Vol. LXXXIV No. 12 Omaha, NE
Introducing... Becki Brenner
Celebrating 83 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
13 Kislev, 5765 November 26, 2004 2 Sections
Yad VaShem Uploads Holocaust Victims Names to Website
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Education: Holds a Masters in Health Administration from Central Michigan University. Personal: married to William Brenner, software engineer at Applied Communications (ACI); two sons, Eric and David, two grandsons: Brandon, age 10, and Gordie, age 2. Jewish Press: You’ve worked for a number of nonprofits what experience do you bring to your new position as Executive Director of JFS? Becki Brenner: A new college graduate recently asked me--if she should pursue a position in a not-forprofit organization. I stated that if she has the opportunity to work for an organization that she can truly support and whose mission and vision supports her belief system--then she will find it the most amazing career path she could choose. She will be able to ask herself “what is my unique contribution to the world?” and through her chosen profession, answer the question by her actions. I have been very fortunate to work for not-for-profit agencies in whose mission I have totally supported and still do. Exposure to other not-for-profit agencies has given me the understanding that in order to restore hope to the future we need to be “disturbed”. We need to have our beliefs and ideas challenged by what others think. We need to be curious and have a willingness to accept the diversity in other people’s interpretations. We will end up richer in understanding and spirit, and we will learn to value all perspectives. A quote that has inspired me is “It’s not differences that divide us. It’s our judgments about each other that do.” Continued on page 8
The Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority in Jerusalemv announced Monday the uploading of its historic Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names to its website at: www.yadvashem.org/remembrance/names/site/home. The database, which will allow online public interaction and contributions of new names and materials, seeks to capture the names of as many Jewish Holocaust victims as possible. The technology allows users worldwide to access a treasure trove of millions of documents using cutting-edge web search systems. Right: Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate Avner Shalev and daughter of Holocaust survivor, Esther Pitel Lamm, search the Central Database of Shoah Credit: Isaac Harari Victims’ Names for relatives. (See related story about joining the March of the Living trip this spring on page 4.)
Author, Political Activist, Past-president of OU to Speak at Beth Israel by BETH COHEN story. “It is incredible that one man was Executive Director present and intricately involved in so Dr. Mandell Ganchrow, author of Journey many historic events, not only for the through the Minefields: From Vietnam to Jewish community but for America. We Washington, an Orthodox Surgeon’s are so pleased that a visit to Omaha fits Odyssey, will be at Beth Israel Synagogue on into his schedule so we can all learn of Saturday, Dec. 18, serving as Scholar-inhis fascinating journey.” Residence. Dr. Ganchrow will give the sermon on According to the review on Amazon, Dr. Saturday, Dec. 18 at Shabbat morning Ganchrow’s book is “more than an autobiservices. A lunch will follow services. ography of a distinguished Jewish leader, The cost is $8 for adults, $4.50 for chilthis book mirrors American and Jewish hisdren ages four to 12, and is free to chiltory in the second half of the 20th century.” dren three and under. A book signing Dr. Mandell Ganchrow Dr. Ganchrow’s story takes him from being and dessert reception will begin Saturday a young doctor and officer in Vietnam to an active night, Dec. 18, 7:30 p.m. Dr. Ganchrow will speak at leader with AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs 8 p.m. and babysitting service will be available at no Committee) to being president of the Orthodox Union, charge (please call for reservations). the not-for-profit educational, outreach and social servCopies of Journey through the Minefields are availice organization representing Orthodox synagogues in able at the synagogue office for $20 ($7 off of list North America. price). Reservations for lunch can be made by contactRabbi Jonathan Gross, Beth Israel’s rabbi and an avid ing the synagogue office at 556.6288 or reader, encourages everyone to hear Dr. Ganchrow’s BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.
Choices for Survival by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Editor’s Note: The story you are about to read is true, and used with permission. The names and some details have been changed to protect the subject’s privacy. Welcome to the first installment of The Project Dreidel Chronicles. Over the next three weeks, you will be introduced to a few of the Omaha area Jews who have been helped by Jewish Family Service. The people featured in these stories have graciously agreed to share intimate details of their lives with the community in order to increase awareness of the programs and services offered by Jewish Family Service that have made such a tremendous difference in their quality of Jewish life. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign supports Jewish Family Service as well as the rest of our Centers of Excellence: the ADL/CRC, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services. Your gift to the Federation Campaign is what allows us to take care of each other in Omaha, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.
Inside Opinion Page see page 16
Despite our best efforts, our community needs continue to outpace contributions to the Omaha Federation Annual Campaign. Your increased Campaign gift ensures that every member of the Omaha Jewish community will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. Yuri Minkov just wanted to improve his chances for success. Originally from the city of Minsk in the former Soviet Union, Yuri came to Omaha in 1999. He didn’t have much to leave behind there and he didn’t want to wait around to become the next victim of anti-Semitic fever gripping the former Soviet Union. So, at age 50,
Yuri made the bold decision to leave his home and come to the United States for a new beginning. Yuri was resettled in Omaha, where he applied for, and received his work permits, and landed a job in a factory shortly after arriving here. Although his job didn’t pay much, Yuri had health benefits and he earned enough to cover the basics. He began settling into the rhythm of his new life in Omaha. All that changed one terrible day last winter. A freak accident at work severed three of Yuri’s fingers on his right hand. Unfortunately, the doctors’ attempts to reattach his fingers failed. The devastating accident left Yuri unable to work and
This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 10-11 HUC Professor to Speak At Temple Next Week: Page 3
Rabbi Harold Kushner on Forgiveness: Page 5
he was forced to take disability benefits. He was relieved that his medical insurance from his job covered the expenses from the accident, but while on disability, Yuri could not afford the cost of COBRA, the state medical insurance program for people between jobs. And in an ironic twist, his disability benefits disqualified him for Medicaid. As Yuri recovered from the accident that took his fingers, a new medical problem presented itself. About a month ago, a searing pain sent Yuri to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with kidney stones. Without medical insurance, he was told at the ER, he would need to prepay the full cost of the surgery to remove the kidney stones. In pain, and with no financial resources to pay for the surgery to remove his kidney stones, Yuri turned to Jewish Family Service. Continued on page 8
Coming Next Month: Guide to Senior Living: Dec. 17 Hanukkah Gift Guide and Coloring Contest Winner: Page 21
Recipes, Table Settings and More for Hanukkah: Pages 29-33