November 18, 2011

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

Women and Philanthropy, This Week a natural partnership November 18, 2011 21 Cheshvan 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 10

Financial Planning

The return of Oy-Oy 7 Page 6

The Israel experience Page 9

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, Jewish Federation of Omaha “Your responsibility is to give back; make the world a better place.” -Susan K. Stern Stern is the 2011-2012 National Campaign chair-designate of The Jewish Federations of North America and former chair of United Jewish Communities National Women’s Philanthropy.

As a nationally recognized community activist, she has her pulse firmly on Jewish philanthropy and the impact women can and do play Co-chairs Nikki Kirshenbaum, left, Jill Goldstein, Sarah Yale and Laurie Epstein in the nonprofit world.

She has spoken frequently on the very skills we use every day in our Tzedakah,” she said.

Cohn added, “We are lucky to live steady increase of young women tak- role as leaders,” Stern has said.

Maybe nowadays these skills are in a city that supports Jewish causes ing leadership roles and her feeling that women are uniquely suited to employed more in the minivan than so well. We are carrying on our relihandle the challenges and stresses of at the dinner table, but the idea gion and our heritage when we supthe philanthropic roles they assume. remains the same. And, the Honorary port the Federation and all that it “I learned how suited we are as Chair of last week’s 2012 Campaign does.”

On Nov. 10, Omaha’s Jewish multileaders because of our parenting Women’s Event, Susie Cohn, couldn’t roles. A friend described once how agree more. “As mothers, teachers taskers pledged their support to the she had raised 5 children and spent and caretakers we are multi-taskers. Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2012 every night at the dinner table in the It’s imperative we set an example for Annual Campaign at the annual role of negotiator, peace maker, and our children; that they see us carry on Women’s Event. Over 200 women consensus builder. These are the the traditions of Tikkun Olam and were inspired by the evening’s speak-

er, Rebecca Rosen, wife, mother, and successful business owner, as she spoke about “Giving Back” and how Jewish values assist us when we do our part towards Tikkun Olam.

The evening’s co-chairs, Laurie Epstein, Jill Goldstein, Nikki Kirshenbaum and Sarah Yale, professionals, wives and mothers themselves, are local examples of the emerging influence young women have in the philanthropic world.

Jill Goldstein, a busy attorney, feels that being involved helps her feel connected to and invested in her hometown. “I was raised here and am committed to making a difference in the Jewish community to the extent I am able.”

“We are so fortunate to have these four outstanding women leading the way for Omaha Jewish women to participate in the 2012 Campaign,” said Jan Goldstein, Federation Chief Development Officer. “With work, home and families, busy women are taking the time to be active and participate. They are volunteering, and in the process, strengthening the Continued on page 8

Is Jerusalem in Israel? Star Deli offers new entrees

Limmud expands dramatically in former Soviet states Page 16

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Month Celebrating Hanukkah See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

12 14 15

by RICHARD GREENBERG what they feel is his birthright -- the WASHINGTON (Washington inclusion of the word “Israel” on his Jewish Week) -- The U.S. Supreme Court convened Nov. 7 to ponder the implications of a single word that is conspicuously missing from the passport of a 9-year-old boy who was born in Jerusalem.

His name is Menachem Binyamin Zivotofsky, the son of Ari and Naomi Siegman Zivotofsky, Americans who made aliyah in 2000.

Menachem was born at Shaare Zedek Hospital in western Jerusalem, but due to a controversial State Department policy, his U.S. passport does not designate Ari Zivotofsky and his son Menachem speak “Israel” as his place of birth -to the press outside the U.S. Supreme Court despite a federal statute on Nov. 8 after justices heard oral arguenacted in October 2002 that ments in the case they brought, focused on says Americans born in whether Jerusalem-born American citizens, Jerusalem are entitled to have such as Menachem, can have “Israel” listed Israel listed on their official as their place of birth on their U.S. passports. papers as their birth country.

Credit: Richard Greenberg The Zivotofskys want that law enforced so their son can claim passport, a statement “that the land of Israel has centrality for the Jewish people,” the boy’s father, Ari Zivotofsky, told reporters after the court session.

“It’s a very personal issue,” he said.

A decision on the case is not expected for several months.

The arguments and counterarguments presented Monday before the high court focused on several key issues, including which branch of Continued on page 3

and a sandwich challenge

by OZZIE NOGG An eye-catching new menu with additional (and traditional...) entree choices promises to make Star Deli Friday lunches even more delicious. “We’ve added white fish

Food and Environmental Services.

The gargantuan Goldberg combines a two pound fresh challah split length-wise and stuffed with one pound each of smoked turkey, pastrami and corned beef. The

Mike Aparo with the Goldberg Sandwich. salad plus salami and chopped liver sandwiches to our line-up,” said Josh Gurock, Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Facilities Coordinator. “We’ve also beefed up our side selections with potato and pasta salads and tabouli. The Jewish food and raucous ambience clearly make us Omaha’s answer to a Lower East Side eatery.”

A 4-star attraction at the Star Deli is the recently introduced Goldberg Sandwich, dreamed up

by Mike Aparo, RBJH Director of

meat is topped with leaf lettuce, two sliced tomatoes, one whole red onion, one pound of coleslaw and garnished with three pickles and nine olives. The Goldberg is served on a platter along with one pound each of sweet potato fries and French fries for a grand total of over eight pounds of deli cuisine. “I challenge anyone to try and finish this gargantuan meal,” Aparo said. “You’ll have one hour to consume the sandwich from Continued on page 3

2 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Jon Scheyer suits up for Maccabi Tel Aviv

Alan, Anne and Marty Cohen Swanson Towers

Omaha’s classic condominium residence.

Two-bedroom 4th floor residence available, wonderful view toward downtown. 1834 SF. Swanson Towers has long been the home of choice because of its location, quality of construction, amenities and excellent staff support. With 5 acres of beautiful grounds, underground parking, party room, newspaper delivered to your door, indoor mailboxes, quality management and terrific neighbors Swanson Towers is Omaha’s best. In recent years Swanson Towers has completed all major infrastructure renovations including driveways and parking, roof, heating systems, and more. Ample reserve account included. $179,000.

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

Marty Cohen

677-2524 850-4161 690-1591

by BEN COHEN improbable run to the state championship, that Scheyer (Tablet) -- The night after the National Basketball established his bona fides in a Jewish sports community that Association season was scheduled to begin, Jon Scheyer, adores its own. The Spartans were so popular that they perhaps the best Jewish basketball player of his generation, received police and fire-truck escorts during their victory was in his Tel Aviv apartment talking about Israeli cuisine parade. and hoops in the United States and the Holy Land.

“No one ever thought it could happen,” recalled Weber, “It’s nuts,” he said last week of the NBA lockout. “We have who still coaches the team. “It was bigger than anything I’ve a big game tomorrow against Real Madrid. To me, it’s the ever been through in sports.” highest level in the world right The allure of Glenbrook North wasn’t now.” just that it was reminiscent of Hickory Scheyer was referring to his new High School with its own Jimmy team, Maccabi Tel Aviv, the wildly Chitwood. It was more like Hoosiers successful basketball organization meets The Chosen. Even the rabbi that signed Scheyer to a two-year from a local synagogue showed up at contract this summer. Playing at the school’s first playoff game with a the highest level is something sedimentary keepsake from Israel. He Scheyer has done for years: He led named it the Rally Rock.

Duke to college basketball’s 2010 “Jewish, white, none of that matters national championship as the to me in terms of a basketball player,” team’s captain. At a reception for Scheyer told me over Skype. “I didn’t the team at the White House Rose want our team to be popular because Garden, President Obama called we were all Jewish. I wanted our team Scheyer his “homeboy from the to be talked about because of how Chicago area.” great of a team we were.”

Many think Scheyer has the The Scheyer frenzy hit a fever pitch chops to become one of the best at the famed Proviso West Holiday Jewish basketball players ever. At Tournament during his senior year, 24 years old, Scheyer already has which happened to fall on the fourth been honored twice by the night of Chanukah. By that time, National Jewish Sports Hall of Scheyer had committed to play at Fame, so it wasn’t surprising that a Duke for Mike Krzyzewski, another crowd greeted him at Ben Gurion Chicago native, and the coach was part Airport when he landed in July. On of the standing-room-only crowd that the day he moved to Israel, immewatched what the Chicago Tribune diately after he declared citizen- Jon Scheyer on playing pro ball in Israel: “The called “the greatest performance in the ship, the website ynetnews.com game is played differently. It takes a little time 45-year history of the Proviso West Credit: Sasson Tiram tournament.” published a news story with the to get adjusted.” headline “ ‘Jewish Jordan’ Jon Scheyer Makes Aliyah.”

Scheyer scored 21 of his tournament-record 52 points in There is no Israeli basketball team quite like Maccabi. the game’s final 75 seconds. A Duke improv troupe later “Every team is coming at us every night,” Scheyer said. “It’s filmed a sketch, titled Jon Scheyer in 75 Seconds, that features just like Duke.” him riding a bicycle into the campus Hillel, emerging in a Maccabi Tel Aviv is the last undefeated club in the Israeli tallit and a flowing beard, and spinning a dreidel that lands League and one of two unbeatens left in the Adriatic League. on a gimmel. (The clip has been viewed more than 160,000 What’s more, Israel has never sent a team besides Maccabi to times on YouTube.) the Euroleague final; Maccabi has five Euroleague titles of its Maccabi began courting Scheyer before he graduated own. Last season, it lost in the championship. from Duke last spring. He was coming off a four-year career This isn’t the first time Scheyer has combined Judaism and that he capped with a national championship, but Scheyer basketball. Before he joined Duke’s legendary team, Scheyer went undrafted by NBA teams. While playing in the 2010 guided Glenbrook North High School to the 2005 Illinois NBA Summer League, he suffered an eye injury and moved state championship, the first title for a North Shore subur- home for most of the year. He joined an NBA Development ban school in 27 years. The feat was all the more remarkable League team in February and averaged 14 points per game for another reason: All five of Glenbrook North’s starters while wearing protective goggles. (plus the first player off the bench) were at least half-Jewish.

That’s when Maccabi came calling again. With the NBA in It’s hard to imagine another championship basketball team a lockout that shows no signs of ending anytime soon, his with a starting lineup that knows the difference between a friends and family sold him hard on the opportunity to play chest pass and Passover. in Israel. Some of them had visited on Birthright trips and Scheyer was raised in the sort of town where two bar mitz- told him how much they cherished their 10-day visits. The vahs per weekend was not uncommon. Scheyer’s father is process took more than a year, but Scheyer finally signed Jewish, and Scheyer became a man on a November weekend with Maccabi in July. in 2000.

Starring immediately in Tel Aviv would be like earning All“I always joke with him that I’m going to get his bar-mitz- American honors as a freshman at Duke -- not even Scheyer vah invitation signed and sell it on eBay,” said Sean Wallis, a did that -- and the transition to the Israeli basketball court captain on Glenbrook North’s championship team who now hasn’t been as glamorous as his arrival. He has yet to play in works as a consultant in Chicago. The day of his bar mitz- Maccabi’s two Euroleague games, and he has averaged about vah, in fact, was particularly chaotic for Scheyer’s seventh- 10 minutes per game in the Adriatic and Israeli leagues. grade class. In the afternoon was the sports-themed bar“When I was going to Duke, you know it’s going to be such mitzvah shindig for Zach Kelly, who would go on to become a high level, but you don’t know what to expect until you get Glenbrook North’s starting forward in 2005; Scheyer’s bash to your first practice,” Scheyer said. “No matter how many was that night. For party favors, Scheyer gave out T-shirts times you watch, or your teammates have told you, you just printed with the phrase “Jonathan in the Zone.” His theme need to experience it. The game is played differently. It takes was basketball. a little time to get adjusted.”

How could it not be? Scheyer and his buddies grew up in In the meantime, Scheyer says he is savoring Tel Aviv. He the Chicago suburbs when Michael Jordan and the Bulls insists that he is not looking past his time abroad, much as won six NBA championships between 1991 and 1998. he’s striving for an NBA contract some day, and he has been “We were really in an age when we didn’t know any differ- particularly pleased with his new homeland’s culinary fare. ent,” said Kelly, who played professional basketball in “Being a picky eater, to say I like the food here, that says a England last year. “Michael Jordan and the Bulls were the lot,” Scheyer said. “Italian, a Thai restaurant that’s very good, only thing we knew.” some American restaurants.”

It wasn’t long before Scheyer was forging a profile of his Then he remembered where he was. own. He dropped 21 points in his third varsity game and “I haven’t had a falafel yet,” he admitted. “I’ll probably be attracted serious attention from colleges as early as his soph- made fun of. I need to have a falafel and shwarma.” omore season.

