December 2, 2011

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

Searching for Humanity

December 2, 2011 6 Kislev 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 12

This Week

The Israel experience Page 3

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder explains how to do good Page 6

Jewish leaders meet Biden in appeal for Pollard Page 12

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

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press On Sunday, Dec. 18 at 2 p.m., the Bookworm will be the stage where Nancy Rips will sign copies of her new book, Hanukkah Stories. Accompanied by a latke eating contest, author Nancy Rips promises this is “not your Bubby’s book signing.”

Paula Lenz, educator at Skutt Catholic and IHE board member, embraces Rachel Rosenberg while standing below Rachel’s holiday card. was a guard at the Nuremburg Trials. In an interview with Mr. Long, he expressed his regret in forgetting one item during his address at the opening. When the 71st arrived at Gunskirchenlager they were shocked by what they found.

Mr. Long, even after assisting many of the survivors, never knew how many of them lived after the war. To his great surprise and joy, during a 1990 reunion of the 71st Division in San Antonio, two survivors of Gunskirchenlager sought out their liberators and attended the event. “It was a bright sunshine in the middle

of all of that. They were so gracious.

It was an emotional event to see them after all those years.”

Sam Fried reminded those in attendance of the importance of continuing to tell the story of the Holocaust. In asking survivors in attendance to stand, he pointed to their dwindling numbers while stressing the urgency in recording and telling these stories. The exhibit includes images of people who have endured other genocides and asks each visitor to reflect on their responsibility to their fellow human beings.

Continued on page 7

CJE welcomes Stephen Fried

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

by HILLARY FLETCHER Marketing Assistant, Institute for Holocaust Education Over two hundred community members, including more than a dozen survivors and concentration camp liberators, attended a private opening of Searching for Humanity: Veterans, Victims and Survivors of World War II. The evening, hosted by the Institute for Holocaust Education, included tours of the exhibit and reflections from several speakers including Sam Fried, survivor of Auschwitz and Omaha resident; exhibit creator Matthew Placzek; Roy Long of the 71st Infantry, liberator of Gunskirchenlager, and Dr. Tom Williams, son of Staff Seargant Clarence Williams of the 42nd Rainbow Division. Williams’ letters, photographs and memorabilia are a central element of the exhibit.

Dr. Williams spoke of his father’s resolute determination in documenting his experiences during the liberation of the Dachau concentration camp. Clarence Williams was 33 years old when he went in to the camp. Equipped with a camera, he photographed and meticulously recorded the resulting devastation and inhumanity he encountered.

Upon returning from the war, Mr. Williams spoke with as many school and community groups as he could to ensure that his testimony would be heard by as many people as possible.

Mr. Long, who liberated Gunskirchenlager, a subcamp of Mauthausen concentration camp in Austria, spoke passionately to the audience of his experiences during the time of liberation and while he

8 10 11

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Education Since its publication in 2010, Appetite for America, Stephen Fried’s biography of visionary entrepreneur Fred Harvey, has received a number of critical acclaims. It was listed as one of the Ten Best books of the year by the Wall Street Journal, the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Kirkus Reviews.

Amazon.com listed Appetite for America as one of the Ten Best Business Books of the Year.

Now, the Center for Jewish Education is excited to welcome Fried as part of the Annual Jewish Book Month Celebration.

On Dec. 6, Fried will share his insights about his book and the fas-

Hanukkah Stories

Stephen Fried Credit: Jim Graham, Graham Studios Inc. cinating account of the man who is said to be the founding father of the American hospitality industry and food culture. A wine and light refreshment reception will be served at 6:30 p.m. with the presentation beginning at 7:15 p.m. The cost for the reception is $8.

The subject of Appetite for America, Fred Harvey (06/29/1835 –

02/05/1901), left his native England at the age of 15 and settled in New York. There he began his career in the restaurant industry. The coming of the Civil War proved bad for restaurants but good for railroads.

Harvey made a career change to the railroad business. His career necessitated frequent railroad travel. He moved west with the country’s expansion into the frontier and soon recognized the absence of high quality dining and sleeping establishments. He set about to fill that void.

Through a “handshake deal” with Charlie Morse, President of the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, Harvey vowed to accommodate the traveling public and provide stiff competition to the Union Pacific Railway in doing so. He soon opened an “eating house” for the Santa Fe in Topeka, Kansas. From these early beginnings, Harvey’s business endeavors spread to 47 Harvey House restaurants, 15 hotels, and 30 dining cars on the Santa Fe Railway. As time progressed, his establishments checkered Route 66.

He created the “Harvey Girls,” and provided high quality eating Continued on page 2

Nancy Rips This is also not your Bubby’s Hanukkah book. With over 101 Hanukah inspired personal stories and anecdotes, Nancy’s most recent work (her third) sets the perfect tone for the upcoming holiday. Who knew there was such a thing as a chocolate chip latke? Or that in space, dreidels spin forever?

Or that French Jews eat something called “dough balls?” In anticipation of Nancy’s appearance at the Bookworm, we asked her some questions about herself and her new book.

Why do you write?

Because it’s fun! I always wanted to write, but never thought I actually would. Writing a book is a little like giving birth. You’re there to create it, but it doesn’t really belong to you. Once it’s published, it goes out into the world without you.

Once I was in New York, and I saw one of my books on display at Borders. It was incredibly touching; here was my book, all grown up and living on its own, in New York! It’s a fabulous feeling to have created that.

