November 12, 2004

Vol. LXXXIV No. 10 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

28 Cheshvan, 5765 November 12, 2004

Who Will Succeed Arafat?

by GIL SEDAN Fatah to Hamas saying: Let everyone JERUSALEM (JTA)--When the Islamic appear united until the “day after,” until the Prophet Mohammed was dying in 632 present political mist clears. Under A.D., one of his disciples, the future Palestinian law, Rawhi Fattouh, speaker of Caliph Omar, raised his sword to strike the Palestinian Legislative Council, would down anyone who dared to claim that the take Arafat’s place as Palestinian Authority prophet had breathed his last breath. president for 60 days, after which new elecAccording to Islamic tradition, Omar’s coltions would be held. league Abu-Bakr rebuked him.

But Fattouh is little known among “If anyone worships Mohammed, Palestinians and has no political base.

Mohammed is dead. If anyone worships Therefore it seems increasingly likely that, God, God is alive, immortal,” Abu Bakr said. at least transitionally, the Palestinians will If that was the case with Mohammed, be led by a collective headed by Qurei and many Palestinians argued this week, then it Abbas.Under this arrangement, Qurei certainly is true of Yasser Arafat, who has would deal with the daily affairs of governbeen on life-support for the past few days ing while Abbas handles diplomacy, as his wife and Palestinian Authority leaders Palestinian officials said. control information on his condition.

From Israel’s point of view, that’s good Speaking Tuesday at the Paris hospital news: Both of the men have good records Mahmoud Abbas, left, attends a Palestinian Parliament session along with Ahmed Qurei in where Arafat was being treated, Nabil of dialogue with Israelis.Then again, that Ramallah on Sept. 4, 2003. Abbas was on the verge of resigning as Palestinian Authority Sha’ath, the Palestinian Authority’s foreign may prove counterproductive as they work Prime Minister at the time due to ongoing wrangling with Yasser Arafat. Arafat chose Qurei minister, said Arafat was in a deep coma, to establish credibility among Palestinians, Credit: BP Images/JTA as Abbas’ successor. though his organs were still functioning. since it can hurt a leader’s popularity to be Sha’ath also ruled out any chance of euthanasia, saying it France in late October. considered too close to Israel.

The power shift generally was accepted, but one is against Muslim precepts and that Arafat is not suffering.

Furthermore, both Abbas and Qurei are seen as part The story about Mohammed has made the rounds in important Palestinian--the ailing president’s wife, Suha of the “Tunis leadership,” the coterie of Arafat intimates Palestinian areas to justify the transfer of power in the --rejected it. On Sunday, Suha Arafat charged three vet- who lived in exile and never really shared the plight of Palestinian Authority even before Arafat was declared eran Palestinian leaders--Sha’ath, P.A. Prime Minister the local Palestinian population. Arafat ran Palestinian dead. The current and former P.A. prime ministers Ahmed Qurei, and Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the affairs from Tunisia between 1982 and 1994. divvied up Arafat’s responsibilities when he left for PLO’s executive committee and a former P.A. prime In addition, Abbas and Qurei could yet find themminister--of a conspiracy to “bury Abu Ammar while he selves challenged by other powerful and popular elewas still alive.” ments in the Palestinian Authority. Among them are forAbu Ammar is Arafat’s nom de guerre. mer Gaza Strip security chief Mohammed Dahlan and Suha Arafat made her dramatic statement in an emo- Jibril Rajoub, a West Bank security adviser to Arafat. tional interview with Al-Jazeera, the Arabic satellite telBoth are “insiders” who spent time in Israeli jails in the

by PAM MONSKY evision station, while the three leaders were en route to 1970s and 1980s and have acquired considerable experiFederation Communications Director Paris to look into Arafat’s condition. ence negotiating with Israeli leaders over the past decade.

The Jewish women of Omaha are invited to a Girls’ Suha Arafat, who had not visited the Palestinian areas Though they no longer are officially in charge of securiNight Out with heart and soul. The 2005 Jewish nor seen her husband since the intifada began more than ty organs, they remain politically powerful and may Federation Women’s Campaign Event brings an four years ago, has closely controlled access to her hus- emerge as candidates for the Palestinian leadership. exceptional evening of light-hearted entertainment band in Paris. But the Palestinian leaders going to Paris In what could prove to be a challenge to Qurei, featuring pianist and vocalist Marty Henne, Tuesday, stressed that as the national leader, Arafat belonged to the Hamas has said it’s looking for a formal role in Nov. 16, 7 p.m., Ironwood Golf and Country Club, entire Palestinian people, not just to his wife.

Palestinian decision-making. “This time is very sensi12627 Pacific.

In Israel, Suha Arafat’s unexpected broadside was tive. It’s a historic time. There is no space for any uniMarty Henne, a seen as part of a behind-the-scenes battle for an esti- lateral decisions,” Hamas spokesman Sami Abu-Zuhri nationally-known mated $900 million in Arafat’s bank accounts, much of said. “Everyone now is calling to form a united entertainer who’s it believed to be looted from public P.A. funds. But the Palestinian leadership. This is a demand of our people.” delighted audiimpression her outburst may create could further comThough everyone talks about unity, neither Qurei nor ences in nightplicate efforts to ensure a smooth transition of power Hamas has made any commitments. For the time being, clubs, country once Arafat is declared dead.

Hamas is not integrated into the PA and continues plotclubs, and cruise So far, the name of the game has been unity, with ting terrorist attacks. “The resistance continues and will ships, is renowned everyone from the old guard to the young guard and stop only if the occupation ends,” Abu-Zuhri said. for his interaction and rapport with his audience. In Marty Henne addition to wonderful music, Henne’s show is also filled with stories and insights about the writers and the times they lived

by RITA SHELLEY over the years. and worked in, all told with his unique humor, joy for Jewish Senior Services “I’m very pleased to recand warmth.

A young man with eight years of volunognize this quarter’s Points His performances have drawn comparisons to the teer service at the Rose Blumkin home has of Light Award winners for shows of consummate entertainers like Mel Torme been recognized by Gov. Mike Johanns their selfless volunteer and Michael Feinstein. Marty Henne’s Omaha show with a Points of Light award in the youth efforts,” Gov. Johanns said. is titled “Songs You Know by People You Don’t” and category. The awards are presented quar“Nebraskans are known for includes beloved standards like ‘As Time Goes By,’ terly in recognition of volunteers who give giving of themselves and ‘April in Paris,’ and ‘Moonlight Serenade.’ their time, talent and energy to help that quality is part of what The Women’s event is free and open to women in Nebraskans build stronger communities. makes our state such a the community who make a gift of any amount to the Robert Mosenkis began his volunteer wonderful place to live.”

2005 Federation Annual Campaign. A dessert recepservice eight years ago as a second grader.

Mosenkis is a past recipition and CD sale and signing will follow the show. In A native of Russia and the Ukraine, ent of the Teen Leadership addition, Marty Henne will donate 10% of the CD Mosenkis is fluent in Russian and often acts Robert Mosenkis, left, receives a Points of Award from the Jewish sales at the Women’s event to the Jewish Federation as an interpreter for elderly residents who Light Award from Nebraska Gov. Mike Federation of Omaha, and a Women’s Campaign. The CDs sell for $20 each. speak no English. He fills in for staff mem- Johanns at a ceremony in Lincoln. winner of the United Way’s Reservations for the Women’s Event are recombers so that they may spend holidays with Volunteer of the Year mended due to space limitations and can be made by their families, serenades residents in celebration of their Award. The son of Igor and Anna Mosenkis, Robert is calling Lana Reichardt, Federation Executive Secretary birthdays, and has helped recruit several volunteers a freshman at the University of Nebraska-Omaha. at 334.6430 or e-mail lreichardt@jewishomaha.org.

Women’s Campaign Event is ‘Some Enchanted Evening’

Blumkin Home Volunteer Recognized with Points of Light Award

Inside Periodical Postage Paid; for more information see Editorial Page 8.

This Week: Where Are They Now? Features Alan Friedman: Page 3 Relationship Expert Comes to Omaha: Page 4

Read It & Eat Features American Classics: Page 6

Coming: Hanukkah Gift Guide, Nov. 26

Film Festival, New Books and “Chanu-kids” at Kripke Library: Page 7

Update on Jewish Members of Congress: Page 9

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2004

Rabin Mourned at Memorial Service

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by JANET KOHLL for Beth Israel Sisterhood “Mom, can I see a movie with my friends? It’s not rated R; it’s PG13!”

“Can I have this and that and the other thing-everybody else has one! Please!”