Ben Cohen writes about sports for The Wall Street “He was tall and really, really skinny,” said Dave Weber, his Journal. He has also written for Deadspin, Grantland and high school coach. “I thought he was going to break in half The Awl. This article originally appeared on Tablet sometimes.”

Magazine, tabletmag.com.

But his lanky frame didn’t stop Scheyer from scoring. He led the team in points and assists as a freshman, and was an EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE all-state selection the next season. Scheyer ended up rewritThe Jewish Press office is closed Thursday, Nov. 24, for ing Glenbrook North’s record books; his 3,034 points in high Thanksgiving; the deadline for the Dec. 2 issue is Monday, school was the fourth most in Illinois history.

It was during his junior year, in Glenbrook North’s Nov. 21, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Is Jerusalem in Israel?

Continued from page 1 the 50,000 people who have a passport that government has the authority to conduct for- says ‘Jerusalem,’ they are being denied the eign policy and whether or not the appear- self-respect that they feel they should be able ance of the word “Israel” to have in terms of their own on a passport is in fact tanidentification,” Lewin told the tamount to an expression court in reponse to a question of foreign policy. from Justice Samuel Alito. “This It is not, argued attorney is not a statute that is designed to Nathan Lewin, representmake a foreign policy statement.” ing the Zivotofskys. “It is Arguing on behalf of Clinton, purely a means of identifiSolicitor General Donald Verrilli cation,” he explained in acknowledged that the position response to a question of the administration is that the from Justice Elena Kagan. Nine-year-old Menachem status of Jerusalem is disputed, The petitioners main- Zivotofsky outside the U.S. and he added: “A passport is not a tain that Menachem Supreme Court. communication by the passport Zivotofsky is one of an Credit: Richard Greenberg holder. It’s an official United estimated 50,000 Jerusalem-born American States document that communicates the citizens who have been unfairly barred from position of the United States.” listing their place of birth as “Jerusalem, In response to a challenge from Chief Israel,” rather than simply “Jerusalem.”

Justice John Roberts, Verrilli added: “I do The federal statute that grants those pass- think that this is an area in which the execport holders the right to identify their place utive’s got to make the judgment because it’s of birth as they see fit has been ignored by of paramount importance that the nation the administrations of both George W. Bush speak with one voice.” and Barack Obama, with Bush claiming that The executive’s handling of the Jerusalem it infringes on the president’s authority to issue, Verrilli told the justices, “is a very senformulate foreign policy positions, such as sitive and delicate matter. This position was the administration’s stance on the status of arrived at after very careful thought and it is Jerusalem. enforced very carefully.”

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, The State Department has contended, the named respondent in the Zivotofskys’ lit- according to the petitioners, that if igation, heads the chief foreign policy arm of American citizens who are natives of the executive branch. She has argued that the Jerusalem are permitted to self-identify as State Department’s regulations governing the being born in “Israel,” that would create the passport designation of Jerusalem-born misperception among Arab states that offiAmerican citizens have rightly served to cial U.S. policy on the sovereignty of maintain U.S. neutrality on the sensitive Jerusalem had changed, which in turn could issue of sovereignty over Jerusalem. The have serious foreign policy repercussions.

Zivotofskys contend that the policy is biased The Zivotofskys, however, maintain there is against Israel and against Jews who have a no evidence that would happen. religious attachment to the land.

Further exploring that issue, Kagan posed “Congress recognized that with regard to a hypothetical in an exchange with Verrilli.

An Endowment Fund Can Make Your Simcha Last Forever Through an Endowment Fund...

Jewish Family Service has helped numerous families get back on their feet.

Sixty-two low income families enjoyed holiday meals on major Jewish holidays.

The families of 18 pre-school children are receiving scholarships to attend the JCC’s Pennie Z. Davis Child Development Center.

Seniors at the Blumkin Home celebrated Grandparents Day and attended theatrical and musical programs.

A member of our community can read again because of large print books at the Kripke Federation Library. $87,700 in college scholarships was awarded to 38 deserving high school graduates for the 2011-2012 school year.

Mitzvahs... every one of them a Simcha.

By supporting the Jewish community of Omaha...

You really do make a difference.

Thanks for investing with us in the simchas of today and tomorrow.

Suppose, she said, the law governing passports included a disclaimer that stated: “The recording of Israel as a place of birth on a passport shall not constitute recognition of Israel’s sovereignty over Jerusalem.”

“Would that be constitutional?” she asked.

Probably not, Verrilli responded.

Yesterday’s oral-argument session, which lasted for about an hour, was witnessed by a capacity crowd that included a sizeable contingent of spectators with head coverings.

Among them was David Poltorak, a 27year-old law school graduate who lives in Washington.

“This is about the very essence of separation of powers,” he said prior to the start of the hearing “I’m not convinced that the president has the right to just not heed a law that’s been passed.”

Although Poltorak conceded that there are compelling legal arguments on both sides of the issue, “as a Jew,” he said, he was pulling for the Zivotofskys.

Following the hearing, Poltorak was spotted in a corridor not far from the courtroom.

“Nat’s performance was fantastic,” he said, referring to Lewin. “It was a slam dunk.”

“I think it’s still up for grabs,” countered his friend, Pesach Klein, a 24-year-old Washington resident.

Outside on the sun-drenched courthouse plaza, Ari Zivotofsky, 48, a bearded and kippah-wearing neuroscience instructor at an Israeli university, was answering reporters’ questions. His son, Menachem, was busy trying to shun the limelight, his face nearly buried in his father’s side so that little more than his knit kippah was visible.

It was his first visit to the United States.

Asked about his impressions of America, Menachem said quietly: “It’s bigger than I thought... but it’s not as fun as I thought it would be.”

Star Deli offers new entrees Continued from page 1 start to finish, and if you meet the challenge the entire meal is free. The sandwich can also be ordered for a group which I believe would feed ten hungry people.”

According to Gurock, devotees of the Deli can now recreate Star Deli sandwiches -- Goldberg or otherwise -- in their own kitchens. “We’ve started selling sliced turkey, corned beef and pastrami meat by the pound. Perfect for do-ityourselfers who want a fresh, made-athome sandwich, not a take-out that arrives a bit soggy.”

Always sensitive to customer habits and retail trends, The Star Deli will be closed on Black Friday, Nov. 25. “The day after Thanksgiving, people seem to focus less on food and more on shopping,” Gurock said. “So we’ll shut down on Nov. 25 to give our staff and customers a chance to bargain-hunt their hearts out. We’ll be ready to welcome everyone back to the Deli on Friday, Dec. 2.”

The Star Deli on Main Street is open every Friday from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

In addition, the Deli is happy to host special occasions and will reserve private dining spaces in the RBJH for large groups. For more information on how Star Deli Catering can add spice to your meetings, parties and life cycle events, please contact Dan Stewart, Catering Coordinator, 402.334.6530 or Mike Aparo, 402.334.6522.

“Our next Special Star Deli Dinner is scheduled for Hanukkah time,” Gurock said. “Stay tuned for details.”

Dreaming Up the Ideal Retirement Is Your Job. Helping You Get There Is Ours.

It’s simple, really. How well you retire depends on how well you plan today. Whether retirement is down the road or just around the corner, the more you work toward your goals now, the better prepared you can be.

Preparing for retirement means taking a long-term perspective.

We recommend buying quality investments and holding them because we believe that’s the soundest way we can help you work toward your goals. At Edward Jones, we spend time getting to know your retirement goals so we can help you reach them.

To learn more about why Edward Jones makes sense for you, call or visit today.

Mike Sigmond, AAMS® Financial Advisor .

1830 N 144th St Omaha, NE 68154 402-498-6401

www.edwardjones.com

Martin C. Ricks, Executive Director 333 South 132nd Street 402-334-6440 Email: mricks@jewishomaha.org

Member SIPC

4 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Give the gift of life: Beth El/BBYO blood drive

by JILL BELMONT recruit others. When Margie Gutnik asked if we’d help, there Beth El Publicity Coordinator was no other answer except ‘tell us what you need and we’ll On Sunday, Dec. 4, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., Beth El Synagogue is do it.’” teaming up with the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and the She added, “In Judaism, we are taught that saving the life American Red Cross to hold their second annual blood of one person is like saving the entire world -- one single drive at the Jewish Community Center; community mem- blood donation has the potential to save up to three lives. bers are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and donate. That is a miraculous use of one hour of your time. And what better way to say ‘Thank you Donors must be 17 (or 16 for my health, my life and that with parental permission), of my loved ones’?” must weigh at least 110 Michael noted that, “There is pounds; also, those who have given blood within eight no substitute for blood and weeks of the blood drive are there is always need; every not eligible. Those wishing to two seconds someone in the check their eligibility may United States needs blood, visit http://www.red crossone out of seven people enterblood.org/donatinging the hospital will need blood/eligibility-requireblood -- and only 40 percent ments, or call 1.800.REDof the population is eligible to Michael, left, and Karen Cohen, right, co-chairs of this year’s donate.

CROSS (1.800.733.2767).

Beth El congregants Drs. blood drive, met recently with American Red Cross represen“The greatest tragedy is Karen and Michael Cohen are tative Mia Wilcoxson and blood drive volunteer Larry Kronick. when a blood type is needed serving as chairmen of the blood drive, and are pleased to and it is not on the shelf. Commonly, shortages happen take the lead in this worthwhile venture. around the winter holidays. Your contribution is guaranteed “Throughout our medical careers as pediatricians, we to make a difference in someone’s life.” have witnessed the dramatic effects of a successful blood To register, call Beth El at 402.492.8550, or the BBYO transfusion -- in premature infants, children undergoing office, 402.334.6404; or visit http://www.redcrossblood cancer chemotherapy or heart surgery, or trauma victims -- .org/make-donation, and enter the sponsor code (132) to giving blood is truly a gift of life,” Karen said. “I believe any make a donation appointment. of us who have experienced the blood transfusion or donaFor more information about the drive, contact the Cohens tion process directly or indirectly have an obligation to at michaelandkaren@cox.net or 402.554.0372.

Sisterhood lunch

The annual Beth Israel Sisterhood Lunch, held Nov. 6, was a huge success with 145 people attending. Pictured is the planning committee Ann Moskovits, left, Susan Polack, Helene Shrago, Luncheon Chairperson Rachel Shyken, Debbie Kricsfeld and Bette Kozlen.

In the news Ian Fried, native Omahan and son of Lindy Fried and Jim Fried recently sold his film script to Legendary Pictures.

The project, titled Spectral, has been described as a darker take on Ghostbusters, revolving around special ops who fight evil ghosts that have taken over Manhattan.

Ian Fried is an emerging writer who previously wrote the script The Ever After Murders. (Source: The Hollywood Reporter)

Institute for Holocaust Education hosts an evening with Emmanuel Habimana

by HILLARY FLETCHER Marketing Assistant, Institute for Holocaust Education On Thursday, Dec. 1, survivor of the Rwandan genocide, Mr. Emmanuel Habimana, will address the public in the Jewish Community Center Theater at 7:30 p.m. The Institute for Holocaust Education is honored to host this evening.

This has been an especially meaningful opportunity for those teachers who are part of the Nebraska Holocaust Education Consortium – a committee of teachers that works with the IHE and individually teaches Holocaust units in their schools. Habimana’s experiences provide another perspective to educate the world that the problem of genocide still exists.

In 1994, from April through mid-July, the Tutsi population of Rwanda lost approximately 500,000 of its members due to the genocide provided by the more populous Hutus. In addition to devastating mass extermination of the Tutsi people, thousands of Tutsi women were raped and their communities plundered. The event was predicated on a long-standing ethnic battle between the Hutu and Tutsi groups. The esti-

mate of the final death toll has been pegged at up to 20 per cent of the country’s population.

As a nine-year-old child, Emmanuel Habimana heard his father tell him to run -- and returned moments later to see blood pouring from his father’s mouth -- gunned down by a Hutu. Habimana lost eight of his 13 family members during the 1994 Rwandan genocide and he considers himself lucky as so many others lost everyone.

Emmanuel Habimana is the co-director of work-inprogress, The Children Who Lived, a documentary about the lives of orphans in post-genocide Rwanda. The documentary is funded by National Geographic and scheduled to be completed this coming fall. Prior to his work on this film, Emmanuel has been active in Rwanda helping others suffering from a variety of social problems. In 2004 he became a chapter coordinator for AERG, a student-based group for genocide survivors in Rwanda’s capital city, Kigali. As an AERG peer counselor, he found that his personal history as a genocide survivor could be used proactively to help coun-

sel severely traumatized children. This led him to become the president of the Nyakabanda Youth Association in 2008, an organization aimed at promoting unity across ethnic lines of Rwanda youth. In 2009 he became a student ambassador for IGSC (Interdisciplinary Genocide Studies Center) in Kigali, which receives groups of students and educators from the United States annually, to do field research on the genocide and its aftermath. In 2010 he traveled to the United States where he spent five months co-producing his documentary at NET Television in Lincoln, Neb. and speaking at institutions that ranged from middle schools in Nebraska to Human Rights Watch in Washington, DC. He will graduate from Kigali Independent University with a degree in law in 2013.

