November 12, 2010

Vol. 90 No. 11 Omaha, NE

Jews at Stewart’s ‘sanity’ rally find plenty of like-minded

Celebrating 89 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

5 Kislev 5770

November 12, 2010

Jewish Federation of Omaha campaign events

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- When Saturday Night Live alum “Father Guido Sarducci,” delivering the benediction at Jon Stewart’s Rally to Restore Sanity, ran through a list of religions seeking the true faith, Judaism received the biggest applause.

That didn’t surprise Rivka Burstein-Stern.

“There were a lot of Jews there,” she said of Saturday’s rally. “But when it comes to rallies and social activism, you’re going to have a lot of Jews.”

Members of the New Israel Fund express their desires in two languages during Jon Stewart’s Rally for Sanity in Credit: NIF Washington.

Jewish participants -- many from the Washington area, some from further away -- seemed to comprise a hefty proportion of the estimated crowd of 250,000 attending the event conceived by Stewart and fellow Comedy Central star Stephen Colbert, the faux conservative host.

At least three liberal Jewish organizations -- J Street, the New Israel Fund and Jewish Funds for Justice -were represented on a sunny Saturday in a crowd that spilled over the National Mall. Jewish Funds for Justice used the occasion to launch its “Fear Not” campaign aimed at convincing voters to tune out political forces depicting President Obama and his allies as a threat to the nation.

All three groups chose to emphasize Stewart’s overarching message of keeping down the shouting and keeping up the listening. The NIF fielded posters saying, in Hebrew and English, “Sanity, Sanity, Thou Shalt Pursue,” a play on the justice commandment in Deuteronomy.

Naomi Paiss, the NIF spokeswoman who headed her group’s delegation, said many of the queries from attendees were from participants who recognized Hebrew.

“Some other people said, ‘What language is that?’” said Paiss. “Everyone we explained it to was very supportive. We thought the message of lowering the temperature and civil discourse and not demonizing the opposition was an appropriate message.”

Participants said the message was appropriate to a Jewish upbringing, although they recognized that Stewart (who is Jewish) and Colbert (reportedly a devout Catholic) sought an ecumenical appeal.

During the past three years, much attention has been focused on the fear in some Jewish circles that President Obama is hostile to Israel and bent on tilting U.S. policy toward the Muslim world. But the run-up to the Stewart-Colbert gathering and the increasing predictions of Tea Party-fueled Republican gains has shifted the spotlight onto what past polling suggests is the more common brand of Jewish anxiety -- fear over the rise of a potent conservative political movement dedicated to rolling back nearly a century’s worth of liberal gains and willing to employ inflammatory rhetoric aimed at Continued on page 2

Inside Op-Ed Page: see page 8

From left to right: Jewish Federation president Jody Malashock, Humanitarians of the Year Murray and Sharee Newman, speaker Howard Rosenman, Debbie Denenberg, and Federation Executive Director Jan Goldstein.

On Nov. 3, Sharee and Murray Newman received the Humanitarian of the Year Award; the occasion was marked with a community event in the JCC theater.

The evening included an appearance by Howard Rosenman, a Hollywood producer.

While in Omaha, Dennis Prager to ponder our search for meaning in modern world

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator When syndicated radio talk show host, columnist, and author Dennis Prager comes to Omaha for the weekend of Nov. 19-21, the first opportunity for the Jewish community to hear him will be at the 6 p.m. Shabbat worship service at Temple Israel on Friday night. His topic will be “Happiness is a mitzvah -- not a feeling.” Services will be preceded by a wine and cheese Oneg at 5:30 p.m.

To dramatize the point that acting happy, or at the least not inflicting unhappiness on others, is important in making the Dennis Prager will talk Friday, world better, Prager uses Nov. 19 at Temple Israel about the religious language of happiness as a mitzvah, a altruism: “If the Torah theme in his 1998 book commands us to look Happiness is a Serious beyond ourselves and Problem, to open his weekend consider the welfare of residency in Omaha. others, what better way is there than to act happy around others and elevate one’s own happiness?” Prager points out. It’s a worthy sacrifice not to allow one’s negative feelings to bring

Next Week: Celebrating Hanukkah See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press’

“Both the Federation and the Foundation are thrilled to honor Sharee and Murray,” Federation Executive Director Jan Goldstein said. “Their humanitarian efforts have laid the groundwork for the future Continued on page 7

others down. Prager’s thesis, which he develops in his book, Happiness Is a Serious Problem, is that happiness isn’t a selfish act at all. In fact, it might be the ultimate mitzvah.

On Saturday morning at 9 a.m., Prager will join Temple Israel’s Torah study group to explore the question: “Can the Torah give us what our heart cannot -wisdom?” Prager advocates using the Torah as an operator’s guide for life. He and the Temple clergy will reveal specific examples that help us get the best results from properly studying Torah, a relevant source to positively transform life.

That evening, Nov. 20, Prager will speak at the Jewish Community Center at a community-wide presentation at 7 p.m. There is no charge to attend. His topic is entitled: “Do Secular Jews Have a Future?” To their great credit, it was secular Jews who founded the State of Israel. But “if we do not develop a vibrant, religious way to be Jewish….our survival is imperiled,” he said in an interview. “There will always be secular Jews, but it is Judaism, not secularism, that kept the Jewish people alive.”

Prager, who describes himself as a non-denominational religious Jew, argues that Jews need to commit to the Jewish “Trinity” of God, Torah, and Israel in order to survive, let alone prosper. He will offer practical advice for keeping the Sabbath holy and incorporating God while living a secular life.

After the talk, clergy from Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues and Temple Israel have been invited to participate in a panel with Prager. “We look forward to a Continued on page 2

Coming Next Month: Business Guide for Tax and Financial Planning

Getting over the post-World Series blues - ‘Jews and Baseball’ Page 4

Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Teen program begins new year Page 5

Jim Krantz named International Photographer of the Year Page 7

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2010

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Homeland Security advises Jewish institutions

by JTA NEWS STAFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) – The U.S. Department of Homeland Security advised Jewish institutions on protecting themselves from terrorist threats.

About 500 Jewish agencies joined a 75-minute conference call on Wednesday focusing on security. The call was organized after the thwarted mail-bomb threat against two Jewish institutions in Chicago.

Paul Goldenberg, national director of the Secure Community Network, the central agency for Jewish communal security, said the call was part of a larger Department of Homeland Security effort to reach out to the Jewish community through the network.

The call included security briefings from two assistant undersecretaries and senior staffers from the Transportation Security Administration, U.S. Postal Service and the office of the Department of Homeland Security secretary.

Goldenberg said Homeland Security had planned to launch a significant outreach to Jewish communal insti-

tutions before last week’s bomb attempt following a flurry of recent anti-Jewish attack attempts, including the attempted bombing of a Bronx, New York synagogue in the summer of 2009.

“Chicago certainly accelerated it, but the DHS has ratcheted up its outreach to the Jewish community already,” he said.

Wednesday’s conference call followed a similar conference call Tuesday organized by the Anti-Defamation League that included speakers from the Federal Bureau of Investigation and involved 200 Jewish organizational officials.

Chicago’s Jewish F ederation and the ADL are set to convene a security conference Thursday in Chicago, bringing together heads of local Jewish institutions with representatives of Homeland Security, the U.S. Postal Service, and local law enforcement.

For detailed information on recommended security precautions, visit www.scnus.org and www.adl.org/ security.

Magic Show for Seventh Annual Chanu-Kids

by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education Celebrate Chanukah, enjoy storytelling, and eat lots of jelly doughnuts at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s seventh annual “Chanu-Kids” party on Sunday, Nov. 21, from 3:30-5 p.m. in the Kripke Library. A special guest will be children’s magician extraordinaire “Poppin Penelope.”

“We are excited to have “Poppin Penelope” join us for “Chanu-Kids” this year,” said Gary Katz, Library Administrator. “She is fantastic! She has an incredible funny magic show and can make balloons into anything.

Kids will love them.”

In addition to all of this fun, Katz will host a special Chanukah story time and have a special area in the library for crafts. Parents and grandparents (aunts, uncles and friends, too!) will have the opportunity to shop the incredible selection of books for sale during the event.

While the party is geared for younger children, books for older children and adults will also be available for purchase. “Books make great Chanukah presents. This is a great way to either begin a child’s or grandchild’s personal Jewish book collection or enrich the one they already have,” said Katz.

“Chanu-Kids” is for preschool through 3rd grade children, is free of charge and is generously sponsored by the Ruth Frisch and Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund.

