November 7, 2003

Vol. LXXXIII No. 10 Omaha, NE

Newcomer’s Brunch Draws More Than 100

by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director A brunch to welcome newcomers was as big a hit for our community’s new families as it was for long-time residents!

Newcomers mingled with representatives from Omaha’s Jewish organizations and agencies at he Newcomer’s Brunch held this past Sunday at the Jewish Community Center. The event was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Janie Murow, Community Development Director for the Federation, described the response to the event as “incredible” and said that smaller events designed to connect newcomers to the Jewish community are being planned. Rosie Zweiback right, Temple Israel’s Program Director, visits with Scott and Jill Simon, who relocated here six months ago from Connecticut with their daughter Amanda, and son, Jake (not pictured).

SPECIAL ISSUE SALUTING EDUCATION AND CAMPING

12 Cheshvan, 5764 November 7, 2003

L.A. Jews Struggle with Wildfires

by TOM TUGEND believed to be the oldest in California, in continuous LOS ANGELES (JTA)--By phone, e-mail and word-of- operation since 1851. mouth, the bad news kept piling up at Congregation As of Tuesday, at least 21 people had been killed by Emanu El in San Bernardino, California. the region’s 10 major wildfires. So far, San Bernardino The homes of six member families had been burned and its surroundings have been hardest hit, accounting to the ground in the devastating wildfires sweeping for almost half of the 2500 homes destroyed early in the across Southern California. Another 30-40 families from week. But it seemed that losses and suffering were the congregation had been forced to evacuate their almost everywhere in Southern California. homes, and no one knew the whereabouts of eight To the south, in San Diego County, the 20 classroom other families. trailers of the Chabad Hebrew Academy of San Diego Rabbi Douglas Kohn, spiritual leader at the Reform were totally destroyed by the fire. An adjacent, brandcongregation, was at the point of utter exhaustion. new $25 million building, almost completed and sur“I haven’t slept more than 10 hours since Shabbat,” rounded by flames, was spared, according to Rabbi he said Monday evening. “I can see the tall flames from Yisroel Goldstein. my study. Embers, soot and ashes are falling on the Continued on page 3 synagogue and we can’t use the air conditioning. We have evacuated our Torah scrolls and original Marc Chagall paintings. One of our members, an officer in the fire department, is on the fireline, and our Jewish police chief is also in action.”

“Every one of our 420 families is out helping others.

Everyone is concerned about everyone else,” Kohn said.

Emanu-El is the only synagogue in San Bernardino, a city of 185,000 people some 60 miles east of Los The Chabad Hebrew Academy of San Diego was scorched by the fire. All 20 classroom trailAngeles. The shul also is ers were destroyed, as this Oct. 27 photo by Rabbi Yisroel Goldstein shows.

Jewish Group Considers Legal Action Following Revelations About Ford Funding

by EDWIN BLACK WASHINGTON (JTA)--In the wake of revelations that the Ford Foundation is spending millions to fund organizations engaged in anti-Israel agitation, the American Jewish Congress is considering legal action against the Ford Foundation or relevant government agencies to enforce charitable financing laws.

“Congress should examine the taxexempt status of organizations such as Ford Foundation,” AJCongress’ Executive Director, Neil Goldstein, said in a news release.

The AJCongress statement cited the JTA series “Funding Hate,” which documents the Ford Foundation’s extensive funding of radical Palestinian non-governmental organizations, or NGOs. (The Jewish Press has published Parts I and II; Parts III and IV will be published in the Nov. 14 an 21st issues.)

“The purpose of the tax-exemption cannot be to finance terrorists and terrorrelated activities,” Goldstein said.

No evidence has emerged linking Ford’s grant making to terrorists, although one of several Ford-funded Palestinian Web sites, www.palestinereport.org, linked directly to the Web sites of Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other groups on the State Department's list of Palestinian terrorist groups.

Within hours of the publication of JTA’s four-part series, www.palestinereport.org removed both the links to

Inside

terrorist groups and its section “From Revolution to Revolution,” both of which were cited in the JTA investigation.

“We have only begun to look at the implications raised by this series,” said AJCongress’ general counsel, Marc Stern.

Stern said he was studying the possibility of filing a lawsuit. “Was this funding in compliance with the government anti-terrorism regulations?”

“A more important set of issues,” Stern pointed out, is that the Ford Foundation board “represents a fairly small sliver of American society. Yet they control huge monies, huge prestige and engage in protected action which does not represent the American consensus. They refuse to answer questions, they are not accountable to anyone but themselves--and all this raises important issues of public policy.

Those issues are raised in spades.”

Stern said his group was still “down the road before making up our minds, but we are examining the possibility of filing a lawsuit against Ford or the government to enforce relevant laws. We are examining that right now.”

AJCongress specifically cited a presidential executive order that requires Palestinian NGOs that get U.S. funding to certify that none of their funds have

made or will make their way to organizations that “advocate or support terrorist activities.”

Ford’s press relations office--normally manned by media staffers--was being answered by an answering machine for days after the series broke last week, and officials there could not be reached for comment.

One senior Ford official who was contacted by telephone said he would not comment for the record and hung up.

Meanwhile, the New Israel Fund, the recipient of a recently announced $20 million, five-year grant from the foundation, said it would function independently as it finances social-action activities in Israel. The FordNIF partnership calls for the newly created “donor-advised” peace and social justice fund to be overseen by Aaron Back, Ford’s program officer for Israel, who just left the foundation to become a consultant to the NIF-Ford partnership.

Asked if NIF would be a conduit for Ford’s designated recipients that have engaged in anti-Israel activity, NIF board President Peter Edelman said, “No, because the grants will be made under our supervision and we will only approve grants to organizations that are not opposed to the State of Israel as a

“Was this funding in compliance with the government antiterrorism regulations?”

This Week: Teen Age Features Beyt Shalom Sioux City Center Rick Recht Performs: Page 9

How to Find Jewish Books on the Internet: Page 12

democratic Jewish state.”

Edelman also said that the money from Ford “comes to us in a chunk; they can’t take it back. There is a Ford Foundation representative on the advisory group.

But that advisory group has no legal power. They can’t make a grant, only our board can--and they can’t take the money back.”

Ford’s $20 million is scheduled to be transferred in a single payment sometime in November, according to NIF sources.

Edelman said the new NIF-Ford funds would “absolutely not” be directed to Fordfunded Palestinian NGOs, such as LAW and the Palestinian NGO network, which have agitated virulently against Israel.

“We are a fervently pro-Israel organization,” Edelman said. “We will be giving money to groups who are Israeli and which are seeking a Jewish democratic Israel.”

Edelman declined to comment on Ford’s funding of anti-Israeli groups. “We have received Ford Foundation grants for 15 years,” he said. “That is all I can comment on.”

Edwin Black is the author of the newly released War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America’s Campaign to Create a Master Race. In May 2003, he won the American Society of Journalists and Authors' award for best book of the year for IBM and the Holocaust.

The “Funding Hate Series” continues next week with Part III.

Coming Dec. 5: The Jewish Press Hanukkah Gift Guide The Historian’s Footprint Page 21

Lincoln Center Amoz Oz to Speak Page 22

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Eden Alternative Seminar, 8 a.m.

Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Congregational Shabbat Dinner & Program, 6 p.m. at Beth El Kutler Scholar-in-Residence Weekend Rabbi Alvin Rosenfeld, 6 p.m. at Beth El

C C SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8 L Scholar in Residence Weekend, 9 a.m. at Beth El L I BELLS Luncheon, noon at Beth El I P OCTL “Fun Night”, 7 p.m., at Nancy Mattley’s Culinary Services P in Ralston & JYG Event, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel & S A V E

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 9 B’nai B’rith Mens Lodge Kansas City Chiefs Game Trip, 7 a.m.

Scholar-in-Residence Weekend, 10 a.m. at Beth El Temple Israel Men’s Club, 10 a.m.

Bible Study: The Book of Samuel, 11 a.m. at Beth El JFS Yachad, noon Camp Sabra Reunion, 12:30 p.m.

Visions at the Orpheum for “Mamma Mia” 2 p.m.

S A V E

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 10 YES Program, 10 a.m.

Soul of the Text Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m.

Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Sisterhood Donor Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel UNO Kabbalah Class, 6 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

B’nai B’rith Mens Lodge Membership Appreciation Nite, 6 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout NCJW Bookclub, 7 p.m.

C RBJH Veterans Day Program, 7 p.m.

C L L WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 12 I I B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn P Adult Education, 6:30 p.m at Temple Israel P Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El & & THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 13 S Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel S A Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

A V Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century, noon at Beth El V E Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m.

E Ethics of Cloning, 7 p.m.

Come And Dance, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Described by Newsweek as “Israel’s finest novelist” Amos Oz will read from his work and share some stories at an event open to the community on Tuesday Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m., at the Lied Center for the Performing Arts, 12th and Q Streets in Lincoln, and Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel in Omaha.

“Eloquent, humane, even religious in the deepest sense, he emerges…as a kind of Zionist Orwell: a complex man obsessed with simple decency and determined above all to tell the truth, regardless of whom it offends,” wrote Newsweek in a review of Oz’s novel, A Perfect Peace.

A native of Jerusalem who was educated and lived for many years on Kibbutz Hulda, Oz sets many of his stories either on a kibbutz or in the Israeli capital, both of which he presents as microcosms of Israeli society. “…a passionate man whose energy infuses all of his writing,” according to the San Francisco Chronicle Review, Oz’s stories are known to challenge the notion of order and decency.

His first book of short stories, Where Jackals Howl, published in 1965, won Oz his first literary award, an eager readership as well as a strong literary opposition.

His novel, Elsewhere Perhaps, was published in 1966 and later in America, England, France, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Spain, and Argentina. The story was also adapted to stage.

My Michael, perhaps Oz’s best known novel, appeared in Israel in 1968 provoking hostile criticism as well as enthusiastic admiration and causing a literary and political storm. More than 105,000 copies of the Hebrew edition have been sold, and the book has been published in more than 20 countries and made into a

movie.

Next came Unto Death in 1971 followed by Touch the Water, Touch the Wind about two Holocaust survivors who fall in love, The Hill of Evil Counsel, and Soumchi, Oz’s first children’s book.

A collection of articles and essays on literary, ideological, and political issues, Under the Blazing Light reached the bookstores in 1979.Then came the warmly received A Perfect Peace in 1982.

In the Land of Israel caused a sensation of protest and admiration when it came out in 1983. A series of essays in which Oz describes a journey he made through Israel during the Lebanon War, the book combines serious documentary interviews with personal observations in a storyteller’s setting.

In the essays, Oz attempts to be fair and faithful to a variety of political and ideological groups within Israel.

Breaking records, Black Box appeared in 1987 and after immediately capturing the number one spot on bestseller lists in Israel, the book remained there longer than any previous work. Later that year, Oz’s The Slopes of Lebanon reflected on Israeli and world politics, the Middle East conflict, and the Holocaust.

Then, in 1989, came To Know a Woman evoking passionate controversy in Israel. Other Oz titles include Fima; Israel, Palestine and Peace; Don’t Call It Night; Panther in the Basement; The Story Begins; The Same Sea; and A Tale of Love and Darkness. Oz’s fiction and non-fiction have been translated into 34 languages.

Co-sponsored by the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, Amos Oz’s presentation will be followed by a reception at Temple.

Beth El Holiday Bazaar Features 35 Vendors

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue “It’s bigger and better than we ever imagined,” agreed Caryn Rifkin and Patti Adler, Co-chairmen of this year’s Holiday Bazaar at Beth El Synagogue, Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admission is free and open to the public.

“The response from vendors was incredible,” added Rifkin, “and shoppers are Nanci Kavich going to find a huge selecof RSVP tion of quality gift items they won’t find any place else in town!”

“It defines ‘one-stop’ shopping,” said Adler, “everything from original paintings and sculpture to handmade jewelry and handbags, panoramic photos and kitchenware, candles, cosmetics, Judaica, gift certificates, even gold and silver coins. You hear it all the time, but there really is ‘something wonderful for everyone!’”

Also included are limited edition lithographs, antique and silver jewelry, Austrian crystal, watches, rings and earrings, original evening bags, hand-knit wool-felted handbags, and knock-off handbags, wallets and luggage, hand-knit scarves, towels, collars, stoles and chokers embellished with beads, pins and vintage jewelry, kipot and Jewish jewelry, body massage gift certificates, scrapbook tools and accessories, party goods, photo-printed accessories, Pampered Chef products, Longaberger baskets and accessories, and designer dog and cat collars.

Participating vendors include: the Beth El Gift Shop, Leah Kosinovsky, Patti Adler, The L.O.V.E. group, Sheri

Eadie Tsabari Nora Lee Zoob of Omaha e-Gifts JCC Health Club Dietrich, Omaha e-Gifts, Carole Lainof, Dog Gone Wild, Advanced Innovations, JMR Productions, Meghann Lustgarten, Goldnsilver, Shari Eades, Arm Candy, On A Whim, It’s A Girl Thing, Get Mugged, Nora Lee Zoob, RSVP, Thumbprints, Independent Kitchen, Creative Memories, Mary Kay, Lola Handknits, Vanessa Barrett, Cheryl Levine, PartyLite Gifts, Longaberger, Circondi, Daniel Christensen, William Moore, Shir Tal, Louise Abrahamson, Debra Pappenheimer, Holly Weill, Periwinkles, Tamara Say, Phil Rich, Imago and Kieran Anderson.

Adler noted that in addition to the hundreds of items offered by individual vendors, there will be a kosher bake sale and on-going raffle. “You can buy something wonderful or win something wonderful...or both,” she said.

“We all like finding special gifts for people who are special in our lives,” Rifkin added, “and Beth El’s holiday Bazaar will be the perfect place to do just that!”

For more information, call the Beth El office, 4928550.

November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

L.A. Jews Struggle New Charity Rankings Confirm with Wildfires Israel Crisis Bolsters Jewish Giving Continued from page 1

by URIEL HEILMAN say, ‘I guess we’re doing a wonderful NEW YORK (JTA)--While U.S. charities job,’” said Mark Charendoff, President of struggled last year to cope with the first the Jewish Funders Network, which drop in charitable giving in 12 years, helps Jewish foundations develop more Jewish charities defied the national trend effective philanthropy strategies. “Our by increasing their fund raising. ability to respond to a crisis doesn’t That finding, documented in The speak to our willingness to fund the Chronicle of Philanthropy’s list of the 400 ongoing growth and vitality of Jewish top charities--an annual report that ranks life in America.” charities by the private support they “There is an amazing, remarkable receive--was welcome news for Jewish resilience that the American Jewish comgroups around the country. munity has, to respond to The Jewish group highest times of crisis, especially “We’re less good on the list was the umbrella when that crisis is connected organization of local Jewish at responding to to Israel,” Charendoff said. federations, the United more amorphous “We’re less good at respondJewish Communities, which ing to more amorphous raised more than $266 mil- crises, like ... Jewish crises, like the crisis of lion from private sources Jewish continuity or the cricontinuity or ... and moved up to 32nd place sis of Jewish illiteracy. For from 41st on the list. our communities, that’s got Jewish illiteracy...”

In all, 29 Jewish or to be a question that trouJewish-related groups made the top 400, bles us: If there wasn’t a crisis in Israel this based on IRS filings and organizational past year, where would we be on that list?” documents.

Still, many officials in the Jewish philJewish groups rose in the rankings anthropic world, even those whose largely due to fund-raising campaigns to groups were not listed among the top help Israelis affected by terrorism, but 400, were heartened by the rankings. also due to donations tied to the Sept.

Among top Jewish groups, federations 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, the Chronicle’s seem to have benefited most from editor, Stacy Palmer, said in an interview. increased Jewish giving. The UJAThose events sparked a 7.5 percent rise Federation of New York was the second in gifts to Jewish groups, Palmer said.

Jewish group on The Chronicle of The UJC’s Israel Emergency Campaign, Philanthropy's list, climbing to 51st place the largest of the Israel-related drives from 68th last year, with $198 million in among Jewish groups, has collected more private money. A variety of other Jewish than $250 million since it was launched groups made the top 400, Hadassah, the after the start of the intifada, according to Anti-Defamation League, the American UJC spokeswoman Gail Hyman.

