Vol. LXXXV No. 7 Omaha, NE
Agency Selects New Name: The Center for Jewish Education By MARY SUE GROSSMAN Administrator “JELS” was an acronym that has been used to reference one agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha for a number of years. If pressed to give the complete agency name, many in the community would respond “Well, I’m not really sure.” When prompted that the full name was “Jewish Educational & Library Services”, the person
might nod, but if asked to describe what the agency did, the answers were often halting and incomplete. With the above responses in mind and an eye on the future, the members of the agency board embarked on selecting a new name. Keeping the agency’s mission statement in mind: “to educate our Jewish community by ensuring that a comprehensive array of high quality educational opportunities are available to all levels and ages of Jewish learners”, a number of options were considered until a consensus was reached with “The Center for Jewish Education.” Approval for the new name was received at the October Jewish Federation board meeting. Ann Goldstein serves as chairman for the board of The Center for Jewish Education. “The new name reflects what we are as an agency,” she explained, “and will help the community to more easily understand what the agency is all about.” Continued on page 2
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
25 Tishrei, 5766 October 28, 2005
Jonathan Kozol to Address Inequality of Education in America at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN tim, and shortchange the Temple Israel Communications Coordinator victim, and then tell him he can ‘learn to his potenIn the passion of the civil rights camtial’ if he and his teachers paigns of 1964 and 1965, Jonathan just try hard enough is Kozol moved from Harvard Square one of those bizarre politinto a poor black neighborhood of ical performances that’s Boston and became a fourth-grade very much in fashion in teacher in the public schools. Since our nation’s capital then, he has devoted his life to issues of Kozol says. today,” education and social justice in America. “Bombastic rhetoric and His newest book, The Shame of the presidential exhortation Nation: The Restoration of Apartheid cannot substitute for givSchooling in America, is the title of the ing children of the poor D’var Torah he will give at Shabbat the opportunities we give worship services on Friday, Nov. 4, 6 to children of the privip.m., at Temple Israel. leged,” he added. He knows “full well that ‘apartheid’ Kozol has been invitis a loaded word,” wrote Joshua ed to Omaha by Omaha Benton in a review of the book in The Public Schools (OPS), Dallas Morning News. As Kozol points Creighton University, out, “Laws that once sent black kids to and Bellevue Public one school and white kids to another Schools to speak to their have been gone for decades. But Jonathan Kozol administrators and teachschools are nearly as segregated today as they were 30 years ago, as white parents have moved to ers. The purpose of his visit is “to speak to ‘One City, the suburbs and minorities have remained in central One School District’ issues and how his current book and previous books apply,” said Luanne Nelson, cities.” In researching The Shame of a Nation, Kozol visited Director of public information at OPS. “The application dozens of public schools throughout the country, nur- is his premise that urban school districts across the counturing close relationships with students and educators try are being left behind,” she added. Realizing that Kozol is “a once in a lifetime speaker,” alike. Along the way, he witnessed situations and unearthed statistics that are as shocking as they are dis- Rabbi Aryeh Azriel invited the award-winning author heartening. But the book does more than expose prob- and educator to Temple Israel. lems. It also offers strong solutions. “To isolate the vic- Continued on page 4
Leadership Is Prominent Theme of Recent Mission to Kiev and Israel
Jewish Community to Honor its War Vets
by EUNIE DENENBERG Wendy Goldberg, Last month, 36 memPresident of Temple bers of the community Israel. “Surely my experitraveled to Ukraine and ences on the trip conIsrael on a Federation tribute to that purpose.” Leadership Mission. “A learning trip!” Jody Occasionally, one of us Malashock is enthusiastic. would reflect, “just what “First-timers to Israel IS our mission?” must come on a To see first-hand the Mission!” projects supported by “I’m reeling from our Omaha’s campaign dolexperiences,” smiles lars? That we did, from a Jennifer Glazer. “I came birthday party at a Joint to an ancient land and am Distribution Committee going home with stories Senior Center in of a ‘new’ Israel.” Berditchev, to a day Jim Glazer, campaign school in Kiev subsidized Young Leadership by the Jewish Agency for Stacey Rockman, Partnership with Israel chairman, embraces Chairman, concurs. “It’s Israel (JAFI), to Acco member of House of Wheels, a project supporting disabled chil- hard for me to describe,” where our Partnership dren; in the background are Myron Kaplan, left, and Howard he says, “but after bondwith Israel is helping revi- Goldstein. ing with the mission talize the Arab Souk. members and connecting to the people we met, I’ll be Maybe to learn more about Israel’s problems and suc- able to do a much better job in my Omaha work.” cesses-from Israelis, not CNN? Yes, that too. We heard We all felt the significance of connecting with Jews in stimulating speakers from the right and left, sociologists the Former Soviet Union and Israel. Katherine Finnegan and project directors who stirred us emotionally and saw an immediate link with her family when we visited intellectually. the Gordon School, a facility that is “twinned” with So what is our mission on a Mission? To see the sites? Temple Israel’s school, developing and sharing curricuWe did jeep rides in the Golan Heights and the Negev lum ideas. Desert. To have fun? Masada and the Dead Sea. “Every family, everywhere, has common issues,” she Finally, the question was answered on a deeper more notes. “Children, education, social problems. Israel, you personal level. are not alone.” “My mission is to lead a meaningful Jewish life,” says Continued on page 16
by RENEE CORCORAN Director, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Omaha’s three major synagogues and the Jewish Community Center will celebrate the 350th anniversary of the presence of Jews in America, as well as the 60th anniversary of the victorious end of World War II and the destruction of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Armed services personnel will be honored with a striking exhibit conveying the experiences of many of the area’s Jewish war veterans and active duty personnel, beginning with the opening of the Veterans and Active Service People exhibit at the JCC, Sunday, Nov. 13, 35 p.m. The Jewish Boy Scout troop will conduct the flag-raising ceremony and a Lloyd Krasne, a WWII veteran reception will follow the free program, open to the public. Jewish veterans who served in all conflicts--from World War II to the present--along with several of today’s active duty military men and women will be recognized, said Beth Seldin Dotan, who is coordinating the observance. Sponsors are the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Great Plains Chapter of the AntiDefamation League and area synagogues. Continued on page 15
Inside Opinion Page see page 12
This Week: Monthly Calendar, Pages 8-9 Where Do Your Campaign Dollars Go? Page 3
Coming Next Month: First Special Issue on Travel & Entertainment
Rabbi Forman to Discuss “Schizophrenia in Land of Israel”: Page 5
Film Review: Walk on Water: Page 6
92nd St. Y Features Author Deborah Lipstadt: Page 11
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Jewish Book Fair Event: Schlepping Through the Alps
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Sun, Sun, Sun, Here We Come Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Use the form on page 5, call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.
by GARY KATZ When New York-based writer Sam Apple hears about Library Administrator this one-of-a-kind eccentric, he flies overseas and signs “Can I interrupt?” she asked. on as a shepherd’s apprentice. For thoroughly urban, I nodded. Ilene turned to slightly neurotic Sam, stumbling along in borrowed Hans. “I guess I’d like to know boots and burdened with a lot more baggage than his what this is all about. Last backpack, the task is far from a walk in Central Park. night you showed slides of Demonstrating no immediate natural talent for shepherding, he tries to earn the respect of Breuer’s sheep, sheep and sang Yiddish songs. while keeping a safe distance from the shepherd’s fierce But what is the real relation?” herding dogs. Hans leaned back in his chair As this strange and hilarious adventure unfolds, the and laughed. “Me. I am the unlikely duo of Sam and Hans meander through a pararelation.” dise of woods and high meadows toward awkward Ilene crossed her arms. “But encounters with Austrians of many stripes. Apple is how does singing Yiddish determined to find out if there are really as many antisongs go with shepherding in the Alps?” she asked. Semites in Austria as he fears and to Excerpt from JEWISH BOOK FAIR EVENTS understand how Hans, who grew up Schlepping Through the Alps Wednesday, Nov. 2, 7-9 p.m.: fighting the lingering Nazism in On Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7 p.m. in Eric Konigsberg in the JCC Theater Vienna, became a wandering shepthe JCC Theater join bestselling Wednesday, Nov. 9, 7-9 p.m.: herd. What Apple discovers turns out author Sam Apple as he talks about his Sam Apple in the JCC Theater to be far more fascinating than he had first book, Schlepping Through the Alps Thursday, Dec. 8, 11:45 a.m.: as part of Jewish Book Fair. Judith Viorst at the Book Fair imagined. Sam Apple will be signing books Hans Breuer, Austria’s only wander- Luncheon in the JCC Auditorium; $15 after the free book talk. Books are $20 ing shepherd, is also a Yiddish folk for lunch and will be available in the Kripke singer. He walks the Alps, shepherd’s Sunday, Dec.11, 3-5 p.m.: Library for purchase. For more inforstick in hand, singing lullabies to his “Chanu-Kids” in the Kripke Library mation, please contact the Library at 625 sheep. Sometimes he even gives Thursday, Dec. 15, 1-3 p.m.: concerts in historically anti-Semitic Rochelle Krich at the Book Discussion 334.6462 or e-mail gkatz@jewishomaha.org. towns, showing slides of the flock as Group in the Kripke Library he belts out Yiddish ditties.
L.O.V.E.’s Donation Shows Care for Blumkin Home Residents by RITA SHELLEY The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auxiliary’s recent purchase of 80 specialized mattresses helps keep Residents healthier and more comfortable, according to Shelley Cash, director of nursing at the Blumkin Home. The mattresses contain foam that has been developed to help prevent and treat pressure sores, a condition that can result from a combination of immobility and fragile skin. “Preventing pressure sores is a matter of huge concern for us,” Cash said. “The cost of the mattresses is considerable, but the pay back is tremendous, both in terms of comfort and the cost of care.” While there is no doubt that L.O.V.E.’s investment will pay for itself in quality of residents’ lives, preventing skin conditions also makes sense financially, Cash added. The mattresses cost a total of $10,000. But because pressure sores can be complicated to treat and difficult to control, preventing even one or two will easily justify the investment in prevention, she said. Because the mattresses also are designed to be easier to move than the ones they replaced, they also make it easier for staff to provide care. Michael Silverman, executive director of the Blumkin Home and Jewish Senior Services, expressed his gratitude for L.O.V.E.’s support as well. “Albert Schweitzer said ‘constant kindness can accomplish a great deal,’” Silverman said. “L.O.V.E. is constantly kind to us, and it truly is a privilege to be part of a community that draws on its resources to provide such exemplary care for its seniors.”
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League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly (L.O.V.E.) board members Esther Wax, left, and Judy Katskee, helped with the group’s annual membership mailing. Funds raised by this effort help L.O.V.E. purchase equipment needed for the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, including the recent commitment to purchase new mattresses for residents’ rooms.
