Sponsored by the Benjamin and Anna E. Wiesman Family Endowment Fund AN AGENCY OF THE JEWISH FEDERATION OF OMAHA
Coming soon to a theater near you
November 26, 2010 19 Kislev 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 13
This Week
“Eye on Israel” with Jewish Book Month author Gregory Levey Page 2
What can Israel, the Palestinians fugure out in 90 days? Page 3
Technology and learning at Beth El’s Talmud Torah Page 12
Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam
8 10 11
Next Month Business Guide Tax & Financial Planning See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press When Fran Sillau and Esther Katz first met in the JCC hallway, Sillau was busy working on Hannah’s Suitcase. Esther, who has been the JCC’s Dance Director since 2006, was getting ready for a dance recital, and Fran’s scenery was in the way. They made it work, and they talked a little, and then they each went their own way. Fran Sillau has been a teaching artist for nearly 20 years. During that time, he has worked as a teacher, writer, director, actor, and producer. He has an extensive theater background, especially related to young audiences. He has worked for the Omaha Theater Company for Young people, as well as the Lexington Children’s Theater; in addition he has a long-standing relationship with the Rose Blumkin Theater downtown, where he acts, directs, and conducts workshops. The next time Fran found himself in the JCC building, he was conducting a workshop for the students at Friedel Jewish Academy. “Esther and I met again,” Fran recalls, “started talking, and decided we wanted to work together, and bring some-
thing new and exciting to the JCC theater.” The ‘something new’ is a theater program for all ages and will
Besides, it’s a fun story that everyone is familiar with.” “We often have people from the
Fran Sillau and Esther Katz are still in the early stages, but plan to put on a big show in 2011. start in January of 2011. “We chose the play Willy Wonka, Esther says, “because it requires characters of all ages. It’s the perfect vehicle for kids and adults; together they can build confidence, and relationships.
Rose Blumkin Home walk up to us in the dance department and ask when we will use the stage for a play again,” Esther says. “It will be so nice to make this a reality. It really is time to revive a community acting group,
and we hope everyone is as excited as we are!” In addition, Fran’s experience with the Friedel students was a successful one: “I really enjoyed interacting with the kids,” Fran said, “and I think this is a wonderful opportunity to bring the theater to not just the Friedel students, but everybody in the Jewish community.” Esther Katz agrees: “The fact that this program will combine young children and adults is definitely a plus. This way, different age groups can learn from each other; I think that is an invaluable experience and will strengthen the community.” Fran is equally enthusiastic about mixing age groups on stage: “There is no other place where people of different generations can be on stage together. We hope to create a community of actors, and revive the theater tradition in the JCC building.” Financial support has come from the Sokolof Javitch Music Fund, which has been extremely enthusiastic about the idea of a community theater group. Cost of the program is $125 for JCC members, and $155 for nonmembers. Registration is open for everybody in the community, age Continued on page 3
Hanukkah Extravaganza and A visit to Maayanot YAFFA PODBILEWICZdren,” Yaffa said. “I watched them the premiere of Shalom Sesame bySCHULLER and ANNETTE VAN carefully find a little crevice for
by CAROLE GREENBERG Menorah, followed by a variety of CDC Assistant Director creative and engaging activities and On Sunday, Dec. 5 from 1-2:30 games including Hanukkah Plinko, p.m., please join the Pennie Z. Davis Spin-the-Dreidel Contests, Toss the Child Development Center and the Latke, and Hanukkah Bingo. Art JCC Youth Department for a special projects include finger Menorahs, Hanukkah Extravaganza. Hanukkah necklaces, Gift Bag decoOpen to the entire rating, and much more. Jewish communiThe Premiere of Shalom Sesame will be presented in the ty and JCC memJCC Theater from bers, children and 1:30-2 p.m. Shalom adults of all ages will Sesame is a series enjoy this event. set in Israel from “From the lighting the creators of of the Menorah Sesame Street, and partaking of latkes, to and explores the games, Jewish tradicrafts and tions and Premiere of identity at Grover and friends S h a l o m several Israeli Sesame, this program is a great way sites, including the Western Wall. to celebrate Hanukkah,” says CDC The episode chosen for the premiere Director, Corey Kirshenbaum. “Our is Hanukkah: The Missing Menorah, goal is to bring families together as a where Grover is found in a tizzy community, and parents, grandpar- when his special friend Anneliese ents, aunts and uncles all love this van der Pol (That’s so Raven, the event because it’s fun to see the Broadway musical Beauty and the excited faces of so many children.” Beast), gets caught in a game of tag Hanukkah Extravaganza begins at with a chicken and loses her special 1:00 pm with the lighting of the menorah…just as Hanukkah is about to begin! Can Grover and friends find the missing menorah in time? Guest appearance by Debi Mazar. The original Shalom Sesame was produced in 1986 and 1990 for public television aimed at introducing Israel and Judaism to children. It was announced in 2009 that a new, updated 12-part Shalom Sesame would be produced. The Omaha Continued on page 2
DE KAMP-WRIGHT This year, Yaffa PodbilewiczSchuller and her husband Dan, together with daughters Eliana, 11, and Yael, 8, decided to spend the Sukkot holiday with family in
each folded prayer, and lovingly place them in the Wall.” They spent several days in Tel Aviv and visited relatives for Shabbat in a sukka at their moshav. The kids roamed freely throughout
Eliana Schuller (with white cap) and her sister Yael (holding the T-shirt) pose with Maayanot teacher Edith Fuchs and her students. Israel. One nephew was having his Bar Mitzvah in Haifa. While that was the main reason to go, the Schullers took some side trips along the way. “We spent the first two days of Sukkot in Jerusalem, Yaffa said. “We had never seen so many sukkot, of all shapes and sizes; sometimes built right next to pomegranate trees loaded with fruit!” On their first day they took their girls to the old city of Jerusalem. “Each one carried pouches with the prayers written by Friedel chil-
the night, played with their second and third cousins, and watched the stars. After Tel Aviv, the Schullers traveled to the Galil and Kineret areas and visited Tzfat, Kibbutz Sassa, the Hula valley and Tiberias. They ate fresh just-picked-from-thetrees dates in Kvutzat Kineret, followed by a visit to Akko. Then, they finally arrived in Haifa for the Bar Mitzvah festivities. “The whole time we were with various combinations of relatives and friends,” Yaffa said. “Many Continued on page 2
2 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
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“Eye on Israel” with Jewish Book Month author Gregory Levey by JOANNA HILL The Jewish Tribune (Canada) Gregory Levey's second book, How to Make Peace in the Middle East in Six Months or Less Without Leaving Your Apartment, is a laugh-out-loud funny tale about a serious subject. The author spoke about both of his books (the first is Shut Up, I’m Talking: And Other Diplomacy Lessons I Learned in the Israeli Government) at the Toronto Jewish Book Fair earlier in the month. On Tuesday, Dec. 7, the Omaha community will have the opportunity to meet Levey at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s Jewish Book Month Author Event. The event will begin at 7 p.m. in the library and will be followed by a book signing. The first book describes Levey’s experiences as a speechwriter, first for the Israeli Mission to the United Nations in New York and later for then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon in Israel. When Levey left Israel and returned to Toronto, he accepted a teaching post at Ryerson University and wrote articles about the Middle East for major magazines and newspapers. His articles led to media appearances and subsequently his first book was published. “I’d sort of developed this accidental niche,” Levey said. And unhappily for him, he was stuck there, because that’s all anyone wanted to talk about with him. Strangers -- some stranger than others -- emailed and phoned. Publications rejected his proposals for articles on other topics. After being “sort of railroaded” into writing about the Middle East in his second book, he decided to solve the conflict once and for all. “Even though I was tired of talking about Israel,” he wrote in the book, “I was excited about my journey. I thought that, in a curious way, it might be my only way to escape the conflict. At the very least, hopefully, I would begin to understand why so many people were so obsessed with the subject -- and why I myself could not stop engaging with it, despite being absolutely sick of the whole thing.”