Jewish Committee and the Jewish “I sure hope Jews don’t read this and National Fund.

The Board of Rabbis of Southern Also in San Diego, another synagogue California called on all member congrecalled Temple Emanu El closed its pre- gations to provide assistance, the board’s school and transferred its Torah scrolls, Executive Vice-president, Rabbi Mark Rabbi Martin Lawson said. Tifereth Israel Diamond, said.

Synagogue also took its Torah scrolls to There are several ways to contribute to safety after nearby residents were fire relief assistance: ordered to evacuate their homes.

Hard-hit Congregation Emanu El in San In Simi Valley, the Mount Sinai Bernardino has established a Fire Memorial Park cemetery reported minor Tzedakah Fund. Checks can be made out damage to buildings and more extensive to Emanu El and sent to 3512 North E St., burning of trees and park areas. The San Bernardino, CA 92405.

Brandeis-Bardin Institute, a Jewish The Jewish Federation of Greater Los retreat center also in Simi Valley, was Angeles has set up a Fire Emergency untouched by the fire.

Relief Fund. For information and contriIn the San Gabriel butions, phone 323 Valley, four 761-8200, or mail employees of the checks to Jewish local Jewish Federation, 6505 Federation reported Wilshire Blvd., Los that their homes Angeles, CA, 90048, had been entirely and write “Fire or partially Relief Fund” on the destroyed. memo line.

Meanwhile, In San Diego, Jewish communichecks can be sent ties across the to Jewish southern part of the C o m m u n i t y state rallied to aid Disaster Fund, c/o the homeless and Jewish Community other victims of the Foundation, 4950 fires.

Murphy Canyon Some 11 Chabad Rd., San Diego, CA centers in Southern 92123.

California turned Rachel Brand themselves into of the Jewish relief and counsel- Chabad’s tall Hanukkiah was the only thing left Journal of Greater ing centers, provid- standing after fires swept through the hills of Los Angeles coning clothing, furni- San Diego last month. tributed to this ture and food.

Photo by Yisroel Goldstein. story.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Beth El Stands Firm in Commitment to Education for All Ages

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue stands firm in its commitment to providing education and enrichment for members of all ages.

Carrying out this mission depends on creative educating, inventive programming, and overlapping of professional responsibilities in addition to striking out for special funding and financial support.

Methods already in place will be accompanied in the near future by additional acts of generosity, if the hopes of Congregation President Dick Fellman are realized. He has encouraged individuals to underwrite a whole year’s programs, subsidize a field trip, sponsor an enrichment activity, or contribute to the 21st Century Endowment Fund.

Hopes aside, the fact is “Beth El is fulfilling its major function as a Beit Midrash, a House of Study,” providing educational opportunities for all age groups.

To meet the needs of the synagogue’s youth, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) has concentrated in recent months on exploring new venues for grants and resourceful fundraising, and on developing new and improved curriculum and learning situation.

School Director Anna Besser is especially proud of the new Siddur-based Hebrew Curriculum, aimed at nurturing “Jews who will know the prayers and understand their meaning,” and the elective-based High School curriculum. Its menu of interesting, relevant courses ranges from Jewish Values to World Religions in addition to Holocaust, Jews in Politics, Hot Topics around the World, Conversational Hebrew, and more.

“The mission of BESTT is to teach our children the richness of Jewish life, help them achieve positive Jewish identities, and encourage them to actively participate in Jewish life,” Besser said. “We are fortunate to have wonderful teachers who are dedicated to this mission.”

Gloria Kaslow, Interim Director of the School Board, has suggested ways that all members of Beth El can support BESTT, such as the purchase of software or a set of textbooks, in addition to active participation in the “Buy Beth El” fundraising programs.

Kaslow paid tribute to Beth El’s professional staff for filling roles as educators in addition to their other responsibilities. She made reference to the rabbi and cantor, and also to Harriet Einziger, who came on board recently to serve as

Left photo: During a review of Sukkot, Margo Riekes points out the differences between a lemon and an etrog to a group of her fourth grade students: top row, Hal Emas, left, Abbey Giller, Elizabeth Salkin, Alex Kirshenbaum; front row: Bradley Kutler, left, Max Saferstein-Hansen and Sam Kohll. Right photo: Eadie Tsabari, back row, right, and her third grade class host a recent visit by BESTT Educator/Adult and Family Program Director.

Einziger, who holds a Masters Degree in Jewish Education, offers her knowledge and training to BESTT’s third through 12th graders. Primarily she teaches classes on holidays, Bible, Holocaust and theology.

In non-school hours, she bubbles with ideas for activities and enrichment as she assists groups within the Beth El family to develop, schedule, orchestrate and publicize programs.

Among the groups she assists are the “seasoned ’n spicy citizens” of Hazak; the couples with young children; and the adults in the age range of 22 to mid-30s.

Rabbi Mordechai Levin shares and inspires the passion for education at Beth El. “We have many outstanding programs for children and adults, and we’re always trying to build on them,” he said. He mentioned, as examples, the thriving Rosh Hodesh Group, which brings Beth El women together monthly for stimulating discussion and exchange of ideas, and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni’s Adult Bar/ Bat Mitzvah class, where men and women are learning Hebrew, prayers and Jewish history in preparation for a B’nai Mitzvah ceremony.

The rabbi personally assumes much of the responsibility for providing educational opportunities. His tireless efforts,

director Anna Besser, center, and Interim School Director Gloria Kaslow. The students are, front row: Kylie Kirshenbaum, left, Naomi Zipursky, Samantha Wiener, Tal Margalit, Maddison Skolkin, Melissa Epstein; middle row: Matthew Stein, left, Aaron Stein, Aaron Nissen, Aaron Zipursky, Zachary Kahn, Seth Carver, Connor Dietrich, and David Doty.

received with great enthusiasm, take a variety of forms. These include, among others, his weekly “Thought for Shabbat,” sent by e-mail to all who sign up; Sunday morning learning sessions especially for parents; and a weekly class for adults, Thursdays at noon, that became an instant hit last year.

His current topic, “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century,” promises to explore how “the wisdom of the past can address the moral perplexities of the present,” the rabbi explained.

The rabbi launched his Sunday morning sessions to reach out to parents, who already are at the building to drop their children at Hebrew School. One of his recent learning series imparted “userfriendly” suggestions for making the High Holidays more meaningful for families.

On Nov. 16 and 23, 10 a.m., he will present “Between Parents and Children.”

Looking at source texts as a basis for discussion, this mini-course will cover “what parents and children owe each other, handling child-parent disagreements, limits of parental authority, and related issues.”

Another popular Sunday learning program at Beth El is the ongoing Bible Study Group, currently under the guidance of Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, holder of the Klutznick Chair in Jewish

Civilization at Creighton University.

This Friday-Sunday, Nov. 7-9, Beth El will offer the entire community four opportunities to hear Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld at the 2003 Dr. Benton and Harriet Kutler Scholar-in-Residence Weekend. Dr. Rosenfeld, a member of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council, will share new perspectives on Holocaust remembrance and Kristallnacht commemoration. He will speak Friday night after a congregational dinner, present a D’var Torah during Shabbat morning services, lead a discussion at lunch following services, and make a presentation Sunday morning, 10-noon.

Forthcoming winter and spring sessions in Beth El’s Lunch and Learn on Shabbat, (BELLS) program will continue to spotlight distinguished speakers. On Dec. 13, BELLS will ring with Guy Matalon, Director of the Federation’s Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS), who will examine interfaith relations with “Maimonides on Us and Them.”

“At Beth El Synagogue, we take great pride in doing all that is required to provide our children and our adults with creative, meaningful learning experiences,” said Rabbi Levin.

“It is a mitzvah to pursue Jewish education, and we make it a major commitment.”

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Temple Kids Enjoy Being Jewish at Summer Camp

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “On Shabbat, we had a very big celebration and I really liked it, because we had all those songs and it was fun,” described Ariel Kohll, who is sevenyears-old. The third grader, whose family belongs to Temple Israel, was talking about her first summer experience at Olin-Sang-Ruby Institute (OSRUI). Ariel added that “the counselors were really nice and I got to know a lot of people.”

More than 20,000 youngsters from Colorado to Canada have spent part of their summers at OSRUI since it was founded by the Union of American Hebrew Congregations in 1951. Part of the camp’s mission is “to create methods of learning that make Judaism come alive.”

More than 40 rabbis, cantors, and educators (including Temple’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz, and Cantor Wendy Shermet) join the OSRUI staff for at least two weeks each summer.

Ariel attended the two-week Kallah Aleph unit for the youngest and firsttime campers. Her days were occupied with swimming, sports, interest groups, worship, and a chance to express her own ideas in discussion.

Ben Noodell, nine-years-old, was also on his first trip to OSRUI which is located in Wisconsin. He especially liked

had been to OSRUI three previous summers, but this was her first Tiferet experience. “It was my favorite unit so far,” she said. “It was specialized and the kids were more mature.” Sarah chose to participate in art. She also enjoyed singing Jewish camp songs on Friday nights. “It was a lot of fun.”

In addition to the 25 Temple kids who went to OSRUI for summer camp, several others attended camp in Missouri and Colorado.

Allison, Amy, and Jessica Levinger went to Camp Sabra in Missouri’s Lake of the Ozarks. For Allison, 14, and Amy, 11, it was their sixth and fourth year respectively. Jessica, nine, attended Sabra for her first time in 2003. Amy said she attended services on Shabbat and “we did special things on Saturdays. And we

Above: Sarah Bleicher participated in OSRUI’s Tiferet Studio based on Jewish learning through the arts.

Left: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, right, visits “his campers” at Osrui every summer, where he and his wife, Elyce spend two weeks. playing outside during his free time and felt like “a stronger Jew after praying everyday in the synagogue.”

Ninth-grader Jessica Danon was part of the Mosh Bet unit, an OSRUI nature unit.

“We went on three three-day nature trips,” she explained. The biking, canoeing, and hiking were “really fun,” she confirmed. “We did Jewish studies everyday when we were in camp. Shabbat was really, really fun! We had dinner together and then Shabbat Shira.” This was Jessica’s fourth summer at OSRUI. She spent four weeks there.

Hannah Grossman, 11, went to OSRUI for her third year. She participated in Tiferet Workshop built on the premise of Jewish learning through the arts. She chose visual arts for her area of interest among the other choices: drama, dance, and music.

“We worked on our Hebrew names,” she said. With the help of the art instructors--all of them Israeli--she made an abstract sculpture based on her Hebrew name, Chana, which means merciful or good blessing.

“I’m also into acting,” Hannah said, “which was a lot of fun, too. I also enjoyed havdalah a lot.” Her entire month there “was an amazing experience. It was almost indescribable,” the sixth grader added. “It taught me that everybody can show their uniqueness.

That was really special for me because usually everyone wants to do the same thing and fit in. At OSRUI, everybody is unique and they weren’t afraid to show it and yet they all fit in,” she insisted. “It was the best year yet.”

Sarah Bleicher, 13, participated in OSRUI’s Tiferet Studio also based on Jewish learning through the arts. Sarah

had activities every night like spa night and cabin night.” Campers also wrote notes that were taken by the Israeli counselors to the Western Wall in Jerusalem.

Brandon Thomas, 14, also went to Camp Sabra. It was his first time there and he liked the water sports. He also enjoyed “being with everyone” at the outdoor Shabbat services every Friday night.

Evan Baack, an eighth grader, went to Shwayder Camp in Colorado for two weeks for the first time. Shwayder is operated by Temple Emanuel of Denver.

He liked swimming, high ropes, other outdoor activities, and candle making.

The best part, Evan added, was “watching the sun rise from a mountain top,” a 10,000-foot Rocky Mountain high.

David and Philip Hirshman were Shwayder campers this summer. It was their second time, said David, 13, also speaking on behalf of his brother Philip, 15. “On Shabbat, we would have services and sing. I really liked the songs and it made me feel glad that I can be part of this religion. The whole thing was an enjoyable experience.”

Aaron Bleicher, 12, attended Shwayder Camp, too. He has attended OSRUI but “wanted a new experience” and liked “being up in the mountains, the quiet, the peacefulness, and even the rain.

Every week, we had a magnificent Shabbat” which included a song session and dancing.

For more information about attending camp, call Rabbi Azriel or Stephanie Grossman, Director of youth and informal education, at 556-6536. OSRUI camp applications can be downloaded by going to the website: www.osrui.org.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Gan Israel Camp Offers Day of Fun and Education

by TICO GRADY for Chabad of Nebraska Most day camps give youngsters ample opportunities for fun. Chabad of Nebraska offers that and more.

The summer camp meets for five days a week and has a diverse activity schedule that includes field trips, athletics and swimming, among many other activities.

“It differs substantially from other local camps,” Director Shani Katzman states, “because we set aside a portion of each day for Torah study.”

Also, the program is carefully designed to help the kids understand and appreciate Jewish life,” she continued. “The specially trained counselors are also the Torah instructors and terrific role models.”

The staff blends the joyous and fun-filled atmosphere of camp with Jewish experiences. A nutritious kosher lunch is served daily.

This winter break, Gan Israel will be offering a oneday Hanukkah program and outing to the state capitol.

The children will meet at Chabad House for special Hanukkah activities. The group will enjoy a field trip to Lincoln, have a tour of the Capitol building and meet the governor.

Shani Katzman, Director, now joined by Rabbi Gidon Menachem, will coordinate the event along with a volunteer team coordinated by Dinah Abrahamson.

Beth El’s Adult Bible Group Starts on ‘Book of Samuel’

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue’s Sunday morning Bible Study Group will meet Nov. 9, 11 a.m. in the library, to continue studying the Book of Samuel with Samuel 4-7, “Israel vs. the Philistines.”

The adult learners started the series on the Book of Samuel last week and will continue for a total of 11 sessions. Earlier this fall the focus was on The Book of Joshua followed by the Book of Judges. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, holder of the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, gets the ball rolling at the lively sessions, aimed at looking in depth at significant, but rarely discussed material from the Tanach.

“Each participant, regardless of background or viewpoint, has an equal say in what we discuss and how we discuss it,” Greenspoon said. He invited all Beth El adults to attend when possible, regardless of whether they are able to come regularly.

The plan for Nov. 16 includes: 1 Samuel 8-12 “From Judges to Kinds.”

Adult Education All Week Long at the South Street Temple

by SARAH KELEN welcome to join in a disfor Congregation cussion of two of Oz’s B’nai Jeshurun essays on the IsraeliWith a schedule Palestinian conflict: “An already full of work and Argument on Life and family obligations, many Death” and “On Light adults find it hard to and Shade and Love,” make time for Jewish both of which are pubstudy, so the South Street lished in the collection In Temple makes it easy for the Land of Israel. even the most harried In November and adults to find the time to December, Rabbi Stiel join together for discuswill lead a Hebrew sion and education.

Refresher mini-course.

Classes at the Temple are In addition to the weekoffered weekly on ly Tuesday classes, Rabbi Tuesdays as well as Stiel leads once a month monthly on Thursdays Sunday classes during the and Sundays. time of our Youth Everyone is also welReligious School, so that come to participate in (as parents can schedule their well as to lead) the Rabbi Debbie Stiel leads discussion at one of the fall Adult Ed learning at the same time as weekly Torah Study after mini-courses at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun. Attendance has their children’s (although Saturday morning servic- been great (and even growing), and the discussions have been you don't have to be a parent es (services at 9:30, Torah lively, insightful, challenging, and meaningful. to participate!).

Study at 10:30). As a small congregation, we try to be Parents and other adults are invited to join the reliresponsive to the needs of all our members and to gious school students for their morning prayer assemmake sure that all of our services, including Adult bly Sundays, 10-10:30 a.m., before participating in Education are readily available to everyone who wants discussion from 10:30-12 p.m. to participate.

