October 28, 2011

Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Rebecca Rosen gives back

October 28, 2011 30 Tishrei 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 7

This Week Jewish Camping

Jewish summer camps offer Beth El kids sense of community Page 8

Lasting memories for Temple Israel campers Page 9

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Thursday, Nov. 10, at 7 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Omaha will host its annual Women’s Campaign event at the Marriot Hotel Regency. Women who pledge a minimum of $36 to the 2012 Women’s Campaign will have the opportunity to welcome Rebecca Rosen, wife, mother of two, author, and psychic medium. “I’m excited to speak on the topic of giving back,” she says, “and talk about how Jewish values can assist us when we do our part towards Tikkun Olam.” In addition, Rebecca will do audience readings. Those readings have made her famous all over the country. While a college student, she connected with her deceased grandmother; she has since developed her ability to communicate with the spirits of those who have passed away. That’s right; she talks to dead people. What’s more: she has made a career of it. If that sounds extremely ‘out there,’ Rebecca is the first to dispel that notion. In her book, Spirited, she refers to her ability as ‘a little twist,’ and insists: “Now, don’t roll your eyes -- I am not your stereotypical woo-woo. No flowing robes, no

lingering scent of patchouli. I look and talk just like many of my ‘normal’ clients.” A regular day for Rebecca starts with a visit to the gym: “I work out

Rebecca Rosen to ground my energy, and then I head to my office. I meditate for half an hour or so, and then see up to six clients, either conducting phone readings, or readings in person.” After a full day at the office, Rebecca goes home and spends time with her husband Brian and their kids, Jakob and Sam. She cooks dinner, and she does bedtime routine;

there’s nothing too ‘woo-woo’ about that. Somehow, she combines mundane, everyday living with her career: “My challenge has been to find and maintain a balance between living in this world as a human being, while embracing my calling, and assisting the spirit world,” she says. “I feel the everyday life responsibilities help to balance and ground me in this world.” If there are some who are skeptical of her abilities, Rebecca understands: “I honor everyone’s path,” she says, “and I recognize that we are all at different places in our journey toward enlightenment. In truth, I too was skeptical of my abilities in the early days, until I had enough validating evidence to convince me it was real. Skeptical or not, I simply do the work and trust that it speaks for itself.” When Rebecca published Spirited (Harper Collins, 2010) it was not with the intention of providing a tell-all, nor does the book allow readers to vicariously live through the experiences of others. Although she shares some stories, the bulk of the book is meant to help readers help themselves. “While I’m able to tap into someone’s energy and offer information Continued on page 2

Maurice Sendak: coming to a library near you by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Sunday, Oct. 30, from 2-4 p.m., the W. Dale Clark Library will

Filmmaker Tiffany Shlain is feeling Connected Page 16

launch the traveling exhibit “In a Nutshell: the Worlds of Maurice Sendak.” The library will celebrate the exhibit’s opening with a special program, featuring a performance by

Maurice Sendak experienced a typical American childhood in New York City that inspired many of his books, such as Where the Wild Things Are. Illustrations in his books

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

12 14 15

See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press Maurice Sendak has occasionally given names to the Wild Things. The two on the left are named for Sendak himself. The first is Moishe, Maurice’s Yiddish name, while the bull-like Wild Thing is Bernard, which is his middle name. The three Wild Things on the right are Bruno, Emil, and Tzippi. Final drawing for Where the Wild Things Are, © 1963 by Maurice Sendak, all rights reserved. the UNO Moving Company and the Jewish Community Center Dance Training Company, and will offer storytellers, crafts, and refreshments. Popular children’s book author

are populated with friends and family, as well as the sights, sounds, and smells of 1930s New York. Sendak was drawn to photos of ancestors, Continued on page 3

Gilad Shalit comes home by LINDA GRADSTEIN JERUSALEM (JTA) -- It seemed that all of Israel breathed a sigh of relief when Gilad Shalit returned to Israel after being transferred from Hamas captivity in Gaza into Egyptian custody.

Gilad Shalit making a phone call to his parents following his release from Gaza. Credit: ISRANET After more than five years of campaigning for Shalit’s release, and seeing little of him other than the same images again and again, Israelis were eager for the fresh images of Shalit broadcast Tuesday in the hours after his release. The first interview with the released soldier was broadcast on Egyptian Nile Television even before he returned to Israel. In the interview, Shalit seemed overwhelmed, looking down at the table rather than making eye contact with the interviewer and taking deep breaths, apparently to calm himself. “I’m very emotional, I haven’t seen people in a long time,” Shalit told the female interviewer. “I look forward to meeting people, talking to people... and not doing the same things all day long.” Shalit, 25, said he was treated well, and that he knew that people were working to free him. He said he had access to media while in captivity and that he had feared he would be held “for many more years.” It was the first footage of Shalit since a short video released by his captors in 2009 proving he was alive. Soon after his return to Israel, the Israel Defense Forces released a photo showing Shalit dressed in an IDF uniform and looking thin and pale, walking slowly and slightly hunched over. Soon after a preliminary medical check at an army base in southern Israel, he had a long telephone conversation with his parents. Video later in the day showed Shalit walking quicker and looking more at ease. An Israeli army spokesman said a physical showed that he was in good health. Shalit then was flown to Tel Nof Air Force base for an Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

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Continued from page 1 “The man who killed Shoshi should be given the death emotional reunion with his family and a short meeting with penalty, not freed to go home to his family,� Ben Yishai told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Shalit saluted JTA with tears in his eyes. “This is giving in to terrorism.� the prime minister, who smiled and hugged him. But polls showed the majority of Israelis were in favor of “Hello Gilad, it’s so good to have you home,� Netanyahu the deal despite the heavy price. told the freed soldier. “Each of us shares “Sorry I am so weak,� Noam and Aviva Shalit’s Shalit told Netanyahu. joy with all his heart,� At the Air Force base, Yehuda Ben Meir, director Shalit underwent more of the National Security extensive medical checks. and Public Opinion He spent several hours Project of Tel Aviv there, longer than had University’s Institute for originally been planned. National Security Studies, Major Israeli TV netwrote in Israel’s daily works reportedly have Haaretz. “The Shalits are agreed to respect the Shalit noble people and it’s hard family’s wishes for privacy to imagine their suffering by keeping a certain disover the past five-and-atance away from the famihalf years. But the joy is ly home in Mitzpe Hila, a mixed with great sorrow – town in northern Israel. sorrow over the release of As Shalit made his way hundreds of terrorist murhome, Israel freed 477 derers, who by law and Palestinian prisoners, justice should have ended including more than 200 their lives behind bars.� who had been involved in In the West Bank, the attacks that killed dozens released prisoners laid a of Israelis. Some returned wreath on the grave of to their homes in the West Palestinian leader Yasser Bank; others were deportArafat. Palestinian ed to the Gaza Strip or Authority President Egypt. Tens of thousands Gilad Shalit is greeted by cheering crowds as he finally returns to Mahmoud Abbas welof Palestinians attended a his family home in Mitzpe Hila, Israel after five years in captivity, comed the prisoners back, Credit: IDF Spokesperson saying, “We thank God for rally in Gaza celebrating Oct. 18, 2011. the prisoners’ return. your return and your safety. You are freedom fighters and At the Beitunia crossing point into the West Bank, some holy warriors for the sake of the homeland.� newly freed prisoners called for kidnapping more Israeli solAbbas is seen as being weakened by the prisoner exchange diers to free the remaining Palestinian prisoners in jail. The deal, which Israel negotiated indirectly with Hamas. Just released did not include Marwan Barghouti, a prominent weeks after applying for Palestinian statehood at the United Fatah activist who is seen as a possible replacement for Nations, which gave him a boost in popularity, Abbas has Abbas. been sidelined by the swap. Hamas, by kidnapping an Israeli Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar also said that as part of soldier, was able to get Israel to release more than 1,000 pristhe deal, Israel had agreed to lift the siege on Gaza that was oners, including many who had actually killed Israelis. imposed after Shalit was captured in June 2006 and deep“The big winner is Hamas because the deal is so oneened after Hamas took sole control of Gaza. An Israeli gov- sided,� Brig. Gen. Shlomo Brom, an expert on the ernment spokesman would not comment on the report. Palestinians at the Tel Aviv University security institute, told The last obstacle to the prisoner exchange deal was JTA. “The loser is Mahmoud Abbas because he has become removed late Monday after Israel’s Supreme Court ruled that irrelevant, which is the worst thing for a politician.� it would not intervene to stop the release. Several families of Brom said he did not believe that Tuesday’s deal would victims killed in terror attacks had petitioned the court not lead to talks between Israel and Hamas or a resumption of to allow the deal to go forward. Israeli-Palestinian negotiations. One of those was Yitzhak Ben Yishai, whose daughter In Shalit’s hometown, Mitzpe Hila residents prepared to Shoshi, 16, was killed 10 years ago in a drive-by shooting in greet Shalit with a human chain at the entrance to the comthe French Hill neighborhood of Jerusalem. The Palestinian munity. His room has been repainted, and the family’s garwho shot her was freed Tuesday. den, which was not taken care of during the past 15 months Unshaven, with white stubble on his cheeks, Ben Yishai, while the family lived in a protest tent in Jerusalem opposite 55, said that his family has not recovered from Shoshi’s the prime minister’s residence, has been cleaned up. death. They are all U.S. citizens, and Shoshi was born in New Shalit is expected to spend the next few weeks close to York before moving to Israel at age 5. He said his five other home. He will receive psychological assistance and spend children talk about Shoshi every day. time with his family.

Rebecca Rosen Continued from page 1 from their guides and spirits,� she says, “I also encourage them to pick up where we left off. Nothing outside of us has a closer connection to our higher selves’ knowing and spiritual guidance than we have within us. I recommend prayer and meditation to facilitate that connection.� She recommends a lot more in her book: it’s full of exercises, life lessons, and tips on how to discover one’s own path- without the interference of a medium. Not that she’s written herself out of a job: the book was a best seller, and she has speaking engagements all over the country. She already has plans for the next book: “I’m excited to go through the process once again, since it was such a wonderful experience the first time.� When she visits Omaha in November, she’ll be coming home; Rebecca grew up here and is well known in the Jewish community. There will be many familiar faces in the audience, most notably that of her mother, Jan Goldstein. “The actual act of speaking is the same wherever I go,� she says, “but there is a difference in the way I feel when I get to share my work with the Omaha community. I’m especially grateful for the love and support I have received, and continue to receive, from my hometown. Omaha will always hold a special place in my heart.� “We are very excited to have Becky join us once again at

our Women’s Campaign Event,� Jody Malashock, Jewish Federation of Omaha President, said. “It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to come together and show support for the campaign and the important roles we as women play in our community. I personally have had a reading with Becky, and it was so comforting, the connection I felt to my late mother, Esther Rice. I look forward to seeing you all at the Women’s Campaign Event!� Ellie Batt, who serves as the Women’s Campaign Chair says: "We are thrilled to have Becky as the featured presenter. Besides having a very special gift as a psychic medium, Becky also has a special knack for conveying in a very straightforward down-to-earth fashion the importance of Jewish values, and how those values can guide and inspire all of us in caring about others and giving back to the community.� Jill Goldstein, Laurie Epstein, Nikki Kirshenbaum, and Sarah Yale are Co-Chairs of the evening. Susie Cohn is the honorary Event Chair; Debbie Denenberg will act as Master of Ceremony. Lion of Judah Chair Sandy Epstein, and Ben Gurion Chair Stacie Brodkey round out the list of women hosting the evening. Marriot’s doors will open at 6:30 p.m.; the event is by invitation only. For more information and to RSVP please contact Nancy Martin at 402.334.6430 or nmartin@jewish omaha.org.

