Vol. LXXXIII No. 11 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 82 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
19 Cheshvan, 5764 November 14, 2003
Israel Will Be Front and Center at Federations’ Annual Gathering by RACHEL POMERANCE NEW YORK (JTA)--In a few days, Israel will see one of its largest influxes of Jewish visitors since the intifada started three years ago. An estimated 3,800 North American visitors have sold out Jerusalem’s hotels for mid-November, when the United Jewish Communities, the umbrella group of the North American federation system, will hold its annual General Assembly. Israel itself will be the main attraction of the three-day event, beginning Nov. 16--with plenaries and chit-chat likely to center on the state of the Jewish state amid continuing terrorist attacks and economic hardship. Called “With Israel, In Israel: Shaping Our Common Future,” the 2003 General Assembly will feature a welcome by Israel’s president and prime minister, as well as site visits throughout the country. Participants will visit programs linked to the Jewish religious denominations, meet with Israeli children in povertystricken areas and visit Palestinian and Israeli women coming together to cope with breast cancer. Also planned are a Jerusalem solidarity march, Jewish text study, a lecture on hatred of America, Israel and Jews, and a Partnership 2000 fair, showcasing sister communities between North America and Israel. Because of an “extraordinary powerful” 1998 General Assembly in Israel, federation officials decided they would
hold the tenure is up next fall. annual event While such issues are not expressly in Israel found on the G.A. agenda, they remain a every few backdrop for discussion and figure promiyears, said nently in the minds of federation leaders John Ruskay, on the eve of the annual convention. Executive Jeffrey Solomon, president of the Andrea Vice-presiand Charles Bronfman Philanthropies and dent and the former top official of the UJACEO of the Federation of New York, echoed the views U J A of many in the system when he outlined Federation of three key issues UJC faces: New York. • A trend in which Americans have “It’s galvanizdoubled their philanthropic gifts over ing, it’s the last decade, while donations to inspiring, it’s major Jewish institutions, including the motivating,” federation system, have remained fairly he said. “The stagnant. Jewish organizations are no downside is longer on the “leading edge” of philanthat policy Gathering at Omaha’s Eppley Airport shortly before taking off last Sunday are: thropic growth, he said. issues need Rabbi Craig Marantz of Temple Israel, left, Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel, • The “reshtetlization” of Jewish phito be dealt Maggie Gerber, Rick Katzman, Steve Riekes, Margo Riekes, Julee Katzman, lanthropy-- that is, communities are with else- Pam Monsky and Stephanie Grossman. They’ll meet up with the rest of the del- focusing on their local needs as egation, some of whom arrived yesterday and today, in Jerusalem. Prior to the opposed to what Solomon calls “our hiswhere.” For the start of the United Jewish Communities’ General Assmebly this Sunday, toric collective responsibility commitUJC, that Omaha’s delegation toured its Partnership 2000 region--the Western Galilee-- ment” to funding Jewish needs abroad. means that with delegations from Des Moines, Dayton, Louisville and San Antonio. They vis• The “recruitment and retention of for the time ited such sites as the underground, fortified operating rooms and wards at the the best and brightest professionals.” being its own Western Galilee Hospital in Nahariya, and Kibbutz Hanita near the Lebanese “These three issues are among the struggles will border, before staying overnight in Safed. compelling measures of the system’s failing to provide “value-added” services or success,” Solomon said. shift to the back burner. Since its inception, the four-year old a clear direction, and for its inability to Jacob Solomon, Executive Vice-presimerger of the Council of Jewish drum up sufficient funding from individual dent of the Greater Miami Jewish Federations, the United Jewish Appeal and federations for the UJC’s overseas partners. Federation, who bears no relation to Now, the system is further strained by a Jeffrey Solomon, said the UJC is already the United Israel Appeal has wrestled with a surfeit of complaints from local federa- search process to find a successor for CEO “tracking toward the positive.” tions, which have criticized the UJC for Stephen Hoffman, whose three-year Continued on page ?
“Chanu-kids” Celebration in the Kripke Library Next Month by SUZANNE SINGER AND SUSAN ROTHHOLZ Hanukkah presents for all children. You can enrich Co-chairmen, Kripke Library their own personal Jewish library collection while they Get a jump start on Hanukkah at the Kripke Jewish have a fun afternoon in the Kripke Library. Federation Library’s first annual “Chanu-kids” party. For more information, call 334-6462. Sunday, Dec. 7, 2-4 p.m., in the Library at the Jewish community Center, pre-schoolers through third graders will be entertained by storyteller Rita Paskowitz, volunteers reading books, clowns, a juggler and face painting. There will be craft projects, prizes and treats for all. Parents and grandparents (aunts, uncles and friends, too!) will have the opportunity to see the great selection of children’s books that will be for sale. While the party is for younger children, books for older children will also be Preparing for the Library’s first “Chanu-kids” Celebration are, front row: Jake Meyerson, left, Aleia Budwig, Olivia Nogg and Seth Norton; back row: Eva Phillips, Isaac Rogers-Marcovitz and available. Books make wonderful Adam Silverman.
Inside
This Week: Crossword Puzzle: page 7 Temple Israel’s Adopt-a-School Page 3
2004 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign $3.2 million $3 million
Make YOUR investment in Jewish Omaha today... because no gift touches more lives.
$2.1 million $2 million
$1 million
To contact the Federation office, please call Kathy Watkins at 334-6432.
Coming Dec. 5: The Jewish Press Hanukkah Gift Guide Funding Hate, Part III (third in a four-part series) Pages 6-7
Photos from the Recent Federation Newcomer’s Brunch Page 12
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 14, 2003
Beth El’s Hazak Group to Explore Long-Term Care Insurance Issues
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by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El’s Hazak group has scheduled a program on Long-Term Care Insurance for Sunday, Nov. 23, 2:30 p.m., at the synagogue. The event will bring together a panel of three experts who will pose and answer a number of important questions before opening the floor to additional questions from the audience. Panelist Shane Kotok, of Jewish Senior Services, will share the spotlight with Bucky Greenberg and Al Ross, both experienced professionals in the insurance field. Kotok will focus on the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home alternative of long-term residency. Greenberg and Ross will examine issues on understanding insurance policies and making informed decisions. Neither will endorse any particular policy. The insurance professionals said they expect to cover questions such as these: • What options should a consumer seek? • What should a consumer expect when coverage ‘kicks in’? • At what age should a person begin to think about long-term care issues? • What are the income tax implications of having long-term insurance? According to Hazak’s Frances Gottlieb, “It’s a daunting fact that one out of every two persons over 65 will spend some time in a nursing home or will need some home-care assistance. It only makes good sense to become knowledgeable at an early age.” Hazak is the Conservative Movement’s constituency for “seasoned ‘n spicy citizens,” Gottlieb said. “Our Beth El chapter has developed into an active and exciting group under the presidency of Jim Wax.” More information about the panel discussion is available from Gloria Goodman, 333-3351, or Natalie Rubin, 334-5893.
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 14 BBYO New Members Convention, 3 p.m. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 15 BBYO New Members Convention, 8 a.m.
C L I P &
S MONDAY, NOVEMBER 17 A YES Program, 10 a.m. V Soul of the Text Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. E JFS Board of Directors Meeting, 11 a.m. Talmud Class with Rabbi Kutner, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel
C L I P & S A V E
TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18 JSS Opera Omaha Concert, noon Temple Israel Adult Education, noon UNO Kabbalah Class, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Temple Israel Board of Trustees Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 19 Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 a.m. B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon at the Park Inn Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Amos Oz Reads from His Works, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel C Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El L I THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20 P Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel & Walk-in Drop-in Activity, 10 a.m. Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century, noon at Beth El S Yiddish Group Meeting, 1 p.m. A Kripke Library Monthly Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. V Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Family Night Dinner, 5:30 p.m. E Ethics of Cloning, 7 p.m. JOLT II, 7 p.m. Come And Dance, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated.The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events.To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING,VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Uri Regev and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, friends for more than 30 years, met again at Temple Israel last month. Rabbi Regev, Executive Director of the World Union for Progressive Judaism, was here from Jerusalem to give the sermon at Temple and to attend the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 67th Biennial in Minneapolis, November 5-9. Getting help from some new friends in the kitchen prior to Shabbat worship services, Chef Moshe Basson, also from Jerusalem, prepared a Shabbat dinner for approximately 100 people at Temple. His helpers included Stuart Hart, left, Ruth Cain, (Chef Basson), Juni Bloch, and Dora Goldstrom.