Which of the stories in your most recent book is your favorite?

Oh gosh, you know, I had to look at it again recently, and I just love the story of Jeffrey Homan who took the menorah into space. I also love the story about the RV-ers.

While I was working on this book, I learned so much about Hanukkah. It really is all about lighting the darkness in ourselves and in others.

Where can people buy your book?

It’s available, among other places, at the Bookworm, at the Kripke Library and on Amazon.

What’s your personal miracle?

My brand new grandson Noah. I dedicated the book to him, and maybe someday a Rabbi will read it at his Bar Mitzvah.

Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 2, 2011

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by ANDREW GERSHMAN High School in suburban Philadelphia but had to quit JERUSALEM (JTA) -- It’s a cold Thursday night in because the games were played on Shabbat. When he moved Jerusalem and by the looks of it, you’d think there was a meet- to Israel following his graduation from the University of ing of the United Nations under way. Men are carrying on in Maryland, Sable connected with one of the Sabres players Hebrew, English, Arabic, Russian and French, but they’re not through a fellow Philadelphian. talking peace. They’re here to settle the score -- literally.

Israeli-born Chen Doron, a wide receiver for the Beersheva The cross-section of Jews, Arabs and Christians are here Black Swarm, had never played football before age 23. to play American tackle football as part of the Kraft Family “I was attracted to tackle football because it’s a sport for Israel Football League. any given size or speed or The IFL traces its history weight and so on,” Doron back more than two decades, said. “I also like football to a group of touch football because of the team play that players -- mostly American is required, rather than being immigrants and post-high a one-man game.” schoolers studying in Israel -As an amateur league, one who established a football downside of the IFL is the league in 1988. Six years later cost to play. Ziv says it is the the modest effort would grow league’s biggest problem. into American Football in “You can’t ask a guy who Israel, a nonprofit organizahas never played football tion recognized by Israel’s before to spend all that Ministry of Education as the money,” he said. “Brand-new sport’s governing body, which gear costs approximately today encompasses dozens of 2,000 shekels [about $500], Jerusalem Lions take on the Tel Aviv Pioneers in an Israel men’s and women’s flag footand pants, jerseys, insurance Football League game at Kraft Family Stadium. ball teams across the country. and everything else cost Credit: IFL File Photos With the growth of flag around 1,000 [about $250].” football, a separate group of guys who had been playing The league also struggles with transitory players. Many tackle football had someplace to call home. players are in Israel for just a year of study. Job offers and “It was these players who came to our organization, military service also get in the way of their consistent attenAmerican Football in Israel, to set up a more organized dance. Last year’s Most Valuable Player, Alex Swieca of the league, which led us down the path to where we are today,” Judean Rebels, is a walk-on redshirt freshman quarterback said Uriel Sturm, the IFL’s commissioner. this fall at the University of Michigan.

The league consists of two teams from Jerusalem, the But the constant turnover also creates excitement. The Kings and the Lions; one from Gush Etzion, the defending Rebels lost six key players from last year’s championship champion Judean Rebels; and two from Tel Aviv, the Sabres squad but have managed to add some new talent. and the Pioneers. The Beersheva Black Swarm, Haifa “We are embracing the target painted on our back, Underdogs, Northern Stars, Petach Tikvah Troopers and the although that is no different than last year,” said Betzalel Hatikvah Hammers round out the roster.

Friedman, head coach of the Rebels. “I am interested in seePlayers range in talent from football newbies to Division I ing how all of the teams improved.” college talent. The latter category includes offensive lineman For some participants, playing football in Israel is about “Big Mike” Gondelman, a former player at Troy University much more than sports. in Alabama. At 6-foot-9 and 402 pounds, Gondelman is an “Our team’s success comes from the fact that the majority addiction and crisis counselor in Jerusalem who believes of us really loves and cares for each other,” Sable said. “We football can be therapeutic. don’t simply block for each other because we want to win, Jeremy Sable, an offensive lineman/linebacker for the Tel- but rather because we won’t allow anyone to hit or hurt our Aviv/Jaffa Sabres, played a year of football at Cheltenham friend and teammate.”

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Continued from page 1 experiences for people from all walks and stations of life.

Stephen Fried was inspired to write Appetite for America when he and his wife, Diane Ayres, were vacationing at the Grand Canyon in 1993. They had seen portraits of Harvey hanging throughout the area and even came across a 1905 pamphlet about him. In an interview with CJE, Fried related that “My wife and I had never heard of Fred Harvey. In fact, that became the inspiration for the prologue of the book, Who the Hell Is Fred Harvey?”

Through his writing, Fried not only reveals who Fred Harvey was, but in so doing, tells the saga of a time in U.S. history that has been nearly forgotten. “We tend to remember the Civil War, but then jump to World War II in our study of history. There is richness and excitement in the development of our country that falls between these periods of time,” says Fried. Fried tells this tale through the Fred Harvey story. “Without Harvey and his insistence on top quality products and service with a local flavor, there would be no Hilton, no Starbucks, - nor any McDonalds for that matter.”

Appetite for America reveals a successful family endeavor with Harvey providing inspiration and insistence on quality control and his son, Ford, attended to the day-to-day operations. Harvey also secured the services of David Benjamin and Herman Schweitzer, two Jewish immigrants who provided the substance, vitality, and “smarts” for the burgeoning business. While not the first Jewish merchants in the West, Benjamin and Schweitzer would be among the most prominent of the time.