Another monthly opportunity for Adult Education is On Tuesday evenings, 7-8:30 p.m., there are a the Midrash Writing Workshop led by Robert Friedman series of “mini-courses” on different subjects. Classes one Thursday a month at 7 p.m. Each month a memmeet every week except for the third Tuesday of the ber of the group leads discussion on a previously month, which is the Board Meeting date. Classes do announced excerpt from the Torah. Everyone is not require any registration or payment, so participants encouraged to write a Midrash on the chosen text. can come to as many sessions as they wish. The topIf you would like to volunteer to lead a course, or to ics of each Tuesday’s discussion are announced in make suggestions about Adult Education, contact any advance in the bulletin and our weekly e-mail member of the Adult Education Committee. The announcements. committee is made up of Rabbi Stiel, Priscilla In September and October, Rabbi Debbie Stiel led a Henkelmann, Deborah Swearingen, David Williss, Ellin series of five classes covering a wide range of Jewish Siegel, John Mosow, Barb Straus, Sue Schreiber, Cindy ideas about God and Spirituality, beginning with “An Kohn, Rick Kohn, Brian Bornstein, Vicki Weisz, Judy Overview of Biblical and Rabbinic Views on God” and McKeighan and Rich Lombardi. before Rosh Hashanah, “Images of God in the High If you are interested in leading Torah Study on a parHoliday Prayerbook,” as well as a session called ticular Shabbat, contact Elaine Monnier, chairman of “Introspection: A Personal Journey.” the Pulpit Committee to pick your parasha. All are welIn November, Prof. Gerry Shapiro of the UNL English come to join in on this ever-growing list of Adult Department and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies is Education opportunities. leading a two-session mini-course on the fiction and For information on particular courses, call the Temple non-fiction of Amos Oz, in preparation for Oz’s visit to office, 402.435.8004, or check the online bulletin on the Lincoln on Nov. 18. On Tuesday, Nov. 11, all are Temple’s website at: www.southstreettemple.org.

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November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Etz Chayim: A Dynamic School More and More Omaha Campers

by RABBI TUVIA HOFFMAN themselves; Director, Etz Chayim Preschool answers ranged The dream that parents from, “not to and founders alike shared, take toys from to create a Jewish school my sister”, “learn par excellence, is now realto order food in ized. Our goal was to proa restaurant”, vide a preschool for Jewish and “listen to children of any background, Mommy and to introduce them to an Daddy.” ancient Jewish education in When learna warm and nurturing envi- Lead teacher Shari Blum teaches ing about ronment. The results have preschoolers about Sukkot.

Sukkot, the chilbeen just that, heralding studren decorated a dents from all streams of Judaism.

Sukkah with pictures and projects they We opened our doors just before Rosh had created during class time. They Hashanah to prepare the preschoolers learned about the schach that makes the for the awesome and festive holiday sea- roof of the Sukkah and that the holiday son. In addition to learning Hebrew and takes place in the harvest season pretraditional prayers, they learned all ceding the winter. The highlight howevabout the uniqueness of each holiday. er, was our day trip to Martin's Apple As I sat in my office preparing for class, Orchard where everyone enjoyed the I chuckled with surprise when I heard fresh air and enjoyed a harvest of their Shari Blum (lead teacher) call out, own! The children and parents picked “Tekiah” and a blasting of toy-shofars apples, rode on a tractor, and enjoyed blown by the children. They followed it fresh apple cider. up with a song about dipping apples in After all the fun and festivities of the honey.

New Year, the Etz Chayim children are When a local rabbi came to blow the looking forward to returning to school shofar and teach them the three different and fine tune developing their Hebrew sounds blown they listened with alphabet skills as well as their Judaic and enchantment. Even weeks after the hol- secular studies. iday, one preschooler still delights when Etz Chayim, the “tree of life” has I call out to her “Tekiah!”. She answers already been successful in planting me back in a quiet voice: strong roots in Omaha's Jewish children.

“Wooooooooooh-ah,” while pretending If you would like your child to experito hold the shofar in her hands. ence the beauty of Judaism in a warm Before Yom Kippur, the preschoolers and nurturing environment, please feel learned that these days were a time set free to come and visit us at Etz Chayim aside for reflection and personal Preschool. There are still placements improvement.

Each child suggested available for preschoolers. Call me at what they would like to improve about 384-2032 to visit the school.

Coming to Herzl Camp

by JENNIFER JAVITCH Assistant Director, Camp Herzl Over the past three summers at Herzl, the number of Omaha campers has grown exponentially from one camper in 2001 to 13 Omaha campers and five staff in the summer of 2003.

Throughout the summer, campers of all ages attend camp together, which provides a great family atmosphere for everyone.

Omaha’s growing relationHerzl campers last summer included: Bradley Kutler, left, ship with Herzl enhances Ryan Kirshenbaum, Yonaton Dotan, Ezra and Adeev Potash. the family connection because many siblings, relatives, and ence available at Herzl Camp in the sumfriends from Omaha come to camp mer of 2004! Herzl Camp has sessions for third through 11th graders, ranging from together.

Families like the Kirshenbaums have one to four weeks in length: • Taste of Herzl; continued their family tradition of • Ha’atid, Kesher; involvement with Herzl Camp; Corey • Nisiya; Kirshenbaum and Marcy Noodell were • Etgar; counselors at Herzl for several years and • Kadimah; now their children, Kylie (Taste of Herzl) • B’yachad; and and Ryan (Ha’atid Alef) were campers • Teva Trek. together last summer.

And don’t forget, Winter Camp One of the great things about camp is (President’s Day weekend on Feb. 13-16), the friendships that are formed as young os open to campers currently in grades 6kids, continue every summer, and 8.

The “coolest” of Herzl’s programs, it has remain throughout life. For years, these previously included dog-sledding, cross Omaha natives and former Herzl country skiing, boot hockey, a home-made campers, Rachel Javitch, Rebecca Murow, Leah Raful, “Papa Ozo” Dan bobsled run, snow-shoeing and more.

For information on all of Herzl’s pro“Yoda” Parsow, and I have worked as grams, contact the office at 952-927outstanding staff members and con4002, e-mail info@herzlcamp.org, or tributed to the success of Herzl Camp. check out the website at www.herzlIt’s time to start thinking about the camp.org. great Jewish summer camping experi-

South Street Temple Boasts Children’s Library Program

by BARB STRAUSS for Congregation B’nai Jeshurun When Rabbi Debbie Stiel began her work with the South Street Temple religious school in July, one of her first priorities was to develop a library program for the school. She wants every student to have the opportunity to read Jewish literature, hear Jewish music, and watch Jewish videos on a regular basis. She would like parents to have access to these materials, and teachers to have

recent years, and although there are children’s books in the library, they have remained largely uncirculated, and some are in poor condition.

Rabbi Stiel learned that a $1,000 grant was awarded by the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation. We now can begin to select and purchase new books and media materials for the library.

A member of the congregation, Pam Ganz, has volunteered to oversee the

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This year, 27 students from Kindergarten through eighth grade are attending the Paula Storch Williams Religious School at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun where they learn Hebrew, Jewish history, Torah, Worship, and Jewish Values. Barb Strauss is the Religious School Director. media resources for their classrooms.

“Through books, children can go to Jewish places they have never been before, explore Jewish fiction, learn Jewish history, and read about many Jewish subjects,” Rabbi Stiel explained.

The South Street Temple library has several thousand books, but has not received much attention or investment of the last decade or so. Few new books have been added to the collection in

library project. With the volunteer support of the temple youth group, she has been organizing the children’s library collection and creating a check out system.

Students are already checking out books, and temple families have begun donating books to build the collection.

We are delighted with the early success of this program and will continue to develop the project.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Teacher Training

by GUY MATALON Executive Director Jewish Educational and Library Services JELS has announced the establishment of a new Teacher Training Program for Religious School teachers. The program covers Judaica and Pedagogy. It begins on Monday, Jan. 5, 2004, and is open to all who are either currently teaching at religious schools or wish to receive training to become religious school teachers. The program will run Monday nights, from 78:30 p.m. through May 10, 2004.

The areas covered by the program are as follows: Hebrew Bible, Jewish History, Rabbinic Literature, Hebrew Terms, and Jewish Prayer. It will also offer training in classroom management, curriculum development and implementation, lesson plan creation and the resources the community has to offer for teachers.

This program is offered to the teachers and potential teachers of the community at no cost to them.

Teachers who take the time to receive training and go through the program will be compensated for attending classes and participating in the training activities.

Each meeting will consist of two 45-minute classes that will enhance the Jewish knowledge of the participants and will widen their horizons with regard to Jewish sources and Jewish identity. The courses are intended to provide quality Jewish education in an informal setting that allows for personal growth in a communal surrounding.

The courses will be taught with the participation of Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Levine and Rabbi Kutner. Elyce Azriel, Joan Cooper and Anna Besser will also be teaching some of the courses with me.

For more information, please contact me at: 334-6560 or gmatalon@jewishomaha.org.

Beth El Receives Newman Grant for High School ‘Roots’ Course

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue The Murray and Sharee Newman Supporting Foundation has awarded a $3,000 grant to the Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) to subsidize a trip to New York that will bring to life an exciting course on Jewish ‘Roots’ for students in Grades 10-12.

Margo Riekes and Francee Altman, longtime educators on the BESTT faculty, are taking major responsibility for developing ‘Roots’. The course is aimed at providing an in-depth understanding of the Jewish immigrant experience. It will be presented within a framework of Jewish values and traditions, especially in regard to keeping them strong as they are passed from generation to generation.

To enhance textbook and classroom learning, students will take a trip to New York next spring to visit the Statue of Liberty, the Lower East Side, and other sites of significance to Jewish Americans.

Israel Experience Grants Available

by KATHY HIRSHMAN Assistant Executive Director, JELS Applications are being accepted for Israel Experience Grants, a one-time-only grant available to high school students from the Jewish Federation for a study trip to Israel. Funds are available for financial aid as well.

Applicants must be residents of Omaha/Council Bluffs and currently enrolled in grades 9-12.

For an application including a list of requirements, call me at: 334-6445 or e-mail: khirshman@jewishomaha.org. The deadline is Jan. 15, 2004.

Now Open • Think Daily

Temple Teens Explore Jewish Ties During Hebrew-Speaking Camp Experience

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN water shortage is “something Israelis have to live with Temple Israel Communications Coordinator everyday.” She also heard lots of Army stories. “We “It was the most amazing summer of my life,” learned about other Jewish practices that may not be declared Lexie Newman, 15. She spent seven weeks Reform customs.” last summer at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute’s Chelsea would suggest that anyone go to Chalutzim.

(OSRUI) Chalutzim “We were prepared program for teens beforehand at starting tenth grade Temple and you this fall and those don’t have to be older. proficient at HebUnder the ausrew” to attend. pices of the Union “My Hebrew skills of American got a lot better,” Hebrew Congresaid Caroline Terry, gations, OSRUI’s 15. “Most of the mission, in part, is to counselors were provide the opporIsraeli and they tunity for the pursuit only spoke Hebrew of excellence in to us and we tried Jewish life experito speak it all day. It ences.

Chalutzim was fun, too,” she campers lived and Omahan Lexie Newman, right, participated in the Hebrew-only session at mentioned, and “it learned in a dynam- OSRUI with friends: Sara Coxhead, Jillian Gramling and Leigh Frichol. gave me a stronger ic and unique intensive Hebrew-speaking environment. connection to Israel.” She noted that “whenever you go They had the chance to assume real responsibility for to camp, you come back and feel more Jewish.” the development of program activities and explored Josh Bleicher, 14, agreed with Caroline that Chalutzim their connection with the land and language of the was “a lot of fun. I enjoyed the other campers and the Jewish people. counselors and I learned a ton of Hebrew.” Josh said Four Temple Israel teens participated in the total he’s “ready to go to Israel.” In fact, all four of the immersion Hebrew program accredited by the Chicago Chalutzim campers are thinking about enrolling in the Community Foundation for Jewish Education.

OSRUI in Israel experience next summer.

Lexie, like the other campers from Omaha, is an According to Josh, he spoke Hebrew “99 percent of OSRUI veteran but this was her first time to try the the time.” He also remembers the fun he had swimChalutzim experience. “It was really fun,” she said. “I ming, sailing, participating in other sports, sharing made some really close good friends. I learned a lot of campfires and song sessions. He recommends going to Hebrew which was really cool. I feel like I can carry on Chalutzim to other teens. “It’s the best summer you’re a conversation in Hebrew which is a good feeling.” ever going to have!”

Chelsea Taxman, also 15, agreed that Chalutzim was For more information about OSRUI’s Chalutzim ses“really cool.” A seventh-year OSRUI camper, she sion, please call Rabbi Aryeh Azriel or Stephanie described her summer experience as “amazing. Besides Grossman, director of youth and informal education, at learning the language, we also learned a lot about the Temple Israel, 556-6536. culture of Israel and everyday life that you don’t hear Applications for OSRUI can be computer-downabout in the media.” For example, she learned that the loaded from the website: www.osrui.org.

Beth El’s ‘People Power’ Fuels Educational Excellence

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue continues to provide increased and improved Jewish learning and enrichment for members of all ages, thanks in part to the “people power” of devoted volunteers.

Educational opportunities encompass all age groups, “from pre-school to grade school to high school, and most important, to all stages of adulthood,” Dick Fellman said in a recent interview. Fellman is President of Beth El Synagogue.

Volunteer power was on Fellman’s mind when he paid tribute last month to members of the recently reorganized School Board of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT). He thanked Rhonda Saferstein, who chairs the new Parent-Teacher Organization and spearheaded a major fundraiser this month in cooperation with Get Mugged. He recognized Iris Varkony, who, as chair of the Grants Subcommittee, recently submitted a number of grant applications to Federation Foundations and now is seeking other sources of funding.

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He expressed special gratitude to Gloria Kaslow, for assuming the role of Interim Chair, and to Beth Dotan, for heading the Educational Initiative Committee that conducted the search that resulted, late in the summer, in bringing on board Harriet Einziger as Educator/Family and Adult Program Director.

He tipped his hat to Yaffa Schuller, who provides to the School Board the insight of a trained psychologist; Janie Murow, who headed the Ninth Grade Curriculum Committee; Joel Rich, who served on the Curriculum Committee; Doug Chapman; and new School Board member Stu Giller, whose long experience as a teacher brings “an understanding of school children, schools and school programs” to the School Board.

He singled out Devorah Waesch, who worked devotedly on the Educational Initiative Committee and currently teaches Hebrew; and Margo Riekes and Francee Altman, who are developing a new high school course on Jewish immigration called ‘Roots’.

All of these volunteers, Fellman asserted, deserve some of the credit for making Beth El’s school what it is--the very BESTT.

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November 7, 2003

Dining

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS David Kotok will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov. 12, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, November Chairman. Kotok is the Omaha World-Herald’s chief political correspondent. Cost is $9 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.

OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will deliver the weekly parasha shiur on Shabbos afternoon, Saturday, Nov. 8, 4:30 p.m. Time for Talmud will continue Monday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m.; the Beis Midrash is open for chavrusa-style learning on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m., at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms,” organized by Shirley Goodman is on Tuesday, Nov. 11, 4:30 p.m., at the home of Shirley Goodman, 732 Sunset Trail. Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will explore the meaning of tehillim.

Join Rabbi Blum for Lunch ’n Learn at the Kripke Library, Wednesday, Nov. 12, noon.

Brooke's Teen Girls’ is Thursday, Nov. 13, 7:30 p.m., at her home, 805 So. 120 Ave. Fun Night II is tomorrow night--Saturday, Nov 8, 7 p.m. Call Nancy Wolf for reservations, 330-6736.

BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD “Finale on 52nd St.” Donor Luncheon will be Tuesday, Nov. 11, 11:30 a.m. at Beth Israel. Lunch begins at noon, followed by a musical performance by popular actress/singer Dawn Buller-Kirke. Her most recent role was that of Betty Blake in The Will Rogers Follies at the Playhouse. Accompanied by Jim Boggess on piano, she will sing a medley of Broadway music.

Donor categories are $25, $36, $50 and $100, all of which include lunch for the donor. Sisterhood members may bring any number of guests for $12 per person. Proceeds will help to furnish the kitchen at the new Beth Israel Synagogue, opening in February 2004.