Jewish Book Month is presented by the Center for Jewish Education through the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and is generously sponsored by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation and the Gertrude and Albert Newman Fund.

For more information on any Jewish Book Month events, please call Gary Katz at 334.6462 or gkatz@ jewishomaha.org.

Stewart’s ‘sanity’ rally find plenty of like-minded

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Continued from page 1 minority groups, including Muslims and illegal immigrants, not to mention Democratic lawmakers.

Jennifer Helburn, a Washington gardener, said she joined the rally partly as a statement for those she described as “refusing to be open to facts that contradict what they want to believe.”

“It’s very disturbing to me,” she said. “Especially for Jews, we’ve been targeted by groups who have determined they know who we are.”

Helburn cited the issue of the planned Islamic center near Ground Zero in New York.

“And here are Jews doing the same thing,” she said to a number of Jewish bloggers and groups that have targeted the center.

Josh Pudnos, a graduate student in political management at George Washington University here, also cited the Islamic center controversy as a factor spurring him to apply for a ticket to sit up front.

“The Tea Party and the religious right really worry me,” said Pudnos, 22, referring to the conservative insurgent movement that seems likely to propel Republicans back to power in Congress. “Using extreme terms like calling the Manhattan mosque ‘terrorist,’ that’s a little extreme.”

A number of participants regretted that the rally was-

n’t more political. Stewart, they said, could have hewed to an apolitical line and still rallied participants to vote.

“They focused on the media,” said Burstein-Stern, 26, who works at an educational nongovernmental organization. “But politicians are also a big part of the problem.”

Bess Dopkeen, a Pentagon analyst who hosted her brother and a friend for the rally, said the point was to gather with the like-minded.

“The overall fun was seeing all the great signs,” she said.

Dopkeen flooded Facebook friends with photos of her favorites, including “Ditch fear, choose puppies,” “God hates these signs,” and a man, dressed as Indiana Jones, bearing a placard that read “No one in American politics is a Nazi. Trust me, I know Nazis.”

The chaos -- organizers expected 60,000 and got that fourfold -- meant that the like-minded didn’t have the wherewithal to find each other.

The NIF’s Paiss echoed others interviewed when she reported that a friend who watched the event unfold from home, on C-Span, caught more of the rally than she did.

“I wish,” she said, “we could have caught the ‘Jump Rope with Muslims’ people.”

Prager to ponder our search for meaning in modern world Continued from page 1 lively conversation that will spur thoughts on this controversial topic,” said Rabbi Eric Linder of Temple Israel.

To conclude his weekend residency, Prager will address “Judaism’s Five Greatest Lessons,” at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 21 at Temple Israel. He’ll describe how to incorporate Judaism into your life and how to be both a better and a happier human being. As he outlines valuable lessons, Prager will support his belief that “Judaism will give you -- to the extent you choose -God, membership in the most ancient and arguably the most influential group in history, and a lifelong and lifefilling purpose.”

Naama Arzi, an Israeli who lives in Omaha and teaches in the Jewish community, said she thinks, “Dennis is a wonderful human being and a great leader, and he is really more wonderful than any of my words.”

“Encountering Dennis Prager will be of great importance to our congregants and the Jewish community of Omaha,” stated Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel.

“There are times when a meeting of the minds can produce divine sparks. Being aware of his many publications, I am sure Dennis Prager will not disappoint us.”

Paul Rabinovitz, chair of Temple Israel’s Adult Education Committee, added, “Temple Israel and the Omaha Jewish community are truly blessed when support for Jewish learning can bring speakers of Dennis Prager’s talent and stature to Omaha.” Prager’s residency is funded by the Hermene Zweibeck Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning. “If your personal search for meaning in Judaism in our modern world is on-going, -- and whose isn’t? -- then I urge you not to miss the upcoming weekend of learning opportunities with Dennis Prager. His unique views are sure to inform and enlighten.”

November 12, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Jewish Book Month Luncheon features bestselling author

by GARY KATZ Two sisters, with opposit personalities, live in Manhattan. Annie, the elder, is a sober worrywart, while Miranda, the younger, is self-involved, inclined to melodrama, and on the verge of bankruptcy after her literary agency represented too many fraudulent memoirs.

Their lives become more challenging when their b e l o v e d m o t h e r, Cathleen Schine Betty, finds herself a divorcee after 48 years of marriage. Betty takes refuge in her cousin’s cottage in Connecticut and Annie and Miranda join her. The sisters become involved in a shifting game of romantic entanglements that include a celebrated reclusive writer, a semi-retired lawyer, and a Hollywood-bound schemer.

In her latest bestseller -- The Three

Weismanns of Westport -- Cathleen Schine, phy in Italy, Schine made an important dishas transported Sense and Sensibility to covery: she liked to buy shoes. So when the modern world of hedge funds and the welcome of academia was rescinded, infomercials. And the Omaha community Schine was able to pursue a career in this will have the opportunity to hear Ms. area which was rewarding but short-lived, Schine talk about her book as the featured as she could not get a job. Schine then author for the 37th Annual Jewish Book Month luncheon Wednesday, Nov. 17, 11:45 a.m., in the JCC Sunday, Nov. 21, 3:30-5 p.m.

Auditorium. The luncheon 6th Annual Chanu-kids is $18; reservations are Kripke Jewish Federation Library required by Nov. 13, and Tuesday, Dec 7, 7 p.m. may be made by calling Eye on Israel Special Event, Gregory Levey, author, How to Make Peace in the Middle East in 6 Months or Less Gary Katz at 334.6462. without Leaving Your Apartment As a child, Cathleen Schine JCC Auditorium dreamed of growing up to become a graduate student. Thursday, Dec. 23, 7 p.m.

Years later, her childhood Library Author Spotlight Series on: Irene Nemirovsky ambitions were realized Kripke Jewish Federation Library when she entered the University of Chicago’s graduate program turned to the “lucrative” world of freein medieval history. There, it was noticed lance writing. Having failed as an intellecthat she had no memory for names, dates tual, she discovered her calling as a pseuor abstract ideas, and she was thus forced, do-intellectual and went on to write essays tragically, to abandon her life-long dream. for The New Yorker, The New York Review Before this disappointment, however, of Books and Family Circle. She has also while on a fellowship studying paleogra- written seven novels: Alice in Bed, To the

Other Book Month Events

Birdhouse, Rameau’s Niece, The Love Letter, The Evolution of Jane and She is Me, The New Yorkers and The Three Weissmanns of Westport. She lives in New York City and Venice, California. In the weeks before her Omaha visit, Ms. Schine will be speaking in Los Angeles, Detroit, San Diego and Virginia for major Jewish Book Council Events.

“Jewish Book Month is always an exciting time for the Kripke Library” states Karen Cohen, Library Committee Chairman. “The opportunity to bring authors to Omaha and to hear first hand about how their books come into being is such a treat.” Cohen continues “The luncheon will be the perfect time to enjoy a lovely meal, visit with friends and listen to Ms. Schine share her novel. Don’t miss it!”

For more information on any Jewish Book Month events, contact Gary Katz at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewish omaha.org.

Jewish Book Month is presented by the Center for Jewish Education through the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and is generously sponsored by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.

Much ado about Italian miniseries’ portrayal of Pope Pius XII

by JTA NEWS STAFF ROME (JTA) - Italian Jewish leaders have sharply criticized an Italian TV miniseries that portrays Pope Pius XII as working forcefully to save Jews during the Holocaust.

Under the Roman Sky, starring James Cromwell as Pius XII, was aired Sunday and Monday on state-run RAI television.

Set in 1943, it shows Pius remaining in Rome despite a plan by the Nazi occupiers to kidnap him.

“Despite all his efforts, Pius XII is not able to prevent the horrors that take place in Rome,” the synopsis on the film’s website states. “On October 16, 1943, the SS carry out an unexpected and violent raid on the Jewish Ghetto. Over one-thousand victims are deported to Auschwitz, only fifteen will eventually return. This tragedy for the Jews is shared by the Pope. History will testify that over 10,000 Jews were saved in churches and convents in Rome, more than in any

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other occupied city.”

Rome Jewish community president Riccardo Pacifici called the portrayal “unacceptable revisionism.”

Rome’s Chief Rabbi Riccardo Di Segni described the series as “junk” that had the “precise goal of demonstrating the absolute goodness of that pope and the political and moral justification of everything that he did.”