October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

This time, be on the giving end by SHERRIE SAAG Community Development, Jewish Federation of Omaha The high holidays infuse everyone with a renewed sense of purpose and commitment to Tikkun Olam, the notion that we are commanded to “repair the world” through our actions and deeds. It is said that Tikkun Olam forces people to take ownership of their world. On a recent Tuesday afternoon, a group of highly impassioned community members did just that when they gathered to begin the important task of Campaign solicitation on behalf of the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign. These volunteers, those who choose to participate in the active solicitation of gifts, are the true heroes of the Campaign, according to Jan Goldstein, Jewish Federation of Omaha Development Director. On this particular Tuesday, our “heroes” came together for solicitor training. “They are the most dedicated of workers, committed to their community involvement and a successful Annual Campaign,” she added. Debbie Denenberg and Debbie Friedman, two dynamos who’ve spent years involved in Federation Campaigns, began the session with a group exercise. The participants listed the Jewish organizations that have touched their lives, in one way or another. Within minutes a list of over 25 local organizations were on the whiteboard. The point being, according to Debbie Friedman, that Omaha is a highly affiliated and highly connected place. “When you play Jewish geography, Omaha Jews are an involved group of people.” This is a blessing during an Annual Campaign, as Jewish conversations begin from a baseline knowledge of our community. Denenberg shared a personal story. She was attending a kick-off event for the Business and

Professional Women’s Division in New York City shortly after 9-11. “I was a young urban professional in the city, and I was never going to need Federation.” Within one year she had made the big decision to become a single mom and needed assistance learning about adoption. And who was instrumental in making that happen? An agency of the Jewish Federation of New York. Debbie realized she had been wrong. She remembered a Federation professional at that kick-off event saying “Sometimes you’re there for Federation and sometimes they’re there for you.” Much like Denenberg, everyone in the room had their own story to tell. Debbie Kricsfeld’s son attends Friedel Jewish Academy, and she volunteers there. “I know first-hand what Federation does for my family,” she said. Vicki Perlmeter recalled volunteering for the Annual Campaign as a teen in a youth group. “I took cards and started asking for just $10 – but that was a lot of money in those days.” Ann Pickel remembered how her children got so much out of the JCC and its programs and facilities. “It was a wonderful place for them to be, so safe and nurturing. Now my kids are grown, but I come back to the campaign because I believe no one should go without. People can and do fall between the cracks. But at Federation, no one does.” Friedman concluded the session with her personal story. As a resident of the Blumkin Home, her father-in-law receives weekly visits from the caring committee of Temple Israel. She experiences the power of two local organizations -- Temple Israel and the Blumkin Home -- joining forces for good. “It is so wonderful to be on the receiving end and that is what makes it so important to be on the giving end,” Friedman said. Both Debbies pointed out the power of

Federated giving. From synagogues to the JCC to Federation agencies, these organizations would not exist or would not be the same without the power of Federated giving. The Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is the place where the

values of compassion, generosity and responsibility come together to improve the quality of life for people in Omaha, in Israel, and around the world. To pledge your support, contact Sharon Kirshenbaum at 402.334.6485 or online at jewishomaha.org/donate.

Sendak: coming to a library near you Continued on page 2 when we think of Sendak, we think of the and developed a fascination with Shtetl Wild Things, but we don’t always ask ourlife, most notably in his story of Brundibar. selves where those creatures come from, The exhibit will show the push and pull where they have been.” Esther explained to between the old and new, Linda what she was and will reveal how working on; both Sendak’s artistic journey thought it was a good led him deeper into his match. The piece, titled own family history and Bound Together depicts his Jewish identity. Judaism through move“Quite a while ago, I ment. “It wasn’t so easy to started choreographing a decide which elements of piece about my own Judaism to choose. I Jewish roots,” says JCC spoke with Rabbi Gross Cultural Arts Director to see if he had any ideas. Esther Katz. “I started thinking about how He pointed me towards Judaism influences us all the Birchot HaShachar, differently, and creates from which I took six such personal, individual phrases, which we then Final drawing for In the Night experiences. We are all translated into moveKitchen, © 1970 by Maurice unique, and yet, at the ment.” Sendak, all rights reserved. Special programming end of the day, we are all bound together by what we share Jewishly. throughout November and December will also include presentations at the Joslyn Art I wanted to express that through dance.” At that point, Esther was contacted by Museum, UNO’s Moving Company, book Linda Trout, Community Services discussions, and a presentation by UNO Manager at the W. Dale Clark Library. professor Joan Latchaw. For more informa“She described the exhibit to me, and tion about the program, contact Esther explained how the emphasis was on how Katz at 402.334.6406 or ekatz@jewish the past influenced Sendak. Many of us, omaha.org.

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Temple Israel introduces “Experience Shabbat!” by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Our third through sixth graders at Temple Israel Religious School will ‘Experience Shabbat!’ in a new way this year,” said Lori Bennett, Religious School director. Starting on Saturday, Oct. 29, these grade levels will arrive at 9 a.m. for a bagel breakfast and then participate in mini-sessions on topics beyond the regular curriculum taught on Sundays. An all-school song session follows breakfast. Third and fourth graders and fifth and sixth graders will attend study sessions such as “Stories We Pray” which will deepen the sense of what each prayer means. “Every prayer has a story,” she pointed out. “When the rabbis of the Talmud wanted to explain what a prayer means, they told the story of the first time a prayer was said. They would root each prayer in the spiritual history of major Jewish figures, thereby clarifying the prayer’s meaning.” She also said the students would engage in “’Talking about God,’” learning that everyone has a different concept of who God is, what God looks like, and how to talk to God. As Reform Jews, we encourage asking the questions in our search for God.” Religious School teacher and noted storyteller Rita Paskowitz will assist the children in connecting with their Hebrew names. Learning what their names mean and why their names were chosen for them is an important part of individual life stories. De-mystifying the Torah will be another part of the “Experience Shabbat!” day. “We’ll bring the Torah out of the Ark, introduce the yad, play ‘I Spy’ letters, and write our own Torah,” Bennett continued. Other topics for learning are “Mah La’Asot,” an explanation of ethical choices, “Writing Our Midrash,” and “Shema is for Real,” a prayer board game that tests students’ knowl-

edge of changing prayers. Following the study session, the students will join the congregational worship service in the sanctuary. Bennett described the purpose of “Experience Shabbat!” as an opportunity “to partner with our families to relate the children’s studies to a larger Jewish experience. The topics chosen add dimension to their connection to the Torah, their Jewish identity, ethical Jewish thought, and understanding the concept of God. We emphasize practicing the Jewish values of tzedek (justice) and kindness, age-appropriate knowledge of Jewish texts and history, celebrating our holidays and culture, being liturgically literate, and understanding the relationships with the State of Israel and world Jewry. ‘Experience Shabbat!’ is intended to emphasize all of these.” Rabbi Eric Linder added, “’Experience Shabbat’ is another way for our children to learn about Judaism by integrating classroom learning into the joyous holiday of Shabbat.” Third through sixth graders will also better understand their role in the weekly Shabbat holiday as they prepare for becoming a bar or bat mitzvah. “We haven’t experienced it yet, but I was excited about ‘Experience Shabbat’ when I read about it in the calendar,” commented Jenn Tompkins Kirshenbaum, mother of two Temple Israel Religious School students. “It’s a new experience of learning. Kathleen (a sixth grader) and Laura (a third grader) will have religious class and a required service for Kathleen all in the same morning. Then the next day, we will have a ‘free’ Sunday morning for the family. Every time Kathleen attends a Saturday morning service, the easier it will be for her Bat Mitzvah.” Other “Experience Shabbat!” dates are Saturdays, Dec. 3, Feb. 25, and April 21. There will be no class on the Sundays immediately following these dates for third through sixth graders.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Greg McDermott, head coach for Creighton’s Men’s Basketball, will speak on Wednesday, Nov. 2, noon at the Blumkin Home. At this luncheon, we will install the new president of the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, Ari Riekes. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service only is $3. Please RSVP for this event by 5 p.m. on Monday at gjavitch@cox.net. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewish omaha.org.

L.O.V.E. Join LOVE (League Offering Volunteers for the Elderly), the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Auxiliary, when it celebrates its 40th Anniversary on Oct. 30 at 2 p.m. Mary Maxwell, Omaha’s First Lady of Humor will have you rolling in the aisle of the JCC Theater. A dessert reception will follow in the JCC gallery. The event is open to the community.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish teaches an optimistic vision that allows us to view the world with joy and hope. Come join us at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, at 1 p.m., to reap “The Joys of Yiddish!” For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Stephanie and Lee Shradar of Portland, OR announce the Sept. 26 birth of their daugther, Vera Lyn. Grandparents are Marcy and Joel Patton, and Karen and Richard Cameron of Springfield, MO. Great-grandmother is Delores Graves.

Birth

Celebrate L.O.V.E., legacy and laughter by OZZIE NOGG Mary Maxwell, Omaha’s First Lady of Humor, offers her hilarious take on life and its foibles at L.O.V.E.’s 40th Anniversary celebration -- L.O.V.E., Legacy and Laughter -- on Sunday, Oct. 30, in the JCC Theatre. The entire community is invited to the event and the dessert reception that follows the program. Maxwell’s public speaking career began more than forty-five years ago. Her audiences include corporations, church and synagogue groups, Chamber of Commerce events and “slow moving lines at express check-out lanes at the grocery store.” Mary Maxwell stars at the Maxwell’s bio describes L.O.V.E. 40th Anniversary celeher as a wife, mother bration on Oct. 30. Maxwell and grandmother, as says she misses Erma well as a “foster mother Bombeck every day of her life. to several well-behaved geraniums and an azalea with a personality disorder.” She is passionately devoted to Nebraska football and, after the 2004 season, Mary “was placed under a doctor’s care and remains in therapy.” Maxwell is one very funny lady whose stand-up comedy routine is anything but routine. L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly) has been a mainstay of the former Dr. Philip Sher Home and the current Rose Blumkin Jewish Home for the past forty years. During this time the organization has raised in excess of $350,000 to enhance the lives of the residents. “The purpose and pleasure of the organization,” said President Judy Brookstein, “is to provide for those who have taken care of us. We invite you to help celebrate our work and the volunteers who give so much of themselves to others.”

Arts+Entertainment Champion fiddler and fiddle book author, Deborah Greenblatt, will discuss various ways to perform that classic fiddle tune, Orange Blossom Special. The Workshop takes place on Saturday, Nov. 19, 1-3 pm, in the Old Avoca Schoolhouse, Avoca, Nebraska. Pre-registration is required, enrollment is limited, and there is a $20 fee. For more information, or to register, call 402.275.3221, or send an e-mail to debby@greenblattandseay.com.