Agency Selects New Name Continued from page 1 Other board members are Harry Berman, Lena Bogomolni, Katherine Finnegan, Bob Goldberg, Stacey Rockman, and Aveva Shukert. Each is involved in other areas of the Omaha Jewish community and brings his or her unique experience, commitment, and excitement. “The board represents a group of individuals with both expertise and experience who will respond to the interests and needs of the entire community,” Goldstein added. “The board is looking forward to working together the to expand the services offered by the agency.” In conjunction with the name change, a new logo was developed by Margie Utesch, JCC Publicity Director. The logo uses the Star of David, the primary Jewish symbol as its center. Radiating from the star are halves of circles, to symbolize the continual quest for Jewish learning while recognizing the many segments of education. The Center for Jewish Education is responsible for a wide range of activities which include community-wide adult education programs, support of synagogue religious schools, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, cultural arts events, financial assistance and grants programs, Partnership with Israel programs, and the annual Yom HaShoah commemoration. Supporting the agency are a group of volunteers serving on the agency committees--Cardozo Society, the Jewish Film Festival, Maimonides Society, Partnership with Israel, and the Financial Aid, Grant Program Review, Kripke Library, and Yom HaShoah Committees. Guy Matalon serves as Executive Director; Mary Sue Grossman, Gary Katz, Rachel Ochana, Maggie Gerber, Dorothy Kaplan, and Lydia Linde are the other employees. “Our new name truly reflects the focus of The Center for Jewish Education staff,” states Matalon. “The energy and drive from the staff and the various committee members will provide a wide array of quality educational programming for the community.” The agency will be offering a full range of new programs in the coming months. “The Guy & Bob Show” kicks off the new year on Tuesday, Nov. 1, noon, running each Tuesday in Nov. plus a special evening edition on Nov. 22. The Kripke Library begins its annual Book Month activities on Nov. 2 with a talk by Omaha-native, Eric Konigsberg, author of Blood Relation. The first showing for this year’s Film Festival will be Walk on Water on Nov. 5-6. The course “Derech Torah: Judaism 101” begins on Monday, Nov. 7. Another Book Month talk takes place on Nov. 9, with the appearance by Schlepping Through the Alps author Sam Apple. Rachel Ochana, the agency shlicha, will present a midday Rashi class beginning Nov. 30. December includes sponsorship of Elie Wiesel through “Live from the 92nd Street Y” on Dec. 1 and more Jewish Book Fair events. For information on programs, please call 334.6445 or visit the Federation website at www.jewishomaha.org. The staff of The Center for Jewish Education is energized to present the many services to the community and looks forward to an exciting future.
October 28, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
“We Succeed Because of What All of You Do Together” by OZZIE NOGG A cocktail supper kickoff gave team members of Federation’s 2006 Women’s Cabinet and General Men’s Divisions a chance to enjoy one another’s company, get the latest “Living Generously” campaign progress report, and hear short overviews of the many ways local dollars help support the Omaha Jewish Federation’s Centers of Excellence. The Oct. 16 event, hosted by Omaha’s 2006 General Campaign Co-Chairs, Bruce and Anne Shackman, was held at the home of Lion of Judah chairman, Patty Nogg, and her husband, Steve. In her welcome to the group, Anne Shackman said, “When we asked, ‘Will you lead?’ you said, ‘Yes.’ Now we will succeed because of what all of you do together.” Pointing to that success, Bruce Shackman announced, “Only two weeks into the campaign, we’re already 25% of the way to our goal. We have great momentum.” Members of the 2006 Women’s Cabinet are: Stacey Atlas, Molline Cassman, Cheryl Cooper, Janey Dann, Helen Epstein, Kay Ferer, Cindy Goldberg, Danielle Gordman, Bea Karp, Debi Kutler, Jody Malashock, Linda Mann, Kathy McGauvran, Tina Meyers, Jennifer Meyerson, Patty Nogg, Rita Novak, Vicki Perlmeter, Marcia Pitlor, Barbara Platt, Dottie Rosenblum, Anne Shackman, Patty Sherman, Mimi Silverman, Suzanne Singer, Louri Sullivan and Phyllis Wasserman. Leaders of the General Men’s 2006 Divisions are: Jerry Dann, Grand Gifts; Howard Epstein, Leadership; Larry Malashock, Builders; and Jeff Schweid, Initial Gifts. Brett Atlas and Brian Nogg
head up the Young Men’s Division, and Jim Glazer leads the Ben Gurion Society. “As workers, we must fully understand the programs and services of our Centers of Excellence and then communicate that information to Campaign donors,” Bruce Shackman said. “The community needs to know where their local campaign dollars go--they deserve to know what they’re buying.” (See story below for details on past accomplishments and future plans of Federation agencies.)
Acknowledging the vital role played by professional staff in the Campaign, Shackman thanked Jan Goldstein, Federation Director, along with Julee Federation Katzman, Assistant Executive Director; Sharon Kirshenbaum, Men’s Campaign and Young Leadership Director; Kathy McGauvran, Women’s Campaign workers Ann and Don Goldstein, left, and Ruth Division Director; Janie Erman were among those at the Campaign kick-off. Murow, Community Development Director; Lana Reichardt, Executive Secretary/Women’s Campaign and Super Director, Bob Wolfson, this Federation Sunday Assistant; Brenda Frank, Secretary; of Excellence provides Center Kathy Watkins, Men’s Campaign Assistant. Holocaust education, investigates and Shackman exposes extremism, protects civil rights, also praised and educates children and adults in ways the contributo fight prejudice and cultivate diversity. tion of the 2006 Campaign Cabinet: Mike Abramson and Bob Belgrade, Men’s Division Co- Jeff Schweid chairs Initial C h a i r m e n ; Gifts for Men’s Campaign. Jody Malashock and Marcia Pitlor, Women’s Division Co-Chairmen; Jim Farber, Pacesetter Chairman; Patty Nogg, Lion of Judah Chairman; Carrie Bob Wolfson, left, chats with Deb and Dan and Steve Fingold, 2006 Super Sunday Marburg at the recent Campaign event. Co-Chairmen; Jaime and Brian Nogg, The ADL/CRC empowers schools, 2007 Super Sunday Co-Chairmen-elect. businesses, houses of worship and com“This community is very lucky to have munity groups to promote respect for both young and seasoned leadership and so individual and group differences while many dedicated volunteers,” said challenging prejudice and bigotry. Federation President, Zoe Riekes at the end Continued on page 4 of the evening. “We are in good hands.”
Where Do Your Local Campaign Dollars Go? by OZZIE NOGG Note: The following up-date of the programs and services supported by your local Campaign dollars was presented at a recent leadership event by representatives of Federation’s Centers of Excellence. You’ll learn even more about how your local dollars are spent when you talk, hopefully face-to-face, with a volunteer Campaign worker. Then, in the spirit of Living Generously, please consider increasing your gift to insure the future of the Omaha Jewish community. Anti-Defamation League/ Community Relations Committee When describing the work of the ADL/CRC, agency President David Gilinsky, said, “Our mission is to be the 4-1-1 number for information and the 9-1-1 for security.” Through its Prejudice Elimination Workshops, the Plains States Regional office of ADL teaches teens--both Jewish and nonJewish--to be ambassadors of diversity and tolerance in their high schools. Under the leadership of Executive
“Everyone should perceive the world as exactly half good and half evil. “By doing one more good act, we tip the scale towards the good.” —Talmud
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Where Do Your Local Campaign Dollars Go? Continued from Page 3 facilities on this great campus.” Jewish Senior Services Jewish Press According to President Bob Belgrade, “Jewish Senior “Our weekly paper is the tie that binds us all,” said Services is more than the Blumkin Home. Yes, the Joanie Jacobson, Press Committee Chairman. “Its Home offers long term care and a new rehab depart- human interest stories, synagogue news--all of it proment, but much of our programming and services are motes community good will. And it’s the Omaha Jewish provided off-site, like our Meals on Wheels which deliv- community’s definitive source for local, national and ered 15,000 kosher meals to private residences last year. international news from a Jewish perspective. This is not We also sponsor the Young Energetic Seniors and CNN.” Jacobson proudly said that advertising revenue Visions social groups.” Other services that reach out to from special issues of the Press allows it to operate very Jewish seniors living alone include mental health coun- efficiently and arrive--free--in the mailbox of “every seling, transportation for medical appointments and Jewish person we can identify.” To accommodate the grocery shopping, and 24-hour medical alert systems. needs of younger readers who prefer getting their news “The elderly want to stay vital and active in their on line, the Press Committee is currently designing an homes as long as possible,” Belgrade said. “With the expanded website. “We work closely with Federation,” help of Mike Silverman, Director of the Blumkin Home, Jacobson continued, “but we have our own voice. There and Shane Kotok, our Director of Community is no censoring. The Press will print your signed letter. Outreach, we’ll achieve our goal--we’ll keep seniors Our editor, Carol Katzman, is bright, savvy, accountable and committed to the well-being of the Omaha Jewish where they want to be.” Jewish Family Services community.” This human service arm Center for Jewish Education of Federation helps indi(formerly Jewish Educational & Library viduals, couples, and famServices) “Education is our heart,” said CJE President, ilies cope with everyday Ann Goldstein, “and this Center of Excellence challenges and life crises. offers expanded opportunities so we can learn “We do our work quietly and grow no matter how old we are.” Examples? and with confidentiality,” An adult Talmud course plus Bad Boys and Girls explained President of the Bible--a new class taught by CJE Director, David Goldberg. “JFS Guy Matalon. “And you don’t want to miss The offers tzedakah hand to Guy and Bob Show,” Goldstein said. “When hand, eyeball to eyeball, Guy and Bob Wolfson team up to discuss current through emergency financial assistance. We David Goldberg, left, JFS President, spoke political, military, and economic issues in Israel, help people work to Campaign worker Ted Friedland about you’re in for an exciting lunch hour.” The CJE also provides teacher training and opportunities through debt, pay their his agency’s mission. MUD bills, whatever it takes.” JFS also provides Family for special needs education. It supports area religious Life Education programs, adoption, pregnancy and schools, the Kripke Library, Friedel Jewish Academy, infertility counseling, crisis Intervention plus referral Jewish Book Month and the Jewish Film Festival. The services and support for Jews with developmental dis- CJE also administers $191,000 in grants, assistance and scholarship funds for undergraduate and graduate studabilities. JFS Director is Becki Brenner. ies, summer Jewish camps, Israel trips, JCC preschool, Jewish Community Center Membership at the JCC has increased from 1500 to and Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Memorial Day) and Yom 2400 units and is the place where the Omaha Jewish com- Ha’Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day). “This agency munity--and the community at large--finds social, cultural, gives volunteers the opportunity to help and get recreational, educational and physical fitness activities. involved,” Goldstein said. “It is truly a Center.” Building and Grounds “Our Live from the 92nd Street Y programs are very popAccording to Todd Manvitz, Committee Chairman, ular,” said Gary D. Epstein, JCC President, “and this year’s Rick Recht concert was a big hit with families. “Mike Collier, Campus Manager, does an outstanding Members appreciate the camp and preschool scholarships. job of maintaining our 40 acre campus, keeping it clean, Next year, we plan to expand our Israeli Scouts summer comfortable and ready to open every day. But the faciliprogram, host a Maccabi Games for the Arts, and bring ty--with 240,000 square feet of meeting rooms, offices, back the Teens to Israel ARTZA trip--the first since 1999. classrooms and sports venues--will face increased utilities Our ongoing and newly added programming is made pos- and insurance costs this year. If we want our campus to sible through the support of Campaign dollars, the leader- remain first-class, we need the ongoing support of ship of JCC Executive Director, Jeff Aizenberg, and the Federation and everyone in the community.”