“Escape to Schmooze” with Hadassah’s Young Women’s Connection
CLIP & SAVE
SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 16 BBYO New Member Convention, 8 a.m. Between Parents & Children with Rabbi Levin, 10 a.m. at Beth El Social Justice Forum, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Holiday Bazaar, 10 a.m. at Beth El Bible Study: The Book of Samuel, 11 a.m. at Beth El
Old Friends and New Cooks Get Together at Temple Israel
C L I P & S A V E
by LESLI SHRAGO Hadassah Publicity Coordinator The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah Young Women’s Connection will host its first “Escape to Schmooze” open house Tuesday, Nov. 18, 9:30-11:30 a.m., in the Community Room of the JCC. Women in their 20s, 30s and 40s are invited to stop by for bagels, fruit and beverages and to meet other young women with an interest in Hadassah, the largest membership-based Jewish women’s group in the United States. Around the world, Hadassah chapters are now tailoring specific Young Women/Young Leaders programming to the tastes and availability of their members who are under the age of 45. In Omaha, Hadassah plans to regularly schedule “Escape to Schmooze” functions on weekday mornings during the hours of parttime preschool at the Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center for the convenience of those with children in preschool. The JCC offers “Fit and Sit" babysitting services between 9 a.m. and noon on weekdays, which will enable those whose children are not in school to be able to attend. Call Member Services at 334-6426 by 9 a.m. on the day of the program to request babysitting. Additional social get-togethers as well as speakers on parenting, education, health and other topics of partic-
Last Call This is your last chance to be included in this special edition.
ular interest to young women will be scheduled on evenings and on weekends to accommodate those who work during the day. Family activities, such as holiday celebrations, and an ongoing “Mitzvah of the Month” project will be implemented to serve the Jewish and greater Omaha community. Those attending the November program are encouraged to bring unopened packages of women’s cotton underwear or cotton socks, brushes, combs or travel-sized bottles of mouthwash or other toiletries. Hadassah will donate these to the Assistance League of Omaha, which distributes Assault Survivor Kits to hospitals emergency rooms and shelters for victims of rape and other forms of violence. In addition, donations of regular-size toiletries, cosmetics, toilet paper, tissues, diapers and other personal hygiene items may be brought that will be given to Jewish Family Service for distribution to needy individuals later this winter. There is no cost and one need not be a current member of Hadassah to attend. Advance reservations are not necessary, except for babysitting. For more information about the “Escape to Schmooze” or to offer suggestions for future Hadassah Women’s Connection programming, please call me at 963-9889 or e-mail: shrago@cox.net or call Julie Stein at 496-9964 or email her at: djstein9@cox.net.
333 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE | 68154-2198 | Fax 402/334-5422
Annual
Hanukkah Gift Guide
Publishing Date: December 5, 2003 | Space Reservation: November 17, 2003 | Camera Ready Deadline: November 21, 2003
To advertise in this special upcoming issue, call Allan Handleman, 402/334-6451 or Ray Pred, 402/334-6559.
November 14, 2003
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Temple’s Adopt-a-School Partners Reaching Success by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In 2001, Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee adopted a Mitzvah project involving Lothrop Magnet Center, an Omaha Public School for pre-kindergartners through fourth graders. Susie Cohn a member of the Committee, said one of the main goals of the project, Reach for Success, was “to help the students raise their standardized test scores.” In addition to needing tutors, mentors, winter clothes and gloves, other items such as eye glasses, a refrigerator, and bunk beds for a family who had lost their furniture in a house fire were also donated. An incentive program, called Reach for Success, was also established thanks to a donation to Temple’s Mitzvah Fund from the Ike and Roz Friedman Family Foundation. Last year, Temple adopted a second school, Castelar Academy. Shari Hess, also a member of Temple’s Social Justice Committee, is an instructional facilitator at Castelar. When Reach for Success started, Hess taught at Lothrop. Money from the Friedman Foundation is used to buy incentives for children reaching their academic and attendance goals at Castelar. Roz Friedman is “more than generous,” said Hess. She noted that the Friedman donation “makes the teachers feel that someone in the community appreciates what they’re doing and how hard they’re working.” Reach for Success has “absolutely been successful,” Hess acknowledged. “Test scores have gone up and attendance has improved. This year, the principal will have an ice cream party each month for all the kids with perfect attendance.” The money is also used to buy books for a fourth grade book club and for a sixth grade honors assembly and luncheon. At Lothrop, Magnet Coordinator Gina Fitzpatrick described Reach for Success as very successful in encouraging children to achieve their academic and citizenship goals. “Ninety percent of the pre-kindergarten students met their goals,” she said, “and 100 percent of the class learned their colors. In the first grade, 95 percent of the time, reading fluency was increased. Second, third, and fourth graders made their own data folders and charted their progress in meeting goals.” To provide tangible incentives to meet goals and educational awards, the Friedman Foundation donation is used by the teachers to buy flash cards, games, and
decorated pencils, Fitzpatrick explained. trips. Children from the schools expressed their appreShe is also grateful to Rosie Zweiback who has been ciation to Roz Friedman in notes such as Duonte’s: volunteering as a mentor/tutor at Lothrop. “She has a “Thank you for the money that you donated. We get to wonderful relationship with the students, especially go bowling for doing a good job on the test.” two fourth grade girls,” said Fitzpatrick. In another note, Ramiro wrote, “Thank you for payVolunteers of all ages are needed as tutors to help ing for the field trip (to Morrill Hill in Lincoln). My students with their academic subjects or as mentors to favorite part was when we saw the fossils and the rocks share interests with the children. Currently, Castelar is that glow in the dark. We think you are the nicest perlocated at 4301 No. 30 St., son we’ve ever heard of.” but will be returning to “I had lots of fun going its permanent building at to the Capitol Building,” 2316 So. 18 St. in January. added Florentino. “I didVolunteers will be needn’t know that a lot of ed then for after-school people worked in one programs which will Capitol Building. The resume two times a week Nebraska State History from 3:45-4:30 p.m. and the Morrill Hall Another project for volmuseums were really unteers is to read storyawesome.” books aloud for taping Tannya said, “Mrs. on audio cassettes which Friedman, thank you for the children, for most of all of the money you whom English is a secgave us for the field trips. ond language, can take We went to Lincoln. In home to enjoy. Lincoln, there was a Retirees are encourmuseum. The museum aged to participate as volhad a lot of old things. It unteers at both Castelar Students at Castelar Academy are grateful to Roz Friedman for her had old cars, wagons, and Lothrop which is help in funding an incentive program at their school. clothes, and a lot more located at 3300 No. 22 St. They can come at anytime old clothes. We got to try on old clothes, and we went school is in session, individually or in groups. Anyone to the wagon and we could sit down on it.” Tannya interested in volunteering can call Hess at 344-7794 or noted that the class also went bowling. “It was so fun. 556-6211 or Fitzpatrick at 457-5704 or 341-7641. The ball was heavy. I had two turns.” Seven-year-old Justin Norton, whose parents Mike Victoria had so much fun bowling that it “felt like it and Susie Norton and grandparents, Larry and Silvia was the happiest day of my life! All of us had a lot of Roffman, are members of Temple, donated the contents fun and laughs.” She also liked going to the State of his tzedakah box to Reach for Success. His grand- Capitol where “we got to sit and watch everyone vote.” parents keep a tzedakah box at their home for each of Miguel was thankful too. For reading over 400 books, their grandchildren. Justin is the oldest. Once a year, his his class was rewarded with “safari hats that we wore grandmother, Silvia Roffman, takes him to the bank to on our safari.” have the money he has saved and that others have Blanca reached her goal of doing ten long division donated in honor of simchas counted there. He started problems a week and got to go bowling. She had never doing this when he was four, Silvia said. This year, he been bowling. “I think I’m going to enjoy it,” she wrote. wanted to buy school supplies including a back pack “My favorite part (of the circus) was when the men and lunch box. Grandfather Larry Roffman suggested were on the tight wire,” Winnona related in her thank that Justin give his purchases to one of Temple’s adopt- you note to Mrs. Friedman. The youngster added, “You a-school partners. did a wonderful thing this year.” Another incentive that the students enjoy are field
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 14, 2003
IN THE NEWS
Master Chef Walter Hecht prepares each meal as it is ordered, using only the finest meats, seafood, and serving only the most palatable wines. For exquisite lunch, dinner, and Sunday brunch, Open Every Day for Lunch & Dinner reserve your chair at Bistro 121!
Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz, son of Mimi Rogers of Fremont, NE, and Michael Marcovitz of Monsey, NY, was the only Nebraskan selected as a semifinalist in the Siemens Westinghouse Competition in Math, Science and Technology. Forrest is a senior at Fremont High School. He will participate in the regional finals later this month. He was also named a 2003 Distinguished Scholar by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, as was Maya Fabrikant, daughter of Ilya and Marina Fabrikant of Lincoln and Margaret Terry, daughter of Dr. John Terry and Dr. Michele Marsh Terry of Omaha.
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Y.E.S. There will be no meeting on Monday, Nov. 17. Join us on Tuesday, Nov. 18, noon, for a special concert by Opera Omaha. Hal France, Opera Omaha’s Artistic Director, will emcee this program. Lunch will follow in the auditorium. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330272. Make your reservations with Maggie by calling 334-6521 for Bluffs Run on Nov.20 and the Thanksgiving Day Party with entertainment by Miles and Eileen Remer and Esther Wax on Nov. 24.
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator With another budget deficit in the millions of dollars looming for the Nebraska Unicameral, key senators will attend a panel discussion on Sunday, Nov. 16, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel. Key Omaha senators, Jim Jensen, Lowen Kruse, Chip Maxwell and Nancy Thompson, will each talk about their own legislative bills and what their priorities will be for the coming session which starts in January. After they speak, there will be an opportunity to ask the senators questions about the upcoming legislative session. Jensen is chairman of the Health and Human Services Committee and “is well known by many in the Jewish community for helping people with disabilities and people with health related issues,” said Joan Marcus, a member of Temple Israel’s Social Justice Committee. Jensen has proposed closing one or two of the state’s three mental health regional centers. One question that comes up, according to Marcus, is where will the people who currently live in the regional centers go if they’re closed. Jensen is also a member of the Banking and the Commerce and Insurance Committees. Kruse, a Methodist minister, is from the north Omaha area and is a member of the Appropriations Committee. Thompson, from Papillion and a candidate for the second congressional district seat now held by Lee Terry, is also “an advocate for people with disabilities and health issues,” said Marcus. Thompson is chairperson of the Building Maintenance Committee and is on the Appropriations Committee. Co-sponsored by Temple’s Social Justice Committee and Men’s Club, the community is welcome to attend the panel discussion which is free. Bagels will be served.
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November 14, 2003
Continued from page 1 Meanwhile, some say they hope that holding the con“I think everybody underestimated the challenges of ference in Israel will help pull the delegates’ heartmerging the UJA and CJF,” he said. The UJC is “begin- strings--and purse-strings--for overseas needs. ning to have its own identity,” improve its services to In fact, the UJC is subsidizing the trip for participants local federations and “develop a new consolidated from the 100 federated communities sending a mission organizational culture.” to the General Assembly, in exchange for a commitSolomon said the UJC has become a “convenient ment by those participants to join their mission’s fundscapegoat” for “a lot of angst" among Jewish communi- raiser at the event. ties and UJC’s overseas partners amid a “very frightenThe conference will be “one of the largest fund-raising time in Jewish history.” ing efforts in one place that I’ve been aware of,” said But in the face of that history, many federation lead- Jay Sarver, former president of the Jewish Federation of ers lament a lack of “collectivity”--a buzzword for two St. Louis and chairman of budget and finance for the of the federation system's prevailing struggles: Jewish Agency. “I see this as a key opportunity for the • One is what many have called the “unsolvable” broad-based leadership of American Jewry to see firstissue of uniting federation leaders around priorities. hand the needs of the Jewish Agency and JDC in That ranges from funding priorities to the role and Israel.” responsibility of the umbrella group in the wider fedMarlene Post, Chairwoman of birthright Israel USA, eration system. agreed. Investing in Israel should be the paramount • The second is what point of the conference, many cite as a lack of A delegation of 28 Omahans are among those attending Post said, and if the event understanding and urgency the G.A., including: Margie Alperson, Bonnie Bloch, Maggie inspires federations to shift about funding the UJC's their funds overseas, “then Gerber, Howard Goldstein, Jan Goldstein (Federation the G.A. was a success.” overseas beneficiaries--the Jewish Executive Director), Stephanie Grossman, Carol Katzman But Miami’s Solomon Agency for Israel, which (Editor of the Jewish Press), Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Julee rejected the idea that the runs aliyah and absorption, Katzman (Federation Assistant Director), Rick Katzman, UJC is failing its overseas and the American Jewish partners. Joe and Maxine Kirshenbaum, Rabbi Howard Kutner, Dr. Joint Distribution “How can you say that Committee, which provides Wayne Lainof, Rabbi Craig Marantz, Guy Matalon (Director we’re not adequately relief and welfare to Jews of Jewish Educational and Library Services), Pam Monsky focused on overseas when abroad. (Federation Communications Director), Iris Ricks, Marty the system generated $350 The UJC has just begun to Ricks (Executive Director of the Federation Foundation), million for an emergency form an overseas advocacy campaign?” he said, refercommittee to persuade fed- Steve and Margo Riekes, Zoë Riekes, Jan Schneiderman, ring to the special campaign erations to disburse more Natan and Hannah Schwalb, and Paul and Susie Shyken. launched in response to the dollars overseas, according Also participating is Bob Bliezack, Chairman of the intifada. to Robert Schrayer of Department of Religion and Philosophy at the University of Others say the UJC’s Chicago, UJC’s Vice-chairemergency campaign came Nebraska-Omaha, Suzanne Schreiber of Lincoln and Steve man. up short. The UJC planned to form Riekes’ sister, Nancy Alvarez-Calderon of LaSalla, CA. While proud of the “sigTo see photos from the mission, go to: www.jewishom- nificant money,” that was the committee 10 months ago to help spur giving aha.org and click on “Israel photos.” raised, said Steven Terner, among the federations, Executive Director of South which have increasingly chosen over the past decade Carolina’s Columbia Jewish Federation, “I don’t think to allocate more funds to local needs such as care for we can rest because there was so much more that the elderly and Jewish identity-building programs. could have been done, should have been done, and I A long-awaited decision to determine allocations wish was done.” between the JDC and the Jewish Agency was postTerner said his comments are representative of the poned from September to December. group of more than 60 small-city federations, which he Without the connection among Jewish communities heads. here and abroad, the system risks losing its relevance, “As terrible as things are in Israel, the American say federation leaders. Jewish community has not totally embraced the imporWhile sufficiently funding UJC’s overseas partners has tance of what’s going on,” Terner said. been a longtime federation concern--the UJC was And that seems to be the aim of those attending this formed, in part, to boost overseas funding--many say year’s General Assembly. the merger only exacerbated the problem. “Most of the people aren’t going to engage in interFederation leaders, which now own the entire sys- nal workings of the federation,” said Hannah tem, never fully absorbed the UJA mentality, which was Rosenthal, Executive Director of the Jewish Council for charged with soliciting for and allocating funding over- Public Affairs, an umbrella group of national organizaseas. The merger, they say, instead highlighted diver- tions and local community relations councils. gent mentalities between those who support bolstering “They’re there to show solidarity with Israel and visit overseas needs and those more concerned with local their sister communities,” she said, and to “be briefed needs. on what’s going on at close range.”
by RACHEL KATSKEE Assistant BBYO Director The 70th Annual Mother Chapter AZA #1 Sweetheart Dance was held last month at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. This year’s Sweetheart candidates included: Jamie Tully, Abby Ginsburg, Chelsea Taxman and Meagan Katelman. Honorary Sweethearts are Jessica Belmont and Kylie Zacharia. The theme of the evening was “Masquareded Mamas.” Marrisa Epstein, 2003 Sweetheart, passed the position of 2004 Sweetheart to Abby Ginsburg. The daughter of Bill and Beth Ginsburg, Abby is a sophomore at Burke High School. She’s pictured above with her date, Brad Abramson, son of Sheri and Mike Abramson.