Sisterhood will provide babysitting free of charge.

Call Bernice Cohen, at 558-3423, to RSVP for the luncheon and to request babysitting.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, humorist Virginia Dritley, will entertain us with “Laughter for All Ages.” For transportation, call Dee Dee at 330-4272.

Make your reservations with Maggie by calling 3346521 for Bluffs Run on Nov. 20 and the Thanksgiving Day Party with entertainment by Miles and Eileen Remer and Esther Wax on Nov. 24.

SIOUX CITY CENTER Rick Recht Performs at Beth Shalom

by MARILYN COHEN for Congregation Beth Shalom At a special Oneg Shabbat following family services on Friday, Nov. 14, 7 p.m., noted vocalist and entertainer Rick Recht will perform.

Recht is one of the top touring Jewish artists in the United States playing more than 125 concerts a year from coast to coast. On Recht’s touring dates he has shared the stage with national acts such as the Samples, Jackopierce, Freddy Jones Band, Guess Who, America, Supertramp, Three Dog Night, Government Mule (Allman Brothers) and many more.

“Rick’s music is just like Rick Recht what our Jewish youth listen to everyday on the radio with an amazing educational and Jewish flare. Rick is the Jewish ‘Dave Matthews’!” said Jennifer Stofman, Director, Ramah Day Camp.

“Rick’s music is part of our Jewish renaissance. His lyrics stir the soul and his melodies engage all generations!” added Rob Goldberg, Hillel’s Schusterman International Center This concert will be fun for the whole family!

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

WALK-IN, DROP-IN There will be no meeting on Thursday.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH On Thursday, Nov. 13, The Yiddish conversation Group will celebrate its second birthday with a Potluck Lunch at noon in the Social Hall. Anna Mosenkis and Lev Shekhtman will perform Eastern European music following lunch. Call Anne Skolkin for information at 343-1638.

VISIONS Reminder: Mamma Mia! is Sunday, Nov. 9, 2 p.m., at the Orpheum Theater. Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Nov. 21, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn. Cost is $9 per person. Join us for Music That will Make you Hum with Earl Bates (alias Will Rogers). Send reservations to Tootie and Mickey Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information call Harry Alloy at 697-8709.

Make check out to Visions. Deadline is Nov. 14. As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, we are asking our members for a monetary gift so JFS can use the funds for Jewish families who are in need. Please bring your donation to the luncheon or send a check to: Doris Parker, 120 So. 70 St., Omaha, NE 68132. Make check payable to JFS. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Reminder: A Veteran's Day Celebration with the Avi8Ors is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 7 p.m., at the JCC. There is no admission fee. Refreshments will be served.

Season preview with Opera Omaha is Tuesday, Nov. 18, noon, at the JCC. Join voice students from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln as they entertain us on a musical journey with Hal France, Opera Omaha’s Artistic Director. Lunch will follow the performance.

Cost is $6 per person. For reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. The deadline is Nov. 7; send checks, payable to JSS, to Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. There is no charge for the performance.

That’s Entertainment!

Pianist Esther Wax and vocalist Robert Valenta performed “songs of Broadway” at a recent gettogether of the Young Energetic Seniors.

Page 9

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Pam Roberts, from Volunteers Intervening for Equity (VIE), spoke to us about the many services offered to seniors for a variety of needs. The one thing I like to hear--they answer the phone--I mean a live person, none of this “push one for English and two for Spanish and three to hear the weather.”

Roberts also spoke about Medicare fraud and waste.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Beth El’s USY Slates Range of Activities

by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue The teens of Beth El Synagogue have slated a full calendar for November without losing sight of the need for “downtime.” They will celebrate Shabbat, perform mitzvot, display their talents for the entire congregation, and gear up for what promises to be the biggest United Synagogue Youth convention ever.

Last Sunday USYers went to the Blumkin Home to help the elderly residents enjoy an evening of bingo.

The rest of the month will unfold as follows: Nov. 13, 6-8 p.m.: Watch “Friends,” do homework, and hang out at “Lounge Nights”; Nov. 9, 1-3 p.m. Stage a Talent Show with the Kadima pre-teens to entertain the entire congregation; Nov. 16-22, Observe International USY Awareness Week by educating the community about the organization and celebrating USY Shabbat on Nov. 22; Nov. 27, “Lock-In” at Beth El, offering an opportunity to make chapter kippot, and to sing and play games before leaving for Kinnus the next day at 7a.m.

Nov. 28-30, Kinnus in Kansas City to mark Thanksgiving and observe Shabbat, USY-style--with social action projects, study and discussion, ruach (spirit) and song. The Westin Crown Center in Kansas City, MO. is convention headquarters.

More information is available from Youth Advisor, Rachel Katskee, at 492-8550, or youthdir@bethelomaha.org; or from Sam Edelstein, chapter president, 333-7455.

Deadline Nears for Student Entries for Letters About Literature Contest

by MARY JO RYAN for Nebraska Center for the Book Dec. 6, 2003, is the deadline for students to enter the annual Letters About Literature national writing contest. This national reading promotion for children and young adults is sponsored by the center for the Book in the Library of Congress, in partnership with Target stores and the Weekly Reader Corporation.

Contest participants compete on three levels: Level I for younger readers in grades 4-6; Level II for young adult readers in grades 7-8; and Level III in grades 912. Young readers are asked to write a letter to an author, living or dead, explaining how the author’s work changes their view of the world or themselves.

Contest winners will be announced in April.

For a copy of the guidelines, plus the etry coupon, log on to the Nebraska Library Commission’s home page: www.nlc.state.ne.us, search on Letters About Literature 2004, or call Mary Geibel at 402.471.2045.

Teens Juggle School, Sports and More TEEN’S POINT OF VIEW

by EMILY MUSKIN Autumn is a time of magic, and for me; it is also the High Holy days, softball season, Nebraska football, and of course, the World Series.

This time of year also raises the question of how to observe the Jewish faith in a secular society.

Thirty years ago at the this time, Sandy Koufax chose to attend Yom Kippur services instead of pitching a World Series game for the Dodgers. This demonstration set a strong precedence for fans and athletes everywhere. Koufax set the standard for Jews and non-Jews.

He displayed the importance of this day. The time commitments in athletics today make it more difficult to take an active role in the Jewish religion.

Today, athletes are still forced to choose between sporting events and religion. However, in my family this is hardly a choice.

For the past four years of fall softball, my Jewish holidays have always come first. This year, as I sat in the morning Rosh Hashanah service, I briefly wondered how my team was doing. I looked around to see how many other high school athletes were in the same predicament. As my family and I headed home, I wondered what the other athletes were doing.

Emily Gordon has played softball for Omaha Burke High School for four years. She said that, “at times she struggled with the consequences of putting her religion over athletics, but overall she had a good experience.”

Ryan Blumkin, a four year varsity tennis player at Burke High School, found his coaches very understanding of his Jewish faith. “It was never really an issue,” said Ryan.

The Westside football coaches were very understanding of Ben Goldstrom’s faith. However, Westside did schedule Homecoming on the second night of Rosh Hashanah.

Brad Abramson has missed some Jewish experiences while participating in football at Millard North. He regrets not being an active participant in activities such as BBYO, but he is a very committed athlete.

Jewish athletes in the Omaha area have a variety of different experiences depending on the school, coach, and the sport they participate in. Sports at the high school level are a commitment that often does affect how Jews practice their religion. Every individual athlete must weigh their own situation with their families and decide how to handle the responsibilities of religion and sports.

Of the six fall sports currently going on in the Omaha metro, I was surprised to find a total of 26 Jewish athletes. The fall sports include: men’s tennis, football, softball, cross country, volleyball, and women’s golf.

These athletes cover more than seven area schools.

The Jewish athletes (at least, the ones I am aware of) involved in fall sports include: Ryan Blumkin, Pavel Tsyrlin, Zach Muskin, Aaron Parsow, Alex Wolf, Spencer Gallner, Scott Egermayer, and Marty Kaplan for boys tennis; Emily Gordon, Lindsey Lovett, Emily Muskin, and Stephanie Lovett for softball; Brad Abramson, Jeff Gates, Ben Goldstrom, Austin Davidson, Jacob Finnicum, Adam Skog, Max Katz, Micah Solomon, and Jacob Phillips for football; Naomi Rennard and Dena Rennard for girls golf; Hannah Wolf for volleyball; and Alex Bloom and Abby Ginsburg for cross-country.

I apologize for anyone I may have omitted!

Emily Muskin is the Jewish Press Student Intern; she can be reached at Teenhon241@aol.com.

CAJE Announces 15th Annual Contest for Young Adult Writers

by JUDI RESNICK Communications Coordinator for CAJE Up to three prizes, totaling $1000, are being offered in the 15th annual David Dornstein Memorial Creative Writing Contest for Young Adult Writers, sponsored by the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education.

Authors, ages 18-35 by Dec. 31, are invited to submit a short story on a Jewish theme or topic. A first prize of $700; second price of $200 and third prize of $100 will be awarded.

Authors should submit a typed, double-spaced manuscript of no more than 5000 words; the submission must be an original short story that has never received an award or been published.

Only one entry per author is permitted; all stories must be accompanied by a cover sheet listing the author’s name, address, phone number and title of the story. To verify the submission, a copy of a driver’s license or other legal document must be submitted, along with a signed statement attesting that the story has not been previously published.

All entries must be postmarked no later than Dec. 31, 2003. Judging will take place Feb. 1-May 31, 2004 and winners will be notified June 30.

Send stories to CAJE-Dornstein Contest, 261 W. 35 St., Floor 12A, New York City, NY 10001. For more information, call 212.268.4210 or visit the CAJE website at: www.caje.org.

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TeenAge

November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

underwritten by THE MURRAY H. & SHAREE C. NEWMAN SUPPORTING FOUNDATION

Editor’s note: this month’s “Teen Age” features creative work by the teens of Beyt Shalom Congregation. The Jewish Press appreciates the assistance of Alice Weiss, who gathered the material shown on this page. Next month, Beth El Synagogue’s USY youth group will be featured.

Beyt Shalom Volunteering Teens

by ADAM TRUBNIKOV Volunteering is a valuable lesson in life.

Several thousand years ago, some communities lived peacefully and some communities lived in violence. For the most part, everyone assisted each other whether through necessity or by choice.

As descendants of our relatives, we must uphold these traditions. Volunteering at MOHM’s Place provides the Beyt Shalom Congregation with a wonderful experience for dealing with people in need, and for social action.

We volunteer for a special reason: because we care.

Every person has a conscience that tells him or her to care about the world. Everyone ignores their conscience at times, but instinct sneaks up and makes us feel guilty if we don’t act. Some people aid others by tutoring, doing physical work or even just spending time with a person in need.

Beyt Shalom decided to help the needy at a soup kitchen, sponsored by The Mission of Hope Ministry, in downtown Council Bluffs, IA. Going to MOHM’s Place is a mandatory mitzvah project of the seventh and eighth grade religious school class.

Once a month on the last Sunday of the month, the students and others who would like to participate, go for several hours. There, we dish up the food, serve it, wash the dishes, clean the kitchen and dining area, and, most importantly, welcome our guests.

The people who come for an evening meal are homeless, or just can’t afford food for themselves or their families. There are many young children who come in with one or both parents.

Anyone can do what we do. The more who help, the easier the task becomes.

I am no longer required to volunteer because I’m older, but I still go to MOHM’s Place because it feels good to help others. When you volunteer, afterwards

by INGA KONFISAKHAR One thing I like about Beyt Shalom is its intimate size. This allows everyone to participate in services.

Not only does it allow participation, in a way--it challenges us to play an active role in services.

For if we don’t do it, who will?

We don’t have a paid rabbi. Rabbi Kripke helps as our Rabbinical Advisor-out of the kindness of his heart--but he doesn’t lead or plan services.

Marti Nerenstone, volunteers as our lay leader, plans services and plays a major role in leading them. SELF-PORTRAIT However she by Inga Konfisakhar is just one person; she has a full-time job with other responsibilities and cannot run the entire service by herself. This puts an obligation on everyone in the synagogue.

A large percent of Beyt Shalom’s members is composed of teenagers who help lead parts of services.

Sometimes I wonder how Marti managed to hook all of us. I guess she starts us at a young age trusting us with the easier and more entertaining parts of the service. The youngest kids start with the Candlelighting Prayers and the Motzi. Then they advance to the Shema and Adon Olam.

As soon as the child can read English fluently, he/she is trusted with small readings throughout the service.

The closer the students come to B’nai Mitzvah time, the more prayers their repertoire includes: the Veahavta, the Amidah, Alenu, Mourners Kaddish, etc.

by SARAH MUNZESHEIMER The shofar blowing is entrusted to one of the Pre-Bar/Bat Mitzvah youths, while the Torah service is usually the privilege of the post Bar/Bat Mitzvah teenagers. The older we get the more difficult and serious service parts we are entrusted with, including Torah reading or whatever else is necessary.

As of my personal experience, I really liked leading the Torah Services both at our synagogue and at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. I was lucky with the shofar; not only did I blow it at my pre Bat Mitzvah time, I got to blow it again this year due to lack of a candidate of the appropriate age.

Next year I’ll be off in the real world of college. I don’t know where I’ll end up, but I hope that wherever I go, there will be some Jewish community where I can continue taking an active part in services, instead of just attending them.

you feel the reward of positive accomplishment. This is especially so if you can see the brightness in the faces of the people you help.

The teens of Beyt Shalom take pride in this accomplishment. We’ve learned that helping others not only supports those you help, but you, because of the way you feel about what you’ve done for them.

Adam is a junior at Burke High School, and the son of Maya Wertheimer and Alex Trubnikov.

Dear Friend

by JUDY RADLOFF

Confusion, Conclusion, the answer isn’t clear.

Soft footsteps in the distance tell me you’re near.

I can’t run; I can’t hide.

I feel trapped, enclosed inside.

Please help me, dear friend.

You said together till the end.

The end is near; I don’t want to part.

The feelings are clear, deep in my heart.

My mind is transparent; I just can’t think.

I look up at you and it’s hard to blink.

What are these feelings that make me gaze above?

Could it be, is it that I’m in love?

No way, no how, I won’t admit; Perhaps when I’m braver, or when cake candles are lit.

You place a hand upon my shoulder The wind picks up and the air gets colder.

You whisper in my ear, “Yes, it’s true.

Yes, dear friend, I love you too.”

Judy Radloff is an eighth-grader at Millard North Middle School. She is the daughter of Ellen Radloff and Arnold Radloff.

Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder

Inga Konfisakhar is a 17-yearold senior at Westide High School and the daughter of Marina and Leonid Konfisakhar.

Sarah is a sophomore at Millard North High School and the daughter of Alice Weiss and Ken Munzesheimer.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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by MARK MIETKIEWICZ

It doesn’t compare to dropping by your favorite Jewish bookshop and rummaging through the new releases. But the World Wide Web does offer some treats for Jewish book lovers. On the Internet, you can find a community of people with similar interests, recommendations for good reads, and believe it or not, complete Jewish books that you can read at no cost.

First, the free books. Don’t expect to find any hot, new Jewish releases on the web. In fact, because of copyright restrictions, these books are either over 75 years old or they are by contemporary authors who want to make their works available freely. The quality of writing and interest to a general audience can vary widely. But, hey, the price is right.

The best place to start your quest is at The Online Books Page. This is a directory which points to the over 17,000 various types of books that can be read on the Internet. [http://onlinebooks.library.upenn.edu/] The site’s Jewish Section has links to 60 online books including The Jewish Encyclopedia (1906), The Legends of the Jews (1909) by Louis Ginzberg, translated by Henrietta Szold and Paul Radin, and a book titled Judaic Logic: A Formal Analysis of Biblical, Talmudic and Rabbinic Logic (1997) by Avi Sion.

You should also try the website’s search page using terms like “ Jew”, “Jewish”, “Israel” or other favorite keywords. To find more books online, visit the Project Gutenberg website. That’s where I came across the Jewish Poems of Emma Lazarus. [www.gutenberg. net/] Most books are too long to be read online. You will usually have to download the files onto your computer, expand them and then read them.