While on his quest for peace, Levey encountered politicians, former spies, diplomats, lobbyists and activists. He went “undercover” at a Christians United for Israel conference and “did paramilitary training with a Jewish militia.” He attended an AIPAC conference, interviewed someone from J-Street, met with a former senior advisor to Yasser Arafat and tried unsuccessfully to engage the International Solidarity Movement in dialogue. One night, he attended a bizarre party at a castle hosted by a billionaire who wore a cape and called himself, ‘Peaceman.’ Peace eluded him in a computer game called PeaceMaker and participants in the online fantasy world Second Life told him about virtual terrorist attacks, including a suicide bombing. Gregory Levey “One of the people I met (in Credit: adamcarolla.com Second Life) said, ‘This is particularly weird because there’s unlimited land online, and this conflict’s about land, so what is it about this conflict that manages to infect even the online world?’ You have virtual Israelis and virtual Palestinians, they probably all live in Pittsburgh or someplace, fighting each other in this virtual Israel.” How to Make Peace in the Middle East... provides an interesting, humorous overview not only of the issues but also, most enjoyably, of some of the lively characters who populate the real and virtual worlds of Israel-centric advocacy. Other Jewish Book Month Events include: Thursday, December 23, 7 p.m., Kripke Jewish Federation Library Author Spotlight Series on: “Irene Némirovsky.” Join Library Administrator Gary Katz as he takes a literary tour through the life and works of Irene Némirovsky. Némirovsky is now best known as the author of the “Suite Française.” For more information on any Jewish Book Month events, call Gary at 334.6462 or email gkatz@jewishomaha.org. Jewish Book Month is presented by the Center for Jewish Education through the Kripke Jewish Federation Library and is generously sponsored by the Special Donor Advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation.
A visit to Maayanot
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Continued from page 1 Finally, they made their way to Maayanot in the Naariya came from Mexico, some were new immigrants. It was a area. Maayanot, Friedel Jewish Academy’s sister school is a joyful trip marked by the warmth of family gathering place all Friedel students are very familiar with, albeit together.” mostly through letters and The Schuller girls and pictures. “Many of the stutheir cousins all spoke some dents there have been pen extent of Hebrew, Spanish pals of Friedel students,” and English, according to Yaffa says. “They have Yaffa: “My nephews in exchanged projects, like the Mexico attend a Jewish day mural with cartisei brachot, school where they learn which was made by Friedel students several years ago Hebrew from preschool on, and is still in display.” and English from seventh The Friedel-Maayanot grade on. My nephews in twinning program is part of Israel speak Spanish at the Partnership with Israel, home, and lived in the D.C. and has been very beneficial area some years ago, and for students at both schools, attended American schools according to Friedel princithere. And, of course, Eliana pal Ron Giller. “This proand Yael learn Hebrew at Maayanot: friends from far, far away gram is a great asset to both Friedel. In addition, we speak to them in Spanish at home. It was amazing listening our schools, and we hope to continue the relationship for to them negotiate their interactions and play while switch- many, many years.” In early December, two Maayanot representatives, ing from one language to the other. I felt very fortunate to live in a Jewish community that supports its Jewish Day teacher and coordinator Edith Fuchs, as well as principal school and so blessed to be able to send Eliana and Yael to Amir Eisenberger, will be coming to Omaha for additional programming, together with Friedel students and staff. Friedel.”
Hanukkah Extravaganza and the premiere of Shalom Sesame Continued from page 1 JCC will join hundreds of other Jewish Community Centers who will also be participating on the same day to watch the Premiere of Shalom Sesame. “It’s exciting that thousands of children across the country are going to be seeing this for the first time!” remarks Laura Wine, Youth Department Director. To join us for this Special Family Hanukkah Extravaganza on Sunday Dec. 5 from 1-2:30 p.m., you can register online
at www.jccomaha.org or call Cindy Reed, Registration Associate at 334.6419. The cost is $4 per person or $16 per family and includes all activities, latkes and applesauce, and the premiere of Shalom Sesame. If you have any questions, please contact Carole Greenberg at 334.6414 or Laura Wine at 334.6409. Come and be a part of Hanukkah Extravaganza and the Premiere of Shalom Sesame!
November 26, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 3
What can Israel, the Palestinians figure out in 90 days? by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- What can happen in 90 days? That’s the question Middle East observers are asking as Israel and the United States move closer to a deal on a 90day West Bank Jewish settlement freeze to lure the Palestinians back to the negotiating table and revive peace talks. A seven-hour tete-a-tete last week between U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resulted in new willingness by Netanyahu to press his Cabinet to agree to another settlement freeze. In exchange, the United States reportedly offered 20 F-35 fighter jets and $3 billion in weapons, as well as a pledge not to seek any further settlement freezes. Clinton reportedly also promised Netanyahu that the U.S. would veto any attempt by the Palestinians to get the U.N. Security Council to recognize a unilateral declaration of statehood, and that the Obama administration would intensify efforts to isolate Iran. Netanyahu’s refusal to extend the first 10-month freeze when it lapsed Sept. 26 prompted the Palestinians to suspend direct talks that had been renewed four weeks earlier. It wasn’t clear by Tuesday whether Netanyahu would be able to persuade his Cabinet to accept the proposal. An Israeli official told The Associated Press that the Cabinet was awaiting a written U.S. proposal and would not vote on the matter by Wednesday, as planned. It also was not clear whether the Palestinians would accept the proposal. One thing that is clear, Middle East experts said: Even if such hurdles are overcome, three months are unlikely to produce any major breakthroughs. Aaron David Miller, a negotiator whose experience spanned the administrations of the first President Bush, President Clinton and the second President Bush, said Netanyahu could not possibly deliver the minimum demands of the Palestinians within 90 days: borders that conform to the pre-1967 lines, albeit with land swaps, and compromises on Jerusalem and refugees. “There’s no way that Benjamin Netanyahu can make a deal with the government he now has,” said Miller, now a scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center and author of “The Much Too Promised Land: America’s Elusive Search for Arab-Israeli Peace.” Instead, Miller said, the best the Americans could hope for was to get Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to the point where they trust one another enough to stick with the process. Instead of the Obama administration “owning” the process, Miller said, the Palestinians and the Israelis would be committed to the talks to the point where they would not need American prodding. “You need Netanyahu and Abbas thinking the other guy is serious and I will stretch to meet his needs,” Miller said. Another tack, suggested Steven Spiegel, a political science
professor at UCLA, would be for the sides to agree on the settlement blocs that eventually would become part of Israel, and that there would be a one-for-one land swap with a future Palestinian state for these lands. That would allow Israel to build unfettered in those blocs while bringing the Palestinians a step closer to recognized statehood. “The aim is to settle the settlement question and get it off the table,” Spiegel said, noting that it has been the principal issue vexing talks until now.
States for a visit, Obama’s response was much more muted than in March, when a similar announcement occurred during Vice President Joe Biden’s visit to Israel. Instead of the tough language Obama administration officials had used in March, Obama merely said the announcement was “unhelpful” and called on both sides not to make unilateral moves. In a phone call last Friday with Jewish organizational leaders, Daniel Shapiro, the most senior National Security Council official dealing with Israel and its neighbors, took pains to reassure his listeners that all of Netanyahu’s meetings with U.S. officials -- including Biden and Clinton -- had been “excellent.” There were signs also that with the delays and suspicions still besetting the process, the administration was trimming its hopes for a settled outcome within a year. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley admitted Monday in a briefing that the administration was no longer as confident in the 12-month “clock.” “As you know, when the process started, we said this could be accomplished within 12 months,” he said. “Hard to say at this point, given the delay over the issue of settlements, where we stand on that clock. But the first step in the process is to get them back to the bargaining table.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton in New York, Nov. 11, 2010. The two reportedly are close to a deal for Israel to freeze settlement construction for another 90 days. Credit: Avi Ohayon/FLASH90/JTA Much could stand in the way of such an outcome, not least of which is the distance that still separates Abbas and Netanyahu. The Palestinian leader reportedly is seeking his own assurances from the United States before returning to the negotiating table, including a freeze on building in eastern Jerusalem -- something that has been rejected emphatically by Netanyahu. Other factors that could inhibit an accommodation are a resurgence of terrorist attacks engineered by Hamas, and the economic and political realities in the United States now preoccupying President Obama after massive Democratic losses in the U.S. House of Representatives. U.S. Rep. Eric Cantor (R-Va.) already told Netanyahu in a separate meeting that a Republican majority would “serve as a check” on the Obama administration. A Cantor spokesman clarified later to say that the lawmaker was speaking broadly, but the context of the statement suggested that it would include matters of U.S.-Israel relations. It was clear even before the Clinton-Netanyahu meeting that the Obama administration was going out of its way to smooth a path for Netanyahu back to the talks. When Israel announced a major building start in eastern Jerusalem on Nov. 8, just as Netanyahu came to the United
Coming soon to a theater near you Continued from page 1 eight and up, and will close on Dec. 20. Auditions will be held on Sunday, Jan. 9; from 10:30-11:30 for 18 and older, and from 12:301:30 for budding actors between eight and 18 years old. Rehearsals will be held on Thursday evenings at the JCC, beginning January 13th. The performance is scheduled for Thursday, April 14. “The auditions are to determine what part people will be playing,” Esther says. “Once you Esther and Talia Katz are signed up, you will not be turned away. There is a part for everyone!” For more information, email Esther Katz at ekatz@jccomaha.org. Esther is currently on maternity leave with baby Talia, but does answer her email. To sign up, email Cindy Reed at creed@jccomaha.org, or call 334. 6419.