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Beth El offers new, enriching adult-education classes by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Jewish values and beliefs will be the core topics of three new classes being added to Beth El’s adult-education lineup, beginning next month. What Do Jews Believe? a monthly class led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, will begin on Thursday, Nov. 3, from noon to 1 p.m., and will give participants the opportunity to discuss God, worship and prayer, Torah and mitzvot, sin and repentance, plus reward and punishment, among other topics. “One way to successfully sustain and transmit a vital Jewish identity is by articulating what we as Jews believe,� Rabbi Levin said, noting that questions he’ll ask during the year-long class will include, “Is being ‘chosen’ compatible with multi-culturalism? Are we rewarded and punished for our behavior? Is there an afterlife?� The rabbi will also lead a new monthly Sunday morning class, entitled Jewish Values in Today’s World, beginning Nov. 20, from 11 a.m. to noon. During this class, he explained, attendees will study those Jewish values which

Rabbi Mordechai Levin

Susi Frydman-Levin

provide a roadmap to living a good life. Among the topics discussed will be joy and happiness, courage, appreciation, giving others the benefit of the doubt, caring for our bodies, plus treating others with respect and dignity. The third new adult-ed class, led by Susi Frydman-Levin,

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will begin Sunday, Nov. 6, from 10 a.m. to noon, and is titled Diversity in Movies: Embracing the World with Open Jewish Eyes. Through movies, this thought-provoking class will allow people to explore and discuss their perspectives about other people and a variety of life issues. “Movies lead us through different dimensions of diversity: age, gender, ethnic heritage, race, mental/physical characteristics and abilities, sexual orientation and religion – topics that will challenge our beliefs and points of view,� FrydmanLevin said. “By comparing them with Jewish sources, we will enhance our knowledge and enrich the understanding of ourselves and others with an inclusive, respectful and loving approach.� All adults in the Jewish community are welcome to attend any or all of these new classes. To register, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 402.492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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FLETCHER/SAYLAN Courtneay Leigh Fletcher and David Arthur Saylan of St. Louis were married on May 29 at the Meadowbrook Country Club. Rabbi Mark Shook performed the ceremony. The bride, daughter of Joyce and Jim Cockrell of Chesterfield, MO, is a graduate of St. Louis University with a BA in Communication, and she received her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Maryville University. She is an elementary school teacher in the Maplewood/ Richmond Heights school district. Her attendants were Matron of Honor Jessica Felton and bridesmaids Beth Fletcher, sister-in-law, Amy Saylan, groom’s sister; Andrea Wilhelm, Jr. bridesmaid, Lily Starkey; and flower girls, nieces Katie Cockrell, Alexa Fletcher, Lauren Fletcher, and Molly Saylan. The groom, son of Jacki and Steve Saylan, graduated with a BA in Communications from the University of Kansas and works for West Community Credit Union. His brothers, Scott and Kevin Saylan, were his best men; Jeff Fedotin, Justin Fletcher, bride’s brother, and Justin Speigal were his groomsman. His nephew Andrew Saylan was his Jr. groomsman and nephews, Benjamin Saylan and Zackary Saylan were his ring bearers. He is the grandson of the late Edythe and Arthur Friedman, and Rosalie and Milton Saylan. The in-memoriam candlelighters were the groom’s sisters-in-law, Andrea Saylan and Marcy Saylan. Following a wedding trip to Maui, the couple returned to their home in St. Louis.

PRIESMAN/WEISBROT Harlan and Rhoda Priesman of Lincoln, NE, are pleased to announce the marriage of their daughter Jamie Diane to Dr. Jeffrey Lawrence Weisbrot of Cincinnatti, OH. He is the son of Dr. Albrt and Sherry Weisbrot, also of Cincinnati. The bride received her bachelor's degree at Bradley University in Peoria, Ill., and her master's degree in counseling in Phoenix, AZ. At the University of Phoenix. She currently works for Fidelity investments in Covington, KY. She is the granddaughter of the late Jean Priesman Selo and Ernie Priesman, and the late Elsie and Herbert Levin. The groom received his bachelor’s degree from Miami University, and his D.D.S. Degree from Marquette School of Dentistry. He practices at Loveland Dentistry in Loveland, OH. He is the grandson of Rita and the late Edwin Grusd, and the late Moszek and Minla Weisbrot.

See Medicare in a whole new light! Find out how a Coventry Health Care Medicare Advantage plan can benefit you. As your local health plan, Coventry is committed to offering you lowcost options designed to help you be healthy and save you money. And because we’re your neighborhood plan, you have access to providers you trust who actively participate in the full scope of your care. This year, Medicare enrollment runs from October 15 to December 7! Call today to receive Lighting Your Path to Good Health, our no-cost, no-obligation informational kit. In it you’ll discover important answers to your Medicare questions.

Call 1-855-660-1879 (TTY/TDD 711), 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days a week. Or go online for more information www.MyCoventryMedicare.com/NE.

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To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewish omaha.org or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: avandekamp@ jewishomaha.org.

A Coordinated Care plan with a Medicare Advantage contract. The benefit information provided herein is a brief summary, not a comprehensive description of benefits. For more information contact the plan. Y0022_CCP_2012_4002_356_FINAL5 File and Use: 10/02/2011

Out

Dining

6 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

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If you’re well past the age when you’re checking out camps, as I am, then October can seem like an odd time to think about singing around the campfire, paddling in a canoe or learning to dive. However, I have it on good authority this is, indeed, the very time to be looking into the possibilities from which to choose. So, in order to have something of interest to write about, I decided to investigate. To see what’s out there, since I last asked, when my 56 year old kid was 8. Well my dears, I had no idea how much things had changed! Of course, I should have remembered my then 8 year old grandchild last year went to something called Spanish Camp. Better yet, it was only a couple of months ago that she went to an Arts Camp, so why should I have been surprised at all the specialty camps presently waiting for kids in the summer of 2012? I shouldn’t have been, but as I learned more and more, all I could think of was “who knew?” So what’s out there? It depends on the child -- do you have a little girl who eats, sleeps and dreams about dancing? That’s easy... send her to Dance Camp, where she’ll get lessons and individual instruction, and recitals and everything else connected to dance. She’ll probably feel she’s almost ready for professional status by the time she comes home from camp! Or maybe you’ve got a boy who’s in love with Karate? Fine... no problem. There are Karate Camps too, just for those kids who want to be able to kick and slug and break boards and generally border on mayhem, and not get punished for violent behavior. It’s called Martial Arts I think, and they teach all the fine points and honorable methods during a camp session. There’s a place for the kids who preferred rich ice cream to fresh fruits and salty fries to carrot sticks -- you know the ones. They’re a tad zaftig and would rather sit in front of the computer or the TV than to be outside, running around, working up a big shvitz. Yes, I’m not kidding. There are camps specializing in healthy weight loss for camp age kids. I’m serious! Maybe you’re the parents of a 10 year old boy who’s 5’11” and loves to shoot baskets? Here’s the boy who would love

basketball camp... they’d run his long legs off, tossing that basketball from here to there, and even farther. Would he come home ready to be signed by the pros? Probably not, but I’ll bet he’d have perfected many of the skills needed to be a great player! The same goes for kids into tennis. Especially the ones who show a natural tendency to play a pretty good game when a racquet is presented. Oh yeah... tennis camp. Definitely a must for the kid who dreams about some day playing at Wimbledon. Perhaps you have a youngster who likes to pick up his Mom’s wooden spoon, hold it like a microphone, and put on a show to the assembled relatives? That one would love going to a camp specializing in Performance Arts. You know that kind of child... when he opens the door of the fridge and the light goes on, he starts singing New York, New York! Parents, send that kid to Performance Arts! Hurry before all the places are taken... he mustn’t miss this opportunity. I even turned up something called Camp for Gifted Children... I kid you not. I picture this as a place where little kids are challenged with extra difficult assignments way above their age expectations. Where they’re encouraged to learn a couple of languages while sitting around waiting for the results of the last advance science challenge. Ok, now I’m being facetious, but think of it... camp for gifted children! I think I’d be afraid to let them come home after a few weeks of that! All of which is simply to say there have been many changes in camp possibilities in recent decades. And since there have, I think it’s more important than ever for parents to take their time and really study the opportunities out there. And that includes the camps where they still spend a certain amount of time braiding lanyards, and perfecting the swim stroke, plus learning how to make s’mores without burning fingers. You know, the fun stuff. Where the kid can play connect the dots with all the mosquito bites, when he/she isn’t spying on the teen counselors after hours. Oh yeah... camp is supposed to be fun, no matter what specialty your child claims he wants. So try to make the perfect choice......and happy camping everyone. So study the literature, send emails for information, ask other parents, in other words, do your homework when choosing a camp. Because Mom and Dad, it’s not nearly as simple as it used to be. And never mind that winter is around the corner. This is the time to make the big decision. (Besides, it might also be a good time to decide what you’ll be doing when the kids are at camp!) Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

Council Bluffs forum features Jewish, Christian, Muslim Speakers by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel will join Reverend Canon Tim Anderson of the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska, and Dr. Syed Mohiuddin of the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture to discuss the inner teachings of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. They’ll be speaking at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 1 at the Council Bluffs Public Library, 400 Willow Avenue. A question and answer period will follow brief presenta-

Bus line franchise in jeopardy over gender segregation by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- New York City’s Department of Transportation has threatened to revoke its contract with a bus company that makes women sit in the back. The department sent a letter to the Private Transportation Corp., which operates the public B110 bus route under a franchise arrangement with the city, reminding the company that requiring women to ride in the back of the bus “would constitute a direct violation of your franchise agreement and may lead to termination of that agreement.” The letter said the company could not get an exemption based on religious grounds. Signs posted inside the B110 bus ask female riders to pay the driver in the front and then board from the back door when the bus is crowded, according to The New York Times. The bus route runs between the heavily Orthodox Jewish-populated Brooklyn neighborhoods of Williamsburg and Borough Park. The bus does not run on the Jewish Sabbath. At a news conference last week, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said that segregating men and women on public buses was “obviously not permitted.” “Private people, you can have a private bus,” the mayor said. “Go rent a bus and do what you want on it.”

tions by each speaker as they pursue a deeper understanding of how different people can live together in peace. The TriFaith Forum is sponsored by the Council Bluffs Civil Rights Commission in conjunction with the Tri-Faith Initiative, an Omaha partnership of the three Abrahamic faith groups. The Civil Rights Commission’s mission is to promote respect, cooperation and appreciation of diversity, eliminate discrimination, and raise awareness of human rights through education and advocacy. All are welcome to attend the free event.