The Dec. 6 presentation will be a wonderful opportunity to hear this fascinating tale told directly by the author. Fried is knowledgeable, enthusiastic, entertaining, and sure to satisfy your hunger for additional insights, observations, and

personal commentary as he fills your Appetite for America.

The final Jewish Book Month event will be held on Sunday afternoon, Dec. 11, at 2 p.m. with well-known former librarian of the Kripke Library, Gary Katz, revealing the magical world of author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak.

Watch the film Where the Wild Things Are followed by a discussion of the book and the film.

For more details on any Jewish Book Month event and to make reservations for the Stephen Fried event, please call 402.334.6462.

Hanukkah Stories Continued from page 1 What place does story telling have in Judaism? Do you think Jews tell more stories?

I think Judaism is all about the stories. From generation to generation, it’s how we connect and continue. This book has personal memories, and that’s often how we learn from each other.

What happens when it’s just you and the keyboard?

There is no background noise, and that’s nice, but the writing itself is hard work. It’s not something that comes easy, it’s a job.

Why should people read your book?

Because it will give them an opportunity to learn about how others celebrate, and then they’ll see we are all the same.

Hanukkah Stories is Nancy’s third book, after Seder Stories and High Holiday Stories. You can also watch Nancy on KMTV’s Midday, where every other week she explains what books to read. For more information about Nancy Rips and her work, go to www.nancyrips.com.

December 2, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

The Israel experience EMILY NEWMAN Birthright If you had told me a year ago that I would be living in Israel, I would have laughed. I wasn’t open about my Judaism, hadn’t been for over 6 years, and the LAST thing I had planned for my future was to spend a year abroad in the Holy Land.

Well, here I am.

The journey to find myself here at the University of Haifa has been a long (and at times stressful) one. When my family joined Beth Israel last fall, I met Rabbi Jon Gross. And in my very first conversation with him, I was told that I needed to go on Birthright. I didn’t want to go to Israel.

now learning Hebrew, exploring Israel (just got back from a solo 3 day trip to Jerusalem!), meeting friends from all over the world- as well as getting trapped in elevators, getting lost on the buses, trying to get a good deal in the market, sweating out 10 pounds of water weight- it is an experience that only that group of people could have provided for me. My life will be forever altered in such a positive and fulfilling way.

And as I sit writing this outside at the moadon of the dorms, at midnight (2 months later, STILL on Nebraska time) I am proud to call myself Jewish and to say that I live in Israel. Mom says that Hashem works in different ways, and I am starting to think that is true!

JARED MAX POLLACK JCC Maccabi Games/ArtsFest Israel I don’t think that I can sum up my amazing trip to Israel in 250 words, but I’ll try. For any of you who have been to Israel you know that your first time there is a mind blowing experience, the shuks, the food, the environment, etc.

Emily Newman Then, early last spring, after being told another multitude of times to do it, I finally agreed to start looking into Birthright.

And the next thing I knew, I found myself all alone with 40 kids from all over the country that I didn’t know on an 11 hour plane ride. I kept thinking to myself: It’s only 10 days.

It’s only 10 days. It’s only 10 days. You can survive for that long.

But when I came back, those 10 days didn’t seem like enough. Between camping out under the stars in a Bedouin tent, having fun in Tel Aviv, climbing Masada, praying for the first time in over half a decade at the Kotel… I was infected. I needed to go back. I stepped off of a plane in Omaha May 24th, re-boarded July 27th bound, yet again, for Israel.

During those 2 months, I applied to the Universities in Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Jerusalem. I was beyond way past every deadline, and didn’t think that I would get into ANY of them. Surprise! Got into all three… I am now studying at the University of Haifa, my first choice. I am taking part in their world-renowned psychology program (another Dr. Newman perhaps?) and am adding the minor of Jewish studies to my degree.

Without all of the people and organizations that support Birthright and without that nudge out the door to go on Birthright, I would never have been able to pull this off. I am

Jared Max Pollack with Jodi Levine pressing her luck.

I had a few unique experiences that I would like to share.

On the second day of the actual “Maccabi Games and Arts fest” my photography group went to the Jordan River. We were there to take pictures, but after about thirty minutes the heat got to us so we took off our shoes and got in. One of the night activities was an Israeli picnic. Diane Malashock, our Delegation Head, and I were looking at and taking pictures of the camel who must not have liked getting his picture taken. He proceeded to knock Diane over and spit on me. It was one of the funniest part of the experience.

The Maccabeats, a Jewish acappella group performed at the Closing Ceremonies. They did a very long performance which was just amazing The last few days of the trip were touring and the first thing that we saw was the Kotel. We only had 15 minutes there, but it was still a semi-spiritual adventure. We then walked through the old city, explored the aquaducts, saw quite a few schwarma and falafel shops, and on and on.

What a time!

Beth El welcomes Jewish theater artist Jonathan Adam Ross

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator During the weekend of December 16-18, the entire Jewish community is in for a unique and special treat, as Beth El welcomes Jewish performance artist Jonathan Adam Ross as the synagogue’s Dr. Leon Fellman Scholar-in-Residence.

A renowned theater artist, Ross, 31, has created original works in both the commercial and educational spheres.

Holder of a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Acting from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, he is currently on tour with his new solo show, God of Our Fathers [http://www.jonadamross.com/god-of-our-fathers.html], in which he plays all the members of a fictional Jewish family living through a generation of assimilation. His first solo show, Walking in Memphis: The Life of a Southern Jew [http://www.jonadamross.com/walking.html], has been performed off-Broadway and around the world. Among his other credits are portrayals of Grandpa/German in Fourplay (Ripple Theater Company); Thomas Denny in Pyrates!

