November 30, 2007

Vol. LXXXVII No. 12 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 86 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

20 Kislev, 5768 November 30, 2007

Bush announces joint pledge but gaps still remain

Artza ’09 is coming!

by RON KAMPEAS ANNAPOLIS, Md. (JTA) -- Ehud Olmert and Mahmoud Abbas may have bridged the necessary gaps to issue a joint commitment to pursue peace, but their words in Annapolis revealed the substantial distance they have yet to travel.

President Bush announced the hoped-for agreement early in the day on Tuesday, saying the Israeli and Palestinian leaders had jointly pledged to endeavor to achieve peace by the end of 2008 under close U.S. supervision.

But the gaps at the U.S.-convened talks Tuesday in Annapolis, MD, were manifest in the precedents each side cited in their speeches.

Mahmoud Abbas, the Palestinian Authority president, said a peace agreement must be consistent with Resolution 194, the 1949 U.N. measure that called Continued on page 3

by LISA SHKOLNICK says Kirshenbaum. He says he is particularly excited to JCC Associate Executive Director lead this trip in 2009, as he knows many of the teens in What comes but once every three years, and has more this age group.

Omaha Jewish teens excited about Israel than any other To be eligible for Artza ’09, Jewish students must be program? entering the 10th, 11th, or 12th grades in the fall of The next community teen trip to Israel is going in the 2009. (See “Look Who’s Eligible for ARTZA ’09” on summer of 2009. “Artza ’09” as it is known, has the page 15). This means current eighth, ninth, and 10th support of the Jewish Federation and Jewish graders should begin to plan for the summer of 2009.

Community Center Boards of Directors, and will con- Continued on page 15 tinue the strong tradition of sending the most Omaha Jewish teens to Israel, with the most outstanding staff and educational and social programming found in the nation.

All eligible Artza participants will receive a $2,000 subsidy toward the cost of the Artza trip; which includes the $1,000 Israel Experience Grant , plus an additional $1,000 Federation subsidy for all Artza participants whose families are members in good standing of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Corey Kirshenbaum, CDC Director, is the 2009 Artza Director, and will be coordinating and leading the four- week trip to Israel, with up to 34 Artza students participating.

He is no stranger to the Israel Experience, as he has been to Israel on three trips, and in 1996 was the Artza ’96 Director as well.

“In 1996 when I led the Artza trip, I was amazed at the unique per- David Trubnikov, left, and Brandon Thomas leap over a sand dune in the Negev spective the teens had on Israel,” desert on the 2006 Artza trip to Israel.

The U.S. Naval Academy, located in Annapolis, MD, the site of the Middle East peace summit this past week.

Credit: U.S. Naval Academy

Part II: The Dreidel Chronicles

All hope is not lost her friends and family were unaware of what was going on in her life.

God rest her father’s soul, he passed away of an unexpected heart attack earlier this year, and had gone never knowing how his little girl and his grandchildren were really living.

It’s not like she had been living off of Rick. More like

by ANDREA BARTMAN for Jewish Family Service This second installment of the Dreidel Chronicles tells the story of a Jewish Family Service client (whose name has been changed to protect her privacy) and her struggle to overcome an abusive situation.

Throughout the year, JFS strives to relieve anyone in the community from the life this young woman was living. Your help can make the difference. Thank you!

Tina stepped warily into the counseling office at Jewish Family Service, tentative and embarrassed to talk to a stranger.

“Where else can I turn?” was the question in her mind as her thoughts ran out of control about how to stop her life from falling to pieces around herself and her three children; Stevie, Tim and Julia.

A notice had arrived in the mail yesterday announcing the termination of her electric service unless she could make a payment within the week. Her phone had been the first to go, the previous month, since keeping the electricity on was the priority.

It’s not like she and the kids had been living in luxury since she had finally walked out on her boyfriend, Rick. After all, she’d been down this road already with her husband, years ago, before their divorce. She’d made it on her own for awhile after the divorce before meeting Rick and then moving in together.

Inside

He seemed enthusiastic about the kids and really loving toward her at first. But living together was a nightmare pretty much from the start. The harassment and abusive language from him had started long before he laid a hand on her.

She never told her mom and dad the truth about her relationship with Rick.

Down deep, she wanted to believe that it would be okay. He would never hurt the kids, and she thought she could get him to settle down. Tina had grown up in the Omaha Jewish community and most of

the other way around.

When they’d moved in together he was working full-time like her at a department store. He had quit a few months ago to “look for something better” to support her and the kids.

“Looking” had consisted of lying on the sofa until noon and going out with his buddies in the evening. Tina was feeding all of them on her hourly rate from the same store.

Additionally, she’d come to realize that Rick’s “fun night’s out” had wasted away

This Week: Monthly calendar for December: Pages 11 & 12

See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’ Opinion Page see page 20

Coexistence on Wheels brings Arabs and Jews together: Page 2

what little extra money she did have. She finally had enough and moved herself and the kids to an apartment of their own -alone again against the world. She held it together for so long, but time had finally run out.

A family can’t live without electricity.

Not to mention with Hanukkah approaching, she would love to be able to give her children something -- something to show them that all hope was not lost for their future.

Her counselor sat down with Tina first to listen. Then JFS took quick action to make sure Tina’s family had access to the food pantry for basic needs and electricity in their home. Tina was so thrilled and thankful to discover that Project Dreidel would provide for her kids so that they could receive gifts this year.

Tina shared with her JFS therapist that she feels renewed in spirit by her interactions with JFS. She finally feels that hope isn’t lost and she can work on her problems with someone who truly cares. She plans to bring her family and friends back into her life so that she and her kids will recover and be able to turn things around for themselves.

Coming Next Month: Senior Living Issue, Dec. 21 Music , religion reflect singer’s commitment: Page 5

Coverage of 40th anniversary of struggle to free Soviet Jewry : Pages 16-19

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

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by GAIL LICHTMAN (IPS) -- Less than 10 miles separates the Israeli Arab village of Ein Rafa in the Judean Hills from the Jewish Moshav Zlafon. Yet despite their proximity, they might just as well be on two different planets. Ein Rafa’s children attend Arabic-language schools, while Zlafon’s children attend Hebrew-language schools, never meeting or interacting with one another. That is until a very special bicycling project brought them together.

Coexistence on Wheels is a two-year project aimed at bringing together youth from Israel’s Arab and Jewish communities to bike ride. But the project goes well beyond sport. It also aims to promote tolerance and mutual understanding and break down the stereotypes on both sides by bringing Arab and Jewish youngsters together and exposing them to one another’s customs, religions and traditions.

The idea started with a trip to South Africa by members of Lamitnadev, an independent non-profit organization in the Judean Hills-Beit Shemesh region that encourages volunteering and social involvement. There they observed how biking was used to bring blacks and whites together. “We were very impressed and thought we could do the same for Arab and Jewish children back home,” says Eitan Hevrony, chairman of Lamitnadev.

So Lamitnadev, which means “For the Volunteer,” joined with the Samson Bike Riders’ Organization and the Judean Hills Arab-Jewish Coexistence Association to create Coexistence on Wheels. The project is conducted in collaboration with the Abraham Fund Initiatives, a non-profit organization that promotes coexistence and equality between Jewish and Arab citizens of Israel through advocacy and awareness campaigns, as well as coexistence projects.

“Coexistence on Wheels utilizes the shared love of the sport, the cooperation entailed in joint training and riding and Jewish and Arab teens working together as an ‘off-the-beaten-track’ approach to intercommunity cooperation,” states Lee Perlman, director of programs

Above: Jewish and Arab teenagers learn bike maintenance in the Judean Hills-Beit Shemesh region.

Left: Coexistence on Wheels participants take an “off-the-beatentrack ride through the Judean IPS photos courtesy Hills. of Lamitnadev.

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Wingate Institute and the Samson Bike Riders’ Organization.

Since the boys come from families that do not have the means to provide them with bikes and helmets, Lamitnadev gives them all the equipment they need.

Every meeting opens with some kind of a social game designed to break the ice and to impart the values of coexistence, tolerance and social awareness. Then it is generally off for a ride -- each time in a different area, with historical explanations provided by the group leaders. The project also includes two visits to home communities -- one Arab and one Jewish -- to get to know how each group lives.

“If not for this project, our youngsters would not be riding bikes,” explains Alla Barhum of Ein Rafa, the Arab coordinator. “This sport is not well developed in the Arab sector. Coexistence on Wheels enables them to learn about biking and at the same time build important connections with their Jewish peers.”

Israel Goldstein, the Jewish coordinator, also notes that the boys in his group would never have been involved in bike riding or in coexistence activity if not for the project. “They come from the lower socio-eco-

and initiatives at the Abraham Fund Initiatives.

Working with 13 to 15 year old boys from the Israeli Arab villages of Ein Rafa and Ein Nakuba in the Judean Hills and the Jewish moshavim of Zlafon and Aviezer near Beit Shemesh, Coexistence on Wheels kicked off its initial program with some 20 participants (10 Arab and 10 Jewish) in June 2007.

The group meets every second Friday for different activities, which include learning to ride, biking techniques, bike safety, bike maintenance and care, navigation, building and maintaining bike paths. Although the Arab teenagers speak Hebrew quite well, the Jewish youngsters do not speak Arabic.

“I came because I wanted to learn about biking,” admits 13-year-old Odi from Ein Rafa. “But I also wanted to meet Jewish kids and improve my Hebrew. I have learned how to ride and I have also made new friends.

When the Jewish kids visited Ein Rafa, we hosted them and showed them around. That felt good.”

Dvir, 14, from Zlafon, says he loves the biking and the trips. “I learned a lot about riding and taking care of the bike. At first, it seemed a bit strange being with Arab kids when our soldiers are fighting Arab terrorists. I learned that there is a difference between terrorists and the Arabs who live next to us. The visit to their village was a lot of fun. They were very polite and made us feel at home.”

The group is led by an Arab and a Jewish coordinator who were specially trained for this project by the

nomic strata and their parents could not have afforded the equipment or the lessons. For many of them, this is the first time they have been involved with Arab teens. At our first meeting two of the boys told me they were afraid to be with Arabs.

Now, they are at ease biking with them.”

“I can’t say that they have entirely integrated,” notes Dror Halevi, director general of Lamitnadev. “They are still more or less two separate groups. They work and ride separately and are still a bit suspicious of one another. But the biking is the trigger for getting them here.

Without this project, they would probably still be living next to one another and never meet. Through sport we can work towards building coexistence and instilling social values.”

In December, the teens will begin learning about bike mechanics and at the end of the program they will receive certification that will enable them to teach the skills and techniques of mountain biking, as well as bicycle maintenance, to others.

“Since one of the goals of Lamitnadev is to promote volunteering,” Hevrony states, “we are hoping that some of the boys will return to their communities to lead the project for a new set of teenagers. Next year we would like to start a group for kids in fourth and fifth grades and have this group’s graduates serve as the leaders. My dream is to see Arab and Jewish kids from Coexistence on Wheels continue riding and go on to compete in national competition.”

“Bicycling as a focus of common interest and a tool for mutual understanding and dialog is clearly an innovative approach to coexistence education in Israel,” concludes Perlman. “The activity shows great potential for serving as a nationwide model in bicycling and other branches of sport.”

November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Joint pledge but gaps still remain Continued from page 1 for a return of Palestinian refugees to their homes in the then-newly established Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said the agreement would be based in part on Bush’s April 2004 letter to then-Prime Minister Ariel Sharon -- a document that rejected any such return of refugees.

The two speeches differed in tone as well. Olmert, while adamant in defending Israel’s right to security, was expansive toward the Palestinians, including the refugees and their descendants. Abbas, by contrast, acknowledged his obligation to combat terrorism in defensive, almost defiant terms.

Olmert’s speech marked the first time Israel formally committed to helping solve the Palestinian refugee problem and, extraordinarily, went so far as to implicitly acknowledge Palestinian suffering as a cause of terrorism.

“For dozens of years, many Palestinians have been living in camps, disconnected from the environment in which they grew, wallowing in poverty, neglect, alienation, bitterness, and a deep, unrelenting sense of deprivation,” he said. “I know that this deprivation is one of the deepest foundations which fomented the ethos of hatred towards us. We are not indifferent to this suffering. We are not oblivious to the tragedies you have experienced.”

Olmert envisioned Israel joining an international effort “to assist these Palestinians in finding a proper framework for their future, in the Palestinian state which will be established in the territories agreed upon between us.”

He went on to say, “I have no doubt that the reality that was created in our region in 1967 will be changed in a very significant way. It will be as difficult as the netherworld for many of us. But it is inevitable. I know it. Many of my people know it. We are ready for it.”

Abbas cast his need to combat terrorism in terms of defending Palestinian rights.

“I wish to emphasize that we shall pursue our obligations under the ‘road map’ in order to combat chaos, violence, terrorism, and to ensure security, order and the rule of law,” Abbas said, referring to the road map, the effort President Bush launched in 2003 to end terrorism and establish a Palestinian state.

“The government of the Palestinian National be able to do so free from outside interference and Authority works tirelessly and without any wavering intimidation. under extremely difficult conditions to achieve this “As they embark on this process, the people of noble goal that represents first and foremost a Lebanon can know that the American people stand with Palestinian national interest before it becomes a political them, and we look forward to the day when the people requirement that is imposed by signed accords or the of Lebanon can enjoy the blessings of liberty without road map,” he said. fear of violence or coercion,” The three speeches difBush added. fered on the Syria quesIn the joint statement, tion, but that seemed less announced by Bush prior to an expression of disagreethe speeches by Olmert and ment and more an elaboAbbas, the two sides rate game of good copannounced, “In furtherance of bad cop. the goal of two states, Israel Abbas said any agreeand Palestine, living side by ment must include the side in peace and security, we return of the Golan agree to immediately launch Heights, the strategic good-faith, bilateral negotiaplateau Israel captured tions in order to conclude a from Syria in the 1967 peace treaty resolving all outSix-Day War. Syria sent a standing issues, including all deputy foreign minister to core issues, without exception, the conference anticipatas specified in previous agreeing that the Golan would ments.”

President George Bush, center, walks with Israeli Prime The Israelis and Palestinians be on the agenda.