If you are able to read Hebrew in your browser, then check out Project Ben-Yehuda. [http://benyehuda.org/e_faq.html] Similar to Project Gutenberg, this site is devoted to “the classics of Hebrew literature (poetry and prose at first, and then essays etc.) to the reader of Hebrew.” The Project Ben-Yehuda links page will take you to other Hebrew literary sites. [http://benyehuda.org/h_links.html] (There are also many wonderful online editions of the Torah, the Tanach and other religious texts.)

Of course, if you want to read most recent Jewish books, you are going to have buy or borrow them.

MAY LOSE VALUE

by CARLY WENDT Nebraska Children’s Home Society is celebrating 110 years of putting the needs of the child first. In its mission of providing safe and loving care to children of all ages, NCHS provides statewide adoption services; support and education for anyone dealing with an unplanned pregnancy, foster care for medically fragile children, and a behavioral intervention program called New Behaviors for children, ages 2-7.

Upholding adoption as a positive way of growing families continues to be one of NCHS’s primary missions in helping Nebraska’s children. Because adoption is a life-long process, the Nebraska Children’s Home recognizes that growing families also means being there long after the papers are signed.

The Society has dedicated itself to providing lifelong educational support for children of adoption and those that touch their lives. Through this commitment NCHS has developed comprehensive, educational programs in response to the needs of adoption specialists when working with birth parents, adoptive families, school systems and community organizations.

Home Instead

ARE NOT A DEPOSIT OF OR GUARANTEED

BY ANY BANK OR ANY BANK AFFILIATE

Annuities issued by The Prudential Insurance Company of America, 751 Broadstreet, Newark, NJ 07102-3777, and its affiliates. The Prudential Insurance Company of America and its affiliates are Prudential Financial Companies. Each company is solely responsible for its respective financial condition and contractual obligations.

Guarantees are based in the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. Prudential Financial is a service mark of The Prudential Insurance Company of America, Newark, NJ and its affiliates.

IFS-A078727 Ed. 3/2003

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based website producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at highway@rogers.com.

Nebraska Children’s Home Celebrates 110th Anniversary

SENIOR CARE® Annuities ARE NOT INSURED BY FDIC OR ANY FEDERAL GOVERNMENT AGENCY

Looking for recommendations? A site called Jewish Bibliographies on the Internet has scoured the web for recommended reading lists about a wide variety of topics. You will find links to bibliographies on more than 25 topics including: • A guide to Basic Readings in Jewish History prepared by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem; • A Midrash Bibliography from the Hebrew Union College; • Lists on Bestsellers, Ethiopian Jews, Jewish Travel, Terrorism, the Holocaust and much more from the Virtual Jewish Library; • And an intensive look at the Borscht Belt thanks to Alan Barrish’s guide to books about life in the Jewish resorts of the Catskill mountains. [www.nmmc.net/ Guide/bibliography.links.html].

If you’ve been scratching your head about the right book to buy a Bar or Bat Mitzvah, check out the recommendations at the Books4JewishTeens site. [http://shlk.com/203] Once you are ready to buy, you can either try your local bookshop or look for your book online. Whether you are shopping at Jewish specialty sites such as MileChai.com [http://milechai.com] and MyJewishBooks.com [http://myjewishbooks.com] or general retailers like Amazon [http://amazon.com] and Barnes and Noble [http://bn.com] always make sure that you understand the site’s security provisions and return policies.

For more Jewish publishers check out the links at the Maven website. [www.maven.co.il/subjects.asp?

S=191] And for lively criticism, argument and discussion, don’t miss JBooks.com. [www.jbooks.com/].

Although many authors use the web as a publicity vehicle for their work, they also fear it. They feel that if they excerpt too much of their work on-line, they will hurt the market for paying customers. Eliezer Segal is a notable exception. Segal is a university professor who has written a wonderful children’s book called Uncle Eli’s Special-for-Kids Most Fun Ever Under-the Table Passover Haggadah.

It tells the traditional story of Passover using the nonsensical style of Dr. Seuss. What is also special is that you can ALSO read the book on the web. [www.ucalgary.ca/~elsegal/Uncle_Eli/Eli.html].

It just proves that if you enjoy reading a book online (as I have), then you may also choose to pay money to savor the same words in a traditional book (as I did.)

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The Home’s Foster Care services provide traditional temporary foster care as well as homes prepared for the needs of medically fragile children. Networking and creating a support system for foster care families is the unique focus of NCHS’s foster care program. Nebraska Children’s Home works hard to provide foster parents with the training and support they need in order to do their best at being a foster parent.

New Behaviors Day Center is committed to providing early intervention services to children who have severe and chronic behavior problems. The goal of the New Behaviors Day Center is to help children be successful at home, school and in their community.

Family involvement is a crucial component. Together New Behaviors and parents can change a child's future.

If you would like more information on adoption, becoming a foster parent or enrolling your child in New Behaviors, please visit NCHS’s website at www.nchs.org or call 402.451.0787. If you are interested in volunteering or donating to Nebraska Children’s Home, please log onto www.nchsfoundation.org or call 402.451.0787.

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November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

2003-04

Edu ucatio ion &Camping

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Ongoing Classes and Programs Saturdays: Weekly Torah Reading Class on hour prior to Mincha (at Beth Israel) each Shabbat

Mondays: “Time for Talmud” weekly discussion of the Talmud regarding the laws of mariage, 7 p.m.

Tuesdays: “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms”, 4:30 p.m.

“Women’s Issues” Last Tuesday of every month 8-9 p.m. at the home of Ariella Hoffman

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Loans Available to Medical Students from Barry Epstein Fund

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Foundation Public Relations Director Jewish students entering their third or fourth year of medical school or graduate medical school programs are eligible to apply for loans from the Barry E. Epstein Memorial Fund established in 1997 with the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Loan applicants must have attended high school for at least two years in Nebraska or Iowa.

These loans, up to $10,000 per year, can be used for tuition and living expenses. Interest-free until two years after a student completes his or her medical program, the loans will be given preferentially to students who demonstrate financial need. Other considerations include prior academic performance; extra-curricular activities, in particular, being involved in communal, charitable, religious and civic affairs; performance on tests that measure ability and aptitude for college work; recommendations; motivation; character; ability; and potential.

Dr. Barry Epstein, son of Irving and Geri Epstein, was born in Omaha in 1960. He graduated from the University of Nebraska College of Medicine in 1986 and became chief resident in radiation oncology at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland.

Following his residency, he was an American Cancer Society Clinical Oncology Fellow and the recipient of a fellowship and travel grant to the European Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology awarded by the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology (ASTRO).

After his training, Dr. Epstein was an assistant professor of radiation therapy at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and the Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia. He represented ASTRO in the House of Delegates of the American Medical Association and was a frequent lecturer on radiation therapy to medical groups as well as the author and coauthor or many articles and abstracts.

In January of 1997, Dr. Epstein died suddenly at the age of 36. At the time, he was an assistant professor of radiation oncology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. Irv Epstein said his son was “a leader in his field” and was “in the forefront” of cancer treatment involving implanting radiation seeds in patients. His family remembers him as someone who lived his life as “an adventure.”

Students interested in applying for loans can contact Kathy Hirshman, Assistant Executive Director of Jewish Educational and Library Services, at 334-6445.

Special Education Scholarship Awarded to Remedial Reading Teacher

by DIANE AXLER BAUM “My wife was amazing in her dedication,” Sokolof for Jewish Educational and Library Services said. “She had such patience as she spent countless Thanks to the Ruth Sololof Special Education schol- months in breaking through to these children.” arship, a Jewish high-school teacher will have the The Sokolof’s daughter, Karen Sokolof Javitch, folopportunity to dedicate herself to students struggling lowed in her mother’s footsteps. She majored in special with special reading problems and challenged by education at the University of Texas, and upon returnEnglish as a Second ing to Omaha, taught blind Language (ESL). children in OPS--teaching Ella Patkovsky immigrated some of the same students to Omaha in 1992 from Kiev her mother had turned into in the Ukraine, where she sociable, communicative was a kindergarten teacher. children.

She is fluent in Russian, Referring to his wife as German, Spanish and “the inspiration for my life,” English, as well as Phil Sokolof pointed to the Ukranian. work of his National Heart With a scholarship from Savers Association as his Jewish Educational and greatest accomplishment.

Library Services, an agency He described Ruth as “a of the Jewish Federation of remarkable lady” who, even Omaha, Patkovsky completas she suffered from cancer ed a degree at the over many years, “used her University of Nebraskatime and energy to be of Omaha, qualifying her to help to other cancer teach foreign languages in Scholarship recipient Ella Patkovsky, left, meets with Phil patients.” junior high and high school. Sokolof, husband of the late Ruth Sokolof, and their daughSokolof underscored that For the past four years, ter, Karen Sokolof Javitch. his wife’s Special Education she’s taught Spanish in the Omaha Public Schools Scholarship had substantial funds and that he and his (OPS), but believes her real talent lies in the area of daughter are eager for JELS to award future scholarspecial needs. ships to students pursuing degrees in special ed.

“When I was in college, we had a class with special Aveva Shukert, longtime chairman of JELS’ Financial ed children and I saw that I had a real ability to work Aid Committee, cherishes her personal recollections of one-on-one, or in small groups with them” she recalled Ruth as a woman of “loveliness, generosity and exquiin a recent interview. Patkovsky is thankful to “this site taste.” She added that Karen was one of her close wonderful Jewish community” for the original scholar- friends growing up and remains a friend to this day. ship she received from JELS. The Financial Aid Committee is composed of men Now, she’s grateful to Phil Sokolof and his family for and women from all segments of the community, but providing her a chance to earn a Masters Degree in remains anonymous, except for the chairman. “Privacy teaching remedial reading and ESL. She recognizes the of scholarship applicants remains absolute,” Shukert scholarship pays tribute to the memory of Ruth Sokolof, insisted. who devoted her life to teaching children with special Shukert urged applicants for the 2004-05 college scholneeds. arships to complete their applications by the March 15, Ruth Sokolof began her teaching career at Beth El 2004, deadline. The new JELS Guide to Financial Aid Synagogue’s nursery school. Beth El also had begun a Programs, listing day school and camp scholarships, in program in which volunteers translated books into addition to college scholarships, will be mailed as an Braille, and she began working with blind pre-school- insert in the Dec. 12 edition of the Jewish Press. ers. Sokolof became so proficient that OPS asked her to Scholarship forms are available from the JELS office. start a pre-school program for blind children at the J.P. For more information about the Sokolof Fund or other Lord School. She taught there for many years and was JELS scholarships, contact Kathy Hirshman, JELS known for her ability to bring two to four-year-olds into Assistant Director, at 334-6445, or e-mail her at: khirthe world of learning. shman@jewishomaha.org.

Consider Adoption EDUCATION THAT WORKS Time to enroll for Winter Classes begin December 1st

www.nchs.org

Call 457-2400 or toll free 800-228-9553 www.mccneb.edu

November 7, 2003

IN THE NEWS Roy Katskee was inducted into the Nebraska High School Sports Hall of Fame in September. He is already on the J’s “Wall of Fame”. Katskee’s coaching career includes eight Metro Championships and six State Championships in Gymnastics.

Katskee started coaching at the old JCC on 20th and Dodge, while in high school and college. He coached swimming, basketball, wrestling and gymnastics at Northwest High School, Nathan Hale Junior High and at several elementary schools.

Marti Nerenstone has recently opened a solo law practice in Council Bluffs. Nerenstone, a 1982 graduate of the University of Iowa Law School, was a staff attorney, then managing attorney, with Iowa Legal Aid, for the past 19 years. Prior to that, she was a staff attorney with Alaska Legal Services. She was recently honored by the Iowa State Bar Association with a Community Service Award for her community volunteer work, both in the Jewish and non-Jewish communities in the greater Omaha area.

Part of her volunteer work includes leading religious services and holiday celebrations with Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, and at the Rose Blumkin Home, for which she was a co-recipient of the Lee Jane Parsow Volunteer of the Year award.

The Durham Research Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center will be dedicated Thursday, Nov. 13, 10 a.m. The 289,000 square foot building will enable UNMC to enhance its research in several areas including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurosciences and more. An open house for the public will be held Sunday, Nov. 16, 1-3 p.m.

The former international chairman of the Fulbright Program, the widow of Sen. Fulbright--Harriet Mayor Fulbright, will discuss “The Impact of Globalization and 9-11 on International Education” at a luncheon on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 11:30 a.m. at the Metropolitan Community College South Omaha Campus. For more information, call 457-2253.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

JFS Begins Grief Support Group Next Week

by STEVE STIEL JFS Executive Director With the promise of life is the certainty that everyone dies. Sooner or later, all of us will grieve the loss of loved ones.

If you’ve experienced the death of someone close to you, you know how painful and prolonged grief can be. If we are fortunate, we have caring friends and family who come forward to console us. With their support we may be able to cope more easily with the first few days, weeks and even months.

As time passes our need to talk about our loved one often remains strong. Yet, we may not want to burden others with our need to talk about the loss. Even so, telling our story can be a vital aspect of our healing process.

To provide support for those grieving, Jewish Family Service and Jewish Senior Service is conducting a fivesession grief support group. The purpose of this group is to provide a safe environment where people can share their feelings concerning the death of a loved one.

Shane Kotok and I will facilitate the group. If you have experienced a loss within the last three years, you are invited to join us on Wednesday, Nov.12, 4:305:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home conference room.

If you are unsure if this group is right for you, I suggest that you attend the first session to make that determination. There is no cost for the group. To register or for more information, call me at 334-6492 or Shane at 334-6529.

Teen Pregnancy Prevention Education: 10 Tips for Parents

by BEVERLY TODD NOLTE Vice-president Communications & Public Affairs Planned Parenthood of Nebraska & Council Bluffs It’s clear there is much parents and adults can do to reduce the risk of kids becoming pregnant before they’ve grown up. Presented here are tips from the National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy: • 1: Be clear about your own sexual values and attitudes. Communicating with your children about sex, love and relationships is often more successful when you are certain about these issues.

• 2: Talk with your children early and often about sex, and be specific. If you can’t think of how to start the discussion, consider using situations shown on television or in the movies as conversations starters.

• 3: Supervise and monitor your children and adolescents. Establish rules, curfews and standards of expected behavior.

• 4: Know your children’s friends and their families.

• 5: Discourage early, frequent and steady dating.

Allowing teens to begin steady, one-on-one dating

much before age 16 can lead to trouble.

• 6: Take a strong stand against your teens dating someone significantly older. Power differences can lead girls into risky situations, including unwanted sex and sex with no protection.

• 7: Help your teenagers to have options for the future.

Help them set meaningful goals, talk to them about what it takes to make future plans come true.

• 8: Let your kids know that you value education highly and stay involved in their school progress.

• 9: Know what your kids are watching, reading and listening to. Encourage your children to think critically about the messages presented in the media.

• 10: Finally, it’s never too late to improve a relationship. Children of all ages need close relationships with their parents.

For more information on talking to your kids about love, sex and relationships: www.teenpregnancy.org. To request Planned Parenthood’s free newsletter “There’s No Place Like Home”, call 402.554.1045, or e-mail: ppncb@ppfa.org.

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

A Place Where Everybody Knows Your Name

by ELYCE AZRIEL Director, Temple Israel Middle/High School For teenagers, there has been a wall separating their religious education and youth-group activities. Our goal at Temple Israel is to create an umbrella youth community so that teens can move comfortably between their educational and social activities. In a recent study conducted by JESNA (Jewish Educational Service of Northern America) it states that “by structuring programs so they are forced to make choices or relate to only one segment of themselves limits participation.�

We know that being a teenager isn’t the easiest thing in the world. And with many opportunities before them some feel it leaves very little time for Judaism.

Or does it? Our Grade 7-12 educational opportunities and youth groups offer many of the fun things kids like to do, but with a Jewish flavor. The Teens gather at the new best part is that through “Membership Table� prior to involvement the youth the start of Temple’s High make new friends, refine School program. social and leadership skills, develop their Jewish identity and enjoy being together as a community.