(Theater for the New City); Schwartz in The Jewbird; and Atticus Finch in the Experimental Theatre Wing’s Looking for Boo Radley: An Adaptation of To Kill a Mockingbird.

Ross is a founding company member of Storahtelling, which uses dramatized interpretations, traditional chanting, original music and live interaction to bring Bible stories to life, as well as the Northwoods Ramah Theater Company. In addition to acting, he also serves as Camp Ramah’s Director of the Performing Arts, and has served as faculty for the Cornerstone Fellowship and the Spielberg Fellowship in Jewish Theater Education.

The community is privileged to experience Ross’s many talents during his upcoming visit. On Friday, Dec. 16, during 6 p.m. Kabbalat Shabbat services, he shared that, “We’ll travel back in time together to meet Shlomo ha-Levi Alkatetz, author of Lecha Dodi.” The next morning, during 9:30 a.m.

Shabbat services, he will present a theatrical portrayal of the week’s Torah portion; then, following services, everyone is invited to stay as Ross presents a biblical tea party. Finally, on Sunday, Dec. 18, at 4 p.m., he will treat attendees to a performance of God of Our Fathers, his hilarious and touching examination of modern religious life in America. (Note: this presentation is not appropriate for children younger than 14.) Free babysitting will be available – RSVPs are needed by Dec. 15. A dessert reception will follow the performance.

There is no charge to attend this special artist-in-residence weekend. For more information, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office, 402.492.8550, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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4 | The Jewish Press | December 2, 2011

Mainstreeters announce December programs

by OZZIE NOGG Mainstreeters main goal is to offer activities and programs that give area residents -age 60-plus -- the chance to meet new people, exercise their brains, learn new skills and enjoy life to the fullest. According to Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, the upcoming Mainstreeters l i n e - u p includes: E-Mail 101: Thursdays, Dec. 8 and 15.

Runs from 10 a.m. -11 a.m. in the Pennie Z. Davis Learning Center at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Instructor: Josh Cantor Beth Schlossberg Gurock, RBJH Facilities Coordinator. In this beginners class you’ll learn how to compose, send, save, and delete an e-mail. Participants must be comfortable using a keyboard and mouse and should be able to navigate the internet. Only six students per class, so sign up today. Cost is $10 per series which includes two one-hour sessions. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and mail to: MAINstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154.

Spreading the Light Hanukkah Musical Program: Monday, Dec. 19. Lunch begins at 12:30 p.m. in the RBJH Auditorium.

Come enjoy this delightful afternoon with our guest vocalists, Cantor Wendy Shermet

and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. The Hanukkah Luncheon Buffet includes mushroom barley soup, egg and tuna salad, latkes with sour cream or applesauce and sugar cookies. Cost is $10 a plate and reservations are needed by Monday, Dec. 12. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and mail to: MAINstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call Linda A b r a m s Tederman -402.468.4939.

Strength and Conditioning with Sharon R o w e : Thursdays, Dec. 8 and 15 Cantor Wendy Shermet from 9 a.m.9:45 a.m. in the RBJH Simon Chapel.

Sharon Rowe, certified exercise leader and Pilates coach, is your guide through this strength and conditioning class that can increase bone density and help burn fat more efficiently. Cost is $15 per series which includes three 45 minute sessions. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and mail to: MAINstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 South 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. If you have questions, call Maggie at 402.334.6511.

“Mainstreeters are happy to offer such diverse programs,” Conti said, “and we look forward to seeing many community members join in the activities.”

Ever Wonder “What’s in a Name?”

by MARK KIRCHHOFF Administrative Assistant, The Center for Jewish Education The Center for Jewish Education is pleased to again welcome Judy Rosenfeld for a three-week course during the month of December. The course is entitled What’s in a Name? during which Rosenfeld will explore the significance of names as applied to the Hanukkah story. The importance of lesser known names of Jewish heroines in the Torah, and even participant’s own names, will be discussed. The instruction will prove to be an enlightening experience in exploring the importance of names and discovering one’s own hidden potential.

“By exploring the meaning of names in this manner, my goal is to give everyone a deeper meaning of Hanukkah. I’m also looking forward to exploring what is in your name,” Rosenfeld related as she spoke about the up-coming classes.

A student from a course Rosenfeld taught

before the High Holidays commented that “Judy is a great teacher, making one want to explore the subject matter in more depth. I am really looking forward to her next class.”

Classes will meet on Dec. 2, 9, and 12 from noon to 1 p.m. in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library. Class tuition is $26 for the three sessions, discounted to $21 for the donors to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Pre-registration is required and should be sent to mkirchhoff@jewishomaha.org or by calling 402.334.6463.

Judy Tawil Rosenfeld received her Bachelors degree in Judaic Studies from Brooklyn College. She has been a Jewish Educator in the Orthodox, Conservative and Reform communities for over twenty years. Most recently, she served as the Educational Director for the Congregation B’nai Israel in Toms River, New Jersey. Judy has recently moved here with her husband, Aaron and her children, Daniel and Linda.

Excitement builds for the Bible Quiz

by BETH BROWN-GERSHOVICH Administrative Assistant, B'nai B'rith Monsky Lodge The 2011 B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 7, at 7 p.m., in the Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. The event is open to the public, and members of the community are encouraged to attend this fun and educational event.