“This tv show is fine. All the kids in my class watch it.”

If any of this sounds familiar, you are probably a parent walking the minefields of today’s culture. Laura Buddenberg, author of Who’s Raising Your Child?--Battling the Marketers for Your Child's Heart and Soul, will help you wage the war.

She is the featured speaker at Beth Israel Sisterhood’s Donor event on Tuesday evening, Nov. 30, 7:30 p.m.

Whether you are concerned about your child, grandchild or other young impressionable minds, you will find Buddenberg’s presentation insightful and helpful.

She has two teenage daughters and, together with coauthor Kathie McGee, has taught and worked with troubled children and teens at Girls and Boys Town for more than 20 years. As professional trainers, both have pre-

sented workshops across the country on relationships, the media and sexual harassment and abuse.

Buddenberg will discuss all ages of children and subjects will include: Tykes and Television, What Parents of Tweens Can Do and Why Marketers Love Teens. These are timely topics for the Jewish community with Hanukkah just a week after this event, noted Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

“I’ve read the book and this promises to be an incredible event,” Rabbi Gross said. “Buddenberg’s message is particularly relevant nowadays when the holidays have become so commercialized.”

The evening begins with a Divine Dessert reception.

Non-members are welcome at $10 per person.

Reservations are requested by calling the synagogue at 556.6288. Proceeds will go toward a playground on the synagogue grounds.

Who’s Raising Your Child? is available at the Girls and Boys Town Visitors Center or by calling 498.1320.

Copies will also be available at the donor.

CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Temple Plans “Summer in Winter” Weekend for Past and Future Campers

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12 BBYO New Members Convention in St. Louis, 8 a.m.

Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You”, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Jerry Kaye, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 13 C L Beth El 75th Anniversary Dinner Dance, 7 p.m.

I SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14 P Bible Study, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El & JELS Film Festival, 7 p.m.

S MONDAY, NOVEMBER 15 A JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

V Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

E BEAM Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El JFS Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Federation Women’s Campaign Event, 7 p.m. at Ironwood Country Club Temple Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 17 “Spice and Spirit of Jewish Cooking Club”, 9 a.m. at Chabad House Nebraska AIPAC Council Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at Ironwood Country Club C Bible Quiz Study (Gr. 7-12), 5 p.m. at Temple Israel L Temple Israel Middle/High School Teacher Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

I Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m.

P Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

& S A V E

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18 Men’s Spirituality Group, 7:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Beth El Rabbi Levine’s Class, noon Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

RBJH Family Nite Dinner, 5:30 p.m.

JELS Film Festival, 7 p.m.

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 In celebration of going to Jewish summer camps, Temple Israel will host a camp weekend, Nov. 19-21.

Despite the November nip in the air, Temple youngsters will have summer fun in the sun on their minds for two days even as winter approaches.

Robyn Freeman and her committee members Bonnie Levinger, Maria Neesman, Rosie Zweiback, and Lynne Jensen have planned a reunion and recruitment dinner for Nov. 19, 6 p.m.

“Our Temple kids have had good camp experiences,” said Robyn, “and they love to reconnect and talk about it. This will be an opportunity to celebrate those wonderful experiences and to get excited about next summer. I know how much camp meant to my two older daughters. That’s why I couldn’t say no when it came to getting involved in the camp weekend.”

Temple’s former campers of all ages and their families along with third and fourth graders and their families are invited to the camp recruitment dinner which will be followed by Shabbat worship services at 7:30 p.m. The planning committee hopes to have displays set up from Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute (OSRUI),

Shwayder Camp, Camp Sabra, and Beber Camp as well as scholarship information available. To add to the fun, freebies will be given away, and there is a camp song session planned. Centerpieces on the tables will feature photographs of Temple campers. The evening will give new and prospective campers and their parents an opportunity to talk to those who have already had camp experiences.

It’ll be “Summer in Winter” on Sunday, Nov. 21, during religious school hours. The event will include activities such as s’more making in the kitchen, a song session, arts and crafts, face painting, and a sandbox to simulate camp activities. Jerry Kaye, director of OSRUI, and Susan Alexander, assistant director, will be at Temple for the occasion. Uri Levin, the Jewish Community Center Shaliach from Israel, will also be on hand.

“It’s their summer experiences at Jewish summer camps that help turn Jewish children into actively Jewish adults,” emphasized Elyce Azriel, Middle/High School director.

“And Judaism can always use more actively Jewish adults,“ added Lynne Jensen, director of youth and informal education at Temple.

November 12, 2004

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

The ‘King of Pinks’

by CAROL KATZMAN “I can vividly remember Editor of the Jewish Press waking up at midnight to Growing up in Borsheim’s the sound of clanking metal as a little boy, recalls his trays,” Friedman said in a father, the late Ike Friedman recent interview with the walking the floor in a very Jewish Press. “Roz, my mothcrowded downtown er, and my father Ike, G-d Borsheim’s, knee deep in bless them, after putting in a customers. “I’d put on a full day’s work, were downclip-on tie,” Alan says with a stairs sorting and hand postlaugh, “and go wait on ing all the days’ sales some of them!” receipts and payments to He may have only been vendors.

Alan Friedman 10-years-old, but this jewel“They’ve been an example ry-designer in the making was already to me my whole life,” he added. “I’m so learning from a master. “My father had grateful that my grandparents immigratan intuitive genius for matching a client ed to America--and for the opportunities with the right stone or piece,” Alan each generation has provided for our added, “and that included colored extended family.” diamonds.”

The sale of Borsheim’s to That’s something Alan knows Omaha financier Warren Buffett a lot about today. From his gave Alan that opportunity to ninth floor studio on Rodeo put his dream into reality; he Drive, he specializes in earned his graduate gemol“pink” diamonds. They’re ogist degree from the rare, and according to Gemological Institute of Friedman, what’s more...“they’re America and moved to California. beautiful.” He uses them with yellow Ike kept telling diamonds and the occaAlan that sional green, along “eventually the with the better customers will known white come.”

In diamonds to 1992, just c r e a t e after movpieces that ing to Los retail for Angeles, his $5000 to wife, Layna, more than a signed a lease on their first office. She million. and her sister made the connection to His opportunity to design jewelry, the 1993 Frank Sinatra Golf Tournament, rather than just sell it, came after grow- and “we were on ta roll,” Alan said. “This ing up in Borsheims. spring, we’ll open our first retail store in

Beverly Hills. But I’ll still travel and my clients will still be able to meet me and see my latest designs in Omaha.”

By the mid 1990s, Alan’s designs were available in most high-end stores around the country. He took a huge gamble and purchased seven-figures worth of pink diamonds.

“I looked at the packages of diamonds on my desk,” he recalled,” and thought to myself, ‘I’ve either made the biggest blunder in my life...or stumbled into something huge.”

Huge it was. Seven years later, he’s got buyers on the line from Boston, New York and everywhere inbetween wanting to know what he’s got for them. And that, the secret he learned from watching his father on the floor of Borsheim’s, is all due to developing relationships with customers.

“My dad is still recognized as the person who changed the industry,” Alan added. “He placed the customer first; he instituted the super-store concept in the jewelry business--with everything under one roof, from the right merchandising to the right staff to unbelievable customer service.

“Even today, I still hear at least one ‘Ike’ story a day!” he laughed.

He’s kept close ties to his former home and considers his family’s legacy “very important.

Being

brought up in Omaha taught me the the value of a simple, focused life with values that are timeless.”

Instead of looking at jewelry as a “commodity purchase,” Friedman says he wants his customers to associate special moments in their lives with giving a special gift.

And so, when Alan looks at his “pinks” he instantly envisions a design in his head, often pairing pink diamonds with brilliant red sapphires for a dramatic effect.

Just a month after 9/11, Friedman sold the “most important pink” diamond ever...and he’s been on the road every week since then.

So what is it with pink diamonds?

They constitute less than 1/10 of one percent of all the world’s diamonds.

They’re rare...extremely rare. And, according to Alan, “they’re extraordinarily beautiful.” He’s known as an expert on “pinks” and though their rarity makes them very expensive, it’s their beauty which makes them so appreciated by his clients, many of them celebrities.

By the way, Alan’s nickname?--“King of Pinks.” He lives in Pacific Palisades with his wife and four children: daughters Caroline, 19, Whitney, 13, Nicole Juliet, 10, and son, Nicholas, 8.

“Caroline has a real eye for design,” Alan noted. So maybe there will be yet another member of the Friedman family in the jewelry business!