Camp Ramah by ANN LESLEY ROSEN Marketing/Communications Coordinator, Camp Ramah in Wisconsin Camp Ramah in Wisconsin is the place where fun and friendship build Jewish lives. A full range of fun-filled activities integrates Jewish values and observances into the daily camp experience for campers entering grades 4 to 11. Ramah offers two 2week sessions for entering fourth graders, a 4-week session for entering 5th and 6th graders, and an 8-week session for entering 7th-11th graders. Activities include sports, swimming, high and low ropes courses, climbing wall, sailing, kayaking, music, dance, nature, archery, photography, radio, arts and drama. Tikvah is a division of Camp Ramah in Wisconsin, developed for children with special needs. Tikvah provides all of the opportunities of the Ramah experience with additional staffing and support for campers with learning and social difficulties, including Asperger’s syndrome. Through individualized programming, supported by highly skilled staff, teens in the Tikvah program develop friendships, have fun, and learn in formal and informal Jewish settings. Tikvah offers a full eight-week session for teenage campers, a four-week “Taste of Tikvah” option for firsttime younger campers, as well as the Tikvah Vocational Program for qualified high school graduates. For more information, email us at registrar@ramahwisconsin.com or visit www.ramahwisconsin.com. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Beth El marks USY’s 60th with community celebration

Egypt agrees to release Grapel in prisoner swap

by JILL BELMONT football game will be teleBeth El Publicity Coordinator vised on a big-screen for Tributes, nostalgia and all fans. fun galore will be on tap Cost to attend the during the upcoming “USY Birthday Bash is $18 for Birthday Bash,” the comadults; $9 for USYers and munity-wide celebration at Kadimaniks; $5 for chilBeth El, marking the 60th dren ages six – 11; and anniversary of United free for children five and Synagogue Youth. The younger. In addition, Saturday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Tene noted that special event will bring together giving categories have current, former and future been established for USYers, as well as friends donations; all proceeds and families, who wish to will be used to suppleapplaud the venerable ment local programming, youth group. send teens to conventions The youth branch of the and on Israel trips. Those United Synagogue for categories are: $613 and Conservative Judaism, USY up (donors will receive a has served as an invaluable reserved High Holidays social and spiritual parking spot, plus free resource for Jewish high admittance to the USY school students. Whether Birthday Bash); $360 and weekly lounge nights, conup (donors will enjoy a ventions or summer proShabbat dinner at Rabbi grams around the world, Abraham's home); $180 the youth group’s impact and up; $54; $36; and on its members has been $18. palpable. Reservations are re“For so many years, USY quested and may be made has brought teens closer to by visiting www.betheltheir Judaism,” said Beth El omaha.org, or by sendYouth Director Shiri Tene, ing a check – made “and we’re thrilled to be payable to Beth El – to able to shine the spotlight the synagogue. Admison our own BILU chapter sion may also be paid at during next month’s party. the door. For more inforWe hope everyone will mation, contact Tene in come out and celebrate the synagogue office, with us!” 402.492.8550, or at youth The evening will feature a dir@bethel-omaha.org. disc jockey and dancing, a “This event is a do-notphoto booth, dessert and miss!” she said. “This is appetizers, plus a special the perfect time for us as Over the decades, Beth El’s BILU USY chapter has connected photo exhibit, ‘The Faces of a congregation to gather Jewish teens to Conservative Judaism. The youth group will be USY: Yesterday and Today.’ and remember the good feted during a special community-wide 60th anniversary celebraCurrent and past youthold days of BILU USY. tion at the synagogue on Nov. 19. group members will also Come celebrate this milehave opportunities to share stories and escapades from their stone birthday -- you’re promised a very memorable night days as USYers, said Tene, also noting that the Nebraska for the whole family.”

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Egypt has agreed to release dual American-Israeli citizen Ilan Grapel in exchange for 25 Egyptians being held in Israeli prisons. The Egyptians, including three minors, are not security prisoners, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office said. They are being held on charges such as crossing the border illegally, drug trafficking and holding unlicensed weapons, according to reports. Grapel, arrested in Cairo in June, was accused of espionage. Later he was accused of incitement and the attempted arson of the country’s Interior Ministry building and police headquarters in Cairo during January’s riots in the capital. The agreement is subject to the approval of Israel’s Security Cabinet, according to the Prime Minister’s Office. The agreement comes less than a week after captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was exchanged for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in an agreement reached with the terrorist organization Hamas. U.S. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-N.Y.), the top Democrat on the House Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia, hailed the agreement to effect Gapel’s release. Grapel served as an intern in Ackerman’s office in Bayside, Queens, in the summer of 2002. Ackerman intervened on behalf with Grapel with the Egyptian Supreme Council of the Armed Forces, the prime minister of Israel and the U.S. State Department, a statement from his office said. “For four long months, we worked tirelessly to win Ilan’s release, and at last this long and terrible ordeal that Ilan and his loved ones have been forced to endure is almost over,” Ackerman said in the statement. “From the beginning, I was assured by the highest levels in Israel that in no way did Ilan have anything to do with espionage, the Mossad or any other type of spy agency.” Ackerman said Grapel “just found himself in the wrong place at the wrong time.” Grapel has denied he is a spy and said he came to Egypt to intern for a nongovernmental organization that assists refugees from Sudan and elsewhere. Egyptian security officials said Grapel entered the country shortly after the start of the Jan. 25 uprising that led to the resignation of President Hosni Mubarak and posed as a foreign correspondent. A law student at Emory University, Grapel allegedly said he was Muslim on the visa application that he filed with the Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv and then entered Egypt using his American passport. Grapel is a New Yorker who moved to Israel following his graduation from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He joined the Israeli army, served as a paratrooper during the Second Lebanon War and was wounded in Southern Lebanon in August 2006.

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8 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

Jewish summer camps offer Beth El kids sense of community by JILL BELMONT could say. Going to camp just brings you together, as one, Beth El Publicity Coordinator in a big Jewish family.” Of the many influences which connect Jewish children Spending time with close friends and counselors during with their religion, one of the most powerful is the Jewish ‘tzrif time’ (cabin time) is a special memory of the firstsummer camp experience. These sleep-away summer year camper, but Hochfelder’s favorite time was Shabbat, camps -- usually a child’s first extended time away from which she called “simply magical. Walking around camp, home -- offer new adveneveryone in white, linktures, lifelong friends, ing arms, it made you feel plus daily immersion united.” into Judaism and spirituWhen asked if she plans ality: all in all, a meanto return to Herzl next ingful, unforgettable summer, Hochfelder experience. replied, “If I can, it would For years, Beth El chilbe my dream.” dren and teens have been During the past two avid Jewish summer summers, Camp Sabra in camp attendees, and sevLake of the Ozarks has eral of them recently been the home away shared thoughts about from home for fourth their special summer getgrader Gabi Hoberman. aways and a community Sabra offers a wide varibond that has touched ety of activities, including them all. water sports, a climbing Sixth grader Julia wall, basketball, soccer, Raffel has attended Herzl lacrosse, a zip line, Camp in Webster, drama, dance, music, and Wisconsin, for the past more. The camp also two years. Now in its Julia Raffel, far right, enjoyed her summer camp experience at offers opportunities to 65th year, Herzl is an Herzl this past summer, along with fellow Omahans, Lily Goldberg, learn about and particiindependent, trans- left, Emily Kutler and Amanda Simon. pate in outdoor living denominational, Zionist overnight camp with a large skills, camping trips, outdoor cooking and hiking. camper base from the Midwest, including a group of kids For Hoberman, friends and new experiences draw her from Omaha. back to camp year after year. Saying “we do so much aweCiting arts and crafts, waterfront fun, drama, guitar, and some, fun stuff and make great memories,” she also cited Gaga as favorite camp activities, Raffel says that “Making Shabbat as her favorite time. new friends and having fun keeps me coming back for “I love Shabbat at Camp Sabra and celebrating it with my more,” and down the road, she’d like to work as a counselor friends,” she said. “We sing, dance and I love being with at Herzl. kids like me.” “I feel more Jewish when I am around all my Jewish Beth El encourages its young congregants to participate friends and we all say the same prayers,” she added. “My in Jewish summer experiences which supplement and favorite special memory of camp is when we have break- enrich Jewish home life and classroom experiences. The fast, we stop in the middle of eating and stand up on the synagogue offers a variety of service grants to help offset benches and dance all around the tables singing and danc- the cost to attend. All Beth El youths who plan to attend a ing.” Jewish summer camp or trips endorsed by the synagogue As a member of the only Jewish family living in Harlan, may contact Education Director Judy Rubin at Iowa, Emma Hochfelder has a special appreciation for the 402.498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org about service close Jewish community provided by Herzl Camp. grants; applications will be available in December. All stu“Attending Herzl has really shown me how small the dents are entitled to benefit from grant money, Rubin said, Jewish community is, and how much like a family it is,” the adding that the amounts awarded are based upon merit eighth grader said. “Being the only Jewish person in my and are repayable by service to Beth El Synagogue or to the town (besides my family) I am a rare occurrence, you Talmud Torah.

Women’s 2012 Campaign Event Thursday, November 10th

College-bound students can visit with representatives from nearly 160 state and regional colleges during the Omaha Area College Fair, Sunday, Oct. 30 from 1-4 p.m. at University of Nebraska at Omaha, Sapp Fieldhouse, 60th & Dodge St. Admission is free. The College Fair will also feature financial aid presentations. For more information, contact Joan Jurek from EducationQuest at 888.357.6300. People with Medicare need to enroll in a prescription drug plan earlier this year. Open enrollment for Medicare Part D now occurs from Oct. 15, 2011 through Dec. 7, 2011. Call Volunteers Assisting Seniors at 402.444.6617 to make an appointment or visit www.vas-nebraska.com for more information.

Herzl Camp by ANNA SIMON Community Relations and Event Manager, Herzl Camp Foundation On the shores of crystal-clear Devil’s Lake in Webster, Wisconsin, surrounded by 120 acres of pristine woods, and just two hours from the Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, you’ll find Herzl Camp. For 66 years, Herzl Camp has been the place for kids from all over the Midwest to go for summers full of ruach (spirit), singing, sports, Shabbat, and friendship. Herzl Camp is a trans-denominational camp, rooted in Zionism. We are an independent non-profit. Herzl Camp receives no financial support from a Federation, synagogue or agency. We rely on donations from community members to keep our camp’s tuition the lowest of all Jewish camps in the Midwest. Our campers live in spacious, airy, comfortable cabins. Some are nestled in the woods, others overlook the lake. Our expanded facilities provide beautiful places to learn, laugh, play and pray. Whether your camper loves water sports, Ultimate Frisbee, art or drama, we provide programs that will stretch their imagination, expand their skills and challenge their abilities. To meet the needs of busy families, we provide programs varying from 1-6 weeks in length for campers entering 3rd through 11th grade. Because of the generosity of our friends and alumni, we are able to provide scholarships for families in need. Our counselors and specialists are selected for their talents, skill, maturity, knowledge, and natural connection with children. Most of our staff are Herzl alumni themselves and they carefully maintain and teach camp’s rich traditions. Our 1:3 staff to camper ratio ensures the highest quality of care and safety for your child. Herzl Camp is accredited by the American Camp Association, which confirms that we maintain the highest standards for the health and well-being of our campers. PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Price for admission is to make your pledge to the 2012 Annual Campaign (minimum $36) By invitation only, rsvp required to Nancy Martin at 402.334.6430 or nmartin@jewishomaha.org