This year the judges will be Rabbi Yaacov Weiss, Rabbi Steven Abraham, and Professor Leonard Greenspoon.

“The excitement is building in anticipation of the Twenty-Sixth Annual Edward

Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz,” stated Steve Riekes, one of the co-founders.

This year the students participating have been studying hard, receiving weekly tutoring sessions from area Rabbis and synagogue Education Directors. The Quiz’s purpose is to encourage Jewish youth to become more familiar with their rich history, the Bible. Also, the event honors the memory of the late Senator Edward Zorinsky. He had a special interest in ensuring Jewish young people be given the opportunity to receive a good education about their Jewish heritage.

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December 2, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

Campaign volunteers: a treasured resource

by SHERRIE SAAG Communications Specialist, The Jewish Federation of Omaha This is the first in a series introducing Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign volunteers. As part of our One Campus, One Community initiative, we hope to inform and educate our community about the Annual Campaign and in doing so showcase our greatest resource -- our Campaign volunteers!

Today we meet Jen Tompkins-Kirshenbaum, wife, mother and parttime Human Resource specialist at the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

For me, Jewish community means...

A place that is supportive of my children. My Jennifer daughters participate in Tompkins-Kirshenbaum dance and swimming at the JCC, religious school at Temple Israel and have “performed” at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. They are surrounded by Jewish teachers, coaches and cheerleaders who encourage and engage them.

I volunteer with the Annual Campaign because...

After working at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, I realized everything that the Jewish Federation financially supports. It’s important to make sure its work continues.

No one knows that I...

Took ballet at the JCC when I was young.

Something I’d put in a suggestion box...

Every April, our country promotes “Take your daughter/son to work day.” Jewish businesses, schools and organizations should have a day or week for Jewish high school students to shadow Jewish business people, teachers, doctors, etc. Students can network and learn from the Jewish community. We should also work to promote Jewish careers to this age group.

The book I would currently recommend...

Blood, Bones and Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef by Gabrielle Hamilton. It’s a good book, but I don’t cook much so I didn’t get as excited about recipes and ingredients as the author did.

Bagel Bin or Panera?

Bagel Bin! I love the egg or tuna salad on onion toasted bagels.

What’s your favorite menu item at Star Deli?

Everything is delicious! The cooks take great pride in their product, the staff has great customer service and they want you to enjoy your dining experience.

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the reins and put together a great evening of dinner, discussion and much more. On Sunday, November 20th, BBYO hosted its’ first annual Afternoon Tea for teens and parents to attend. During this event, our parents and teens decorated placemats to donate to the Children’s Hospital.

They also heard from Brad Kutler, Omaha Cornbelt Council President, and the four chapter representatives, where they learned about what each chapter has accomplished, what they have to look forward to for the remainder of the year and much more.

Coming up, Mother Chapter AZA #1 is hosting its’ annual blood drive with Beth El Synagogue on Sunday, Dec. 4 from 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium. We hope many of you are able to come out and donate.

BBYO isn’t stopping here! Coming up Omaha Cornbelt Council has Winter Regional Convention in St. Louis, The First Annual Community Teen Retreat, International Convention, Rush season, Spring Regional Convention in Omaha and much much more! We are looking forward to the rest of the program year.

Are you interested in joining the largest youth movement in the world? Contact Jodi Levine, Teen/BBYO Director, at 402.334.6404 or jlevine@jccomaha.org, for more membership information.

School’s almost out; it’s time for camp!

by TIPPI DENENBERG for Chabad House Winter break is just around the corner. What to do with the kids? Let your children get creative, stay active and learn in a dynamic Chabad camp program. My kids will have nothing less!

Gan Israel Winter Camp has served Omaha’s children faithfully and is renowned for its dynamic, warm counselors and thematic programming.

Join parent co-ordinators Lise Sasson, Debbie & Tippi Denenberg on Dec. 2630, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., with children ages 5 to 10. This will be a week of fun that will enhance your family life. We have everything covMichael Denenberg ered to keep your children happy and healthy this winter break.

Additionally, this year parents can stay after kid drop off for two optional adult programs: Tuesday join Tippi for a yoga/meditation class and Friday you can study with Shani Katzman. See why so many people think she is one of

Omaha’s best teachers. If you have never tried a Chabad youth program, this is the time.

We do have limited space available so make sure you get registered ASAP. This year’s program will focus on Your Jewish Footprint: Mitzvahs are for kids like ME. “Kabbalah teaches that each thought, word, or deed impacts the vast universe”, Shani Katzman, Director explains. “Through a series of art, music, sports, and drama experiences, children will learn how their Mitzvahs leave a Jewish Footprint”. She continues, “Campers will experience the joys of honoring their parents, the satisfaction of visiting the sick, and welcoming guests. They will see how Jewish Footprints left in homes and neighborhoods are perfect for our environment and just how much fun that can be.”

Sign up by visiting ochabad.com/camp or calling 402.330.1800. The cost for the week including healthful lunches and snacks is $165. $10 discount for those registered and paid in full by Dec. 8.

To order a gift subscription to the Jewish Press Send a check for $40 for the rest of the year and all of 2012, made out to the Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

For more information on how to connect your outof-town relatives and friends, call 402.334.6448.