Page 5
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Transparency a Concern as Millions Go to Mideast by EDWIN BLACK American government to waive Executive Order 13224. Part III of a four-part series But Sullivan of the State Department insists the order WASHINGTON (JTA)--With hundreds of millions of is necessary and said, “I can’t see us budging on this dollars being pumped into Palestinian non-governmen- requirement.” tal organizations by numerous private foundations here Interestingly, at the same time the State Department and in Europe, government and Jewish communal offi- started tightening control on NGO funding, it began cials are raising significant questions about transparency. shifting monies directly to the Palestinian Authority. In How is the money being used? And do major May, the U.S. government granted $50 million in aid to Palestinian activist funders such as the Ford Palestinian areas, channeling the first $30 million Foundation--which granted $35 million to Arab and through traditional Palestinian NGOs. pro-Palestinian organizations in 2000 and 2001 alone-However, on July 12, the State Department suddenly exercise proper controls? announced the last $20 million of that original sum What’s more, federal agencies concerned with fight- would be granted directly to the Palestinian Authority. ing terrorism are increasingly asking: When money Asked if there was an “unspoken linkage” in shifting goes into one NGO’s pocket, where does it wind up? financial transactions away from NGOs to genuine govEarlier this year, Washington’s fears over the loosely ernment structures, a State Department spokesman controlled millions streaming into Palestinian organiza- asserted, “Not unspoken at all--but loudly spoken.” tions from foundations turned into action. The State “The bottom line,” the spokesman said, is that “we here Department and the U.S. Agency for International in Washington--this department, as well as Treasury and Development began applying President Bush’s the FBI--are deeply concerned about the fungibility of Executive Order 13224 to American organizations money to NGOs that can go in one door and out the working in Palestinian areas. Executive Order 13224 back door, and then finance terrorist activities.” recognizes “the pervasiveness and expansiveness of the “As for the latest $20 million,” the spokesman said, financial foundation of foreign terrorists” and regulates “it is strictly controlled.” He said the State Department financial transactions that may end up in the hands of is holding the Palestinian Authority and its finance minthose that either commit or even “advocate” terrorism. ister “strictly accountable.” In May and June of this year, USAID informed The State Department spokesman added, “We want to be American tax-exempt charities it funds that if they part- confident that our monies do not finance anti-Semitic nered with any Palestinian NGOs, those NGOs would Palestinian textbooks and other anti-Semitic materials.” The be required to sign a Certification Regarding Terrorist spokesman indicated that the accounting firm of Deloitte & Financing. The certification pledges that no funds have Touche had been engaged “to monitor those funds.” made or will make their way into organizations to Just as the State Department was tightening up poli“advocate or support terrorist activities.” cy on NGOs earlier this year, the IRS began demanding The Palestine NGO Network, or PNGO, an umbrella far greater accountability and transparency from group of 90 Palestinian organizations that is funded in American foundations engaged in Palestinian areas. part by the Ford Foundation, was outraged. The Treasury Department recently published voluntary On July 12, PNGO published a statement declaring: “Anti-Terrorist Financing Guidelines” to tighten the lax “Some donor agencies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip funding procedures employed by some foundations. are setting unacceptable conditions for providing finanAmong Treasury’s recommendations: Charities should cial support to Palestinian NGOs. Such conditions “determine whether the foreign recipient organization is include a pledge titled ‘Certification Regarding Terrorist or has been implicated in any questionable activities.” Financing’ stipulating that Palestinian NGOs pledge not Adding to the pressure on foundations, the multinato ‘provide material support or resources to any indi- tional Financial Action Task Force on Money vidual or entity that advocates, plans, sponsors, Laundering has spotlighted “non-profit organizations engages in, or has engaged in terrorist activity’ based [that] collect hundreds of billions of dollars annually on the U.S. Executive Order 13224.” from donors and distribute these monies” to a gamut of PNGO program coordinator beneficiaries. Renad Qubaj complained in a The Council of telephone interview, “Who Foundations, a representadefines what is terror? All tive association of philanfunds received by the NGOs thropies, recoiled from the should be unconditioned--no Treasury Department's sugpolitical conditions.” gestion that it obtain Another Palestinian NGO Certification Regarding railing against the terrorist Terrorist Financing. In a certification was the Al June 20, 2003, letter to Mezan Center for Human Treasury, Council President Rights, which has received Dorothy Ridings, a former three Ford Foundation Ford trustee, challenged the An exchange between pro-Israel and anti-Israel demongrants totaling $350,000, guidelines as inappropriate strators at the U.N. World Conference on Racism in according to foundation and unnecessary. Durban, South Africa in 2001. Credit: Simon Wiesenthal Center records. A formal statement by In late August, Al Mezan’s director was quoted in the Interaction, the largest American alliance of internaArabic press as stating: “There is no legal basis for this tional humanitarian organizations, asked Treasury to document. This document should be boycotted, includ- withdraw the guidelines altogether. Interaction speciing the local authorities, political parties and universi- fied that West Bank grantees would regard certification ties. These institutions should reject this document requests as “unduly intrusive.” completely, as it puts them in great danger. We should Sources at Treasury indicate they want more than publicize a list of any institutions that agree to the con- accountability; they want transparency--that is, the abilditions in the document.” ity to review activity reports and monitoring, all of A spokesman for the State Department's Near East which are currently secret at organizations such as Affairs bureau, Greg Sullivan, said he sharply disagreed Ford. The days of opaque financial transactions are with the Palestinian groups’ position. over,” a State Department official said when asked “This should come as no surprise to the NGOs,” he about the millions of foundation dollars pouring into said. “We want to see accountability and results. The Palestinian NGOs. “Yes, we would like to see transmoney going into the Palestine area is a problem. That parency, accountability and internationally acceptable is why the Executive Order exists.” standards on all their monies.” He added: “We know terror acts when we see them, Lack of transparency is indeed the question facing the and we call them terrorism consistently.” government and foundations engaged in Palestinian PNGO steering committee member Allam Jarrar areas. At the Ford Foundation, other than a one-sensaid that although many of the umbrella group's mem- tence description of a grant published in its annual bers depend upon USAID for funds, PNGO itself gets reports, Web databases and IRS filings, mounds of docmuch of its money from Ford, and “Ford does not make uments relating to the original grant, activity reports, us sign this agreement.” monitoring and audits are all held secret for 10 years He added, “For us, Ford is a very credible organization.” after the grant concludes. Palestinian sources said they would pressure the Continued on next page
November 14, 2003
Funding Hate Continued from previous page For example, in the case of LAW, the Palestinian Committee for the Protection of Human Rights and the Environment, those files would not become available for public inspection until 2015--and even then only after a cumbersome academic-style review of any request. LAW was instrumental in organizing the anti-Israel debacle at the September 2001 U.N. World Conference Against Racism in Durban. When asked about its policy of keeping documents secret, Ford issued a statement, saying: “We protect grants and documents within the last 10 years to guard the confidentiality of ongoing relationships with grantees.” Officials of Jewish organizations found that policy troubling. “It is not only a sad comment on philanthropy running amuck, but outrageous and irresponsible,” commented Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. “The Ford Foundation, in its efforts to address evil, has--because of the lack of oversight and monitoring, and establishing serious criteria as to the recipient--wound up aiding and abetting extremists and political movements that border on anti-Semitism and anti-Americanism,” he said. “It is incumbent on the trustees of the Ford Foundation to provide transparency about their funding, including the audits,” Foxman added. Malcolm Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, called for a congressional investigation of Ford Foundation grants to Palestinian NGOs. “At a time when government and society are demanding transparencies on the part of corporations and charities," Hoenlein said, “it is hard to justify the apparent exemption of the Ford Foundation, which uses tax-free dollars to fund what is at best questionable organizations and causes--and at worst organizations undermining the interest of the United States and its allies. “It is now incumbent on Congress and federal agencies to conduct their own examination,” he said. Yehudit Barsky, director of the American Jewish Committee’s division on Middle East and international terrorism, said, “We need two kinds of accountability from Ford--not just where did the money go, but how was it spent. “Ford owes the public not only a financial accounting, but also a moral accounting,” she said. A written statement issued by Ford, in response to questions, asserted, “The Ford Foundation takes the threat of pos-