Alan Friedman Company 9454 Wilshire Boulevard Suite 910 Beverly Hills, CA 90212 TEL 310 278 4944 FAX 310 278 5449 EMAIL terri@alandiamonds.com

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2004

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The Jewish Press 333 South 132nd Street Omaha, NE 68154 or see bottom of page 8 for email address and Fax number

According to One Expert, “Women Are from Venus, Men Are Clueless”

by DAVE GORDON Jewsweek Magazine Aryeh Pamensky wants to help eradicate divorce. He wants to remove misunderstandings between men and women. Pamensky, an Orthodox rabbi, says he knows how to do it.

He is the creator of the marriage seminar, “How to Rabbi Aryeh Pamensky Make a Good Marriage Great.” For his eight-week seminar, he dispenses his advice on relationships to packed rooms. The seminar has been so popular, that he’s offered it in such places as New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Las Vegas, Miami, Baltimore and Washington.

(Sponsored by Torah Learning Center & Discovery, Rabbi Aryeh Pamensky will be in Omaha, Sunday, Nov. 21, 7 p.m., at the home of Judy Moore and Chris Thurber, 12832 Lafayette Ave. There is no charge for the event, but reservations would be appreciated. If you’d like more information--or directions--call Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman, TLC Director, at 981.0569, by Nov. 16.)

Whole aisles in bookstores are dedicated to the topic.

So how is this relationship expert different from all others?

“Everybody has good insight. I have a different road.

I’m challenging the model that’s out there, with a new way of relating,” says the 39-year-old father of six, who has been married for 13 years. “The basic blueprints for the seminar come from the Torah. I’m not saying that Torah is the only source. I’ve morphed other sources with Torah to give a model for relationships in today’s world, subtitled ‘A Happy Wife is a Happy Life.’ It’s a married man’s guide to happiness.”

Although the vast majority of the attendees at his seminars are not religious, he says his marriage advice applies to pretty much anyone: Jews, gentiles, religious and nonreligious alike. The fact that he’s a rabbi hasn’t been an issue for his participants. People have even called him the “Jewish Men-are-from-Mars guy.”

Lamenting that we enter the most vital partnership of our lives with absolutely no training, Pamensky begins his seminars by talking about how he thinks many American marriages are flawed. A marriage will get better “only when both partners recognize there are fundamental differences between men and women, and how they communicate.”

The seminar begins with three ‘A’ principles, which he says a man should follow to make a woman happy: Attention, Affection, and Appreciation. Then, a paradigm he employs is G.I.R.L., (particularly for men to keep in mind): Gratitude, Important, Respect, Love. Anecdotes are provided in the seminar to elaborate on the practical application of these points. Mostly, they serve to illustrate how men can fulfill their mate’s needs, and how the byproduct will be his own happiness.

Because men and women are so different, a relationship can only reflect the needs of the man or the woman. He has to reflect the needs of the woman, whether it is communication, sex or love, or else he’s not doing his job right.

Rabbi Pamensky acknowledges what women have been saying about men for a long time. Men, he admits, are clueless. Men are so frequently confused by the

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mysteries of women’s behavior, he likens the attempt to figure women out to the famous scene in the Exorcist, when actress Linda Blair’s head frantically spins around. To the possible detriment of the partnership, women often want men to be more relationship based, he says. But women should just let men be men.

“Allow those differences to happen. Women are relationship beings. Men are not. It’s that easy.”

What men need in a relationship to make it work is a job or a task, because man’s nature is inherently task-oriented. “His entire job is to make her happy. How you help a man do his job better is to liberate him from the shackles of ‘relationships.’ A happy wife is a happy life.

He puts in a little, and she’ll give back a ton.”

Far from being a quid pro quo arrangement, however, there’s a caveat: men shouldn’t necessarily expect something in return, or give to their wife in order to get something in return. It took a little while for Pamensky to figure this all out.

The genesis for the seminar began around his dining room table discussions and has grown in the past two years to lecturing to more than 1000 participants in 12 cities (and counting). Before his own wedding, he took a marriage course and kept referring to different sources since then, both religious and secular, on how to make a marriage great. Taking a goodly helping of Scripture, mixing it with contemporary sources, and adding humor, Pamensky has created a relationship technique that has inspired participants to return for reunions.

For almost a decade, he has been teaching personal development seminars and doing marriage counseling.

Raised in Israel and Toronto, the South African-born Pamensky says the “billion-dollar relationship self-help industry” indicates that people are still searching, but aren’t finding the answers.

The initial step for the couple is to identify common relationship mistakes. For example, when a woman shares a problem, most men instinctively try to solve it.

That’s a no-no. Paradoxically, there is a ‘solution’, but it’s really a non-solution: His efforts should be to do what will make her happy, and not what he thinks makes her happy. That might mean--most times--simply listening.

“And how often does this happen: A husband walks in the door after work, and the first thing he says is ‘any mail?’ After being gone for hours in the day, the man walks in and he wants to read the newspaper or mail, and how does that make her feel?” First thing’s first, he says.

“Do exactly what your wife needs.”

It might sound simple, but in this case, the best answer is the simple one. “Go find a complex formula. But try this, first,” he says. “Is it the model? Nope. But it is.

People are complicated. Relationships are complicated.

This is a system where you can move within those complicated nuances. This is not a system of working through issues. I’m giving a model with tools.”

The model also includes suggestions for pro-active gestures of affection. Romantic surprises are greatly encouraged. “Write her a love-note twice a week. Find a post-it note and write ‘I love you.’ Leave it on the steering wheel, on the fridge, wherever.”

But make no mistake--that doesn’t mean the rules should be different outside the home, either. “No matter where you are at work, take her call. What’s the most important thing in your life? Your wife! Make her feel like she’s the most important thing in your life.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Wolfson Spreads the Joy of Jewish Living to Hundreds

by JILL BELMONT to his family members, and his vision for Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s future. His retreat for the Beth It’s both fun and fulfilling to be Jewish, El Board of Trustees, plus “Art of Jewish and anyone spending the weekend of Living” workshops for parents, congreOct.29-31 at Beth El Synagogue received gational organizations and faculty were that message in spades from guest lauded as invigorating and enlightening. speaker Ron Wolfson. Weaving stories, “The Wolfson weekend was a wonderreminiscences and how-to’s, Dr. Wolfson ful way to begin our celebration of the captivated the hearts and spirit of atten- synagogue’s 75th anniversary,” Beth El dees during his stint as Beth El’s scholar- Rabbi Mordechai Levin said. “Ron is a in-residence, a weekend which also gifted teacher and his presentations hailed the kick-off of Beth El’s year-long throughout the weekend were all inspi75th anniversary celebration. rational and challenging.”

A renowned author and leading Jewish During his D’var Torah, Dr. Wolfson family life educator, Dr. Wolfson has cited the synagogue’s milestone anniverserved on the faculty at the University of sary as “a time to reflect on the past, celJudaism in Los Angeles for almost 30 ebrate the present and to imagine the years, and is currently Vice President and future.” Expressing appreciation for the Dean of the university’s Fingerhut School warm, welcoming feel of the Beth El, he of Education and Director of the Whizin added that “when people go to the synCenter for the Jewish Future. agogue today, they want an intimate He is also a proud native Omahan relationship with God, not a distant relawhose grandparents, Louis and Ida tionship, and your congregation has it.”

Paperny, were among He also applauded Beth the founders of Beth El for its ability to balance El Synagogue. During the old and the new. the weekend, Dr. “You do what some synaWolfson praised the gogues are afraid to do: synagogue where he you honor tradition and was raised, applaudyou embrace change.” ing its meaningful and Not having the foresight uplifting religious to make adjustments or services, its warm, cardepending on the excuse ing environment, plus that “we always did it in the congregation’s this way” is a recipe for ability over the years disaster, he added. to both uphold Jewish Beth El Rabbi Mordechai Levin and In the 21st century, traditions and wel- Dr. Wolfson chatted following the Jewish life “depends on Sunday morning workshop. come change. the future of the syna“I’ve spoken at hundreds of syna- gogues,” he noted. “The synagogue has gogues and given hundreds of talks, and to be a warm, welcoming and safe place; I never give a talk without speaking a place that encourages every member about Omaha in the first three minutes,” of the family to take next steps on their he said. “I do so because in so many Jewish journeys--wherever they are--and ways, everything that’s so vitally impor- to discover the joys of creative living.” tant for the Jewish future, I learned from Dr. Wolfson’s infectious enthusiasm my experiences right here in this place.” has not dissipated over the last three He added that “Beth El is in a great decades, as he continues to teach the place to move into the future. The cler- joys of creative Jewish living. “I’m pasgy and leadership are sensational--any sionate about Jewish life,” he said. synagogue in the country would do any- “There’s so much work to be done, to try thing to have this kind of spirit from the to reach people and give them the skills rabbi and cantor. I call Omaha the best- and the access to Jewish living. My kept secret in the Jewish community. career’s basically been built around that, Between the synagogues and the Jewish and it’s been a lot of fun. I love working Community Center, this is a model with people and I love teaching.”