Stephanie Grossman, Director of Youth and Informal Education, along with many high school students have implemented the “Membership Table�, manned by the youth and has displayed each Wednesday of the school year materials about upcoming events, projects to sign up for, committees to work on, and educational opportunities within the school.

Many successful programs incorporate collaborative efforts between the Youth Director and Middle/High School Director linking formal and informal education and creating a teen community.

Beth Israel’s Religious School on “Cutting Edge�

by BETH COHEN is taught by Executive Director Rabbi Binyomin The New York Jewish Pesach and Week, the premiere Rocheyl Simon. weekly Jewish newspaBoth Simons per in the New York have a backarea, printed their special ground in supplement on EducaJewish education on Aug. 29. They tion and have reported on an up-andtaught in day coming trend in Jewish school settings. education that is seen as In addition to a cutting edge alternathe innovative tive to traditional Hebrew religious school school. The article program, Beth described religious Israel’s commitschool programs that can ment to youth easily be adapted to a and education child’s schedule, and can was most visibly be tailored to a child’s seen in a landRabbi B.P. Simon teaches Beth Israel students, like Noah Kohll, seated, and interests. mark decision Daniel Grossman, standing, “one-on-one.�

Although Omaha’s last spring. The Beth Israel Synagogue was not cited as being part of Board of Commissioners then approved a motion to this cutting edge movement, the religious school pro- subsidize one-half of the tuition at Friedel Jewish gram offered here was described in detail as the same Academy for children whose family’s primary memberprogram offered at some New York area synagogues. ship is at Beth Israel. This initiative reinforces a strong Beth Israel’s religious school program includes one bond between Beth Israel and Friedel. hour per week of individual or small group learning for “Beth Israel feels an obligation to support our Jewish each child enrolled, plus a weekly Junior Congregation day school and to help it grow. As an incentive to program for children ages five to Bar/Bat Mitzvah age encourage our congregants to send their children to and a weekly high school class taught by Rabbi Kutner. Friedel, we have initiated this tuition subsidy,� says The goal of our Hebrew School is to provide ability David Kohll, President of Beth Israel. appropriate Hebrew education to all third grade Friedel Jewish Academy President Maggie Gerber through high school students at Beth Israel. commented, “The Friedel Board felt the tuition subsidy Our general curriculum focuses on Hebrew reading was a tremendous idea, and was very impressed with and translation, synagogue skills and parsha study, and Beth Israel for their bold commitment to Jewish educacan be adapted based upon student’s ability levels and tion.� interests. This unique program has been designed to Beth Israel provides religious school programming give our students the skills they will need as they move for any families who wish to participate, even if chilinto Jewish adulthood. The religious school program dren are receiving the Friedel tuition subsidy.

Water Skiing Sailing Swimming Archery Sports Horseback Riding Pottery

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Arts & Crafts Climbing Tower Low & High Ropes Course Fishing Theatre Camping Judaic Education Camp Sabra is the resident co-ed summer camping facility of the St. Louis-JCC. Located on 960 acres and 3.5 miles of private shoreline on the magnificent Lake of the Ozarks, Camp Sabra serves children and teens entering grades 3-10 in four week sessions. Two week options are available for campers entering grades 3-6.

You’re invited to learn more about Camp Sabra and the programs we offer at a special open house —

Sunday, November 9 Omaha JCC 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm

To register for Summer 2004, contact Camp Sabra Director

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Community Center Phone: (314) 442-3465 Fax: (314) 442-3404 campsabra@yahoo.com www.campsabra.com

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2003 SABRA REUNION

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Don’t miss the premiere of the 2003 Video Yearbook!

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Sunday, November 9 Omaha JCC 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm Contact Omaha representative Eadie Tsabari at (402) 390-0192 for more information on the open house or reunion.

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November 7, 2003

Camp Moshava Enters 66th Year

by SID SINGER Camp Director The 2004 season will mark the 66th consecutive summer for Camp Moshava of Wild Rose, WI, offering Religious Zionist camping to hundreds of campers from throughout the Midwest. A co-ed religious Zionist overnight camp for fourth-12th graders, Camp Moshava is affiliated with B’nei Akiva, the Religious Zionist youth movement.

At Camp Moshava, campers learn about Jewish history and the State of Israel, in addition to attending daily prayers and study groups. Jewish values and ethics are interwoven into daily activities such as sports, swimming, boating, arts and crafts, hikes, overnights, color war, and special trips. Each Shabbat at camp is filled with singing, dancing, spirituality, and emotion.

Camp Moshava offers four-week programs for campers entering fourth-ninth grades, and an eightweek option for campers entering 10th and 11th grades. A CIT program is offered for 12th graders.

For more information about Camp Moshava, call (847) 674-9733, ext. 12, e-mail moshava@moshavawildrose.org, or visit www.moshavawildrose.org.

Former Omahan Brittney Eshelman worked as a counselor last summer at ‘Mosh’, along with Machal participant Avi Katzman and camper Audrey Gerber. In the background, the band, Shlock Rock, sets up for a performance on Visitor’s Day.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

Torah Tots Program Offers Options

by TICO GRADY “Jewishness must be natural and comfortable, especialfor Chabad of Nebraska ly in such an un-Jewish world.”

The new four-week session of “Ima and Me,” a diviTopics explored include prayers, Brachot, Torah stosion of the Torah Tots program at Chabad House will ries, discussions about G-d, and a variety of Mitzvot. begin on Jan. 7, 2004. The program is based on the Age appropriate songs, creative movement and art are Jewish ideal that children must be immersed in Jewish incorporated. Mothers also have opportunities to ask education from infancy. The program is in its 16th deeper questions regarding the theme and are empowyear of operation and is offered to a multi-age group. ered to educate their children with greater confidence The program is open to ages six months through two and knowledge. Additionally, participants benefit from years. The cost for the four-week session is $18; only $15 for early-bird registrants, (before Dec. 1).

Minimum class size is eight.

Class meets at the Chabad House on Wednesdays, 9:30-11 am.

The program fuses past and present to prepare your child for the future.

Incorporating art, music, drama and activities that delight all of the senses, it brings to life Torah stories and Jewish values.

The Torah Tots program, starting Jan. 6, 2004, is open to ages three-four Debbie Kricsfeld helps her daughter Rachel put coins in a tzedakah box. years. The cost for the fourweek session is $25. Minimum class size is 10. The parenting tips offered by Katzman. Her experiences class meets on Tuesdays, 2:15-3:45 pm. with her own children prove to be helpful to women “In order to cultivate Jewish kids to become active in raising their families.

Jewish life, to care about Jewish issues, to feel a In addition to Katzman, Shelly Menachem and responsibility and love for other Jews, we must begin Devorah Leah Weingarten teach the Ima and Me and their education immediately,” explained Shani Torah Tots program.

Katzman, instructor and founder of the program.

Education is a Priority at Temple Israel

CAMP MOSHAVA OF WILD ROSE, WI CO-EDUCATIONAL OVERNIGHT CAMPING FOR 4TH-12TH GRADERS

WHERE RELIGIOUS ZIONISM COMES ALIVE!I SPORTS• SWIMMING• ARTS & CRAFTS• LEARNING •OVERNIGHTS CONCERTS • KOSHER/SHOMER SHABBAT • ACA-ACCREDITED

Adult Study with the Clergy • Scholars in Residence Outreach • Family School • Mentor Program Jewish Journey Groups • Family Workshops Grades K-12 • Torah Tots • OTYG • JYG Grade 10 Trip to New York • Kol Rina • Tot Shabbatot L’Taken • Club 34 • Club 56 • Bagels & Sacred Books • Adult Retreat Social Justice Youth Club • Family Services • Basic Judaism The Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Learning

To request a CD-Rom, or for more information:

moshava@moshavawildrose.org www.moshavawildrose.org (847) 674-9733, x12

JEWISH EDUCATIONAL & LIBRARY SERVICES

Beth Israel Synagogue

Yo u r c o n n e c t i o n t o e v e r y t h i n g J e w i s h

offers an innovative approach to Hebrew school...

SCHOLARSHIPS & FINANCIAL AID Youth Programs • University Study JCC Camps • JCC Preschool Music/Cultural Arts • Israel Summer Programs Jewish Summer Camps Jewish Experience Grants Friedel Jewish Academy Academic Excellence Scholarships

CONGREGATIONAL EDUCATION Teacher Training Program Special Needs • Subvention

ADULT EDUCATION Lecture Series • Film Festival Klutznick Symposium • Yom Ha Shoah Hebrew Reading • Lunch & Learns Hebrew Speaking • Text Study Classes

...Our Talmud Torah program is entirely based on individual and small group learning, focusing on Hebrew reading and translation, Torah study and Synagogue skills. We offer a Shabbat Junior Congregation that includes weekly Parsha study for children ages 5-12, and a Sunday morning class with Rabbi Kutner for 7-12th graders.

...and a Friedel Tuition Subsidy...

...All Beth Israel members are eligible for a tuition subsidy at Friedel Jewish Academy. The synagogue pays one-half of the tuition for all Beth Israel children attending the Day School.

...Aimed at providing children the knowledge and skills that will benefit them for a lifetime.

For mor e i n f or mat i on , call t he syn agogu e at 5 5 6 -6 2 8 8 .

KRIPKE LIBRARY For more information, please contact JELS: 334-6445 or email: khirshman@jewishomaha.org

Last year, summer camp and Israel Summer program scholarships were granted to every congregant who requested assistance.

Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Group Learns New Skills

by GARY JAVITCH for Chabad of Nebraska The group calls itself “L’chaim”--to life. And for the participating adults in the class, they, indeed, do have a new opportunity for life.

The participants are each “challenged” in some way.

Many of the members experienced difficulties in life, which isolated them from family and friends. In addition, they may have had difficulty caring for themselves.

Meeting three times per month, over the last two years the group has made tremendous progress.

Several of the members now have jobs, live independently or have taken on new personal responsibilities.

They also have learned about Judaism and its practices.

“The Jewish values are the basis for self improvement and actualization.“ Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Director of Chabad of Nebraska, explained.

“Each of us have inadequacies and shortcomings that can use some help.” G-d’s infinite wisdom must be internalized to make us the best we can be, one member added.

Chabad was approached and asked to develop the programs because these particular individuals “fell through the cracks” in the system. As individuals, the participants were just languishing in their status quo situations.

Under the direction of Rabbi Katzman, and recently joined by Rabbi Gidon Menachem, a group was formed to help those who were identified as being able to benefit from a group experience like the one they envisioned.

“Nancy Wolf, who is a great organizer and volunteer at Chabad, took an important leadership position,” Rabbi Katzman stated. She helped recruit Nancy Rampey, a social worker, and John Dacey, a counselor experienced in working with addictive personalities.

Dr. Stephen Skulsky has led several meetings and has been a great asset in solidifying the group.

Together, all have guided the group participants.

They lend support and offer insights. With their efforts and the hard work of the group members, the L’chaim group members have grown.

Beth El Teachers Bring Tzedakah to Life for Fifth Graders

by DIANE AXLER BAUM They provide a discount on our purchases, and their for Beth El Synagogue sales staff is patient and kind,” Julie said.

“Goose bump moments” are what Jay and Julie This year’s shopping trip is scheduled for Dec. 7, and Durmaskin experience when they watch their students several parents will come along. One adult will go with carry out acts of tzedakah. a group of students to the Men’s Department to make The husband and wife educators have been teaching selections for the dads of the families; another will make fifth graders at Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah for purchases for the moms. They will make their purchasover a decade. Their students come to them under- es with a Buy Beth El Target Card, Julie noted, to support standing the concept of mitzvot. “They’ve performed the “Buy Beth El” fundraising program. acts of tzedakah since kindergarten,” said BESTT “Our BESTT kids are fabulous, loving, caring, smart Director Anna Besser. and energetic,” Julie exclaimed.

But in fifth grade, the However, she pointed out, “most Durmaskins carry out a long-term, of them are privileged, and have hands-on learning experience that not had first-hand understanding truly brings tzedakah to life. of need.” She believes this proj“My mission is to have kids feel ect is important, because “it gives connected to the Jewish communiour kids the opportunity to be ty, and the community at large, engaged in very meaningful and to feel that they can contribute tzedakah as they directly offer in a meaningful way.” Julie said. help to others, including children At the same time, she is sensitive their own age.” to helping students “respect the This year, a new dimension in dignity of the recipient.” She is the Durmaskins’ classroom is Jay’s passionate about sharing with Mitzvah Board. The students are them that “tzedakah is not a using an excellent new book BESTT fifth graders “think outside the box” (or called Jewish Heroes, Jewish Values, choice, but a commandment.”

All of these goals are accom- “the cup”) as they pursue a meaningful learning with each chapter focusing on an plished when her students “adopt” unit that brings Tzedakah to life. First, each stu- individual associated with a differfamilies introduced anonymously dent creates an individualized Tzedakah Box like ent mitzvah. For example, Sandy

by Jewish Family Service. A JFS the ones displayed in the photo above by Marissa Koufax represents Jewish representative visits early in the Kahn, left, Cameron Stern and Laura Klein.

Solidarity; Steven Spielberg, Jewish school year to present profiles of families in need of assis- Remembrance; Golda Meir, Zionism. To supplement the tance, usually including a child who is around fifth-grade textbook, Jay encourages students to bring in articles age. The students vote on which families to adopt, and about persons who have performed mitzvot and to write provide ongoing care to each member of their adoptive down a description of their personal mitzvot. families during the entire school year.

Jay and Julie Durmaskin talk to their students from Between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur they col- the first day of fifth grade about tzedakah and mitzvot, lect necessity-based items, such as food, toiletries and and all through the year they teach each other about back-to-school supplies. Prior to Hanukkah, they take the underlying meaning of both. It’s the kind of shara trip to Target, where they shop for gifts. “Target has ing and learning, she said, that makes for many repetibeen wonderful to us as our Adopt-a-School partner. tions of “really wonderful goose bump moments.”

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Chabad House Classes

1866 South 120th Street Ima and Me Instructors: Shani Katzman, Shelly Menachem and Devorah Leah Weingarten Age: 6 months –2 years Wednesdays Time: 9:30 – 11:00 am New Session: January 7–January 28 Fee: $18.00 ($15.00 for early-bird registrants, before December 1st).

Minimum class size is 8 Location: Chabad House, 1866 South 120th Street (in the newly remodeled kitchen)!

The program nurtures both the practical and spiritual side of growth for Jewish mothers and children. Spend time with other Imas and a multi-age group while enjoying Judaic songs, projects, circle time, stories and junior gymnastics. A wonderful opportunity to reinforce the joys of Jewishness while developing lasting friendships.

To reserve, please call Tico at 330-1800, or Yaffa Schuller at 614-7102

Torah Tots Instructors: Shani Katzman, Shelly Menachem and Devorah Leah Weingarten Age: 3-4 years Tuesdays Time: 2:15 – 3:45 pm New Session: January 6–January 27 Fee: $25.00 Minimum class size is 10 Location: Chabad House, 1866 South 120th Street (in the newly remodeled kitchen)!

A program that fuses past and present to prepare your child for the future.

Incorporating art, music, drama and activities that delight all of the senses, to bring to life Torah stories and Jewish values.

To reserve, please call Tico at 330-1800, or Yaffa Schuller at 614-7102

Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah “Preparing our students for a life guided by Jewish values.”

The mission of BESTT is to teach our children the richness of Jewish life, help them achieve positive Jewish identities, and encourage them to actively participate in Jewish life.

B.E.S.T.T. for Pre Kindergarten through Twelfth Grades For information call Anna Besser Education Director 498-0904

November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Maintaining Jewish Continuity: What’s the Secret?

by RABBI B.P. SIMON for Friedel Jewish Academy The last 15 years have seen a tremendous resurgence in the emphasis within the Jewish community on Jewish education and its direct connection to Jewish continuity. This phenomenon has not been limited to any particular Jewish group or sect. Rather, Jews across the entire religious and political spectrum throughout the world have begun to recognize that the most certain way to guarantee Jewish continuity is through Jewish education.

In the words of Dr. Steven Bayme, Director of American Jewish Committee’s Contemporary Jewish Life Department, “The primary if not sole solution to ensuring Jewish continuity must lie in sustained Jewish education.”