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Omaha Cornbelt Council BBYO

by JODI LEVINE Teen/BBYO Director Omaha BBYO has hit the ground running! Since the beginning of the program year, BBYO enjoyed a Sunday at Worlds of Fun in Kansas City, has held Chapter Board elections, has held multiple board trainings for newly elected board members, nominated Sweetheart candidates for the annual AZA Sweetheart Dance, partnered up with B’nai B’rith for the annual Sukkah Building, held numerous chapter programs, sent 22 teens to Kansas City for New Member’s convention and held the 2nd Annual Joint AZA Sweetheart Dance. PHEW! As you can see Omaha Cornbelt Council BBYO has been quite the busy bunch.

On Saturday, Nov. 12, AZA hosted its 2nd Annual Joint AZA Sweetheart Dance at the JCC. The evening consisted of dinner, dancing, games and a processional where our 2011-2012 Chaim Weizmann #1510 and Mother Chapter AZA #1 Sweetheart’s were announced. Congratulations to Julia Edelstein, 2011-2012 Chaim Weizmann #1510 Sweetheart and Alyssa Cohen, 2011-2012 Mother Chapter AZA #1 Sweetheart. The evening was incredible and the AZA Dance Committee did an outstanding job! Mazal Tov! On Friday, Nov. 18, BBYO held its first AZA/BBG Shabbat of the year. Hannah Perry and Mat Wiesman took

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6 | The Jewish Press | December 2, 2011

Ben & Jerry’s co-founder explains how to do good

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by SUZANNE KURTZ attending the federation event also strive for in their careers.

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- A scoop of Ben & Jerry’s may But their vision for an ice cream company that would be taste like heaven, and for company co-founder Jerry both profitable and care about the needs of society has left a Greenfield, the business of making ice cream has a spiritual lasting impact on both employees and customers. side as well.

“Simply operating this way “There is a spiritual aspect had so many benefits for the to business, just as there is to company,” said Greenfield, as people,” Greenfield told a he detailed some of the valcrowd of 300 last week at a ues-driven business practices networking event for the that also saw him and Cohen Jewish Federation of Greater named U.S. Small Business Washington.

Persons of the Year in 1988.

The ice cream company One oft-cited example of known for its colorful pintBen & Jerry’s socially consize containers, funky flavors science business practices is and creative marketing has its purchase of $8 million implemented smart business annually of chocolate brownpractices that have advanced ies baked at the Greyston its bottom line as well as its Bakery in Yonkers, N.Y., a do-good corporate culture. nonprofit that offers job Raised on suburban New training and hires workers York’s Long Island, Ben & Jerry’s co-founder Jerry Greenfield recently spoke at who might have a difficult Greenfield, 60, and his long- a Jewish Federation of Greater Washington event. time finding jobs elsewhere, Credit: Jewish Federation of Greater Washington such as ex-convicts, former time friend and business partner Ben Cohen met in gym class in junior high school substance abusers and welfare recipients. after discovering a shared dislike of running track. They “We came up with this popular flavor [for using the were chubby kids who always enjoyed eating, Greenfield brownies] and the bakery is pretty happy with it, too!” said said, and both attended Hebrew school and had their bar Greenfield. mitzvahs at the Reform Congregation of Merrick.

In 1984, when the company needed to raise additional Though a self-described “cultural Jew,” Greenfield said capital to grow the business, they let their Vermont neighthat his religious education helped sensitize him to discrim- bors “get a scoop of the action” by holding an in-state public ination, marginalization and the needs of “other people in offering. society and around the world.”

“People of essentially any economic situation could parIn his mid-20s, after being rejected from some 20 medical ticipate,” said Greenfield, and one in every 100 Vermont schools and not content with working as a lab technician, families became shareholders in the company. “As the busiGreenfield split a $5 Pennsylvania State University corre- ness supported the community, the community supported spondence course in ice cream-making with Cohen and the business.” embarked on a new business venture.

In 1985, the company made a public stock offering and In 1978, with $12,000 scraped together from loans and also established the Ben & Jerry’s Foundation. It began savings, they opened Ben & Jerry’s Homemade, Inc. in a donating 7.5 percent of pretax profits to nonprofit organizarenovated gas station in Burlington, VT. Their single store- tions -- the highest percentage of any publicly traded comfront venture would grow eventually into a $300 million pany at the time, he said. global ice cream empire owned by the Unilever Corp.

“As you give, you receive,” Greenfield said. “As you help Neither Greenfield nor Cohen is still active in the day-to- others, you are helped in return.” day running of the company. Instead, Greenfield said, his He added, “And just because the idea that the good that present role with Ben & Jerry’s holds “no responsibility and you do comes back to you is written in the Bible and not in no authority,” joking that it should be a position that those some business textbook doesn’t mean that it is any less valid.”

The blessing of rain, but not in the right locations

Jerusalem residents coping with the heavy rain and winds.

Copyright: ISRANET

by EDGAR ASHER The past week has seen copious amounts of rain falling in certain parts of Israel. In the past ten days the Tel Aviv region was reported to have already had 44% of its annual rainfall this winter. This has been good news as the underground aquifers in the Dan region have been replenished somewhat after years of poor rainfall. In fact the past seven consecutive years the winter rainfall has been below average.

There was also at times heavy rain in the north, but the ground was still hard and impacted, thus the rain bonanza becomes of little value as it does not sink into the ground.

The main fresh water resource in the north, the Sea of Galilee, is well below the so-called minimum red line. All

the rainfall of the past week, which was less than the central region, added only one centimeter to the lake.