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Tour Israel! sible misuse of grant funds for terrorism very seriously. We share the concern of the U.S. government to minimize the risk that grant funds might be diverted for terrorist purposes. We comply fully with all legal requirements established by U.S. law and regulation.” The statement added, “We have no reason to believe that Ford Foundation grant funds have been used to benefit terrorist organizations.” This investigation has not identified any instances of Ford monies being linked to terrorism. However, despite more than two dozen attempts, in writing and by phone, over a several-week period, Ford officials responsible for external communications refused to answer any questions regarding specific Palestinian NGOs, or past or present investigations regarding the misuse of specific funds. David Harris, executive director of AJCommittee, said it is “unfortunate” that Ford “is unwilling to go on the record, to explain or clarify its policy” regarding specific grantees. With no product to sell, no stockholders, no customers, no need for outside fund-raising and no need to answer to the public, the financial independence of the Ford Foundation, estimated to be $10-billion strong, makes the organization impervious to the type of criticism it appears to expect for financing activism and agitation. In a recent speech, the foundation’s president, Susan Berresford, acknowledged, “Addressing root causes [of injustice] often means making new kinds of arrangements in public policies, community and power relationships It is different from traditional charity--feeding the hungry, sheltering the homeless.” “Social justice philanthropy requires risk-taking, experimentation, managerial oversight, patience, long-term commitment and a thick skin. Being a social justice philanthropist or activist isn't always comfortable or easy,” she said. The Ford Foundation has spent billions to fight for transparency in government and create a better world. But Harris of AJCommittee makes this point: “Transparency begins at home.” Edwin Black is the author of the newly released War Against the Weak: Eugenics and America's Campaign to Create a Master Race (Four Walls Eight Windows), which investigates corporate philanthropic involvement in American and Nazi eugenics. In May 2003, he won the American Society of Journalists and Authors’award for best book of the year for his previous book, IBM and the Holocaust (Crown Publishing, 2001). The entire JTA investigative series on Ford Foundation funding can be read at www.jta.org/ford.asp.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 14, 2003
Opinion People of the Book Rumors about the lack of any Jewish Book Month activities have been circulating for months. But thanks to a newly-formed Library Committee, under the direction of longtime volunteers and community leaders Susan Rothholz Suzanne Singer, this community will not neglect this important event on our calendar. As announced on the front page in this issue, Singer and her committee have planned Chanu-kids--a program for children and their families. This introduction to young people to the joy of reading is a welcome start for the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. But we hope it’s not the only program planned for Jewish Book Month. We’re fortunate in Nebraska to have a wealth of talent; even if we currently lack a Library Director, we do have professional staff who can assist volunteers in tapping that pool of local authors for a variety of activities. Here’s just a sample of who’s available: Susan Aizenberg, a published poet who teaches at Creighton University, and historian and attorney Oliver Pollak, who’s published a long list of books and articles and is cofounder (with Mary Fellman) of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Director of the Klutznick Chair of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University--who’s already teaching in the Jewish community--and as his Letter to the Editor states on the opposite page--is willing to teach yet another series on the works of Nobel Prize winner Elie Wiesel. And Bob Eisenberg, author of Boychiks in the Hood, is
(Founded in 1920)
working on a second book, on which he might be persuaded to speak. Add to this list our community’s notable storytellers: Ozzie Nogg, Nancy Rips, Marcy Cotton and Rita Paskowitz, to name a few-and you’ve got yourself stories for children, teens and adults. And all of this can be accomplished with very little money. There are, of course, opportunities for collaboration, too. With a Jewish woman--Rivkah Sass--as the new director of the Omaha Public Library, maybe our Jewish library should partner with our public libary in bringing a wellknown author to Omaha for Jewish Book Month in 2004.
This community has a gem in the Kripke Library and it would be a shame to neglect it. With close to 40,000 volumes of books, periodicals, CDs and videos, the Kripke Library is the largest collection of Judaica between Chicago and Denver. Putting together programs for Jewish Book Month is not rocket science, but like any successful program it comes down to advance planning and preparation. We’re glad those who are passionate about the Kripke Library have stepped into leadership positions to ensure that Omaha’s Jewish community continues to be described as the People of the Book.
The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
Is America Overly Aggressive?
BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES As the overthrow of Saddam Hussein showed, American conservatives believe that preemption, the overwhelming use of force, and going it alone are at times necessary to bolster U.S. national security. Liberals beg to differ. The New York Times, speaking for many of the latter, editorializes against what it calls President George W. Bush’s “lone-wolf record [and] overly aggressive stance,” saying that these risk undermining his goals by provoking the world’s enmity. All nine of the Democratic presidential candidates raise similar criticisms, as do the AFL-CIO, countless columnists, religious leaders and academics. Beyond differing with the administration’s specific actions in Iraq, the liberal argument challenges broader conservative assumptions about the utility of an assertive U.S. foreign policy. The Bush administration, for example, was practically alone in rejecting two treaties (the International Criminal Court, the Kyoto Protocol) and two nearagreements (on small arms, on chemical and biological weapons). It also took other forceful steps (such as negating the ABM treaty with Russia and expanding NATO up to Russia’s borders). “Bush is creating new enemies
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Jon Gates Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein.
faster than he is deterring old ones,” is how Gerard Alexander of the University of Virginia sums up the liberal accusation--one that he incisively refutes in the Nov. 3 issue of The Weekly Standard. Alexander discerns two elements to the liberal claim: other powers for the first time feel threatened by U.S. actions; and they are responding by taking steps a g a i n s t Washington. Let’s consider each of these elements. Newly threatening: Looking back over the last halfcentury, Alexander notes many occasions when other powers felt alienated from Washington. • 1950s: U.S. allies formed a West European-only bloc. France created an independent nuclear capability; • 1960s: France withdrew from NATO’s military structure. Most U.S. allies vehemently protested the U.S. war in Vietnam; • 1970s: OPEC directed its oil weapon primarily against the Americans to protest U.S. policies in the Middle East. • 1980s: In something of a preview of today’s situation, Europeans disdained Ronald Reagan as a simpleton and a “cowboy,” took to the streets in great numbers to protest U.S. the-
ater nuclear weapons, and broadly opposed U.S. policies to build a missile defense system, reform the United Nations, and isolate the Sandinistas. On some issues, such as the Law of the Sea treaty, they unanimously opposed Washington’s stance. • 1990s: The European Union repeatedly clashed with the United States on trade issues. It also announced the creation of a unified military force separate from NATO. Today’s tensions, in short, have a somewhat familiar air to them. Taking steps a g a i n s t Wa s h i n g t o n : “Watching what people do and not simply what they say,” Alexander points out, “remains the best test of what people really think of America.” However noisy unfavorable opinion polls and rival diplomatic efforts may be, they do not in themselves amount to a crisis. A crisis would require other powerful states to take at least one of two steps: • Invest heavily in improving military capabilities through enhanced arsenals and larger troop mobilizations: This has not occurred. Alexander finds “little evidence that a build-up, as a hedge against future American actions, is even in its earliest stages.” European Union states generally devote one-half to onethird what Washington does to
However noisy unfavorable opinion polls and rival diplomatic efforts may be, they do not in themselves amount to a crisis.