Jewish community.”

Over the years, Dr. Wolfson said he’s Following a soul-stirring musical observed changing trends within the Kabbalat Shabbat service, Dr. Wolfson Jewish community. Currently, he said, led a rollicking, fun-filled Shabbat dinner “I’m seeing more and more people interon Friday, leading more than 300 adults ested in their own spiritual journey-and children in songs and blessings. His ‘what does this Judaism thing mean to D’var Torah the following morning was me?’ We’re trying to re-invent religious laced with childhood memories, tributes schools and there’s been some progress

in that; around the country, day schools have grown quite a bit; youth groups are still important and summer camps are booming. I also think the infusion of great energy of Jews-by-choice has been magnificent for the Jewish community, and they are to be welcomed and embraced.”

He added that “I think our biggest challenge is to grow the Jewish people, and the way to do that is to really be assertive about all the wonderful things that Judaism brings to someone’s life, and to share that with the family. If we

encourage people to raise Jewish kids and grandkids, we’ll have a strong Jewish future.”

To close his Saturday morning D’var Torah, Dr. Wolfson left congregants with his wish for Beth El Synagogue during its next 75 years: “May Beth El continue to be a place of sacred relationships, a place of learning for everyone young and old, a place of healing and completeness, a place to do good deeds in the service of tikkun olam or repairing the world, a place of prayer that touches and moves the soul, a place of inspiration to lead lives of meaning and purpose, a place to celebrate where we have been, where we are and to envision what we can be.

“And when we’re fully engaged in this way, when we continually create our kehilah kadosha (sacred community), I believe we experience the presence of God in our lives. It’s then that a synagogue really Ron Wolfson shared personal stories and Jewish wisdom becomes a Beth El--a house with Beth El congregants during his entertaining and enlight- of God.” ening "Art of Jewish Living" workshop on Oct. 31.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2004

by David Rosengarten (Little, Brown, $29.95)

TUESDAY MUSICAL The New Season 2004-2005

After visiting the State Capitol Building, Friedel children enjoyed their lunch at the campus of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, front to back: Eva and Lilly Phillips, Kevin Adler, Mika Caplan, Amythest Wertheim, Benjamin Brodkey, Davida Halev, Chaim Hayward, Steven Levitan, Uriah Wertheim, Michael Popkov, Aaron Kurtzman-Nissen, Max Polack, Eliana Schuller, Max Weiner, Sophie Cemaj, Avishai Halev, Josh Kurtzman-Nissen, Rebecca Novak, Josh Polack, Sarah Kutler, Tal Margalit, Elissa Wiener, Samantha Wiener, Noam Margalit and Robert Levitan.

IN THE NEWS Jessica Danon, an honors student at Millard West High school has been selected to participate in the 2004-05 Youth Leadership Omaha class. The daughter of Veronica Danon and Steve Danon, Jessica was chosen from more than 300 applicants. The 41 sophomore finalists will embark on a year long development program increasing their awareness through issue-oriented seminars and interaction with community decision makers. Youth Leadership Omaha is sponsored by the: Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, Knights of AkSar-Ben, The Nebraska Medical Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center and community donors.

Kids, Inc., has announced the opening of its second office in conjunction with the Kansas City Psychiatric Group, P.A., in Kansas City.

President Allan Gonsher, who pioneered the principal of providing education, consultation and counseling in one site 20 years ago, will be creating the same child guidance clinic within the KCPG. He will be available for counseling and consultation two days a week in Kansas City. Kids, Inc., office in Omaha, with six therapists and one child/adolescent psychiatrist, will continue to provide services on a full-time basis.

Sara A. Juster has been appointed Vice-president of Administrative Affairs at Methodist Health Systems; she served as compliance officer for MHS since May, 2002 and previously as legal counsel for Berkshire Hathaway group of insurance companies.

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So, here we go, from fancy Americanized French food to the blue plate special at the local diner.

Part One is Ethnic America. Each part has an introduction as does each of the 18 foods listed. Jewish food “reflects the cultural history of a religious group that has spent time in a great many countries over the millennia.” Some of the recipes are Old-Fashioned Mushroom and Barley Soup, The Therapeutic ThreeHour Chicken Soup, Flanken, Cholent, and ExtraCrispy Potato Latkes.

Part Two is Regional America. The distinctive foods of more than a dozen regions usually not made and eaten elsewhere...forget the infusing and shaving this and that, swirling or towering, too. Rosengarten was after truly regional things to eat. Some of the foods of New York are Scrambled Eggs with Cheddar Cheese and Horseradish from Barney Greengrass (an Upper West Side in Manhattan “temple” of cooking), Salami and Eggs, New York City Pushcart Onions for Hot Dogs, and Home-Cured Corned Beef, New York Deli.

Part Three offers Classic America. Simple food with accessible ingredients...Pot Roast, Brisket, Classic Grilled Cheese Sandwich and such.

Each recipe features headnotes telling of the dish and the people or region. Numerical instructions are easyto-follow.

This cookbook author/foodie is the award winning editor of the Rosengarten Report Newsletter, who is constantly searching for his favorites in food and wine.

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Ozzie Nogg will be the guest speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Nov. 17, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to chairman Gary Javitch. Nogg will discuss her recently published book Joseph’s Bones. Cost is $10 for lunch; $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community.

Travis Justice is outspoken and very opinionated. He is, after all, paid to tell you what he thinks. His tv commentary “For What It’s Worth” has people talking at the water cooler all day. That’s just one reason the Monsky Lodge invited him to speak at its annual membership recruitment, Tuesday, Nov. 16, 6:30 p.m. at DJ’s Dugout in Miracle Hills. There is no charge to attend.

TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) Classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman; for information, call 981.0569. Mondays, 7:30 p.m.: “Kosher Kitchen”--Learn laws of keeping kosher. Beginner and Advanced students are welcome at the home of Rabbi and Ariella Hoffman. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m.: “Growth Through Torah”--Personal Growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah. located at a private residence. Wednesdays, noon: “Maximize Your Relationships”--explore your relationships through Torah wisdom in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Thursdays, 1 p.m.: “Meaning of Life and Other Business”--based on the Kabbalistic text Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto at the JCC; at 7:30 p.m. at the JCC, learn to read Hebrew in just a few weeks in our Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, sponsored by NJOP. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us for the Annual Thanksgiving Celebration, Monday at the JCC, with entertainment by Carmelita De La Guardia. Lunch is at noon; bingo at 10 a.m.; exercise at 10:30 a.m., followed by the discussion group at 11 a.m. Call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 for reservations.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going to Bluffs Run Casino on Thursday, 8:45 a.m., meet at the JCC main entrance.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Reminder: Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Nov. 19, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Jewish Family Service will use donations for Jewish families in need.

Bring your donation to the luncheon or send a check (to JFS) to: Doris Parker, 120 So. 70 St., Omaha NE 68132.

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Page 6

November 12, 2004

New Kids Book Traces Path of the World of our Ancestors

by PENNY SCHWARTZ BOSTON (JTA)--When Bruce Feiler’s Walking the Bible hit bookstores in 2000, the 434-page book became an instant bestseller, tapping into a groundswell of grown-up readers thirsty for knowing more about the world once inhabited by Abraham, Noah and Moses.

With the fall release of the kids’ version of the book, Feiler extends the opportunity to a younger generation who can open the book, travel the biblical world and capture Feiler’s sense of enthusiasm and marvel for the Bible as a living map and guide.

The inspiration for the original book came at a precise moment, Feiler writes, as he stood with a friend on a hilltop overlooking Jerusalem and realized that the historical site of the biblical story of Abraham and Isaac was at a place, a real place he could visit.

“In the Middle East, the Bible is not just a book. It’s a living, breathing entity,” Feiler writes.

At that moment Feiler’s grand sense of adventure was set in motion. He was determined to travel the route of biblical stories with illustrations and photographs and write about the experience.

Feiler, a travel writer, set off on his rigorous, and at times dangerous, journey, accompanied by Avner Goren, an archaeologist, who proved to be a wise walking companion and guide.

In a recent phone conversation from his home in New York, Feiler said his journey with Goren took about one year, traversing “10,000 miles, three continents, five countries, four war zones and we’d go to the places and read the stories.”

