. GANA TRUCKING now hiring experienced diesel technician, CDL driver, concrete crusher operator for work minutes south of Lincoln. Call Brandon at 402-794-5000 for interview. ganatrucking.com. EARN $500 a day. Insurance Agents needed; leads, no cold calls; commissions paid daily; lifetime renewals; complete training; health/dental insurance; life license required. Call 1-888-713-6020. PROTEC BUILDINGS, division of Sioux Steel Company, is looking for Dealers/Erectors with a background in concrete/building sales. Call Monte James: 605-359-6657, www.protecbuildings.com. AMBITIOUS LABORERS, drivers, lead men, for small aggressive company to travel throughout the country. CDL, welding, mechanical, concrete experience a plus, with eye for detail. Valid driver’s license and drug screen necessary. Farabee Mechanical 402-792-2612. PLUMBERS NEEDED - with experience. Wages negotiable, based on experience. Benefits available. Send resumes to Cozad Services, 217 E. 8th., Cozad, NE 69130. 308-784-3477. STARTING AT $18-26 hour for experienced HVAC and Plumbing installation and service techs, and HVAC sales engineer. Green Furnace and Plumbing, Lincoln, NE, 402-467-4444. “PARTNERS IN Excellence” OTR Drivers APU equipped Pre-Pass EZ-pass passenger policy. 2012 & newer equipment. 100% No touch. Butler Transport, 1-800-528-7825.
12 | The Jewish Press | October 25, 2013
Beyond Greenberg and Koufax by BETH KISSILEFF and JACOB KAMARAS (JNS.org) When baseball legends Hank Greenberg and Sandy Koufax both famously refused to play crucial games on Yom Kippur, Greenberg during the 1934 American League pennant race and Koufax in the 1965 World Series, their decisions were personal and did not impact their teams’ ability to take the field. Israeli teams in international competitions, however, have recently been faced with that very dilemma. In July, the Israeli national women’s lacrosse team chose to forfeit a World Cup game against the Haudenosaunee Nation team because the match fell on Shabbat and could not be moved. The Israeli team, which would have finished seventh place among 19 teams in the tournament with a victory, instead automatically finished eighth. Additionally, the Israeli Tennis Association in August announced its refusal to play a Davis Cup match against Belgium that was scheduled to take place this past Yom Kippur, Sept. 14. The International Tennis Federation eventually ordered the match to be moved to Sept. 15, but decided to fine the Israeli team more than $13,000 due to the costs that resulted from adding a day to the tournament, Yedioth Ahronoth reported. Jeffrey Gurock, the Libby M. Klaperman Professor of Jewish History at Yeshiva University, explains that American Jews are generally accepted by their host society, and that the Christian world has come to recognize the importance of the High Holidays within Judaism, meaning it is simply “up to the Jewish player to decide whether he wants to play or not.” But when it came to the Israeli tennis team being fined in international play over not competing on Yom Kippur, and the World Cup’s inability to move the Israeli lacrosse team’s Shabbat match, Gurock saw the moves “as a political statement.” “As far as Israel is concerned, unfortunately, it speaks to where Israel is seen by the international bodies,” Gurock tells JNS.org. “A sports metaphor can be applied to the United Nations. It speaks to how isolated and unaccepted Israel is by the world.” Despite the impediment it presented on an international stage, the Israeli women’s lacrosse team was unyielding about the issue of competing on Shabbat. In fact, when Scott Neiss, executive director of the Israel Lacrosse Association, launched efforts to bring the sport to Israel, part of his
Israeli women’s lacrosse team member Sara Greenberg. Credit: Donna Pedersen thinking was that if the sport was to be accessible to Israelis of all religious backgrounds, it could not be played professionally on Shabbat. Neiss tells JNS.org that not playing the sport on Shabbat is a “national identity issue.” El Al Airlines, he notes, does not fly on Shabbat, and many other aspects of the country shut down on the day of rest. The lacrosse programs (both men’s and women’s) that Neiss launched in Israel “want to reflect and represent that,” he says. Among the Israeli team members who played competitive lacrosse in college was Katie Mazer, whose University of Pennsylvania (Penn) team was Ivy League champion from 2007-2009, made Final Four appearances in 2007 and 2009, and reached the national championship game appearance in 2008. Asked how she would have felt about a Shabbat-induced forfeit at Penn, Mazer responds, “I think I would have been angry and unhappy about forfeiting a game in college.” But on the Israeli national team, Mazer’s attitude regarding
Shabbat was different. She says that once “you are in Israel and actually feel and see Shabbat and what it means and celebrate,” the day of rest takes on new meaning. Mazer says she was pleased with the Israeli team’s decision to forfeit because it was “for a bigger purpose.” Neiss, whose efforts brought the sport to the Jewish state, was not an obvious candidate to either make aliyah or start the lacrosse programs. He does not play lacrosse himself, and he attended St. John’s University in Queens, NY--not a hub of Jewish life. “I’m the kid that wasn’t supposed to move to Israel,” Neiss says. But both during and after college, Neiss worked full-time for a professional lacrosse league and volunteered for the U.S. national lacrosse program. At age 25, he visited Israel for the first time on a Taglit-Birthright Israel trip. In the summer of 2011, Neiss was able to pilot lacrosse programs for both men and women in Tel Aviv, while splitting his time between New York and Tel Aviv and meeting with potential funders. The first funders of the Israeli programs launched by Neiss were American Jews who were passionate about lacrosse. Neiss realized in Dec. 2011 that if he were to focus on the project fulltime, the “only place to do that was in Israel.” He made aliyah in February 2012. Now he continues to help lacrosse-playing Jews make the same move to Israel. Mazer, the team member who also serves as co-director of the Israel Lacrosse Invitational Tournament, had been working for Teach for America in Oakland, Calif., and was planning to begin graduate school in social policy and social work. She had been to Israel with her family at the time of her Bat Mitzvah, and then again on a Birthright trip at age 18, but never expected to be living in the county. A tryout for the Israeli lacrosse team changed all of that. Now an Israeli citizen, Mazer lives in the “lacrosse house” where some team members reside and says her stay in Israel is “indefinite.” “Don’t tell my mom,” she jokes. Mazer says she hopes that as a result of the Israeli lacrosse team’s World Cup forfeit, which shows that it is possible to play high-level lacrosse but still be able to sit out in observance of Shabbat, an Orthodox girl in Israel will “have sports as part of her life because of our decision.”
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