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4 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
Newman Supporting Foundation awards grants by MARY BORT Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation The Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation announced that the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation Board of Trustees awarded grants to twelve Omaha programs. “The Newman Supporting Foundation received a variety of grant applications this year, representing many worthwhile programs,” explained Marty Ricks, Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation Executive Director. “After careful deliberation, the Board selected programs they determined would positively affect the community most significantly.” A grant was given to the Anti-Defamation League/ Community Relations Committee (ADL/CRC) for the 25th Annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop (PEW). The ADL/ CRC grant proposal described the PEW as a one-day program that will be held in Oct. 2011. Over 400 high school juniors from 50 schools from the Omaha area and surrounding communities will be invited to attend. School counselors, teachers and staff will participate in educator training. Professionals from education, business and nonprofit organizations volunteer for the event and will be trained by ADL staff to serve as workshop facilitators. The PEW challenges stereotypes and biases and builds bridges of understanding. Participants learn to take responsibility for fighting discrimination and prejudice. Students leave the workshop as future change agents in their schools and communities. The Center for Jewish Education (CJE) was awarded a grant to bring the Bible Raps Project to Omaha’s new Jewish Chai School. As explained in the CJE’s application, the program is built around raps that draw from Midrash and Bible texts. This mode of cultural communication has been found to highly resonate with high school students. High school seniors will participate in a workshop where they create their own Bible raps that they later perform for the rest of the Chai School students. All the students will attend a dinner and an interactive Bible raps program about Jewish history and texts. The event will take place on the last evening of school in May 2011. Another grant was awarded to the CJE for the CornerStones Fund. This fund provides assistance for needy Jewish children to attend Jewish preschool, summer camps, day school and other youth programs. The grant request described the CornerStones Fund as an avenue for Omaha’s Jewish community to make donations to assist these children. The demand for need-based scholarships has been on the rise, and there has been additional depletion of funds due to the market over the past couple of years. The
Newman Supporting Foundation grant will help the CornerStones Fund continue to provide confidential scholarships to children in our community. Funding was allocated to the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund (HHEF) to provide Holocaust and genocide education courses at universities and colleges. College students gain an understanding of the lingering and serious impact of the Holocaust, learning about the past so they can change the future. HHEF-sponsored courses are taught at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Creighton University and Wayne State College. Inclusive Communities was awarded a grant to support their summer IncluCity I program. The Inclusive Communities’ application indicated that a diverse group of 60 high school students, along with 30 volunteer staff, will meet in a week-long residential setting to confront bigotry and discrimination through workshops, exercises, panels, discussions and more. Participants in the IncluCity I program will gain awareness, learn new skills and develop an action plan to make positive changes at school, in the workplace and in the community. The Jewish Community Center (JCC) and the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization (BBYO) were awarded a grant to support the 7th Annual Shiputznick Day, a day of service for Omaha’s Jewish teens scheduled for April 7, 2011. As described in the grant proposal, teens will participate in order to fulfill “…gemilut chasadim, acts of loving kindness, tzedakah, just and charitable giving, and tikkun olam, the idea that Jews are duty bound to help fix a broken world.” They will work in small groups to prepare meals for those in need, help seniors, and more. Afterwards, they will attend a kosher dinner and reflection session. The Newman Supporting Foundation selected the JCC to receive a grant for the 2011 Yom Ha’Atzmaut Community Celebration. The grant will help defray some of the costs that come from hosting this event that will include a community-wide picnic and live concert. One objective of this program is to provide a fun event that all ages will enjoy. Approximately 300 people are expected to attend this annual event. A grant was awarded to the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) for the Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) program in 2011. YJO works to connect Jewish young adults with local Jewish life. Programming includes a “cocktails and conversation” series, holiday and Shabbat events, and joint programming with a variety of other secular and Jewish organizations. The JFO and Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing received a grant
for comprehensive genetic testing in the Jewish community. As explained in the grant proposal, there are at least 18 genetic disorders known to be common among Jews of Ashkenazi descent. In 2004, the Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing partnered with Boys Town National Research Hospital and the JFO to provide free genetic testing. 107 people were tested and 25% of the participants were found to be carriers. This coming year, the JFO and Greater Omaha Committee for Jewish Genetic Testing are partnering with the University of Nebraska Medical Center to provide an informational forum in April of 2011 and genetic testing in May. Genetic counseling will be provided once the results have been determined. The Newman Supporting Foundation grant will be used toward the costs associated with this program that is offered free and open to the public. The Jewish Press received a grant to hire a college-age journalism student, who is an active member of the Omaha Jewish community, to intern during the summer. The grant application indicated that the intern will offer support to both the newspaper and website while providing a voice that is representative of young people in our community. This is also an opportunity to develop young talent in our community. A grant was awarded to the JFO Foundation’s B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program. Teens establish donor-advised funds with the Foundation by donating $125 of their Bar/Bat Mitzvah gift money, and that amount is matched with an additional $375 from the Foundation. Each year, each participating teen allocates a percentage of his or her fund to non-profit organizations, with at least one of the organizations being a Jewish charitable organization. Through the B’nai Tzedek program, Omaha Jewish teens are educated about local, national and international Jewish non-
profit organizations. They learn about philanthropy through guest speakers, programs and activities held throughout the year. Last year, the students donated $1,900 to 24 different organizations, including Jewish Federation of Omaha agencies and local synagogues. Telling stories about “Mom and Pop” grocery stores of Nebraska and western Iowa will be the focus of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society (NJHS) journal, Memories of the Jewish Midwest. The NJHS received a Newman Supporting Foundation grant to help cover the costs associated with producing, editing and mailing the journal. As the NJHS explained in their grant proposal, Memories of the Jewish Midwest will serve to preserve the history of family owned grocery stores, which were an important aspect of the Jewish community. When Jewish immigrants came to the U.S., many began working as peddlers which led some of them to start “Mom and Pop” grocery stores. The journal will include stories about these people and their families. “The generosity of the Newman Supporting Foundation enables organizations in our community to provide some terrific programs that benefit so many people,” said Ricks. “We’re very fortunate that Murray and Sharee decided to establish their supporting foundation. We all benefit from their support.” The Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation has provided grants to the Omaha community since 1987. Current members of the Newman Supporting Foundation Board of Trustees include Susie Noddle (President), Sharee C. Newman (Vice-President), Lisa C. Lewis (Secretary-Treasurer), Jamie Zacharia Friedland, Jeff Kirshenbaum, Jay Lerner, and Murray H. Newman. For more information about establishing a supporting foundation, please contact Marty Ricks at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation office at 334.6440.
37th Annual Jewish Book Month events
Rabbi Jonathan Gross speaks about his first book The Jewish Case for the One State Solution during Jewish Book Month.