Habimana’s visit is free and open to the public and has been organized through Education of the World, and documentary film director Natalia Ledford, student at the University of Nebraska and a graduate of Lincoln High School. For more information, please contact the IHE at 402.334.6576.

Anderson& Schlautman PC • Tax Planning and Preparation • Accounting and Financial Planning • Individuals and Business Kyle G.Schlautman,CPA

11905 P Street • Suite 101 • 402-345-4311

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

Thanksgiving Interfaith service a joyous Holiday start for Temple Israel and others

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Last year’s Thanksgiving Interfaith service “was a wonderful opportunity to connect with other congregations in the Omaha community,” said Temple Israel congregant Scott Goodman who attended the service at First Christian Church. “Coming from an interfaith family, I find the themes of the service to be comforting and familiar to me,” Goodman added. “Interfaith relations in Omaha are uniquely strong and are clearly an asset to our community.”

Temple Israel will join five churches and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 20 at St. Margaret Mary’s Church, 6116 Dodge Street, in a worship service that recognizes gratitude in the face of enormous challenges such as 9/11, the Missouri River flood of this past summer, and the recession faced by our nation.

A new participant to be welcomed this year will be Hanscom Park United Methodist Church and its Pastor Michael Patzloff, who will deliver the Thanksgiving message.

Other congregations include First United Methodist Church, First Christian Church, St. Margaret Mary’s

Church, and Underwood Hills Presbyterian Church.

Temple Israel’s Kol Rina will sing as part of the combined choir, the shofar call to action will be followed by a reading from Hebrew Scripture, and there will be a reading from the Qur’an and Christian scripture. A dessert reception will follow the service.

Ron Brodkey of Temple Israel commented that last year’s “lovely service and celebrating with other faiths under the same roof make the service even more meaningful.”

Jerry Freeman “enjoyed the service and considers this tradition a joyous beginning to the Thanksgiving and holiday season. As usual, the clergy from Temple Israel made us proud of our affiliation.”

Freeman and Brodkey both encouraged attendance on the part of Temple Israel and community members at “this wonderful sharing service.”

Monetary contributions and non-perishable food will be collected for Together, Inc. Originally formed in 1975 after that year’s devastating tornado, Together, Inc. continues to meet the needs of families in our area struggling to acquire food, clothing, and shelter.

Soup in Chabad’s Sukkah

Left picture: The Sukkah at Chabad fills with warmth and comaraderie as Anat Cabili and Naava Naslavsky regale the group with heartfelt melodies and inspiring lyrics; right picture: Maria Harding, Mika Caplan and mother Naava Naslavsky, with Mushka Katzman.

Harlan J. Noddle Distinguished Development Service Awards given

by TOM O’CONNOR of Nebraska supporter who served in various volunteer roles UNMC Public Relations for the foundation, including chairman of the board of UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, M.D., and John directors. Noddle died in 2005. The award, created in partNiemann, Ed.D., senior vice president of the University of nership with his family, recognizes a university or foundation staff member who exemplifies Nebraska Foundation, were honored Noddle’s initiative, honesty, integrity, last month with the Harlan J. Noddle compassion, commitment, foresight, Distinguished Development Service tolerance and diligence.

Award.

Chancellor for 13 years, Dr. Maurer’s “Working with these two honorees vision and strategic plan has reposihas been a happy experience for us,” tioned UNMC from a regional to a said longtime university benefactor national center of excellence in the Ruth Scott, who along with her hus21st century. band, Bill, presented the awards at the With the foundation since 1987, foundation’s annual meeting of trustees.

Niemann has been instrumental in “John is always smiling because he developing long-term relationships collects the dollars,” she said. “Hal is always smiling because he gets to UNMC Chancellor Harold M. Maurer, with many Omaha philanthropists and supporters of the university. spend the dollars, and the entire state M.D., left, and John Neimann, Ed.D. Through research and patient care, UNMC generates of Nebraska is smiling because we enjoy the highest level of quality health care from our professionals -- trained to per- breakthroughs that make life better for people throughout Nebraska and beyond. Its education programs train more fection at UNMC.” The award is in memory of Noddle, a longtime University health professionals than any other institution in the state.

Fine Indian Cuisine and Indian Fusion Check our new extended wine list

12 different wines by the glass, 10 by the 1/2 bottle and 137 by the full bottle.

Lunch Thurs, Fri.: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Dinner Sun.-Thurs.: 5 - 9:30 p.m.

Dinner Fri., Sat.: 5 - 10:30 p.m.

Rockbrook Village 108th and Center Streets

www.jaipurbrewhouse.com

402-392-7331

Give your loved one a gift certificate this holiday season.

6 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Cruise Away...

Nebrasksa’s #1 Volume Cruise Agency!

into a Great Vacation!

DISCOUNTS UP TO 50%

Omaha’s Oldest, MOST EXPERIENCED, Representing CRUISE LINES...WORLDWIDE! OPEN WEEKDAYS 9:00-6:00, SAT. By Appointment Only

Nationally Recognized Award Winning Agency

339-6800 OR 1-800-289-5505 10760 “Q” St., Omaha, NE 68127

PRINCESS

NATIONAL TOP PRODUCER AWARD

Carnival

NATIONAL AGENCY OF THE YEAR

NATIONAL TOP PRODUCER AWARD

With over 80 years of combined experience: We can help you grow your business and increase your bottom line We can help you plan for all tax situations

Call Infinity CPA Group today at 402-933-5230 Leo J Panzer CPA | Christi L Olsen CPA | Rhonda R Riha CPA Kate Mullen CPA | Stefanie Lapel, Principal

Welcome to the World of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, where the values of compassion, generosity, and responsibility inspire us to improve the quality of life for people in Omaha, in Israel, and in over 70 countries. Together, we’re doing a World of Good.

The 2012 Annual Campaign

Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference. jewishomaha.org/donate or call 402-334-6485

The return of Oy-Oy 7

by EDMON J. RODMAN original Bond’s archenemies, know that he LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- Have I got a likes his vodka martini shaken, not stirred. secret agent for you!

Israel Bond, we soon discover, prefers egg When Hamas is smuggling missiles, and creams -- and not just any old way.

Iranians are building A-bombs deep under“The seltzer should be cold enough to ground, to whom can Israel turn? 007? No stand on its own with a 3.5 ratio of pinpoint way. He’s busy playing baccarat or keeping carbonation,” says Israel Bond in Loxfinger. the world from being fried by space lasers. “A fourth of the glass should be filled with He hasn’t time for the Middle East.

Walker Gordon non-pasteurized milk,” he But Israeli secret agent Israel Bond, code continues. “Only Fox’s U-bet syrup should be named Oy-Oy 7? Now, he’s the man to call, used... mixed delicately with an 1847 Rogers or was, when author Sol Weinstein first cre- Brothers spoon, dairy silver of course.” ated him in the 1960s.

Of course.

With the recent reissue of Weinstein’s four novels parodying the works of Ian Fleming, we can discover if Bond -- that is, Israel Bond -can once again rise to the occasion and save the day.

Originally published in 1965, the books feature the yiddeshe derring-do of an Israeli secret agent whose cover is as a salesman for Mother Margoles’ Old World Chicken Soup. Looking at them now, the titles seem much like a precursor to the bubbling over of American Israel Bond is the slapstick spy at the center of four books Jewish pride that was to fol- written by Sol Weinsten in the 1960s.

Credit: Edmon J. Rodman low the Six Day War in 1967.

In other words, they are good for the Jews.

“And maybe served with a little kasha varAccording to Weinstein, the four books -- nishkas,” said Weinstein, when I asked what Loxfinger, Matzohball, On the Secret Service his character might like to drink it with. of His Majesty, the Queen and You Only Live Like 007, Weinstein’s Oy Oy 7 has a Until You Die -- were reported to have sold a license to kill, but when he is attacked by a million copies. Looking back at that figure bear in his hotel room, he is reluctant to use now, he feels it was lower. it. He only has his milchig knife with him “Certainly a few hundred thousand,” he and does not want to mess up his kashrut. said. “I was wallowing in total obscurity, and But his most dangerous weapon is his wit, now I was a semi-unknown.” or at least half of it; the puns and one-liners Before the publication of the books, he flings with far deadlier aim than Oddjob Weinstein was a writer for The Trentonian, a tosses his derby (That’s a Goldfinger referNew Jersey daily. Loxfinger, the first title in ence, kids. Look it up). In a hotel room he the series, originally appeared in condensed picks up the phone and asks, “Operator, this version in Playboy Magazine. It imagined a is a Princess phone isn’t it? Good! Well, I’d Jewish secret agent fighting evil in a world like to speak to Princess Margaret.” where swimming pools are filled with chickI asked Weinstein, now in his 80s and liven soup and the Israeli spy headquarters is ing in New Zealand, and who wrote jokes in shaped like the giant can the soup might Hollywood for Bob Hope, Dean Martin, and have been poured from. It’s such a Jewish Sammy Davis Jr., to explain his incorrigible world, the praying mantises come with their punning. “I’m a paronomasiac,” he own prayer shawls and poison darts are shot answered, which he defines as a person from mezuzahs. addicted to wordplay and puns.

The book is unadulterated Jewish slapEven the book’s femme fatale, always a key stick, a world away from the sober Federal element in a Bond tale, does not escape his District of Sitka created by Michael Chabon pen. “If Ian Fleming can have a character in The Yiddish Policemen’s Union. In the named Pussy Galore, I can call my character 1960s, I remember seeing one of the titles, ‘Poontang Plenty,’” Weinstein reasoned.

Matzohball, on my parent’s nightstand.

In fact, in contrast to the Jewish sexual Having just seen Thunderball, I felt in on the neuroticisms of Philip Roth novels, Jewish joke: Israel Bond was our secret Weinstein’s Bond is a bold, self-assured, agent, saving Israel from destruction in a wise-cracking Jew -- “quite a hunk of man,” quick-reading cartoonish plot. even if Weinstein has him hailing from “the Now over 40 years later, with the battle for Land of Milk and Magnesia.”

Israel’s security front-page news and Jewish As to why reprint the books now? “I want to humor 10 notches broader than the Borscht make a few bucks," said Weinstein, whose Belt, are the books still goods for the Jews? reply this time seemed to come from a man Hitting the market when 1960s-themed for once playing it straight. “I want to spread a shows like Pan Am, and Madmen are draw- few laughs around, and some Jewish feeling.” ing an audience, I wonder if Loxfinger would The Goods: Loxfinger, Matzohball, On the now work as a touch of Jewish retro, a test of Secret Service of His Majesty, the Queen, and how yesterday’s Jewish sensibilities would You Only Live Until you Die, available in play today. paperback 12.99-14.99 (also in Kindle verAs I read Loxfinger, I saw how Weinstein’s sions). Also, The Israel Bond Omnibus, all hero still successfully played off of Ian four titles 29.99. All available from Fleming’s tall, suave and murderously gen- Combustoica http://oy-oy-7.com/, and tile James Bond. Everyone, including the amazon.com.

To submit announcements: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return). Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.

Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m.

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Ha-Borer is the Israeli Sopranos

by NATHANIEL RABKIN (Tablet) -- For the last four years, Israeli television viewers have been captivated by an unconventional crime show called Ha-Borer, or The Arbitrator. An action-packed comedy drama, the series tells the story of an Orthodox mobster, his fractious Sephardic family and his long-lost illegitimate son. In some ways it’s an Israeli version of The Sopranos. But the makers of the series gave this genre a distinctive, Israeli-Jewish bent.

Ha-Borer uses the world of organized crime as a backdrop to explore timeless Jewish questions about morality, community and belonging. It also deals with many of the most pressing issues facing Israeli society in the 21st century, from rising wealth and inequality to the ethical dilemmas of war.

Immensely popular in Israel, the show deserves to be seen by anyone who wants to understand how contemporary Israelis see themselves and the world around them. If you speak Hebrew, go to the website of Israel’s HOT cable network and watch it now. If you need English subtitles, wait until your next El Al flight to Israel and watch the show on in-flight entertainment.

In the meantime, here’s what you’re missing: The show follows the family of Baruch Asulin, an aging mafia boss known as Ha-Borer for his role as a mediator of underworld disputes. The Borer is a ruthless killer, but he is also a traditionally observant Sephardic Jew. He frequents the neighborhood synagogue and often is shown settling mobsters’ disputes by referring to Torah law, which he quotes extensively, always from memory.

In the first season, the Borer is contacted by a long-lost illegitimate son who was given up for adoption at birth. The son, Nadav, was raised by the middle-class Feldman family and is studying to become a social worker. As the two men bond, Nadav finds himself drawn unwillingly into the Borer’s criminal milieu.