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In the news

BUSINESS Guide

HONORARY EVENT CHAIR

Susie Cohn

FEATURING

Rebecca Rosen, psychic medium & author of acclaimed book Spirited

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402/334-6451 | ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Lasting memories for Temple Israel campers by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Dozens of Temple Israel youth enjoyed the pleasures of Jewish summer camp in 2011. Snuggled along lakesides or tucked into mountain sides, the kids chose from recreational activities such as archery, tennis, field hockey, basketball, baseball, ping

the Colorado Rockies. Her third time at Shwayder, Cecilia loves being up in the mountains, seeing her friends from camp every year, and doing things you can never do in the Midwest. “I plan on going back until my Daled (fourth) year at least, and maybe I’ll be an SIT (staff-in-training) and counselor after that like Grace and Joe Hack. The counselors are the best!” Elijah Marburg, ten, has been to Shwayder three times now. His favorite activity was “going to play Gaga (an Israeli game) with my cabin mates, because we had a great time.” He commented on meeting new friends, and “I saw a lot of old ones.” He agreed with Cecilia that the Shwayder counselors are “great.” This was Max Zweiback’s first time at Shwayder. The Cecilia Vann, right, at Shwayder Camp with Lauren Cole, a nine-year-old was there for friend from Kansas City. two weeks and also made new friends and concurred that the counselors were the best. And like the other kids, he gave a resounding, “Oh yes!” when asked if he would like to return to camp next summer. Another popular camp among Temple Israel children is Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Wisconsin. Twelve-year-old Hannah Goodman was there for three and a half weeks. It was her second summer there. “I really liked just meeting kids and Adam Silverman, left, Benjamin Raffel, and Benjamin being independent without Brodkey at Camp Sabra. my parents,” she said. In addipong, high and low rope challenge courses, tion to making new friends this year, “there horseback riding, cooking, drama, photog- were also a lot of friends from last year.” She raphy, arts and crafts, water activities such had not seen them since January when she as waterskiing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, attended a camp reunion in Illinois. “The swimming and campfires. In the midst of all counselors were really nice, too,” Hannah these choices, the youngsters also participat- added. “They were real role models. They ed in Shabbat experiences from lighting talked to us about how they handled situacandles to havdalah, Israeli dancing, learn- tions when they were our age.” As for next ing Hebrew as well as other Jewish themed- summer, Hannah would “definitely!” like to programs while developing independence, return to OSRUI. personal growth, and lifelong friendships. Even the rabbis rave about OSRUI. Rabbi Benjamin Brodkey, 12, and his sister, Julia, Eric Linder was there in July, and besides nine, went to Camp Sabra in Missouri near “hanging out with all of our Temple kids the Lake of the Ozarks. This was Benjamin’s there,” he worked in moshavah, an outdoor fourth summer at Sabra. “I don’t know what program that includes multi-day trips, backmy favorite thing was,” he reflected. “Maybe packing, biking, canoeing, or rock climbing. tubing or sailing.” But there is no doubt in He also was a sichah (conversation) leader his mind that he “had so much fun and good in Chalutzim, a Hebrew immersion unit at memories.” He met new friends in his cabin OSRUI. “We talked about the possible limits and a few in other cabins. To add to that, of forgiveness, Moses’ inability to enter the “the counselors were nice and responsible. Promised Land, and whether or not one has They cared about everyone and were all- to believe in God to be a practicing Jew. around awesome!” Jewish summer camps are filled with similar This was Julia’s second time at Sabra, and ‘teachable moments.’” she attended for two weeks compared to Temple Israel Religious School is planning Benjamin’s four weeks. “I loved spending its annual Camp Day on Sunday, November time with my friends that I came with and 20. Starting with an all-school breakfast at 9 the new friends that I made,” she said. “They a.m., the morning will include an assembly were all really nice!” Like her brother, she for second through sixth graders featuring rated the counselors as “really nice!” Both Solly Kane, assistant director of OSRUI who Benjamin and Julia were enthusiastic about will make a presentation and show a camp returning next year. video. After the assembly when the children Cecilia Vann attended the Maurice B. go to their classrooms, Kane will be availShwayder Camp located 10,200 feet high in able to speak to parents.

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10 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

Widening the tent of Jewish camping in America

Since 1993 the Jewish Agency has been running a network of summer camps in the former Soviet Union (FSU). The Agency describes these camps as “a cultural lifeline to Jewish identity.” These summer camps are supported by several Russian Jewish philanthropists and by Jewish Federations in such cities as Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cleveland, and St. Louis. The summer camps are free and (according to the Jewish Agency’s website) are designed “to provide children and youth ages 7-17 with a compelling and fun introduction to Jewish heritage through an up-close and personal experience, including exciting Israel-centered programs and interaction with young, creative counselors from the FSU and Israel.” Now here’s where this story gets interesting: Many (and perhaps a majority) of the children attending the summer camps have neither Jewish parents nor Jewish grandparents; these campers receive their free summer camping experience because they were fortunate enough to have had a single Jewish great-grandparent. Why? Because a little-known rule of Israel’s Law of Return states that a minor may make aliyah if they immigrate with one parent who has at least one Jewish grandparent. Yes, to a significant extent in the FSU, the American Jewish community is supporting Jewish camping for non-Jews. The Jewish Agency’s philosophy for this is as follows: Judaism was persecuted for 70 years in the FSU. The great assimilation that took place, therefore, was a kind of forced assimilation, and so it’s only fitting to try to redress this situation by reaching out to non-Jewish families who have some affinity to Judaism. I’m fine with all of this. However, I’m just wondering if the time has come for American Jews to target their own young families who, though not Jewish, would be eligible to make aliyah under the Law of Return. You see it turns out that

there is literally a generation gap between the families who are targeted for Jewish outreach in the former Soviet Union and the families who are targeted for outreach in the United States. In America, outreach generally targets intermarried couples and their children; in the FSU outreach extends another generation to target not only the children of intermarried couples but their grandchildren as well. Were American Jews to start supporting programs for this extra generation, the Jewish community’s target audience would jump significantly. I contacted the well-respected sociologist Professor Steven M. Cohen to get approximate numbers. He wrote to me to say that if Jewish outreach extended forward one generation-as it does in the FSU-we would be talking about moving from a target audience of 6+ million to an audience of almost 9 million. Our sages teach us that Jewish charity starts at home, in one’s own community. With so many Americans struggling financially, many non-Jewish families with one spouse “eligible for Return” might welcome a chance to send their children to free Jewish summer camp. What if this coming spring Americans would read in advertisements in their local newspapers that any parent with at least one Jewish grandparent could send their children to a free summer camp sponsored by the local Jewish community? My hunch is that thousands of families who heretofore had had absolutely no contact with the organized Jewish community would come out of the woodwork to take advantage of this opportunity. And if the campers came back clamoring for more of what they experienced during the summer (more Hebrew songs, more Jewish food, more Shabbat services), encouraging their parents to explore a neighborhood synagogue or Jewish Community Center, that would be wonderful. But even if this does not happen, the camping experience in and of itself, with its emphasis on Jewish ethics and values, would make the children better Americans--to the benefit of us all. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

Camp Ben Frankel

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by RICKY KODNER Interim Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Southern Illinois and Director, Camp Ben Frankel At Ben Frankel, campers have an opportunity to explore new interests and develop new skills by participating in fun activities. Arts and crafts, rock climbing, horseback riding, high ropes course, video making, bowling, canoeing, hiking, swimming, fishing, camping, tennis, sports, Israeli dancing and singing, and archery. Daily Hebrew lessons and our Judaic content enable campers from all kinds of Jewish backgrounds to learn more about their heritage and Jewish values. Campers have an opportunity to improve their synagogue skills and to prepare for their Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Our camp is Kosher and has a loving Jewish atmosphere which will make your child’s summer truly meaningful and fun. Our goal is that campers will gain a new sense of Jewish pride and Jewish identity. Each camp session features special programs, including visiting scholars/artists-in-residence, and field trips for roller skating, bowling, a play, a movie, minor league baseball games, fireworks, or blueberry picking. The Israel Scout Friendship Caravan visits and performs. Each group will have an opportunity to sleep out or take part in a group hike in scenic national forests and wildlife refuges. For more information, please contact Camp Director Rick Kodner at 618.235.1614 or campbenfrankel@gmail.com or visit www.campbenfrankel.com.

by GREG LAZERWITZ Marketing Coordinator, St. Louis Jewish Community Center With its 360 acres of woods and 3.5 miles of private shoreline, Camp Sabra offers everything a camper needs for a magical summer of fun. The St. Louis Jewish Community Center has provided quality resident camping programs at the Lake of the Ozarks since 1938, and opened Camp Sabra in 1970. Since then, Camp Sabra has established itself as one of the premier Jewish residential summer camps in the country. Children entering third to tenth grade can choose from a wide variety of water activities, including waterskiing, tubing, sailing, kayaking, cliff jumping and more. The camp’s woods provide a perfect setting for outdoor play. Campers can participate in archery, arts (drama, dance, music, and arts and crafts), the climbing wall, an extensive challenge ropes course, camping trips, outdoor cooking and hiking. Camp Sabra is a unique place to experience the joy of being Jewish. Campers gain a new understanding of their own rich Jewish heritage. From singing and dancing and religious services on the Sabbath, to special all-camp programs like Maccabia, the Jewish program at Camp Sabra has a special feeling that is interwoven throughout the close camp community. One-, two- and four-week sessions begin on June 11 and July 9. The camp’s peninsula sits on the Gravois arm of the lake, about 12.5 miles from Eldon, Mo. For more information, call 314-442-3151 or visit www.campsabra.com.