Cathleen Schine, author of The Three Weissmanns of Westport and Gary Katz during Jewish Book Month.
Out
Dining
November 26, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 5
Hanukkah and Chutzpa
Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER According to my friend and teacher Rabbi Lior Engelman, “Hanukkah is a story of chutzpa.” Since Jews in general and Israelis in particular are known for their chutzpa, which in its most positive connotation means “brazenness,” I thought it appropriate to freely translate below Rabbi Engelman's thoughts on this matter. When a person is not prepared to recognize their own weaknesses or to know their own “place,” we say that that person has chutzpa. The chutzpadik person always thinks of themselves as much greater than the object of their chutzpa, even if the latter is objectively stronger and more powerful. In the story of Hanukkah, two types of chutzpa struggle against each other: Greek chutzpa versus Jewish chutzpa. This dual approach to chutzpa is epitomized in Pirke Avot (Ethics of the Sages), where Yehuda Ben Tema says: “Be brazen as a leopard, light as an eagle, swift as a deer, and strong as a lion to carry out the will of God in Heaven” (5.23), and then directly afterwards he says: “The brazen go to Gehninnom [hell], but the shamefaced go to the Garden of Eden” (5.24). The time of the Maccabees saw face-to-face combat between these two types of chutzpa—the one that leads to Gehinnom and the one that serves God. Greek chutzpa enlarges a person beyond their true dimensions. It gives absolute exclusivity to the human being's understanding of the world. In its rejection of the Creator of the world, Greek chutzpa wishes to free the human being from a faith in what is beyond and above them in order to maximize human strength. Through a rejection of the existence of the Lord of the Universe and through turning God into a statue, Greek wisdom wants to crown the human being as the greatest living power on earth. In essence, Greek chutzpa completely negates the value of the human being. In the absence of any overarching meaning to the world and in the absence of a divine soul in the human being, each of us turns into a tiny valueless speck amidst an infinite universe. Yes, paradoxically, the chutzpa that negates the existence of God is precisely the chutzpa that negates the worth of the human being: a person
becomes small and trivial and all of their actions upon earth don't seem to amount to anything much. Rabbi Akiva says (Pirke Avot 3.18) “beloved is man, for he was created in God's image,” but once God is turned into a statue, human belovedness evaporates. Greek chutzpa opposes Jewish chutzpa, which is also prepared to be bold like a leopard and to see itself as bigger than its power justifies--but to do so in order to serve God in heaven. In the face of a chutzpa that wants to defile the world and to turn it into something small, there stands the chutzpa of the flask of oil. This flask, which to the naked eye seems to contain enough oil to light for just one day, is emboldened to go beyond what meets the eye, and this chutzpa serves it well in its time of need. Just like the small number of Maccabee fighters against the sophisticated Greek war machine, the small flask symbolizes Jewish chutzpa. The Maccabees are a symbol for people who are bold enough to think big, people whose dreams are as high as the sky and who will not settle for a wingless, earthbound realism. Hanukkah is the story of the small flask that turns out not to be small, the story of “this little light of mine” whose perseverance reveals itself as a great torch. Hanukkah is the story of the light that is placed near the entrance of every Jewish home, the story of the small person who, through a true connection with their Creator, becomes very great. Hanukkah is the story of the best chutzpa that there is--the chutzpa of Jewish faith. It is precisely the chutzpa of faith in God that reveals to us that the human being is truly great, for God put the human being in charge of the world and put within them an infinite, heavenly soul. We know from the Talmud that the world will see an increase of chutzpa in the days leading up to the Messiah (see Sota 49b). Perhaps the Talmud is speaking about the type of chutzpa that we learn from the Maccabees: the chutzpa to dream big, to believe big, to see the world through the eyes of faith, to know that we are bigger than what we might think, and to become as bold as a leopard to carry out the will of our God in Heaven. Happy Hanukkah. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest two, Nathan and Rebecca, recently completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces; their daughter Ruthie is still serving in the IDF. Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.
Temple Israel to light up Hanukkah with menorahs and donations to JFS by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator It’s time for latkes, dreidels, and singing at Temple Israel on Friday, Dec. 3 at the 6 p.m. Shabbat and holiday worship service written by Omaha Temple Youth Group members. OTYG Religious and Cultural Vice President Hannah Perry planned the service with OTYG Advisor Amy Katz. Youth group members Grace Hack and Ariel Kohll will accompany the singing during the service with their guitars. A dinner of brisket, vegetables, and latkes will follow the service. A vegetable pasta dish will also be available. There will be no charge for dinner. It’s free for all members of Temple Israel. Women of Reform Judaism will provide dessert. Bring your menorahs to decorate the holiday dinner tables in the Friedman Social Hall. The congregation will light up
the room to celebrate the victory of the Maccabees in their fight to be free and worship as they believed. To brighten the lives of those in our community who need assistance, please bring non-food items such as laundry detergent, dishwashing detergent, deodorant, shaving cream, razors, shampoo, conditioner, feminine hygiene products, tissue, paper towels, and dish towels which will be donated to the Jewish Family Service pantry. Space is limited for the dinner so please RSVP to the Temple Israel office as soon as possible. Email your reservation to templeisrael@templeisraelomaha.com or call 556.6536. Temple Israel volunteers and staff will also celebrate Chanukah by lighting candles and singing with residents of Remington Heights Retirement Center. On Thursday, Dec. 2, members of Temple Israel will share Chanukah with residents at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.
Arts+Entertainment It’s time to celebrate Hanukkah in Israel - Sesame-style! Grover is bringing the latkes, as Shalom Sesame: Hanukkah -- The Missing Menorah airs Thursday, Dec. 2, at 10 a.m., repeating Monday, Dec. 6, at 10 a.m. on NET1 and NET-HD. NET1 and NET-HD are part of NET Television, a service of NET. For a complete program schedule, visit NET’s website, netNebraska.org/television.
Saturday Dec. 4, 2-3 p.m., there will be a fundraiser for Billy Mann, organized by Karen Sokolof Javitch, including singers Dani Burr, Tim Abou-Nasr, Grace & Jack Bydalek, Pegi Georgeson, Tiffany White-Welchen, Eric Linder & more! Join us at Warehouse Recording Studio, 206 S. 44th St. All proceeds will assist the Mann Family with medical expenses. Questions? Call 402.393.3893
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6 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
Bananukah
Gypsy chicks JOEY HOFFMAN Hanukkah. Isn’t that the holiday where you find the afikomen? Growing up in suburban New York, I was a twice-a-year Reform Jew who attended temple on Rosh Hoshana and Yom Kippur. This meant stockings (too tight), silence (too much) and sermon (too long). As a young girl, my sister Suzi and I would have muffled laughing fits, then alternately get sent to the ladies room. In my teens and twenties, I’d scan nearby rows for families on which to focus. I loved watching a husband wrap his arm around his wife, settling in; absorbing the cantor’s operatic croon and singing a-vi-nu mal-kay, nu. Oh. And the J.F.K. Jr. look-alike rabbi. But I digress… I’m an old Jewish soul. When Daisy was in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, I befriended the hospital rabbi. One day I asked: How can I get closer to God? “Perform a mitzvah,” he said. “Light candles on Shabbat.” Now, after our soulful Friday night ritual, Daisy and I linger for a moment in our kitchen, lit only by the candles’ hypnotic glow. I tear up. Every time. “You’ll always remember this,” I say, hoping to gently burn the sacred image in her mind---and mine---like the menorah of my youth. I’d watch the teeny wax waterfall slowly drip, then dry, then hours later, I’d return to quietly marvel at the tiny flames, still aglow. To fact-find about the Festival of Lights, I turned to Daisy, who’s in her fourth year of Hebrew school with an encyclopedic knowledge (in my myopic view, at least) of Jewish liturgy. “What is Hanukkah?” I asked. “There’s either a hanukiah or a menorah and it looks like there’s eight candles but there’s actually nine, including the helper candle which lights all the candles. And we get eight days of presents and we play dreidel and we get chocolate money!” Hanukiah? “What is it a celebration of?” “The eternal light, it’s a light in a temple in Israel where it was supposed to last for one day but it actually lasted for eight so they called it the eternal light.” “Eternal? What does that mean?” “Eternal means, like, forever.” I love this girl. “And is this the holiday where we eat latkes?”
Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob Kully, businessman and financial advisor, will discuss the 2008 financial meltdown, its effect on us, and what we can do about it on Wednesday, Dec. 1, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewish omaha.org. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. MAINSTREETERS Mainstreeters Luncheon is Monday, Dec. 20, 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. Cantor Wendy Shermet and Cantor Beth Schlossberg will take you on a Sentimental Journey. The cost is $10 per person. Send reservation form to Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti at 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For transportation call Maggie Conti at 334.6521 and for information call Jim Wax at 393.4442. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services.
“Wo,” she said. “Wo, wo, wo, wo, wo. I learned that in preschool.” OK smarty-pants. “Why latkes?” “I don’t know. We haven’t learned that yet.” My in-depth research (Google) revealed that it’s traditional to eat fried foods on Hanukkah because of the significance of oil that burned for eight days in the holy temple. Um. So, we’re actually encouraged to ingest fried foods? I’m more observant than I thought. Here’s a question: Is it Hanukkah? Chanukkah? Channuka? Hanukah? Or Hanukkah? Woody Guthrie spelled it H-a-n-u-k-a. He wrote at least six holiday songs. From Hanuka Bell: “I’ll help you clean and scrubbity scrub I’ll dress you pretty and sweet, sweet, sweet, I’ll dance you right out your door, door, door, And you must be sad no more.” Danna Banana (a.k.a. Dan Cohen; dannabanana.com), the wacky surrogate brother of my youth, created Bananukah, a wildly entertaining and educational CD in which he tells the maccabee's story through BNN (Banana News Network), classic songs and hilarious madeup tunes sung in his signature Broadway-bound baritone. Daisy, Dan and Woody get it. I believe I do too. Hanukkah is about joy and triumph, celebration and light. Proverbs 20:27 says: “The candle of God is the soul of man.” Just as the NICU rabbi said. How blessed I am to have Daisy as my teacher, bringing me closer to my faith. And myself. Still, one question nags me: Woody was Jewish?! Joey Hoffman is a New York-born freelance writer and embarrassingly proud mother of Daisy---a singer, kosher ham, and liver, small bowel, pancreas transplant survivor. They live in Omaha with Sadie, a carrot-obsessed Shepherd-Husky, and Nala, a kleptomaniac Greyhound.
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November 26, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 7
December
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Community Calendar FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26 Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 27 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 28 Temple Israel Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center BESTT classes not in Session at Beth El MONDAY, NOVEMBER 29 BESTT Classes resume, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Medicine and Morals, 7 p.m. at Chabad TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 30 Eye on Israel, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Goldstein Supporting Foundation Meeting, 4 p.m. B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 6 p.m. JFO Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. 2011 Maccabi Games/Art Fest Auditions, 6:30 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. Jewish Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 1 613 Mitzvot with Rabbi Azriel, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community High School, 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 NCJW Meeting, 11:30 am Foundation Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m. Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home OFFUTT AFB Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m. BBYO Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m. 2011 Maccabi Games/Art Fest Auditions, 6:30 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel 37th Annual Jewish Book Month Event, 7 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Women’s Book Group, 3:30 p.m. at Beth El BESTT Hanukkah Program, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Parasha & Pizza Class, 6 p.m. at Beth El 613 Mitzvot, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Community High School, 6:30 p.m. YJO Meeting, 6:30 p.m. Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel History of Judaism in England, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Friedel Hanukkah Play and Reception, 7 p.m. Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 2 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel History of Judaism in England, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Friedel Family Hanukkah Night, 6:30 p.m. at Beth El Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 10 Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Friedel PTO Latke Sales & Lunch, 11:30 a.m. Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat! & Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El JYG/OTYG Friday Night, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel USY Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 12 Sunday Breakfast Scholar’s Series, 10 a.m. at Beth El WRJ Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Youth Art Workshop, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Beth El Kadima Going to Skate Daze, 3 p.m. Beth El BESTT Chaverim Going to PE 101, 5 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Annual Hanukkah Lunch, noon at Beth Israel Hanukkah Carnival, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 B’nai B’rith Hanukkah Fun Run & Breakfast, 9 a.m. Beth El & BBYO Joint Blood Drive, 9 a.m. 2011 Maccabi Games/Art Fest Auditions, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Temple Israel Club 56 Hanukkah Party, noon Youth Art Workshop, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El JCC Hanukkah Extravaganza, 1 p.m. Temple Israel JYG/OTYG Remington Hanukkah Party & Skating Party, 5 p.m. MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Beth El Celebrates Hanukkah at the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. Men’s Club Family Latke Dinner - eat in or take out!, 6 p.m. at Beth El YJO Meeting, 6:30 p.m. CJE Committee Meeting, 7 p.m.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Learner’s Service with Cantor Schlossberg, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El
MONDAY, DECEMBER 13 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Lets Wine About It! with Cantor Schlossberg, 6:30 p.m. at Brix TUESDAY, DECEMBER 14 ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Pizza and Parsha Class, 6:15 pm at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Community High School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Inclement Weather Date for Friedel Hanukkah Play & Reception, 7 p.m.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 16 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel History of Judaism in England, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel School Directors Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El JOLT Session with Michael Brooks, 7 p.m. Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17 Mainstreeters Luncheon Program, 12:30 p.m. Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 18 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 am at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 am at Beth El 39 Forever Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21 Main Streeters Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. 2011 Maccabi Games/Art Fest Auditions, 6:30 p.m Adult B’nai Mitzvah Class, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel
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WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 22 Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Beth El College Student Lunch, 1 p.m. Author Spotlight Series, 7 p.m. at Kripke Library Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel
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FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Friday Night Dinner, 5:45 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m.
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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28 BBYO Night, 6 p.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 15 613 Mitzvot, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel JFO Young Men’s Beer Tasting Event, 7 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel
All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.
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8 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
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Tinsel
by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Judging from the cartoon on the next page, it is that time of year again: there's much ado about the December dilemma. Google the term, and you’re likely to receive over half a million hits in under 0.34 seconds. Most of those articles don’t show a lot of optimism; using words like ‘conflict’ and ‘anxiety’, and ‘challenging’. It is obvious that the holiday season is somewhat problematic for many. It’s true, different holidays can cause strife within a blended family, and shouldn’t be scoffed at. But then there is the ‘other conflict’: the fact that it can be difficult to be part of the minority, when the majority culture goes all out in the decorating department. Christmas carols everywhere, and not a dreidel in sight. Not only that: it starts earlier and earlier. This year, I saw a decorated tree at a store in early August. It’s a discussion that has been taking place for years; there is a competition between Santa and the Maccabees, and the Maccabees are losing. Hanukkah decorations and television specials are few and far between, while Christmas music, the bearded guy in the red suit, and those Zales commercials are literally everywhere. It’s aggravating, isn’t it? The way Target never stocks as many Menorahs as they do red and green lights, and the way the supermarket hides the gelt in an awkward spot, almost as an afterthought.
Except, maybe we are not supposed to feel this way about our holidays. Just because Hanukkah and Christmas happen to fall during the same time of year, we think we must compete, when, in fact, there’s no need. Does being overexposed to holiday lights or reindeer make us any less Jewish? One would hope it would take more than that to make us doubt our identity. The thing is, when we focus on those outward signs (lights, trees, presents) we are not really talking about a deep theological divide. In fact, we are not talking about religion at all. Presents in shiny wrapping and the like are superficial signs of Christmas, cultural baggage, “fun stuff ” that has no connection to what that holiday is really about. Just as the latkes and dreidels aren’t really what make us Jews; we would have to look a whole lot deeper than that. We don’t really need to worry about being corrupted by the shiny décor. I know; it is tempting to complain about the sheer volume of Christmas reminders. To avoid all that tinsel, one must either move to a deserted island somewhere, or shut the doors and curtains to the outside world. But maybe this year, instead of competing, we could think about which of those outward signs we have in common with the people around us who aren’t Jewish. What is it about holiday gettogethers that we all value, regardless of what we celebrate? What is it that we all look forward to?