Since publication of Walking the Bible and a later book, Abraham, Feiler, who grew up in a fifth-generation Jewish family in Savannah, GA, has addressed thousands of people across the world in 250 speaking engagements in synagogues and churches. He’s received at least 10

e-mail messages each week for the last three years and the most common question he’s asked is, “Where should I go when I visit Israel?”

But Feiler, who used to direct children’s theater and once spent a year as a circus clown, had a dream beyond his initial venture. “It’s been a running desire of mine for 15 years to turn everything I write into a children’s book,” Feiler said.

The success of the original Walking the Bible gave him the opportunity to follow his dream. “I wrote the book with a smart 10-year old in mind,” Feiler said, though the book’s audience is officially targeted from age seven and up.

Feiler, who recently turned 40, speaks so rapidly you wonder how he slowed down to the hot desert pace of camels and nomadic life. “For the kids book there’s a lot of adventure, interesting information, a lot of gee-whiz science facts, like the fact that manna comes from trees. That was exciting,” he said.

Feiler extends his sense of wonderment to questions of biblical location. In the chapter on parting the Red Sea, Feiler explains that no one knows precisely where the Red Sea was, and that the area is now unsafe for travel because of Islamic terrorists who live there. He instantly engages readers with an unsolved mystery and provides biblical, historical and geologic clues and a summary of the biblical story of Moses.

Feiler places his readers right there with him as he and his entourage of guides, a driver, and a police escort set out from Cairo, Egypt, and into the Nile Delta, to cross Lake Timsah. Is this the biblical Red Sea? “I don’t care if you’re going on your own or with a group, for two days, or two weeks; take an afternoon, break away from the sightseeing, even the holy sites, and go out into the desert. If you spend two hours, you will look at the Bible differently. Reading the Torah not in your home and not in a pew will change your opinion of it.”

Walking the Bible, An Illustrated Journey for Kids is available at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Double Feature Scheduled for Film Festival

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator The Third Annual Jewish Omaha Film Festival will continue with the double feature Hiding and Seeking and a repeat performance of the The Hebrew Hammer on Saturday, Nov. 20, 7 p.m. and 9 p.m.--both films for only $5!

The first movie Hiding and Seeking (USA 2004) is a testimony to the power of tolerance. Filmmaker Menachem Daum, his wife, and their sons travel to a Polish town where his father-in-law and his two brothers hid from the Nazis with a non-Jewish family for 28 months.

Daum proposes the journey when he becomes worried that his ultra-orthodox sons, who live in Israel, have become affected by a culture of interfaith intolerance and distrust. At first, Daum’s family resists his idea, unwilling to explore the country of their family’s persecution. But eventually they agree to go along. His father-in-law fears for their safety, and also worries that the Muchas, the family who hid him, will demand compensation or express anger over his failure to keep in touch with them after the war.

As they travel to the Mucha farm, the family visits sites important to their history: visiting relatives’ graves, giving a blessing at a former synagogue, both emblems of a once-thriving Jewish community. Later, as Daum’s wife and sons tour the farm, cynicism gives way to

3rd Annual

raw emotion.

After so many years, the Muchas find the expression of gratitude they seem desperately to have desired, and the Daums tearfully piece together their history. Ultimately Daum’s journey begins to heal wounds between the two families and provides a solid foundation from which to increase interfaith tolerance, within his own family and the world.

“Menachem Daum’s latest documentary may be closer to a home movie than the usual theatrical release, but in its own quiet way, it’s among the most important films you’re likely to see this year”, says Ken Fox, TV Guide’s Movie Guide.

The second film, The Hebrew Hammer (USA 2002) is an action-comedy written and directed by 28-year-old Jonathan Kesselman. This unrated version features very strong language and adult content.

The Film Festival is sponsored by: Jewish Educational & Library Services, the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, and the Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation by Lindsey Miller-Lerman, and The Journal of Religion and Film.

To purchase tickets, call the Kripke Library at 334.6462 or e-mail gkatz@jewishomaha.org. Tickets are $5 each or a four ticket Festival pack is $15. Free babysitting service will be provided by for ages two and up. Please RSVP to 334.6462 due to limited space.

Don’t miss your exclusive chance to see these award winning films in Omaha!

Jewish Omaha Film Festival

Library Plans Second Annual “Chanu-Kids”

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator Get a jump start on Hanukkah at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s Second Annual “Chanu-kids” party.

Sunday, Nov. 21, 2-4 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center. Pre-schoolers through third graders will be entertained by a magician, face-painting, volunteers reading books, and treats for all.

Parents and grandparents will have the opportunity to see the great selection of children’s books for sale. While the party is for younger children, books for older children and adults will also be available. Books make wonderful Hanukkah presents for all children. You can enrich their own personal Jewish library collection while they have a fun afternoon. For more information, call me at 334.6462.

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 7 P.M.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 18, 7 P.M.

DOUBLE FEATURE!

7 P.M.

9 P.M.

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 7 P.M.

ALL SHOWS IN THE JCC THEATER

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Ticket Info Individual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $5 Film Festival Combo Pack [4 tix] . . . . $15 For reserved seats, please call FILM FESTIVAL BOX OFFICE 334-6462

Presented by: Jewish Educational & Library Services Kripke Jewish Federation Library The Avy L. and Roberta L. Miller Foundation

by Lindsey Miller-Lerman

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2004

Opinion Follow the Money “You’re trying to bury him alive!” screamed Suha Arafat at the Palestinian delegation visiting a dying Yasser Arafat in a Paris hospital.

They came hat in hand for her “blessing” of an “interim” government, but her response, now well known, is indicative of the real reason she’s fighting off the changing of the guard--she wants the money.

Living in luxury in Paris since the start of the now four-year-old intifada, Mrs. Arafat wants to get her hands on the $900 million her husband has allegedly stashed away in Swiss bank accounts.

Of course, the money wasn’t his to begin with--and it certainly isn’t hers--it really belongs to the Palestinian people. Wonder if they’ll once again be on the losing end.

Since 1948, when they could have had an independent state--for the first time--the Palestinian people have been the losers. Their corrupt leaders, starting with Arafat, have stolen the money, given by the United States (that’s your tax dollars), the European Union and other Arab states (until Arafat started supporting his crony, Saddam Hussein, Saudi Arabia was a major donor, too).

The funding was meant for social services, like education, healthcare, and infrastructure (sewers, road projects and the like), but Arafat instead doled it out to his ‘yesmen’,

(Founded in 1920)

who used the money to build luxurious seaside resort homes on the beach in Gaza while their fellow Palestinians live 10 to a room in dilapidated housing.

No wonder Suha is upset that Abbas and Qurei are trying to wrest power away from her husband! After all, $900 million is at stake (one can live very nicely on that sum, even in the expensive 16th arrondisement of Paris).

Regardless of who the next Palestinian prime minister, president, or leader is, the first order of business should be to get the money back. It wasn’t Arafat’s to begin with; it shouldn’t go to his socalled wife. Fine--give her a small settlement on which to live and raise their son (yes, Arafat supposedly fathered a son), but that money should be used for its original intention-social services for poor Palestinians.

Of course, all of this is out of our control. Who knows what kind of fighting till erupt in Gaza and the West Bank when Arafat is finally pronounced dead. His supporters and opponents will leap to pick over the bones of his adminis-

tration, fighting for control of the security forces, the political power, and yes, the money. A prime minister with whom the Israelis can eventually work out a peace deal could be signing his own death warrant, but one who provokes more violence and threatens more terror will only make Aban Eban’s insightful statement true: “The Palestinians have never missed an opportunity to miss an opportunity.”

Can we dare hope this is one they won’t miss?

Israeli Officials Delight in Bush Win, but Wonder about Future Directions

AMERICA DECIDES 2004

by LESLIE SUSSER

JERUSALEM (JTA)--The Israeli establishment is delighted by the re-election of President Bush.

His Democratic challenger, Sen. John Kerry, may have been seen as a good friend of Israel, but Israeli officials speak of an ideological meeting of minds between Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s Likud-led government and Bush’s neoconservative-dominated milieu.

Both put a premium on the war against terror and the creation of democratic institutions as a means to world and regional peace.

Moreover, Bush’s record on Israel as president is seen as impeccable, and there was some anxiety that, if elected, Kerry might have been inclined to follow a more coordinated internationalist policy leading to pressure on Israel to make concessions on the Palestinian track.

But there are concerns about pressure on Israel from a second Bush administration, too.