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October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

November

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Community Calendar FRIDAY, OCTOBER 28 BBYO New Members Convention in Kansas City 28th thru 30th Tehilim (Psalms) class with Dr. Matalon, noon Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El Second-Fifth grade Shabbaton, 10 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat is for Study with Cantor Beth, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30 BESTT Classes PreK-1, 6, 7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El LOVE’S 40th Anniversary Celebration, 11 a.m. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:30 p.m. at Beth El Latte & Learning for 8th-12th Graders, 7:30 p.m. at Starbucks, 114th & Dodge TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 1 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m. JCC Board Meeting, 7 p.m. A Guided Tour of the Guide of the Perplexed class, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2 Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m. at Blumkin Home BESTT Classes, 4:30 p.m. at Beth El Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m. BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at Blumkin Home Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 3 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education Class with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m. BILU USY Lounge Night, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 4 Tehilim (Psalms) class with Dr. Matalon, noon Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat! & Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 5 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Pre-K-7th Grade - Shabbat’s Cool!, 10 a.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El BILU USY Bonfire & Havdalah, 5:30 p.m. at Cantor Beth’s home SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Jewish Federations of North America 2011 General Assembly thru Nov. 8 Adult Education Classes, 10 a.m. at Beth El Sunday Breakfast Scholar’s Series, 10 a.m. at Beth EL Sisterhood Annual Luncheon, 11 a.m. at Beth Israel Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation Meeting, 1 p.m. BILU USY Israeli Food program, 3 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:30 p.m. at Beth El ARTZA 2012 Informational Meeting, 7 p.m. CJE Introduction to Judaism class, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Beth El YAC Parent/Toddler Playgroup, 10:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Guide of the Perplexed class, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 9 Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m. at Blumkin Home BESTT Classes, 4:30 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m. BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at Blumkin Home Live from the 92nd Street Y - Soviet Jewry and Reception, 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 10 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m. Open Arms Workshop, 7 p.m. at Beth El Federation Women’s Campaign Kick-Off, Guest Speaker: Rebecca Rosen, 7 p.m. at Marriot Regency Hotel FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Tehilim (Psalms) class with Dr. Matalon, noon Let’s Do Lunch with Beth El’s Rabbi Levin, noon at the Blumkin Home Star Deli SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO 2nd Annual AZA Joint Sweetheart Dance, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 13 BESTT Classes K-7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Boutique, 10 a.m. at Beth El BBYO March of the Living Informational Meeting, 3:30 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 14 Dance Parent Observations, 9 a.m. Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Monday Night Women’s Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel CJE Introduction to Judaism class, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 15 Dance Parent Observations, 9 a.m. Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel JFO Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT School Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Guide of the Perplexed class, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 Dance Parent Observations, 9 a.m. Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m. at Blumkin Home BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m. BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at Blumkin Home Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Sokolof Lecture with Rabbi Danny Gordis, 7:30 p.m. UNO Schwalb Center THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 17 Holocaust/Liberation Exhibit VIP Event Dance Parent Observations, 9 a.m. Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m. FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Tehilim (Psalms) class with Dr. Matalon, noon

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Orchestra Omaha Rehearsals, 9 a.m. Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El Simchat Shabbat & Cafe Schmooze, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Shabbat is for Study, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El USY @ 60 Birthday Bash, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 20 BESTT Classes PreK-7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education Classes, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El BESTT 7th grade Parent Program, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El Mainstreeters Day Trip to Brownville, Concert & Dinner, noon Pizza & Parasha with Cantor Beth, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim Program, 12:45 p.m. at Beth El Orchestra Omaha Concert, 2 p.m. Kadimah Program, 3 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 Mainstreeters Luncheon Program, 12:30 p.m. Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Beth El’s Lets Wine About It! with Cantor Beth, 6:30 p.m. at Fox & Hound, 120th and Dodge CJE Introduction to Judaism class, 8 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 22 Beth El’s YAC Parent/Toddler Playgroup, 10:30 a.m. at Pump It Up, 960 South 72nd Street JFO Board Meeting, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Friedel Jewish Academy PTO Sock Hop, 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Guide of the Perplexed class, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 23 NO BESTT Classes at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24 JCC Closed for Thanksgiving Beth El’s BILU USY Kinnus in St. Louis, 7 a.m.

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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 above events.

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12 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

Point of view

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The images we are about to show you

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press When a dictator, even one as despised as Gaddafi, dies a violent death, is it healthy to watch his dead body being paraded on every newscast, live and in Technicolor? Probably not. And yet, here we are; we just can’t look away. This is what we missed out on when Osama Bin Laden bit the dust. Were I a television exec, I’d be gleefully wringing my hands every time that warning sounded: “The images we are about to show you are extremely graphic. This is not a good time to have children present.” Because, let’s face it: most of us don’t respond by turning off the TV. Instead, we pay attention: this is going to be good, happy Halloween to us! It’s like watching the latest episode of The Walking Dead, but with more complicated plotlines. What does it say about us when we don’t look away? I could make the case that we’re bad people, treating death as entertainment, and that we need to get our priorities in order. But that would be too easy, and either way, I don’t really think it’s that simple. At the end of the day, we all just want to know that the bad guy ultimately gets it. There is no doubt that Gaddafi was a bad guy, and there’s even less doubt that he got his comeuppance. It’s a clear end to a messy story; if only this were Hollywood, we could run the end credits and move on. However, moving on is tough. Everyone knows that once the despot is gone, it is time for the cleanup, and that part is never easy. It’s no longer clear who the good guys are, lines have to be redrawn, and the future is uncertain. If history has taught us anything, it’s that the time immediately following a bloody and hard-fought revolution often leads to more bloodshed, rather than less. And yet, most regular Libyans,

just like the American media, seem to look no further than a dead body in a meat cooler. Can we blame them? It took a while to get rid of Gaddafi, and during that time, the Libyan opposition created the National Transition Council (NTC), which will serve as interim government. Its members are understandably careful with their response to Gaddafi’s death; it’s not easy, they know, to bring about democracy if you have blood on your hands. They don’t have the luxury of watching TV and celebrating the end of the Gaddafi era. And so they have agreed to an investigation of exactly how and when Gaddafi died, they have officially declared the liberation of Libya, and they have announced free elections in eight months. That’s a nice list, but there’s so much more the NTC has to overcome. The country has been ravaged by years of war, and numerous weapons are in the hands of random militias, which are anything but united. Much of the country’s citizens don’t have access to basic services, and they have to deal with thousands upon thousands of wounded without the assistance of a good medical system. After 42 years under Gaddafi’s rule, there is no blueprint for democracy, and besides: “The recent fighting around Sirte and Bani Walid, another holdout of pro-Gaddafi

loyalists, exposed some major tribal and regional cleavages that Libyans will have to bridge in forming a new government,” according to London-based Professor of Middle Eastern Studies Fawaz Gerges. (cnn.com) When faced with those overwhelming tasks, it is no wonder many Libyans would rather celebrate the end of the old regime a little longer. They know anarchy is waiting in the wings. The rest of the world will be watching right alongside them, I’m sure. Gruesome images notwithstanding, it could be worse: over the next few years, we could all collectively look the other way.

Fighting Wall Street -- and some protesters’ anti-Semitism

Focus on issues DAN KLEIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- The most unloved man in Zuccotti Park, the epicenter of the Occupy Wall Street protests, isn’t a Wall Street banker but a fellow who wears a baseball cap and carries signs denouncing “Jewish bankers.” The man, who refuses to share his name, comes almost daily to broadcast messages against Jews, Zionists and President Obama, whom he calls a “Jewish puppet.” One recent placard read “Google: Zionists control Wall Street.” Organizers and activists have tried to provide a counterpoint when he speaks to reporters and gawkers, holding their own signs deriding him. “A--hole” reads one. “Who’s paying this guy?” reads another. In one online video, demonstrators nearby can be seen chanting “Nazis: Go home!” “Everyone’s been trying to get rid of him,” said Dan Sieradski, a Jewish activist who organized a mass Yom Kippur Service at the site of the protests, which are now entering their second month. “But the police say he has a right to stay there, and he does.” Though the man is one of the few overtly anti-Jewish protesters at the site in New York, he is a sign of an undercurrent of anti-Semitism that runs through some of those protesting at the Occupy Wall Street gatherings across the United States. While movement organizers and sympathizers are quick to argue that such protesters are a fringe element, they are a reminder of the small proportion of Americans that still clings to the canard that Jews control the nation’s money. According to the Anti-Defamation League, 16 percent of Americans hold anti-Semitic beliefs about Jewish control of the banking system.

(Founded in 1920) Andrew Ruback President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

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“With any kind of populist movement, you’re going to have that kind of expression popping out,” said the ADL’s civil rights director, Deborah Lauter. “But this is a particularly sensitive one in the Jewish community, and we have to make sure it doesn’t take hold.” For the Jewish activists who see great merit in the Occupy Wall Street protests and have been trying to amplify their impact, they have had to do double duty tamping down antiSemitic and, in some cases, anti-Zionist expressions. That task has gained greater urgency as critics of the protests-within and outside the Jewish community -- have pointed to the anti-Semitic ferment of a few to disparage the larger anti-Wall Street movement. Radio personality Rush Limbaugh said the protesters’ rants against bankers and Wall Street were coded references to Jews. Similarly, Washington Post columnist Jennifer Rubin accused politicians and the media of hypocrisy for a lack of coverage of the anti-Semitic content compared to coverage of racism at Tea Party events. For their part, Jewish activists involved in the protests acknowledged that an Israeli organizer of the social protests that swept Israel over the summer was booed when he came to speak at Zuccotti Park. But, they noted, the heckler was kicked out. “Anti-Zionists come and try to make it about Israel,” Sieradski said. “We accept them into the movement, but we don’t allow them to hijack the movement.” Overall, the Jewish protesters argued, the focus on antiSemitism is exaggerated. “Wherever you go to a public demonstration,” said Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor of the left-wing Tikkun Magazine, “you always have a few nutcases standing on the side.” Lerner, who is based in San Francisco, helped organize Occupy Wall Street protests in Washington state. He said the strategy should be to ignore the occasional anti-Semite.

“Unless you’re a movement that beats up outsiders, you’re going to have people on the periphery show up,” he said. But detractors say the anti-Semitism is not just a fringe element. Among other things, they cite support for the protests by the Canadian magazine Adbusters, which was widely condemned for a 2004 story that focused on the influence of Jewish neoconservatives in drumming up support for the Iraq war and featured a list of 50 neoconservatives with asterisks next to the names of the Jews. In 2010, the magazine published a story comparing the Gaza Strip to the Warsaw Ghetto. Protesters say that beyond promoting the protests in its magazine, Adbusters has had no influence on their actual content. Defenders of the protests also note that some Tea Party rallies have had offensive messages, including Hitler analogies. Pressure by Jewish organizations and others have helped marginalize those voices. After being inundated by concerned calls after anti-Semitic manifestations at the Occupy Wall Street protests, the ADL issued a statement saying it is keeping an eye on the protests but does not believe that there is significant anti-Semitism. “While we believe that these expressions are not representative of the larger views of the OWS movement, it is still critical for organizers, participants and supporters of these rallies to condemn such bigoted statements clearly and forcefully,” ADL National Director Abraham Foxman said. Sieradski told JTA that protesters are printing pamphlets explaining how to confront the anti-Semites. He also accused critics of crying wolf and making it harder to fight real anti-Semitism. “The only people who yell at us are Jews calling us traitors and self-hating Jews,” Sieradski said. “We haven’t encountered many anti-Semites, but we’re still worried about it. It is in every part of our lives, and we need to be ever vigilant.”