Controversy over Pius’ role during the Holocaust has long strained Catholic-

Jewish relations. The Vatican and other supporters say Pius worked behind the scenes to save Jews during the Holocaust -- the scenario presented in the miniseries.

Critics accuse Pius of having ignored Jewish suffering in the Shoah and have called on the Vatican to open its secret archives to clarify the matter. Current Pope Benedict XVI angered many Jews by formally moving Pius closer to sainthood last December.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2010

Getting over the post-World Series blues -Jews and Baseball, An American Love Story

by EDMON J. RODMAN LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Sure, San Francisco Giants fans are happy. But what about everyone else -- how are they supposed to ease the heartbreak between now and spring training?

To revive your spirits (or, if you’re a Giants fan, to keep the good times rolling), check out Jews and Baseball, An American Love Story [http://www.you tube.com/watch? v=HZjy3aV0ZbI], a new documentary in special engagements across the country [http://www.jewsandbaseball. com/news.html] that at its heart is a relationship film -- about Jews and the game.

Narrated by the Academy Award-winning actor Dustin Hoffman, the featurelength production combines archival footage and more recent interviews to supply a decade-by-decade look at the contributions of Jewish players, coaches and owners, as well as the game-changing players’ union president Marvin Miller.

Highlights include a rare interview with Sandy Koufax, the greatest Jewish hurler of all time, and interviews with celebrities like talk show host Larry King and director Ron Howard.

Generations of immigrant Jews struggling with their American identity is an underlying theme of the film.

Sportswriter Maury Allen sums it up best when he observes that “baseball was the American game ... and you identified yourself as an American by your intensity of the love of baseball.�

Moving beyond a story of generational assimilation to that of multi-level integration, the major league season that ended Tuesday with the Giants’ victory over the Rangers in the World Series added more chapters to the Jews and baseball story. They include the outstanding postseason play of the Rangers’ Ian Kinsler and, on the business side,

the Rangers’ Jewish owner, Chuck Greenberg, and the Giants’ Jewish president, Lawrence Baer.

College baseball had its moments, too, notably the 56-game hitting streak by Garrett Wittels, a Florida International University infielder who needs to hit in three straight games to start his junior season to break the NCAA Div. I mark.

Many ballparks today have institutionalized a day celebrating the Jewish community or heritage, and the film directed by Peter Miller and written by Ira Berkow shows the historic Jewish fans’ attachment to their home teams.

The film makes the point, especially in the segment about the Dodgers abandoning Brooklyn, that the story of Jews and baseball is not just about the players, like Koufax, Hank Greenberg, Mo Berg and Al Rosen, or those who made their mark in the front office or owner’s suite. It’s also about generations of lovestruck Jewish fans.

Jews and Baseball producer Will Hechter is just such a fan. “I wanted a project that I felt a strong passion about,� he answered when asked how he decided on his first film project.

Fans apparently are responding to his passion -Hechter says the film “is doing better than I expected.� “It was held over in Montreal for three weeks,� he said. “And it will be on Public TV in late 2011.�

Asked if he identified with the stories of any of the Jewish ballplayers interviewed in the film, Hechter responded, “I can’t identify with their skills, but I can with their pride.�

Edmon J. Rodman, a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles, is the author of “Nomo, the Tornado Who Took America By Storm.� Contact him at edmojace@gmail.com.

Pope: I’ll fight anti-Semitism

by JTA NEWS STAFF ROME (JTA) -- Pope Benedict XVI told a delegation from the Anti-Defamation League that he would continue to fight anti-Semitism.

At a meeting Wednesday the pope thanked the ADL delegation, saying, according to an ADL statement issued after the meeting, “It is very important what you do.�

When asked if he would continue to condemn antiSemitism, the Pope replied: “I will, you know I will,�

according to the statement.

The statement said ADL National Director Abraham Foxman asked the pope to work against the isolation of Israel on the global stage. “Please do not permit the world to isolate Israel,� Foxman said. Benedict reportedly replied, “I will be there.�

The delegation also raised the issue of recent antiJewish statements by Greek-Melkite Archbishop Cyril Salim Bustros of Newton, Mass., following last month’s Synod at the Vatican of bishops from the Middle East.

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Lincoln Jewish Federation event

by SARAH KELEN On Saturday, Oct. 23, the Board of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln invited major donors to a reception at the home of Ellin Siegel and John Mosow. Guests enjoyed music by Kurt, left, and Avi Knecht, and Campaign Committee Sarah Kelen thanked those present for their past support of the Federation’s annual campaign. This year, the Federation is on a pace to meet or exceed last year’s giving, even despite the weak economy. The Campaign totals will be announced at the annual meeting in December.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Jonathan Gross will discuss he newly published book, The One-State Solution. Attendees will be able to buy the book and have it autographed on Wednesday, Nov. 17, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverages are $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm.

For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

MAINSTREETERS Join us for Lunch and a Movie on Monday, Nov. 15 beginning at 12:30 p.m. for lunch at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. The movie Date Night will start at 1 p.m. Popcorn will be served. This film features Steve Carell and Tina Fey. A couple finds their routine date night becomes much more than just dinner and a movie. The cost for lunch is $10 per plate. Send in the reservation form to Maggie Conti, 323 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call Tootie Simon at 397.3616. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

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To RSVP or for more information contact: Diane Malashock at 334-6424 or by email dmalashock@jccomaha.org 2011 JCC Maccabi Games /ArtsFest Israel July 24-August 5, 2011.

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November 12, 2010

Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Teen Program begins 2010-11 year

Temple Israel plans night for interfaith couples “Yours, Mine, and Ours,” he said. “We’re hoping that it will be the start of reorganizing the interfaith couples group that was in existence when we first moved to Omaha five years ago. We felt back then that it was really nice to connect with couples that had similar challenges that we had in our interfaith relationship.”

If you’re interested in exploring your feelings about religion and strengthening communication, please attend. To make a reservation, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg at 556.6536 or wgoldberg@ templeisraelomaha.com.

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MANVITZ/WILLIAMS Diana Manvitz and Jason Williams were married on Aug. 14, at the Hilton Omaha. The ceremony was performed by Judge Lawrence Gendler.

The bride is the daughter of Wendy and Todd Manvitz and a graduate of the University of Kansas where she earned a Bachelors of Science in Education. Her attendants were Alissa Arbeiter, Naomi Fox, Carolyn Williams, Tamara Draeger, Kimberly Kahn, Lauren Dovner, and Ashlee Gibson.

She is the granddaughter of Doris and Harry Alloy and Marilyn and Justin Manvitz.

The groom is the son of Dr. Steven Williams and Gail Williams and a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Omaha where he earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration. His attendants were Benjamin Williams, David Manvitz, Matthew Arbeiter, Seth Woerman, Ryan Woerman, Eliot Johnson, and Knick Knowlton.

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by MARY BORT school for the middle school students who will have the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation opportunity to attend in the coming years.”

The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation’s B’nai “Last year the teens were asked what causes were most Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program completed a suc- important to them,” continued Murow. “They responded with hunger and cessful series of educational poverty, kids, education and events with Omaha’s Jewish animals. Because hunger teens during the 2009and poverty are tremendous 2010 year, culminating with issues in Omaha and around the students donating more the country, I felt we could than $1,900 to 24 nonmake a wonderful program profit organizations in with speakers from organiOmaha, the United States, zations around the city.

Israel and Hungary. To kick After consulting with Karen off the 2010-2011 year, the Gustafson, Director of first event of the year for Jewish Family Service (JFS), students was held at the she offered her help in creJCC in late October. ating a “Jeopardy” style “Given the success of last Brian Barks, Director of Development and Public Relations game to get the facts to the year, I knew how critical it for the Food Bank for the Heartland, and Karen Gustafson, students about her agency, was to create an evening Director of Jewish Family Service. They are facilitating the homelessness and hunger in that was fun and meaninggame of “Jeopardy” and sharing facts about poverty and our community.” ful,” said Janie Murow, hunger in Omaha.

Brian Barks, Director of B’nai Tzedek Director.

“More than fifty 7th and 8th grade students from all Development and Public Relations for the Food Bank three Omaha synagogues came, and then they joined for the Heartland, was also on board to help facilitate with the students of the new Omaha Jewish Chai School the game of “Jeopardy” and share information about for dinner. This served as an introduction to the high hunger issues in Omaha.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Most of us have read the statistics on intermarriage in the Jewish community. It is part of the fabric of Jewish life in America. The U.S. National Jewish Population Survey in 2000-01 reported that between 1996 and 2001, 47 percent of marriages involving Jews were intermarriages with non-Jewish partners.