Kozol to Address Inequality of Education in America at Temple Israel Continued from page 1 Kozol graduated from Harvard University, summa cum laude, in 1958 with a degree in English literature and was awarded a Rhodes Scholarship to Magdalen College, Oxford, England. He did not, however, complete his Rhodes, deciding instead to go to Paris to write a novel. He spent four years there writing his only published work of fiction, The Fume of Poppies. Upon returning to the United States, he became deeply involved in the civil rights movement after learning of the murder of three young civil rights workers in 1964 by the Ku Klux Klan. Fired from the Boston Public Schools for reading poetry written by the prolific black writer and poet Langston Hughes to his class, Kozol was thrust into the limelight and became a prominent figure on the Boston civil rights scene. Kozol’s first non-fiction book, Death at an Early Age, is a description of his first year as a teacher in the Boston Public Schools. It received the 1968 National Book Award in Science, Philosophy, and Religion and sold more than two million copies across this country and Europe. Among his other books are Rachel and Her Children, which won the Robert F. Kennedy Book Award for 1989 and the Conscience in Media Award of the American Society of Journalists and Authors. Savage Inequalities received the New England Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award in 1992. Amazing Grace: The Lives of Children and Conscience of a Nation described Kozol’s visits to the south Bronx of New York, the poorest congressional district in the United States. Nobel Laureate Toni Morrison wrote that Amazing Grace was “good in the old fashioned sense: beautiful and morally worthy.” Amazing Grace became a national bestseller in the 1990s. “Jonathan’s struggle is noble,” added Elie Wiesel. “What (Kozol) says must be heard. His outcry must shake our nation out of its guilty indifference.” Ordinary Resurrections, Kozol’s next book, is a vivid narrative that steers away from ideologies and partisan debate. Instead, the book is about the little miracles of stubborn, persistent innocence in children who are still unsoiled by the world and can view their place in it without cynicism or despair. Also in Ordinary Resurrections, Kozol describes the poorly paid but morally committed teachers in an underfunded public elementary school that manages against all odds to be an island of protectiveness, love, and optimism for the segregated children it serves. The Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning is sponsoring Kozol’s visit to Temple. The community is invited to hear him at the Nov. 4 service. Hundreds of styles on our showroom floor!
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Rabbi David Forman to Discuss “Jewish Schizophrenia in the Land of Israel,” at Temple Israel by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator A Freedom Rider and founder of Rabbis for Human Rights, Rabbi David Forman will talk about another one of his passions, “Jewish Schizophrenia in the Land of Israel,” when he speaks at Temple Israel on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m. Based on his book of the same name, Rabbi Forman will discuss the notion that in Israel, right and wrong, good and bad, sanity and insanity can abide together in one happy (or sad) discordant harmony. Rabbi David Forman “Israelis always seem to do battle with themselves,” according to Rabbi Forman. “Body and soul, mind and matter, intellect and emotion often seem to work at cross purposes among Israelis.” In what has been described as “a penetrating and entertaining portrait of Israeli society,” Rabbi Forman helps “navigate the landscape of modern Israel.” Rabbi Forman served as the chairperson of Rabbis for Human Rights between 1988 and 1992 and again from 2002 to 2003. Rabbis for Human Rights is the rabbinic voice of conscience in Israel, giving voice to the Jewish tradition of human rights. The group promotes justice and freedom while campaigning against discrimination and inhumane conduct. Not surprisingly, Rabbi Forman has been active in human rights and peace movements in Israel where he has lived for more than 30 years. He has held a number of key leadership positions during his rabbinic career including director of the Israel Office of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (now the Union for Reform Judaism) where he led the struggle for religious pluralism in Israel. Prior to that, he was chairperson of Interns for Peace from 1984 to 1986, founding chairperson of both the Jerusalem Council for Soviet Jewry in 1973 and the Cincinnati Council for Soviet Jewry in
1970, vice chairman of Seminarians for Peace, and a member of Clergy and Laity Against the War in Vietnam. In the United States, the Boston-born rabbi challenged the South’s Jim Crow laws and non-compliance with a U.S. Supreme Court decision that prohibited segregation on interstate public transportation facilities. At the Nobel Institute Conference in 1993 in Oslo, Norway, Rabbi Forman gave a keynote address on “The Role of Religion in Middle East Peacemaking.” He was part of the Israeli delegation that year when Yitzhak Rabin received the Nobel Peace Prize. Rabbi Forman has also spoken on human rights in the Jewish tradition and on Jerusalem as the holy city of three faiths at United Nations Conferences in Dakar, Senegal, and Amman, Jordan; the World Conference of Religion and Peace in Kyoto, Japan; the World Lutheran Conference in Greece; and at numerous conferences throughout the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ukraine, and Russia. Author of numerous books including Fifty Ways to be Jewish, Israel on Broadway, America: Off-Broadway, Jews in the New Millennium, Rabbi Forman’s articles on social, political, and religious issues in Israel have been featured in The Jerusalem Report, Moment Magazine, Journal of Reform Judaism, Forward, The Jerusalem Post, Ha’aretz, and the Anglo-Jewish press. His newest book, just published in March, is entitled Over My Dead Body - Some Grave Questions for God. He donates royalties from his writings to Rabbis for Human Rights. In 1972, Rabbi Forman received his rabbinic ordination from Hebrew Union College. Between 1977 and 1991, he was a deputy commanding officer in the artillery corps of the Israeli Army and received a citation for meritorious service in 1990. In 1997, he was awarded a Doctor of Divinity Degree from Hebrew Union College Rabbi Forman’s lecture is sponsored at Temple Israel by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. The community is welcome to attend. For more information, call the Temple at 556.6536.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
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Sukkot Celebrated By Yachad Members
ADL to Host Noted Legal Scholar and Professor
by DUANE J. PIEPER The Yachad members gathered at Beth Israel Synagogue on Oct. 16 to decorate the sukkah with fruits and vegetables, as well as with colorful chains and pictures which they prepared. Rabbi Jonathon Gross created the context for the holiday by explaining its importance and significance. Sukkot refers to the “Festival of Booths” and is a time of rejoicing and celebration. Yachad members learned how the sukkah is a temporary structure covered with a roof of branches and that it reminds us of the Israelites’ deliverance out of Egypt and G-d’s provision during the 40 years of wandering in the wilderness on their way to the Promised Land.
by BETH KATZ For the Anti-Defamation League On Wednesday, Nov. 9, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) will host acclaimed legal scholar and Duke University law and political science professor Erwin Chemerinsky. Dr. Chemerinsky will speak to the community on the Supreme Court and civil rights issues of today, at a time and location to be announced. Suggested donation for this event, which is open to the public, is $36. Dr. Chemerinsky is the author of four books including Federal Jurisdiction and his articles frequently appear in journals such as the Harvard Law Review, Michigan Law Review, Northwestern Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Stanford Law Review and Yale Law Journal. He writes a regular column on the Supreme Court for California Lawyer, Los Angeles Daily Journal, and Trial Magazine, and is a frequent contributor to newspapers and other magazines. Dr. Chemerinsky regularly serves as a commentator on legal issues for national and local media and was named by Legal Affairs as one of “the top 20 legal thinkers in America” in April 2005. Please contact the ADL office at 402.333.1303 for more information.
Nancy Isler, left, Jill Salomon, Rabbi Gross, Grace Isler, Jeff Steinberg, Ben Friedman, Ron Giventer and Lisa Salomon gather at Beth Israel Synagogue to decorate the sukkah for Sukkot. Not pictured: Josh Parsow. Sukkot coincides with the autumn harvest and in ancient times the same type of temporary huts served as shelters in the fields as people gathered in the harvest and celebrated the bounty of the earth and G-d’s blessings. After decorating the sukkah, the Yachad members gathered with their friends for a meal at the Bagel Bin. Their joy was a reflection of a thankful heart for the blessings experienced in their own lives. Baruch Ha’Shem! Our next event on Nov. 6 will be a continuation of the fall celebration with Israeli dance, song and story telling. Everyone is welcome to come and join in on the fun. For further details, call Jewish Family Service at 334.6491.
Beth El’s PATTER Class to Resume This Wednesday by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator After a break during the High Holidays, Beth El Synagogue’s Parent and Toddler Torah, Exercise and Recreation class (PATTER) will start up again on Wednesday, Nov. 2 at a new time, 10:30-11:45 a.m. This fun-filled educational class, geared to children ages 18 months to three years, introduces youngsters to the joys of Judaism, through storytelling, music and a variety of creative activities. Led by Helen Epstein, PATTER is open to Jewish families throughout the community. To register for the class or for more information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, 492.8550.
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The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see page 12 for email address and Fax number
“The Guy & Bob Show” is Back! Beginning Tuesday, November 1
Guy Matalon & Bob Wolfson start a new year of lively weekly discussions on contemporary issues concerning Israel, the Middle East, and the Jewish world. Mark your calendar! November 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 January 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 February 7, 14, 21, 28 April 4, 11, 18, 25 May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
PLUS SPECIAL EVENING EDITIONS! Tuesday, November 22 - 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 1 - 7:30 p.m.
The serices is free of charge & open to the public. Bring your lunch, bring a friend and enjoy! Call 334-6445 for more information.
Page 6
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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None of this amuses the uptight agent who, the more ing to do with leaps of faith, the title notwithstanding. Its focus is misplaced faith, and the cost of living with we come to know the open-minded Germans, seems less a straight arrow than a racist creep. When Eyal publicly blinders. The central character, a Mossad assassin who special- insults a new Palestinian acquaintance of Axel’s in a disizes in taking out Hamas operatives, embraces the right- turbing scene in the Old City, we can feel our sympathy eousness of military solutions. Suspicion and anger are shift. Eytan Fox, the openly gay Israeli director coming off the only feelings he seems comfortable expressing, the international hit Yossi & Jagger--his terrific earlier which his wife finds insufficient. Eyal embodies a certain Israeli attitude and inflexibili- work, Song of the Siren and the TV series “Florentene,” ty which the filmmakers clearly see as anachronistic. The are also well worth tracking down--came up with the story and his longtime partplot they set in motion to ner Gal Uchovsky wrote the shake Eyal of his intolerance screenplay. has the unmistakable air of All of their films feature a contrivance, but a slew of pop music soundtrack, and offbeat moments give the here they use several tunes film a large measure of idioby Israeli vocalist Esther syncratic pleasure. Ofarim to balance the over“Walk on Water,” which riding male dynamic. enjoyed a successful national The music occasionally feels theatrical release earlier this shoe-horned in, however, year and is now out on just as a few of the plot turns DVD, is not a completely Knut Berger, Carolina Peters and Lior Ashkenazi are less than graceful. But satisfying movie but it is a the major impediment to fascinating one. warming up to the film is In the wake of his latest Ashkenazi’s chilly, detached successful mission and some performance. bad news at home, Eyal The actor blends rugged (heartthrob Lior Ashkenazi good looks and pathological of Late Marriage) is given insensitivity like an exotic the innocuous assignment of For more information call 334.6462 Clive Owen (Closer). But playing undercover tour guide for Axel, an easygoing German schoolteacher Ashkenazi fails to convey the pain and despair of a man (Knut Berger) coming to Israel to visit his kibbutznik who’s emotionally closed and less than curious intellectually, opting instead to play Eyal as a sleepwalker slowsister, Pia (Carolina Peters). Axel’s grandfather is a former Nazi scoundrel who’s ly awakening. That’s unfortunate, for the film itself is an empathetic been in hiding in South America for decades. Eyal’s boss hasn’t given up the ghost, though, and dispatches our view of a man whose identity is built on past battles and an us-or-them philosophy. If Ashkenazi had expressed hero to ferret out the old man’s whereabouts. At this point, Walk on Water, an Israeli-German produc- Eyal’s fear of shedding embedded prejudices for a new tion that opened the Panorama section of the 2004 Berlin world view, the agent’s struggle in the last reels would Film Festival, turns into a quirky travelogue. Eyal takes touch us more--and so would this film.