Some suggest that Bush may seek improved ties with Europe, and that that could spell new demands on Israel.

Israeli officials hold that Bush’s overall worldview, dividing the world into good and evil protagonists, allies and enemies, with Israel on the side of the steadfast allies, is a huge bonus.

Kerry, the Democrat, would probably have been more inclined to turn to the international community, and international institutions like the United Nations and the International Court at the Hague, to resolve global problems. And that, the officials maintain, might have been detrimental to Israeli interests.

They also make much of Bush’s letter to Sharon last April, in which they see a significant upgrading of the strategic understanding between Israel and the United States on the Palestinian issue.

The letter underscores agreement that the Palestinians would not have the right to return to Israel proper in a final peace settlement, that Israel would be able to keep large settlement blocs in the West Bank, and that

the United States would not support any international peace plan other than the “road map,” which both Israel and the Palestinians have approved.

In addition, they say, Bush, who refused to have anything to do with Yasser Arafat because of his perceived implication in Palestinian terror, would be less likely to deal with his successors unless they carry out road map reforms.

Kerry, if elected, they say, might not have stuck to the road map or to its demands for Palestinian reform.

Still, there is a mainstream assessment in the Israeli Foreign Ministry that American policy on the Israeli-Palestinian issue even under Bush will be become more proactive and more closely coordinated with Europe.

A ministry position paper warns of a possible American deal with Europe over Iraq and Iran, in which Israeli concessions to the Palestinians are the payoff for European support for Washington in Iraq and the Gulf.

...there is a mainstream assessment in the Israeli Foreign Ministry that American policy on the Israeli-Palestinian issue even under Bush will be become more proactive and more closely coordinated with Europe.

There are two schools of thought on a new Bush administration in the Foreign Ministry: One expects more of the same, with Bush feeling that he now has an overwhelming mandate from the American people to continue the war on terror, as well as his policies in Iraq and on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, no matter what the Europeans think.

The opposing view holds that Bush’s first order of business will be to start cleaning up the mess in Iraq, and that he will need European and Arab support.

“He won’t go to them cap in hand,” an official told JTA. “But he will be ready to coordinate moves with them on the IsraeliPalestinian issue in return.”

What this will mean on the ground, the official said, is American insistence that immedi-

ately after its planned withdrawal from Gaza and part of the West Bank next summer, Israel be ready to enter into negotiations with the Palestinians, based on the road map, with the Europeans playing a key role.

“Bush,” said the official, who asked not to be identified, “will want to see his two-state vision, Israel and Palestine, side by side, implemented before he completes his second term.” But, the official said, much will depend on the Palestinians.

Bush will only push for progress if the violence stops. Otherwise, he will give Israel the same unlimited backing in its fight against terror as he has for the past three years.

On the other hand, if a new Palestinian leadership, with a sick Arafat out of the picture, does make a serious effort to curb terror, Bush, in his second term, will want to see more from Israel, the official said.

He won’t pressure Israel in a crude way but he will ask “that it help the U.S. by making moves that go down well in Europe and the Arab world.”

Labor leader Shimon Peres makes a similar argument, but sees in it positive potential.

He says the next major challenge America will face will be Iran, and its drive for nuclear weapons. After two wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, the United States will not be in a position to launch a third.

Therefore, he reasons, it will need international--especially European--cooperation to contain Iran through the imposition of sanctions. This, he says, will probably lead to a Middle East package--a new U.S.-backed European initiative on Israel and the Palestinians, in return for European support on Iraq and Iran.

In some government circles, there is a fear that this could lead to pressure Israel will be bound to resist.

But Peres sees it as a welcome development. He says three major changes are coming to fruition at the same historical moment and could lead to a long overdue breakthrough on the Israeli-Palestinian track: the Israeli government’s readiness to withdraw from Gaza and part of the West Bank, a Palestinian readiness to be more pragmatic, and Europe and the United States, after the American election, ready to play a more active role.

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz 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; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany 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 constitutional 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.

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November 12, 2004

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Congress to Bid Goodbye to Frost,say Hello to Two New Jewish Women

AMERICA DECIDES 2004

by MATTHEW E. BERGER WASHINGTON (JTA)--The faces may change, but the number of Jews in the U.S. Congress will stay the same for the next two years. And Jewish organizational officials are looking at several new lawmakers with excitement, and a few with concern.Two Jewish Democratic women will join the House of Representatives in January, after winning open seats Tuesday.

And Congress will say goodbye to one of its most prominent Jewish members, as Rep. Martin Frost (DTexas) lost his battle in a new district against another incumbent. Several other Democratic Jews who tried to join Congress lost their long-shot bids.

Barring any unforeseen changes, there will be 11 Jews in the Senate and 26 in the House next year, the same numbers as the last two years. The number of Jews in Congress is not indicative of how the Jewish community’s legislative agenda will fare in Congress. In fact, analysts say, the balance of power in each chamber is a more important factor. Both the Senate and House of Representatives will stay in Republican hands next year, which could hurt the chances of some Jewish domestic policy priorities.

But, the Republicans have been seen as strongly supporting Israel in recent years.

But Jewish representation in each chamber is important to Jewish organizational officials, who feel some Jewish lawmakers are more interested in their issues and more willing to trumpet their agenda.

“Members of Congress with a Jewish background have a certain affinity for our community, and our community has a certain affinity for them,” said Richard Foltin, legislative director of the American Jewish Committee.

There was much affinity for Frost, who lost to Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) in a redrawn district that heavily favored the Republican. A former House Democratic whip, Frost was considered an underdog in the redrawn district. He had strong support in the Jewish community, with several prominent Jews raising funds for him.

While Sessions is considered to be pro-Israel, Frost was viewed as a leader on that and other Jewish issues.

Jewish leaders will also say goodbye to several other lawmakers who worked with them, including Sen. Tom Daschle (D-SD), the Senate minority leader, and a few Democratic House members from Texas, who also lost as a result of Republican redistricting, similar to Frost.

Daschle worked well with Jewish leaders as the Democratic leader, but Jewish activists say his possible successors all have good track records as well. Daschle lost to former Rep. John Thune.

Florida state Sen. Debbie Wasserman Schultz, a rising star in the Democratic Party, won the seat vacated by another Jewish congressman, Rep. Peter Deutsch, her mentor. Wasserman Schultz said she is excited to represent South Florida and would focus on homeland security as well as other domestic issues.

“I’m a reflection of my district,” Wasserman Schultz told JTA from her election headquarters Nov. 2. “This is a community that is passionate about Israel and human services issues.”

Wasserman Schultz was heavily favored to win her seat in a heavily Democratic area. She defeated Margaret Hostetter. At age 38, Wasserman Schultz has served in both houses of the Florida legislature, is on the regional board of the American Jewish Congress and helped to form the National Jewish Democratic Council.

Pennsylvania state Sen. Allyson Schwartz also won Tuesday, defeating Melissa Brown.

In the Philadelphia area, Schwartz defeated Melissa Brown on Tuesday. Schwartz will replace Rep. Joseph Hoeffel (D-PA), who ran against Sen. Arlen Specter (RPa.) for the Senate.

“We ran a smart, modern campaign,” Schwartz told supporters Nov. 2. “We raised the money, and we communicated with voters any way that we could. We

knocked on doors, and then we knocked on some more doors.”

Schwartz and Brown had been locked in a contentious battle. Brown accused Schwartz of having “radical views,” such as opposing the death penalty in all cases and supporting tax increases.

Schwartz counter-charged that Brown committed insurance fraud with her husband when they founded a doctor-owned HMO. In the Senate, Specter won his fifth term, defeating Hoeffel, one of his strongest challengers since first winning his seat in 1980. The Jewish Republican had defeated Rep. Pat Toomey in the Republican primary.

Specter’s victory is important because he is one of few Jewish Republicans in Congress, and he has the most seniority among them. He is expected to chair the Senate Judiciary Committee next year, which could play a pivotal role in approving federal and U.S. Supreme Court judges.

Four other Jewish senators won re-election handily-Sens. Charles Schumer (D-NY), Barbara Boxer (D-CA), Russell Feingold (D-WI) and Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Other than Frost, all other Jewish incumbents won election, many against only token challengers.

Sen. George Voinovich (ROhio) defeated a Jewish candidate, Eric Fingerhut, to win re-election. Fingerhut is a former member of the House of Representatives.

In Florida, Jan Schneider was unsuccessful in a second attempt to defeat Rep. Katherine Harris (R-FL), known for her work as Florida’s secretary of state in the controversial 2000 recount.