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October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Shalit, Israel and rabbinic debate

Focus on issues DAVID ELLENSON NEW YORK (JTA) -- Political sovereignty in the restored Jewish homeland often means making decisions with lifeand-death implications. That reality was brought home last week with the agonizing decision to authorize the terribly imbalanced swap to gain the release of Gilad Shalit. The criticisms and concerns lodged by many supporters of Israel within and beyond its borders against the Netanyahu government for exchanging more than 1,000 prisoners for a lone Israeli soldier are legitimate and understandable. Undoubtedly some of the released prisoners will attempt again to wreak murder and mayhem against inhabitants of the Jewish state. At the same time, the overwhelming majority of Jews and people of good will throughout the world have rejoiced over a decision that will allow Shalit to return to the safety and love of his family and nation. Agreeing to the lopsided deal involved great pain for an Israeli government charged with balancing numerous and competing concerns in providing for the safety and security of its soldiers and citizens. The decision involved no easy or obvious choice. However, as so many reflect upon the action taken by Israel, it is instructive to remember that Israel unfortunately has confronted the same heartbreaking and excruciating question before. In 1985, the Jewish state had to decide whether to return 1,150 Palestinian and Lebanese prisoners for the release of three Israeli soldiers. While the exchange never took place and the fate of the three Israeli POWs remains unknown, two prominent Israeli rabbis -- Shlomo Goren and Haim David Halevi –

addressed the issue directly at that time. Their words from that time have resonance and meaning today, as they provide important perspectives for reflecting upon the policy position adopted by the current Israeli government in agreeing to this exchange. Rabbi Goren served as Chief Ashkenazic rabbi of Israel and was formerly chief rabbi of the Israel Defense Forces, while Rabbi Halevi was the chief Sephardic rabbi of Tel Aviv-Jaffa. Rabbi Goren, in an article written on May 31, 1985, stated that Jewish law absolutely forbade the Israeli government from redeeming “our captive soldiers in exchange for 1,150 terrorists,” and based his ruling on a Talmudic passage in Gittin 45a that stated, “Captives should not be redeemed for more than their value.” Rabbi Goren emphasized his great distress at the personal plight of these captives – they were surely in “mortal danger.” However, he still insisted that the state should not redeem them, as an exchange for the release of known terrorists bent on the destruction of Israel and its Jewish population surely would imperil all Israeli citizens and only fuel Arab attempts to capture more Jews in the future. The price exacted from Israel through the release of these terrorists was simply too steep for the state to afford. Rabbi Halevi, responding to Rabbi Goren soon after the article appeared, said he was sympathetic to the position advanced by his Ashkenazic colleague but disagreed with the conclusion. In Rabbi Halevi’s view, the conditions that obtained in a modern Jewish state were vastly different from those that confronted the Jewish community in pre-modern times when the Talmudic passage was written. The Jewish people were now sovereign in their land, and the “political-national” aims that motivated the terrorists “to wreak havoc among the Jewish people” would continue regardless of whether their prisoners

were released in exchange for Israeli soldiers. Indeed, these terrorists would persist in their efforts until a political solution to the entire Israeli-Palestinian conflict was achieved. The “impossible choice” before the government, as Rabbi Halevi saw it, was whether to “strengthen the power of the terrorists through the release of their comrades or to strengthen the morale of IDF soldiers should there be future wars.” Faced with the two options, Rabbi Halevi believed that priority had to be assigned the latter -- the Israeli government should do all in its power to uphold the morale of the Israeli soldiers. If a soldier and by extension his family and all residents of the Jewish state knew that the government would spare no effort or expense to liberate a captured soldier, and that such release possessed the highest governmental priority, then the resolve of the citizen-soldiers of the State of Israel to defend their nation would be fortified and absolute. In a moral universe where alternatives were limited and where the military might of the State of Israel could protect its citizenry despite the preposterous numerical imbalance of the exchange, Rabbi Halevi felt this choice was still the wisest one that the government could make in an imperfect world. In responding in this way, Rabbi Halevi enunciated a position that provides a rationale for understanding why the current Israeli government made the decision on the issue of prisoner exchange. As its critics contend, surely it is a policy fraught with danger for the state. At the same time, it appears to be a policy that continues to guide Israel legitimately as it continues to provide unlimited support to its citizen-soldiers as they all too often confront an enemy bent on the state’s destruction. Rabbi David Ellenson is the president of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion.

In Gaza and the West Bank, dark hearts walk free

Behind the headlines RON KAMPEAS One of the less salutary effects of the Goldstone report fallout two years ago was its blow to nuance. Within about five minutes of the report’s release, it was cast either as revealed text or as a phantasmic libel. Efforts to pick through it, to expose its flaws and to use its sounder findings to advance justice were buried in the subsequent screaming match. Those groups and individuals who initially delivered thoughtful analyses retreated under fire. With the notable exception, amazingly, of the IDF. The army recognized the report simultaneously as flawed and useful, as we reported here and here. I found this gratifying, because I am Israeli. I’ve lived there, I want to live there again, and when I read about the

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“white flag” killings -- the alleged shooting of women and children who sought the protection of surrender, I thought: If this is right, if a soldier deliberately took aim and shot a child dead, why on earth would Israel not want, purely out of self-interest, to keep this guy locked up forever? You can’t bifurcate evil. A man who kills toddlers in Gaza is a man who is dangerous to children in Ramat Aviv. No border crossing can separate evil intent from its dark heart. It’s with a sense of similar wonder that I’m contemplating the reaction of the Palestinians and their allies to the exchange that freed Gilad Shalit. The argument I’ve seen playing out in blogs, on Twitter, on Facebook, is this: The overwhelming media focus in Israel and the West on Shalit (and on his poor condition), and how same media contrasts Shalit with the crimes of some of the released Palestinians signals racism, because Israel is still holding innocent Palestinian children. This doesn’t seem so hard to figure out: Had Hamas or

any other Palestinian interlocutor wanted Shalit contrasted with innocents, it should have demanded the release of innocents and only innocents. As long as you welcome back mass murderers, the story will be about the welcoming back of mass murderers. And here is where I would be tempted to sign off with a “Good luck with that” raspberry, noting that the Palestinian polity is now welcoming into its arms men who plot the deaths of children celebrating holidays, of children who ride buses, of women who lure lovesick boys to slaughter. Except, here’s the thing: You can’t bifurcate evil. No border crossing can separate evil intent from its dark heart. I am Israeli, I know Israelis, so naturally I’m more prone to worry about murderers walking free in Ramat Aviv. But I also know Palestinians, I’ve been to Palestinian areas, and the idea of these sociopaths walking free among Palestinian innocents frankly spooks the hell out of me.

14 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. A special blessing will be given to those who celebrated birthdays in October. SATURDAY: Get Your Morning Midrash, 9 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Family Shabbat Service, 10 a.m. led by Rabbi Abraham, Eadie Tsabari and Judy Rubin; Second-Fifth Grade Shabbaton, 9:45 a.m.Sunday, 10:15 a.m. (No Sunday School for grades 2-5) For more information, contact Shiri Tene at 402.492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org or Judy Rubin at 402.498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org; Junior Congregation activities (2-7), 11 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Shabbat is for Study, 12:20 p.m. following services with Cantor Schlossberg; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 6:10 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: The congregation is invited to participate in the synagogue’s first Noah’s Ark Animal Parade and a blessing for the animals by Rabbi Abraham at 9:45 a.m. Bring their pets to the synagogue’s back lawn for this special event. In case of inclement weather, the event will be postponed; Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m. THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s What Do Jews Believe, noon. No charge to attend. Participants will discuss God, worship and prayer, Torah and mitzvot, sin and repentance, plus reward and punishment, among other topics. Register by contacting the office, or programming@bethel-omaha.org. TOT SHABBAT/SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: Friday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. Dinner follows both programs, at 6:30 p.m. RSVP to Margie Gutnik in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org. SHABBAT’S COOL: Special Shabbat school for grades Pre-K to 7, on Saturday, Nov. 5, 10 a.m.; No BESTT classes on Sunday, Nov. 6. DIVERSITY IN MOVIES: EMBRACING THE WORLD WITH OPEN JEWISH EYES: Susi Frydman-Levin leads this new monthly adult-education class, beginning Sunday, Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to noon. Through movies, participants will discuss their perspectives about people and life issues. To register, call the office, or email programming@bethelomaha.org. SUNDAY SCHOLARS SERIES: On Nov. 6, 11 a.m., Beth El Education Director Judy Rubin and the synagogue’s webmaster, Lisa Lieb, will present Judaism Online. No charge to attend. All classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 3:45 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 4:45 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 4:45 p.m.; Mincha, 5:45 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 7:06 p.m. SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call. TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; A Guided Tour of the Guide of the Perplexed, a six-week course on the work of Maimonides with Dr. Guy Matalon, 8 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. with Ms. Jennifer at Tifereth Israel. All tots and families are welcome; Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., with oneg following hosted by Tracy Gordon. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Noach. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 7:15 p.m. Jewish Theology Part I led by Rabbi Lewis and Nancy Coren.

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Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6:06 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah

SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway | Offutt AFB, NE 68113 | 402.294.6244 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 6:06 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

B’nai Mitzvah Aliyah M. Jabenis, daughter of Dacia Jabenis and Jon Jabenis, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Beth El. Aliyah is an eighth-grade student at Westside Middle School. She received the Loveland Elementary Award of Excellence. Her interests include horseback riding, art and music. For her mitzvah project, Aliyah is a volunteer at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. She has a brother, Grant. Grandparents are Karen and Daryl Silrum, and Elaine Jabenis and the late Mace Jabenis.

Jacob Aaron Meyerson, son of Jennifer and Scott Meyerson, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 5, at Temple Israel. Jake is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School. His interests include taekwondo, par kour, guitar and basketball. For his mitzvah project, Jake tutored a first grader in reading and volunteered at JDRF. He has two brothers, Brady and Cody. Grandparents are Carol and Steven Bloch, and Deenie and Larry Meyerson.

Candlelighting Friday, October 28, 6:06 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Songs, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Lisa Lieb. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. SUNDAY: LOVE 40th Anniversary event with Mary Maxwell, 2 p.m. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Experience Shabbat for grades 3-6, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Hannah Goodman, daughter of Jennifer and Scott Goodman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Grades PreK-2, 10 a.m.; WRJ Book Sorting, 10 a.m.; Cemetery Marking, 10 a.m.; Religious School Steering Committee Meeting, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Sally Frank: Defending Eve, 6:30 p.m. led by by Sally Frank, lawyer and Drake University professor. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. Newcomes are always welcome. To register, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg, wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. with Ms. Jennifer. All tots and families are welcome; Evening Services, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch. SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple; Unveiling of Leo Hill’s monument, 11:15 a.m. at Mount Carmel Cemetery. WEDNESDAY: LJCS classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 7:15 p.m. Jewish Theology Part I led by Rabbi Lewis and Nancy Coren.

Cornell, Technion joining for top tech campus by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Cornell University and The Technion-Israel Institute of Technology will partner to create a world-class applied science and engineering campus in New York City. The NYC Tech Campus on Roosevelt Island is set to combine the strengths of both institutions. Cornell President David Skorton and Technion President Peretz Lavie made the announcement Sunday. “By joining forces in this groundbreaking venture, our two great universities will employ our demonstrated expertise, experience and track record of transforming new ideas into solutions to create the global avenues of economic opportunity and tech leadership that Mayor [Michael] Bloomberg envisions,” Skorton said. An integral part of the campus will be the TechnionCornell Innovation Institute, a 50-50 collaboration between the two universities to form a graduate program to focus on bringing products quickly to the market. The partners will be joining in a full-scale campus -not a satellite of either school -- to open in 2012, initially in either leased space or existing Cornell facilities in New York City. The NYC Tech Campus is planned to grow to more than 2 million square feet on Roosevelt Island, accommodating nearly 2,000 graduate students and 250 faculty, as well as visitors and corporate researchers. Cornell and the Technion will collaborate in teaching, educating and advising students. The universities’ proposal will be presented to the city by Oct. 28.