military spending, and this general proportion has not changed in the last two years, with the exception of some small increases designed to address new terrorist priorities. • Build explicit military alliances: Here too, Alexander finds, “There is no evidence that cooperation between major E.U. members and Russia (or China) extends to anything beyond opposition to an invasion already over.” The response to recent American actions has been limited to words, and so has limited significance. “By all the usual standards, then,” Alexander argues, “Europeans and most others are acting as if they resent some aspects of U.S. policy, are irritated by America’s influence, oppose selected actions the administration has taken, and dislike President Bush more than his predecessor, but remain entirely unthreatened by the United States.” Annoyance hardly counts as enmity. There is no persuasive evidence “that U.S. policy is provoking the seismic shift in America’s reputation that Bush’s critics detect.” Translated into political terms, this means those critics need to find themselves another issue. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Militant Islam Reaches America (W.W. Norton). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or to ckatzman@jewishomaha. org.
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by JOE BERKOFSKY Nadler’s office would not comment NEW YORK (JTA)--From the halls of further on the meeting. Congress to the State Department, presThe letter to Ford had cited the JTA sure is building on the Ford Foundation series that found that Ford funded NGOs to stop supporting groups that engage in attending the 2001 U.N. World anti-Israel agitation and Conference Against anti-Semitic activities. Racism, Racial The pressure comes in Discrimination, the wake of a recent JTA Xenophobia and Related investigative series, Intolerance in Durban, “Funding Hate,” which South Africa. The conferrevealed that one of the ence “was a virtual field country’s most prestiday for anti-Semitic and gious foundations has anti-Israel activities,” the spent millions of dollars letter said. on Palestinian and other The letter also referred non-governmental organto other Ford-backed izations, or NGOs, that anti-Israel groups, such agitate against Israel. as the Jerusalem Media Last week, U.S. Rep. and Communication Jerrold Nadler (D-NY), U.S. Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-NY) Centre, which publishes
Photo courtesy office of Jerrold Nadler met with the Ford The Palestine Report and Foundation's president, Susan whose Web site linked to groups the Berresford, to deliver a letter that he and State Department considers terrorist 19 other lawmakers signed urging Ford organizations, such as Hamas and to stop funding anti-Israel extremists. Islamic Jihad. Also last week, the State Department Ford has taken note of the charges. said it is talking to the Justice n a letter to the Forward earlier this Department, whose job it is to determine month responding to the JTA reports, if any laws have been broken. Ford spokesman Bradford Smith said The congressional letter said, “We are Ford was “shocked” and “dismayed” that extremely concerned with the Ford “extremist rhetoric” had overshadowed Foundation’s funding of organizations the Durban conference. that have openly and purposefully instiFord also said it has held “frank” disgated anti-Semitism, called for the cussions with the Palestinian NGO destruction of the State of Israel, and/or Network, an umbrella group of some 90 engaged in the promotion of violence.” Palestinian NGOs, about “inflammatory” The letter also said it was “equally dis- images and messages, Smith said. turbing” that some of the grantees have In July, the PNGO called the U.S. law refused to sign a U.S. government docu- limiting aid to groups forswearing terrorment, the Certification Regarding ism “unacceptable” because, the PNGO Terrorist Financing, that requires U.S.- said, “the root problem in the West Bank funded organizations to pledge they do and Gaza remains the continued illegal not support any group that advocates or Israeli military occupation of Palestinian engages in terrorist activities. lands, and not the work of Palestinian Nadler said after that meeting that in NGOs and their constituencies.” addition to the letter’s call for increased But this week, Nadler, in a prepared “transparency and de-funding grantees statement, called his meeting with Ford’s engaging in objectionable behavior,” he Berresford “useful.” He said, “She comalso gave Berresford recommendations mitted to me that the Ford Foundation for Ford to prevent future support of will not fund groups that espouse antianti-Israel groups. Semitism, promote violence or deny the Those steps, he said in a statement, legitimacy of the State of Israel.” might include training human-rights It remains unclear whether Ford is takNGOs to “stop the burgeoning problem ing -or will take--steps to follow through of unchecked anti-Semitism and de-legit- on the demands. In its letter to the imization of the State of Israel in the Forward, Smith said Ford checks every human-rights arena.” grant before approving it and checks up
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Pressure Builds on Ford Foundation to Stop Supporting anti-Israel Groups
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periodically to see that “no grant supports any organization on various lists of terror suspects.” A Ford Foundation spokesman, Alexander Wilde, said Ford was “pleased” to meet with Nadler for a “serious discussion on the issues.” “As the Congressman said, we assured him that we will not fund groups that espouse anti-Semitism, promote violence or deny the legitimacy of Israel’s existence,” Wilde said in an e-mail message to JTA. “We take any such allegations very seriously and investigate them.” Wilde said Ford looked forward to “continuing the discussion” with Nadler. When pressed on what action Ford might take, another Ford spokesman, Joe Voeller, said the foundation would not elaborate on its initial statement. Before the Berresford-Nadler session, however, Wilde had told The New York Sun, “We see no reason to make any changes.” Meanwhile, a Nadler spokeswoman, Jennie McCue, said they would not comment further “until we hear back from Ford” on the meeting. Ford’s response was expected “shortly,” she added. Other lawmakers signing the letter included: Reps. Eliot Engel, Maurice Hinchey, Steve Israel, Michael McNulty, Anthony Weiner, Carolyn Maloney and Gary Ackerman, all Democrats from New York; Reps. Howard Berman, Henry Waxman, Tom Lantos, Linda Sanchez and Robert Matsui, all Democrats from California; Reps. Robert Wexler and Alcee Hastings, both Democrats from Florida; Tim Holden (D-PA.); Barney Frank (D-MA.); Martin Frost (D-Texas); Chris Cannon (R-Utah), and Phil Crane (R-IL.). Also this week, a State Department official said the agency is scrutinizing the reports of Ford Foundation support for anti-Israel groups that do not sign onto its Certification Regarding Terrorist Financing. “In light of these charges, and because it is an enforcement issue against a U.S.based organization, it is an area in which we are talking to the Department of Justice,” a State Department spokesman for the Middle East desk said. While it is the Justice Department, as the relevant law-enforcement agency, that
must determine if Ford has broken any laws, “we are now undertaking a review,” the State Department official said. A Justice Department spokesman could not be reached for comment. Jewish eyes in Washington also are focused on Ford. Last month, the American Jewish Congress said it was considering legal options against Ford or relevant government agencies to force the foundation to adhere to charitable giving laws. AJCongress’ Executive Director, Neil Goldstein, said his organization would prefer that Ford act on its own to sever its support for anti-Israel activities, but he continued to explore what legal action AJCongress might pursue. Calling the Nadler meeting a “positive step,” Goldstein said, “It is far better to see” the Ford Foundation “mend their ways than to have to take them to court.” (Edwin Black, an investigative reporter who wrote JTA’s “Funding Hate'' series, contributed to this report.)