In New Hampshire, Paul Hodes, a Jewish Democrat, lost a bid against the incumbent Republican, Rep. Charles Bass.

In Virginia, David Ashe was unsuccessful in his race to replace Rep. Edward Schrock (R-VA). Ashe, a Jewish Democrat, lost to Thelma Drake, a member of Virginia’s House of Delegates. Ashe had little political experience but served with the Marines in Iraq.

Jewish officials say they are energized about some of the new members of the Senate, including Barack Obama, who easily defeated Alan Keyes in Illinois.

Jews are likely to be concerned about the election of former Rep. Tom Coburn, a Republican, to the state’s open Senate seat...Similar concerns have been raised about Rep. David Vitter, who won an open election in Louisiana...Jews are also watching the return of Cynthia McKinney, a former congresswoman who made headlines with anti-Israel statements...

While in the Illinois state senate, Obama worked to improve black-Jewish relations in the state and has advocated stronger U.S. engagement in the IsraeliPalestinian conflict.

And several of the new Republican members of the Senate are considered strong friends of Israel, such as Rep. Jim DeMint in South Carolina, Rep. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Rep. Richard Burr in North Carolina. The same is being said about the new Colorado senator, Democrat Ken Salazar.

And several of the new Republican members of the Senate are considered strong friends of Israel, such as Rep. Jim DeMint in South Carolina, Rep. Johnny Isakson of Georgia and Rep. Richard Burr in North Carolina. The same is being said about the new Colorado senator, Democrat Ken Salazar.

But in Oklahoma, many Jews are likely to be concerned about the election of former Rep. Tom Coburn, a Republican, to the state’s open Senate seat. Coburn, an obstetrician, is staunchly against abortion, and was plagued by charges that he sterilized a woman without her consent, and by recent comments suggesting “lesbianism” is rampant in state schools.

Similar concerns have been raised about Rep. David Vitter, who won an open election in Louisiana. Vitter is seen as a conservative lawmaker as well, and has campaigned against abortion and gambling.

Coburn also was against foreign aid when he served in the House of Representatives, and has not said he would back it in the Senate. Pro-Israel groups supported his opponent, Rep. Brad Carson (D-OK).

Jews are also watching the return of Cynthia McKinney, a former congresswoman who made headlines with anti-Israel statements. McKinney won her heavily Democratic district. Democrats said they hope McKinney will moderate her anti-Israel rhetoric.

“Cynthia has views that are almost unique to herself,” Steny Hoyer (D-MD) told JTA in September. “Frankly I have not had any discussions with Cynthia for some period of time, so I don’t know whether she has modified her views, but they are not shared by anybody I know of in the Democratic caucus today.”

McKinney was able to return to the House in part because Rep. Denise Majette (D-GA) did not seek reelection this year, choosing to challenge Isakson for the open Senate seat. Majette was heavily supported by Jewish donor in 2002, but did not receive similar support from Jews this time around.

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.

ore arn m e l o t d invited bra an You’re t Camp Sa e of fer abou ograms w ouse! the pr ecial open h p at a s

CAMP SABRA OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 • 12:30PM - 1:30PM OMAHA JCC 2004 SABRA REUNION

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 21 • 1:30PM - 2:30PM OMAHA JCC

To register for Summer 2005, contact the St. Louis JCC Phone: (314) 442-3465 Fax: (314) 442-3404 campsabra@yahoo.com www.campsabra.com

Contact Omaha representative Eadie Tsabari at 402.390.0192 for more information on the open house or reunion.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 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 Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

November 12, 2004

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

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

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m.

We welcome the entire community--from our youngest to oldest members--to experience our warm and lively Tot Shabbat service in the west court. Come for stories, music and prayers, and our kidfriendly Oneg Shabbat of juice and cookies; Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Beth Seldin Dotan, director of the Institute for Holocaust Education for the Plains States ADL office, will present the D'var Torah commemorating Kristallnacht. Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:55 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, 10 a.m.: Jewish Pot Pourri Class in the synagogue library, join teacher Susi FrydmanLevin for a class offering a little bit of everything Jewish: from music and literature to history and traditions.Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. led by Leonard Greenspoon; Hebrew Crash Course, 11:10 a.m. led by Susi Frydman-Levin.

For more information or to make reservations for classes, contact Harriet Einziger.

WEDNESDAYS: PATTER (Parents & Toddlers, Torah, Exercise, Recreation) session class for 11/2 to three-year-olds with Helen Epstein, 10:45 a.m.

For more information, call Harriet Einziger, 492.855.

THURSDAY, noon: Join Rabbi Levin’s class; “The Most Important People and Ideas of the Hebrew Bible.” Lunch is available following class; for reservations or for information, contact Harriet Einziger.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Welcome the month of Kislev on Thursday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m., by

attending our Rosh Hodesh meeting at the home of Toby Schonfeld, 2239 No. 127 Cir. Schonfeld and co-host Lena Bogomolni will discuss the story of Judith during “Somewhere Over the Rainbow: Cheese, Hanukkah and Courage.”

Reservations are needed by Nov. 12, and may be made by contacting Schonfeld at 861.1811, or via email at tschonfeld@unmc.edu.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Mincha, 5 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m.

350 YEARS OF HALACHA IN AMERICA MONDAY, 7 P.M: Rabbi Gross will discuss “Gambling with the Gut Life: the Halachic issues over gambling,” and on Nov. 22, the topic will be “The Life and Teachings of Omaha’s Rabbi Zvi Hersh Grozinsky and other American Orthodox Leaders.”

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month.

Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at rabstiel@aol.com to set up an appointment.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m with Oneg following.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Sara Friedman.

SUNDAY: Tifereth Israel Book Fair, 9 a.m.; Hebrew School, 9 a.m.-Noon; Interfaith Youth Event, 1:30-5:30 pm. at Bryan LGH East.

ADULT EDUCATION Tuesday, Nov. 16, 7 p.m. 8:30 pm: Session #2 of “A Comparative Look at Judaism, Christianity and Islam,” led by Dr. Rita Lester.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 7 p.m., led by Nancy Rips.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marti Nerenstone and the Beyt Shalom Congregation.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9 a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.

Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m.

MONDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Halacha, “Walking the Walk” of Jewish Law, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; “W.O.W: Strength and Majesty, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available upon request.

WEDNESDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY/FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.

FRIDAY: Rabbi Craig Marantz and members of the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat Service, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights; Family Evening Service, 6 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate, along with students in grades one and two.

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

Hannah Beatrice Grossman daughter of Stephanie and Barry Grossman will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Morning Services.

SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the Temple office. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Nov. 14, 10:15 a.m.Noon: Hebrew for Beginners.

Register for Hebrew for Beginner,

ests include varsity debate, school newspaper, and BBYO. She is also a Temple Israel religious school office assistant.

For her mitzvah project, she volunteers regularly for Habitat for Humanity.

Sarah is a ninth-grade student at Millard North High School. She was a 2004 Yom Ha Shoah

Intergenerational candle lighting participant.

Her interests are animal rehabilitation and fostering, zoo explorer, BBYO, and OTYG. She is a Temple Israel religious s c h o o l teacher’s aide for kindergarten.

For her mitzvah project, she volunteers weekly for Veterinary

BEYT SHALOM SATURDAY: Blumkin Home Shabbat, 9 a.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m. at the JCC.

CHABAD HOUSE

Candlelighting Friday, November 12, 4:49 p.m.

taught by Colleen Kennealy.

TUESDAY, Nov 16, 7-8:30 p.m.: Jewish Journey Group-Looking Through a Different Set of Lenses: Creation, Revelation and Redemption in Judaism and Christianity, led by John Dacey.

WEDNESDAY, Nov 17: Conversation with Rabbi Azriel, noon-1 p.m.

THURSDAY, Nov. 18: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m.

FRIDAY, Nov. 5: Readings in the Zohar, with Prof. Guy Matalon, noon-1 p.m.

DECEMBER DILEMMA Sunday, Nov. 14, 10 a.m.: Join Temple congregant John Dacey and Rabbi Marantz for a discussion. Childcare is available with advance reservations.

MAKE IT A KLEZMER NIGHT TO REMEMBER Saturday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel. (See story on page 11.)

COMMUNITY THANKSGIVING INTERFAITH SERVICE Wednesday, Nov. 24, 7 p.m.: Temple Israel will join neighborhood clergy and their congregations in an hour of choral singing and messages of Thanksgiving designed for both children and adults, t First United Methodist Church, 7020 Cass St. To donate baked goods for a dessert reception, please call Sandy Passer, 330.4289.

THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:33 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Lunch and Learn with Nancy Hammicksburg, “Kashrut from a Quality Control Perspective.”

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

THURSDAY, NOV. 18: Rabbinic search committee meeting, 6:30 p.m.; Board Meeting, 7:30 pm.

B’NOT MITZVAH If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451.

Samantha, Sarah and Melanie Long, daughters of Ellen Long and Jim Long, will celebrate their B’not Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Temple Israel.

Samantha is a 11th-grade Honor student at Millard North High School. She received three school Letterman Awards for Music and Academics, and fourth place in the 2003 Edward Zorinsky B’nai Brith Bible Quiz.

She is the President of MZ Yoshanah BBG and Sweetheart of Chaim Weizmann AZA. Her inter-

Clinic West Omaha and at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA).

Melanie is a seventh-grade honor student at Peter Kiewit Middle School.

Her interests are animal fostering, basketball, and fashion design.

For her mitzvah project, she volunteers weekly at Heartland Equine Therapeutic Riding Academy (HETRA).

The girls also have a brother, Vincent.

November 12, 2004

No Hands

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by SHANI KATZMAN Parashat Toldot This week’s Torah portion contains the famous narrative of Esau's sale of his first-born rights to his brother Jacob for a pot of porridge. Subsequently, Jacob follows his mother's advice and poses as Esau in order to receive the blessing of the first-born from his blind father, Isaac.

Jacob enters his father’s room trembling, knowing well that receipt of these blessings is imperative for the survival of his future progeny (The Jewish People).

When Isaac hears the soft, respectful, G-d fearing and kind voice of Jacob, he knows it cannot be Esau. Even after Jacob approaches Isaac and Isaac feels Jacob’s hairy arms (fur on Jacob’s arms simulating Esau), Isaac is not fooled.

“The voice is the voice of Jacob, but the hands are the hands of Esau,” Isaac tells his son Jacob. Isaac tells Jacob that the voice with which he was speaking, his own, was incompatible with the hands on his body, Esau’s.

Isaac’s immortal words prove to be prophetic. Jacob is representative of the Jewish nation. Esau is the symbol for the nations who endeavor to challenge Jacob’s (the Jews’) existence.

The faculty of speech is the domain of Jacob. With words- prayer and Torah study, Jacob is empowered to gain mastery over the world and ward off those who seek to deter him. The hands, the capacity for physical prowess becomes the domain of Esau. He uses brute force to achieve control over others and to amass worldly possessions.

Our Sages comment on this verse. They explain that against the “voice of Jacob”, Esau has “no hands”, that is, he has no power or authority. When the “voice of Jacob”--the voice of prayer and words of Torah learning--are heard, the “hands of Esau”--the threats of the enemies of the Jewish people--can not be effective.

They become powerless.

In our times, too, after nearly 2,000 years of attempts by the “hands of the many Esaus” to undermine our existence, we are thank G-d, going strong with the “voice of Jacob”. We are studying Torah, teaching it unto our children, and utilizing the strength of prayer.

At a time when many wonder what can be done for peace here at home, in Israel, and in the world at large, I suggest there is much! Shabbat Shalom.

Temple Women Plan Game Night Just for “Girls”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Bring your mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, grandmother, friend--or just bring yourself--to Game Night, sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel.

Mah Jongg will be one of the featured games of the night. Regardless of whether you consider yourself to be a Mah Jongg maven or you’re a beginner, all women of the community are invited.

Experts will be on hand to explain how to play the popular tile game. In addition to Mah Jongg, those who attend can try their hand at Canasta, Backgammon, and Rummy Cube. Refreshments will be served.

“It’s a good excuse for a girls’ night out,” declared Danielle Gordman, who along with Cindy Goldberg and Rosie Zweiback planned Game Night.

“It’ll be a fun night for members and non-members to enjoy being together,” Gordman added. “And please come even if you’re not into playing games.”

Call the Temple office at 556.6536 to make a reservation. There is a $5 charge to attend.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Press office on Thanksgiving, Thursday, Nov. 25, the deadline for the Hanukkah Gift Guide issue is Monday, Nov. 15; the deadline for the Dec. 3 issue is Tuesday, Nov. 23.

Questions? Call 334.6448.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Klezmer Band to Perform You are the Sounds and Flavors of Jewish most powerful influence in your Music at Temple Israel child’s daily life.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Cross Fiddler on the Roof with a Dixieland band,” and according to Bandleader Lori Lippitz, you get the Maxwell Street Klezmer Band, which will perform in concert Saturday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel. The entire community is welcome to attend.

Drawing on the Big Band instrumentation that typifies early American immigrant recordings, the band’s roots grew from Chassidic nigunim (prayer melodies) rather than jazz, Lippitz said. “Oddly enough, the broader American public first recognized the soulful Russian sound of klezmer music in the 1970s before the Jewish community embraced it,” she pointed out.

“Eventually, however -- perhaps under the influence of Roots and ethnic pride -- the Jewish community rediscovered it.”

“Now, the music and some of the dances that used to be the foundation of Jewish celebrations in the old country have been reintroduced to the American Jewish community and enriched it,” added Lippitz who founded the Maxwell Street Band in 1983 in Chicago.

One of the first bands to launch the klezmer revival in the Midwest, the Maxwell Street Band performed in Omaha in 1997 and 1998 for Israel Independence Day at the Jewish Community Center.

“This is a very family oriented program,” said Lippitz.

“First, klezmer is upbeat, lively fun. We perform it in inner-city schools for kids who have had no exposure to Jewish music, and they get it right away. For Jews who are not old enough to remember this repertoire or understand Yiddish--which is most of our audience--it’s a discovery.”

She went on to say that “those of us who were raised far away from the East Coast really appreciate the sound and flavor of authentic Jewish music. But we also keep in mind that the joy and fun of the music is more important than a scholarly reenactment. If the music makes everyone get up and dance, we’ve done our job!”

Tickets to the concert, which is sponsored by the Temple Israel Music Fund and a donation from Fred and Eve Simon, are $12 in advance and $15 at the door for adults; $5 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the office, by calling 556.6536, or e-mail at mkube@templeisraelomaha.com. A reception follows.

Kids who learn from their parents or care-givers about the risks of drugs are: • 36% less likely to smoke • marijuana than kids who don’t

Spice and Spirit Cooking Club Features Hanukkah Recipes

by SHANI KATZMAN for Chabad of Nebraska Penny Cody-Cox has been selected as hostess for the upcoming session of the Spice and Spirit Cooking Club at Chabad House. The program is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 17, 9-11 a.m., and will feature recipe ideas for Hanukkah. Additionally, suggestions for how to enhance the observances of Chanukah at home with one’s family will be presented.

The Spice and Spirit is a cooking club open to all women in the community. The group meets monthly and provides a thematic exchange of recipes and ideas to use. Additionally, a discussion about the insights and meaning of the particular choices of “Jewish foods” is featured as part of the program.

Last month, more than 20 women gathered to learn about Shabbat. Cooking demonstrations which included a modern take on gefilte fish and napkin rings made from challah dough were featured. The class was hosted by Kim Novak.

Charge for the class including brunch is $10. For more information call Carol at 330.1800.

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Beth El Kadimaniks Have a Little Fall Fun Members of Beth El’s Kadimah group (for seventh and eighth graders) kept warm by the camp fire and roasted hotdogs and marshmallows during an outing at Vala’s Pumpkin Patch. Among the 15 who attended were: Becca Gordon, left, Shir Palmon, Rachel Meyer, Ben Gordon, Alex Solomon, Tali Tene, Lydia Stern and Alec Lerner.

Page 11

4429 South 140th St. Omaha, NE 68137 L.L.C.

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BAT MITZVAH/BAR MITZVAH CHILDHOOD MEMORIES SCRAPBOOK Your special young ones photos to video synchronized to music.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2004

ON SALE MONDAY! WINNER! ®

THE MOST TONY AWARDS IN BROADWAY HISTORY!

Tickets are available at Ticket Omaha at the Orpheum Theater, call 402-345-0606, or Ticketmaster.com and outlets, call 402-422-1212 (Omaha) or 402-475-1212 (Lincoln) BOB AMARAL ANDY TAYLOR ”THE PRODUCERS” the new MEL BROOKS musical book by

music & lyrics by

MEL BROOKS & THOMAS MEEHAN MEL BROOKS and by special arrangement with StudioCanal direction and choreography by

SUSAN STROMAN

PHOTOS BY: CHRIS CALLIS

JANUARY 25 - 30 • ORPHEUM THEATER

Original Broadway Cast Recording Available On Sony Classical

www.producersontour.com