Indeed, according to a study published last year by CAJE, the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, while the enrollment in Congregational Talmud Torahs has been level (or possibly even decreased slightly) in the last 15 years, that is not the case for Jewish day schools.

In fact, the student population in Jewish day schools has increased by a whopping 70% in that time frame! New schools open every year and many are growing rapidly. The reason seems to be that American Jewry has reached a consensus that the only way to attempt to win the losing battle of total assimilation is to provide our children with a wellrounded secular education and simulta-

neously inculcate within them a strong connection to the Jewish values and traditions that have maintained our identity as a nation for so many years. This will allow them to fully participate as active members in society and at the same time maintain their unique Jewish identity, and in fact integrate it into the diverse cultural hodgepodge that exists in the milieu of 21st century America.

Keeping this information in mind, I was very surprised when I initially heard that the Friedel Jewish Academy, the only Jewish day school in Omaha, had only a small percentage of the potential Jewish students. The natural human reaction would be to assume that perhaps either the secular and/or the religious educational standards at the Academy were not up to par. However, upon further investigation, this was obviously not true. “The Friedel” (as it is affectionately known by some) is fully accredited with the latest Nebraska standards. The secular education provided has allowed the students to excel on the CAT tests-- 95% of the students scored above the 85 percentile!

Furthermore, last year the FJA hired Dr. Saundra Epstein BA, MS, Ed.D., a highly qualified professional in both the areas of general and Jewish education.

Dr. Epstein has developed an outstanding Judaic curriculum that is very well suited for a “small-town” community day school. The well-known Tal Am and Tal Sela programs for the study of the Hebrew language are an important ele-

ment of that curriculum. Furthermore, daily classes that incorporate ethics and values from Jewish sources are also integral to the education the students receive.

I am certain that you can not find a class in the public school system that reviews the stories of the Bible and then continues with a discussion of how to avoid becoming entrapped by negative character traits. One won’t find an indepth class in which the students learn the importance of guarding one’s tongue from gossip and improper speech, either.

One of the most tremendous things about both the curriculum and the FJA staff is the way in which the Judaic and general studies are tied together. The secular and Judaic teachers coordinate their lesson plans so that the topics that are being learned in one class are reinforced in the other.

FJA Principal Cookie Katskee summed up these points in a manner that shows that the school is a true fulfillment of the common goals of American Jewry: “We can offer every child in our community a superior, fully-rounded secular education integrated with Jewish heritage, culture, ethics, and values.”

The question remains. Friedel Jewish Academy does offer a secular education taught by very qualified teachers, in small settings, which afford greater opportunities to accommodate personal needs, and a superb Judaic curriculum taught by equally qualified teachers.

Why then, isn’t “every child in our com-

munity” in the Academy?

The only plausible reason I could determine was that the school has developed a reputation that is not totally positive. Certain labels seem to have been branded upon the school.

However, in the words of Paul Davis, “It just ain't true.”

I challenge you to confront the stereotypes and, on behalf of the administration and staff, invite to you to step into the doors of one of Omaha’s finest institutions, the Friedel Jewish Academy.

Be amazed by the one-on-one loving attention the FJA students receive from the dedicated secular staff: Denise Bennett, Dianna Carda and Diana Zeman. Be astounded by the stunning art projects (all with a Jewish theme or by a Jewish artist) created by the Friedel students through the caring tutelage of the very creative Julie Phillips.

Stop by the office and meet the tremendous administrative staff: Cookie Katskee and Lori Viken. Visit the exciting classes of Friedel’s two full-time Judaic teachers: Na’ama Artzi and Elinor Matalon, who came all the way from Israel to share their extensive knowledge of Judaism and the Hebrew language with the Friedel students.

And lastly, sit in my classroom at the Friedel Jewish Academy, a school that I am proud say is a place where I have been teaching for the last two months and where I hope to continue teaching for a long time to come.

’s e ” n ity th e, io rs in abl at n e. ve d ni e rd e U rat ffo th azin e in vu BA t A st ag lle M os be r m Be ine M e we nl 0 th o O p 1 ng g P o o lin “T am Sel d y an b

“I applied what I learned to my job the next day!”

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Opinion Educating Yourself About The “Real” Israel Supporters of the International Solidarity Movement and their comrades continue to call Israelis “Nazis” and acuse Prime Minister Ariel Sharon of acting like Hitler. They run “conferences” (though propaganda sessions would be more appropriate) at Rutgers and Ohio State calling for “divestment” of pension funds in Israeli companies and calling Israel an “apartheid” state.

Just how “bad” is Israel?

If you watched Sunday night’s “60 Minutes” broadcast on CBS television, you would have seen a segment on the venerable Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem. It has, unfortunately, become the world’s leader in emergency medicine. It’s trauma center treats Jews and Arabs, Israelis and Palestinians alike.

The ultimate goal of the doctors and nurses there is just like it would be anywhere else--the best care for the patient, regardless of race or religion.

Nazis? Hardly.

Or what about the mass airlift of Ethiopian Jews to Israel at the beginning of 1991? More than 25,000 Jews were quietly evacuated on military and El Al jets in a 14-hour secret rescue that only came to light after the Jews were safe in Israel. What made this “Exodus” different is that the Jews are dark-skinned Africans--not white Eastern Europeans. The immigration from Ethiopia has continued,

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by MATTHEW E. BERGER NEW YORK (JTA)--Aliza Bloom has changed since her days working for Charles Schumer, one of New York’s top Democrats.

Her hair is longer, she has traded in the long hours for stay-at-home motherhood, she’s more religious--and she's voting Republican.

She’s not alone. Increasing numbers of young Orthodox men and women are reaching out to the Republican Party, which is enthusiastically grasping their hands for support and fund-raising dollars.

More than 400 supporters, many of them under 40 and wearing yarmulkes, gave Vice President Dick Cheney a standing ovation when he spoke at a Bush/Cheney re-election fund-raiser in New York City recently. The $2,000-a-plate lunch was geared toward observant Jews: “Dietary laws observed,” the invitation noted.

The event points to an emerging convergence of a more active Orthodox Jewish community and a Republican presidential ticket they believe merits their vote.

President Bush’s support for Israel and his war against terrorism help explain his support among those attending.

“What Bush is committed to is the safety and security of Israel, and he understands that Israel has a right to defend itself,” said Mordy Rothberg, 29, who attended the dinner on behalf of his company, IDT Telecomm.

Orthodox Jews generally are not as conflicted in their support as are many other Jews, some of whom support Bush because of his Middle East policies but worry about his domestic agenda.

“A lot of the domestic agenda that is important for Orthodox Jews is more aligned with the Republican Party,” said Bloom, 33, of Passaic, NJ, who worked for Sen. Schumer when he was in the House of Representatives.

Most Orthodox views on gay rights and abortion are closer to the Christian beliefs that drive the GOP agenda, and Orthodox leaders embrace charitable choice and school vouchers, believing such Republican policies can

too, with family reunification, even when family members are not Jewish.

Apartheid? Doesn’t sound like it!

So what can be done to counter these ridiculous assertions and influence the media?

(Though Jews have once again been accused of controlling the world, for some odd reason we’re still getting bad press! Go figure!)

The first item on our agenda must be the education of our own kids. That’s one reason the Jewish Press devotes a special issue to Education and Camping. Jewish camping is probably the single most influential experience that has a lifelong impact on the Jewish attachments a young person will make. There are nearly a dozen high-quality Jewish camps right here in the Midwest and dozens more on the East and West Coasts: from Moshava, Herzl, OSRUI, Ramah and Beber in Wisconsin to Camp Sabra in Missouri and Schwayder in Colorado.

And, if your child is pre- or post-B’nai Mitzvah, the Jewish Federation will donate $500 towards the cost of summer camp (that’s $1000 if your child goes both before and after celebrating his or her Bar or Bat Mitzvah!).

Another opportunity--also provided by our Federation--is a $1000 grant towards any youth-group sponsored summer trip to Israel during high school. For college students, our Federation participates in the birthright israel

program--which allows any 18-26-year-old who’s never been on a peer-trip to Israel to go on birthright for free!

If you think it’s important to educate people about Israel--start at home--with yourself and your family. The more informed you are about Israel, the more enlightened you can make your friends and neighbors--and yes, the more you can influence the media!

On Israel and Domestic Issues, Orthodox Come out for Republicans aid Jewish education.

Still, the devout Jewish community until now has been quiet on national politics, at least compared with the activism of nonOrthodox Jews. Some say the new enthusiasm comes from young leaders.

Jeffrey Ballabon, a 40-year-old leader in the Orthodox community who sponsored several tables at the Cheney event, said young Orthodox Jews are more comfortable in politics than are their elders, and do not have the same fears about speaking out.

“We’ve been brought up feeling very comfortable in a philo-Semitic America,” said Ballabon, an executive with Primedia Television.

The Orthodox community has been growing in the United States and has become more affluent, increasing opportunities for political giving. But there have been obstacles.

While Republican Jews may be raising money for Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the House majority leader, to win re-election in Texas, Luchins questions whether New York Jews would support him to be their representative.

“Orthodox lives are busy,” said Bloom, who notes that the Orthodox pray more frequently than other Jews and are likely to have more children. “It’s a luxury to be involved in politics.”

The focus until now has been on local politics: In New York, for example, Orthodox Jews play a major role in races for New York City mayor and New York Senate. They also spend their money on bettering the Jewish community, building day schools and mikvahs.

And they traditionally have supported Democrats, who have been better at building alliances among immigrant groups based on shared interests in social action.

Younger religious Jews like Ballabon, who like Bloom is a former Capitol Hill staffer, say the Orthodox community now is likelier to find like-minded advocates among Republicans. “By dealing with Republicans, it doesn’t seem like politics as the art of the deal,” he said. “It feels more like politics are

an extension of values.”

David Luchins, a political science professor at Touro College and a former longtime adviser to Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan (D-NY), said he believes Orthodox support for Bush derives almost entirely from his Israel policy and from a desire to support an incumbent who is favored to win re-election.

“We don’t have to go out of our way to thank Democratic friends who stand up for Israel because it’s part of the standard Democratic agenda,” said Luchins, a member of the Orthodox Union board. “But the Republicans who do it require special appreciation from our community.”

Other issues, such as the Republican social agenda, are not as important to Orthodox Jews, Luchins said.

“The very issues that Republicans need to hold their right-wing base are the issues that scare Jews out of the Republican Party,” he said, listing abortion and prayer in public schools.

While Republican Jews may be raising money for Rep. Tom DeLay (R-Texas), the House majority leader, to win re-election in Texas, Luchins questions whether New York Jews would support him to be their representative.

Nonetheless, he said, he’s glad that some Jews are supporting Bush and other Republicans--it means Democrats will no longer take the Jewish vote for granted, and Republicans will consider the Jewish vote in making policy decisions, Luchins said Orthodox Jews have been making their voices heard in Washington since the years between the world wars, said Jonathan Sarna, a professor of American Jewish history at Brandeis University. Even during the war, Orthodox leaders marched on Washington to seek intervention against the Holocaust threat.

In later decades, the Orthodox chose to work behind the scenes rather than follow the example of Jewish organizations that established successful political action arms in Washington.That has changed in recent years.

Orthodox Republicans say that the Republican stance on Israel has helped open the door for more people to take the party seriously.

(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jon Gates Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing.

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Nebraska Press Association

November 7, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

What is Wisdom?

THE HISTORY F OOTPRINT

by OLIVER B. POLLAK The origin of this ‘wisdom’ story starts in 1956 when my parents subscribed to Wisdom, a magazine published in 39 issues from 1956 until 1964.

Volume 1, the Genesis of Wisdom, edited

by Leon Gutterman of the Wisdom Society for the Advancement of Knowledge, Learning and Research in Education on Wilshire Boulevard in Beverly Hills, focused on Albert Einstein.

Mid-century was the great age of the national magazine, symbolized by the corner newspaper and magazine seller or the mailman bringing Life, Look, Cornet, Reader’s Digest, Boys Life, Vanity Fair, Atlantic Monthly, Vogue, Time, Newsweek, and U.S. News and World Report to homes and libraries. Many magazines are still around but they don’t have the same aura, panache and authority in an age of Web, ESPN, CNN and National Public Radio.

A lame and inane but nonetheless humorous repartee in the 1950s and 1960s asked the eternal question, “What is Life? It’s a magazine. How much does it cost? A quarter. I only have 20 cents.

That’s life.”

Serious questions are the subject of humor. In the 1979 film the Frisco Kid, the comical Yeshiva student played by Gene Wilder asks his illustrious Rebbe on his deathbed, “What’s Life?” The Rebbe whispers, “Life is a River.” Wilder responds quizzically, “Life’s a River?” The

Rebbe is flummoxed.

Serious questions also receive serious treatment.

Omaha’s Dr. Philip Sher, namesake of the Sher Home, the predecessor of the Blumkin Home, wrote The Wisdom from the Bible and Talmud (1937).

Picking up the cudgel “what is Wisdom?” I focus on the magazine rather than deeper eternal questions. Wisdom is a magazine. How much did it cost? It was remarkably expensive, single issues rose from $1.00 to $3, $15 tax-deductible for an annual subscription. But it offered culture, the best of western civilization.

Lying on your coffee table, or standing on a shelf it conveyed middle-brow status. You could buy it in soft or hard cover and purchase a hard binder to collect the issues year by year.

Wisdom had a large 10x13 inch format, with a gold, black and white heavy enamel paper cover. Each cover featured a prominent personality.

Albert Schweitzer followed Einstein. Many of the black and white photographs were

by Yousuf Karsh of Ottawa.

Two mysteries of the ordinary jarred my memory about Wisdom. On Oct. 26, 1996, the Sunday New York Times Magazine featured an advertisement for Coach handbags with Albert Einstein’s grandson sitting under a tree reading Wisdom, reminiscent of Buddha sitting under a tree gaining enlightenment.

In 1998 I attended the wedding of Lisa and Mike in San Francisco. Lisa is the daughter of Donna and my cousin Ralph Seligman. Sitting in my cousin’s family room high atop the hills in Burlingame,

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and watching part of the art history mystery series on Artemesia Gentileschi, I spied a single copy of Wisdom. Ralph received it from his mother Renee. It held no special memories for him; it just came from his mother’s house, and he decided to keep it.

UNL’s Love Library has an almost complete set of Wisdom. I pawed over it twice in the last seven years. They were heavy and unwieldy; I knew they contained a story. A teacher suggests worthwhile topics to students. Graduate students pick up the challenge, commit time to hefting, reading, research and writing, publish a paper.

No one picked up Wisdom. So it was left to no one but me.

I am on sabbatical, the Faculty Development Fellowship, this year. One project is to get Wisdom out of my system.

In July 2003, Love Library informed me the volumes were in offsite storage, ultimately destined for the $3.2 million 10,000 square foot book storage warehouse.

Interlibrary Loan brought Wisdom to UNO from Fremont’s Midland College.

Restricted to library use, I did not get to the library to treat it appropriately. I purchased 20 copies on the web for about $5 each.

Wisdom adopted theme issues such as science, medicine, health, politicians, musicians, writers, actors, movies and television, women, art, religion, artists, philosophy and law.

Besides Albert Einstein, further covers featured Bernard Baruch, William Benton, Pearl S. Buck, Winston Churchill, Walt Disney, Will Durant, Thomas Edison, President Dwight D. Eisenhower, Felix Frankfurter, Benjamin

Franklin, Robert Frost, John Harvard, Jascha Heifetz, Ernest Hemingway, Robert M. Hutchins and Mortimer J. Adler, Moses and Jesus, Carl Jung, Alfred Adler and Sigmund Freud, Yousuf Karsh, Helen Keller, Somerset Maugham, Nehru, Laurence Olivier, Pablo Picasso, Pope Pius XII, Rodin, Eleanor Roosevelt, Arthur Rubinstein, Bertrand Russell, Dr. Jonas E. Salk, Carl Sandburg, David Sarnoff, George Bernard Shaw, Vic Tanney, and Arnold J. Toynbee. At least 10 of the 43 icons were Jewish; three were women.