Revealing a surprising acumen for ruthless strategizing, Nadav becomes the Borer’s trusted confidant in a war against hated rival Yigal Mizrahi, a mobster so cruel that he is nicknamed “Yigal the Nazi.”

Together, the aging Sephardic gangster and the young Ashkenazi social worker dodge bullets and plot their next moves. Along the way they debate philosophical questions of right and wrong, the meaning of family and the significance of traditional Jewish values for contemporary life. Religious pragmatism meets secular idealism head-on again and again.

In one scene, Nadav appeals to conscience, only to have the Borer cut him off in mid-sentence.

“In Judaism, there is no conscience,” the Borer says.

“There are only mitzvot.”

In another episode, the Borer turns down a business proposal from his old friend Faruki, who plans to make it big smuggling drugs into Israel from Lebanon. In an Israeli twist on a classic scene from The Godfather, the Borer expresses his objection to the drug trade in terms of Jewish solidarity.

“I love you very much, just as I love every Jew,” he tells his would-be partner in crime. “But you are going down the

“We like our mom living at Remington Heights because the staff cares about her.”

– Steve and Hugh Sons of Louise A., a happy resident of Remington Heights

wrong path.”

Using a crime-show script to explore questions of philosophy and religion is a dangerous move. Done wrong, such a combination could seem forced, even absurd. But Ha-Borer pulls it off smoothly, with believable dialogue and top-notch acting.

The family of Ha-Borer, an Israeli TV show that takes an Orthodox mobster’s view of the Jewish state’s moral landCredit: HOT scape.

What makes the show work? Director Shay Kanot, who created the series with screenwriter Reshef Levy, points out that the action in Ha-Borer unfolds at a rather relaxed pace: Because of budgetary constraints, each episode has fewer scenes than is customary in American television. This allows for each scene to be richer and more fully developed, he told me.

“We try to make every scene include some kind of action, some kind of witty line or joke, and something for viewers to think over in their heads,” he said.

Kanot and Levy created Ha-Borer by building on years of experience in prior collaborations, including a short-lived police show called Tik Sagur (Case Closed) and the comedy film Ahava Colombianit (Colombian Love). The show’s minor characters, like the Borer’s hyper-religious daughter, reflect familiar Israeli social types. Even the choice to portray a mafia boss from an Orthodox background, which may seem incongruous to American Jews, makes sense in the Israeli context.

“Israel’s most famous criminals generally come from Mizrahi families which uphold religious traditions,” Kanot said. “It’s not unusual to see a family of six children, where one brother is a rabbi and another is a gangster.”

Ha-Borer captures the zeitgeist of the past decade in Israel, a country that has experienced amazing economic growth and shown surprising resilience in the face of war and terrorism but is terrified by the prospect of losing its soul, either through the greed of capitalism or the savagery of war.

The show examines the State of Israel’s soul without providing a definite diagnosis.

The sadistic cruelty of the gangsters is on full display. So is the callous indifference of citizens and government officials.

At the same time, Ha-Borer shows how certain national values endure, even among criminals.

One memorable scene opens with a pair of the Borer’s henchmen choking a man who is trying to back out of a deal with their boss. When they discover that the victim’s son was a paratrooper who died in Lebanon, they stop immediately.

“I was a paratrooper, too,” one of the toughs says, “and I also fought in Lebanon.”

Out of respect for the family’s sacrifice, the gangsters leave empty handed.

Three seasons of Ha-Borer have aired on Israel’s HOT cable network, and a fourth season is in the works, with filming set to begin in May. The show’s stars report being stopped on the street by fans, some of whom seem unable to distinguish between the actors and the characters they play.

The show allegedly is popular with real mobsters, too, and several of Israel’s more colorful mafia leaders reportedly believe that the scripts are inspired by their own life stories.

Ha-Borer is finally neither a celebration nor a condemnation of the gritty Israel it portrays. As a story of Jews making tough decisions in a dangerous world, the show reflects Israel’s determination to keep struggling both with its enemies and with its own internal demons.

Nathaniel Rabkin is a graduate student in the University of Haifa’s Department of Middle Eastern History. This article originally appeared on Tablet Magazine, tabletmag.com.

Talking about your shared financial picture

by EDWARD JONES FOR MICHAEL SIGMOND If you’re fortunate, you can look around your Thanksgiving table and see both your children and your parents. But if you’re in the middle of these generations — that is, if you’re in the “Sandwich Generation” — you may have some big financial responsibilities.

If your children are very young, you might want to start by emphasizing the importance of three separate concepts: saving, spending and sharing.

Later, when your kids are older, and can earn money by babysitting, mowing lawns or working part-time, you can further encourage good financial habits by offering to match their contributions to a Roth IRA. Above all else, talk to them about the importance of developing good financial skills and how these skills will play a part in your family’s overall well being.

You may find that talking to elderly parents about financial issues may be considerably more challenging than talking about these issues with your children. It’s unfortunate, but true: People are sensitive about money and often don’t want to talk about it.

You may find that you need to be persistent, especially if your parents are getting on in years. Encourage them to consider their current position. Do they have accounts in a local bank? Where are their investments held? Do they have a financial advisor?

Have they worked with legal professionals on any arrangements?

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

Grace/Mayer—Quality Service Valued Advice

Long Term Care Financial Planning Retirement Planning

Call 402.493.5807 today to schedule your personal tour.

Call our professionals today...You probably already know them!

Bob Nelson • Mike Murphy • Margo Rosen • Cindy Goldberg

Phone: 402.397.5050 • Fax: 402.397.6675 • Toll Free: 800.278.2081 1.11

12606 W. Dodge Rd. | Omaha, NE 68154 www.remingtonheightsretirement.com

Securities and Investment Advisory Services offered through Ameritas Investment Corp (AIC), member FINRA and SIPC. Grace/Mayer and AIC are separate entities.

8 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Beth El to celebrate good times during USY Birthday Bash

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Food, fun, entertainment and memories galore will be on tap this Saturday night for the entire Jewish community, as the synagogue marks USY’s milestone 60th anniversary. Committee members and USYers helping plan the festivities include, front row, Julia Edelstein, left, Samantha Wiener and Aaron Zipursky; back row, Mindy Tene, left, Sarah Edelstein, Shiri Tene and Judy Rubin.

Admission may be paid at the door for the 7 p.m. celebration. For more information, contact Youth Director Shiri Tene at 402.492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Nov. 23, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH To know Yiddish is to become an artist with words and a master at describing the foibles, the quirks, and the strengths of human character. Yiddish is the best way to understand the soul of the Jewish people. We meet every Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Home Board Room. Come join us and enjoy meeting your soul mates.

For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

Women and Philanthropy

Continued from page 1 community for their children and their children’s children,” she added.

Sarah Yale and her husband, Adam, have three boys, Charlie, 5, Henry, 3 and Alexander, 8 months. “I was born in Omaha and returned after my husband and I became engaged. His grandmother, Roz Friedman, took me to my first ever Federation event, which also featured Rebecca Rosen!

Adam’s involvement has taught me so much about Federation and all the great work it does, locally and overseas,” she said.

Sarah is a board member of the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, Girl’s Inc. and volunteers for the Lauritzen Botanical Garden Antique and Garden Show.

A few years ago a good friend asked Laurie Epstein to make some calls on behalf of the annual Campaign. “I was reluctant at first because I don’t like asking people for money, but I realized the cause was important to me and I had to do it,” she explained.

Epstein and her husband, Jason, are parents to Tyler, 4, and are expecting their second. They are members of Beth El synagogue and Laurie is a director of NCJW. “Federation helps many of the organizations in which I am involved and that motivates me. When I am a part of something, I do everything I can to make it better.”

Laurie acknowledged that it’s important to ensure that in our small but vibrant community, Jewish institutions have what they need to succeed. “The money we raise through the Annual Campaign benefits all of us.”

Nikki Kirshenbaum said her children are a huge motivator in all the volunteer work that she does. “My school age kids, Joey, 10 and Jordyn, 8, inspire me to be involved at Temple Israel, the Child Saving Institute Guild and as PTO vice president at Spring Ridge elementary school.”

“I was excited to co-chair this particular event. It’s a great way to get involved in the Annual Campaign. My kids see the volunteer work I do and understand we are helping so many people in so many ways. It feels great,” she added.

What was Stern’s advice for the next generation of Jewish women? “I think it is really important that part of our efforts always be directed at the Jewish community. It makes a powerful statement to our children about our values and priorities. Having said that, everyone should identify those things that really matter to them and determine how they can make an impact with their philanthropy, with their leadership or with their voice. We have a responsibility to continue the successful tradition of helping our own.”

Clockwise from top left: Shirley Goldstein and Eunie Denenberg; Stacie Brodkey and Jody Vinci; Jody Malashock and Bev Fellman; Ellie Batt, left, Rebecca Rosen and Sandy Epstein; Sharon Kirshenbaum and Debbie Denenberg; and Heather Kelln, left, Amanda Gurock, and Erika Lucoff.

Dr. Margaret Block and the nationally recognized Nebraska Cancer Specialists are at the forefront of cancer diagnosis, treatment and research.

Margaret Block, M.D. M. Salman Haroon, M.D. Ralph J. Hauke, M.D. Robert M. Langdon, Jr., M.D. Kirsten M. Leu, M.D.

John Longo, M.D. Patrick J. McKenna, M.D. Geetha Palaniappan, M.D. David A. Silverberg, M.D. Gamini S. Soori, M.D.

Yungpo Bernard Su, M.D. Stefano R. Tarantolo, M.D. Stephan D. Thomé, M.D. Peter M. Townley, M.D.

Alegent Health Cancer Center - Bergan (402) 393-3110 Methodist Estabrook Cancer Center (402) 354-8124

Midwest Cancer Center Papillion (402) 593-3141 Midwest Cancer Center Legacy (402) 334-4773

West Dodge Medical Plaza (402) 445-8010 Plus, Fremont andWest Point

nebraskacancer.com

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

The Israel experience

HANUKKAH Gifts+More Publishing Date 12.09.11 | Space Reservation 11.21.11 | Camera Ready Deadline 11.23.11 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 | ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

Team Omaha San Diego and their Gold STEVEN VINCI JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel Although it was a long flight, it was well worth the many hours we spent in the airplane. Israel is a beautiful country with a diverse community that celebrates our Jewish faith. My experience participating in the 2011 Maccabi games meant more to me than the past few I attended. The reason being this was my last Maccabi and I had the good fortune to close the games in Israel.

One of the highlights of my trip was going to Banana Beach in Tel Aviv with my host family. Touring through places like the City of David and Yad Vashem was touching and informational. The Macabbi games brought many people together, creating bonds and memories between friends that will last a lifetime. Not many of us can say they played basketball in Israel, but I can. I was honored to be part of a team that brought the gold medal back home to Omaha.

JOSH SULLIVAN JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel For the ten days I was in Israel I had the best experience of my entire life. I actually enjoyed being a Jew. I learned about how the state of Israel came to be and I also learned the values of being a good member of a team.

My favorite part was definitely playing for the gold medal in Jerusalem. The games were so much fun and the touring after tied the whole thing together. Playing basketball alongside four of my good friends and making new friends was something that would be amazing no matter what the score of the game is.

Going to Israel is an experience that every Jewish teen should be able to experience.

Being there with over 1000 other Jewish teens gives you a feeling of security and happiness, knowing that you are sharing this experience with Jewish teens who felt the same way you do.

MAX SAFERSTEIN-HANSEN JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel Months before leaving for Israel I was so excited for this trip. This was my fifth year

participating in the JCC Maccabi Games and I was happy to be playing basketball for the last time in Israel.

The plane ride was the longest ever, and I was so exhausted by the time we finally arrived to our village I fell fast asleep.

Waking up the next morning everyone was excited and anxious to meet the players from San Diego who would be playing as part of Team Omaha. All four of the players were pretty good players. We all got along great and we had a great time playing together.

Losing our first game was a wake-up call to all of us. We needed to play as a team.

After a few games we got into a rhythm and did really well for never having played with each other before. We ended up winning the Gold Medal in the Blue Division. How many Jewish kids do you know that can say they won a gold medal in basketball in Israel?

BEN LOHMAN JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel This summer I attended the JCC Maccabi Games in Israel with Team Omaha. While there I participated in basketball. One of my favorite memories was the team winning the gold medal in our division. It was very exciting to play the final game in Jerusalem! I liked making new Israeli friends. I learned that teenagers are like me on the other side of the world and we are keeping in touch on Facebook. I also enjoyed spending a weekend with a host family who lived in Nahariya. They took me to the beach and treated me to ice cream. The host family’s son, David, showed me around town and took me to a movie.

I enjoyed seeing famous Israeli sites such as Yad Vashem, the Wailing Wall, tunnels and other interesting places in Jerusalem.