Olmert picked up that Minister Ehud Olmert, left, and Palestinian President agreed “to engage in vigorous, signal and said “there is Mahmoud Abbas on Nov. 27, during the Annapolis ongoing and continuous negonot a single Arab state in Conference at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. tiations, and shall make every Credit: Omaha Rashid/PPO BPH IMAGES effort to conclude an agreethe north, east or south with which we do not seek peace.” Including the ment before the end of 2008.” “north” was a signal of the Olmert government’s desire The sides will establish a steering committee that will to break Syria away from the orbit of Iran and its recal- meet for the first time on Dec. 12. citrantly anti-Israel regime.

They will adhere to the road map, which calls on Bush, however, made it clear that Syria should count Palestinians to combat terrorism and the Israelis to out Lebanon as a prize for joining the peace process. freeze settlement in its first stage.

Syria ended its 29-year occupation of its neighbor in However, now the sides will have to defer to an 2005 under U.S. and French pressure, but since then “American-Palestinian and Israeli mechanism led by the has been attempting to maintain its influence through United States to follow up on the implementation of the threats and assassinations. road map.”

“The Lebanese people are in the process of electing a According to the joint statement, “the United States president,” Bush said in his speech, veering suddenly will monitor and judge the fulfillment of the commitfrom the topic of Israel and the Palestinians. “That deci- ment of both sides of the road map” -- a plan that intension is for the Lebanese people to make, and they must sifies U.S. involvement to an unprecedented extent.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

ADL/CRC teaches high school students to challenge stereotypes during workshop

WRJ hosts "Know Thy Mother" luncheon

by JORDANA GLAZER for the ADL More than 300 Omaha-area high school students and educators, representing 10 area school districts and 30 high schools gathered at the Westside Community Conference Center to participate in the AntiDefamation League’s (ADL) 21st annual Prejudice Elimination Workshop (PEW) earlier this month.

Participants spent the day developing a common language, looking at bias in themselves and others, sharing experiences and creating plans to make their schools more inclusive and accepting. Most importantly, by meeting kids from other areas of the city, many school stereotypes were challenged and new friendships and coalitions were formed.

“The ADL Shelly Fox (RBJH) and Terry Lee defines stereo- (Woodman of the World), acted as PEW type as an over- facilitators. simplified idea about an entire group of people without regard for individual differences,” comments Margo Parsow, Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee (ADL/CRC) Education and Community Liaison and next year’s workshop coordinator.

Alan Potash, Regional Director adds, “Prejudice is based on stereotypes. If we reduce stereotyping, we help to reduce prejudice which often leads to higher forms of bigotry including discrimination and scapegoating. By asking some intimate and challenging questions, one of the many goals of PEW is to provide students with an understanding of stereotyping, bigotry, intolerance, prejudice, and discrimination and the harm they inflict upon individuals and society.”

With the fast pace of life, text messaging, MTV, and 24-hour news, today’s youth typically do not get a lot of time to discover who they are, and certainly do not have much time to get to know people who are different from themselves. Workshop participants are selected to represent their school communities. They are diverse in color, culture, religion, ethnicity, sexuality and ability. They represent many communities including: Asian, Native American, African American, Hispanic, and Caucasian.

They are Buddhist, Hindu, Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, and agnostic.

Ironically, by the end of the intense day, students typ-

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator As a daughter, mother of three adult daughters, and new grandmother of a baby girl, Sally Kaplan, a licensed clinical social workers with 30 years experience, considers her relationships to be her most important credentials to co-lead a discussion on “Know Thyself ... Know Thy Sister ... Know Thy Mother” at a luncheon sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism (WRJ) on Wednesday, Dec. 5, noon, at Temple Israel.

Kaplan, who has been with Jewish Family Service for the past five years, said she and Shelly Fox, MSW, a geriatric social worker who has been with Jewish Senior Services for four years, will consider “the many stages of the relationship between mothers and daughters from childhood to adolescence and to adulthood.” They’ll go on to discuss role reversal “as the daughter begins to care for her elderly mother and becomes a grandmother herself.”

Kaplan said she will also “be speaking about the challenges of maintaining a loving relationship with one’s daughter as she moves into the independence of the teenage years and adulthood...and finally as she becomes a mother herself. How do you nurture the closeness of the relationship while allowing for individuation to occur? And how do both mother and daughter grow from that process?” she asked.

“As parents age,” Fox added, “there are often changes in health status, either physical and/or cognitive. Daughters often assume a care giving role for their parents. The December WRJ program will give us an opportunity to share insight related to our personal experiences of balancing our responsibilities to our parents and the expectations we place on our children and ourselves. It’s an adjustment to see our parents aging ... that means that we have to accept the fact that we are aging also, and with that comes some very real changes in the relationship,” she noted.

Cantor Wendy Shermet will contribute to the discussion, too, by examining the Jewish perspective on the ever-evolving mother-daughter relationship.

WRJ also will be collecting baby items such as diapers, wipes, bottles, and baby food at the luncheon for mothers in need. Women are also encouraged to bring a photo or memento of their mothers. Cost for a box lunch is $6. Contact the Temple office at 556.6536 to make a reservation or at mkube@templeisraelomaha. com.

ically find they have more in common than they assumed. One student commented, “I didn’t know what to expect at the beginning of the day and was somewhat guarded … the day went so fast … during closing we couldn’t find enough time to trade e-mail and MySpace addresses!”

The workshop covers tough subjects with ADL’s proven curriculum. Through action planning, the workshop takes a step further and challenges the students to make a personal commitment to create a moral and a just society.

PEW Students get to know one another in ice breakers and identity activities.

The workshop transforms students into positive “agents of change” in their schools, in their homes, and in their communities. Coinciding with the workshop, educators/chaperones participated in their own antibias training to help reinforce the messages of the day.

More than 30 trained volunteers from the business, public, private and education sectors helped facilitate the workshop. Current and past facilitators have represented: First National Bank, Woodman of the World, Alegent Health, Omaha Police Department, Offutt Airbase, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Nebraska Arts Council, Omaha Public Schools, Millard Public Schools, Omaha Community Foundation, and Creighton University.

Second time facilitator, Terry Lee of Woodman of the World poignantly notes, “PEW is something that will have a huge impact on our future leaders.”

Ask yourself: What are your biases? When is the last time you went out of your comfort zone to learn about or meet someone from a different culture? What are you doing to create a more inclusive society? If you are interested in learning more about the ADL’s anti-bias programming, please contact the ADL/CRC office at 333.1303. The workshop was made possible through a grant from the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation.

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Music and religion reflect singer’s commitment to God

by DANIELLE BERRIN thought, ‘What if there is a God?’ And in Contributing Writer for the Los Angeles that moment, a whole new world burst Jewish Journal open to me.”

A spiritual fervor reinvigorated her life Talking with Dana Mase is like listening to her sing. Her gentle voice calms, even and she set out searching for God. “I soothes, and you find yourself compelled started to ask friends if they believed in to listen as she recounts experiences of God, but my friends were drug addicts, her troubled childhood and her passion- so they didn’t know what they were talking about,” she said. And ate faith. “I didn’t like then a Catholic friend being Jewish,” the invited her to a Christian Orthodox singer said. coffee house. “I told “The school I went to [them] that I was Jewish, was an all-girls prep and everybody loved that school, it was WASPy, and I was a Jew -- their I didn’t like being singled favorite person to get -- I out as ‘the Jew.’ I didn’t was a star,” Mase recalled. like Temple. There was Inspired by the positive nothing I liked about it. I strokes, she decided to was just so lost.” attend Oral Roberts Her openness is Dana Mase University, an evangelical uncommonly direct and honest. She gets the messy stuff out of Christian college in Oklahoma. Though the way so she can talk about what really musically gifted from an early age, it was during her studies that music became a matters: music and God. To Mase, art and religion are two conduit for her spiritual passion.

“The realization that God was in the streams of the same water, and both reflect her deep commitment to Hashem. world was when it all came together,” Her recently released compilation album, Mase said. “I had a deeper well to write “The Colors of Black and White,” is the from and a strong belief -- a strong drive culmination of her struggle to find an to make music.” Creating rhythms and authentic Jewish place in the world -- a harmonies came naturally, but the place beyond a turbulent childhood, Christian beliefs met with an internal beyond a journey through evangelical spiritual discord.

“Being around Christians made it very Christianity that eventually led her back obvious that I was a Jew,” Mase said. “I to her Jewish roots.

“Life is a big spectrum -- things are not would hear anti-Semitic comments, and just black or white. Now I’m allowing my it stirred something inside of me -- my songwriting to cover the full spectrum of Jewish neshama (soul) was bursting to what that means, not that everything is come out.”

Mase began wearing a Jewish star, and all good and happy,” she said in a phone interview from her home in Monsey, N.Y. her Orthodox sister encouraged her to Now a practicing ba’alat teshuvah, move to New York. The sisters shared Mase feels she’s where she belongs -- at Shabbat dinners and engaged in ongoing home with her yeshiva-educated children dialogue about Jewish law, customs and and her husband, breaking the Orthodox theology. One afternoon while walking in mold by moonlighting as a soulful singer. Central Park, the singer met her future Her delicate voice croons with sexy, edgy husband, Jewish musician Barry Mase. lyrics. On the track “Stronger Than,” The two started a band together called Mase sings, “There’s a place that’s deep Puss and Boots, and although he wasn’t inside my soul/ where I recognize you’re religious, his desire to learn impressed in control/... stronger than Wall Street/ Mase, and she encouraged him to study stronger than the Internet/ stronger Judaism and Torah. than money/ stronger than the best sex.”

“I was so burnt out, but I wanted to be Like her lyrics, her past is decidedly with someone who had a spiritual backunorthodox. bone,” she said. Mase has since found a To escape the tension of a broken home for herself in Monsey and isn’t conhome, Mase hung out with a rough cerned with how she’s perceived by the crowd of teens whose high school hob- rest of the community. “I don’t fit the bies included sex, drugs and hatching Orthodox mold. I play music. I’m in a plans to skip town. “I was thought of as rock band. I teach handicapped children the goody two-shoes, so I had to prove how to ride horses. This is who I am, and them wrong,” she said, reflecting on her I can’t shut these pieces of me down,” past. “I had to be tough and cool and do she said. things that were self-destructive.”

After all she’s been through, Mase is Her parents divorced when she was 12, not interested in pretense. For her, and her father subsequently abandoned embracing the ba’alat teshuvah lifestyle the family. With very little money to live invites spontaneity, and she is perfectly on, her mother couldn’t afford to pay comfortable figuring it out as she grows. membership dues at their Temple. Mase Mase said her toughest struggles these remembers they were told not to return, days are carpooling and getting dinner and she interpreted the social and finan- prepared. She is focused on transmitting cial emphasis of her synagogue as an indi- her love for Judaism to her children and cation of spiritual vacuity. channeling her spiritual growth into The young Mase withdrew from her music people of any background can family, never feeling safe or sheltered. relate to and share.

Years later, a spiritual epiphany trans“I don’t want to candy coat my music. formed her life. “I was at my friend’s If I’m feeling joy, I want that to come house, and I got up to leave and started through; if I’m struggling, I want that to blacking out,” Mase recalled. “I was lying come through. I want my music to be on the couch and ... I just started think- authentic in terms of what life is about.” ing about my life and all of the sudden I For more, visit www.danamase.com/.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows: Issue Deadline Dec. 28 Wednesday, Dec. 19 Jan. 4 Wednesday, Dec. 26 Questions? Call 402.334.6448

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Shirim Klezmer Orchestra – Nutcracker On Hanukkah - Wednesday, December 5 | 7:30 pm The Shirim Klezmer Orchestra honors klezmer’s historic origins, celebrates American jazz-influenced klezmer, and puts its own clever twist on classics such as Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker.

“You have to hear Shirim’s delightful interpretation to know what a brilliant combination klezmer and Tchaikovsky make.”

–National Public Radio (Performance Today) Tickets: 472-4747 or www.liedcenter.org

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln does not discriminate based on gender, age, disability, race, color, religion, marital status, veteran’s status, national or ethnic origin or sexual orientation.

Lied Center programming is supported by Friends of Lied and grants from Association of Performing Arts Presenters, National Endowment for the Arts, Mid-America Arts Alliance, Nebraska Arts Council, New England Foundation for the Arts, and Lincoln Arts Council. All events in the Lied Center are made possible entirely or in part by the Lied Performance Fund, which has been established in memory of Ernst F. Lied and his parents, Ernst M. and Ida K. Lied.

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

Yachad members gather for fun and learning

by ANDREA BARTMAN for JFS Some dove right into the work at hand; others first chatted with familiar friends and helpers; but all of the Yachad members present thoroughly enjoyed their outing to Michaels art and craft store earlier this month.

According to Duane Pieper, Yachad Program Coordinator, this handson experience was the first of its kind for the group.

An instructor from the Above: The Yachad members and their volunteer helpers listen store first laid out materi- to instructions on how to begin their jewelry-making project. als and talked the group Right: Volunteer Eunie Denenberg, right, assists Nancy Isler members through how to with her bead work. complete a bracelet beading project for unteers it was successful.” And enjoyable, themselves or as a Hanukkah gift for a judging from the smiles on faces around friend or relative. The Yachad members the room. “Apart from learning a new skill, listened eagerly and were ready to begin they were so excited about the fact that with the help of volunteers like Eunie they had created something they could wear or give as a Hanukkah present.”

Denenberg and Joanna Kay. Pieper emphasizes the importance to Kay recently met Pieper, and he told her of the Yachad group and their fre- this group of having such helpful and quent outings to museums and entertain- enthusiastic volunteers. “Just a little extra ment venues around Omaha. She was help makes such a difference in enabling anxious to participate and lend a hand to the members to do more,” he comments.

Ben Friedman, a Yachad member, this engaging group of developmentally disabled adults from the Jewish commu- worked on his jewelry project while nity. She sat with Yachad members Avi speaking easily about his work at Bakers Wolfson and Grace Isler and assisted and his interest in attending many of the them with making decisions about their scheduled group outings. “I liked the projects and with some of the more diffi- museum trip we just took. That was really fun,” he says. cult beading for their bracelets.