Jewish Film Festival November 5 & 6 at 7 p.m. JCC Theater • Admission $5
ORGANIZATIONS ANTI-DEFAMATION LEAGUE Join a Community Conversation on Jewish-Catholic Relations with Jewish and Catholic clergy and lay leaders in an event sponsored by the Interfaith Affairs and Community Education of the Anti-Defamation LeaguePlains States Region. The panel will examine the evolution of Jewish-Catholic relations since the Second Vatican Council and discuss the current state of JewishCatholic relations in Omaha on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2-4 p.m., at the Cathedral Cultural Center (located behind St. Cecilia’s Cathedral at 3900 Webster St.) This event is free and open to the public. THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday as we celebrate Honey Month with Everett R. Smith a Master Beekeeper. Come for the warm biscuits with fresh honey too. Lunch begins at noon at $6.00 per person. Come try your luck with Bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. in the Social Hall. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie for reservations to the Ameristar Casino on Nov. 17 at 334.6521.
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VISIONS Reminder: For those members going on the day trip to Brownville on Sunday, Oct. 30, please meet at the JCC by 11:45 a.m. Reminder: Visions Board Meeting is Friday, Nov. 4 at 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Blumkin Home. Luncheon Meeting is Nov. 18 at the Venice Inn at 12:30 p.m. The cost is $9.50 per person. Our guest is Mike Kelly the popular columnist for the Omaha World Herald. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Nov. 11. For questions, call
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Harry Alloy at 697.8709. Make check payable to Visions. The next Mitzvah Project is to collect donations to purchase special adaptive computer equipment for the residents of the Blumkin Home. Bring donation to the luncheon or send to Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make check payable to Visions. Any amount will be greatly appreciated. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to Shirley’s Diner, please meet at the JCC by 10:45 a.m. HADASSAH The community is invited to attend an interesting, informative panel on Stem-Cell Research, co-hosted by the L’Chaim chapter of Hazak and Omaha Chapter Hadassah at Beth El Synagogue on Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m. Panelists include Toby Schonfeld, PhD., Howard Gendelman, M.D., and John G. Sharp, PhD., all representing the University of Nebraska Medical Center, and Sanford Goodman from Nebraskans for Research. James Wax, M.D. will be moderator. Dessert and beverages will be served. Hadassah is an avid supporter of the Stem-Cell Research Enhancement Act of 2005, and the Hadassah Medical Organization continues the development of medical technology utilizing stem-cell research. If you wish to attend the panel, please RSVP by Nov. 1 to Gloria Goodman, 333.3351, or Esther Wax, 393.4442. BREADBREAKERS Chris Hawkins, of Hawkins Construction, will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon at the Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. He will update us on the progress of the Dodge Street construction at 114th Street and other new road work being done in the city. Cost is $11 for lunch and $3 for beverage service only. All men and women in the community are invited to attend.
October 28, 2005
Temple Israel Religious School Students to See a Return of Summer
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Central Alum Celebrate 50th Reunion
The DVD from Olin-Sang-Ruby Union by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Institute will be shown that morning. Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will host Summer-inAll kids who attended a Jewish summer Day on camp in 2005 will be Winter called to the bimah Sunday, Nov. 6, durduring the prayer ing Religious School assembly that day. hours, 10:30 a.m. to noon, for second Temple students through sixth attending their first graders. “Wear your summer camp experiJewish camp sweatence are eligible for a Eisenberg shirts or tee-shirts, $1,000 we’ll make s’mores, campership. The Jewish Federation do Israeli dancing, and make tee-shirts,” Making s’mores at last year's Summer in also offers $500 to all who Lynne Winter Day were Sophie Goldberg, left, youngsters promised Jensen, Temple’s Rilee Zimmerman, Emma Workman, attend Jewish camps director of youth and Caroline Rockman, and Kate Slosburg. the summer before informal education. Jewish camp informa- and the summer after their Bar or Bat tion will be available on DVDs and flyers. Mitzvah.
Preview of the Next Century by ALLEN KURLAND The next 100 years at B’nai Israel Synagogue in Council Bluffs is proving to be exceptionally lively, informative, and entertaining. Those who helped celebrate B’nai Israel’s 100th Anniversary, will be delighted with what is to come in the next century. Each month B’nai Israel will present a guest speaker to advance the Jewish perspective in the arts, the news, the kitchen, and the metropolitan area. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Dr. Benjamin Nachman, William E. Ramsey and Betty Dineen Shrier, and others will speak on selected Friday night Shabbat Services to increase awareness and interest in many facets of our modern Jewish lives. Services begin at
7:30 p.m., every Friday night at the synagogue at 618 Mynster St. in Council Bluffs. Guest speakers will give their special presentations on the second Friday of each month, beginning in November. For directions or questions, call Sandra Kurland at 323.8885. Dr. Nachman will open the series on Friday, Nov. 11 with Shoah Stories; and will continue on Dec. 9. Jan. 13, 2006, features Betty Shrier and William Ramsey on Council Bluffs Jewish History, continuing on Feb. 10, with their new book on the life of David Kaufmann. On March 10, Michael Sigmond speaks on Jewish Consumer Issues; and on April 14, Barry Rubin talks about Democratic Politics from the Jewish Perspective.
Though the Music Box is long gone and the old ‘J’ is a parking lot, Central High School alumni still gather to reminisce. Joining the fun at the Class of 1955 reunion are, from top left: David Wolff of Deerfield, IL, Rose Lagman Richman of Tucson, AZ, Mort Yadin and Matlee Katelman Yadin of Silver Spring, MD, and Silvia Greene Roffman; the event was emceed by David Herzog; other atten-
dees included: Dr. Bernard and Cheryl Feldman of Houston, TX; Ellen Greenberg Wolff of Deerfield, IL, and Muriel Green of Mequon, WI; and Connie and Abe Rundell of Winfield, IL. Phil Shrager buys a Central jacket; Dr. Eugene “Speedy” Zweiback also emceed the evening, attended by Eve and Fred Simon. Photos by Joan K. Marcus, a member of the Class of ’55.
ARTZA looking for Female Chaperone Omaha’s most popular Teen Trip to Israel is back…and a wonderful opportunity exists for that right person to join our leadership team of Guy Matalon and Uri Levin, in chaperoning this trip of Jewish teens for one month in Israel. This individual must be an American Jewish female, 21 or older, who has been to Israel once before. She must be outgoing, enthusiastic, energetic, and mature. Experience working with teens is preferred. Actual trip runs from June 25th through July 23rd, 2006. Pa rticipation in pre and post Artza programming is also required.
If you are interested in learning more about this opportunity, please contact Lisa Shkolnick, JCC Assistant Executive Director, at 334-6425.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Ocober 28, 2005
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November
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 Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the below events.
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TUESDAY, NOV. 1 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon AZA & BBG New Member Training, 5 p.m. ADL Institute for Holocaust Education, 5:30 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Advisory Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Lecture with Rabbi Gross, Part 1, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 2 Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Beth Israel Business Ethics Lunch & Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum Beth El High School & Dinner, 6 p.m. Kristalinacht Commemoration, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Rosh Chodesh Group, 7 p.m. Temple Israel Rosh Chodesh Women’s Group, 7 p.m. Jewish Book Fair with Eric Konigsberg and JFO Humanitarian Awards, 7 p.m. THURSDAY, NOV. 3 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. JWI Luncheon, noon at the Parkwood Club Class with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Dinner and lecture with Michael Walzer, 5:30 p.m. OTYG Board, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
SATURDAY, NOV. 5 Jewish Film Festival: Walk on Water, 7 p.m. SUNDAY, NOV. 6 Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Camp Fair and Luncheon, noon at Temple Israel BESTT Chaverim, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Basketball Mandatory Parent Meeting, 1 p.m. Yachad Recapturing Events of the Year, 1 p.m. Associated Artists of Omaha Reception, 2 p.m. Stem Cell Research Program, 2 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Film Festival Walk on Water, 7 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 7 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Executive Board, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. Board of Directors, 7 p.m. at Friedel Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 8 Rabbi David Forman, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon AZA and BBG New Member Training, 5 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. ”Live from the 92nd Street Y,” 7 p.m. Lecture with Rabbi Gross, Part II, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOV. 9 ADL Prejudice Elimination Workshop, 7:30 a.m. PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Hadassah Speaker, noon Jewish Book Fair with Sam Apple, 7 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
THURSDAY, NOV. 10 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Class with Rabbi Levin noon at Beth El Long Range Planning Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Friedel Scholastic Book Fair, 6 p.m. in the Commons FRIDAY, NOV. 11 Friedel Scholastic Book Fair, 8 a.m. “Ima and Me” Class, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Veteran’s Service, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOV. 12 Veterans’ Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOV. 13 Pancake Man, 9 a.m. at Temple Israel Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Outreach Committee, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Community Art Show, 10 a.m. at Beth El Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El NJHS Celebration of Jewish Veterans, 3 p.m. “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature,” 4 p.m. at UNO MONDAY, NOV. 14 Women of Worth Meeting, 7 p.m. at Julie Phillips’ home Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 15 ADL Holocaust Curriculum Teacher Training, 8 a.m. “The Guy & Bob Show,” noon ADL Manhigim Institute, 4 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFS Yachad Advisory Board, 7 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 16 Temple Israel URJ Biennial, Nov. 16-20 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El NCJW Planned Parenthood Policy Discussion, 11:30 a.m. AIPAC Council Meeting, 11:30 a.m. NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Lecture with Rabbi Gross, Part III, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
TUESDAY, NOV. 22 “The Guy & Bob Show”, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel “The Guy & Bob Show” Evening Edition, 7:30 p.m.