Just being in Israel I received onsite history lessons. We also went to a Tel Aviv market, which was my favorite sightseeing place, because it was very interesting to see all the displayed items for sale. The only negatives were the long plane rides, which everyone has to go through, and the August heat. I appreciated the opportunity to go to Israel Continued on page 10

Evaluate your investments

by RUSS KAPLAN Job Title The Baby Boom Generation is just starting to enter the ranks of the retirement. Financial analysts estimate that this will be the first generation to have a worse retirement situation than their parents. The major reason for this is a lack of saving during the working years. With the fraying social welfare system for those of you in your working years, it is necessary to save at least 15% of your net income—no excuses.

This requires a long term investment strategy which includes equities. The reason for this is that after the age of 65, your life expectancy is approximately 20 more years, and that is a long term.

Many seniors I come across are not invested

in equities because they don't like risk. Risk has different definitions, but for seniors a big risk is outliving your money.

Currently interest rates are historically low, which means you are getting much less income than you were getting in the past. The rates on bonds and other fixed rate investments are historically very low, which is causing seniors to have to eat into their principal. Also, as rates go up, which I think they will, it means the value of your fixed incomes will go down.

Over time, the best performing investment has been stocks, so don’t ignore this in your golden years. Why not make an appointment with a financial professional for an evaluation of your current investments?

PAID ADVERTISEMENT

The right choice for personalized assisted living in a comfortable, home-like environment Social, recreational and cultural opportunities • Restaurant style dining • Transportation • Wellness center, library and game room •

168th & Blondo • 402-614-5222 HeritagePointeOmaha.com

Whether caring for people in need or nurturing and sustaining Jewish identity for future generations, the Jewish Federation of Omaha is where our community comes together as one.

The 2012 Annual Campaign

Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference. jewishomaha.org/donate o r c a l l 4 02 -3 3 4 - 6 4 8 5

10 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

The Israel experience Continued from page 9 and Team Omaha’s hosts Diane Malashock, Brian Hansen, and Jodi Levine could not have been better! Finally, I made many friends with teenagers from Israel and San Diego who played with us on the basketball team. Even though it was my first trip to Israel, I intend to visit again.

away. Walking through the camp looking through the barracks, is when it hit me, how much evil man can achieve without even realizing it.

The following week after we left Poland was full of fun; we traveled around Israel, and celebrated life; we marched from the capitol to the Western Wall; we went down to Ben

YONATAN GILL BBYO March of the Living Ever since the seventh grade, I have learned about the Holocaust. I never quite understood exactly what six million minds, souls and bodies gone really meant. Six million lives that ceased to exist, over one million of those were children. This was all made clearer to me, when I went on the BBYO March of the Living trip to Warsaw, Poland on April 27, 2011.

As soon as we arrived in Warsaw, we loaded our buses and traveled to Treblinka which looked like more of a nature reserve. It was tough to imagine so much evil in what is now a beautiful place. Then, we came upon the stones, all seventeen thousand that memorialized the communities which have lost people at this camp, seventeen thousand in all. We spent the next few days in Poland visiting various places, including Old Warsaw, where we got a good feel for the culture and the people.

We went to Auschwitz, which looks and feels like a museum now, with guided tours that come with headsets, display cases filled with Alex Murray, left, Sydney Robinson, Rachel Saag and Emily Fann at the wall. belongings of those who were murdered here, along with Yehuda Street, and indulged in the celebrations that were suitcases of those who believed that they would need the going on there. We climbed Masada to see the sunrise, and things that they brought. Another room filled with shoes, then took a dip in the Dead Sea. just tons and tons of shoes. We walked from one barracks to March of the Living 2011 changed my life, and made me another in the rain, on what used to be a brick road, traveled who I am today. Six million gone but never forgotten. by first victims and now survivors, walking hand-in-hand SYDNEY ROBINSON with our survivor named Trudy.

The day we marched was incredible; eighteen thousand all JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel walked from Auschwitz one to Auschwitz two, all wearing Lao Tzu once said, “The journey of a thousand miles blue jackets that were provided by the event coordinators. At begins with one step.” As I took my first step off the plane in one point of the march you walked over a bridge which is a the Holy Land of Israel, I realized I should cherish every a high point along the route, and looking forward all you see moment of the ten-day journey I was about to embark on. before you is blue.

Each Maccabi day was filled with competition, evening proNothing ever made me feel like I did our last day in grams and activities that created friendship and bonding Poland. Not the march through Auschwitz, not the speech- between the participants. I quickly understood that we all es, not the eighteen thousand that walked alongside me. shared some of the same Jewish values. We were all there to That day we traveled to the last camp called Majdanek. It’s make friends, share our Jewish heritage and explore Israel. the only death camp left mostly intact. When you arrive you One of my most memorable experiences at Maccabi was see the huge stone monument displaying the entrance of the walking on the stage in Jerusalem to dance for the closing camp. After a difficult walk to the highest point of the camp, ceremonies. I stood on the stage with twenty girls who you can see the entire camp, including the monument where served as my Israel family for the week. We sweat together, sixty-eight thousand people’s ashes are memorialized by a sang camp songs together and socialized together. I know I dome that’s engineered in a way that the ashes won’t blow will be in touch with each one of them forever! I don’t think

Join us for Thanksgiving!

Join us for our first ever Thanksgiving Dinner! We will be open noon to 6 p.m., serving our holiday menu only. The regular menu will not be available.

The holiday menu is listed below. Reservations are recommended. The cost is $12.95 per person.

The holiday menu includes Salad Bar or Soup; one of four entrees: Carved Turkey, Caramelized Ham, 10 oz. Prime Rib or four piece Chicken Dinner.

All entrees are served with Homemade Stuffing and your choice of two sides: Mashed Potatoes with Homemade Turkey Gravy, Sweet Potatoes, Green Beans and Cut Corn.

All dinners are served with your choice of Pumpkin or Apple Pie. We are looking forward to our first Thanksgiving with you! We would greatly appreciate your reservation. Please call us at 402-496-2090.

RESTAURANT

655 North 114th Street • Omaha, NE

402-496-2090 HOURS Mon. - Thurs. 11 am - close • Fri. 11 am - 9 pm (weather permitting) Sat. 4 pm - 9 pm • Sun. 11:30 am - 9 pm

my words can properly express the amazing experience we all had at the 2011 Maccabi Israel games. I want to thank Diane, Jodi, Brian and all of the incredible athletes on team Omaha for making every “step” in Israel special. I loved being in Israel and I wanted to stay far longer than we did and experience far more than we were able to do. I hope to return to Israel again in the future, but I know that even though I will have great experiences, no experience will ever top Maccabi Israel 2011.

RACHEL SAAG JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel Israel was a great experience. Maccabi was an extraordinary opportunity. I certainly hope to return someday for an extended visit.

I participated in the vocal performance group at Maccabi ArtsFest and was the only one from Omaha to do so. I am passionate about singing and stage performance. I am involved in theatre and show choir at Elkhorn South High School and have also performed in community theatre in Omaha.

My instructor was Liraz Rahmin, a singer who appeared on Israeli Idol and sings with the group VOCA People. We worked with the famous Israeli songwriter, Rona Khanan. And, Brett Lowenstein, a finalist on American Idol a few seasons back, performed and spent time with us in one of our clinics.

There were 15 girls in the group and, because we spent 15 hours a day together, we became really close in just 5 days.

We were from cities all over the U.S., Israel and a single vocalist was from South Africa. We worked on group numbers and performed solos for the group.

I learned so much about Israeli music and singing acapella, Lirazs’ speciality. I think I will be able to apply what I learned to my singing and performing efforts this year at school. We were all full of nerves performing at the closing ceremonies. There were so many people, and we were in Jerusalem, but it ended up being very fun.

One of my favorite and most memorable parts of the trip was the host family weekend. My family was so nice and welcoming. They made me feel at home even with a big language barrier because most of the family didn’t speak English very well. Shabbat dinner was so much fun and there was so much food! After dinner, a group of Omaha kids and Dallas kids went to the movies. The mall was totally empty on a Friday night, so different from America.

On Sunday my host family took me to Rosh Hanikra and to the beach in Nahariya, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen. It was fun and relaxing and the perfect way to spend time after the hard work of Maccabi. I was sad when Maccabi was over, but I was also really excited to tour!

Jerusalem and Tel Aviv were beautiful and way more cool that I expected (and I don’t mean the temperature)! I hope one day to return and see more of the country.

Continued on page 11

Serving Omaha and Lincoln For 27 Years With Sound Investment Advice 5002 Dodge Street | Omaha, Nebraska

402-614-1321 www.russkaplaninvestments.com e-mail: russ@russkaplaninvestments.com

Alan, Anne and Marty Cohen 15441 Hamilton Street | Pepperwood | $183,500 True 4 Bedroom Situated on a privacy fenced lot in the heart of popular Millard North Schools, this home has been lovingly remodeled & maintained in almost every aspect. It’s Spotless that’s ready to enjoy!

Features include an oversizedeat-inkitchen with rich granite tops, beautiful ceramic backsplash, updated appliances, pantry, & vaulted ceilings. Upstairs, all 4 bedrooms are oversized & baths feature updated fixtures. Outside, enjoy the covered front entry, large patio, sprinkler system, & mature landscape.

Alan Cohen

Anne Cohen

Marty Cohen

402-677-2524 402-850-4161 402-690-1591

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Friedel makes some noise

ESCAPE t h e c o l d Friedel Jewish Academy’s first graders create “music.” Noah Shrago, left, Ivan Masyuk, Mendel Wright, Hannah Stein, Aviva Chana Shyken, Jack Cohen, Peyton Kelln, Julian Witkowski, Brittney Clignett, and Sophia Mavropoulos.

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.

The Israel experience Continued from page 10 a minefield on one side, which was a big culZACHARY BRAM ture shock to me. After Havdalah Saturday JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel evening, we headed into the city for the I was thrilled to be going on my first trip night and got to enjoy dinner and carnival to Israel this past summer. Travelling to boardwalk games. The next kibbutz, EinIsrael for the Maccabi games with our own Shemer, was an ecofriendly community that Omaha JCC was a mix of had a massive greenhouse sports, touring, and meetwhere they collected water, ing new people from took care of plants, and around the world. Throw provided energy for the in a special weekend with a entire community. host family in Acco and it After our tour of Einwas a packed, sleepless Shemer we headed to Telexperience.

Aviv to spend a day at the Some highlights of the Mediterranean Sea and to trip were bonding with felpick up our eight Israeli low Jewish tennis players soldiers that would spend in over 105 degree heat the rest of the trip with us. and taking turns between The Mediterranean was matches sitting inside the breathtaking. The water air-conditioned facility was crystal clear and a perthat could only hold twenfect temperature. I could ty sweaty athletes. (We have spent my whole day Zachary Bram tested that capacity!) The just relaxing and enjoying Opening Ceremony was amazing and really the company of everyone around me. brought it home how we were part of a However there was so much to see and so Jewish group from around the world. little time. The next day we went into TelShabbat with our host family included a Aviv and went to the exact spot that Israel delicious Friday night dinner served outside was declared a state in 1948. Hearing the in the backyard at a large table, taking in the tape of it being declared was just something atmosphere of the Mediterranean town of so surreal to me, and I never thought I Acco. Touring in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv was would have seen this day. From Tel-Aviv we “fast and furious.” Visiting Yad Vashem, the ventured to the Bedouin tents. Here we got Holocaust Museum, was quieting after all to ride camels, have a splendid Bedouin dinthe past-faced activities and will be some- ner, sleep in tents, and even met a whole thing I remember always. I can’t wait to go other Birthright group from Ukraine. The back to Israel for an extended stay! next morning we had to get up at four a.m. so we could experience the breathtaking TAYLOR SANFORD scene on top of Masada. My pictures of Birthright Masada do not capture even the slightest bit “An experience of a lifetime,” is the perfect of view I saw. After watching the sunrise, quote to describe exactly what the birthright our group leaders figured this would be a experience to Israel provided me. I person- perfect location to perform eight bar/bat ally never imagined myself having such an mitzvahs. To see eight members of our amazing time and meeting an entire new group become bar/bat mitzvahed touched group of forty people that would become my me deeply and really opened my eyes to how lifelong friends. other individuals inspire each other. After Our group consisted of people from all our hike down we headed to the Dead Sea over: New York, Washington D.C., Boston, where we covered our bodies with the mud Florida, Texas, California, Nebraska, and and floated around without a care in the Washington. I was shocked when I met world. This was the perfect topping to such someone in the group named Alan Cogen, a long, hard working day. he too was from Omaha and we both had no From the Dead Sea we headed to our last idea we would be on the same Birthright location, Jerusalem. We got to experience trip. This is a great example of how we are Jerusalem on a Friday before Shabbat, which part of such a small world, but yet so large. was a privilege of its own. I loved walking Our quest through Israel started up north around the city and seeing the different in Golan Heights and ended in Jerusalem. quarters (Muslim, Jewish, and Arab). The Our first stop was Tzvat where we went to final conclusion of our journey in Jerusalem the first Kabbalah Synagogue. After we and Israel overall was going to the Western walked around the city and got our first Wall. Having the opportunity to go to such a Israeli lunch on the street, mine consisted of sacred place on Shabbat was more than I a chicken shawarma with fries in it (and I could ask for. crave one every day!), we got back on the Israel was more than a trip, it was a jourbus and headed to our next stop, our kib- ney, a journey that has opened a new chapbutz. It felt as if we were in a condo in ter in my life. The memories will always be Florida (minus the sound of the ocean). We in my head and the friendships made will arrived before Shabbat and we went on a never be forgotten. If someone even queshike and explored the surrounding area. tioned themself on taking a Birthright trip, The Kibbutz was completely surrounded by they would be silly to say no!