He describes his favorite outing as a According to Pieper, “This was the first time the Yachad members put their hand to camping trip to Mahoney State Park jewelry making. It was a challenge, but where the group stayed overnight in a with the assistance and support of the vol- cabin.

Yachad members make donations throughout the year to assist others in their community. Most recently, they contributed to a tzedakah box. This money is being used to help the Jewish Family Service staff in sponsoring a family for this year’s Project Tzedakah and Project Dreidel. They’re proud of their work on this particular outing and proud of their efforts to help others in their community.

If you’re interested in ways you can volunteer within the Yachad group, please contact Duane Pieper at JFS at 334.6491. You’ll be glad you did.

Family night dinner serves up great food and fun

by ANDREA BARTMAN for JSS/RBJH Residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home celebrated Fall with their families at the annual Family Night Dinner, organized by the RBJH activities staff, on Nov. 15.

Cocktails and dinner were served in the auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. The threecourse menu was followed by entertainment from vocalist Jonathan Rathsam, who was accompanied by pianist Esther Wax.

Right: Gail and Jerry Kohll enjoyed the evening with their entire family, including their granddaughter, Abby.

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November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

IN THE NEWS Discover how the Alegent Health medically supervised approach can help you achieve your weight loss goals at Immanuel Professional Center on Dec. 3, 10 or 17, 5-6 p.m. and Dec. 6, 13 or 20, noon-1 p.m.; at the Mercy 801 Building/Council Bluffs Dec. 4, 11 or 18, noon- 1:30 p.m. and Dec. 6, 13 or 20, 5:30-7 p.m.

Once you’ve taken the step to become tobacco-free, remaining tobacco-free can be an ongoing challenge. Alegent Health’s Tobacco Cessation Support group offers the encouragement and coaching you may need to continue living a tobacco-free life. Graduates of the “I Can or Quit Aid” programs are eligible to attend these monthly meetings at no charge. 810 N0. 96 St., Suite 200 Dec. 5, 6-7 p.m.

Daytime sleepiness, fatigue, forgetfulness and morning headaches can all be signs of sleep apnea. Clinical respiratory specialists discuss diagnosis and treatment, in addition to helping you determine your ‘snore score’ at Alegant Health’s Lakeside campus, Dec. 5, 7-8 p.m.

The final Academy ballots are a combination of people’s nominations and committee review. The top public vote recipient automatically proceeded on to the Academy ballot.

Among the nominees are: Best Visual Artist: Terry Rosenberg; Best Public Art Artist: Matthew Placzek; Best Solo Show: Terry Rosenberg; Best Young Actor in a Professional or Community Production (Under 18): Spencer Newman for Peter Pan at the Omaha Community Playhouse; Best Young Actress in a Professional or Community Production (Under 18): Bailey Newman for Mrs. Cratchit’s Wild Christmas Binge at Omaha Community Playhouse and for The Pillowman at Blue Barn Theatre.

Awards are to be presented through both the first awards show on Dec. 27 at the Scottish Rite Theater and the live broadcast show on Jan. 3 at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The OEA Awards Web site, www.oea-awards.com, provides a full list of nominees by category, and also shares which awards will be given at each show. Tickets for both shows are on sale through Ticket Omaha.

The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Award Board of Directors announced and presented the list of nominees for the 2007 awards shows. They presented 57 award nominee categories across the three disciplines of live music and performing and visual arts.

Up 11% from last year, 4,449 public votes were processed and tabulated by two accounting firms, RSM McGladrey and Hancock and Dana, PC. 100% of public balloting was done online through the OEA Awards Web site.

Rabbi Binyoman Gonsher, son of former Omahans Rini and Allan Gonsher, was named as the director of the new Kansas City Community Kollel earlier this fall. Under the direction of Rosh Kollel Rabbi Maier, the four rabbis of the KCCK offer individual learning and classes to the Jewish community, including Hyman Brand Hebrew Academy. Gonsher, who obtained an MBA from Florida International University, lives in Overland Park with his wife, Aviva, and their threeyear-old daughter, Shira Rivkah.

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Shop ’til you drop during Beth El Sisterhood’s fifth annual Boutique

by JILL BELMONT winner’s name will be drawn every 15 Beth El Publicity Coordinator minutes!), as well as lots of good eats, The halls of Beth El will be buzzing including breakfast provided by the synawith excitement and activity on Sunday, gogue’s USY teens, lunch provided by Dec. 2, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., as the syna- Men’s Club, and a delicious bake sale feagogue’s Sisterhood presents its fifth turing cookies, mandelbread and peanut annual Boutique. The day will be filled butter balls. with non-stop shopping, noshing and Raffle tickets, at 50¢ apiece, are on sale fun, according to event chairman M’Lee every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 Hasslinger, who added that the day’s pro- p.m. in the synagogue’s Judaica Shop; in ceeds will be used to supplement syna- addition, the shop will be open all aftergogue programming.

During the afternoon, visitors will be treated to merchandise by a variety of talented artists and vendors, offering a myriad of great gift ideas for birthdays, Hanukkah, or other celebrations, Hasslinger noted.

Among the wares offered will be hand-made glass-fused art, mosaic artwork, Beth El’s social hall was teeming with vendors, volunteers and shoppers jewelry (antique, during the synagogue’s Boutique event last year. sterling silver and hand-made), personal- noon during the event, offering a wonized stationery, baskets, Judaic art, derful selection of Hanukkah gifts, as well kitchen items, beauty items (lotion and as a beautiful array of Judaica items and make-up), whimsical women’s acces- holiday pieces for every Jewish home.

“There’s something for everyone dursories, home décor, cookbooks, children’s items, purses and hand-knitted ing this fabulous event,” Hasslinger said.

“Sisterhood has planned a great afterclothing.

In addition, everyone can get in on the noon for everyone in the community, so fun of an ongoing, all-day raffle (a prize be sure to stop by!”

November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

MARRIAGES COTTON/DEBRUIN Sarah Cotton and Steven DeBruin were married on Aug. 5, 2007 at Temple Congregation B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park, KS. Rabbi Arthur Nemitoff, Cantor Gaston Bogolmolni and Cantor Gerald DeBruin performed the ceremony.

The bride is the daughter of Sonia and Monte Cotton.

Her grandparents are the late Rebecca Entine and Ike Entine, Imogene Cotton and the late Orlan Cotton.

She graduated from the University of Kansas with a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology and is currently pursuing a degree in Special Education. Her attendants were Melissa DeBruin, Regina Lung, and Tara Coffman.

Flower girl was Sarah Marr, cousin of the groom.

The groom, son of Hanna and Larry DeBruin earned his B.S. degree from the University of Kansas in Business and Accounting, and is currently working as a Branch Manager for US Bank in Lawrence, Kansas. His attendants were Brett Lane, Ben Jones, and David Weisz.

Ring bearer was Alek Kemeny, cousin of the groom.

His grandparents are Gerald and Belle DeBruin, and the late Tauba and the late Joe Szmerlak.

The couple plans a wedding trip to Italy. They currently make their home in Overland Park, Kansas.

ORGANIZATIONS YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS The Y.E.S. Annual Hanukkah Party is Monday at the JCC Auditorium. The Omaha International Folk Dancers will perform Israeli dancing at 12:30 p.m.

Lunch at noon is served for $7 per person. Join us for bingo with Eileen or Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call Dee Dee, at 330.4272, for transportation. For information, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. If you have any Yiddish books to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

VISIONS Membership dues to Visions for January-December, 2008 are now due. Please mail your check, payable to Visions for $7.50 per person to: Visions, C/O Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra presents Scheherazade from the book of One Thousand and One Nights on Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at the JCC. There is no admission fee for this concert. This performance is sponsored by the Noddle family in memory of Edith Noddle. All are welcome.

Back by popular demand -- on the big screen -- a concert with Helmut Lotti on Thursday, Dec. 20, 1:30 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. Lotti is hailed as the most versatile singer ever to come out of Belgium. There is no admission fee and all are welcome. This event is sponsored by Bernie Altsuler.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Lyn Wallin Ziegenbein will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 5, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Ziegenbein’s topic will be “The Future of Philanthropy in Omaha.” All men and women in the community are invited to attend.

Cost is $12 for lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

KATZMAN/LEVINE Amy Frances Katzman and Scott David Levine were married Sunday, Nov. 11, at a noon ceremony in Chicago, IL. Rabbi Reni Dickman, Deerfield, IL, and Cantor Emil Berkovits, Swampscott, MA, officiated at the wedding. A reception and lunch followed.

The chuppah the couple used combined two tallitot for the covering: one of the bride’s late great-grandfather, Harry Fellman, and the other belonging to the groom’s late grandfather, Norman Hirsh.

The bride is the daughter of Nancy Rips and the late William Katzman. She is the granddaughter of the late Dr. Leon and Frances Fellman and the late Sam and Ann Katzman.

She graduated with a BS from Boston University and earned an MA in education from National Louis University in Evanston, IL. She is a gifted reading teacher with the Chicago Public Schools.

The groom is the son of Roberta Daniels, Jericho, NY and Alan Levine, Riverdale, NY and the stepson of Dan Daniels and Lynne Levine. He is the grandson of Sylvia Levine, Tampa Beach, FL., the late Jacques Levine and Lillian Hirsh of Boynton Beach, FL, and the late Norman Hirsh.

He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated from Northwestern University Law School in Evanston, IL. He is Vice President and Associate General Council of Litigation for Career Education Corporation in Hoffman Estates, IL, and is on staff at Northwestern University Law School.

The couple will make their home in Highland Park, IL, after a trip to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands.

Join Beth El’s Hazak group for a sentimental journey during Jewish Historical Society tour

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator An afternoon filled with treasures and memories is promised for all during an upcoming visit to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, sponsored by Beth El Synagogue’s Hazak group, on Sunday, Dec. 16.

During this special event, attendees will be treated to a guided tour of NJHS’s numerous photographs, exhibits and archives.

According to program organizers, the archives -located in the basement of the JCC -- will reveal wonderful memorabilia and invaluable heirlooms such as wedding gowns, Army uniforms, Hebrew Bibles and objects of art -- truly a sentimental walk down memory lane. Tour guides will be Renee Ratner Corcoran, NJHS executive director, and Helen Rifkin Chorney, Hazak member and former NJHS president.

“Regardless of where you grew up, we all share memories as Jews,” Chorney remarked. “It is up to us to preserve these collective memories in order for future generations of Jews to know where they came from. Don’t miss an afternoon that will leave you saying, ‘I had no idea this spectacular composite was right under my nose.’” She also noted that, “Ours is probably one of the biggest Jewish historical societies in the country. We have so much to be proud of here, and so much to share.”

Prior to the program, at noon, a delicious kosher lunch will be served in the JCC’s Community room; the tour will run from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

This event is open to everyone in the Jewish community. Cost is $10.50 for lunch. Reserve by Dec. 7 by sending a check -- made payable to Beth El -- to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE, 68114. For more information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

BIRTHS Amichai and Ronit Schwab of Riverdale, NY, anounce the Sept. 23 birth of their daughter, Meirav Hagit. Meirav means to increase or multiply; Hagit relates to the Jewish holiday season.

Grandparents are Michael and Jocelyne Natkin, Queens, NY, and Rabbi Joel and Aviva Schwab, Middletown, NY. Great-grandparents are Janice Natkin, Long Island, NY, Rozine Zennou, Nice, France, and Cantor Leo and Annette Fettman.

Fannie Chunovic is the great-great-grandmother.

Erin and Ben Nathan of Overland Park, KS announce the Nov. 14 birth of their son, Eli Micah.

Grandparents are Larry and Randi Haith of Leawood, KS, and Beth and Jeff Dorfman of Overland Park, KS, and Ira and Carol Nathan.

Great-grandparents are Rhoda Blatt and Paul Nathan, Joe and Hortense Haith of Prairie Village, KS, and Bobbie and Max Prostok of Delray Beach, FL.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

Synagogue offers new program for children live from Beth El: it's ‘Shabbat Morning LIVE!’

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This Shabbat’s program will revolve around

by JILL BELMONT Hanukkah, and will feature a holiday play that everyone Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue is pleased to introduce an exciting, will participate in; even the snacks that the children once-a-month Saturday morning Shabbat program, make will carry the Hanukkah theme.

“Shabbat Morning Live is designed to create a seam‘Shabbat Morning LIVE!’ and organizers invite all Jewish families with young children to attend the kick- less transition between our programs for younger children such as Tot Shabbat or Shabbat Tunes & Tales and off program, Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Junior Congregation for Geared to youngsters students in the intermedifrom Pre-K through secate grades,” said Judy ond grade and their parRubin Beth El Education ents, the innovative SML Director.

“Melodies, will offer little ones prayers and Torah study opportunities to become will begin to form a founfamiliar with Shabbat dation for future learning prayers and blessings, all on a more advanced introduced through level.” music, puppet theater, She added that since it creative movement, plus is mandatory for Talmud Shabbat-appropriate Torah students in Pre-K games and crafts. to second grade students Each monthly program to attend three Shabbat will also focus on a particular Jewish theme or Esther Katz, seen here leading a lively Beth El Tot Shabbat service services, participation in holiday; a children's ver- earlier this year, will engage little ones in new kinds of Shabbat fun this fun-filled, interactive sion of the Torah service during the synagogue's new 'Shabbat Morning LIVE!' program, program will fulfill that will also be offered, with beginning this Saturday. requirement. an explanation of that week’s parasha, through a creNo reservations are needed and there is no fee to ative, child-centered approach. Led by Esther Katz (who attend Shabbat Morning Live. Parents are encouraged formerly led the synagogue’s Saturday Tot Shabbat pro- to treat themselves and their youngsters to this special gram), SML will also feature a variety of guest speakers Shabbat celebration created just for them! throughout the year.

Temple Israel to co-sponsor Vigil of Hope Sunday to stop city violence

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel is one of five sponsors of a communitywide Vigil of Hope that plans to make a statement to stop the violence that has been plaguing our community. Beginning Sunday, Dec. 2, 5 p.m., Omahans are invited to stand together at places of worship with candles lit, holding hands as the city focuses on unity, solidarity, peace, and togetherness.