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WEDNESDAY, NOV. 23 OTYG Interfaith Program, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel
THURSDAY, NOV. 17 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Rabbi Levin Class, noon at Beth El Temple Religious School Steering Committee, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. RBJH Family Night Dinner, 5 p.m. YJO and Young Leadership Awards, 6 p.m. at Ironwood Adult Education, 7 p.m. Temple Israel FRIDAY, NOV. 18 BBYO Regional Board Training in KC, Nov. 18=20 “Ima and Me” Class, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn SATURDAY, NOV. 19 HAZAK Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOV. 20 Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad Israeli Dance & Story-Telling, 1 p.m. MONDAY, NOV. 21 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Youth Commission, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
FRIDAY, NOV. 25 “Ima and Me” Class, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House “Get Out of Your Kitchen” dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel
SUNDAY, NOV. 27 Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Sunday Story Time, 2 p.m. at Kripke Library “Let’s Talk About It: Jewish Literature” 4 p.m. at UNO MONDAY, NOV. 28 Derekh Torah Course, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, NOV. 29 “The Guy & Bob Show,” noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult Education, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, NOV. 30 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El “Rashi with Rachel”, 11 a.m. JYG Event for Grades 7/8, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Temple Israel and Reform Union Participate in National and Local Relief Efforts by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In the midst of preparing for its Biennial in November in Houston, Texas, the Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) has been particularly busy over the past month. And it hasn’t been just with Biennial plans. URJ congregations have been arranging benefit concerts for the devastated areas of the Gulf Coast, volunteering at local shelters, housing evacuees of the hurricane, raising monetary donations, and participating in the Jacobs Ladder project. The news of how congregations across the Union are pitching in to help has been “extraordinary,” said Rabbi Eric Yoffie, president of URJ. As the total given to its hurricane disaster relief fund topped $2.6 million, URJ announced that it would underwrite two months worth of salaries and benefits for fulltime employees of the New Orleans Reform synagogues where residents were forced to evacuate their homes. In addition to the funds collected through URJ’s disaster relief fund, the Union encouraged the 1.5 million Reform Jews in the United States and Canada to participate in other relief activities. The Jacobs Ladder project at the Henry S. Jacobs Camp in Utica, Mississippi, a partnership between the town of Utica, URJ, and the camp, has been operating a staging and distribution center for relief supplies from a warehouse provided by the city. The project has been collecting supplies and distributing them through a number of local and regional ministries and relief centers that serve the greater Jackson, Mississippi, area, the population of which has doubled since Katrina came ashore.
Temple Israel in Omaha collected Kirshenbaum and Allyson Wilczewski $11,000 worth of towels, blankets, who coordinated volunteers working at sheets, pillows, toilet paper, tissue, baby the collection truck and solicited corpoand adult diapers, and feminine hygiene rate discounts. URJ youth groups also helped mobilize products which were trucked to the camp in Mississippi and arrived there on efforts in their local communities. High school students from Temple Israel Oct.18. Mimi Silverman, who chaired the local helped man Temple’s collection truck. relief effort, gratefully acknowledged the North American Federation of Temple assistance she received from Jon Meyers Youth took on the responsibility of raisand his company, Nebraska Warehouse, ing funds to ensure that teens from New which boxed, shrink wrapped, and palletized donated items. A Cannonball driver Express drove six to eight pallets of freight to Mississippi, at his own expense. Silverman was able to buy cleaning supplies from Omaha Compound Co. and linens at Gordman’s at discounted prices. Bag ‘N Save donated a pallet of toilet paper to add to the Mimi Silverman packs donations at Nebraska Warehouse. Six to eight shipment. In addi- pallets of donated linens and hygiene products collected by Temple tion, Silverman Israel for the Union for Reform Judaism's Jacob's Ladder project dis- reached Mississippi on Oct. 18. purchased counted items from Sam’s Club in Orleans will be able to attend their conMississippi with further cash contribu- clave in November at no cost. Women of tions. One day, the truck in which the Reform Judaism sisterhoods have also donated items were stored, was parked at donated money, clothing, supplies, and Omaha’s Jewish Community Center so services. When Hurricane Rita threatened Texas members of the rest of the Jewish community would have an opportunity to communities, URJ opened Greene Family Camp as a shelter. The camp, help. also thanked Kate located near Waco, Texas, was hosting Silverman
more than 300 evacuees by Sept. 23, including many survivors from New Orleans who had been staying in Houston. Rabbi Yoffie cautioned congregations “not to substitute your regular High Holy Day food drive with a drive for Jacobs Ladder. Local food banks depend heavily on our contributions, and we of course do not want to feed the hungry in Mississippi at the expense of the hungry in our own communities.” Temple Israel in Omaha annually asks its members to contribute non-perishable food to the Omaha Food Bank during the High Holy Days. Grocery bags are passed out as congregants leave Temple following worship services on Rosh Hashanah. Trucks from the Omaha Food Bank are parked around Temple every Yom Kippur as they were this year. Bags were returned filled with boxes and bags of food and canned goods. According to Don Schinzel, president of the Food Bank, Temple donated 5,407 pounds of food this year. “That’s a lot of food!” he exclaimed. “It’s the most that Temple has ever given. We are very low on food,” he said. Temple’s food drive “is a lifesaver. We supply food to 326 agencies which feed 300,000 to 450,000 a year. Temple’s is one of our important drives. The congregation is always so generous.” Rabbi Yoffie noted that in the face of nature’s destructive force, “We have seen the overwhelming desire of the Reform community to step in and help those who are most in need. In virtually every community across our Union, you have organized and mobilized to help. “Your response has been inspiring.”
Longtime Beth El Teacher Finds Enrichment During Summer Educational Program by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator When it comes to Jewish education, Beth El faculty member Eadie Tsabari not only talks the talk, she walks the walk. And last June, the Talmud Torah Eadie Tsabari teaching veteran of 14 years set out to enrich her own instructional skills by walking (figuratively speaking) all the way to California, to participate in the week-long Summer Institute for Jewish Educators, sponsored by the University of Judaism. The experience was fulfilling, Tsabari said, and her students are already reaping the benefits of the trip. “Study is the way
to understanding and learning is a lifelong process,” she said. “I am a teacher and responsible for the education of many of our children. If I am inspired by learning, I, too, can pass that on to my kids!” Tsabari’s trip was made possible through the Jewish Federation’s Jewish Educational and Library Services (now known as The Center for Jewish Education), which offered funding to each local synagogue for programs offering professional staff development. After looking at a variety of study courses, she selected the Summer Institute, drawn to its substance and content. During the week, Tsabari’s main focus of study revolved around an increased understanding of prayer; her professor was lecturer and author, Dr. Saul Wachs, the Rosaline B. Feinstein Professor of
Education and Liturgy and Chair of the Education Department at Gratz College in Pennsylvania. She also took advantage of an art class and Talmud course that were offered, and cited “Storahtelling”-during which the parasha of the week was presented through dramatic interpretation--as a personal favorite. “It was marvelous to be there with so many people who were interested in doing the same thing that I was,” Tsabari remarked. “There were many people who had quit very impressive jobs to be retrained as Jewish educators. It was also very interesting to see where Beth El fit in with the rest of the country, as far as what we teach and our students’ level of participation. There is always room for improvement, but we at Beth El are doing a very good job!” Tsabari said she has already begun to
implement many of the ideas presented during the Institute, and noted that her classroom has begun to emphasize ‘value concepts,’ “so that we learn about why we are Jewish and not just how to pray in the synagogue.” The Summer Institute proved to be a valuable experience for Tsabari, who said she recommends the program to anyone wishing to enhance their teaching skills, as well as their own Jewish learning. “Jewish education can’t stop after your Bar/Bat Mitzvah or else we wouldn’t advance to more than a 13-year-old level. Just think if we did that in our public school education!” she exclaimed. “It is our responsibility as adults to continue to learn, study and be inspired by what Judaism has to teach us so that we, in turn, can pass that love and inspiration on to the next generation.”
Out
Dining
October 28, 2005
92 Street Y Series to Feature Deborah Lipstadt’s Chronicle about Holocaust Denier, David Irving by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director Dr. Deborah Lipstadt’s book--History on Trial: My Day in Court--is the story of her libel trial in London against David Irving who sued her for calling him a Holocaust denier and right wing extremist. The judge found David Irving to be a Holocaust denier, a falsifier of history, a racist, an anti-Semite, and a liar. Her legal battle with Irving lasted approximately six years. According to the New York Times, the trial “put an end to the pretense that Mr. Irving is any- Dr. Deorah Lipstadt thing but a self-promoting apologist for Hitler.” In July 2001 the Court of Appeal resoundingly rejected Irving’s attempt to appeal the judgment against him. On Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7 p.m., the JCC will broadcast a live satellite interview with Lipstadt to discuss her book. Prior to the broadcast at 6:45 p.m., we will commemorate Kristallnacht, the Night of Broken Glass. On the night between Nov. 9 and 10, 1938, mobs freely attacked Jews in the street, in their homes and at their places of work and worship in newly acquired territories of Austria and Sudentenland. At least 96 Jews were killed and hundreds more injured, more than 1,000 synagogues were burned, almost 7,500 Jewish businesses were destroyed, cemeteries and schools were vandalized and 20,000 Jews were arrested and sent to concentration camps. Kristallnacht was the turning point in German policy regarding Jews at the time, and in some circles can be considered the actual beginning of the Holocaust. Lipstadt is the Dorot Professor of Modern Jewish and Holocaust Studies and the Director of the Institute for Jewish Studies at Emory University. She is also the author of Denying the Holocaust: The Growing Assault on Truth and Memory. In January 2005, Lipstadt was asked by President George W. Bush to represent him as a member of the official American delegation to the 60th anniversary of
IN THE NEWS The Omaha Jaycees are now accepting nominations for the 73rd Annual Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO) Award. For 73 years, the Jaycees have honored the most remarkable individuals in Omaha by presenting the TOYO Awards. These Ten Outstanding Young Omahans, between the ages of 21 and 40, must exemplify excellence in both the professional and personal arenas, while taking an active role in giving back to the community. To nominate a member of the Omaha community for this honor, visit www.omahajaycees.org to complete the nomination form before Nov. 4, 2005. The Ten Outstanding Young Omahans for 2005 will be announced and honored at a banquet on Feb. 8, 2006 at Embassy Suites. Earlier this month, the Nebraska Book Awards were presented in Lincoln at the Nebraska Book Festival. The festival is sponsored by the Nebraska Center for the Book and the Nebraska Humanities Council, and hosted by Nebraska Wesleyan University. Ted Kooser, U.S. Poet Laureate and 2005 Pulitzer Prize winner, offered the Keynote Address and book award winners read from their work. The Nebraska Book Awards, sponsored by the NCB, recognizes and honors books that are written by Nebraska authors, published by Nebraska publishers, set in Nebraska, or concerning Nebraska. Among the winners was Gerald Shapiro, for his book, Little Men, published by the Ohio StateUniversity Press. Books published in 2005 will be eligible for the 2006 Awards program. To receive notification, contact Maria Medrano-Nehls at: www.nlc.state.ne.us/scripts/mail/ mail2staff.asp?Maria%20Medrano-Nehls, 402.471.2045 or 800.307.2665. The Nebraska Medical Center is starting a Cancer Survivorship Group on Nov. 1, 7-8:30 p.m. at the Nebraska Medical Center, University Tower, Level 3, in the Private Dining Room. This educational support group is concerned with survivorship issues for people with a cancer history, their family, friends, or health care professionals. Education will be presented by health care and community speakers. The Nebraska Medical Center can be found online at www. nebraskamed.com.