Celebrating each family legacy Losing someone close to you is never easy. That’s why we at John A. Gentleman Mortuaries do all we can to celebrate each family legacy. One of the ways we do that is by planting a living memorial at Lauritzen Gardens.

At John A. Gentleman Mortuaries, service beyond the service means being at your family’s side and caring for your needs.

Omaha 402-391-1664 72nd & Western Avenue

John A. Gentleman Mortuaries Service beyond the service.

142nd & Pacific Street

Bellevue/Sarpy County 402-293-0999 3402 Samson Way

www.johnagentleman.com

Together, we care for the needy here at home and provide a safety net for the most vulnerable in our community.

Federation helps Jews connect in Omaha in ways that are meaningful to them, whether through trips to Israel, service projects, or educational experiences.

The 2012 Annual Campaign

Donate. Volunteer. Make a difference. jewishomaha.org/donate o r c a l l 4 02 -3 3 4 - 6 4 8 5

12 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Pants on fire

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Politicians lie. If you are a politician, and you are insulted by that statement, you should probably look for a different job (I hear the job market is picking up! This is the best time ever to walk out and leisurely ponder a new career!). But, as it turns out, the problem is not so much being a liar, but being called a liar. Or so it seems.

What happened was this: French President Nicolas Sarkozy and President Barack Obama recently found themselves at the G20 in Cannes having a bit of a gossip-fest. The subject: Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu.

“I can’t stand him anymore, he’s a liar,” Sarkozy said in French. Obama responded: “you may be sick of him, but I have to deal with him every day.”

Ouch.

It’s a lesson politicians everywhere keep forgetting: the mike is always on. From Bush’ infamous “Yo, Blair!” greeting to Ronald Reagan’s ill conceived joke about nuking Russia, heads of state regularly suffer from foot-in-mouth disease.

Doesn’t anybody read the handbook anymore before taking office? Also, Sarkozy and Obama, gossiping behind Bibi’s back, come out of this looking less than honest themselves.

Netanyahu is no more a liar than any other head of state.

All joking aside, what does it mean when politicians express personal dislike about each other? Should we worry whether it has any effect on policy decisions? Maybe, maybe not. Let’s be fair: Obama and Sarkozy are human, and as such, they make human mistakes. Let’s not blow their actions out of proportion; saying something snippy about Bibi does not mean Israel will lose the support of France or the United States. However, there is a deeper, darker context that should give us pause.

When a politician makes this type of faux pas, it is not only important what he said and who he said it about, it also matters greatly what the public hears. And that public, when it

comes to Israel and the Jewish people, has been less than kind throughout history. In fact, between the various boycotts, divestments and flotillas, more recent public opinion has been downright frigid. And, I’m afraid, comments like the one made by Sarkozy never fall on deaf ears.

That Jews as a people are dishonest is a long-standing stereotype that has fueled many anti-Semitic attacks throughout history. Equally hard to squash is the thought that all Jews are the same. Sarkozy may be talking about “Bibi-the-politician,” but a large section of the public hears “Bibi-the-Jew.” And so it is hard to view this as a mere human mistake, a small blip on the radar, because it represents so much more.

Last week was National Anti-Bullying Week in the United States. It’s designed to raise awareness; as long as all of us speak up when someone speaks ill of someone else, we can get this under control. After all, most bullying either starts and/or is fueled by Loshon Hora. There has been much publicity about bullying in our schools and on our playgrounds, but the problem doesn’t only live there.

Think of the messages we sent to our children. In political debates, talk shows, and magazines at the supermarket checkout line, ugly gossip is what sells. It’s second nature to

all of us, and most of the time, we don’t even think about it.

Sarkozy just had the bad luck of being caught by an open microphone.

How powerful would it have been if Obama had done what we try to teach our children: speak up for Bibi, instead of placating Sarkozy? What would it have been like if that had been caught by the microphone? Teachable moments don’t only happen inside the classroom; adults, too, need to fine tune how they treat each other. Therefore, this was the very definition of a missed opportunity.

In the meantime, I vow to do my very best to not call politicians liars anymore. Because, yes, I do sense a little hypocrisy here.

Credit: wikimedia commons.

Give multilateral diplomacy a chance

Focus on issues DANIEL KURTZER (Sh'ma) -- My first assignment when I entered the U.S. Foreign Service in 1976 was as a “rotational officer” in the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Organization Affairs. I served for six months backstopping our delegation to the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council, then another six months on U.N. conferences related to water and desertification. And finally, I represented the United States at the semiannual meeting of the U.N. Development Program, where I was responsible for dispensing more than $80 million in U.S. foreign assistance.

The U.N. experiences were exciting, not just because they marked my entry into diplomacy, but more importantly because they provided an opportunity to assess up close the work of the United Nations — much that was good and some that was not.

Without excusing the excesses of what sometimes happens during U.N. debates or in some U.N. forums, I believe that the American government should embrace multilateral engagement. Many countries still look to the U.S. for leadership, and thus it is not a foregone conclusion that the sheer weight of numbers will always prevail in multilateral diplomacy. We ought to test whether the weight of reason and reasonability can win.

It will be hard to convince many Americans to adopt this approach rather than our current position, which almost instinctively opposes U.N. initiatives. It seems that most Americans think of the United Nations only when the

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

Jewish Press Board Eric Dunning, Vice President; Jason Epstein, Treasurer; Bobbi Leibowitz, Past President; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Daniel Christensen; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Michael Kaufman; Paul Rabinowitz; Caryn Scheer; Mark Senal; 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.

Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page stories and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishoma-

organization or some of its members do foolish things. We all paid attention when the General Assembly adopted the odious resolution equating Zionism with racism. We recoiled when a U.N. conference on racism and racial discrimination was hijacked by anti-Israel countries and became a forum for hate and anti-Semitic invective. And recently we have watched as the Palestinians have turned to the U.N. for acceptance as a member state.

It wasn’t always this way. There was a time that many Americans and people around the world looked to the United Nations for inspired global leadership, for opening up the possibility of international relations governed by rules adopted through reasoned debate. Today, however, this seems like a pipedream.

Despite the experience of the past decades — and one cannot dismiss this experience lightly or cavalierly — this situation need not persist into the future. Indeed, quietly but often effectively, multilateral diplomacy has proven helpful, at least for advancing the possibilities of peace in ways unattainable through bilateral diplomacy alone.

For example, after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan in 2001, an international conference was convened in Berlin to help define the shape of a future Afghan government and to bring under one roof all the local and international stakeholders in a hoped-for peace settlement.

As an essential part of the 1991 Madrid peace conference, multilateral negotiations were held on such disparate issues as water, the environment, economic development, refugees, and arms control and regional security. A multilateral steering group guided this process, in which Israelis and Arabs from throughout the region, including Saudi Arabia, sat

together, many for the first time.

To be sure, not all multilateral meetings have such fairytale qualities. In 2000, after the Palestinians launched their intifada uprising, President Bill Clinton called a summit meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, to try to end the violence and resume negotiations. Not only did the summit fail to produce the sought-after outcome, but the drafting session chaired by foreign ministers (which I attended) was the single most acrimonious and contentious meeting I have ever witnessed. The raw emotions being played out in the streets of Israel and Palestine were reflected in the anger of the diplomats around the table. Neither bilateral nor multilateral diplomacy could help restore comity between the sides.

Of the many extraordinary diplomatic experiences that I was privileged to witness or participate in during my 30 years of serving our country in the Foreign Service, few experiences gave me as much satisfaction as helping to create and then oversee the multilateral peace negotiations in the 1990s. We didn’t solve all the issues on our agenda, but we created opportunities for people to meet, for persistent problems to be discussed, and for the future to be examined.

Using multilateral diplomacy today as it was intended might actually be healthy for our country and our standing in the international community.

Daniel Kurtzer is the S. Daniel Abraham Professor in Middle Eastern Policy Studies at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs. He served previously as the U.S. ambassador to Egypt and to Israel. REPRINTED with permission from Sh’ma (shma.com) November 2011, as part of a broad conversation on Jews and the United Nations.

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, 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.

and space restrictions, but it 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. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. 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

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial

material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.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: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org..

Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced 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

news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450.

Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 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. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

Plea of Alan Gross’ wife to General Assembly

Focus on issues JUDY GROSS DENVER (JTA) -- Alan Gross is a JewishAmerican contractor who is serving a 15year prison sentence in Cuba for “crimes against the state.” Gross, now 62 and in ill health, was arrested in 2009 as he was leaving Cuba. His family and U.S. State Department officials say that Gross was in the country on a U.S. Agency for International Development contract to help the country's 1,500 Jews communicate with other Jewish communities using the Internet.

Gross' wife, Judy, in an address Tuesday to the 2011 General Assembly of The Jewish Federations of North America in Denver, made a plea for his freedom. Here is her GA speech: Nearly two years ago, on the night of Dec. 3, 2009, the Shabbat table was set. In a half hour, Alan would be walking through the door, putting on his kippah and saying the motzi. When a half hour passed, I thought that his flight must be delayed. I checked and was a bit startled to find that the flight had landed on time. I began to have a sinking feeling.

After a few phone calls, I learned that Alan had not made it onto the flight. I knew then that something was very wrong. I learned later that night that Alan had been arrested, the charges unknown, and he was in a maximum security prison. This was the beginning of almost two years of incredible suffering for Alan, our family, and our friends.

Most of you don’t know Alan, so I’d like to say a few words about him. Above all he is a humanitarian. He has devoted his life to helping others. He has worked in over 50

countries with one goal: to improve the quality of life of the disadvantaged. Alan is also passionate about the Jewish community, both here and abroad. He worked for both the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization and the federation in Washington, and he has always been active in our congregation.

It is the combination of these qualities that brought Alan to the Jewish community in Cuba. He wanted to do what he always does: help his fellow Jews. The Jewish community in Cuba is small and spread out, and it is difficult for them to communicate with one another and with the rest of the world. Alan jumped at the chance to be able to help to improve their ability to connect and share.

He helped them to better access the Internet so they could download prayer books and communicate with Jews around the world.

He tried to help them create an “intranet” to bring the community closer together, allowing them to share things like recipes, prayers and even sports scores. This is what he was doing in Cuba. Nothing more.

Believe it or not, one of the most touching aspects of his work in Cuba came through during Alan’s brief trial in Havana. The Cuban government called several witnesses from the Jewish community to testify about Alan. I’ll never forget one man’s testimony.

He was an older gentleman; he had trouble getting up to the witness stand. When the prosecutor asked him what Alan showed him on the Internet, he became emotional.

“We saw the world!” he cried out. He explained that Alan had used the Internet to show them places they had never seen before -- pictures of the Western Wall in Jerusalem and the city of London.

And it is because of this humanitarian work that Alan is sitting in a jail cell today.

That Alan has been convicted of crimes against the state of Cuba -- and that he has

Want more confidence in your investments?

been sentenced to 15 years in prison -- for helping the Jewish community share prayers and look at images of Jerusalem is beyond any sense of reason. It is inhumane and it is unjust. Alan’s only intention was to help the small Jewish communities in Cuba. Nothing more. I believe that the Cuban authorities know this. They were at the same trial that I was; they heard the same testimony that I heard.

You may know about the health challenges we have faced in the family since Alan has been imprisoned. Both my daughters are suffering terribly from the thought that they may not see their father again. One of them has been diagnosed with -- and is now battling -- breast cancer, without her father by her side. Alan's mother, who is also fighting cancer, is heartbroken that she may never see her son again. And of course there is Alan. He has lost more than 100 pounds.

He is not well, and he is suffering every day, mentally, physically and spiritually.

Alan and we are desperate for him to return home. On the eve of the two-year anniversary of his arrest and incarceration, we want our community, our country and the world to remember that Alan Gross needs to be released from Cuba. We ask you to please join us in this effort. Contact your members of Congress and tell them to take action on Alan’s behalf. Tell everyone you know about Alan. Write letters to your newspapers. Let the Cuban government know that the Jewish community wants Alan home.