A survey by The National Study of Youth and Religion in 2001 found that only a quarter of 18-23-year-olds who responded to their study thought it was important to marry someone of the same faith. However, the rates of intermarriage among American Jews had leveled off slightly from 1991 to 2001 rising only five percent from the previous decade, according to United Jewish Communities.

Prior to that, the rate had risen from 28 percent from 1970 to 1979 to 41 percent from 1980 to 1990.

Temple Israel is planning a discussion group for partners in interfaith relationships. Couples can join Cantor Wendy Shermet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 17, at the Dundee Dell, 5007 Underwood Avenue. She’ll be there for “schmoozing, listening, and answering questions.”

Lee Needelman, a member of Temple Israel, said she used to be active in outreach at Temple, “and this was always one of the most valuable programs we had each year. For interfaith couples, December can be a difficult month,” she continued. “The holiday discussion with others like you, other interfaith couples, helps families come to terms with this challenging time in a comfortable and safe place, one in which they are not alone.

Sharing stories and challenges with others who face the same issues helps lighten the difficult aspect of the times.

Often couples who are in different stages of growth in this area can help each other figure out how to navigate the family and holiday challenges they face. With clergy there, it’s a safe place. Such a meeting is a great way to feel that the Temple family can help and be there for you even if you are not Jewish.

“I would definitely recommend this program to any and all interfaith couples that might consider coming.

When you might have felt left out, like an outsider wherever you are, such a gathering is also a great way to develop a sense of community of people like you, maybe even finding new friends.”

Kelly and Jeff Nogg, also members of Temple Israel, are “looking forward to the outreach program,” dubbed

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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November 12, 2010

GOP sweep makes one Jew a star, unseats and disempowers many others

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by RON KAMPEAS and banking sectors, and that was shaped in part with WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A historic Republican counsel from the pro-Israel community. sweep of the U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday Such access will hardly disappear in a GOP Congress. has propelled Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.), the minority Berman is likely to be replaced by Rep. Ileana Roswhip, to the verge of becoming the highest-ranking Lehtinen (R-Fla.), who has cultivated close ties with the Jewish lawmaker in U.S. political history. pro-Israel community and was a leader in advancing pro“We are excited for Eric Cantor to become the next Israel legislation when Republicans previously conHouse Majority leader,” said Matt Brooks, director of trolled the House. Jewish social service officials say the Republican Jewish Cantor has been a sympathetic ear on Coalition. “The highest their issues. Rep. John Boehner (Rranking Jew to ever serve in Ohio), the minority leader poised to the House!” become speaker, has deep ties with his Cantor, however, remains state’s active Jewish community. the exception: The fortunes The certainty of such access, howof Jewish politicians in the ever, is less clear in a Congress shaped United States for decades to a great degree by the Tea Party have risen and fallen with movement and its agenda of acrossthe Democrats, and the-board budget cutting. Cantor Tuesday night was no already has said he intends to end earexception. marks, the discretionary funding The Republican sweep, derided as “pork” but favored by picking up at least 60 House Jewish groups as a conduit for fundseats -- the greatest swing ing programs for the elderly. since 1948 -- and sharply Providence Mayor David Cicilline, shown here welCantor and Boehner also have reducing the Democratic coming the U.S. Army Band in July 2010, becomes vowed to repeal the health care majority in the Senate, the third openly gay Jewish member of the U.S. reform enacted this year. drove at least six Jewish law- Congress with his Election Day victory.

Republicans are not likely to overCredit: U.S. Army Band come a presidential veto, but the makers out of office.

The night’s Jewish losers included Sen. Russ Feingold threat is bound to make uneasy a Jewish social service (D-Wis.), the Senate’s most dogged civil libertarian, establishment that sees in the legislation, however cumbeloved by liberals for his steadfast opposition to the Iraq bersome, reforms critical to bringing down health care War and expansions of government powers of interroga- costs. tion in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks.

Cantor and Boehner are now set to ride a conservative Feingold, in his concession, quoted another Great tiger energized by the greatest midterm victory in Plains Jew, Bob Dylan, who contemplated in decades, and spurred by leaders like Sen. Jim DeMint (R“Mississippi” a difficult life well spent: “But my heart is S.C.), who already on election night was urging the new not weary, it’s light and it’s free, I’ve got nothing but lawmakers to challenge the Republican “establishment.” affection for all those who’ve sailed with me.” Feingold “These Republicans know one thing,” DeMint told then punctuated the lyric with, “On to the next fight!” supporters at his victory party in Greenville, S.C. “If to cheers from his supporters. they don’t do what they say this time, not only are they All told, Jewish representation in Congress dropped out, but the Republican Party is dead, and it should be.” from 44 to 40, with 28 Jews in the House and 12 in the In the face of such sentiment, it is unclear to what Senate. One loss in the Senate was Sen. Arlen Specter degree the GOP leadership will be willing to counte(D-Pa.), who had been defeated in the primaries. nance Jewish organizational urgings to tread softly on Additionally, Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.), who by budget matters.

Wednesday morning appeared to be on the cusp of a It has yet to be seen how a GOP-led Congress will affect narrow re-election victory, does not list a religion but the peace process or efforts to get Iran to stand down notes that his mother is Jewish and a Holocaust survivor. from its suspected nuclear weapons program. Foreign The defeat of five Jewish incumbents, however, just policy traditionally has been the prerogative of the presihints at what this election could mean for Jewish access dent, but Congress is able to play an obstructionist role by in Washington. exacting tough oversight on foreign spending.

Since a sweep by Democrats in 2006, lawmakers with Pro-Israel money helped incumbent friends of Israel strong ties to the Jewish community had chaired some of pull off narrow victories. Sens. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) the most powerful committees in the House. Committee and Harry Reid (D-Nev.), the majority leader, rallied chairmen, by determining agendas, hold almost unchal- against tough challenges, and by Wednesday morning it lengeable power to advance or kill legislation. appeared that Bennet and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.)

Jewish groups -- most but not all of which are bound were on their way to winning as well. All four had been up with Washington’s liberal-Democratic establishment - targeted for assistance by pro-Israel fund-raisers.

- will see several veteran lawmakers with whom they have So had Democrat Jack Conway, who faced Rand Paul built years-long relationships exiting Congress. The most in Kentucky in a race so bitter that Paul refused to menpronounced example is Rep. John Spratt (D-S.C.), who tion Conway in his victory speech. Paul, whose father, chaired the Budget Committee, which works with the Rep. Ron Paul (R-Texas), is a noted isolationist, kept White House to set spending priorities. Spratt’s office pro-Israel groups at arm’s length during his campaign. had an open door for Jewish social service lobbyists.

Jewish groups also are watching closely how this elecThe benefit of such access often is subtle but valuable. tion will impact social issues. For example, the Reform Berman, for example, was a loyal Democrat who kept movement, among other groups, supports a repeal of the Iran sanctions at bay for as long as the White House “Don’t ask, don’t tell” policy on gay members of the milhoped to coax Tehran into dialogue. As soon as the itary. With conservatives in Iowa ousting three judges White House gave the green light, however, Berman was who ruled gay marriage constitutional in a rare recall ready with a far-reaching bill that targeted Iran’s energy election, such initiatives may be headed for deep freeze.

IN THE NEWS Former Omahan Jenny Benowitz was honored as the recipient of the Arthur T. Pfefer Memorial Award at the Oct. 26, Twin Cities Jewish Federation Cardozo Society Annual Dinner in Minneapolis. Jenny was selected as a young lawyer who exemplifies current and future potential, outstanding leadership and commitment to the Jewish and general communities. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at William Mitchell College of Law, then joined the Litigation Practice Group at Maslon Edelman Borman & Brand, L.L.P. Jenny assists her clients with a wide range of complex commercial litigation, including class action employment litigation, partnership disputes and product liability cases.

She has made a strong commitment to pro bono work, serving as a volunteer lawyer at the Legal Access Point

walk-in clinic. Jenny has been active in the MinneapolisSt. Paul Cardozo Society since she became a practicing lawyer, and now serves on its Steering Committee. She also sits on the Board of Directors for the St. Paul Chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women.

Jenny and her husband, Jon, reside in St. Louis Park, MN, and have a 1-year-old son, Noah. She is the daughter of Omahans Howard and Sharon Epstein.