Other sponsors are the Conference for Inclusive Communities, Creighton University, P.U.L.S.E., Sacred Heart Church, and radio station Star 104.5 FM which will broadcast interviews and quotations from 4:30-5 p.m. just prior to the vigil. As the vigil begins, partici-

pants will surround Temple Israel and other places of worship as the radio station continues to air reflective music throughout the 30-minute vigil.

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel urged all members of the community to “get involved with what’s happening in our town.” He finds it hard to comprehend how “an entire state can be so engrossed in trying to find a solution for the (Nebraska Cornhusker) football team while drive-by shootings are happening.”

Intended to inspire participants’ energy toward making the city and its neighborhoods more peaceful, the sponsors hope that the power of prayer will effect change within all and within the metropolitan community. Those who attend are asked to bring candles and radios.

Beth Israel to host Hanukkah Carnival

by MARY BORT Beth Israel Synagogue Carnival games, prizes, free food and more! What better way to celebrate Hanukkah than by bringing your children to Beth Israel’s Hanukkah Carnival. The indoor carnival will be held on Saturday, Dec. 8, 67:30 p.m., following Havdalah, and the community is invited.

The carnival is co-chaired by Sharon, Alyssa and Lauren Kirshenbaum. According to Sharon Kirshenbaum, “We’re going to have an inflatable bouncer, authentic carnival games with lots of prizes and a hot dog buffet. The games will be geared toward younger children, with older elementary and NCSY

aged kids running the game booths. Some of the prizes will be Hanukkah-themed, and there will be plenty of prizes for everyone. Everything, including the hot dog dinner, is free for both kids and adults.

She added, “What a great way to spend a Saturday evening during Hanukkah! Beth Israel is thrilled to host this Hanukkah Carnival. We wanted to offer something to the community that would be special. Alyssa and Lauren are so excited; they helped pick out the games and prizes. We hope everyone will come and have a wonderful time. This is the perfect way to celebrate Hanukkah with your family.”

For planning purposes, Beth Israel requests that you RSVP for the event by calling the office at 556.6288.

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by SHEVI KATZMAN Michael Denenberg, age three, will proudly proclaim, “Antiyochus has just issued a number of decrees against the Jews,” practices Lauren Kirk, age six, as she “I found it!” as he finds the oil in the Temple.

The serious and meaningful story will excitedly prepares for her Hanukkah be provided with comic relief by the performance. Jewish children first Peanut Gallery. “The kids look so cute grade and under will perform in an allin their costumes,” says Miri Katzman, new Hanukkah play on Tuesday, Dec. “and they all say their parts so well!”

9, 10:15-11:45 a.m.

The play will take place at the concluThe creative script is based on the sion of the Mishpacha University fourancient story of the miracle of week Hanukkah Mini-Series; the party Hanukkah which we still celebrate is also referred to as Mesibat Hanukkah. today. Experience how the story is brought to life with modern props The party and the play are open to the such as news reporters along with their community and free of charge and will news clippings. include a Hanukkah grab-bag, latkas The talented children at Mishpacha Emily Kirk, age 4, will star in the and doughnuts, and lots of great University will display musical and dra- Hanukkah Play at the Mesibat Hanukkah fun. RSVP to shevi@ocha matic skills to glorify and publicize Hanukkah on Dec. 9. bad.com or to Carol at 330.1800.

November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Omaha Performing Arts Presents

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

November 30, 2007

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December

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 below events.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 2 JFS Project Dreidel, 9 a.m.

Sisterhood Boutique, Bible Study Group, and Lessons for the Jewish Soul, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Four Bs, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Get Ready for Hanukkah, 2 p.m. at that Pottery Place Kripke Library “Chanu-Kids” program, 3:30 p.m.

Jewish Film Festival Dinner, 6 p.m, and film, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 3 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Kripke Library Story Time, 10:30 a.m.

JFS Project Dreidel, noon Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 JFS Project Dreidel, 9 a.m.

WOW Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 9 a.m. at Chabad Federation AC/DC, 12:30 p.m.

ADL Project Interfaith Board Meeting, 5 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Book Month feautres Nathan Englander, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 6 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Torah Therapy, noon at Bergman Incentives “Insights and Values from the Torah,” noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JCC Hanukkah Extravaganza, 5 p.m.

Hanukkah Event, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Book Month Event with Lisa Pearl Rosenbaum, 7 p.m.

Temple Israel Theology Cafe, 7 p.m. at Barnes & Noble Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 7 Latke Sales & Lunch, all day at Friedel Jewish Academy Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Parent/Toddler Class, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El BESTT 6th & 7th Grade Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Hanukkah Dinner, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 Hanukkah Carnival, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel Out of Sight Saturday Night/Overnight, 6:30 p.m.

39 Forever Program, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 9 Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad BESTT Hanukkah activities and Youth Concert, 11 a.m.

Dance Open House - Registration Day, 1 p.m.

Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC Let’s Talk About It -Jewish Literature, 2 p.m.

Hadassah Hanukkah Party, 2 p.m.

Chabad Hanukkah Super Bowl, 4:30 p.m. at Thunder Alley MONDAY, DECEMBER 10 Partnership with Israel Teacher Training Program, 9 a.m.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

JSS Concert Heartland Philharmonic, 7 p.m.

Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

Spirits & Spirituality, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, DECEMBER 11 Partnership with Israel Teacher Training Program, 9 a.m.

WOW Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 9 a.m. at Chabad ADL/CRC Board Meeting, noon B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz Dinner, 6 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad 22nd Annual Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m.

ADL Youth Leadership Mission 2008 Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 5 Mishpacha University’s Playgroup, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad WRJ Lunch Program, noon at Temple Israel Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Critical Thinking, 7 p.m. at Beth El

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 12 Mishpacha University’s Playgroup, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Jewish Federation AC/DC Meeting, 6 p.m.

Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad JFS Love and Logic Parenting Class, 7 p.m.

Beth El NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Jewish Critical Thinking, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 Bible Study Group, 10 a.m. Beth El Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Beth El’s Hazak tours the Jewish Historical Society, noon What’s Jewish About Food?, 12:15 p.m. at Beth El Youth Drug & Alcohol Prevention Program, 12:30 p.m.

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m.

CPR Class, 1 p.m.

Beyt Shalom Religious School, 1:30 p.m. at JCC

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 WOW Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 9 a.m. at Chabad BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

CPR Class, 6 p.m.

2008 Maccabi Games Parent/Athlete Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Parshah Roundup, 7 p.m. at Chabad Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Eye on Israel Evening Edition, 8 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19 Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad Jewish Critical Thinking, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Insights and Values from the Torah, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El JSS Helmut Lotti Concert, 1:30 p.m.

CPR Class, 6 p.m.

College Dinner with Clergy, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel ADL Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 7 p.m.

Class with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21 No School Friedel Winter Break Dec. 21 thru Jan. 4 Parent/Toddler Class, 9:30 a.m. at Temple Israel

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Story Time, 10:30 a.m. at Kripke Library Jewish Book Club, 11 a.m.

Jewish Federation ACDC Meeting, 6 p.m.

Sisterhood Mah Jongg, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

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Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El BBYO Winter Regional Convention, 2 p.m. in KC through Dec. 30 LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

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Authors thank NJHS for help; book to be published

PITLOR/ABRAMSON Marcia and Steve Pitlor announce the engagement of their daughter, Lisa, to Ian Abramson, son of Ben Abramson of Boyton Beach, FL, and Ginnie Abramson, of Ardsley, NY. The bride-to-be earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature from the University of Pennsylvania.

She is currently completing her fourth year of medical school at SUNY Downstate Medical Center and plans to pursue a residency in radiology.

Her fiance graduated from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in economics. He also earned a degree in international business from Cambridge University in England. He is currently a senior financial consultant for SunGuard in New York.

A May 18, 2008, wedding is planned at Beth El Synagogue.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT As the holiday season begins, NET Television presents an historic concert, performed at the site of the ancient fortress of Masada in the southern Israeli desert. “David Broza at Masasda: The Sunrise Concert� airs Saturday, Dec. 1, 10:30 p.m. CT on NET1.

International composer, guitarist and singer David Broza performs his flamenco-tinged folk-rock melodies and brings musical life to fragments of poetry. Joining Broza on the unusual stage are legendary singer/songwriter Jackson Browne, Grammy Award-winner Shawn Colvin and Arab musician Ebrahim Eid, who performs his international hit “In My Heart� accompanied by a Palestinian and Israeli children’s choir.

Broza begins the special with aerial footage that unveils the beauty of Israel’s landscape and concludes with the sun rising over the Jordan Valley and Dead Sea. In his 30-year career, Broza has garnered 16 gold, platinum and multi-platinum releases. He transcends national and artistic boundaries by singing in English, Hebrew and Spanish. Born in Israel, Broza is the son of an Israeli/British businessman and a folk singer, and was raised and educated in England and Spain.

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with trumpeter Christ Botti at the Holland Center, sponsored by the Jewish Press.

Omaha Performing Arts welcomes the Grammy-nominated artist to the Kiewit Concert Hall on Monday, Dec. 31, 8:30 p.m. Since the release of his first solo album in 1995, Botti has critical acclaim and mainstream appreciation in the world of contemporary jazz.

Hehas performed with artists including Michael Buble, Gladys Knight, Andrea Bocelli, Paula Cole, Frank Sinatra and Paul Simon and was a featured soloist on Sting’s “Brand New Day� tour. Tickets, priced from $45-$85, are available at Ticket Omaha online at www.ticketomaha.org, by phone at 402.345.0606 or toll free at 866.434.TKTS (8587), and at the box office at the Holland Center, 13th and Douglas.

Authors Betty Shrier and William Ramsey (top) made a presentation to the board of directors of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society last week to thank them for assistance in gathering materials for their soon-to-be-published book, Doorway to Freedom: The Story of David Kaufmann --Merchant-Benefactor-Rescuer. Marcel and Ilse Kahn were among those rescued by Kaufmann in the 1930s. The story of their rescue was told by writer Leo Adam Biga in the New Year's issue, Sept. 30, 2005, “The Path to Judaism.� Shrier and Ramsey brought many of the documents and memorabilia to be featured in the book. (Natalie Rubin is pictured to the right of Ilse Kahn.)

Happy birthday Visions!

Visions celebrated its 15th birthday recently with cake and balloons and guest speaker Omaha native Rachel Jacobson (pictured with Harry Alloy). Jacobson, founder and director of Film Streams, spoke about the current programming at the non-profit organization, which shows independent and foreign films, as well as documentaries at its Ruth Sokolof theater downtown.

Proverbs, adages provide food for thought at Beth El’s next Rosh Hodesh group meeting

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator What comes around goes around. Pretty is as pretty does. It’s the calm before the storm. Proverbs and adages, those well-known sayings that carry tidbits of wisdom for everyday life, will be shared and discussed at Beth El’s upcoming Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meeting, planned for Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m. The get-together will be held at the home of Bev Fellman, 14101 Eagle Run Drive, and will be co-hosted by Helen Epstein.

The hosts are hoping attendees will share favorite sayings that they have found to be true in their lives. “Proverbs and adages serve a purpose in our lives and have done so in a variety of cultures and languages for thousands of years for our ancestors as well,� Fellman

said. “We would like to hear the proverb or adage you have said or continue to say, and the circumstances or situation that led you to say it.�

She added that, “Perhaps you have one that your mother or grandmother used and can share why it was useful to her at that time. We will listen to each other and together will derive lessons from our shared discussion.� (Fellman also suggested that participants make a list between now and Dec. 10, of favorite or often-used sayings.)

Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Fellman at 333.0674, or bbfellman@aol.com; or Epstein, at 391.9187, or aepstein@cox.net. And remember, “the early bird gets the worm� ... make your reservation today!

November 30, 2007

Westside grad exhibits Israel photos in JCC Gallery

by AVI KATZMAN Living in Israel for a year was a life-changing experience. Not only did I learn about the country, I learned about myself -- and I discovered my love for photography.

With a new nickname -- “The Girl with the Camera�, I came home with not only fantastic memories, but also thousands of photos to go along with them.

I really want others to see my year in Israel as I saw it through my eyes. I’ve chosen between 50 and 60 photographs to present in an exhibit, so that people can see some of my favorite moments throughout the year.

From living in the cities of Bat Yam and Petach Tikva, to studying in Jerusalem, and vacationing in Eilat, skiing at Mt. Hermon, and bathing in the Dead Sea, these photographs are some of the many things I experienced this year.

They will also be for sale during the exhibit in the Gallery of the Jewish Community Center, which opens next week and runs through the end of the month.

Prices are $25 for the 8x10 matted photos and $36 for the 11x14 prints. To purchase prints, contact Rachel Blum, JCC Program Director, at 334.6404.

As a current photography student at the School of Visual Arts in New York City, I hope that this will be the first of many exhibits and I’m just glad the first is documenting a monumental year in my life.

Katzman is a 2006 graduate of Westside; she spent a year in Israel on the Young Judaea Shalem program.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Artza ‘09 is coming!

Continued from page 1 A series of parent and teen information meetings will be held at the JCC and synagogues over the course of the next year, with opportunities to sign up and learn more about this Israel experience of a lifetime.

Since the past two Artza trips, Artza ‘99 and ‘06, much has been developed in the Teen Trip to Israel Experience; the Omaha JCC staff looks forward to working in conjunction with the JCC Association’s Maccabi Israel Experience once again to plan and imple-

educational sites such as the Western Wall, Yad Vashem, Yitzhak Rabin’s Memorial, Hall of Independence, and other museums and historical sites. Cities and experiences on the tour include the resort town of Eilat, Jerusalem, the lime-light of Tel Aviv, Omaha’s Partnership with Israel city of Akko, and Haifa, just to name a few.

Twenty-one students participated in Artza ‘06, and all had an amazing Israel experience. “Traveling to Israel with the other Omaha teens meant more to me during

Among the highlights of Artza 2006 was a visit to the Old City of Jerusalem and a stop at the Western Wall for David Sukkienik, left, Scott Egermayer, David Trubnikov and Guy

Weinstein; and eating falafel: Jessica Danon, left, Talia Tene, one of the trip’s madrichim (counselors) -- Assaf Nachum -and Sarah Spooner.

ment the third consecutive trip with them. The success of the past two Artza trips can be attributed to the leadership of both local Artza directors and chaperones, as well as the professionalism and hands-on details handled by the national JCC Association.