On behalf of Alan and our family, I want to thank all of you for your concern and your anticipated help. Thank you.

This address by Judy Gross, the wife of Alan Gross, was presented Tuesday to the 2011 General Assembly of The Jewish Federations of North America in Denver.

Dennis Ross is leaving

by DANIEL TREIMAN Dennis Ross will be leaving the White House by the year’s end, stepping down as its top Middle East strategist. Ross will return to the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, a pro-Israel think tank.

Ross’ departure is the end of an era -indeed, the end of many eras. As Time’s Michael Crowley writes, Ross was the last of the Obama administration’s foreign policy “czars” to go: “In each case, the envoy in question has been replaced with someone of a lower stature, and the “envoy” system itself seems to have been deprioritized within the administration, perhaps in part because Hillary Clinton has mastered the job of top diplomat.”

Finally, Ross is the last of the Jewish Mideast hands in government who had served under Secretary of State James Baker during the first Bush administration. At the time, when tensions between the American and Israeli governments were running high over American peace efforts and settlements -- sound familiar? -- the trio of Dennis Ross, Aaron Miller and Daniel Kurtzer were reputedly derided by some on the Israeli right. Now the three public servants are all at think tanks or, in Kurtzer’s case, at Princeton.

Today, Ross is a favorite of the Jewish and pro-Israel communities. During the Obama years, Ross came under fire from those who felt he was steering the administration toward an overly tight embrace of Israeli positions.

Now, those disgruntled with Obama’s policies on Israel won’t have Dennis Ross to blame anymore. That era, too, is over.

if you don’t make the plans, someone else will make plans for you.

Ask Rob Randels about the investment power of Russell. Global leaders in multi-manager investing. Creators of the Russell 2000® Index. Providing guidance on more than $1 trillion.

Russell products and services are available through the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. With Russell, Rob Randels brings a new level of expertise to your portfolio.

David P. Wilson • Howard N. Epstein • Kelli J. Watson WILLS, ESTATE AND TRUST PLANNING AND ADMINISTRATION

® Rob , MBA, Rob A. A. Randels, Randels, CFP MBA, ChFC,ChFC CFP® Wealth Management Investment Specialist Advisor Northwestern Northwestern Mutual Mutual Financial FinancialNetwork NetworkofofNebraska Nebraska Embassy Embassy Tower, Tower, Suite Suite 500 500 9300 9300 Underwood Underwood Avenue Avenue Omaha, Omaha, NE NE 68114 68114 (402) (402) 390-8271 390-8271 rob.randels@nmfn.com rob.randels@nmfn.com www.nmfn.com/robrandels www.nmfn.com/robrandels

05-2261 © 2004 Northwestern Mutual. Northwestern Mutual Financial Network is the marketing name for the sales and distribution arm of The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) and its subsidiaries and affiliates, including the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska.

Financial Representative is an agent of NM (life insurance, annuities and disability income insurance.)

Securities are offered through Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS), which is wholly owned by NM and a member of the NASD and SIPC. Frank Russell Company is a subsidiary of NM. NM and the Northestern Mutual Financial Network of Nebraska are not registered broker-dealers. CFP Board owns the certification marks CFP® and federally registered CFP (with flame logo), which it awards to individuals who successfully complete initial and ongoing certification requirements. 4044-187

11605 MIRACLE HILLS DRIVE, SUITE 300 OMAHA, NEBRASKA 68154 402-492-9800 • 800-889-9801

www.mcrlawyers.com

Dirk V. Block Tyler C. Block Elizabeth Stuht Borchers David A Christensen Howard N. Epstein Lisa C. Lewis Jennifer Turco Meyer Michael A. Nelsen Ari D. Riekes Steven J. Riekes John J. Velasquez Kelli J. Watson David P. Wilson

14 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Synagogues

Candlelighting Friday, November 18, 4:45 p.m.

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CHABAD HOUSE

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

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

An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 South 120 Street | Omaha, NE 68144-1646 | 402.330.1800 www.OChabad.com | email: chabad@aol.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon will follow. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: JLI class, Fascinating Facts: Exploring the Myths and Mysteries of Judaism, 7 p.m. Cost is $79 and includes class book and materials. Register at www.my jli.com or call 402.330.1800.

All programs are open to the entire community.

323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Chef ’s Demo, 1:30 p.m. led by Amy Rabinovitz from Temple Israel; Shabbat Comes to RBJH, 2:30 p.m. led

by Temple Israel.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California | Omaha, NE 68154-1980 | 402.492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Rabbi Steven Abraham and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Get Your Morning Midrash, 9 a.m. with Rabbi Abraham; Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (2-7), 10 a.m.; Shabbat is for Study, 12:15 p.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.; USY 60th Birthday Bash, 7 p.m., a community-wide party at Beth El will celebrate USY’s 60th anniversary. Fun for family members of all ages. RSVP online at www.bethel-omaha.org; admission may also be paid at the door. For more information, contact Shiri Tene in the office or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

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

SUNDAY: The Mystique of Judaism, with Andy Greenberg, and Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; BESTT seventh graders and parents family education program, 10:15 a.m.; Jewish Values in today’s world, 11 a.m. with Rabbi Levin. To RSVP, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org; Parsha & Pizza, 12:30 p.m., led by Cantor Schlossberg at Bagel Bin. MONDAY: Let’s Wine About It, 6 p.m. meet Cantor Schlossberg at Fox and Hound, 506 N. 120 Street.

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

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, NE. 68154 | 402.556.6288 www.BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross and Rabbi Yitzchak Mizrahi.

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

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored in honor of the November birthdays, anniversaries and simchas; The Laws of Shabbat, 2:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 3:30 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 3:30 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit and Veshinantam, a family learning program; Havdalah, 5:46 p.m.

SUNDAY: Gemara class, 8 a.m., learning tractate Kiddushin; Shacharit, 9 a.m. followed by breakfast.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information on how to call-in to the conference call.

TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.; A Guided Tour of the Guide of the Perplexed, a six-week course on the work of Maimonides with Dr. Guy Matalon, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 4 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY-Thanksgiving: Shacharit, 9:00 a.m., followed by breakfast and the annual Thanksgiving Day Football Game.

The Synagogue Office is closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday this week.

Bar Mitzvah Nathan Gendler, son of Tami Field and Larry Gendler, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Temple Israel.

Nate is a seventh-grade Honor Roll student at LaVista Junior High.

His interests include guitar, football and golf.

For his mitzvah project, Nate volunteered at the Stephen Center by cooking and serving.

He has a brother, Max. Grandparents are Beverly Gendler and Hymie Gendler, and Shirley and LeRoy Field of Riverside, CA.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN South Street Temple | Union for Reform Judaism 2061 South 20th Street | Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 | 402.435.8004 www.southstreettemple.org Services conducted by Rabbi Craig Lewis.

FRIDAY: Dairy Dinner, 6 p.m.; LJCS Shabbat Family Service, 6:30 p.m. with oneg following hosted by the LJCS Students.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9 a.m. with the participation of B’nai Mitzvah students; Teen Torah, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Craig Lewis; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Noach; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS classes.

THURSDAY: Thanksgiving Day - Temple office closed ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Nov. 20 and Dec. 4, 4 p.m. Taste of Judaism.

These classes are free, but reservations are required. Class the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com to add your name to the list.

TUESDAY, 7:15 p.m. Jewish Theology Part 2 of 3, led by Rabbi Lewis and Nancy Coren.

Book Club, Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s home and will discuss Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay and Ritual Bath by Fay Kellerman.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. For more information, call Nancy Knapp at 402.472.1663.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to you at Blumkin, 2:30 p.m. led

by Rabbi Azriel; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Nate Gendler, son of Tami Field and Larry Gendler, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Camp All School Breakfast, 9 a.m.; Grades K-6, 10 a.m.; Camp Assembly for Grades 2-6, 10 a.m.; WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m.; Get Cozy with Club 56, noon; Thanksgiving Interfaith Service, 5 p.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 6116 Dodge St. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Grade 7-8; No Family School.

THURSDAY: No Adult Study with the Clergy.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

FRIDAY: Dairy Dinner, 6 p.m.; LJCS Shabbat Family Service, 6:30 p.m. with oneg following hosted by the LJCS Students at South Street Temple.

SATURDAY: Study Session on Pirkei Avot, 9:30 a.m.; Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush lunch in honor of Bunny and Marvin Krout’s special birthdays sponsored by the Krout family.

SUNDAY: LJCS Gan through Grade 7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at South Street Temple.

WEDNESDAY: No LJCS classes.

ADULT EDUCATION TUESDAY, 7:15 p.m. Jewish Theology Part 2 of 3, led by Rabbi Lewis and Nancy Coren.

Shabbat Services and Dinner, Friday, Dec. 9 beginning with services at 6:30 p.m. followed by a dairy potluck dinner at 7 p.m. at the home of Cindi and Marlon Weiss. Please RSVP to Nava in the office by Wednesday, Dec. 7.

Book Club, Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m. at Marcia Kushner’s home and will discuss Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay and Ritual Bath by Fay Kellerman.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, 7 a.m. at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 1040 P Street. For more information, call Nancy Knapp at 402.472.1663.

Jewish groups decry makeup of provisional Greek gov’t

by JTA NEWS STAFF ATHENS, Greece (JTA) -- International Jewish groups are expressing concerns over plans to include the extreme right-wing party Popular Orthodox Rally in Greece’s provisional government.

The party, called LAOS in Greek, is led by Georgios Karatzaferis, who is known for making public anti-Semitic and anti-Israel statements. According to the agreement among the new government’s coalition parties, no LAOS leader will participate in the three-month provisional government.

Karatzaferis played a central role in the steps that led to the establishment of a government that will try to navigate Greece out of its debt crisis. His small party, which won 7 percent of the popular vote in the last elections, has placed one minister in the new government, as well as two alternate ministers and two deputy ministers.

In recent days, the Central Committee of German Jews published a letter calling on European countries to pressure larger political parties in Greece to refuse to cooperate with Karatzaferis and his party. Meanwhile, committee chairman Dieter Graumann told Germany’s Bild, “A professed anti-Semitic politician cannot serve in a government with which the German government will need to negotiate billions in aid,” according to The Jerusalem Post.

David Saltiel, president of the Central Jewish Board of Greece, the umbrella organization of Greek Jewry, told JTA that his organization is following the LAOS participation in the government closely, “but this is a provisional government of three months with one objective: to help Greece with financial problems.”

The executive director of the American Jewish Committee, David Harris, in a statement noted his organization’s deep concern of the LAOS presence in the government.

“We urge the new Greek leadership, understandably preoccupied with the economic crisis, not to permit any such expression of outright bigotry or anti-Semitism to emerge from its ranks.”

Harris said the AJC is “long-time friends of Greece,” and expressed “the hope that the leaders would successfully confront the major economic challenges facing the country.”

After the 9/11 attacks in New York, Karatzaferis asked in the Greek Parliament, “Why were all the Jews warned not to come to work that day?” In 2002, during a parliament session, he asked the then-Greek prime minister, “Is it true that your daughter secretly married a Jew?” During Operation Cast Lead in 2008, Karatzaferis said in an editorial in his own newspaper, A1, that “Jewish blood stinks” and that the Israel Defense Forces was acting “with savage brutality only seen in Hitler’s time towards helpless people.”

Pulverent e

November 18, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

Bargaining for Burial Rights

In memoriam

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

RICHARD I. STERN

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Chayei Sarah We are told that Sarah lived 127 years.

The Midrash suggests that Sarah might have lived longer, but that she had heard that Abraham, her husband, had followed exactly the Lord’s request to offer their son Isaac as a sacrifice. Even though it did not happen and Abraham was commanded to do no harm to their son, Sarah was so affected by this that she died quickly and early.

There follows the question of where she is to be buried. And we are given a very interesting case of ancient bargaining.

Abraham approaches the Hittites who own an exceptionally attractive piece of land with pretty trees near Hebron.

He asks for a certain field, which had a burial cave within it, and he says he would like to buy it.

Efron the Hittite, who owned this particular land, told Abraham: “Please, please, please, the land is yours! I give it to you freely, for you are a man of God.” And Abraham said: “No, I wish to pay the full price, so I can rest easy, knowing the land is mine.”

Efron replied: “No, take it. It is yours; I give it to you. Who cares if it is worth 400 pieces of silver?”

Now that the price was mentioned, Abraham quickly paid it and knew the land, and the burial cave within it, were now his property. He then proceeded with the ancient burial rites to bury his beloved wife, Sarah.

Thus, the cave of Mahpela became the property of Abraham.

It was used for the burial of the patriarchs, as they died in the land of Canaan.