Philip Rich, founder of America’s Realty Team, is pleased to announce that Les Kay has joined the firm as a Realtor Sales Agent. Kay will be assisting his clients in the buying and selling of residential and commercial real estate. Les has been involved with the business community since 1985, and offer a wealth of knowledge and experience.

November 12, 2010

Jim Krantz named International Photographer of the Year Renowned photographer and former West, inspired by his award-winning Omahan Jim Krantz has been anointed series, is released this November. the best of the best after winning As a commercial photographer Krantz International Photographer of the Year shoots for a diverse roster of Fortune 100 laurels at the prestigious clients. He is represented Lucie Awards in New in the U.S. by Held & York City on Oct. 27.

Associates and in Europe Krantz was singled out

by Shotview Photograamong 20,000 entrants pher Management. from 103 nations for his Distinctions between synthesis of live-action commercial and art phofootage, photography tography blur in the and animation on The work of Krantz, who Way of the West, an finds time for personal ambitious project shot projects. He is currently over four days in the working on a project in wilds of Colorado.

Chernobyl illustrating The artist embraces the life in the “Forbidden technological revolution Zone” 25 years post the that merges still and 1986 nuclear disaster.

Jim Krantz motion photography, His fine art photograbut the foundation of his aesthetic phy is represented by Danziger Projects remains rooted in the actual shoot, not in in New York City. digital post-visualization.

Way of the West earned Krantz his first “What I do is much more about seeing IPA award and landed him at the Lucies than building,” Krantz says. “It’s about for the first time as a finalist, where he was what I see and how I respond to it -- my part of the who’s-who of photography. point of view. That’s much more impor- Being surrounded by world-class talent is tant to me than assembling elements in nothing new to Krantz, who studied with post.”

Ansel Adams, Paul Caponigro, Albert Already named 2010 Advertising Watson, Antonin Kratochvil and other Photographer of the Year by the legends. He’s never stopped learning.

International Photography Awards in Not more than 24 hours after the September, Krantz added the grand prize awards, he traveled to his next commerduring the Lucies at Lincoln Center’s cial assignment, his proverbial 15 minutes Alice Tully Hall. Sponsored by the Lucie of fame behind him.

Foundation, the event fetes the best in “I’m right back at it.” photography from around the world.

View a comprehensive portfolio of the The Lucie win comes just as Krantz’s photographer’s work at www.jimkrantz. new promotional book The Way of the com.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Jewish Federation of Omaha campaign events

Attending the Major Donor Dinner, from left to right: Joel Alperson, Norman Sheldon, Ellie Batt, Daniel Grossman, Sophie Ambrose, and Jody Malashock.

Continued from page 1 of our community.”

In his and Sharee’s acceptance speech, Murray Newman said: “Sharee and I concluded that the awarding of this honor must be an expression and an acknowledgement of our Newman Family, and what has preceded us as the youngest members of our generation of the family in Omaha. Our mentors, my father Jules and my oldest brother Nick were the true Humanitarians that led the way.”

After the award ceremony, Hollywood producer Howard Rosenman took he stage. He regaled the audience with stories about his life, from his birth in Israel, growing up on America’s east coast, and finally making it as a producer in the movie industry.

The Humanitarian of the Year event followed on the heels of the Jewish Federation’s campaign dinner, which was held October 28 at the Champion’s Club. Sophie Ambrose and Daniel Grossman spoke to the diners about the Jewish Federation, and its impact on their lives. “It was very nice,” Sharon Kirshenbaum said, “to hear from the younger generation. To see first hand that the Federation literally changes lives is a very impressive thing.”

Meanwhile, the Federation campaign is ongoing, according to Kirshenbaum.

“Many people are hard at work to make this campaign a success,” Kirshenbaum added, “and to ensure that the Jewish Federation of Omaha is in the position to continue all the great services it currently provides.”

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THE COLD Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old” address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2010

Angry

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press We’ve heard it over and over from various media: Americans are angry. They are angry about the economy, about too much health care or too little, about pork and bailouts.

Angry about not having any control over what the government does, about the size of their mortgage (too big), taxes (too high), and their salaries (too low). In fact, these days there seems to be very little the American electorate is not angry about. Wherever you turn, someone is waving a frustrated sign or writing a cranky blog. And, of course, with the Internet and a smart phone for everyone, we have more ways than ever to express ourselves.

Now that the elections are behind us, having brought a noticeable shift in the political landscape, maybe we can stop using all that angry language. The thing with anger is: it can be productive, or it can be a dead end. All that complaining can become addictive fast, and as with any addiction, it can be hard to overcome.

Unfortunately, the media might not cooperate: so soon after the election, not all the headlines include an olive branch. “Boehner expects ‘whale of a fight’ with Obama,” it says on Foxnews.com, and Mitch McConnell remains “defiant” on the same homepage.

Michele Bachman “blasts Obama trip” on CNN, and MSNBC tells us that making Obama a one-term President is the GOP leader’s “number one goal.”

But to be honest, when I looked online, I had to search for these a little bit. Stories were accompanied by headlines that were tentative, timid, almost hopeful. Maybe we are lucky, and the sharp divide that has bothered this country will abate somewhat, the way it always has in the past.

(Founded in 1920)

America has been divided before. For instance: my generation wasn’t alive when Kennedy was President, but one only has to open a history book to know that there were many disagreements in the ‘60s. I imagine that when JFK was shot, many of those disagreements fell by the wayside. Tragedy often has that effect on a nation.

We saw a similar bonding when those planes hit the World Trade Center in 2001.

Confronted with the horrifying images of desperate people jumping out of windows, a city covered in ash, and the eternal loop of wreckage, blood, and sheer terror made all Americans suddenly remember what was really important. We waved our flags and stood united, with our attitudes as well as our bumper stickers.

Then came war, followed by a second war; a hurricane and an economy that spiraled out of control, and we went from camaraderie to total angst.

We forgot what it was like to be together, and scurried back to our respective corners.

Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative: we all simultaneously broke up with each other and dusted off our labels.

Does that sound overly

melodramatic? Perhaps. But the truth of the matter is, we can spend the next two years arguing and backbiting, telling each other why everyone is wrong about everything, or we can try to work together in spite of our differences. We can write snarky comments on a blackboard about the government, or we can have real dialogue. We can call each other Nazis or Socialists and make fun of ‘hopeychangey-stuff’, or we can be simply nice. We may not all like the outcome of the 2008 election, and we may not all be happy about the one we just had. That’s fine; nobody ever said this was going to be easy. Nonetheless, if we can learn to disagree respectfully, and we don’t wait for another tragedy to realize we’re all in this together, everybody wins. Now that would be nice for a change.

by STEVE GUTOW WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The election season has finally ended. Victors have celebrated, the defeated have conceded and we are left to clean up the detritus: direct-mail fliers, defunct posters -- and the scorched earth left by one of the least civil election campaigns in memory.

American political culture has always been spirited and combative, yet for some time now the tone of our discourse has often been downright nasty. Smear tactics, name calling and distortion of facts are the order of the day, as the art of listening is not so much lost as trampled underfoot while politicians, pundits and activists rush to make points, heedless to what the country might need.

It seems clear what the country needs: An end to knee-jerk hostility and the start of something new, something civil.

Within Jewish culture, we have a tradition of “God wrestling” -- struggling mightily to find the truth. Robust, vigorous debate is vital and, indeed, essential in a pluralistic society. But sincere God wrestling requires both an open heart and willing ears. It requires that we treat each other with respect as we search together for the best path forward, and that we leave open the possibility that someone else might have something worthwhile to say.

It’s to be expected that deep divisions will exist when concerned citizens grapple with issues of real importance. The economic downturn, the health of the planet, America’s security, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict -- each issue is emotionally fraught, and each will continue to resonate for years to come.

Yet for this very reason -- the enormous importance of the issues over which we often disagree -- it is crucial that we engage not in mud slinging, but rather in frank, civil discussion. The stakes are too high for us to do anything but pool the best of what we have to offer.

Simply put, the respectful exchange of ideas is the cornerstone of a functioning democracy.

It’s only by seeking compromise and respecting differences that we can hope to build a working consensus on our shared future.

Yet the first decade of this new century has seen growing political and socio-economic polarization, a shrinking sense of common ground and a corresponding disintegration of the rules of engagement. The animus spills over into racism, anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and other forms of prejudice and bias.

Ultimately no one is served -- least of all the country we share.

If we are to genuinely resolve the issues that stand before us, we must genuinely engage in changing the political atmosphere. We must actively seek and promote civil modes of discourse and codes of conduct -- and this is precisely what the Jewish community has begun to do. The process is neither simple nor easy.