The four-week Israel Experience is comprised of a balanced, exciting, challenging and exhilarating agenda to cover all aspects of the Israel experience, including (but not limited to) the following activities: hiking, snorkeling, rappelling, shopping on Ben Yehuda Street, camel rides, hiking Masada, and visiting holy, spiritual, and

and after the trip than I anticipated,� said Amanda Bucher. “I feel like we had an edge over all the other teen trips circulating in Israel that summer. We really got to know the people in our group.�

Recruitment for Artza ’09 is now underway. For more information, contact Artza Director, Corey Kirshenbaum at 334.6415, or me at 334.6425.

Applications for Artza chaperones are also being accepted now, and will be actively reviewed in January of 2009.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

The Soviet Jewry campaign transformed American Jewry, too!

by SUE FISHKOFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- When Jacob Birnbaum began knocking on dormitory doors at Yeshiva University in the spring of 1964, he only half-believed anyone would answer.

The young British activist had come to New York to mobilize a grassroots campaign to draw attention to the plight of three million Jews trapped behind the Iron Curtain -- a cause that was being

Feingold, author of a newly published work, Silent No More: Saving the Jews of Russia, the American Jewish Effort 19671989.

While debate continues as to the role the Soviet Jewry campaign played in bringing the Soviet Union to its knees, virtually no one disputes the impact it had on the American Jewish community.

The movement galvanized American Jewry, producing many of today’s top

in my own grounding in Judaism, so I entered rabbinical school.”

Rabbi Arthur Green, rector of the Hebrew College Rabbinical School, was a student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in the early ’60s active in civil rights and the anti-war struggle. He says the Soviet Jewry campaign helped him connect those two parts of his identity, “the caring for people and their release from oppres-

Photos from above left: Shirley Goldstein, right, meets with Sen. Henry “Scoop” Jackson (D-WA), at a fundraiser at the home of Mrs. Dahlquist, left, wife of an Omaha firefighter. Sen. Jackson was the co-author of the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which tied the Soviet Union’s desperate hope for “favored nation status” to immigration and freedom of movement for Soviet Jews and others in the USSR. Miriam Simon, left, and Goldstein chaired Omaha’s Committee for Soviet Jewry, In 1986, the two presented a poster from the movement to Sister Anne Gillen, a Catholic activist in the Soviet Jewry movement. Before the start of the 1987 rally, Goldstein, center, waits with other Soviet Jewry activists in front of the Murray building in D.C. to meet speakers Natan Sharansky, Vladimir Slepak, Elie Wiesel, and Vice President George Bush. largely ignored by the world Jewish community.

He turned first to the modern Orthodox campus with its high concentration of Jewishly committed students.

“New York City is the largest center of Jewish life in the world, and from New York we could generate pressure on Washington,” explains the now 80-yearold Birnbaum, who still lives in New York and was honored recently by Congress for his key role in the Soviet Jewry campaign.

“The goal was always Washington -first to convert the Jewish community, and then convert Washington," he says.

His door knocking launched a national student movement, the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, or SSSJ, whose first public effort was a May 1, 1964, demonstration outside the Soviet mission to the United Nations. More than 1,000 students from Yeshiva, Columbia, Stern College and other campuses marched, demanding freedom for Soviet Jews.

The protest became a movement, and the movement swelled into a worldwide outcry that 25 years later not only ripped open the Iron Curtain, leading to the largest Jewish exodus in history, but also contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union, cemented the role of human rights issues in U.S. foreign policy and heralded the emergence of a strong, independent American Jewry able and willing to speak out for its oppressed brethren around the world.

“It was probably American Jewry’s finest hour,” says historian Henry

Jewish leaders and a PR-savvy Jewish voice in Washington.

Haunted by the memories of American Jewish inaction during the Holocaust and emboldened by Israel’s triumph in the Six-Day War, the activists vowed never again to ignore Jews in danger.

“This was something we talked about, that we’re not going to stand by and let this happen the way we did in the Holocaust,” recalls Irving “Yitz” Greenberg, who was a young Orthodox rabbi in 1964 when he became involved with the SSSJ. While many of the initial activists came from modern Orthodox circles, they were joined by other young Jews, excited by the civil rights and anti-war struggles, who now applied the energy of those movements to a Jewish cause, many for the first time. That synthesis set the tone for many of the Jewish and Israel-oriented organizations of the 1970s and ’80s.

Many of today’s communal and religious leaders cut their teeth in the Soviet Jewry movement.

Rabbi Doug Kahn, executive director of San Francisco’s Jewish Community Relations Council, was a student at the University of California, Berkeley in 1969 when he attended his first Soviet Jewry rally. It was “transformational,” he says, leading to his active involvement and later decision to become a Reform rabbi.

“My formative years coexisted with the civil rights movement, the Vietnam War and the Six-Day War,” he says. “My activism was motivated by my sense of Jewish values, but I didn’t feel confident

sion, and the Jewish issue -this was something that affected Jews in a very personal

way.”

In 1973, he and his wife visited “refuseniks” in Ukraine, one of many American Jews who over the course of the movement secretly carried names, phone numbers and packages to Jews denied permission to leave the Soviet Union.

“It was a formative experience for us,” he says, echoing Kahn’s words.

That was true as well for Constance Smukler of Philadelphia, who made four trips to visit Soviet refuseniks as part of a major underground effort coordinated by her city's Jewish federation and Soviet Jewry advocacy groups. Over a 10-year period, this ad-hoc coalition sponsored more than 100 trips.

“I was a very sheltered young woman, a Jewish housewife with a couple of kids,” says Smukler, now a board member of her Federation and active in many national Jewish organizations.

“This movement, especially the trips I made on my own, empowered me as a woman, and as a Jewish woman. I never realized my own capabilities. That was true among many of my friends, who went on to become very successful in different fields. I believe it was because of the training we got in the movement.”

Birnbaum’s notion of a public, ongoing grassroots campaign to free Soviet Jewry did not immediately catch fire with the American Jewish establishment.

Through the 1960s, the SSSJ labored in virtual isolation on the American scene, holding rallies and demonstrations in New York, Boston and a few other cities,

organized by a handful of core activists.

The Jewish mainstream favored quiet diplomacy over public protest, and the fervently Orthodox feared the campaign would jeopardize their underground religious activities behind the Iron Curtain.

Israel, of course, had been conducting its own secret operation on behalf of Jews within the Soviet Union for years

through Lishkat, the Israeli government’s Liason Bureau. And the Cleveland Council on Soviet Anti-Semitism was created in 1963, although it remained fairly quiet until it was later renamed the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews and went on to play a strong role in pushing Washington to back the Soviet Jewry campaign.

It was Israel’s stunning victory in the June 1967 Six-Day War that really catalyzed the movement, lighting a fire under young Jews both in America and in the Soviet Union who previously had not expressed their Jewish identity.

For the first time, large numbers of Soviet Jews began applying for exit visas - they were refused -- and large numbers of American Jews began clamoring on their behalf.

“The campaign was already by that time quite visible and active,” says Mark Levin, who was a young teenager when he joined his first demonstration in Lafayette Park across from the White House in 1969.

“The difference is, after the Six-Day War you didn’t find as many Jews hiding their Jewish identity,” he says. “The SixDay War and the struggle for Soviet Jewry together redefined the type and level of activism in the American Jewish community.”

Levin is the longtime director of the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, which is known now as NCSJ and works on Jewish issues throughout the former Soviet Union.

Another major catalyst was the highly publicized Leningrad trials in December 1970, which handed down death sentences to the leaders of a group of refuseniks who had tried to hijack a plane from Leningrad to Israel.

Continued on page 18

November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

The Soviet Jewry campaign: A timeline

Yuli Edelstein: Jews pulling together made the difference in freedom fight

1979. Altogether, about 200,000 Soviet

by SUE FISHKOFF April 1964: Two national organiza- Jews left for Israel this decade.

1979-through 1980s: Very few Jews tions are created: the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry in New York and the are permitted to leave the Soviet Union.

American Jewish Conference on Soviet Support groups abroad sponsor secret Jewry in Washington, D.C. visits to refuseniks.

May 1, 1964: 1,000 Jewish students Dec. 6, 1987: 250,000 people gather protest outside the Soviet Mission to the on the National Mall in Washington, United Nations in New York, the first D.C., to demand freedom for Soviet such street demonstration on behalf of Soviet Jewry.

June 1967: Israel’s lightning victory in the Six-Day War galvanizes world Jewry.

Soviet Jews become more openly Zionist, thousands apply for exit visas, the Soviet Union virtually cuts off emigration in response, creating “refuseniks.”

American Jews raise their voices in protest.

1971: Following the of Leningrad Trial December 1970, which handed down harsh sentences to a handful of refuseniks who tried to hijack a plane to Israel, 27 American Jewish organizations come together to create the National Conference on Soviet Jewry (NCSJ), the successor to the AJCSJ. Together with the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews Becca Goldstein (Groothius) was a high school student in (UCSJ), it launches a major 1986 when she and her sister Deb (Baum) travelled to the advocacy effort for Soviet nation’s capitol with her grandmother, Shirley Goldstein, and Jewry in Washington. a busload of other Omahans, including these teens: Debbie Meanwhile, the Greater Barack, Rikki Epstein (Mor), (Rabbi) Daniel Fellman, New York Conference on Jonathan Fellman, Rachael Goldberg (Johanowicz), Susan Soviet Jewry begins holding Gurwitch Jonathan Heinberg, Vadim Krasovitsky, Allison “Solidarity Sundays,” mass Kutler, Michael Levine, Renee Mitchell (Rod), Scott Muskin, demonstrations on behalf of Adam Rod, Elana Rod (Schwartz), Josh Parilman, Noah Pollak, Rachel “Reggie” Rennard (Witherspoon), Stacey Soviet Jews.

1971-1973: Jewish emi- Riekes (Atlas), Jennifer Rubin, Rachel Shkolnick (Blum), gration from Soviet Union David Schwalb, and Jamie Zacharia (Friedland). increases.

Jews, the largest Soviet Jewry rally in hisAugust 1972: Soviet Union imposes a tory, on the eve of a summit conference “diploma tax” on emigres. between U.S. President Ronald Reagan January 1975: The Jackson-Vanik and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev.

Amendment to the Trade Bill of 1974 Among them is a contingent from restricts benefits to non-market countries Omaha, led by Shirley Goldstein. that limit free emigration, an open chalLate 1988: Soviet restrictions on lenge to Soviet restrictions on Jewish Jewish emigration ease. By 1989, the emigration. Human rights are now tied doors are opening wide. Half a million Jews leave in two years. to U.S. trade policy.

August 1991: The Soviet Union is for1975-1977: Jewish emigration from mally dissolved. By the end of the decade, the Soviet Union decreases dramatically.

1977-1979: Jewish emigration from more than 1.3 million Jews have left for the Soviet Union inches upwards again, Israel, the United States, Germany and then stops almost entirely after the Soviet elsewhere. invasion of Afghanistan in December

by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Yuli Edelstein may be approaching 50, but his face retains the boyishness of the young Hebrew teacher in Moscow many years ago who organized secret classes and emerged as a leader in the struggle for Soviet Jewry.

Edelstein was followed by KGB agents and eventually arrested. He was sent into exile on the Mongolian frontier, where he worked in a labor camp for three years.

Now a veteran Knesset member and former immigration minister, Edelstein sits in a Tel Aviv cafe over a steaming cappuccino and says the memories of exile, struggle and solidarity still feel close.

Edelstein, 48, recalls one evening marching back to his barracks, when the labor camp's commander approached him and said, “The safe in my office is full of letters for you, but I’ll never give you even one of them.”

Seeing the letters was not important, Edelstein says. Knowing they were there made all the difference.

“You know, 500,000 miles from Moscow in a labor camp, you hear something like that and know you are not alone in the snow out there,” he says, his voice drifting. “There is a safe full of letters.”

He marvels at the force of the Soviet Jewry solidarity movement.

“Israel and the Diaspora had a common issue, one without any controversy,”

Among the adults who participated in the 1987 rally: Rabbi Stephen and Renee Barack, Bob Birt, Kimberly Carrico, LaVonne Curtis, Bob Eisenberg, Jodi Epstein, Cantor Leo and Annette Fettman, Barbara and Warner Frohman, Ann and Don Goldstein, Shirley and Leonard Goldstein,

Janet Gurwitch, Carol Kaplan, Gloria Kaslow, Emma Krasotivsky, Morris Maline, Ally Milder, Stan Mitchell, Betsy Newman, Jeff Newman, Patricia Newman, Gary Parilman, Sol Parsow, Oliver Pollak, Ruth Potash, Steve and Fran Rod, and Helen and Howard Wenger

Edelstein says, adding later that “when there is a feeling of common cause, you can really make a change.”

He says that the lack of a joint goal, a common denominator, is acutely felt in today’s Jewish world.

Edelstein says the events of the Six-Day War in 1967 spurred a pride that helped propel Soviet Jews to come to Israel -and prompted Diaspora Jews to help them get there.

Today, he is involved with marking the 40th anniversary of the Soviet Jewry Struggle for Freedom, which over the course of this year is hosting a series of events and programs in Israel and abroad.

Edelstein is frustrated by the brow beating in Israel over the SIx-Day War and its consequences.

Recently he was sitting with a group of fellow Knesset members who were debating the legacy of the war. He recounts telling them, “When people say the victory was a real curse, they forget that myself and some 2.3 million Israelis would not be here today or would not be Jews at all.”

As for his fellow Soviet Jews who immigrated to Israel, most of them in the wave of aliyah that began in 1990, he maintains that the process of absorbing them into Israeli society is ongoing and cannot yet be judged.

He surprised himself most of all when Continued on page 19

For Yosef Begun, Zionistic fervor remains despite disillusionment

by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Back when he was toiling in the snow of the Ural Mountains and elsewhere during 16 years in the Soviet Gulag, Yosef Begun did not imagine his future home as a place with rockets falling and leaders in crisis.

Punished by the Soviet authorities for his underground activities as a Jewish activist, Begun knew Israel was an embattled country, but he had high hopes for its future.