Wisdom highlighted Compton’s Pictured Encyclopedia, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Book of Knowledge, the Harvard Classics, Great Books of the Western World, and Encyclopedia Americana. Today we call that cross marketing and endorsement. In 1958 Wisdom appeared on five weekly NBCTV programs.

A magazine usually stops publication silently and inexplicably, leaving a haunting vacuum. Wisdom ceased publication because although it had subscribers and a cachet; it had no overt advertising or subsidizing angels. The last issue, No. 39, “Wisdom of the Bible,” appeared in 1964. No. 40, Wisdom of Shakespeare, never appeared.

Purchasers of the $250 lifetime subscription were disappointed.

If you want to pursue Wisdom beyond the words written here, the Jewish Federation Library has several issues.

Oliver Pollak been writing these feuilletons for a year. Henceforth The Historian’s Footprint replaces The History Footprint. He can be reached at: OBPOMNI@aol.com

Living With Loss A grief support group for anyone who has lost a loved one within the past three years. It is designed to facilitate a sense of a caring community in the midst of the many feelings of the mourning process and to suggest Jewish resources that may offer comfort to those grieving a loss.

9720 West Center Road • Westroads • 391-5300 Facilitated by Shane Kotok, M.S., C.S.W. and Steve Stiel, L.C.S.W.

BERNINA Skilled staff are at your disposal in both Bernina stores. They are ready to discuss and demonstrate all that is new from Bernina

This five-session group will meet from 4:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesdays Starting November 12th in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home conference room

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To register or for more information call: Shane Kotok at Jewish Senior Services, 334-6529 Steve Stiel at Jewish Family Service, 334-6492

Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings

November 7, 2003

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322-4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat morning services, 9:30 a.m. Junior Congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. K’tantan starts 10:45 a.m.

Beth El will sponsor the Kiddush; Evening services, at 5 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

EXPANDED SITTER SERVICE In addition to our longstanding Saturday morning Sitter Service (which is free of charge and "drop in"), Friday Night Sitter Service is available during November on a trial basis. To reserve for Friday night at $2 per family, call the office at 492-8550.

USY-KADIMAH TALENT SHOW Members of USY and Kadimah will stage a talent show at the Synagogue to entertain the entire Beth El family, Sunday, 1-3 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class meets with Cantor Gaston Bogomolni, Wednesday, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Mordechai Levin continues “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century,” Thursday, noon. For information, or to make a reservation for optional lunch, at 1 p.m., call the office, 492-8550.

BENTON AND HARRIET KUTLER SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Dr. Alvin Rosenfeld of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Council will

share new perspectives on Holocaust remembrance, Nov. 79, the weekend marked by worldwide commemoration of Kristallnacht. Friday he will speak following Shabbat dinner.

Saturday he will deliver a D’Var Torah during morning services and give a luncheon presentation. Sunday he will lead study and discussion-- with adults from 10-11 a.m.; with BESTT students, 11 to noon. Beth El invites the community to attend these programs. For information or to make reservation for meals, call the office, 492-8550.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 5 p.m. West Minyan at the home of Fishel and Jean Paley, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored

by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:55 p.m.

SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m.

Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: “Finale on 52nd St.” Annual Sisterhood Donor Luncheon, 11:30 a.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Family Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY: Religious school, 3 p.m. at the JCC.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

MondayFriday, morning services, 7 a.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 7:45 p.m., with Sara Friedman & Maxine Noodell.

SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY: Prof. Shapiro will lead a discussion on essays from Amos Oz’s book, In the Land of Israel, 7 p.m.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Andrew Greenberg.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. A short service of song and prayer, followed by

Candlelighting Friday, November 7, 4:54 p.m.

cookies and juice. Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Marantz will give the sermon. The Oneg Shabbat is sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 7-8:30 p.m.: Herzl’s The Jewish State with John Dacey.

WEDNESDAY, 6:45-8:30 p.m.: “History of Israel, Part I: Biblical and Pre-Modern Foundations” with Dr. Moshe Gershovich.

THURSDAY, 10-11:30 a.m.: “Adult Study With The Clergy” with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m.

SUNDAY, 10 a.m., Pirke Avot.

WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.

UPCOMING EVENTS Friday, Nov. 15: National Organ Donor Shabbat, featuring our own Pinkie Hansen.

Saturday, Nov. 15: Make reservations for Lunch ’n Learn with the office, 423-8569.

BOOK FAIR /GIFT BAZAAR Sunday, Nov. 16, 9:30 a.m.12:30 p.m.: Books provided by Lee Bookseller; jewelry from Israel from Gade Tene of ShirTal Jewelry, and Judaica from the Tifereth Israel Gift Shop.

CDC Kids Love to Read!

LINCOLN CENTER Israeli Literary Gives Thompson Lecture in Lincoln

by CHERYL KRUID for the Harris Center, UNL Amos Oz, a leader in the Israeli peace movement and one of Israel’s bestknown authors, will speak Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m. at the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 No. 12 St. in Lincoln. The lecture, titled “Israel: Peace and War,” is free and open to the public.

Oz is Israel’s most distinguished literary figure and a founding member of Israel’s Peace Now movement. Oz served as a reserve soldier with a tank unit on the Sinai Front during the June 1967 Six Day War and also served in the October 1973 Yom Kippur War. Two additional opportunities to learn

more about Oz include: a student-led forum on Monday, Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m., in the Nebraska Union; and a talk prior to Oz’s lecture, led by Ophira Bahar, a native of Haifa, Israel, and a longtime teacher of Hebrew in Lincoln, is Nov. 18, 3 p.m., in the Lied Center’s Steinhart Room.

This lecture, which is part of the Kripke Lecture Series, is co-sponsored by the Thompson Forum and UNL’s Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies and the Lincoln Jewish Federation. The E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues is a project of the Cooper Foundation, the Lied Center for Performing Arts and UNL.

BAT MITZVAH Molly Margaret Noodell, daughter of David and Ann Noodell, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 15, at Temple Israel.

A seventh-grade student at Millard North Middle School, she enjoys playing flute in the school band, reading, and working with animals.

Molly has a younger brother, Benjamin.

Grandparents are Jack and Maxine Noodell, and Don and Peggy Girard of North Platte, NE. Great-grandmother is Margaret Owen of North Platte.

The Director of the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center won’t be using his office anytime soon. Corey Kirshenbaum’s office at the JCC’s CDC was filled--almost to the ceiling--with balloons. For every book read to the children, the CDC staff added another balloon to Kirshenbaum’s office.

PERSONALS We wish our mom, Marian Cackin, a very happy 80th birthday. Love, Betty & Larry, Larry & Sheri, Deb & Lou, grandchildren & great-grandchildren The family of Morton Soiref wishes to thank all our friends who so thoughtfully conveyed their sympathy during our recent loss. He will be sorely missed.

The family of Morton Soiref

November 7, 2003

Defying Comfort Zones and Making The Journey

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI BARUCH HALEVI Parashat Lekh Lekha One of the greatest blessings of the Jewish people in America, particularly in communities like Omaha and Des Moines, is our level of comfort.

Never before have Jews lived in such safe, nurturing and affluent environments. Our lives and lifestyles would have been simply inconceivable to our ancestors, even to many of our bubbies and zaydies. And yet, this comfort is not without some real challenges.

You know you are getting older when you begin using the phrase, “when I was your age.” Sadly, I must confess I recently joined “Club Alter Kocker” when I proceeded to use it while admonishing a Hebrew school class. I couldn’t help it. I was desperate, trying to convey to a class of kvetching pre-B’nai Mitzvah students, just how fortunate they really were--“there are children in China who don’t have cell phones for goodness sake,” I yelled (much more shocking, I have found, than the whole hunger bit). Alas, they simply looked at me like I was some old, pathetic rabbi and continued kvetching.

Frankly, my frustration wasn’t simply with these children, it was with many adults, myself included.

Judaism, all religion for that matter, is built on a single premise--the world and our lives are incomplete and we are here to repair this brokenness, to bridge this gap in our own lives and the lives of others through our faith and through our actions. This is simply the inner and outer mission of each and every Jew. But in my day-to-day life, no matter how hard I try to live out this Jewish mission, I simply keep losing focus. The frantic, consumerism, individual-oriented society in which we live doesn’t exactly foster this religious mission.

Truly, at the core of my being, I want to long for God, to desire to become a better Jew and human being, and to yearn for ending hunger and pain. It must have been easier to have such longings and stay focused on them back in the shtetl, back when we were persecuted.

But in an age where we have more than two cars and four television sets per household, where we earn more than any generation in human history (according to a recent study Jews on average earn two to three times more than the average American), this is a truly challenging mission to say the least. And it is here that I turn to this week’s Torah Portion, Lekh-Lekha, to find some guidance.

Though I don’t remember much from my Hebrew school education (not a comment on my holy teachers like Mrs. Wise, Mrs. Kaslow or Mrs. Riekes--I didn’t give them much), I do remember one particular story.

Abraham, the son of an idolater, was left one day in charge of his father’s idol shop. He proceeds to destroy the idols and most of you know the rest of the story.

It appears nowhere in the Torah. For so many years I thought it was there, in black ink on the white parchment. It is not because it is Midrash--a story or myth created by the Rabbis to elucidate a particular point.

What this particular Midrash does is shows the dissatisfaction or even disgust that Abraham and Sara must have lived with and one of the reasons they so eager-

ly responded to God’s call: Lekh-Lekha--Go forth, from your land, from your birthplace, from your father’s house, to the land which I will show you.

Frankly, we just don’t know that much about Abraham and Sara prior to this moment. and therefore this Midrash comes along and gives some background to the story. The challenge, however, is that there are other ways to read this text, that are equally possible with very different implications.

One such Midrash that I have woven into my understanding (which I have partially created) begins in the fact that nowhere does it say Noah or any of his descendants died (save one of Abraham’s uncles). That means that Abraham and Sara were living with 10 generations of mishpacha. We’re talking about thousands of family members!

And what little we know of Abraham’s father and his family, we might very well be talking about a group of good, upstanding human beings--and not a bunch of idolaters. After all, the text does tell us that Abraham’s father set out on this journey to Israel many years prior.

We don’t know why he gave up, but it says a lot about the man that he even tried. So in the end, the text compels me to see Abraham’s home in a very different way than a place of idols and idolaters.

So when Abraham and Sara set out on this journey they don’t do so from a place of disgust. Rather, this is a pro-active journey--a journey of moving towards a dream, towards that which they love--rather than running away from a nightmare or that which they fear.

Abraham and Sara become the first Jews because they are the first two humans to pro-actively set out to transform their lives and the world around them. This is Lekh-Lekha and this is the Jewish journey.

And now I return to today, to our comfortable and affluent Midwestern, suburban lives. Instead of being frustrated by challenges, I have a different outlook. It is one thing to embrace God, Torah, and the community of Israel (or the State of Israel, for that matter) out of insecurity, doubt or fear. However, it is a much higher and holier level to embrace these things out of love.

Yes, we live in a world that resists inward exploration or outward concern and action towards fellow humans.

This is why it is an act of courage, bravery and true service when we do so. Perhaps we are dwindling in numbers; perhaps we are intermarrying or assimilating like never before; at the same time we are also facing unprecedented challenges in our 4000 year history and are daily rising to the occasion and successfully making the Lekh-Lekha journey.

Whenever we step foot in a synagogue, not because there is a Bat Mitzvah, not because we feel obliged to attend High Holy Day services, but simply because we choose to go, we are hearing the call of Lekh-Lekha and making the journey. Whenever we send our children to Jewish summer camp (perhaps the single most formative Jewish experience we can give them), both parents and children are hearing the call and making the journey.

And finally, whenever we give money to the Federation for Israel, or better yet board a plane to Israel, we are certainly overcoming our comfort, defying the daily negative images of Israel in the media or the increasing anti-Zionist rhetoric.

In a profound and holy way, we are living out the sacred destiny of Abraham and Sara, of the Jewish people and of Lekh-Lekha--hearing the call and making the journey.

DEATHS DAN GREENFIELD Dan Greenfield died Oct. 29 at the age of 90. Services were held Nov. 2 at Mount Sinai Cemetery.

Greenfield retired from the Union Pacific Railroad after many years of service.

Preceded in death by his wife, Alice, and daughter, Patricia, he is survived by grandchildren Mark Zingerman, Neal and Rachel Zingerman; one greatgrandson; and brother, Phil Lubman.

Memorials to the Mount Sinai Cemetery ASsociation, c/o Kevee Kirshenbaum Treasurer, 9755 Hamilton Plz., Omaha, NE 68114.

DOROTHY FELTMAN Dorothy Swartz Feltman died Oct. 30 at the age of 79. Services were held Nov. 2 at Beth El Cemetery.

She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Stan Feltman; daughter, Lynne Hagler; sons, Lee Feltman and James Feltman; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials to charity of choice.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Memorials to the Council for Jews with Special Needs in Scottsdale, AZ. JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Photos from the Sept. 26 New Year’s issue may be picked up in the Press office during regular business hours. All photos from previous New Year’s and Passover issues have been turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 7, 2003

Generous Families Establish Funds for Inter-Generational Learning at Temple

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Lou Pachman and his son Alex, Kimberly Robinson and her daughter Sydney, and Bailey Newman with her mother Karli are learning Hebrew together, along with the other 23 families enrolled in Temple Israel’s Tuesday night Family School. They also study Bible, Jewish history, and Israel in both formal and informal settings. Family School extends the definition of family beyond that of the nuclear family to include the entire congregational family.

Rabbi Craig Marantz, Leigh Goodman, David Goldberg, Ann Noodell, Lynne Jensen, Maya Wertheimer, Colleen Kennealy, Sarah Schondelmeyer, and Eileen Clignett are the Family School instructors. “Each of these talented and dedicated teachers make Tuesday nights a positive Jewish learning experience for our families,” said Joan Cooper, Temple’s elementary school coordinator.

Family School as well as Temple’s religious school, and middle/high school will be the beneficiaries of a generous new education fund bequeathed by Margaret Robinson. She and her husband Arnold Robinson were from Norfolk, Nebraska, and were long-time members of Temple Israel. The Robinson family traveled regularly between Norfolk and Omaha when their children were in religious school. Margaret Robinson, who served as a regent for the University of Nebraska, was well known for her passion for education.

“Temple truly appreciates families who remember us in their wills,” said Gary

Left: Lou Pachman, and his son, Alex, learn with 23 other families at Temple Israel’s Family School. Right: Choir members practicing for High Holy Day worship services include: Lonnie Graul, left, Jim Kaplan, president of the congregation.

“It is a wonderful way to perpetuate a family’s values.”

Kol Rina, Temple’s adult choir, offers another opportunity for inter-generational learning as choir members experience the joy of prayer together while they sing.

Jaclyn Adelson, 13, joined the choir just prior to the High Holy Days this year. “I like singing,” she said, “and I thought it would be fun.” She appreciates the older choir members’ encouragement when she stretches for the high notes. Sam Anderson, 15, is also a choir member.

Temple’s educational curriculum is being recognized this week at the Union

Anderson, Jon Rathsam, Paul Koenig, Tamara Field, Wendy Eaton, Sam Anderson, and David Carlsen. The Kol Rina Choir is one reason Temple is being recognized at the UAHC Bienniel this week.

of American Hebrew Congregations Biennial in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The congregation is an honorable mention recipient of the 2003 Congregation of Learners Award. In a letter from UAHC to Rosie Zweiback, Temple program director, Temple was praised for “outstanding adult Jewish programming (which) reflects the learning process at its best.

Offering both intellectual and spiritual opportunities for all levels of learners, your congregation serves as an exemplar of adult study across the North American Reform Movement.”

There were four winners in the competition and seven congregations that

received honorable mention among the Reform Movement’s 900 congregations.

There were 70 submissions for the award.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel expressed his gratitude to the family of Hermene Zweiback for establishing an endowment for adult education in her memory. The fund supports the Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning at Temple.

“This award is an outstanding achievement for our congregation,” said Rabbi Azriel. “We are indebted to Dr. Speedy Zweiback and his family for their amazing generosity and accept the award in memory of Hermene.”

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