Next year a fourth desalination plant, the biggest in the world, will come on-line. This will mean that some 65% of Israel’s water needs will be produced in this way.

Additionally 80% of waste water is now being treated and used for agricultural purposes. Although treated water is technically clean, and in theory drinkable, the water authority is only allowed to provide this water for agricultural use.

In Jerusalem this afternoon, the earlier promise of a sunny day turned into squally winds and heavy rain.

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For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Speaker to be announced for Wednesday, Dec. 7, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org.

December 2, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Temple Israel welcomes community to hear Rabbi Joseph Telushkin

Searching for Humanity

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator In addition to being a rabbi who lectures across the country and has written nearly two dozen books, Joseph Telushkin is a senior associate with CLAL (The National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership), a former director of education at the Brandeis-Bardin Institute, and a member of the Jewish Book Council Board of Directors.

When he visits Omaha as a scholar-in-residence at Temple Israel, he’ll be introduced on Friday, Dec. 9 at the 7 p.m. Human Rights Shabbat Worship Service when he’ll speak about Words that Hurt, Words that Heal. Focusing on the words we use in public and in private, Rabbi Telushkin will talk about the power of words to shape relationships.

He’ll discuss how every exchange can be turned into an opportunity by being sensitive to the subtleties of speech.

Rabbi Telushkin’s book on this subject became a motivating force behind Senators Joseph Lieberman and Connie Mack’s 1996 Senate Resolution to establish a “National Speak No Evil Day.” Temple Israel joins more than 100 synagogues throughout North America by observing the Human Rights Shabbat to educate Jewish communities about the intersection of Jewish values and universal human rights Following the worship service, there will be a congregational dinner during which Rabbi Telushkin will speak. To make a reservation, contact the Temple Israel office at 402.556.6536 by Dec. 6. Cost of the dinner is $10 for adults, $8 for children, no charge for children five and younger.

On Saturday, Dec. 10’s 9 a.m. Torah study, Rabbi Telushkin’s topic is Being a Good Person in a Complicated World, which will be a conversation on leading a decent, kind, and honest life in a morally complicated world.

Speaking to major ethical issues of our time, he’ll offer pithy, wise, and easily accessible teachings designed to be put into immediate practice.

“Life is relentless,” he believes, “and leading an ethical life is relentless. There are always challenges. We repent for the same sins year after year. Hopefully, each year, we get a little better.” Most of us are a mix of compassion and cruelty, according to Rabbi Telushkin. “That’s why the biggest job we face is working on ourselves. It’s an ongoing process throughout our lives.”

On Sunday, Dec. 11, at a 10 a.m., Rabbi Telushkin will conclude his residency, which is sponsored by the Hermene Zweiback Center for Lifelong Jewish Learning, with The 50 Best Jewish Jokes and What They Tell Us about the Human Condition. Interspersed with perceptive and persuasive insight into what jokes reveal about how Jews see themselves, their families, and their friends, Rabbi Telushkin’s discussion will lend insight into what Jews think about money, sex, and success.

Temple Israel welcomes the entire community to attend all of Rabbi Telushkin’s presentations.

Continued from page 1 The exhibit, curated by artist Matthew Placzek and Beth Dotan, Executive Director of the IHE, includes stark images of Nazi brutality, but also includes photos from Nebraska Holocaust survivors and their families after the war – compelling images of survival following one of the most devastating periods in human history. The tour proved very emotional for many in attendance.

This exhibit will remain at the Strategic Air and Space Museum through June 2014. Educational Incentives to use in conjunction with the exhibit will be announced at the end of January 2012. The exhibit is cosponsored by the Heartland Holocaust Educational Fund and the Jewish Federation of Omaha. For more information about the exhibit, please contact the Institute for Holocaust Education at infor@ihene.org. For information regarding exhibit availability or school tours, please contact the Strategic Air and Space Museum at 402.944.3100.

Clockwise from top: Mrs. Esther Silver; Eadie Tsabari, left, Susan Williams, Dr. Tom Williams, Rachel Williams, and Beth Dotan; Alex Grossman standing next to a photo of his parents, Ignatz and Miriam Grossman; Fred and Sarah Kader speak to artist Matt Placzek.

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8 | The Jewish Press | December 2, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

A capital decision

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press It’s a well-known adage: unless you’re among very good friends, there are certain things you do not talk about.

Politics is high on that list, lest you get into an argument you can’t come back from. Some subcategories are: gay rights, Roe vs. Wade, and the death penalty. Most American citizens have agreed to disagree about these issues a long time ago, the reason being that any debate quickly turns emotional.

That, and it makes Thanksgiving dinner go a lot smoother.

The problem is: the law of the land inevitably leaves part of the population dissatisfied. It’s why candidates who run for office like bringing up issues like the ones mentioned above, only to quickly abandon them once they’re elected. If you think Obama is unpopular now, it’s nothing compared to what would have happened had he made good on his gay rights promises. The same would be true for any candidate who vows to limit abortion rights. If you want to stay in office, these are issues you don’t touch. Cynical? Sure. The truth often is.

Oregon Governor John A. Kitzhaber broke the rules when he announced last week that he would no longer support capital punishment in his state. To be clear, he did not pardon any death row inmates, and he did not halt the upcoming execution of Oregon inmate Gary Haugen because he sympathizes with him. Instead, Kitzhaber did what he did because he felt torn between “personal convictions about the morality of capital punishment and my oath to uphold the Oregon constitution,” according to his statement of November 22.