“I think like every citizen in Israel, I see the situation getting worse,” he says, during a recent interview in Jerusalem. “The Kassams falling? We did not have those in mind when we immigrated from Moscow.”

The focus of Jewish activists like Begun was how Israel emerged victorious in battles like the 1967 Six-Day War and even the 1973 Yom Kippur War. “But what do we have now? We have no leaders today,” Begun says, adding later that “leaders reflect the people who select them, so there is something off with the people of Israel choosing such leaders.”

Begun, 75 and living in Jerusalem, is a grandfather. His eldest granddaughter is serving in the Israeli army. He works as a publisher, mostly putting out books with Jewish, Israeli or Zionist content in Russian. He takes those books to the former Soviet Union.

Citing the vanishing number of educated Jews there, he says, “There is a great need for books.”

Begun, who recently led a Moscow tour of “refusenik” sites for American Jewish activists, says he still sees himself as the impassioned Zionist, but he is disheartened by the mood when he returns home from his trips to the former Soviet Union.

“There are people who want a Jewish life and Zionism, but most of the nation seems uninterested in such things,” he says. “The country seems tired.”

Begun often thinks back to the long, hard years of imprisonment and struggle.

Even now he is struck by the Soviet regime’s success in stopping Jewish life.

He feels a personal mission to make up for this lost time.

The memoir Begun is writing now opens with him as a small child asking his mother what the word “Jewish” means.

His playmates had teased him for being a Jew. “I cried and asked, ‘why am I a Jew?’” Begun recalls. “I did not want to be.”

Despite his early identity conflict, he eventually became a Hebrew teacher and activist in the refusenik movement. Like others, Begun believes the incredible showing of Jewish unity paved the way to a successful outcome in the Soviet Jewry struggle.

“Everyone -- Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, religious, not religious -- they were all together,” Begun says. “It shows how when everyone unites, there can be success.”

Looking at the situation of the immigrants from the former Soviet Union in Israel now, he sees a picture of overall success -- their contribution to the economy, their finding a place in Israeli society.

One of his main complaints, however, is the Orthodox religious establishment and its conversion policies. They have been seen as especially stringent -demanding in some cases, for example, that converts send their children to Orthodox schools and families prove their synagogue attendance.

“It’s not OK that the rabbis make such difficulties,” Begun says. “These are people who are insensitive and don't realize that these immigrants want to be part of this nation. Instead they say they are not good Jews. It’s nonsense.

“We need as many people to be part of our community as possible. If you ask who is a Jew, it’s a Jew who is already a Jew in his or her heart.”

Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

Soviet Jewry campaign transformed American Jewry Continued from page 16 The punishment was commuted to hard labor, but it shocked into action 24 major American Jewish organizations.

They came together in June 1971 as the National Conference on Soviet Jewry, which became the third main voice advocating for Soviet Jewry.

The National Conference often acted in concert with the Greater New York Conference on Soviet Jewry, which under founding executive Malcolm Hoenlein -today the executive vice president of the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations -launched large-scale Soviet Jewry rallies throughout the 1970s and 1980s.

But it was the Jackson-Vanik amendment, which the U.S. Congress passed in January 1975, that universalized the Soviet Jewry campaign by tying the Soviet Union’s human rights behavior to its attainment of most-favored trading status with the United States.

By showing that free movement for Soviet Jews was key to the free movement of all peoples, Jackson-Vanik fit in perfectly with the foreign policies of the Reagan and Bush Sr. administrations, cemented Washington’s support for what might have been seen as a parochial concern and gave rise to the worldwide campaign for universal human rights, culminating later that year in the Helsinki agreements that committed all nations to a certain level of protection of human rights.

All of this strengthened the American Jewish community’s position in Washington, giving rise in turn to today’s powerful Israel lobby on Capitol Hill.

Levin said the street protests of the Student Struggle for Soviet Jewry, com-

bined with the behind-the-scenes diplomacy of groups like the National Conference, combined to create a powerful political wedge.

“It was a raging debate within the Jewish community,” he says, referring to the ongoing discussion about whether the campaign should focus on public or private tactics. “But we would not have succeeded without utilizing both.”

The culmination of the campaign was a massive demonstration on Dec. 6, 1987 on the National Mall in Washington, on the eve of a summit between U.S. President Ronald Reagan and Soviet Premier Mikhail Gorbachev. More than 250,000 protesters, representing a crosssection of American Jewry, showed up on a bitterly cold morning to shout “Let My People Go,” demanding that Gorbachev open the doors to free emigration.

That happened two years later, but the wheels were set in motion that day.

“When you talk about freedom of movement, that was a direct challenge to the Soviet control system,” says Feingold, who believes the Soviet Jewry campaign was a key factor leading to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

“It’s no accident that after three decades of agitation, the collapse of the Berlin Wall was based on the precedent of the Soviet Jewish right to emigrate.”

For many historians, the Soviet Jewry campaign represented the “coming of age” of the American Jewish community.

Its “brilliant PR, its ability to get the story out,” Feingold says, is what tipped the scales and moved the struggle beyond a parochial Jewish issue to a cause the entire free world could back.

It also represented the willingness of American Jewish organizations to break

Soviet Jewry activitist Shirley Goldstein dons a t-shirt in preparation for the 1987 March on Washington. ranks with Israel on a major political issue: the “dropouts,” or Soviet Jews given permission to emigrate to Israel who once out of Moscow’s clutches headed for the United States, Germany or elsewhere.

The Jewish Agency for Israel and its U.S. allies felt they should be forced to go to Israel, but through the 1970s and 1980s, most American Jewish groups insisted on the Soviet Jews’ right of choice, a democratic value enshrined in the American way of life.

Interestingly, American Jewry reversed itself two decades later.

When the mass exodus of Soviet Jewry really took off in the early 1990s, American Jewish leaders -- fearful of the social and financial burdens of absorbing

such an influx, and mindful of the fact that these people were not technically political refugees since Israel was ready to welcome them -- backed Israel’s demand that the bulk of the immigrants be sent to the Jewish state.

Throughout the 25-year struggle, which grew in strength until the Soviet gates finally opened in 1989, American Jews may have differed over tactics and leadership for the campaign, but they were united in their goal of open emigration for Soviet Jews.

“There were a lot of headaches,” Smukler admits. “We all had different points of view. But at 2 a.m., when the meetings were over, we were on the same page. We knew what we had to do: Get them out.”

No other issue since the ’67 war has brought American Jews together in quite the same way, say Smukler and other activists who lived through those times.

Given the complexity of the IsraelDiaspora relationship today and the growing diversity of the American Jewish community, it is doubtful that anything will.

The campaign heightened American Jews’ sense of responsibility for oppressed Jews around the world, along with the confidence that they could effect real change.

“It gave the community a sense of what is possible when we are able to speak in a united voice,” Levin says. “It didn’t just have an impact on Jews; what we did impacted the world. It helped expand and strengthen the human rights movement by showing a group of individuals challenging a totalitarian state at the peak of its power, so that future challenges would not look so insurmountable.”

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November 30, 2007

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Ida Nudel chronicles the past, but activist lives in the present

by DINA KRAFT TEL AVIV (JTA) -- Boxes brimming with files, binders and newspaper clippings cover the small, sunny living-room floor in Rehovot. In the office are more bulging files.

It’s all material for the next book by Ida Nudel, in which one of the most famous faces of the Soviet Jewry struggle plans to trace the solidarity movement.

“It’s about how Jews succeeded in winning this war,” says the petite Nudel, 76, her hair cropped in a silver bob, her dark eyes fired with the same intensity that

drove her to battle the Soviet regime.

Nadel survived a murder plot by the KGB and four years of exile in Siberia before finally being allowed to immigrate to Israel in 1987.

Despite the work on her book and its focus on the past, Nadel says she prefers to concentrate on the present.

“I’m not a person of the past,” she says, leaning over a glass of cool water. “I live in the present, that is my character.”

Nadel pushes forward a single-spaced, two-page document she has prepared outlining her grievances toward Israel, a

Jews pulling together made the difference Continued from page 17 he joined with longtime friend Natan Sharansky to run for the Knesset as part of an immigrant party called Yisrael B’Aliyah in 1996.

“I came to Israel with the idea of being out of public life. I did not want to have anything to do with it,” he says. “I said I already paid my dues to the Jewish people.”

But when the huge numbers of new immigrants poured into Israel, he and other former activists realized that if they wanted to have a say Yuli Edelstein, former aliya activist and Prisoner of Zion, at a Tel Credit: Brian Hendler in how their fellow coun- Aviv cafe, June 17, 2007. trymen were absorbed in employment and housing. into Israeli society -- and if they wanted “It would be very difficult,” he says, to forestall a crisis -- they would best be “to find someone who would not say that in government. the aliyah was not the best thing that Edelstein said their presence in the happened to Israel in the past 15 to 20 Knesset helped stave off serious problems years.”

state she fought so hard to live in but which she says has disappointed her greatly.

“I have lived in Israel for almost 20 years, and as time goes by I feel more and more cheated,” she wrote beneath a title highlighted in bold: I Believe a Man Must Not be Afraid of Facing the Truth.

Nadel admits being a bit wistful, saying the fiercely ideological and Jewish state she imagined was well into an age of globalization and evenpost Zionism by the time she walked down the steps of her much Ida Nudel, a former Russian refusenik sits in her Rehovot apartdreamed-of flight from ment June 24, 2007.

Credit: Brian Hendler Moscow to Tel Aviv. is that Jews from the former Soviet Union “I cry in my heart because what we were not accepted by Israeli society with dreamed of is not happening,” she says. open arms.

“Solidarity won, but what have we “It was an emotional blow,” she says. won? To go towards creating a Muslim “The Israeli bureaucracy did not accept country? We are quietly giving up piece us.” after piece of land,” says Nudel, who is Not long after her arrival, she began known for her hawkish views. running an organization called Mother to She warns of a culture war between the Mother that sought to bring at-risk West and Islam, and accuses Israelis of Russian-speaking immigrant children into burying their heads in the sand. afterschool programs. Many came from Nudel worries that Israel is losing a single-parent families who struggled ecosense of its distinct nature as a Jewish nomically. state. “It’s becoming a global village and The program has shrunk over the years the victims are small nations,” she says. but still operates with the help of foreign Nudel says this is hard for her to accept donations. as one who grew up knowing she was difNudel takes great pride in the program ferent for being a Jzidovka, a Jew -- an and hopes it will be her contribution to identity for which she paid a steep price.

Israel, the country she sees as both her Among her many grievances, she says, home and her heartache.

Jewish National Fund, 42 East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021 • 212-879-9305 x263 • education@jnf.org

Long ago there were two famous rabbis, Hillel and Shammai. Each had his own ideas about how to light the chanukiah. Unscramble the SCRAMBLED words below to find out how...

...Hillel and Shammai Light!

On the first day, light THEGI lights. Light one SELS light each night.

This way the lights remind us of the days yet to come.

On the first day, light ENO light. Light one EROM each night.

In holy things we go higher, not lower.

Today we follow the school of LEHILL. On the first night, place the first candle in the first space on the right, and add one each night. When lighting, light the newest candle first.

Celebrate Chanukah by thinking about renewable sources of energy (like the tiny pitcher of oil) and about reducing your carbon footprint by planting trees in Israel!

Visit www.jnf.org/goneutral to calculate your carbon footprint, plant trees, and to help create sources of alternative energy.

For more games, crafts, recipes, stories and e-greetings visit To plant trees or to donate to water projects in Israel, or for more JNF Israel Advocacy and Education programs, visit www.jnf.org or call 1-800-542-8733.

www.jnf.org/ www.

.org

Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

Happy Hanukkah ... and to all, a good night (?)

No, this isn’t going to be a column about the December Dilemma. Nor is this a rant on being wished “Merry Christmas” a gazillion times in the next few weeks.

Instead, we thought we’d take a moment to give thanks for all the blessings we Jews have in this country since we’re lucky enough to be the freest generations of Jews to have ever lived on the planet, and even luckier to live in the United States.

It wasn’t all that long ago that Jews, even here, were subject to discrimination, quotas, and anti-Semitism.

There was a time when even the brightest Jewish students could not gain admission to many of America’s top universities, nor were they admitted to many medical schools (hence the creation of such institutions as Brandeis University and the Chicago Medical School, developed to remedy that situation).

A number of readers also can remember the day when being Jewish meant the doors were closed at country clubs, private schools and certain neighborhoods.

With the exception of some isolated cases, all of that is gone. Instead, being Jewish is so accepted that in certain circles it’s even envied. Where else but in America could Jewish comedians poke fun at their heritage the way Jon Lovitz did at a recent tribute to Billy Crystal? (“Yiddish is a combination of German and flem.”)

The audience didn’t laugh because they were predominately Jewish (though a fair share of them had to be, given the preponderance of Jews in the entertainment industry).

They laughed because being Jewish is accept-

ed, even admired, in America today.

A 2006 Gallup poll showed only 6% of Americans would not vote for a Jew for President of the United States as opposed to 47% in 1937. Interestingly, about that same number -- 48% -- would not vote for an atheist for America’s top office!

Jeff Jacoby, writing in the Boston Globe, noted that “In short, solidarity with Israel is an abiding feature of American public opinion.

Because the American people are pro-Israel, the American government is pro-Israel.”

And, a poll taken by Marttila Communications for the Anti-Defamation League noted the following: • more than 58% of Americans hold Israel in high regard and more than 65% count Israel as a strong U.S. ally (third only after Great Britain and Japan); • 57% of respondents said that America should continue to support Israel even if it meant a greater risk of terrorist attacks against America; • 52% felt that a Palestinian state should only be established after Palestinians end the

terrorist violence and accept Israel’s legitimacy.

Jews in America can light Hanukkah candles in their front windows or erect sukkot in their backyards without fear of vandalism. We can worship where and when we want, walking or driving to synagogue without being attacked.

And yes, we can allow our children to sing Christmas carols without wondering if they’re being converted in their schools. If our kids know their history and heritage and feel comfortable as Jews, they can sing “Silent Night” as easily as their fellow students can sing “Rock of Ages.”

So enjoy Hanukkah, and being Jewish. In America, at least, we’re more than welcomed; we’re thought of as part of the mishpacha!