Most likely, no matter our cultural, religious or ethnic background, it is getting together with family and friends. Connecting with the ones who are close to us, slowing down, taking a break from our day-to-day hectic lives. We build memories, honor traditions, and hopefully come away refreshed and re-energized. And if we are lucky, we reestablish our place in the world, and we remember where we belong. When we look at how we, as human beings, celebrate, we are reminded that we’re not so different from one another. So what if we fry latkes while others cook a Christmas ham? At the end of the day, enjoying what is good is much better than obsessing over what irritates us. Speaking of celebratory food: the Blumkin Home probably has some pumpkin pie left, and don’t miss Friedel’s latke lunch on Friday, Dec. 3, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Call Lisa at 334.0517 to make your reservation, or to order take out by Dec. 1. On Thursday, Dec. 2 at 6:30 p.m. there will be a Hanukkah dinner and family dreidel game at Chabad Center Temple Israel’s annual Hanukkah dinner takes place on Friday, Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. Beth Israel has scheduled a Shabbos Hanukkah lunch on Saturday, Dec. 4 at noon, and Beth El’s Men’s Club Latke Dinner will take place on Monday, Dec. 6, at 6 pm.
Ariel theater opening pits left and right in fight over who is hurting Israel
Focus on issues LESLIE SUSSER JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Residents of the arid West Bank town of Ariel got a taste last week of Paris. Defying left-wing calls for an actors’ boycott, the Beersheba theater group inaugurated a new cultural center with a moving performance of “Piaf,” a musical tribute to the undisputed doyenne of the French chanson. The very staging of the show went to the heart of a bitter argument between left and right over which side can claim to be today’s true Zionists. Each accuses the other of betraying the Zionist heritage and giving succor to a rising tide of delegitimization that calls for Israel’s dismantlement or at least questions its right to exist. For the left-wingers, the tricky dilemma is how to criticize the government and the occupation without providing ammunition for Israel’s foes. Right-wingers argue that sharp left-wing attacks on the settler project, like calling for a cultural boycott of the settlements, play into the hands of would-be delegitimizers, who also use the boycott weapon. Left-wingers retort that only by ending the occupation, the target of virtually all their criticism, will Israel finally be able to put to rest the growing rumblings against its international legitimacy. In the run-up to the Piaf performance, left-wing actors, directors, authors and academics wrote letters calling for a boycott of the Ariel cultural center to make crystal clear their opposition to the ongoing settlement enterprise. “It was essential to remind Israeli public opinion that there is no consensus on the legitimacy of the settlements,” playwright Yehoshua Sobol, one of the leaders of the protest, told JTA. “It’s a case of Ariel or Israel. Ariel will destroy Israel if it goes on like this.” Israeli Culture Minister Limor Livnat responded with two proposals, both of which enraged the left: that government financing for theater groups be dependent on prior agreement to perform anywhere under Israeli control, and that a prize be created for “Zionist” work. Outraged left-wingers argued that it would be wrong to attach government strings of any kind to creative work.
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Moreover, they asked, who would define what was or was not “Zionist?” “There is a semantic confusion here,” Gadi Baltiansky, director of the Geneva Initiative, a 2003 blueprint for peace with the Palestinians, said in an interview with JTA. “When Culture Minister Limor Livnat says her answer to those who don’t want to perform in Ariel is to give a prize to a ‘Zionist’ work, she is turning things upside down. The true Zionists are the people who don’t want to keep the West Bank, and those who do are the ones undermining the legitimacy of the Zionist enterprise.” The right-wingers contend that Israel, surrounded by irredentist enemies and facing growing international criticism aimed at delegitimizing its very existence, desperately needs a single unifying ideology based on the justice of its cause. Otherwise, they say, the country might not survive. “If we are to withstand everything the Israeli Arabs, the Islamic world and the post-modernists who see nationalism as outmoded and immoral want to do to us, we need a defining ideology that highlights the justice of our cause,” Yisrael Harel, chairman of the Institute for Zionist Strategies, told JTA. “Otherwise, over time, there won’t be a Jewish state because there will be no one left to fight for it.” Left-wingers respond that it is precisely the monolithic ultranationalism pushed by people like Harel that could make Israel an international pariah. On the contrary, they say, a place of honor for Israel among the nations depends on a commitment to universal, humanistic ideals and an end to the occupation. For the past few years, Eran Shayshon of the Tel Avivbased Reut Institute has been working on strategies to combat Israel’s would-be delegitimizers. In an interview with JTA, Shayshon argued that vocal Israeli left-wing critics can actually play a key role in the fight against delegitimization. Coming from them, he said, criticism of the delegitimizers carries more weight. But Shayshon says that not all left-wingers take a helpful stance. Some are wary of even acknowledging that a delegitimization problem exists, he says, because they fear that to do so might compromise their freedom to criticize the government. Others go too far, using terms like “apartheid,” which plays into the hands of delegitimizers.
“We need people from the liberal left first to acknowledge that a delegitimization problem exists and then to distance themselves clearly from the phenomenon,” Shayshon said. Shayshon maintains that while the ultranationalism on the Israeli right is clearly a response to delegitimization, it is not a very effective way of fighting it. In some cases, he says, it even helps the delegitimizers depict Israel as an intolerant and close-minded society. In Shayshon’s view, what Israel needs is to make a very clear distinction between delegitimization of the state and legitimate criticism of government policy, and then to be receptive to the criticism while isolating and marginalizing the delegitimitizers. The trouble is that this requires a subtlety of mind -Shayshon says that doesn’t readily exist in Israel. “Israelis tend to adopt a ‘narrow tent’ mind-set, which says, ‘If you are not with me, you are against me,’ whereas the delegitimizers do the opposite, embracing anyone who is not against them,” he said. “That is a much more effective strategy and I think we should adopt it. The narrow-tent approach could push critics who care about the country into the arms of the delegitimizers who don’t.” Nevertheless Shayshon -- who has been focusing on areas like London, the San Francisco Bay Area, Madrid and Montreal, where delegimization groups are strong -- predicted the beginnings of a positive turnaround. “2011 is going to be the first year we fight back. When I say we, I mean the government as well as pro-Zionist groups in Israel and abroad,” he said. “There is a much greater awareness of the potential power of delegitimization, and we are finally gearing up to meet it.” Left-wingers insist that it is relatively easy for them to be against the occupation but for the Israeli state and against the delegitimizers who would destroy it. “I, for example, came out against the boycott calls and wrote a letter to the University of California at Berkeley when it was necessary,” Baltiansky said. “I also came out against those who are in favor of a Palestinian state but forget there is another state here, too.” Baltiansky does not think the delegitimizers pose an immediate threat to Israel’s existence, but he is worried about Continued on page 9
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November 26, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 9
Ariel theater opening pits left and right in fight over who is hurting Israel Continued from page 8 longer-term trends. “It could start with an isolated academic boycott, which turns into a much larger economic boycott, followed by refusal to meet Israeli officials,� he said. “People could start asking, why is Israel necessary? And that could lead to really damaging isolation. That’s why we are so strongly against BDS� -
WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?
NORM’S DOOR SERVICE
- the term used to describe the campaign for anti-Israel boycotts, divestment measures and sanctions. In Baltiansky’s view, a credible peace process would help arrest the negative trend, and achieving a two-state solution as envisaged by the left would finally remove questions about Israel’s legitimacy and marginalize the remaining hard-core delegitimizers.
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10 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: There will be no services this week.
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 and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; Thursday, Thanksgiving day, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. BESTT: No classes during Thanksgiving weekend. REMINGTON HEIGHTS VISIT: On Tuesday, Nov. 30, 1:15 p.m., Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg will present a musical Hanukkah program for Remington’s Jewish residents and their guests. BLOOD DRIVE: On Sunday, Dec. 5, Beth El, AZA #1 and the Red Cross will team up to sponsor a blood drive at the synagogue from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Open to the entire community. ART WORKSHOPS: Workshops for teens participating in the synagogue’s Cantor’s Concert are scheduled for Sundays, Dec. 5 and 12, 12:30-3 p.m. BLUMKIN HOME HANUKKAH: On Monday, Dec. 6, 1:20 p.m., Rabbi Levin and Cantor Schlossberg will lead a special Hanukkah celebration for Blumkin Home residents, complete with candle lighting, singing and more! MEN’S CLUB FAMILY LATKE DINNER: Monday, Dec. 6, 6 p.m. Cost: adults, $15; children 4-12, $7; no charge for children under 4. For reservations, send a check – made out to Beth El Men’s Club – to the synagogue. Take-out is also available; call the office for details. All Beth El 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, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 4:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code.
TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www. omahakollel.blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbis Around the World, 7:30 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE
Candlelighting Friday, November 26, 4:40 p.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.
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: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m.; JLI class, Medicine & Morals, Your Jewish guide through life’s tough decisions, 7 p.m. Questions? Contact Shevi at 402.330.1800 or JLI@OChabad.com. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.
Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Cantor Shermet. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Miles Remer will chant the haftarah during services. SUNDAY: Breakfast at the Stephen Center, 7:30 a.m.; No Religious School. TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; All School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6 p.m.; 613 Mitzvot, 6:30 p.m. with Rabbi Azriel. It’s Time to celebrate Hanukkah with latkes, dreidels, and singing, Friday, Dec. 3, 6 p.m. Shabbat Worship Service followed by dinner. Please bring non-food items to be donated to the Jewish Family Service Pantry. Space is limited for dinner, so please RSVP to the Temple Israel office, 556.6536 or mkube@templeisraelomaha.com or as soon as possible.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN
TIFERETH ISRAEL
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 Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Oneg, 6 p.m.; Early Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS classes - Thanksgiving Break. WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes - Erev Hanukkah. Book Drive: During the month of Nov., South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel is collecting new or gently-used preschool-level books to donate to Head Start Child Development Center. Bring your items to either the Temple or the Synagogue. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, 7 a.m. at the Cornhusker Marriott, 13th & M Sts. Keynote speaker is Dr. Arturo Spindola, Exec. Director of the Neb. Latino American Commission. Individual tickets are $20. RSVP with a check payable to MLK Freedom Breakfast, and send to MLK Freedom Breakfast Planning Committee, 128 Canfield Administration Bldg, Lincoln, NE 68588-0437. For more information, call Nancy Knapp at 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.
TEMPLE 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: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Learners minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS classes - Thanksgiving Break. WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes - Erev Hanukkah. Book Drive: During the month of Nov., South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel is collecting new or gently-used preschool-level books to donate to Head Start Child Development Center. Bring your items to either the Temple or the Synagogue. Second Annual Hanukkah Hop, Sunday, Dec. 5, 12:30 p.m. Cost is $10 per adult, and $5 per child 10 and under. Rides willl be provided for anyone unable to drive. For more information or to RSVP please contact the synagogue. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Friday, Jan. 14, 2011, 7 a.m. at the Cornhusker Marriott, 13th & M Sts. Keynote speaker is Dr. Arturo Spindola, Exec. Director of the Neb. Latino American Commission. Individual tickets are $20. RSVP with a check payable to MLK Freedom Breakfast, and send to MLK Freedom Breakfast Planning Committee, 128 Canfield Administration Bldg, Lincoln, NE 68588-0437. For more information, call Nancy Knapp at 472.1663.
The warmth of Shabbos by NORA ZOOB Only one of all the Jewish holidays is celebrated and observed every week throughout the year. The Sabbath. The day of peace and rest. In the Ten Commandments which are the cornerstones of the Jewish faith, the Sabbath is the only holiday mentioned. The Fourth Commandment says in part: Remember the Sabbath and keep it holy. On Friday evening, Nov. 5, eighteen woman came to 640 S.124th Avenue for Shabbat. It was” For women Only” and oh, what an evening it was! We dropped coins in the Tzedaka box, lit the candles, said our prayers. As more and more women entered, we said the Kiddush, the Motzi, washed our hands for bread. That was just the beginning of a Shabbat to remember. The table was set with the finest cloth, the candles glowed and the food was plentiful and delicious. Only two of the women of the group were native born Omahans. We shared personal stories,we sang songs, and we conversed about life and Jewish Womanhood. Tippi Denenberg said, “The diverse crowd was refreshing and interesting. We went from not knowing each other to singing and laughing a lot. It was fun to hear everyone
The wealth and richness and the diversity was obvious. Anne Cohen said about the evening, “I loved it. What an experience!” Jeanne Neff agreed and added...”Absolutely amazing... the evening was wonderful. Shani Katzman invited and welcomed us into her home. She brought to the table a spiritual soul searching evening filled with knowledege and her own experiences of our heritage. No one saw the Shabbas queen enter, but she was ever so present. “come my friends, let us together welcome the Sabbath”... To me, Shani was our Sabbath queen and on behalf of all who attended...we thank you. Nora Zoob, left, Rebbetzin Shani Katzman and Anne Cohen light candles to welcome Shabbat. This photo was not taken on Shabbat because it is not permissible to take photographs on the holiday. thanking Shani for such a great evening because I could see they were figuring out what I have now known for a while: that Shani is a gifted teacher and huge asset to this amazingly unified Jewish community.” We were eighteen women, all of different backgrounds and history. Each of us empowering. Each of us individuals.
Personal In honor of Sandy Friedman’s 65th birthday, we invite family, friends, and members of the community to join us for Beth El’s Shabbat service, on Dec. 4 at 9:30 a.m. To mark the occasion, Sandy will recite his Bar Mitzvah Haftorah, and we will sponsor a luncheon immediately following the service. Amy and Sandy Friedman
Pulverent e
November 26, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 11
The House of Israel - how it began
Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Va’yeishev To get to the point of our Sidrah at once: the point is the emergence of Joseph, whom I have elsewhere called “The hero of Genesis.” Jacob lived, we are told, in the land where his father Isaac eventually settled. This is the land that was later to be called “Israel.” In his years, Jacob acquired a large family of 12 sons and a daughter. The 12 sons became the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. Of the 12, there were 4 mothers. Jacob had been working for Laban, and loved his daughter Rachel. Laban refused to let him have her before her elder sister Leah, on the grounds that it would not be proper for the younger daughter to marry before her elder sister. So, Jacob married Leah after working for seven years, and was told: “Work another seven years, and you can have Rachel also.” We are told Jacob loved Rachel so much, that those seven years felt like a few days. Now we come to the beginning of the House of Israel. Leah gave Jacob son after son after son, while Rachel had no
Ronni Chasen killed in shooting by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Jewish Hollywood publicist Ronni Chasen was found shot dead in her car in Beverly Hills, Calif., following a movie premiere party. Chasen, 64, founder of the Chasen & Company publicity firm, was shot five times in the chest on the morning of Nov. 16 while she was driving, according to reports. No suspects have been identified, according to Los Angeles Police. Police seized computers from Chasen’s home and office in an effort to look for clues. Her firm handled publicity for such films as Alice in Wonderland, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button and ‘He’s Just Not That Into You.
Mike Tyson planning kosher restaurant chain by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Mike Tyson reportedly is planning to launch a chain of highend kosher restaurants. The former heavyweight boxing champ is in talks with businessman Moshe Malamud, owner of the Franklin Mint and chairman of the Asian technology service provider emaimai, to break into the kosherCredit: food business, the New York Post mkrobsports.com reported last Friday. “They discussed the concept as well as the name, but nothing was finalized,” a representative of the kosher Manhattan restaurant Solo, where the men dined, told the Post. Tyson decided last spring to begin following a strict vegan diet, which he says gives him more energy.
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children. Rachel prayed for a child, and the Lord blessed her eventually with two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob favored Joseph over all his other sons; they knew it, and resented it. Joseph had even blabbed to his father and mother that he was once to become the head of the family. The brothers heard about this and said it would never happen. They would see to it. One day, away in the field, they captured Joseph and threw him into a pit. They hoped he would die there, because they shunned killing him themselves. Fortune had it that a band of Ishmaelites passed by and heard Joseph shouting from the pit. They hoisted him out, and bought him as a slave. The Ishmaelites were headed for Egypt. Once there, they sold Joseph to Potiphar, an officer of the king. Joseph was so attractive to Potiphar’s wife, and she made advances, but he refused on ethical and religious grounds. To save face, Potiphar had Joseph arrested. He could have executed him, but knowing his wife and her antics, he simply put him in prison. It was in this prison that Joseph met Pharaoh’s butler and baker. Joseph interpreted their dreams; he told them both would have their heads raised. The idiom was used in two ways: the butler was restored to his former position, while the baker’s head was “raised,” that is, from off him –he was hanged.