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

October 28, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

The Great Flood

In memoriam RUTH BABENDURE

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Noah Without disputing what the Sacred Text tells us, I suspect that the Great Flood was no worse than what we have had in Omaha, Nebraska. We have had relentless rains, so that in many places water remained five or six feet deep. Our ancient ancestors, who seemed to look at the world as the Mediterranean Basin, thought that water that stayed above the normal level was a great flood. I suspect that in many parts of the world where there had been incessant rains, our ancient ancestors, seeing water as far as the eye could go, thought that the whole world was flooded, and mankind would cease to be forever. The rains around here have left fields and city streets with water five to six inches deep. Here we are, in the 21st century, and we are knowledgeable of physics, geology and geography. We see water around us not as a flood threatening mankind as a whole, but as a nasty nuisance, which will soon be eradicated. We rely on our scientists to provide pumps that will drain off the excess water and leave our streets in the cities, and fields in the open land again normal and useful. So much for a Great Flood.

Turkey rejects earthquake aid offers, including Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Turkey has rejected all international aid, including an Israeli offer, in the wake of a strong earthquake that collapsed buildings and left hundreds dead. Sunday's temblor, which measured 7.3 on the Richter scale and was centered in southeastern Turkey, was felt in central Tel Aviv, Haaretz reported. At least 239 people are confirmed dead, with many others reportedly trapped in collapsed buildings. â&#x20AC;&#x153;The State of Israel shares in your sorrow following the earthquake that has claimed victims from among your people,â&#x20AC;? Israeli President Shimon Peres said Sunday in a call to Turkish President Abdullah Gul. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I speak as a man, as a Jew and as an Israeli who remembers, and is well aware of, the depth of the historic relations between our two peoples, and thus I send the condolences of the entire nation to the families of those who lost their lives. At this difficult time, the State of Israel is ready to render any assistance that may be required anywhere in Turkey, at any time.â&#x20AC;? Gul thanked Peres for the telephone call, the expression of condolences and the offer of assistance, according to the President's Office, and said that he hoped Turkish search and rescue could handle the emergency alone. Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey are now nearly nonexistent. Israel's Defense Ministry and foreign minister had been in contact with Turkish officials Sunday in order to offer assistance. An Israel Defense Forces search-and-rescue delegation is prepared to leave for Turkey if it is called upon, according to reports. The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee has begun collecting [http://www.jdc.org/turkeyrelief] funds for Turkish relief efforts and is working with local partners -- including Turkey's Jewish community -- to ensure that victims' immediate needs are addressed. JDC's past humanitarian interventions in Turkey have included the provision of aid and training after earthquakes in 2010 and 1999. Diplomatic relations between Israel and Turkey have deteriorated since nine Turkish nationals, including a Turkish-American dual citizen, were killed in May 2010 during an Israeli raid on a Turkish-flagged aid flotilla attempting to break Israel's naval blockade on the Hamascontrolled Gaza Strip. Turkey has demanded an Israeli apology for the deaths and compensation to the victims' families. Israel has offered its â&#x20AC;&#x153;regretâ&#x20AC;? for the deaths, and has said that its naval commandos fired in self-defense. Relations had been going downhill since the 2008-09 Gaza war. Turkey sent several firefighting airplanes to Israel last December to help battle the massive Carmel Forest fire.

CORRECTION In the Oct. 21 issue, Jillian and Lisa Salomon were misidentified in the Sukkah Hop story. Jillian is on the left, and Lisa is on the right. The Press regrets these errors.

Ruth Babendure passed away Oct. 19 at age 93. A private family service was held at Golden Hill Cemetery.

JACK GEORGE EPSTEIN Jack Epstein passed away Oct. 12 at age 93. He was preceded in death by sister Sarah Schreiber and brother-in-law Norman Abrahamson. Survived by wife of 69 years, Lucille; daughter, Ronee Krashes of Boston; daughter and son-in-law, Diane and John Zipay of Omaha; grandchildren Michele and Michael Olsen of Washington DC, Jeremy Zipay and Kim and Andre Zipay of Omaha, Michael and Natalia Krashes and Elizabeth and David Colanto of Boston; great-grandchildren ZoĂŤ Olsen of Washington DC and Jack and Henry Zipay of Omaha; siblings Harold and Etta Epstein, Julius Schreiber, Louise Abrahamson, and Harold and Helen Abrahamson. Many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Jack served his country during WWII. He had a life-long career in wholesale liquor sales and retired in February at the age of 92. He was a respected bridge player and enjoyed golfing, Husker football, and most of all, spending time with family and friends. Memorial donations may be made to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

SHIRLEY GRANT Shirley Grant, 90, of Scottsdale, AZ, passed away on October 23, 2011. Funeral services were held in Phoenix. She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, Dr. Robert S. Grant. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Richard and Lori Grant of Steamboat Springs, CO; son, Michael Grant of Long Beach, CA; and daughter and sonin-law, Linda and Gary Perlman of Scottsdale, AZ; brother and sister-in-law, Burton and Maxine Polsky of Chevy Chase, MD; grandchildren: Debbie and Scott Goldstein of Overland Park, KS, Sarah and Jay Plaskett, Suzi Perlman of Chandler, AZ; two great-grandchildren, Jacob and Zachary West of Chandler, AZ. She was born and raised in Lincoln, Shirley moved to Scottsdale, AZ in 2003. She was very active in Tifereth Israel Synagogue and Sisterhood, Hadassah and other community organizations. Memorials may be made in her memory to Tifereth Israel Synagogue, 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502; or Hadassah, c/o Toby Goldberg, 5501 E. Hartford Ave., Scottsdale, AZ 85254.

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German casino returns Nazi-looted painting by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- A German casino has returned a Nazi-looted painting to the heirs of a German-Jewish art gallery owner. The return of The Masters of the Goldsmith Guild in Amsterdam in 1701 by Dutch portrait painter Juriaen Pool II (1665-1745), took place Tuesday at the Amsterdam Museum. The beneficiaries of the estate of Max Stern, who ran a gallery in Germany before he was forced by the Nazis to liquidate his works, are Concordia, McGill and Hebrew universities. The Pool painting, which depicts some of Amsterdamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most important citizens, is the ninth Nazi-looted piece of artwork to be returned to the university heirs. It had been with the Stern Gallery in Dusseldorf as late as 1937 when it moved to the Heinemann Gallery in Wiesbaden. In the years after World War II it was acquired by a casino in southern Germany and has been there ever since. Stern liquidated his galleryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s works of more than 400 pieces after Jews were banned from selling art. In 1943, after recovering a fraction of the works, Stern moved to Canada and purchased the Dominion Gallery of Fine Arts. Following Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death in 1987, the beneficiary universities in association with the Holocaust Claims Processing Office in New York founded the Max Stern Art Restitution Project to locate and recover works from Sternâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s collection. The artist Pool lived in the 17th century building that houses the Dutch museum, which once was an orphanage.

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16 | The Jewish Press | October 28, 2011

Filmmaker Tiffany Shlain is feeling Connected by DVORA MEYERS life. The elder Shlain died of brain NEW YORK (JTA) -cancer in 2009 right before the Filmmaker Tiffany Shlain is birth of Tiffany’s second daughcertainly no Luddite. She coter, whose difficult conception founded the Webby Awards also is chronicled in the film. in 1996 to showcase excelYet when Shlain first started lence on the then-fledgling making Connected, she did not Internet. Yet 15 years later intend for it to be about her life she, like many of us, is and family. ambivalent about the technol“It took four years to make,” she ogy that allows people to conexplains, “and for the first two it nect to the web 24 hours a was not a personal film. It was day, 7 days a week. [simply] exploring connectedAt the start of her first feaness. And then my dad got sick.” ture length documentary, Faced with the prospect of losConnected, which premiered ing one of her most important at the Sundance Film Festival “connections,” she incorporated and is currently being her father -- via filmed interscreened across the country, views, home movies and his Shlain recounts an incident in research -- into the movie. which she faked needing to The elder Shlain had written go to the bathroom while about the connections between sharing an enjoyable meal seemingly disparate ideas, such as with a good friend she hadn’t art and science, and was at work seen in awhile in order to on another such book, Leonardo’s check her e-mail. Brain, when he was diagnosed. In As she gives in to her techhis view Leonardo da Vinci, who Tiffany Shlain incorporated her father into her docunological addiction, Shlain mastered the arts and sciences, mentary Connected after he was diagnosed with brain shamefully wonders, “What represented the ideal in terms of cancer. have I become?” left-right brain utilizations. And It was this question that prompted her to start work on the in her film, Shlain posits that da Vinci, having a facility with film. both, in a sense is a very early forerunner of the Internet, If Shlain’s previous documentary, The Tribe, explored what which has synthesized the use of texts and images. it means to be an American Jew in the 21st century through Practically speaking, Shlain adds in an interview, this the prism of the Barbie doll (which was created by a Jewish fusion has allowed women like her to excel in previously woman, Ruth Handler), then Connected essentially asks the male-dominated careers, such as filmmaking, while raising same question but in much broader terms: What does it families. mean to be a connected, interdependent human in the 21st “The Internet is empowering working mothers so much,” century? Shlain says. “It was the tool that the feminist movement To try to answer this question (and several others), Shlain always needed.” doesn’t interview a host of experts in a Charlie Rose-style Yet, at the same time, the ubiquity of texting, Internet and roundtable. Rather, she introduces us to her father, the sur- e-mail seems to have driven everyone slightly batty. If you geon and author Leonard Shlain, during the final years of his can always access your work e-mail, you can always be

working, at least in theory. “In our lives today, there is such a blur between what is work and what is pleasure,” Shlain says. For instance, she used to look forward to plane trips because she couldn’t get online; she would nap or read a book. Now Shlain finds herself being annoyed when WiFi isn’t available on her flight. As a correction for an overdependence on technology, Shlain and her family decided to start observing a “technology Shabbat” inspired, in part, by Reboot’s National Day of Unplugging. “When you have someone really close to you die, you think a lot about time and life, and how short it is. I wanted to have a day when I was totally present,” she says. “I think the problem,” Shlain continues, “is that people think that one thing replaces the other, but nothing replaces deep relationships.” And no matter how advanced our devices have become, she adds, those still need to be nurtured in the ways they’ve always been -- through time spent together, talking and laughing, and simply being with one another. The popularity of Reboot’s “technology Shabbat” underscores the degree to which others besides Shlain have been thinking about how the intrusion of the Internet has impacted our time usage and relationships. “The great thing is that the movie is coming out when everybody wants to talk about it,” Shlain says. “At this point, everyone has realized that their lives have changed so much.” Despite some negative outcomes, Shlain ultimately believes that all of this connectivity is a good thing. “I think we are going to be alive when we see every person on the planet connected. It will be powerful,” the filmmaker says. She cites a recent breakthrough in AIDS research in which online gamers decoded a protein in three weeks that had stumped researchers for more than 15 years. Shlain envisions that many more problems can be solved by using the power of the Internet to come together. But even in the short term, Shlain already is feeling the positive impact of the web and her film about it. “I feel so connected at the screenings,” she says. “When the film ends, I’m in an audience with 400 people. Everyone ends up sharing more because I did.”