the liberation of Auschwitz. She was an historical consultant to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and helped design the section of the Museum dedicated to the American Response to the Holocaust. President Clinton appointed her to two consecutive terms on the United States Holocaust Memorial Council. She was a member of its Executive Committee of the Council and chaired the Educational Committee and Academic Committee of the Holocaust Museum. Dr. Lipstadt has been called upon by members of the United States Congress to consult on political responses to Holocaust denial. From 1996-99, she served as a member of the United States State Department Advisory Committee on Religious Freedom Abroad. In this capacity she, together with a small group of leaders and scholars, advised Secretary of State Madeline Albright on matters of religious persecution abroad. Dr. Lipstadt has received numerous teaching awards including Emory’s student government association’s award for being the teacher most likely to motivate students to learn about new and unfamiliar topics and the Emory Williams Award, for her courses on modern Jewish and Holocaust studies. Lipstadt has also received Honorary Doctorates from Yeshiva University, Bar Ilan University, and Baltimore Hebrew University. She is the 2005 winner of the Al Chernin Award given by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs to the person who best exemplifies protection of the First Amendment. Lipstadt will be interviewed by Margot Krebs, PhD, who currently chairs the English department at the Frisch School in Paramus, New Jersey. Please join the community and our B’nai Brith Youth Organization leaders in a short memorial service at 6:45 p.m. This Live From NY’s 92nd Street Y satellite broadcast is co-sponsored by the Anti-Defamation League and is funded in part by the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation. Tickets for the broadcast are $5 and can be purchased by calling Cindy Reed, Registration Associate, at 334.6419. For more information about the Live from NY’s 92 ST Y Series, please contact me at 334.6404.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT More than 50 established and emerging local and national artists will be participating in ART for AIDS, a multimedia art show to benefit Nebraska AIDS Project. The event is to be held Friday, Nov. 4, at Adventure in Art, 6001 Maple St. in Benson Proceeds from the event, including ticket sales and a large portion of the art sales, will be used to fund the meal program at the Nebraska AIDS Project Watanabe Wellness Center at 139 So. 40th St The program annually serves more than 10.000 breakfasts, lunches and take-out meals for people living with HIV and AIDS. This is the fourth year that Nebraska AIDS Project is hosting an art show to benefit its meal program. Patron Party and Artists’ Reception tickets are available for $50 and entitle the holder to meet with artists in attendance and preview the art show from 5:30-7 p.m. General Public tickets sell for $25 and allow entrance to the show from 7-10 p.m. ART for AIDS tickets can be purchased in advance at Adventure in Art or by contacting Nebraska AIDS Project at 552.9260, ext 142. Tickets will also be available at the door the evening of the show. Join Stewart Robertson, new Artistic Director and Principle Conductor for Opera Omaha, for the first of two events to be held this season that go above and beyond the company’s traditional season offerings. Copresented with Tuesday Musical Concert Series, the concert will be held at the Joslyn Art Museum Witherspoon Auditorium on Tuesday, Nov. 1, 7:30 p.m. The event is free, but reservations and tickets are required. Seating is limited, interested parties should call 346.7372 for ticket information. Last month, the Omaha Children’s Museum was awarded the Association of Science-Technology Centers’ (ASTC) Leading Edge Award for Visitor Experience for developing the Titanic Discovery Ports. Executive Director Lindy J. Hoyer accepted the award at ASTC’s annual conference in Richmond, VA. OCM created Titanic Discovery Ports in order to complement Titanic: The Artifact Exhibit, which the museum exhibited in the summer 2004. Titanic expanded the museum visitor age-range into older children and adults with its display of actual artifacts from the sunken ship.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
With a Little Help from our Friends Next Sunday, this community will commemorate 40 years since Nostra Aetate. This historic document changed the way Catholics and the Catholic Church viewed Jews, by rejecting the long held notion that Jews were killers of Jesus and should be condemned. The Vatican II Council actually took four years of high level meetings to reach this conclusion, but the results--observed over the long term-have been nothing short of revolutionary. Instead of official persecution (in the form of the Crusades, the Inquisition, and, sad to say, standing by while millions were murdered during the Holocaust), the Catholic Church made a complete about face. Today, it is not unusual for Catholic and Jewish organizations to co-sponsor programs, project and events, to sit on the same dais while being honored for such co-sponsorship, and to advocate for legislative issues from school vouchers (favored by the Orthodox community) and aid to the hungry and poor. To recall the events that led to Nostra Aetate, the Anti-Defamation League is sponsoring a panel discussion on Oct. 20, 2-4 p.m. at the Cathedral Cultural Center. Members from the Jewish community, including Rabbis Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel and Mordechai Levin of Beth El, will be participating, along with Dr. Bette Evans, associate professor at Creighton University. It seems hard to believe that it’s been 40 years since this interfaith dialog began.
Though there are occasional disagreements (probably far less bitter than those among the branches of Judaism within the United States), there is still much to be done in the area of interfaith cooperation. But readers should not assume Jewish leadership is ignoring this need. Just a few weeks ago, Rabbi Azriel hosted a group of leaders from the faith community-Dr. Ron Simkins, for example, Director of the Kripke Center for the Study of Religion and Science at Creighton and one of the Nostra Aetata event organizers. The purpose of this gathering, however, was truly unique--an opportunity to listen to a couple from California, Harvey and Marilyn Schneider, who participated in a trifaith mission to Israel last February. An interfaith mission to Israel is not unusual. Whether it’s a Federation Outreach Mission geared to interfaith couples--or an ADL group encouraging investment and economic cooperation by state leaders--or a trip to Morocco and Israel to film for UNO Television-groups of Christians and visiting Israel Jews together doesn’t make the front pages any more.
But a tri-faith mission--that’s a different story. The California group included 15 Jews, 15 Christians, and yes, 15 Muslims. The trip focused on religious sites--and the shared history of all three faiths. Politics was off the table, but participants did come to a new understanding of others’ faiths, beliefs and practices. The results, according to the Schneiders, was a “life changing experience.” Is this something that can happen in Omaha? Rabbi Azriel hopes so...as we all should. We look forward to the day when trifaith missions to the Holy Land are as common as Catholic-Jewish panel discussions.
Does the columnist really believe that? What could possibly fuel such fever dreams? Certainly not reality. Unsavory epithets may well have been heard in the loud, unruly dialectic of Israeli politics, and uncouth individuals exist in every community--a shandeh, to be sure. But to imply that any definable subset of Orthodox Jews is wont to identify other Jews as evil incarnate not only ignores a thousand demonstrable facts (like the abundance of haredi-administered-and-funded outreach organizations, hospital services, free-loan efforts and study projects like Partners in Torah, which benefit Jews without regard to their observance-level), but is ugly, incendiary and irresponsible. There may be any of a number of reasons for the ignoring (or worse) of haredim in the mainstream Jewish press these days. There is plain-vanilla prejudice, of course, and nervousness over statistics that show Orthodoxy-- and in particular, the haredi community--on the ascendant. (The Orthodox share of the Jewish youth population in the United States is 38%, larger than both the Conservative (25%) and Reform (32%)--and the haredi sector is by far the most “youth-heavy.”) But whatever the reasons behind the dearth of haredim in the larger Jewish newspapers, it is something that should change. There may once have been a time when high-quality writers in English were a rarity in the haredi world. But that time is long gone. Not only are there many accomplished topnotch writers in the haredi world today (a few of my favorites are Jonathan Rosenblum, Shira Schmidt and Sarah Shapiro in Israel; and Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein, Eytan Kobre, Rabbi Nosson Scherman, Dr. Marvin Schick, Rabbi Nisson Wolpin and David Zwiebel here in the U.S.), but there are many more who may not have been widely published but who have ample talent to be harnessed. A haredi press thrives, to be sure. Here in the United States, there are several national weeklies servicing the haredi community, and even a respected haredi daily, Hamodia, that arrives on the lawns of thousands of Jews each
morning. But those papers are a different breed from the general Jewish press. They do not attempt or claim to cover the breadth of the larger Jewish community, nor to provide anything but a Torah-based editorial stance; they are designed for Orthodox Jews who, already confronted regularly with the more widespread “general Jewish” papers and their attitudes, want to read news devoid of prurience and providing opinion based on Jewish tradition. The Jews who are losing out are those who see only the general Jewish periodicals, those whose sources for Jewish information and ideas at best ignore what emerges from the vibrant, growing and unabashedly traditional Orthodox community; and, at worst, misrepresent it. And that’s a true shandeh. Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America. This article is courtesy of Am Echad Resources.
Meet The Jewish Press
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN The fact that you are reading this means that the newspaper you are holding or the website you are viewing cares to provide a traditional Orthodox Jewish point of view. But there are many Jewish media--including the largest-circulation Jewish weekly on the east coast and its counterpart on the west--that seem to not consider traditional Jewish writers’ views worth even a handful of columninches on any regular basis. To be sure, they occasionally report on their respective haredi, or “ultra-Orthodox,” communities, although usually when something shameful--some shandeh, to use the Yiddish word--has happened. Or was rumored to have happened. But among those papers’ potpourri of opinion columns, a haredi viewpoint is a rare bird indeed. To be fair, most readers of those periodicals are not Orthodox. But if part of the publications’ mandate is - as they all readily claim - to present the gamut of responsible Jewish viewpoints, what difference should that make? What is more, and worse, shameless generalizations that would rightfully evoke charges of prejudice in other contexts are nonchalantly embraced by some regular writers in the mainstream Jewish press. Earlier this year, for instance, a columnist in the New York Jewish Week dedicated her allotted space to a session at a conference. “Some Orthodox,” she synopsized, “label secular Jews Amalek [the evil, would-be nemesis of the Jewish people, whose utter destruction is ordered by G-d in the Torah - AS] and some extreme Orthodox use the same term for the Modern Orthodox.” The longstanding but absurd canard that “some Orthodox” do not recognize the Jewishness of less-observant Jews must no longer be working. The ante had to be upped. So now, it seems, we bad guys in black hats regard other Jews as deserving of annihilation.