Evelyn Lauder dies

by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Evelyn Lauder, who pioneered the pink ribbon as the symbol of breast cancer awareness, has died.

Lauder, the daughter-in-law of cosmetics queen Estee Lauder, died of ovarian cancer Saturday at her home in Manhattan. She was 75.

Lauder was married to Leonard Lauder, the oldest son of Estee and chairman emeritus of the makeup corporation.

Ronald Lauder, another of Estee’s sons, is the current chairman of the company and the president of the World Jewish Congress.

Evelyn Lauder created the pink ribbon campaign and founded the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, which has raised some $350 million.

Open House

Saturday, Nov. 19, 2011 8:30 - 4 p.m.

Refreshments served from: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Johnson’s Cycle 1700 West 23rd St., Fremont 402-721-6616 www.johnsonscycle.com

Richard Stern passed away on Nov. 7 at the age of 70.

Services were held at Beth El Cemetery with a reception at Beth El Synagogue immediately following interment.

He was preceded in death by father, Harold L. Stern, DDS. He is survived by wife, Dr. Judith K. Stern; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. David and Lan Stern of Torrance, CA; daughter and son-in-law, Jeanne and John Katelman; grandchildren: Daniel Raznick and Mitchell Raznick, Sare Stern; mother, Lillian Schrager; brother, Jeffrey Stern of Birmingham, AL; sister and brother-in-law, Cheryl and Raymond Norton of Plano, TX; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins; beloved dog, Millie.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Germany’s far-right problem

by JTA NEWS STAFF BERLIN (JTA) -- Dieter Graumann, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, said that the National Democratic Party of Germany, the country’s largest right-extremist part, must be banned.

His comments followed the arrest Sunday of a 37-yearold man in Hamburg who is suspected of belonging to the National Socialist Underground, a relatively new organization thought to be responsible for Germany’s biggest wave of far-right violence since World War II. The NSU is suspected of involvement in the murders of eight Turkish immigrants and one Greek between 2000 and 2006, and the killing of a police officer in 2007. Two other suspects in the string of murders -- identified as Uwe Mundlos and Uwe Bohnhardt - were found dead last week in a burning camper trailer in the former East German city of Eisenach. Police said they suspected the two had shot themselves after police had included them as suspects in an attempted bank robbery. The man arrested in Hamburg allegedly had contact with the others.

The string of crimes reveals “a new dimension of rightwing terrorism,” Graumann told the Handelsblatt Online.

“The evidence appears to confirm that we are dealing with right-wing terrorists who for years have gotten away with murdering people whom they considered not worthy of living,” he said, adding that it was urgent for the entire society to act now against this trend. More funds must be invested in this fight and in increased security, he said.

Several mainstream political leaders this week joined the call to ban the National Democratic Party of Germany following the arrests. Attempts to ban the party failed in 2003 after it was revealed that government informants were involved in inciting some of the allegedly criminal activities.

This article was edited for length.

Get More ACTION for Your Dollar by using the Nebraska 2x2 Display Ad Network.

Advertise in this amount of space for only $5.20*/newspaper. Reach over 760,000 Nebraska readers!

Statewide cost is $895*. Additional sizes available.

Contact your local newspaper for more information or call 1-800-369-2850. www.nebpress.com

Low-Cost High-Speed Internet

MONUMENT CO.

Frank L. Ciciulla Jr.

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers.

Earn an Extra 20% on your payout with this coupon.

Expires 12/31/11

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

1439 So. 13th

402-341-2452

Safe. Secure. Confidential.

Premium $$$$ for GOLD, SILVER, PLATINUM, DENTAL GOLD, COINS

GOLD BUYERS WESTROADSOMAHAOAKVIEW of America 402-393-4653 402-333-1487

LINCOLN WESTFIELD 402-325-8934

More than 500 full-size trucks in stock, starting at $16,999.

Chevy Silverado

Fremont Chevy 888-723-2233

Fremont GMC 888-721-2448

GMC Sierra

Blair 888-722-4141

Wahoo 800-677-1180

See ALL our trucks at SidDillon.com

Nebraska STATEWIDE CLASSIFIEDS PREGNANT? CONSIDERING Adoption? Living expenses, housing, medical, continued support afterwards. Choose adoptive family of your choice. Call 24/7. Adopt Connect, 1-866-743-9212. (Void in Illinois, Indiana).

BANKRUPTCY: FREE initial consultation. Fast relief from creditors. Low rates.

Statewide filing. No office appointment necessary. Call Steffens Law Office, 308-8728327. steffensbankruptcylaw.com. We are a debt relief agency, which helps people file bankruptcy under the bankruptcy code.

BECOME DIETARY Manager (average annual salary $45,423) in eight months in online program offered by Tennessee Technology Center at Elizabethton. Details www.ttcelizabethton.edu, 1-888-986-2368 or e-mail patricia.roark@ttcelizabethton.edu.

CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of Nebraska homes for $210. Contact the Jewish Press at 402-334-6448 or call 1-800369-2850.

LOOKING FOR the classic car, truck or motorcycle of your dreams? Midwest Classic Cars website is your Midwest connection to classic vehicles for sale. Need to sell a classic vehicle? For only $25, your ad with photos will run until sold! Call this newspaper today for more information or call 1-800-369-2850.

AFFORDABLE PRESS Release service. Send your message to 175 newspapers across Nebraska for one low price! Call 1-800-369-2850 or www.nebpress.com for more details.

RESTAURANT EQUIPMENT Outlet; new & used restaurant equipment. See www.Chillmasters.biz for more info; Sioux City, IA, 1-800-526-7105.

HELP WANTED: Full-time technician, experience preferred. Gateway Motors, Inc., in Broken Bow, NE. Call Tony at 308-872-6881.

FIREFIGHTER/PARAMEDIC, $38,486 annually excluding overtime. Columbus, NE, Fire Department. Apply by Thursday, December 1. See important details at www.columbusne.us.

$

39

*

95

month

GUARANTEED FOR LIFE!

Call now to see if you qualify: 1-888-628-1982 www.wildblue.com/usa *Low Cost Broadband Initiative package only. Not available in all areas.

To check eligibility, please call above listed phone number.

Courtesy of the U.S. Recovery Act.

AIRLINES ARE hiring. Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program.

Financial aid if qualified. Job placement assistance. Call Aviation Institute of Maintenance, 888-896-8006.

THEDFORD PUBLIC Schools is seeking applications for a 7-12 Social Studies teacher with Assistant coaching (Basketball & Track) for 2012-2013 School year. Please send letter of application, resume and transcripts to: Henry Eggert, Supt., Thedford Public Schools, PO Box 248, Thedford, NE 69166.

CONTRACTOR SALESMAN: Building Material Retailer is looking to fill Constructor Salesman position in Grand Island area. Responsible for quoting, measuring and sales to contractors. Company vehicle provided. Competitive pay structure and benefits. Send resume: Human Resources, PO Box 3487, Omaha, NE 68103.

TWO OPENINGS: Truck Driver (Livestock) CDL Class A, $45-60K. Shop Mechanical/Maintenance. CDL optional. $12.50-$18.00 hour plus benefits. TK&H Trucking, Firth, 1-800-542-3402.

YOU GOT the drive, we have the direction. OTR Drivers, APU equipped pre-pass EZpass, pets/passenger policy. Newer equipment. 100% No Touch. 1-800-528-7825.

16 | The Jewish Press | November 18, 2011

Limmud expands dramatically in former Soviet states

by ALEX WEISLER here earlier this week, options included everything from got a whole cohort of young Jews who don’t have a venue to ODESSA, Ukraine (JTA) -- Six years ago, Chaim Chesler’s pottery to American Jewish music to the future of Jewish explore their Jewish identity,” he said. “What we’re so excited plan to bring the Limmud educational model to the former communities in Eastern Europe. about is that it’s clear that this group of people is starving, Soviet Union was met with a chorus of naysayers.

Roman Kogan, Limmud FSU’s chief operating officer, said yearning to learn more about the Shoah and about the survivor “Everyone said I was nuts, community in the world.” they’re not ready for it,” Limmud FSU frequently Chesler recalls. receives requests for conferToday, Chesler, the founder ences to be held in new cities; of Limmud FSU and chairrecent inquiries have come man of its executive commitfrom Uzbekistan, Toronto tee, oversees an organization and Kaliningrad, Russia. The with an annual budget of organization plans an approximately $1 million that expanded outreach effort in operates in seven countries the United States, beginning and can hardly keep up with with an event next year on the demand for its services.

Albert Einstein at Princeton Launched in the United University and a conference Kingdom in 1980, Limmud Lena Ettinger, left, and Yoni Avital, of the Israeli band The Participants in the Limmud FSU conference in Odessa, in the Carpathian Mountains has exploded in recent years. Shuk, perform as part of the Limmud FSU opening night cel- Ukraine, marking a birthday celebration during the event’s on the Baal Shem Tov, the closing party, November 2011. Credit: Alex Weisler Dozens of countries have ebration in Odessa, Ukraine. Credit: Alex Weisler founder of Chasidism. adopted its educational model, which is now seen as one of the conferences are an important educational and intellectu- Further in the future, Chesler wants to develop a conference the world’s most successful Jewish initiatives and a potent al outlet for young Russian-speaking Jews who have aged on the works of Marc Chagall and host an event in Irkutsk. means of identity building. out of programs offered by groups such as Hillel and TaglitSuch thematic orientations are not typical of Limmud But perhaps nowhere has the growth been as staggering as Birthright Israel. conferences, but in the FSU it has become common practice. in the former Soviet states. With their substantial Jewish pop“People are grown up and they are successful, and they The Ashkelon event was about space exploration. Odessa ulation and limited supply of innovative Jewish programming, want to do something by themselves and for themselves,” marked the 20th anniversary of diplomatic relations demand for Limmud programming there has been significant. Kogan said. “And this is the only model that we have.” between Israel and Ukraine.

This year alone, Limmud FSU held events in Moscow and As the former head of the Jewish Agency for Israel’s dele“The Russians are very creative and independent, and they St. Petersburg, and Odessa and Vinnitsa in Ukraine, as well gation to the former Soviet Union, Chesler says he was have their own culture and destiny,” Chesler said. “They take as in Beersheba, Israel. Plans are in place to expand to struck by the lack of control that Russian-speaking Jews had the model of Limmud, but they have their own flavor because Moldova, the Carpathian Mountains and potentially Irkutsk over their Jewish lives. they’re crazy -- they want Sholom Aleichem, they want space.” in eastern Siberia.

“Everything was from the top down... everything was Watching an audience of hundreds bop to Hebrew songs Limmud FSU is the only Limmud operation that runs pro- telling them what to do,” he said. “What they wanted was to performed by Russian superstar Andrey Makarevich inside gramming outside its geographic region for Russian-speaking do something of their own.” a cavernous hall at the Odessa seaport, or break into an Jews who reside elsewhere. The organization is operating in Greg Schneider, the executive vice president of the Claims impromptu hora during a concert at one of the city’s most two Israeli cities, Ashkelon and Beersheba, home to large com- Conference, attended the Odessa event and led a lively ques- popular clubs, it’s hard to believe that the Odessa conference munities of Russian Israelis, and in Russian expat communi- tion-and-answer session with about 20 participants. The almost didn’t happen. ties in the United States. And plans are in the works for more. Claims Conference, which supports educational initiatives Limmud FSU had intended for the year’s only Ukraine “It’s something that I didn’t even dream,” Chesler said. relating to the Holocaust, is one of Limmud FSU’s partners. conference to be the Vinnitsa event, which focused on the Stressing openness and equality between lecturers and Schneider said Limmud FSU’s rapid growth is an opportu- Holocaust; an Odessa conference had been held just last participants, Limmud offers a whirlwind array of work- nity to cement a new Jewish audience’s commitment to year. But Kogan said the demand from Vinnitsa participants shops, film screenings, performances and lectures. At the memorializing the Holocaust. for a repeat performance in Odessa was so great that organmost recent Limmud FSU conference, which concluded “The explosion in interest comes from the fact that you’ve izers could not resist.

Sights & Sounds

Mysterioso: Magic, Music, Mayhem & Mirth January 21 | 7 PM

Symphony Rocks

Ellis Hall’s

Tribute to Ray Charles January 14 | 8 PM Matt Catingub, conductor Ellis Hall, vocals

Symphony Pops

Irish tenor

Symphony Pops

MasterWorks

Mozart & Sibelius January 27 & 28 | 8 PM Jeffrey Kahane, conductor & piano

Hot! Hot! Hot! February 10 & 11 at 8 PM February 12 at 2 PM

ARTIST SPONSOR

Ronan Tynan March 9 & 10 at 8 PM March 11 at 2 PM

402.345.0606 | 24-HR TICKETING AT OMAHASYMPHONY.ORG | All concerts above take place at the Holland Center.