Too often we fear that polite behavior signals unquestioning agreement or grants a victory to those we oppose, failing to understand that civility is neither the lack of difference nor the squelching of debate.

Civility is the quiet acknowledgment of human dignity, even those humans with whom we sharply disagree. Civility is listening carefully when others speak and leaving open the possibility that we may have something to learn. Civility is the guarding of tongue and the rejection of false witness -- two commandments that our tradition holds dear.

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson, Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press .

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America needs a civility campaign

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Bobbi Leibowitz President Annette van de Kamp-Wright Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Beyond that, however, civility is also the proactive advancement of certain kinds of behavior. We need to speak up when others are being shouted down; we need to structure our public events in such a way that no single opinion can monopolize the conversation; we need to carefully maintain an attitude of respect even when faced with shouts and accusation; and perhaps most important, we need not to give up.

Many in our community have begun to step up to the challenge. A statement sponsored by the Jewish Council for Public Affairs calling for more civil discourse, as part of a far-reaching campaign to set a new tone, is being signed by a who’s who of Jewish community leaders, including the heads of prominent Jewish community and pro-Israel organizations, Republicans and Democrats, conservatives and liberals, rabbis, academics, former presidential administration officials and renowned Jewish activists. This is an important start, but it is only a start.

With the election behind us, we stand at a crossroads. We can look to the past months and years as a template and continue down the same belligerent, damaging path, or we can choose to learn from our mistakes and seek a new way.

“That which is hateful to you,” the great Hillel taught us, “do not do to your fellow.”

It’s time to take that lesson and apply it to our modern democracy, for it is only through civil discourse that we will be able to perfect the union that holds us together.

Rabbi Steve Gutow is the president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. To sign the JCPA Civility Covenant, go to http://en gage.jewishpublicaffairs.org/content_item /Civility.

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November 12, 2010

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Cantor’s foreign aid ‘gimmick’ is dangerous FOCUS ON ISSUES

by DAVID A. HARRIS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- This election season in the United States has not been a great one for the U.S.Israel relationship.

Republicans and the tainted Emergency Committee for Israel launched mendacious ads and campaigns against pro-Israel Democrats across the country threatening the historic bipartisan support for Israel that has existed in Washington. The lies in these campaigns have been called out by an array of independent journalists from The New York Times to Salon, and politicizing support for Israel in this way has been condemned by key figures such as Israeli U.S. Ambassador Michael Oren.

But now U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia -- the Republican whip and a key member of the GOP leadership team -- has shared with us a disturbing policy planned for the future.

Cantor signaled to JTA recently that when Republicans take control of the House in November, he and the GOP leadership would sever aid to Israel from the larger foreign aid budget. Such a policy is terribly wrong -- and there are good reasons why it has been opposed strongly by the organized pro-Israel community in Washington for so long.

Let me pause here to say something that I unfortunately never hear from the other side of the aisle: I am discussing a deeply unfortunate and misguided policy here, not a person. I’m confident that Eric Cantor is pro-Israel and that he is trying to do the right thing. But there’s a reason that AIPAC, our friends in Israel and the pro-Israel world in general, have vociferously opposed delinking aid to Israel from the larger foreign operations budget for all these years.

Assistance to Israel is unavoidably intertwined with aid to other countries around the world. Paring assistance to other countries and moving America closer to isolationism -- exactly what Cantor is afraid of, and what this strategy in essence is forecasting in a coming GOP Congress -- ultimately will doom aid to Israel. Israelis clearly will see such a change as making them more reliant on and subservient to American foreign policy.

This is especially true if, as some on the right have suggested, aid to Israel falls within the Pentagon’s budget.

As Israeli media such as Ynet already have noted, “Such a separation in the foreign aid budget might not be good for Israel, and may tie her down more when it comes to American interest and hurt her independence.”

Politically, it’s always been beneficial to make the argument that as a relatively tiny investment that pays great dividends, foreign aid helps countries around the world -- not just Israel, of course. That argument goes out the window when Israel becomes the only country to get such separate, special treatment, with other countries (and ethnic groups in America) suddenly clamoring to be treated like our close ally Israel.

Jews historically have worked with the Congressional Black Caucus, for example, and other communities to jointly advance foreign aid for a range of countries; such coalitions to advance global assistance would become a thing of the past.

Cantor is not the only Republican in this election cycle advocating this change. Conservative former Rep. Pat

Toomey, Unites States Senator-elect from Pennsylvania, has similarly urged this separation of aid to Israel from the foreign aid budget on the campaign trail. Toomey and Cantor perhaps are just taking note of the obvious - that passing a foreign operations bill in a future GOP Congress will be exceedingly difficult, thus threatening aid to Israel.

Indeed, in June 2009, in a Congress sans Tea Party members, more than half the House GOP caucus voted against the foreign aid budget -- including aid to Israel.

In a more conservative Congress, the number of votes for foreign aid only would diminish.

A far-right Congress will be problematic for the policy concerns and values of the vast majority of American Jews on so many fronts. Dramatic cuts to social service programs would be on the table, repeals of key health care reforms would be attempted and a woman’s right to choose would be challenged at every turn. Yet this seemingly esoteric but actually far-reaching policy change -historically opposed by the spectrum of pro-Israel activists -- has the power to threaten the very existence of aid to Israel, even though it has historically been the

central item on the pro-Israel community’s agenda.

But elections do have consequences. Nobody knows this better than Rep. Nita Lowey (D-N.Y.), the chairwoman of the state and foreign operations subcommittee of the House Appropriations Committee. She’s a tireless supporter of Israel who is responsible for ensuring passage of aid to Israel.

As Lowey said recently, “Minority Whip Cantor’s proposal is as transparent as it is reckless.” Lowey went on to say that “Manipulating aid to Israel in this way would dangerously threaten continued bipartisan agreement on national security policy and programs other than direct assistance to Israel that aid in its security.”

She also said that “Too much is at stake to give Republicans in Congress a license to vote against the foreign aid budget, and it is clear that Eric Cantor’s outrageous proposal is based purely on political motives, not what is best for U.S. or global security.”

David A. Harris is the president and CEO of the National Jewish Democratic Council. The office of U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor declined at this time to submit a response to this piece.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor, I would like to commend everyone who was involved with the organizing of the transportation for the Maccabi Games. I was the Lead Driver, for Arrow Stage Lines, on Sunday, Wednesday and Friday. In my 17 years of driving a motor coach and doing many shuttles of this kind, none of them were as well organized as this one.

Everything ran on time, from the airport pick-up to traveling to Lincoln. It was quite impressive driving to Wyuka Cemetery and looking in my mirror to see 23 buses behind me.

Cindy, Stacey, and Kimberly did a fantastic job as cochairs. Mike Collier and Matt Chadek did a great job working with me and all of the drivers.

Sincerely, Skip Stern To the Editor, I grew up in the wonderful and amazing Jewish community Omaha has always been. I have not lived “at home” since 1976, but no matter where I live I cannot live without the weekly delivery of the Jewish Press. It is my connection to the community I still call home.

I got my Jewish Press this past week and was so happy and proud to see my dear friend Allan Handleman’s photo and cover story. Allan, a proud member of all 3 AZA chapters when we were of that age, has always been one of the kindest persons I have ever known. We had some memorable times as Co-Presidents of Cornbelt Region BBYO. Allan stepped up to become Regional President in an emergency moment because I asked him to. That is the kind of guy Allan has always been.

Thank you all at the Jewish Press for recognizing Allan in such a special way. He deserves so many accolades for being a great son and brother. I am sure that he is a great husband and father too. I know him as my dear friend ready to help whenever called upon no questions asked.

Congratulations and love to Allan, Susan Sacks Gelb

When you have more of these...

To the Editor: In your November 5 story reporting that conservative talk show host Dennis Prager is speaking at Temple Israel, Joel Alperson said, “No one I’ve known brings more contemporary meaning and purpose to Judaism than Dennis Prager.” Really? A quick glance at Mr. Prager’s website demonstrates his “meaning and purpose,”--opposition to abortion rights, stem cell research, gay rights, and church/state separation, as well as a healthy dose of Muslim-bashing, to name just a few.

In the same article Temple official Paul Rabinovitz exclaimed that Mr. Prager “will expose us all to new and thought-provoking ideas.” Not exactly, Mr. Rabinovitz.

There is nothing “new or thought-provoking” about prejudice and the denial of civil rights and liberties.