LETTER TO THE
EDITOR
To the Editor I just finished reading the New Year’s edition of the Press. It is, as usual, wonderful, and I congratulate you and your staff on the job you have done. But more important--it has made me ruminate on what you have done with the Omaha Jewish Press since you took over the reins. I have the opportunity to see other cities’ papers because of Ozzie’s columns they publish. Some are larger, of course, and many are richer. But it is so obvious that you have brought our journal up to the level of the very best of those. So I guess I also congratulate the people of Jewish Omaha on the superb good fortune we have had in having you. Thank you for the splendid job which you have done, and I join Ozzie in wishing you and your staff a very healthy, very happy, very successful 5766. Don Nogg
(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Pam Monsky Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press the Jewish Committee, Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment. Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but 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. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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October 28, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
Tea Leaves Read at United Nations as Request on Palestinians Reviewed
FOCUS ON ISSUES by CHANAN TIGAY NEW YORK (JTA)--On the surface, there’s nothing special about a recent U.N. committee request to renew the mandate of divisions that promote the Palestinian agenda at the United Nations. But some Jewish groups are watching how U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and the General Assembly react to the annual request. They see it as a barometer of how serious the United Nations is about reform--and about institutionalizing an improved atmosphere for Israel. The request from the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to look at the mandates of the Division of Palestinian Affairs and the Special Information Program on the Question of Palestine came on the heels of last month’s U.N. World Summit, where world leaders signed on to a document calling for significant U.N. reform. “Has Kofi Annan been given the power to organize his own house?” wondered Amy Goldstein, director of U.N. affairs at B’nai B’rith International. “If he can do it for everything else but the Middle East, then it is absolutely illegitimate. That would just demonstrate that the U.N. is signaling out Israel and the Middle East for special treatment which basically is
World Jewish Congress. anti-Semitic.” But he added, “If the member states Israel recently has undertaken a series of steps aimed at increasing its role at the refuse to empower the secretary-general or United Nations. Israel’s U.N. ambassa- if they refuse to do what they need to do in dor, Dan Gillerman, last month submit- order to get rid of these entities, that doested Israel’s first-ever candidacy for the n’t mean that the secretary-general or his Security Council. Israel also recently pro- advisers are not genuine in their efforts to promote Middle East peace.” posed its first U.N. resolution. A U.N. spokesman told JTA that The Israeli mission and U.S. Jewish organizations hope the 30-year-old Annan would look into the mandates in Palestinian-related committees will be the near future. “That review will be done looking at shut down. Goldstein sees them as “the these what institutional“Kofi Annan ought to be at the forefront of bodies do and ization of the their what = exposing this obvious waste of U.N. resources, Zionism usefulness is,” Racism resomoney that could be used for Palestinian said Farhan lution,” the Haq. “There i n f a m o u s development and humanitarian aid and is wouldn’t be 1975 resolu- instead wasted on propaganda.” any specific tion that comment about this or that body at this stood until 1991. As part of the U.N.’s management stage.” Annan “should be objective enough reform, Annan is looking to review General Assembly mandates that are and courageous enough to say that the more than five years old. Member states mandates are against the principles of the are negotiating over whether or not the organization because they simply take secretary-general will be given the power sides in a conflict; they serve to adopt and to make recommendations with regard to promote the narrative of one side of the conflict,” a diplomatic source at Israel’s the future of older mandates. In the meantime, at least, the General U.N. mission, who asked to remain Assembly itself has the final say, and most anonymous, told JTA. “And they really will likely take up the issue during its cur- don’t, I think, reflect the priorities of the organization in the 21st century.” rent session, which ends in December. Even if Annan does find that the com“Getting rid of these entities is very important,” said Shai Franklin, director mittees have outlived their usefulness, the of international organizations for the diplomatic source was skeptical that the
General Assembly would adopt a recommendation to kill them. “It is obviously a test case, but with some reservations,” he said. “It’s important to remember that there is a distinction to be made between the secretariat and membership” of the General Assembly. At a moment when the United Nations is looking to bolster its credibility, it should break with the “business as usual” of anti-Israel activity, said Hillel Neuer, executive director of U.N. Watch in Geneva. The Palestinian committees are part of a larger, systemic problem, he said. “Kofi Annan ought to be at the forefront of exposing this obvious waste of U.N. resources, money that could be used for Palestinian development and humanitarian aid and is instead wasted on propaganda,” he said. “Kofi Annan should be the first to speak out on this and ought to lead the rest of the General Assembly in moving forward, away from its ignoble past.” Gillerman has said that the committees cost the U.N. $6 million annually. But Franklin noted that it’s not a huge sum in the context of the U.N. budget. “We’re not looking to save money,” he said. “It’s the symbolism, and it’s the idea that there is a U.N.-sponsored propaganda machine turning out material which undermines the efforts that the U.N. is on record as supporting.’’
The Characteristics of a Terrorist
BEHIND THE HEADLINES by THOMAS NEUMANN The University of Oklahoma stadium holds 84,000 people and when the Sooners play there it is full. It was full on Oct. 1, when a student detonated an explosive device outside the stadium, killing himself. The game was not interrupted. (Stadium police did find and detonate a suspicious backpack, but said it was harmless.) News reports called bomber Joel Hinrichs “troubled.” His father said, “He... somehow lost the confidence that his life would be a good one.” A joint statement from the FBI, the U.S. Attorney and OU Police Chief said, “At this point, we have no information that suggests that there is any additional threat posed by others related to this incident.” Just a sad story? Reminder: On July 4, 2002, a man opened fire on the El Al check-in counter at LAX. Within 30 minutes, the FBI and the mayor of LA announced that it was not a terrorist incident. After a few days, however, it became clear that the shooter, if not a terrorist, certainly had the characteristics of one. (JINSA Report 267) Odd information: OU President David Boren wrote in a statement, “Prior to the game, the entire stadium was swept by the expert bomb teams with the help of dogs,”
leaving us to ask if this is normal procedure or whether there had been a specific threat. Even if it is routine, students at the game said security was tighter than in previous weeks with more people frisked. There are reports that Hinrichs was prevented from entering the stadium when he refused to have his bag checked, but an OU VP said officials have “been assured that there is no validity to the... rumor,” leaving us to ask how they know. Hinrichs’s roommate was Pakistani and local television reports Hinrichs spent time in the Norman mosque--the one to which a 2002 AP story links Zacarias Moussawi. Having first acknowledged that Hinrichs had visited, mosque authorities now say he never did. Local news also reported that Hinrichs tried to buy ammonium nitrate (the primary ingredient in the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, now requiring federal paperwork for purchase) from a local store. Authorities have confirmed that the substance TATP, used by “shoe bomber” Richard Reid, was in the bomb. Authorities removed what they called a “huge cache” of explosives from Hinrichs’s apartment after his death. Law enforcement authorities are loath to call it terrorism--as they were for LAX--and require evidence of
organizational backing to use the word. We don’t know more than the FBI about the specifics, but we are concerned by what appears to be an institutional bias in favor of starting with the “lone bomber” premise for people who exhibit the characteristics of a terrorist. If authorities begin at the beginning each time, terrorists will have more time to plan and carry out their parts in this war. And this IS a war, albeit a nebulous one. There are no armies in uniform and no battles on battlefields. Their soldiers may be anyone and the battlefield anywhere, including Norman, OK. Note: Three explosive devices were found in a courtyard between two Georgia Tech dormitories last Monday. One exploded, injuring the custodian who found them; two others were detonated by a bomb squad. “It is a terrorist act at this point and depending on the outcome of the investigation it potentially could become a federal violation as well,” said Major C.W. Moss of the Atlanta Police Department. Good thinking.
...we are concerned by what appears to be an institutional bias in favor of starting with the “lone bomber” premise for people who exhibit the characteristics of a terrorist.
Tom Neumann is the Executive Director of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. To view this JINSA Report online, visit: www.jinsa.org.
Contact us at 330-4272, info@rbjh.com. or http://www.rbjh.com .
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Candlelighting Friday, Oct. 28, 6:06 p.m.
Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org
Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154
Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org
The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 www.tiferethlincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...
to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Pam Monsky, 334-6559.
B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. Our second Friday of the month speaker series begins Nov. 11 with Dr. Benjamin Nachman, who will speak about Shoah Stories. The community is invited.
Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 6 p.m.; Havdalah, 7:06 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Hebrew Club with Uri Levin, 11 a.m., following Rabbi Gross’s weekly teen class; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. TUESDAY: Rabbi Gross’s Lecture Series, Part I, 7:30 p.m. BUSINESS ETHICS LUNCH AND LEARN WEDNESDAY, noon, with Rabbi Gross, at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum, Noddle Development, at One Pacific Place. Please make a lunch reservation with the synagogue office.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 6:20 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; “Living Hebrew,” with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; “From Your Heart to God’s Ears”, led by Andy Greenberg, 11 a.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. RABBI LEVIN’S THURSDAY CLASS Begins Nov. 3 at noon. This year’s theme will be “Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living.” Cost to attend is $18; to make reservations for the class (and the optional lunch), call the synagogue office. PATTER will not be held during October; it resumes Nov. 2 at a new time Wednesdays, 10:3011:45 a.m. TOT SHABBAT DINNER Friday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. Tot Shabbat services, followed by a kid-friendly dinner. For reservations, contact the synagogue office. STEM-CELL PANEL DISCUSSION Sunday, Nov. 6, 2 p.m.; there is no charge and the entire community is invited. Panelists will include Toby Schonfeld, PhD, Howard Gendelman, M.D. and Professor John Sharp, PhD, all of the University of Nebraska Medical Center; and Sanford Goodman of Nebraskans for Research. Event is being co-sponsored by Beth El’s Hazak group and Hadassah.
FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following provided by Sue Schreiber. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel SUNDAY: No Religious classes for LJCS during LPS break. ADULT EDUCATION Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. series on Jewish Social Justice, led by Rabbi Emanuel. INTRO TO JUDAISM Starting Sunday, Nov. 6, 7 p.m. this series aims to provide a basic introduction for all those interested in learning about Judaism. It is open to all. For those who wish to convert to Judaism through the South Street Temple, following this course is a requirement. For all others, Rabbi Imanuel will be announcing provisional dates for particular subjects in advanc--in the bulletin, weekly e-mails, and service handouts--so that people can come and learn about subjects they find of particular interest. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10:30–11:45 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY, Spice and Spirit Cooking Club, 9:30 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.; Torah Tots, 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Friday Night Live, 6 p.m. with Nancy Rips. SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform JudaismOmaha. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Josh Danon, son of Veronica Danon and Steve Danon, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.
ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Oct. 30, 10:15 a.m.: Beginning Hebrew with Colleen Kennealy. Fee: $18 for members/$25 for non-members. THURSDAY, Nov. 3: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m.; 7-8:30 p.m.: Jews and Christians: In the Pursuit of Understanding Each Other, a discussion facilitated by Rabbi Marantz with invited Christian scholars. TOT SHABBAT Friday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.: Services are in the Livingston Chapel followed by a child-friendly Shabbat dinner. Cost is $5 per adult, no charge for children. Contact the Temple office, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com, for reservations. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Friday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m.: Author Jonathan Kozol. (See article on page 1.)
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN There will be no services in October.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with an Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and then Talmud class. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. HAZAK TOUR TO ISRAEL March 15-26, 2006: Join the New York Metropolitan Region of The United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism for Hazak’s Freedom Tour to Israel. The price is $2519 per person (based on double occupancy) and is based entirely in Jerusaelm--so there’s no need to pack and unpack! Trip includes roundtrip airfare from NYC to Tel Aviv, nine nights at the Kings Hotel, touring throughout Israel, including Yad Vashem’s new museum, Hadassah Hospital’s new emergency center, and an Ethiopian absorption center. For more information, call Bruce Greenfield at 212.533.7800, ext. 2150r e-mail: greenfield@uscj.org.
B’NAI MITZVAH Josh Danon son of Veronica Danon and Steve Danon, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Oct. 29, at Temple Israel. Josh is a seventh-grade honor student at Russell Middle School. He enjoys his school subjects, interacting with his teachers and all his friends. He also enjoys reading and playing most sports including football, basketball and baseball. For his Mitzvah Project, he has worked with the “Special Olympics” organization, assisting in coaching baseball and bowling. Josh has a sister, Jessie.