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In memoriam JOYCE WHITE Joyce White passed away on Nov. 22 at the age of 82, after a lingering illness. Services were held Nov 24 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. January 5, 1928 – November 22, 2010 She was preceded in death by her daughter, Marilyn Gendler, and her son, Jeffrey White. She is survived by her husband of 63 years, Wyman; sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Ben Shapiro; relatives, and dear friends. She lived a long, productive life and will be missed by her many close friends. The Family thanks VNA Hospice for their help during Joyce’s last days. Memorials may be made to the Marilyn Gendler Scholarship Fund at Lothrop School.
Pastor earns free trip as Israel’s 3,000,001th tourist by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel honored its 3,000,001st tourist -- a pastor leading an evangelical group -- for 2010. Jomber Araujo Vladislav, who was leading 120 pilgrims from Brazil, was welcomed Monday in a special ceremony upon his arrival Monday at Ben-Gurion International Airport, as well as by Israeli Tourism Minister Stas Misezhnikov. Vladislav won a future trip to Israel. Tourism from Brazil has increased 82 percent in 2010, Haaretz reported. This has been a record-breaking year for travel to Israel. Some 2.9 million tourists entered Israel between January and October, according to a report by the Central Bureau of Statistics. The 3 millionth tourist also arrived Monday.
B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program Coordinator The Center for Jewish Education, an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is seeking a coordinator for the B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program. The B’nai Tzedek Teen Philanthropy Program was created by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation to teach young people during their high school years about philanthropy and non-profit organizations by getting them interested in issues and causes that are important to them individually, as well as important to our Jewish community. The goal is to have teens become activists and philanthropists. Duties include all aspects of planning and facilitating educational programs for participants, recruiting new participants, grant writing to fund program administration, programs and activities, planning and facilitating an annual event for fund holders and assisting Foundation staff in recipient organization distributions. The successful candidate must be a motivated self-starter, skilled in working with teens. Strong oral and written communication skills, organizational skills, technical skills and experience with Facebook are essential. Experience in grant writing and event planning is preferred. Position is 12 hours per week. Please submit resume to Tina Story, Human Resources Specialist, 333 S. 132 Street, Omaha NE 68154-2198. Resumes may also be faxed to 3346484 or emailed to tstory@jewishomaha.org. Equal Opportunity Employer; background check required.
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12 | The Jewish Press | November 26, 2010
At Beth El’s Talmud Torah, technology and learning go hand in hand by JILL BELMONT basis; the other grades also have opportunities to use this Beth El Publicity Coordinator innovative and versatile learning tool. Computers are as familiar to children as Smith Corona The SMART Board has been around for a few years and is typewriters were to the previous generation. Kids keyboard, used in the corporate and educational world, although it has text, instant-message and know one app from another. In been discovered that it is best suited for classroom use, this high-tech world, computers have also become necessary Rubin explained. “Students in public schools today are fixtures in the educational world, and Beth El Synagogue familiar with the SMART Board and its capabilities. When Talmud Torah has been cognizant of we received it, some of our students the need to make available state-ofwere anxious to show us how to use the-art teaching methods for its it before we had actually received teachers and students. the training.” For the past seven years, BESTT The board greatly enhances the has supplemented its curriculum BESTT faculty’s teaching resources, with a multi-purpose computer lab; she noted. “They can teach a lesson and earlier this year, the school with instant access to the internet acquired a SMART Board, an interthat everyone may see at the same active, electronic, touch-sensitive time on a large screen. They can be white board operated through a as creative as they’d like to be by computer and a projector. developing their own lessons or utiAccording to Education Director lizing ready-made lessons available Judy Rubin, most of the school’s to them. The SMART board adds Hebrew texts and many Judaic texts an interactive element and a touchhave accompanying computer prosensitive environment that students grams that parallel classroom learnlove. Lessons are vibrant and fun.” ing. While visiting the lab, students Green says she often uses the either work on their disks or utilize Smart Board as a review tool, calling the time to research topics on the it “a great way to create games to Internet to write reports. review their knowledge. It’s great for “Today’s students have been born the kids to take ownership and be into a technological society and Teacher Eadie Tsabari supervises her class in actively engaged in their learning.” technology has enhanced everyone’s the religious school’s computer lab. She added that having the ability to lives,” she said, adding that utilizing project computer activities for all to technology in the classroom is essential. “Technology is def- see allows students to work together for a common goal. initely gaining ground in Jewish education. Synagogue classThird and fourth grade teacher Eadie Tsabari expressed rooms are typically behind secular classrooms in adapting enthusiasm with the enhanced technology, saying, “I use the new methodologies; however, I was recently told by a col- computer/ SMART board every time I walk into the classleague that BESTT stands out as one of the Conservative room. It’s a great tool and the kids really like it. It isn’t a comschools that have an advanced collection of technology.” plete substitute but it’s just another way for the kids to ‘touch’ For teacher Cari Green, who teaches kindergarteners the materials once again. The curriculum that that I am through second graders, computerized learning “is benefi- using has a CD that goes with it so it works out perfectly. I cial for the students because it is something different and haven’t mastered writing my own programs but perhaps one new to them. It is second nature for students to use technol- day!” ogy, especially computers, so allowing them to be used in Teacher Sindie Katskee, also a third and fourth grade Sunday school enhances their learning by using their tech- teacher, utilizes BESTT’s computer lab and SMART Board nology skills as well as learning. The current book I am for a variety of purposes: among them, reinforcing Bible stousing has a computer website which is directly linked to the ries through games and art, and teaching parts of the curriculum, and is great for activities and games to enhance Tanach. In addition, she said she has been able to use prestudents’ learning.” pared lessons that were created by other Jewish teachers The addition of the SMART Board has added another across the country. exciting dimension to the religious school, and provides a “Students today are so comfortable using the computer new way to engage students in their Jewish learning. and SMART board,” she said. “They are much more engaged Installed in one of the religious school’s classrooms, the when using these than just reading from a book or working board is used by third, fifth and sixth graders on a regular out of a workbook. I wouldn’t replace the books, but the
computer and SMART board are great assets. These are also wonderful resources for teachers to be able to share what they have used successfully.” Rubin admitted that part of her excitement with the school’s enhanced technology is because “I have always liked gadgets and trying to master new technologies,” and because the SMART Board offers endless opportunities. And this is just the beginning. Up next for BESTT? “We’re exploring ways to employ wikis, blogs, Facebook and other social media into our teaching and professional development,” she said.
When will winter come? by EDGAR ASHER
Beach chairs and sunshades.
Credit: ISRANET
Despite the fact that we are reaching the end of November, there is no indication that sometime soon the date will reflect the season. At this time of the year there should have already been recorded several periods of cool, wet weather, but neither had been in evidence. Today in parts of Tel Aviv the temperature reached 28 degrees Celsius, combined with a humidity of about 75%. A heat haze spread across the whole area which was later to affect for some hours aircraft taking off and landing at Ben Gurion International Airport, just fifteen kilometers to the east of the city. Tel Aviv’s attractive beach and promenade was one of the best places to be and many swimmers were taking advantage of the calm Mediterranean Sea lapping the sandy beaches. Others just strolled along the promenade, or some were playing dominoes or backgammon in the shaded seating areas. The lack of rain has prompted Israel’s two Chief Rabbis to proclaim a day of fasting and prayer for rain. Due to the lack of rain the Sea of Galilee (The Kinneret) is presently at one of its lowest recorded depths. Increasing water demand and dry winters have resulted in stress on the lake and a decreasing water line, at times to dangerously low levels. The Sea of Galilee is at risk of becoming irreversibly saline by the salt water springs under the lake that are usually limited by the weight of the freshwater on top of them.
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