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Elie Wiesel’s 92nd Street Y broadcast, on the topic of war and peace in the Jewish tradition, has led a lot of people to consider these important issues. In this context, it is worth noting that a group in Omaha has spent the last month studying texts relating to war and peace. About a dozen of us, ranging in age from their 20s to the 80s, have been meeting on successive Monday evenings to pour over Jewish texts from the Hebrew Bible through the Talmud to Rashi, Rambam, Ramban, and contemporary experts. It has been my pleasure to lead the discussion and analysis of this significant material. Given the interest generated by Wiesel’s presentation, we will offer another series on these texts, running in January and February. Leonard Greenspoon Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization Creighton University
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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 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/
Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple 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 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE... to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334-6451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559.
November 14, 2003
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 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: Musical Kabbalat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning services, 9:30 a.m. Junior Congregation meets at 10:30 a.m. K’tantan starts 10:45 a.m. Beth El will sponsor the Kiddush; Evening services, at 5 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. EXPANDED SITTER SERVICE In addition to our longstanding Saturday morning Sitter Service (which is free of charge and "drop in"), Friday Night Sitter Service is available during November on a trial basis. To reserve for Friday night at $2 per family, call the office at 492-8550. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: “Between Parents & Children,” a new mini-course for parents led by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, is scheduled for two Sunday mornings, Nov. 16 and 23, 10 a.m. The Bible Study Group, led by Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, will meet at 11 a.m., in the Library, to discuss 1 Samuel 8-12, “From Judges to Kings.” New adult students are welcome at any time. WEDNESDAY: The Adult Bar/Bat Mitzvah class will meet with Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century,” Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s weekly course
for adults, will meet at noon. For information, or to make a reservation for optional lunch, at 1 p.m., please call the synagogue office, 492-8550. Israeli Dancing continues at 7:30 p.m. You’re invited to come and dance! A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s message by e-mail, please send your e-mail address to exec@bethelomaha.org. This is free and open to the community.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services officiated by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 4:20 p.m. West Minyan at the home of David and Janet Kohll, 4:50 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:40 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:50 p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m. Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m.
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SUNDAY: Religious school, 3 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MondayFriday, morning services, 7 a.m.
Candlelighting Friday, November 14, 4:47 p.m.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Join us for wine and cheese, 6 p.m.; Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m.; Game Night, 6 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: “Talking to our Children about Death,” 10:30 a.m.-noon TUESDAY: Israeli author Amos Oz will speak at the Lied Center, 3:30 p.m.; Synagogue Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Midrash writing workshop, 7:30 p.m.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Early Worship Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Jeff Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. This service is especially planned so that at its conclusion, you may be home early to enjoy
Beth El Sets ‘Parallel Services’ BAT MITZVAH for December Susan Lynne by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue held its monthly Shabbat morning of ‘Parallel Services’ on the first of November. The traditional service took place in the Sanctuary; the alternative service, in the Chapel. Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni took turns leading parts of each of the two services. Parallel services are scheduled again for Dec. 6. The traditional service will begin at 9:30 a.m., and the alternative service will start at 10 a.m. “We warmly invite all who are interested in the concept of parallel services to take this opportunity to join us for a Shabbat morning experience of their choice,” Rabbi Levin said. Those who opted to attend in the Chapel on Nov. 1 sang with gusto, read several English readings new to them, and participated in a lively Torah discussion centered on the parsaha about Noah and the Ark. Andrew Greenberg, Margo Riekes, Sheldon Rips, and Willis Ann Ross were among those who shared their thoughts during the discussion. Rabbi Levin summed
up with a thoughtful summary of the underlying meaning of the Noah story as it applies to contemporary life. Those who attended in the sanctuary listened to a D’var Torah by Rabbi Levin. In his remarks, he showed how the Noah narrative’s depiction of a cold-hearted human being evokes the danger of procrastination, especially in regard to losing an opportunity to be helpful to others. Beth El’s recent emphasis on offering Shabbat alternatives represents the philosophy of Rabbi Levin and the recommendations of the Long-Range Planning Committee, chaired by Gloria Kaslow and Larry Raful. According to Raful, options in prayer and worship are an important new trend in contemporary religion in America. A recent publication of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism noted that “many synagogues have found… significant benefit” in offering parallel services. In addition, the publication pointed out, “One size does not fit all when it comes to communal prayer.”
Freeman, daughter of Bob and Robyn Freeman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Temple Israel on Saturday, Nov. 22. A seventhgrade student at Lewis and Clark Middle School, Susan was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Search. She enjoys dancing, playing tennis and softball, knitting and
Come and Dance!
a Shabbat meal and evening. Family Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. students in graes one and two will participate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, noon-1 p.m.: Bring your own lunch to this informal discussion with Rabbi Azriel of current events and issues that affect the Jewish community of Omaha and others throughout the world. WEDESDAY: Amos Oz will read from his works, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY, 10-11:30 a.m.: “Adult Study With The Clergy” with Cantor Shermet.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. National Organ Donor Shabbat, featuring our own Pinkie Hansen. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m., followed by Lunch ’n Learn; reservations necessary. SUNDAY, 10 a.m., Pirke Avot. BOOK FAIR /GIFT BAZAAR SUNDAY: 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Books provided by Lee Bookseller; Israeli jewelry from from Gade Tene of ShirTal, and Judaica from the Gift Shop. TUESDAY: Ladies Lunch Bunch, 12:30 p.m. at the Olive Garden. Call the office for rides. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m.
going to summer camp. For her mitzvah project, Susan has been growing her hair to donate to Locks of Love and is knitting and collecting winter hats to donate to the Nebraska Children’s Home. She has two sisters, Allyson and Lauren. Her grandparents are Joanne and Jerry Freeman, and Barbara and Tom Burke, all of Omaha. Great-grandmother is Alice Schafer of Omaha.
PERSONALS To Celebrate the Life of Lenora Lancaster Tuesday, Nov. 18, 5 p.m. Reception Room, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Hosted by: Sandy Epstein, Shane Kotok, Pat Morgan, and Nancy Rips
Cantor Gastón Bogomolni teaches Israeli folk dance to a group at Beth El Synagogue. The next session is Thursday, Nov. 20, 7:30 p.m. and will continue in the coming weeks.