Mitchell Raznick son of Jeanne Raznick and Jerry Raznick, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Beth El Synagogue. Mitchell is a seventh-grade student at Millard North Middle School. His interests include playing basketball, football, and bass guitar Josh has a brother, Danny. Grandparents are Judith and Richard Stern, and the late Morriz Raznick, and the late Bess Katzman. Great-grandparents are Lillian and Jack Schrager, and the late Harold Stern.
Pulverente MONUMENT CO.
October 28, 2005
Reading Between the Lines
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Bereishit (This column originally appeared in the Jewish Press on Oct. 4, 1991.) As we begin the Torah readings all over again--that soaring uplifting feeling we experience every year--we remind ourselves there are many ways to read the Torah. One of them we seldom mention, seldom give any attention to. It is the need to read between the lines and see what the biblical text is saying without saying it directly. I refer to its polemics, its argumentation against the common Semitic backdrop against which it has to be seen. We have read only three words when we realize that the Bible is taking on the whole world of ancient Semitic religions, with its multiplicity of gods and its puerile ideas about the universe. Bereishit bara Elohim--In the beginning God created...or a different translation, When God began to create... Is this polemic argumentation? It is, indeed! For in the intellectual-religious milieu in which it appeared, the idea of a single God creating the universe was sensational. It is widely assumed that there are real affinities between the biblical account and the standard Mesopotamian ideas of earliest times of the world and of mankind. But it was standard in the ancient Semitic accounts to assume that many gods were involved at the beginning, and that they, too, were created. The Bible dismisses all of that without even referring to it. God was not created; He always was. And it was He, He alone, Who created the universe. I do not mean to enter into the theology of the biblical view. I mean only to point out how it contradicted the ideas that surrounded it.
DEATH ALEC KOSOFSKY Former Fremont, NE, resident Alec Kosofsky died Oct. 14 in California at the age of 87. Graveside service were held Oct 20 at Beth Israel Cemetery. He was preceded in death by wife, Valetta. He is survived by his daughter, Linda Causey of Glendora, CA; son and daughter-in-law, Michael and Susan Kosofsky of Chino Hills, CA; granddaughters, Aubrey (Causey) Brinegar and Amber (Causey) Jackson, both of Glendora, CA; three great-grandchildren; sisters, Geri Kosofsky and Bessie Horvitz Tivers, both of Chicago; brother, Marty Kaye of Chicago; and sistersin-law, Ruth (Hoffman) Holtorf, Elfrieda Hoffman, and Juanita (Hoffman) and Martin Shanahan.
Community to Honor War Vets Continued from page 1 The exhibit is comprised of 31 panels each displaying a photo of a veteran who agreed to be interviewed with text containing excerpts of each participant’s reflections on his or her military service. Jewish high school students conducted some of the interviews. Some of the teens said they were inspired by the veterans they met and their recollections. Following the opening at the JCC, the exhibit will be on display at Beth Israel from Nov. 14-Dec.12. It will then move to Beth El from Dec. 12 to Jan. 4 and to Temple Israel Jan. 4-31. The exhibit will be displayed at the JCC Gallery during the month of February.
Shofar, so Good by SUSAN PALEY For Chabad House “It’s crucial that the entire Jewish community of Omaha is aware that Chabad is willing and able to assist people wherever they are,” Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Executive Director of Chabad of Nebraska, stated emphatically. And he’s not Just blowing his own horn! The rabbi’s 11-year-old son, Levi, as well as several outof-town yeshiva boys, hoofed around town for 20 miles on Rosh Hashanah to blow the shofar for shut-ins. Their trek lead them to homes in both east and west Omaha and the Nebraska Medical Center. They even went to Westroads Mail. “I can’t tell you how delighted people were to be able to hear the shofar,” Rabbi Katzman said, “They are learning about what it means to be committed to every Jewish person. When someone is shut in, they know who to call.” Rabbi Katzman related the story of a family from Houston, currently in Omaha with their young son, waiting for a transplant at UNMC. “They told me that until this year, they hadn’t heard a shofar for five years. It seems that every Rosh Hashanah, they are in a hospital. It meant so much to them, that even during this difficult time, they could still be connected to the celebration of the New Year,” he added. “It’s especially at High Holiday time that people need to know that in spite of their inability to get to a synagogue, they will not miss out on the most important mitzvah of the season, hearing the shofar blown.” As part of the New Year celebration, the Katzman family and extended Chabad members have joined for several years with the Goldstein clan at Brook Hollow for Tashlich. “We look forward to this wonderful part of the High Holiday season every year,” Shirley Goldstein noted. “Our granddaughter Molly has grown up with the Katzman kids’ tashlich ceremony. We always attract a nice crowd, including some of our neighbors! It just wouldn’t be Rosh Hashanah without Rabbi Katzman.”
Damon Benning to Headline B’nai B’rith Membership Event by GARY JAVITCH President, Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 Damon Benning could very well be nicknamed “Slash.” He earned that title for his ferocious running game while at the UNL in the late 90’s. The former Cornhusker Orange Bowl MVP will bring that expertise this season to the Omaha Beef, as he again coaches the running back and wide receiver corps. His popularity is just one of the reasons the Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 of B’nai B’rith invited him to speak. Many fans still warmly remember his record-setting 98-yard punt return in a championship game. The Omaha Beef Director of Business Development will talk about this year’s team, the Huskers and other topics at the Lodge’s annual membership recruitment event, according to chair Howard Shandell. Open to women and men, there is no charge to attend, the event is Tuesday, Nov. 1, 6: 30 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout in Miracle Hills. Henry Monsky Lodge, named after the local Omahan who helped Father Flannigan launch Boys Town (now Girls and Boys Town) with a loan in 1917, went on to become one of two Omahans to serve as “International President of B’nai B’rith.” Philip Klutznick was the other. “Today, the Lodge has one of the most active programs of any organization in Omaha,” Howard explained, citing the annual Spring banquet - the largest in Omaha--the upcoming Bible Quiz and the Hanukkah Run, to name just a few of their many programs. The informal buffet dinner and drinks are open to the community. RSVP to Lois Epstein at 334.6443.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Call 402.334.6448 for more information.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
October 28, 2005
Leadership Is Prominent Theme of Recent Mission Continued from page 1 Some 460 children from low-income families attend the Gordon School, a project of our Partnership with Israel program. The teachers of both “twin schools” are developing a mutual curriculum, “Shalom, Salaam, Peace”, to be studied over a year and then discussed by the students via video conferencing. We brought gifts of school supplies and a digital camera. The school is exceedingly poor. But there are dedicated teachers and lively kids eager to instruct us in making shana tova cards and to entertain us. A boy in a sleek “Black Density” t-shirt and jeans and his partner in a flowing gold gown bedazzled us with their dancing. We sang, we applauded, but the finale, a number called “Living Bridge”, wrapped up our visit perfectly: “You and I If we try You and I We’ll build together” According to Stacey Rockman, Chairman of Partnership with Israel, our Partnership projects can be “anything any one of us can dream and make happen.” With 10% of our overseas campaign dollars specified for the Partnership, Omaha is part of a consortium with the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) that promotes people-to-people relationships in Israel through social, medical, educational and economic programs. Some examples are: a coffee house for troubled teens; an Arab-Israeli community center: a faculty exchange between UN-O and Western Galilee College; and Omaha’s Friedel Jewish Academy and its kibbutz sister school. A developing idea--to establish a dental clinic in a destitute area of the Galilee--is an intriguing challenge for Norm Sheldon, Federation President-elect. “This was my first trip to Israel,” says Norm, “and I can’t wait to get back. We’ll be recruiting dentists from the States and Tel Aviv to staff the clinic as volunteers.” “The value of hands-on help, plus monetary aid plus professional ‘brain power’ is immeasurable,” adds Stacey. The trip sparked an understanding of the profound connection we Americans have to the Jews in the FSU and Israel. The reality of visiting an elderly woman in her lonely apartment was powerful for Buzz Malashock. Emotionally, he describes Maria, whose livelihood is partially supported by Omaha campaign funding through the ‘Joint’. “Here she lives on the fifth floor of a run-down walk-up, and our hotel in Kiev is the nicest I’ve ever stayed in. She’s 92, walks with a cane and hasn’t been downstairs for eight years.
Allan Murow, a former Chicagoan, realizes that “now, after being on the trip with everyone, I’m a true part of the Omaha community. In Ukraine, when we visited the elderly and the schoolchildren, I couldn’t help seeing the connection to the Blumkin Home and the Friedel Academy back home.” “Connecting with individuals and traveling with everyone was the best,” says David Gilinsky, President of the ADL. “It’s a miraculous country.” Ann Goldstein agrees. “The people we met, the passionate leaders, all enriched us. We now have a stronger bond of sharing with others.” “I feel my connection to Jews everywhere,” emphasizes Buzz. “I guess my mission is to give my children this strong sense of Jews being committed to Jews.” Thoughtfully, Wendy Goldberg comments, “I’ve learned from the Israelis their commitment to social justice.
“Her husband was executed by the Soviets and she spent the war years in Siberia. So, she’s not technically a Holocaust victim and, therefore, receives no reparations money. She subsists on a gover nment pension of about $50 a month plus food packages from ‘Joint’, her lifeline to the world.” Sitting in her cramped but tidy room, Maria tells her story, calmly and Pictures from top: Norm Sheldon has new friends--students at the Gordon School, a Partnership with Israel project; a class m a t t e r - o f - act entertains at the Gordon School; Jody Malashock and Gordon School pal show off their hand-made shana tova card; at factly. But a Joint Distribution Committee senior center in Berdichev, Big Joe Kirshenbaum, second from left, speaks yiddish with a when she birthday party guest as Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum, Phyllis Rifkin, Norm Denenberg and Don Goldstein look on; at Yad refers to Joint Vashem, Jordana Glazer remembers members of her family in Vienna who perished at Theresienstadt. See more photos at Distribution www.jewishomaha.org by clicking on “Mission Stories” on the Jewish Press page. David’s top choice, however, is the Bringing in people, giving them housing Committee, the social worker they send House on Wheels, a Partnership project. and food, and educating them in how to regularly to help her cook and bathe, the Through classes, workshops, summer begin new lives. Few Americans have kasha and oil and canned fish they bring camps and family counseling, profession- such strong social commitments. We her, she breaks down. “Because of our als and volunteers help disabled young need to learn more about Israel.” campaign money,” says Buzz, “she can people live as normally as possible. David Zoe Riekes , Federation President conlive.” finds the project’s success exhilarating. cludes, “What made this Mission special Some of the Mission members were “For me,” he states, “this is hands-on was the young leadership who traveled asked to choose one--just one--memorable tzedakah. With our help, one young with us. We can ‘hand off the baton’ with impression. For Myron Kaplan, “being at woman, who has spent her life in a wheel confidence to the next leaders of the the Wall was awesome.” “I was moved by has now graduated to a teaching chair, community.” the Kotel, too, echoes David Goldberg, Jordana Glazer probably speaks for all President of Jewish Family Service. position at House on Wheels. I feel great about how our Federation money is of us. “If there is a place to believe in “There’s a buzz, a hum, you can feel it. working.” God, it’s here--in Israel.” What energy the Jews put into this place!”
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