Mr. Prager has figured out how to convert his clichédriven take on contemporary America into big money.

It is show business--good for him and his pocketbook, but bad for the weak and needy that are on the receiving end of his vitriol. The bully always stands out – loud, overbearing, and interested in picking on those with the least ability to defend themselves.

Those who have historically been discriminated against now apparently believe it is acceptable to discriminate against others. That must be the classical definition of short memory.

Paul Landow To the Editor: Veterans Day is intended to thank veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to our nation are appreciated, and to underscore the fact that all those who served — not only those who died — have sacrificed and done their duty. We can never thank these heroes and their families enough for the sacrifices they made.

There are four veterans’ homes in Nebraska, located in Bellevue, Norfolk, Grand Island and Scottsbluff. They serve all veterans, wartime or peacetime, and their spouses.

Continued on page 11

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 12, 2010

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

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

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

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

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

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294.6244

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 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 Prayer Group 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

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Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451

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

There will no services on Friday, Nov. 26.

email programming@bethelomaha.org.

All Beth El classes and programs are open to everyone in the Jewish community.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat & Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m. Service is followed by dinner. For reservations made by Wednesday, Nov. 10, dinner cost is $5 for members, $7.50 for non-members; after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 5 p.m.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Jewish Images on the Big Screen, 10:30 a.m. with Frydman-Levin.

SISTERHOOD BOUTIQUE: Sunday, 10 a.m.–3 p.m., featuring a variety of artists selling wares such as jewelry, artwork, clothing and Judaica. Lunch will be available, and a bake sale will be held during the event.

SCHOLARS SERIES: On Sunday, 11 a.m., Creighton University Leonard Greenspoon will speak. (see full story on page 12.)

KADIMA: Zaap Laser Tag on Sunday, 2–3 p.m. Drop-off and pick-up at Beth El. Cost: $5.

RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office.

BESTT CHAVERIM: On Sunday Chaverim members are invited to a cupcake-decorating party, 12:15-1:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided. No charge.

RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office.

MONDAY: Gary Katz of the Kripke Library will speak to BESTT students in grades 3-7 about Jewish literature and about participating in the Elinor Whitman Book Contest; Let’s ‘Wine’ About It!, 6:30 p.m., with Cantor Beth Schlossberg at Brix Wine Bar in Village Pointe.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Life Lessons from the Hebrew Bible, noon. Cost is $36 for Beth El members, $45 for non-members.

To register, call the office, or

Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:49 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. and this Shabbat Beth Israel is observing National Donor Shabbat; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of those celbrating November Simchas; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 4:45 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.

Contact the office to get the dialin number and access code.

TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www.omahakollel. blogspot.com.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m.; JLI class, Medicine & Morals, Your Jewish guide through life’s tough decisions, 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Shevi at 330.1800 or JLI@OChabad.com.

THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass.

All programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following hosted by Nancy and Mark Intermill.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel; Board of Trustees, 1-3 p.m.

TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at Red Lobster.

RSVP to Stephanie Dohner.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Book Drive: During the month of Nov., South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel is collecting new or gently-used preschool-level books to donate to Head Start Child Development Center. Bring your items to either the Temple or the Synagogue.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:49 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by LOVE Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

Services will be held in the Chapel.

Members of the community are invited to attend Services.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to You at Remington Heights, 4 p.m. led

by Rabbi Azriel; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel,

Cantor Shermet and 1st & 2nd students.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; OTYG Hunting Havdalah, 5 p.m. Meet at the Old Market Passageway for scavenger hunt, dinner at Zio’s and havdalah. Cost is $10 per person.

RSVP to Amy Katz, 321.0515.

SUNDAY: Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Grade 3 at Kripke Library, 10:15 a.m. Joined by master storyteller Rita Paskowitz; Grade 5 to visit the Omaha Area Food Bank, 10 a.m.-noon. Meet in your homerooms for attendence; WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m.; OTYG Board Meeting, noon.

TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m.; Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; Yours, Mine & Ours, 6 p.m. at Dundee Dell led by Cantor Shermet. (see full story on page 5.)

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy,” 10 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 pm.; Leadership Development, 7 p.m.

Scholar-in-Residence Dennis Prager, Friday, Nov. 19-Sunday, Nov. 21. (see full story on page 1.)

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Learners minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study; Torah Study, 1 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Gan-Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.12:15 p.m. at South Street Temple; Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at Tifereth Israel.

TUESDAY: Women’s Lunch Group, noon at Red Lobster, 6540 O St. Contact Stephanie Dohner at dohners@windstre am.net with any questions.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

THURSDAY: Yahrzheit minyan, 7 p.m. in memory of Minnie Misle.

Congregational Spaghetti dinner, Nov. 20, 6:30 p.m. sponsored by Rika Kelison. RSVP to the office, 402.423.8569.

B’NAI MITZVAH Ali Brehmer, daughter of Barb and Steve Brehmer, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 20, at Temple Israel.

Ali is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at Alice Buffet Magnet Middle School. She is a member of the Buffet volleyball team.

Her interests include volleyball, and dance. She is on the Nebraska Pride Cloggers dance team.

For her mitzvah project, Ali participated with Susan G. Komen Foundation - Race for the cure.

She has a sister, Heidi Gilliland, and a brother-in-law, Aaron Gilliland.

Grandparents are Edith Comisar and the late Alvin Comisar, Judy Brehmer, and Duane Brehmer.

Adam Howard, son of Stephanie and Rodger Howard, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 13, at T e m p l e A h a v a t Shalom in Nor thridge, CA. Adam is a seventh-grade Honors student at Rio Norte Junior High School in Valencia,

CA. His interests include playing baseball and basketball, and being an extra on television.

For his mitzvah project, Adam is collecting used CDs to raise funds for the Michael Hoefflin Foundation, which helps families of children battling cancer.

He has two older brothers, Alex and Rod, and a sister, Danielle.

Grandparents are Sarah and Ted Seldin.

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The House of Israel expands

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Va’yeitzi Our Sidrah is very rich: it contains the wonderful story about Jacob’s dream, and the expansion of what we might call the House of Israel as Jacob became the father of 12 sons, with four different women.

Jacob was on his way to Haran, when nightfall overtook him. He prepared to sleep in the open, using a rock that he picked up for a pillow for his head.

In his dream now he saw a “ladder” reaching up to the heavens, with angels ascending and descending. He was struck with this theophany and told himself: God is in this place, but I knew it not”.

For ourselves we ought to recognize these words as a lesson that God is with us wherever we may be. We must be aware of His presence, though we have no visual proof of His presence.

The narrative goes on to find Jacob working for his father-in-law Laban for 14 years, with his reward his marriage to Leah and then to Rachel, and to the handmaiden of each. And from these “marriages”, the 12 sons of Jacob were born. Here is the beginning of the House of Israel.

Got milk?

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) The milk of human kindness?

Not likely.

Fake posters listing the dangers of milk consumption bearing the logo of Israel’s Health Ministry were hung in cities throughout Israel, including outside of a child's day care in Tel Aviv.

In addition to listing the health dangers with which milk is associated, the Credit: chicagoreader.com poster included suggestions for milk substitutes, including whole grain sesame, whole grain tahina, nuts, almonds, hummus, green leaves, soybeans, broccoli and beans.

Who put up the posters is a mystery; the Health Ministry wants the police to look into the matter.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Continued from page 9 You can honor our vets by volunteering at our veterans’ homes. You can talk to them, read to them, and participate in arranging activities for them. Sometimes they just need a personal touch.

If you are not close to a veterans’ home, find a veteran in your local nursing home and give him or her your attention. Express your gratitude for service to our country.

Parades and ceremonies on Veterans Day honor vets.

But you can honor them all year long by spending time with them and showing your appreciation.

Sincerely, John Hilgert, Director Division of Veterans’ Homes Department of Health and Human Services

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BLUE RIBBON

DEATHS RAYMOND KIRKE Former Omahan Raymond Kirke passed away at the age of 73 on Nov. 5 in Harrisonville, MO. Services were held on Nov. 8 in Gladstone, MO. He was preceded in death by his parents, Helen and Nathan Kirke, and son, Jeffrey Kirke.

He is survived by his wife, Katherine Kirke; son, Jonathan Kirke, and daughter and son-in-law, Jennifer and Kevin Thomas all of of Harrisonville, MO; four grandchildren; and brothers, Marvin Kirke of Omaha, and Larry Kirke of Kansas City.

Memorials may be made to your favorite charity.