Holocaust resisters weren’t only those who carried weapons understand the variations of Jewish defiance in the Holocaust simply don’t get it. To remain human, to maintain a shred of dignity in the midst of torturous mayhem, was to defy everything for which the Nazis stood.

by JEANETTE FRIEDMAN The definition of resistance wasn’t helped by Defiance in the Holocaust, the catalog that scholars and pundits who counted only armed accompanies the exhibit of the same name, the resistance and measured success by counting director of the Museum of Jewish Heritage-A the number of dead Germans killed by Jews.

Earlier this month, to honor the achieveLiving Memorial to the Holocaust here puts into print the question on everyone’s lips ments of the distinguished Holocaust scholar Israel Gutman, four stellar academics -when the survivors were liberated.

Yehuda Bauer, Judy Baumel“Context is everything,” Schwartz, Robert Shapiro and David Marwell writes. “In David Engel -- stood before an trying to understand the audience of about 200 and put study of Jewish resistance Jewish resistance in the Holocaust during the Holocaust, this into context. dictum becomes especially Bauer was especially passionate. critical. If the reader has any Amazingly, it was an Israeli who doubts, he or she need only understood that what survivors and think about the oft-repeated the Second Generation years ago question, ‘Why did the Jews called “spiritual resistance” was as go like sheep to the slaughimportant as armed resistance -ter?’ ” Even now, 69 years after Eta Chajt Wrobel, Holocaust and often much harder to maintain.

Kristallnacht and the begin- survivor and Jewish activist The scholars broke it down to talk ning of the Holocaust, sur- learned how to steal guns from about women resisters, and relivivors are still putting to rest the Germans in Lodz, and gious, political and cultural resistthe accusations that they smuggled them -- and her fami- ance. went like sheep to their ly of 12 -- back to their home- Bauer insisted that these stories of defiance be told and taught, otherfates.

Some children, town, Lukow. prompted by the attitudes of non-survivors in wise future generations wouldn’t know how to their milieu, even asked their survivor parents resist those who try to dehumanize them and those who manipulate them politically. that question.

He is absolutely right. More interesting is As Tom Segev’s Seventh Million made clear years ago, and a recent demonstration in the that those who grew up in survivor communistreets of Jerusalem underlined, to those with- ties were surrounded by heroes who didn’t out context Holocaust survivors are dismissed look or act like heroes at home. Some were as bars of soap, “sabon.” Worse, many short and dumpy, some could never master American Jews snidely wondered about the English or modern Hebrew, and few would survivors, and some still do, “What did they talk about their experiences. But walk through the exhibit and you may find your neighbors do in order to survive?”

In the catalog’s final essay, psychologist Eva on the walls and in the videos, or read about Fogelman notes that everyone blames the vic- them in the catalog.

You realize that you know other heroes who tim. It goes way back to Job: “Who ever perished, being innocent?” But Job’s friends did- deserve to be up on those walls and in those n’t understand him, and those who don’t pages, but there just isn't enough room. They

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

did everything from observing Judaism, blowing up ammunition trains, producing Yiddish theater and concerts, and surviving under impossible circumstances.

When the museum first opened, the curator at the time, Yitzchak Mais, gave me, the daughter of survivors, a preview.

“Do you know about spiritual resistance?” I asked.

“Yes,” he replied.

I described a tiny piece of cardboard with Hebrew letters shown to me by a survivor in the Borough Park section of Brooklyn years before. The survivor had used it in hiding to teach her little brother the Hebrew alphabet.

“It’s in the showcase on the second floor,” Mais said.

That piece of cardboard is a solid reminder of how tough the survivors still must be. It’s 62 years since the war ended and they still have to defy the powers that be to maintain their dignity as they face disease and death.

Unfortunately, those who owe the survivors the most are those who stole from them, treated them with contempt and appropriated their stories. But the survivors never give up. Our survivors, those who came from “there,” have lots to teach us. They are role models of whom we should be proud. They are not statistics that drain the economy. They are not sabon.

The Jews made their voices heard long ago, in hiding, in the camps, ghettos and forests.

They made their voices heard when deniers began crawling out of the woodwork in the 1970s, and they make their voices heard now in their declining years. They demand that we remember. They demand the right to medical care, food and shelter so they can live and die with dignity. It’s a battle they have already fought.

As Marwell so eloquently says, “Just because Jews were powerless does not mean they were passive.”

Not even when they get old.

Jeanette Friedman, a freelance writer and editor, is a founder of the Second Generation movement.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Board Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Eve Randone, Melissa Schop; Michael Siegel, Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

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Page 21

The eight days of Hanukkah:

Eight actions to heal the earth through the Green Menorah Covenant

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by RABBIS ARTHUR WASKOW & JEFF SULTAR There are three levels of wisdom through which Hanukkah invites us to address the planetary dangers of the global climate crisis – what some of us call “global scorching” because “warming” seems so pleasant, so comforting.

We can encode these teachings into actions we take to heal the earth, each of the eight days.

1. The Talmud’s legend about using one day’s oil to meet eight days’ needs: a reminder that if we have the courage to change our life-styles to conserve energy, it will sustain us.

2. The vision of Zechariah (whose prophetic passages we read on Shabbat Hanukkah) that the Temple Menorah was itself a living being, uniting the world of “nature” and “humanity” – for it was not only fashioned in the shape of a Tree of Light, as Torah teaches, but was flanked by two olive trees that fed olive oil directly into it.

3. The memory that a community of “the powerless” can overcome a great empire, giving us courage to face our modern corporate empires of Oil and Coal when they defile our most sacred Temple: Earth itself. And the reminder (again from Zechariah) that we triumph “Not by might and not by power but by My Spirit

[b’ruchi -- or, “My breath,” “My wind!”], says YHWH, the Infinite Breath of Life.”

We are taught not only to light the menorah, but to publicize the miracle, to turn our individual actions outward for the rest of the world to see and to be inspired by.

So we invite you to join, this Hanukkah, to join the Shalom Center’s Green Menorah Covenant for taking action -- personal, communal, and political -- to heal the earth from the global climate crisis.

After lighting your menorah each evening, dedicate yourself to making the changes in your life that will allow our limited sources of energy to last for as long as they’re needed, and with minimal impact on our climate.

No single action will solve the global climate crisis, just as no one of us alone can make enough of a difference. Yet, if we act on as many of the areas below as possible, and act together, a seemingly small group of people can overcome a seemingly intractable crisis. We can, as in days of old, turn this time of darkness into one of light.

Day 1: Personal/Household: Call your electric-power utility to switch to wind-powered electricity. (For each home, 100% wind-power reduces CO2 emissions the same as not driving 20,000 miles in one year.)

Day 2: Synagogue, Hillel, or JCC: Urge your congregation or community building to switch to wind-powered electricity.

Day 3. Your network of friends, IM buddies, and

members of civic or professional groups you belong to: Connect with people like newspaper editors, real-estate developers, architects, bankers, etc. to urge them to strengthen the green factor in all their decisions, speeches, and actions.

Day 4 (which this year is Shabbat). Automobile: If possible, choose today or one other day a week to not use your car at all. Other days, lessen driving. Shop online. Cluster errands. Carpool. Don’t idle engine beyond 20 seconds.

Day 5: Workplace or College: Urge the top officials to arrange an energy audit. Check with utility company about getting one free or at low-cost.

Day 6: Town/City: Urge town/city officials to require greening of buildings through ordinances and executive orders. Creating change is often easier on the local level!

Day 7: State: Urge state representatives to reduce subsidies for highways, increase them for mass transit.

Day 8: National: Urge your Senators to strengthen and pass the Lieberman-Warner “America’s Climate Security Act.” For easy addressing and a model letter to send them, go to -- http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/602/t/4181/campaign.jsp?campaign_KEY=21544 Make our planet’s Hanukkah a happy one!

Rabbi Arthur Waskow is director of The Shalom Center, author of many books on “down-to-earth Judaism,” and a frequent speaker for synagogues, Hillels, etc. Rabbi Jeff Sultar is director of The Shalom Center’s Green Menorah Covenant in Philadelphia.

The courage of our convictions

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by RABBI SCOTT WEINER Jews around the world are busily dusting off their menorahs and counting their Hanukah candles to prepare for our winter holiday. The central observance of Hanukkah concerns the miracle of one day’s supply of oil lasting for eight days, no small matter in the festival story. The lighting of the Hanukkah menorah is testament to that miracle. But why do we have no ritual to commemorate the Maccabees’ victory over the SyrioGreek army?

Some suggest this is because the rabbis wanted to take the focus off of the military aspect of the holiday in favor of its miraculous post-war symbolism of light and joy; emphasizing peaceful times, rather than violence.

Even in our day and age, we, too, try to focus on peace rather than war. We speak proudly of those moments in Israel’s history when she stood for light and reconciliation, rather than violence and war: her offer to the Arab nations to return all territory in exchange for peace after the 1967 war; the return of the Sinai Peninsula in 1979 in exchange for peace with Egypt; the signing of a peace treaty with Jordan, the offer of land for peace at the Clinton Camp David Summit in 2000 and later at Taba.

These were some of Israel’s proudest moments because she stood for peace with tangible proposals.

For the first time in seven years, Israelis and Palestinians sat g down at the same table, beginning serious peace negotiations. The talks in Annapolis are meant to create a process that will eventually lead to two viable states, a Palestinian state, side-by-side and at peace with a secure Israel. and the end of the conflict -- a goal to which we all aspire; a moment to which future generations can point with pride.

Simply put, Israel’s long-term peace and security require that the talks be successful and American Jewish advocacy for a negotiated peace is essential. With a new

presidency in the offing, we have a chance to effect real change in the future of the Middle East.

And yet, our institutional leadership has largely failed to come forward in support of the conference. Rather than embrace the opportunity for renewed hope, they have remained hesitant or fearful, unwilling to do the very thing that would provide security for Israel: support this effort for peace. One group of rabbis has even issued an open letter to President Bush calling on him to cancel the conference, lest the Almighty bring destruction to America!

The words of the prophet Zechariah, which we read at Hanukkah time each year, warn us against relying on either might or power. Neither alone can guarantee Israel’s peace and security.

The consequences of failure at these talks are considerable. Neither Israelis nor the Palestinians have the luxury of enduring more rockets fired on Israel’s southern towns, more military operations inside the occupied territories, more destruction, more despair -- but that will be their lot if Annapolis leads nowhere.

By next Hanukkah, we will be able to evaluate the success of the conference, based on whether it served as a starting point for a sustained peace process. In the meantime, the American Jewish community must work to ensure that we can look back with satisfaction.

It is significant that in so doing, we will be acting on a long-held Jewish position: polls consistently demonstrate that the overwhelming majority of American Jews support a negotiated, two-state solution. A recent survey indicates that this includes 87% of our community, and that 68% of us are more likely to support a candidate who pledges to take an active role in the peace process.

Yet even if Annapolis yields great results, it will clearly only be the beginning -- and by next Hanukkah, we will look to a new president to move the process forward.

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The last seven years have taught us that without consistent U.S. diplomatic engagement, Middle East diplomacy, at best, grinds its wheels; at worst, it bogs down and slips into full-fledged violence.

We in the American Jewish community must make clear to all presidential candidates -- regardless of party -- that commitment to Israel means challenging, not supporting the status quo. Being “pro-Israel” must also mean doing everything possible to bring about a negotiated, two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Being pro-Israel means being pro-peace.

Without a clear commitment from the American Jewish community, though, the presidential candidates will continue to hedge their pro-Israel stance into a prostatus quo position. Without our advocacy, they will find it too easy to stand by the status quo, failing to take the courageous steps necessary to make real change possible.

The American Jewish community must not allow this to happen, and neither should we support a new administration which acts as President Bush has, waiting seven years before fully engaging in Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking. We know far too well the consequences of diplomatic neglect.

The words of the prophet Zechariah, which we read at Hanukkah time each year, warn us against relying on either might or power. Neither alone can guarantee Israel’s peace and security. Let us act to support a successful outcome to the Annapolis conference, and call upon every one of the presidential candidates to demonstrate their commitment to Israel through their support for the peace process and an active American role in that process.

When we arrive at Hanukkah next year, will we look back in pride at a new beginning in the Middle East?

If that is our goal, let us stand strongly for the Annapolis conference and embrace the possibility of peace. As we light our candles of miracles, let us light them for peace.

Scott Weiner serves as rabbi of Hebrew Tabernacle Congregation in New York City and as a board and Rabbinic Cabinet member of Brit Tzedek v’Shalom, the Jewish Alliance for Justice and Peace.

Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

Candlelighting Friday, Nov. 30, 4:37 p.m.

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

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

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

FRIDAY, Dec. 14: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Cheryl Lerner presenting Shetl Dances of Eastern Europe. The community is invited.

Iowa Public Broadcasting System (IPBS) will again air the Iowa Places of Worship program on Dec. 1, 4:30 p.m.

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

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

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

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

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 333 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

Temple Israel Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556.6536 templeisrael-ne.org

The Neighborhood Minyan 1317 No. 57 St. Omaha, NE 68132 551.6609

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

Tree of Life Center 2925 Prairie Road Offsite classes: First Plymouth Church, 20th and ‘D’ Streets Lincoln, NE 68506 613.7443 email: treeoflife.rabbimichael @yahoo.com

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to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Gastón Bogomolni.

FRIDAY: Musical Shabbat services, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush given by Beth El; Minha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.

MORNING SATURDAY LIVE: Saturday, 10:30 a.m.noon. New program led by Esther Katz. (Full story on page 10.)

PJ HAVDALAH: Saturday, 5-5:45 p.m. Havdalah services for the youngest among us, followed by songs, stories, a snack, plus an art project, led by ‘Miss Patty’ Nogg. Wear pajamas! No charge to attend, but RSVP to Margie Gutnik at margie.gutnik@gmail.com or call the office.

SISTERHOOD BOUTIQUE: Sunday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. (See full story on page 8.)

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

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; ‘Nurturing Your Spirit: Enriching Your Jewish Soul’, 10 a.m.-noon. led by Susi Frydman-Levin.

WEDNESDAYS: “Critical Thinking from a Jewish Perspective,” 7-8 p.m. on Dec. 5, 12, and 19, led by Dr. Toby Schonfeld. Cost is $18. For information, call the office.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s Insights and Values from the Torah class is at noon; Women’s book Club, 1:15 p.m., led by Susan Paley.