We want to thank family, friends and clergy of the community for their support and kind deeds. Special words of gratitude go to the entire staff of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; they care about the residents, not just care for them. The daughters of Reva Mann Ruderman: Genine Hanna, Gail Shaw, and Sheila Tomps
November 14, 2003
An Eternal Bond
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by SHANI KATZMAN Parashat Vayeira In the Torah portion of Vayeira we learn of Yitzchak’s brit which took place when he was eight days old. The Midrash relates that Yitzchak and Yishmael argued about who was more cherished. Yishmael said he was more cherished as he was circumcised at age 13. Yitzchak said: “I am more cherished for I was circumcised when I was but eight days old.” One can easily understand why Yishmael felt more cherished: at age 13 he was old enough to protest. That he did not do so was surely reason enough for him to feel superior. But why did Yitzchak reason that he was the more cherished of the two? The overall theme of circumcision is, as the verse says: “This shall be My covenant in your flesh, an eternal covenant.” Circumcision effects an eternal bond between the individual and G-d. Concerning a covenant formed between two dear friends there is no ironclad guarantee that the covenant will truly be everlasting, for mortals are subject to change. When, however, it is G-d who makes the covenant--in this case, His covenant with the Jewish people through circumcision--then it is truly eternal. The reason that circumcision is performed at the tender age of eight days--at a time when the infant has
absolutely no say in the matter--may be understood accordingly. Whatever a person does on his own initiative requires preparation; adequate time must therefore be allowed. However, the covenant that is set in motion through circumcision is effected entirely by G-d. In other words, circumcision is not an act through which a person binds himself to G-d. When a Jew is circumcised G-d binds Himself to the person with an “eternal covenant.” Thus, there is no reason to wait until the infant will come of age and consciously affirm and participate in this act, for in any event he does nothing at all--the entire covenant comes from G-d. He is therefore circumcised at the earliest age possible. Thus, the merit of Yitzchak’s circumcision at eight days surpassed not only that of Yishmael, but also the circumcision of his father Abraham. For Abraham was commanded to circumcise himself after he had attained the highest degree of perfection possible for a created being to achieve on his own. Thus, Abraham's circumcision lacked the indisputable indication that the covenant, which came as a result of the circumcision, came entirely from G-d. Only with the circumcision of Yitzchak, at the age of eight days, was it clear for all to see that his was a covenant that had nothing whatsoever to do with his created being, but was entirely dependent on G-d. Shani Katzman is married to Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Director of Chabad of Nebraska. She is the director of Chabad’s educational programs.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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DEATHS JAMIE WRIGHT Jamie Wright, the infant son of Jeremy Wright and Annette Van de Camp Wright, died at birth Nov. 5. Services were held Nov. 6 at Temple Israel Cemetery. JACOB ADLER Jacob “Jake” Adler died at the age of 91. Services were held Nov. 10 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. Adler served during World War II and fought in Okinawa and Saipan. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister, Helen Adler Diamond, and brother, Hyman Adler. He is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Morris and Bernice Adler, nephews and nieces. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
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JTA BRIEFS • Hezbollah reportedly is insisting that a prisoner swap with Israel include a man who killed four Israelis in 1979. But Israel says Samir Kuntar is not among the 400 Arab security prisoners who could be released as part of a deal, in which Israel would receive businessman Elhanan Tannenbaum and the bodies of three Israeli soldiers, all kidnapped by Hezbollah. Israel insists it will not release prisoners who have committed deadly attacks. Israel’s Cabinet narrowly approved the exchange deal Sunday. • Clashes erupted at a ceremony in Vienna commemorating the 65th anniversary of Kristallnacht. Sunday night’s clashes erupted after protesters at a commemorative event waved Palestinian flags and yelled anti-Israel slogans. The ceremony marked the night of Nov. 9-10, 1938, when Nazi-inspired rioters set synagogues and Jewish stores ablaze in Germany and Austria, a turning point in the Nazi persecution of the Jews. • A Palestinian suicide bomber who blew up a Haifa restaurant last month ate at the restaurant before exploding. Details of the Oct. 4 attack at Maxim restaurant by Hanadi Jaradat, a woman lawyer recruited by Islamic Jihad, were released Monday as the Haifa District Court indicted an Israeli Arab who drove Jaradat to the restaurant. The terrorist told the driver she wanted to visit her father in a Hadera hospital, but was redirected to Maxim’s, where the two ate lunch, the driver’s lawyer told Israel Radio. The woman paid, then detonated a bomb belt she was wearing under her clothes, killing 23 diners and injuring scores of others.
Don’t Forget the Jewish Press Hanukkah Gift Guide Publishing Dec. 5 Deadline for articles, ads and photos: Moday, Nov. 24. For ad space reservations, call Allan Handleman, 3346451, or Ray Pred, 334-6559. JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Photos from the Sept. 26 New Year’s issue may be picked up in the Press office during regular business hours. All photos from previous New Year’s and Passover issues have been turned over to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives.
• Israel offered to help patrol Greek waters during next year’s Olympics. Israel's offer includes boats that could help Greece prevent terrorists from entering the country during next summer's Games in Athens, The Associated Press reported. It also may include the offer of frogmen, who would patrol under water. Israel is part of a seven-nation group advising Greece on security matters for the games, slated for Aug. 13-29, 2004. • “George Costanza” is visiting Israel to bolster a grassroots peace initiative. Jason Alexander, who portrayed the neurotic Costanza in the hit TV show “Seinfeld,” said Sunday he would visit Israel next year to support the One Voice initiative. He is the latest Hollywood celebrity to publicly back the plan. “Do I think me showing up will change the mind of a homicide bomber? No, but we can give strength to moderate voices,” Alexander told Israel’s Channel 2. The plan, developed by former Israeli security official Ami Ayalon and Palestinian Sari Nusseibeh, hopes to convince thousands of Israelis and Palestinians to sign a statement of “principles for reconciliation” that would get both sides to back a two-state peace plan and build confidence.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
November 14, 2003
Peace Now Activist Amos Oz to Speak in Lincoln Tuesday, Temple Wednesday by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coodinator In his 1994 book, Israel, Palestine and Peace, Amos Oz deals with the IsraeliPalestinian conflict. “As a storyteller,” he writes in the preface, “I find I can live, perhaps more easily than others, with the existence and validity of two mutually exclusive narratives concerning the causes and the consequences of this tragedy.” In his view, “it is not necessary for Israelis and Palestinians to reconcile the contradictory versions of their past histories in order for them to live peacefully side by side in the future. There is no need to establish whose fault it was, whose blindness it was that caused the tragedy. What we need is to find a way out of the mire.” One of the first voices to advocate a two-state solution, Amos Oz will present his views Wednesday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. (not at 7:30 p.m. as in last week’s flyer), when he speaks at Temple Israel. His talk is co-sponsored by the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln and Temple Israel’s Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning and will be followed by a reception. Oz will also speak on Tuesday, Nov. 18, 3:30 p.m., in the main auditorium of the Lied Center for Performing Arts, 301 No. 12 St. in Lincoln. His lecture, “Israel: Peace and War,” will be preceded at 3 p.m. by an introductory talk in the Lied’s Steinhart Room, by Ophira Bahar, a native of Haifa, and a longtime Lincoln Hebrew teacher. On Monday, Nov. 17, 12:30 p.m., UNL students Kelsey Doty and Noushan Noureddini will facilitate a student-led forum about Oz in the Nebraska Union. Oz’s lecture in Lincoln is part of the
Kripke Lecture Series and is co-sponsored by the Thompson Forum, the Harris Center for Judaic Studies, and the Lincoln Jewish Federation. Since the 1967 war, Amos Oz has published numerous articles and essays about the Israeli/Arab conflict, campaigning for compromise based on mutual recognition and co-existence between Israel and a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza. As one of the leading figures in the Israeli Peace movement, his writings and political activities have made him a foremost figure. In June 2003, Oz wrote that “the basic facts (of the conflict) are actually very
simple. A country that is roughly the size of Sicily is now inhabited by 5.5 million Jews and by three to four million Arabs. They cannot share the land--so they must divide it into two.” “This process of sobering up hurts like hell,” according to Oz. “For both sides, it means an injured self-image, a compromised sense of justice, shattered dreams and a heavy sense of loss. Both parties are going to feel as if they were amputated once the two-state solution is implemented.” Oz, a Jerusalem native who spent much of his life living and working at a kibbutz, believes “this is the time for the
rest of the world to offer both sides as much help, empathy, and understanding as possible.” He adds that well-meaning governments and individuals should help resettle Palestinian refugees in the state of Palestine and offer Israel security guarantees it needs for renouncing the occupied territories. “An Israeli who fought for his country and who loves it, even during dark times when he was unable to like it,” Oz maintains “the time is ripe” for “a painful divorce and a partition of the very small home into two, even smaller apartments.” For more information, call 556-6536.
Scenes from the Newcomers Brunch by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director The recent brunch hosted by the Jewish Federation of Omaha to welcome newcomers was well attended and well received by the new arrivals as well as long-time community members. Community Development Director Janie Murow said that programming based on input from those who attend-
ed the event will help newcomers connect to the community even more. Some ideas for new programming include playgroups for young children and a bridge club. Whether you’ve been in the Omaha Jewish community for a long time or just arrived, you’re welcome to join these groups and contact Murow with other ideas at 334-6566 or jmurow@jewishomaha.org.
Photos from top: Former Chicagoans Stacey and Brett Atlas are welcomed home by Stacey’s mom, Zoë Riekes. Toasting their new home are Abe Sass, Gary Kuklin and Rivkah Sass. JCC Member Services Director Denise Ipock enjoys a moment with Rachel
Levitsky and daughter Mia. Lori Kooper Schwarz, Shani Katzman, Lena Bogomolni, Sam Bogomolni and Dr. Toby Schonfeld get to know one another. Enjoying brunch are Beth El’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, Jon Rathsam and Patti and David Adler.
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