Diamonds are forever

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) Israeli police helped their Belgian counterparts crack a $1 million international diamond theft.

Some of the diamonds, stolen by a worker from a diamond factory in Antwerp, were sold on the black market. A pickpocket in Paris ripped off the others from the thief.

Earlier this year, a shipment of diamonds sent from Israel to New York turned out to be part of the stolen Antwerp diamonds.

The Hope Diamond Based on the Credit: about.com information from New York, Israeli police were able to track down the member of the diamond exchange who sent the diamonds. In his home they found several more of the stolen diamonds, as well as documentation of the sale of some of the other stolen jewels.

Page 11

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Dancing takes a step

by JTA NEWS STAFF Israel’s Dancing with the Stars is kicking up its heels for a fifth season with same-sex partners for the first time.

Television sportscaster Gili Shem Tov, a lesbian married to a woman with whom she has a son, is paired with professional dancer Dorit Milman, who wasn’t aware that she had a female partner until Shem Tov walked into the studio for their first meeting.

“Because I share my life with a woman and have a family with her, to me this is the most natural thing to do,” Shem Tov said during the introductory show last week.

Dancing with the Stars, based on the British Strictly Come Dancing show, is the first of 35 versions broadcast in countries around the world to have same-sex partners.

So who will lead? The women said on the first show that they would take turns.

Meanwhile, former Baywatch star Pamela Anderson landed Sunday in Israel to serve as a guest judge.

Anderson has asked Israeli politicians to support a bill that would ban the use of animal fur to make clothing in Israel. The bill has angered the haredi Orthodox parties, since many of their adherents wear the streimel, a sable-trimmed hat.

Anderson has called on the politicians to view a graphic People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals video.

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BE PART of our Full-time Team! Aventine Renewable Energy is now accepting applications for Operations and Maintenance positions (including Team Leaders). Applications can be obtained via our website: www.aventinerei.com. Click on the Aurora West Construction Site link; or Nebraska Workforce Development, 1306 W. 3rd St., Grand Island, NE 68801. Please forward completed applications to: Heather Boyd, Human Resources, 1205 South “O” Road, Aurora, NE 68818. As part of Aventine team you will be eligible for competitive wages; 401K; medical, dental and life insurance; paid vacation. Qualified applicants must have high school diploma or GED, be drug-free, dependable, motivated, team-oriented and able to work various shifts. For maintenance positions, previous industrial maintenance (electrical or mechanical) experience essential. Be part of the solution to our nation’s energy problems with a company that believes in Integrity, Relationships & Success.

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November 12, 2010

that everyone has a chance to speak and that all are treated with courtesy.

Sometimes the conversation elicits laughter. Sometimes it turns solemn. As the event comes to a close, there are usually handshakes, hugs, and promises to keep the spirit of the evening alive.

Jenn Kirshenbaum and Jen Goodman were also first timers at Table Talk in October. They were at West Hills Church although at different tables. “I really enjoyed it,� said Goodman. “I thought it was a good experience.� Having heard about Table Talk from Platt, Goodman thought it would be an easy way to get together with people whose experiences were unfamiliar to her and who were unfamiliar with hers. “It was a neutral, safe environment to share these experiences with people of various ages and experiences who have lived in different cultures.�

Kirshenbaum attended also at the suggestion of Platt and an article in the Omaha World-Herald a year ago.

Describing the experience, Kirshenbaum said, “We had an African American woman in our group, and she gave story after story of how she was treated differently because of her skin color. She was very educated and had a lot of life experiences. She wasn’t ranting or raving but was very calm. At the end, she said, ‘I want to tell you that when Ernie Chambers gives examples of how people of color are treated differently, he’s right on. He’s not exaggerating.’ When she hears the words Nebraska values, she thinks Nebraska is full of bigotry and racism,�

Kirshenbaum explained.

Although others in the room were shocked, Kirshenbaum said she knows the stories were true. She has seen it teaching in Omaha’s schools.

Omaha Table Talk is the recipient of the 2008 Living the Dream Award sponsored by the City of Omaha Human Rights and Relations Department as well as the 2009 Making It Happen Award bestowed by the United Way of the Midlands. Among the program’s monthly open dialogue conversations, speakers, films, documentaries, book reviews, and dialogue groups, Temple Israel will host a presentation and discussion on April 5, 2011. Thomas Christie, multicultural school/community administrator, Lincoln Public Schools, will highlight “Talking with Children about Race -- Are You? Should You Be? When? And How?�

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band Jeff, â€œâ€Śwe hadn’t had many chances to talk really openly and candidly with many people of color.â€? Omaha Table Talk “was the first really, really safe experience we had discussing race with a mixed group of people.â€?

Omaha Table Talk originated in 2004 as a project of the Social Justice Committee of Catholic Charities, a social service agency, said Frank Partsch, one of Table Talk’s founders. Partsch’s daughter, Sara Gilbert and her husband, Dan, are members of Temple Israel. According to Partsch, the founders “were aware of a similar program in Dallas that we modeled the Omaha program after.�

Identifying what Partsch described as “a niche,� the founders recognized that “people (of different ethnicities) wanted to communicate but didn’t know how to take the first step. By 2009, the niche had grown so big, we agreed to separate so Table Talk could grow.� Organizers have been “very much� satisfied with how the venture has developed, Partsch confirmed.

In October, 550 people of various racial and ethnic groups gathered at 62 sites in homes and churches in the community to establish a bond of communication in pursuit of racial understanding.

The Platts hosted their seventh annual dinner with nine invited guests none of whom they had met previously. “People stayed until 11:30,� Ellen said. “We had a great conversation.�

Mimi Silverman, chair of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee, also hosted a dinner at Temple Israel. Susie Silverman attended the dinner at Temple Israel. It was the first time she had attended a Table Talk event. “I thought it was absolutely fascinating,� she emphasized. “I would love to attend another one with more diversity if possible. There was a Native American at our table.

People are so prejudiced against them. I learned a lot from him.�

Platt said she finds the evening “to be so genuine and worthwhile. Table Talk plans out this one evening a year where people come openly and willingly and respectfully, and sit and listen to some other folks and their stories and their experiences. You share your story and your experience and somehow by sharing, you feel a little comfort, and you feel a little stronger, and you feel a little more attached to the real part of the human being you’d like to be or hope that you

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Mimi Silverman (standing) hosted an Omaha Table Talk dinner for eight people at Temple Israel last month. Silverman was among several Temple Israel members who participated in dinners throughout the area.

by JILL BELMONT tors lived and worked and notice the Beth El Publicity Coordinator common features, as well as the distincBeth El’s Sunday Morning Scholars tive elements, in a number of translaSeries continues this month, as the syn- tions.� agogue welcomes featured speaker Greenspoon first became interested in Creighton University’s Professor Bible translations as a graduate student, Leonard Greenspoon, on Nov. 14, at when he studied the Septuagint, the 11 a.m. Greenspoon, Creighton’s Jewish translation of the Bible from Hebrew to Greek -- “the first Philip M. and Ethel Bible translation,� he noted.

Klutznick Professor in “I was trained as a classicist, so Jewish Civilization and that my background in Greek Professor of Classical & language and literature, comNear Eastern Studies bined with my interest in and of Theology, will Biblical Studies, was all brought speak about Textually to bear on this fascinating docuSpeaking: How – and ment,� he added. “More than Why – Jews Translate the thirty years later, I am still Bible. working on Bible translations, During the morning, especially Jewish ones, and Greenspoon said he will thoroughly enjoying it as much explore Jewish Bible Leonard Greenspoon translations, “especially as ever.�

The entire community is invited to ‘how’ and ‘why’ Jews have translated the Bible, from as long ago as the third attend Greenspoon’s presentation, at no century BCE to versions that have been charge; light refreshments will be served. For planning purposes, RSVPs produced within the past few years.�

He added that, “We will emphasize are requested, and may be made by conthe religious, social, cultural, and histor- tacting the synagogue office, 492.8550, ical circumstances in which the transla- or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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Trained facilitators at the dinners of up to ten people guide a discussion topic designed to encourage all to talk about their experiences, feelings, and perceptions as they pertain to the issues of race and culture. The facilitators make sure

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “As a white couple who sort of half tiptoed, half hurtled ourselves across the race line when we adopted our AfricanAmerican girls,� explained Ellen Platt, a member of Temple Israel with her hus-

Beth El’s Sunday Morning Scholars Series to welcome Creighton’s Leonard Greenspoon

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Temple Israel Members participate in Omaha Table Talk

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