BESTT 6th GRADE SHABBAT: Friday, Dec. 7, 6 p.m.

BESTT HANUKKAH CONCERT, Sunday, Dec. 9, 11 a.m., featuring BESTT students K-seventh grade singing Hanukkah songs; the BESTT High School

Band will also perform. Light lunch will be served afterward.

No charge, but donations are welcome to benefit Beth El’s Youth Scholarship Fund, which provides financial assistance to families for children to attend Jewish summer camps and Israel experiences.

WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Monday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at the home of Bev Fellman, 14101 Eagle Run Drive. RSVP to Fellman at 333.0674, or bbfellman@aol. com; or co-host Helen Epstein, at 391.9187, or aepstein@cox.net.

(See full story on page 14.)

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

FRIDAY: Shabbat in the home.

SUNDAY: Religious School, 1:30-3:30 p.m. at the JCC.

Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Ruth Nisse.

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

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at TI; Gam Simcha through Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at SST; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at TI. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at TI. THURSDAY: Board of Trustees, 7 p.m.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel.

UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m.: Shirim Klezmer Orchestra performs at the Lied Center for Performing Arts. For group rates, a discount of $10 for students, $20/adult is available; call the office or send an e-mail to stemple@neb.rr.com for information.

Sunday, Dec. 9: Latkes/ Hamantaschen Debate (and Nosh), 4-6 p.m. Cost is $5 per adult and $3 per child.

Sunday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.: The LJCS will present a Hanukkah program; 7-8:30 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Lincoln will hold its annual meeting.

CHABAD HOUSE

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 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.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:37 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 4:15 p.m. followed by Sueda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:42 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” is canceled in Dec. Rabbi Oxman will be out of town; Rabbi Gross’s teen class, 10 a.m.; Get ready for Hanukkah at That Pottery Place, 2-4 p.m. Reservation required.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Rabbi’s Gross’s weekly class, 7:30 p.m.

Make reservations for the Dec. 8 Shabbos Hanukkah lunch and Carnival.

BEYT SHALOM

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

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Mishpacha Mornings, 10:15 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Maamar Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.

BAR MITZVAH Grant Glazer, son of Jennifer and John Glazer, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 8, at Temple Israel.

A seventhgrade student at Westside Middle School, he was recognized as a Kohl’s “Kids Who Care” award winner for the outstanding community volunteer efforts of his mitzvah project.

His interests include golf, baseball, reading and show choir.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets, and Prayer, 9 a.m.; Parshah Roundup: Weekly Torah Portion Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Mishpacha University TGI Playgroup, 10:15 a.m.; Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

For his mitzvah project, Grant collected school supplies and monetary donations for the AIDS Orphan Education Trust. This non-profit organization is based in Uganda and provides homes and education to orphans in Africa. He collected more than 3400 pencils, 3300 pens, 600 notebooks and more than $1,000 in cash donations.

Grant has a brother, Danny, and a sister, Jane.

Grandparents are Phyllis and Richard Glazer, Don Heck, and Jane Diesen.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Parent/Toddler class, 9:30 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service with the Middle/High School Klezmer Band, led by Tuffy Epstein.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Alexander Pachman, son of Allison Latenser and Louis Pachman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.; Prayer Assembly, 10 a.m.; Book Club, 10:30 a.m.; 4 Bs: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels, 10:30 a.m.; Club 56 Hanukkah Party,

noon; Camp Schrawyder recruitment, noon.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4 p.m.; JYG Hanukkah Party, 5 p.m.; All School Dinner-Pancake Man, 6 p.m. Free to Temple members; Family School, 6 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Linder, 10-11:30 a.m.; Torah Therapy: Jewish Ethics at Work, noon at Bergman Incentives.

Contact the office for reservations.

Cost is $6 for lunch; Theology Café, 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble, 144th and W. Center with Rabbi Azriel. No fee, but please register with Rosie Zweiback in the office or at: rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.

FAMILY HANUKKAH DINNER Friday, Dec. 7, following 6 p.m. Shabbat Service. Bring your own menorah and candles. Send a check, with reservation to the office by Friday, Nov. 30. No phone reservations accepted. Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5 for children grade six and younger; no charge for children two years and younger. The cost increases by $3 after today.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:37 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m. Contact the office to arrange for a minyan.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by kiddush lunch.

SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 3-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at TI; Gam Simcha through Grade 2, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. at SST; Hallah High, 10 a.m.-noon at TI.; Torah Trope for Adults, 11-11:50 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. upcoming events: Sunday, Dec. 9, 12-3p.m.

Annual Hanukkah Party with Latkes, entertainment, crafts, and more!

Sunday, Dec. 16, 11 a.m.: The LJCS will present a Hanukkah program; 7-8:30 p.m., the Jewish Federation of Lincoln will hold its annual meeting.

TREE OF LIFE CENTER Services and activities led by Rabbi Michael Weisser; call for location of classes.

SUNDAY: Jewish roots of Christianity, 8 and 9 a.m.

MONDAY, 6:30 P.M.: Insight Meditation.

TUESDAY: Torah, prophets and writings: 9:30-11 a.m. and 7-8:30 p.m.; Comparative Religion, noon, offsite location.

WEDNESDAY, 6:30 p.m.: Adv. Mindfulness Meditation.

THURSDAY, 7 p.m.: Int. Mindfulness Meditation.

November 30, 2007

Hellenism and Hebraism

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Hanukkah In a round about process, we owe Hanukkah to Alexander the Great of Macedonia.

Alexander made himself master first of all of the Greek peninsula, then all of the Mediterranean basin, then all of western Asia, all the way to India.

After his death, an ambitious general decided to homogenize all of western Asia into basically a Hellenistic culture. The only place that gave him serious opposition was little Palestine -- Israel -- where the Maccabees stood up against him.

In intermittent guerrilla warfare that lasted for several decades, it became clear that Hellenism, which left its marks on Israel, would not be dominant. Biblical culture, Hebraism, would remain the heritage of the People

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Be a role model;

of Israel and of the Western world.

Hellenism, of course, is not to be disparaged. It brought beauty in sculpture, painting and literature to the world. But Hebraism brought Torah.

The confrontation of Hellenism and Hebraism was real. At first bitter, it morphed into an acceptance and accommodation of both.

Thus Hanukkah, which celebrates the survival of Hebrew (Jewish) culture, although a minor festival in our religious calendar, is actually one of major significance. It is not one of those festivals of which Torah requires careful observance; but historically, it looms large in Jewish history.

Alexander’s generals, who hoped to blot Hebraism out of existence, totally failed. Next to the appreciation of beauty, sponsored by Hellenism, there remained the triumphant existence of Truth and the heritage of Torah.

Hanukkah enables us to indulge ourselves richly in both of these two magnificent heritages. We are richly endowed with opportunities to adopt both of these world views as our own.

Happy Hanukkah!

the person you want your kid to be.

1981

Page 23

26 Years

2007

& NEVER A FROZEN STEAK

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B’nai B’rith sponsors 12th annual Hanukkah Run

by LOIS EPSTEIN Hanukkah is not the ‘Jewish’ Christmas. Nor is it a major holy day. Yet it is an important time for Jews to celebrate an ancient victory for religious freedom.

Hanukkah, also known as “The festival of lights,” is a holiday marked by candle lighting for eight nights.

Each year as part of the festival commemoration, Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith sponsors a walk/run.

This year’s special theme is “Freedom from Dependence on Foreign Oil.” We chose that theme, according to Lodge trustee Steve Riekes, because “Since 9/11, we see how our dependence on foreign oil affects lives not only in America, but also in Europe and the Middle East.

Moreover, rising oil costs help to fuel both sides of the Middle East conflict. America must find alternate fuel sources to reduce our dependency on foreign oil. In addition, the run symbolizes the success of our religious diversity in a pluralistic society.”

The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 9, 9:30 a.m., starting and ending at the Jewish Community Center. Participants should meet at the Sokolof Fitness Center. You do not have to be a runner to participate; the “Run” is not a race. This event is a group activity to draw attention to this year’s theme. As usual, at the conclusion of the run, refreshments will be served.

Participants will follow a prescribed five-mile route through Candlewood together. A van will follow behind the group. Participants who feel tired or would like to walk less than the five miles may elect to ride in the van for such portions of the route as they desire.

To enter, please send a check for $18 (Students: $10) payable to B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge and mail it to Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai B’rith, c/o Lois Epstein, 333 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

A long-sleeved t-shirt is included in the entry fee. For those who cannot physically participate, donations can be sent to the above address as well.

JTA NEWS BRIEFS

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We will need to coordinate a pick-up schedule to ensure we have adequate gypsum and minimize the waiting lines.”

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immigrate to Israel -- has reduced the mortality rate to less than half that of the general Ethiopian populace.

Category winners will be announced on “CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute,” on Thursday, Dec. 6.

• JERUSALEM (JTA) – Dr. Rick Hodes will be featured on “CNN Heroes.” Hodes, the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee’s medical director in Ethiopia, is a finalist in the “Championing Children” category of the program, which highlights individuals for their extraordinary achievements. CNN will feature a three-minute segment on Hodes on Nov. 29, 8 p.m.

(CT).

He also will be featured at www.cnn.com/Heroes along with a link to a special page on www.jdc.com.

Hodes’ work over the past two decades on behalf of the JDC -- providing emergency medical assistance and special nutritional programs to the Falash Mura population while it awaits processing to determine who is eligible to

• JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Tens of thousands of Palestinians rallied against the Annapolis peace conference. Chanting “Death to Israel, Death to the United States,” thousands of Hamas supporters held demonstrations in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday as Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas attended the U.S.-hosted peace talks in the Maryland capital. Rally organizers denounced Abbas as a “traitor” for seeking coexistence with the Jewish state.

Omaha (and Council Bluffs) read!

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed on Tuesday, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. as follows: Issue Deadline Dec. 28 Wednesday, Dec. 19 Jan. 4 Wednesday, Dec. 26 Questions? Call 402.334.6448

PASSOVER ISSUE REMINDER The Jewish Press will publish “Israel@60: a salute to Israel’s 60th birthday” on April 18. If you’ve lived, learned or visited Israel -- on a teen trip, a mission, or on your own -- see your story and photos in this special issue!

Send story in the body of your e-mail with attached .jpg or .tif files to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org or send hard copy with photographs to: The Jewish Press Passover issue, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 by Feb. 29.

At Shabbat services earlier this month, Rivkah Sass, executive director of the Omaha Public Library, treated B’nai Israel’s congregants to information about Jewish lterature and authors and even read some entertaining excerpts from some of her favorite books. The next guest speaker in the Second-Friday-of-the Month-Speaker Series will be Cheryl Lerner. A dance teacher at the Jewish Community Center and former profressional dancer herself, Lerner will present “Shtetl Dances of Eastern Europe” on Friday, Dec. 14, 7:30 p.m.

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 30, 2007

New Blumkin Home staff parking lot welcome expansion

Aussie pilot arrives in Antarctica with tefillin, mezuzah and a prayer

Now that the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home staff parking lot on the north side of the facility is complete, 35 parking stalls in front of the Jewish Community Center are once again open and available for visitors and volunteers.

“During construction of our lot,” said Mike Silverman, RBJH executive director, “the JCC let us encroach on its parking spaces. We really appreciate that gesture and thank them very much. We know the tight parking situation impacted everyone who came to the campus, so we also want to thank the entire community for its patience during this phase of the Blumkin Home New Beginning building project.”

charity to visitors to his Brooklyn headquarters. Many

by DAN GOLDBERG SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) -- When David Wakil visitors kept the bills as mementos and gave other money departed for Antarctica last month, he left behind his to charity.

Wakil works for Skytraders, an aviation company hired girlfriend, his family and his home -- but not his by the Australian government to link Antarctica to Judaism.

The 39-year-old Australian pilot will live in subzero Australia for scientists who work in the Australian temperatures for the next five months flying scientists Government Antarctic Division.

Wakil took off in a small Hercules-type aircraft from a around bases in the South Pole as they research the 13,000-foot ice runway effects of global warming. in Antarctica, where the All the while he carries lowest temperature ever a Jewish survival kit that recorded was 128 degrees includes a menorah (ninebelow zero. It took him branch candelabra used 10 days to reach the end for Hanukkah), a siddur of the Earth. (prayer book), a mezuzah Wakil was not flying; he (scroll containing the went by ice-breaker.

Shema prayer) and tefillin “The Antarctic weather (phylacteries). is hostile and can change Wakil also keeps in the very quickly, and beyond pocket of his flight suit a a certain point the plane copy of the Jewish travelcan’t make it back,” he er’s prayer, Tefilat said.

Haderech, and a $1 bill It took a week to hit the from the late Lubavitcher icecap, then a few days to rebbe, Rabbi Menachem break through it until the Mendel Schneerson.

Wakil has Rabbi Levi David Wakil received a $1 bill from Rabbi Levi Wolff before he left vessel cannot go any farCredit: Nadine Saacks ther, Wakil said. A heliWolff, the Chabad- for Antartica last month.

Lubavitch Chasid who heads Australia’s largest syna- copter then transferred him to the base. Only about gogue, Sydney’s Central Synagogue, to thank for the 2,000 people -- most of them researchers -- live on the continent during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. package.

Lighting candles on Hanukkah may be a bit tricky for “The rebbe once gave me the dollar with a blessing for spreading the warmth of Judaism,” the U.S.-born Wolff Wakil, since Hanukkah coincides with the two weeks per told JTA. “I thought the dollar bill would symbolize this year that Antarctica experiences 24-hour sunlight.

Wakil, who was selected from a pool of about 180 same message for David, as there are not many places pilots, said he underwent rigorous training in the past colder than Antarctica.”

Wakil, a pilot since 1994, said he was thrilled by year and a half.

“It’s not the sort of job I necessarily want to do, but Wolff’s generosity. “I’m going to bring it back to him next year,” he said. “I should be back in time for it’s an amazing opportunity,” he said. “I’m looking forward to the beauty of the continent and the nature, as Pesach.”

Schneerson used to hand out $1 bills to be given to well as the interaction of working with scientists.”