Kitzhaber considers his state’s system broken, since only those who voluntarily waive their right to appeal eventually end up executed. “It was the will of the voters in 1984 to reinstate the death penalty in Oregon,” Kitzhaber said. “I respect that and, in fact, have carried out that will on two occasions. I have regretted those choices ever since.”

Imagine that, a Governor who decides one day to follow his convictions and listen to his conscience, regardless of

what the electorate will think. A politician who changes his mind without worrying that his voters will call him a flipflopper. Kitzhaber –who is Jewish- did not mention religion,

Credit: Wikimedia commons and we can only guess whether it came into play when he made his decision.

No debate on the death penalty is complete without

Makkot 1 in the Mishnah: “R. Eliezer b. Azariah says: A Sanhedrin that effects a capital punishment once in 70 years is branded a destructive tribunal. R. Tarfon and R. Akiva say: Were we members of the Sanhedrin, no person would ever be put to death. [Thereupon] Rabban Simeon b. Gamaliel remarked: If so, they [these rabbis] would multiply shedders of blood in Israel.” (Jewishvirtuallibrary.org) (Speaking of Israel, in modern times, the death penalty was outlawed there in 1954, with an exception allowed for nazi criminals; in fact, only one man has been put to death since 1948, and that was Adolf Eichman).

“What would be most appropriate,” says OU.org, “in light of the serious questions raised and halakha’s clear demand for a capital punishment system that is administered with fairness and accuracy, would be for Orthodox Jews and their spokesmen to advocate for a moratorium on all capital punishment pending the implementation of appropriate reforms.”

Which is exactly what Kitzhaber is proposing, and which has been implemented in several other states as well. It is therefore not only an idea that might find resonance with Orthodox Jews, but with all Jews, as well as non-Jews.

Let’s face it: we have treated the capital punishment debate as a black and white, pro-or-con issue for much too long.

Instead, we need to talk about it, think about it, talk about it some more and look at it from every angle. As a nation, we need to have exactly that which we so often shy away from: an honest and unapologetically emotional debate. We should be passionate, we should care, and stop walking on eggshells when it comes to important stuff.

On a completely different note, the Jewish Press is gearing up for the 2012 Passover issue. I know, Hanukkah isn’t even here yet, but that’s how it is. This time, the topic is “Jewish art and Jewish artists.” If you have a great story idea or would like to be featured in the upcoming Passover issue, please call me at 402 334 6450, or email me at avandekamp@jewishomaha.com. We can’t wait to hear your ideas!

Security is everyone’s responsibility

Focus on issues DAVID DABSCHECK NEW YORK (JTA) -- The flurry of commentary about an outbreak of hostilities between Iran and the United States or Israel has overlooked a critical issue -- the security implications for the American Jewish community. Any military conflict could not only transform the geopolitical situation in the Middle East but also directly affect our own institutions and community here in the United States.

Hezbollah’s threats of a regional war if the Americans or Israelis use force against Iran has been widely reported.

What may not be understood clearly is that the Iranians, together with Hezbollah and their other allies, consider Jewish communities around the world legitimate targets as well.

This is evident from the 1994 terrorist attack on the Jewish community’s AMIA building in Buenos Aires. It is widely believed that Hezbollah, under Iranian orders, conducted the bombing, which claimed 85 lives and devastated the Argentinian Jewish community. In fact, Interpol still has outstanding “red notices” on six Iranians thought to be involved, most infamously Iran’s current defense minister, Ahmad Valid.

Moreover, in the event of a Middle Eastern war, the American Jewish community also is likely to face threats from a host of other groups and unaffiliated individuals, as tragically demonstrated by the Seattle Jewish federation

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

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

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press.

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

shooting during the 2006 war in Lebanon.

While members of the American Jewish community might not be aware of this danger, our nation’s law enforcement and government agencies clearly recognize the risk.

For example, the Department of Homeland Security’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program is overwhelmingly directed toward assisting vulnerable Jewish institutions, accounting for 80 percent of 2011’s total funds alone.

Similarly, it is no coincidence that DHS’s first faith-based security partnership was with two key Jewish organizations — the Jewish Federations of North America and the Secure Community Network. This, for instance, resulted in a version of DHS’s “If You See Something, Say Something” public awareness campaign specifically designed and developed for the American Jewish community.

However, a central element in building a holistic community response to security is what is referred to as “operational security.” This concerns the security personnel at a location during high-risk times who serve as the “eyes” and “ears” for law enforcement, as well as first responders in emergency situations. In this aspect, the community is woefully underprepared, with many synagogues and institutions having minimally trained security guards or, as is too often the case, nothing. Typically, communities hastily hire protection when a terrorist incident occurs somewhere before scaling back when nothing happens in their particular location in the succeeding months. Considering the severe consequences of an attack, this approach is shortsighted and dangerously complacent.

What we fail to realize is that operational security is as much our responsibility as our education, welfare and religious programming. The nonprofit Community Security Service, or CSS, provides a uniquely sustainable means to meet this challenge by training -- at no charge -- members from the community in professional operational security techniques. In addition to cost-effectiveness, using properly trained community volunteers also provides security that is qualitatively superior to hired security because members of the community are both more committed to the safety of their friends and family and have the cultural familiarity to better identify suspicious behavior and out-of-place objects.

To thwart future attacks, we must build a culture of security awareness that extends to the entire community. We will have succeeded when the elderly congregant walking to synagogue notices suspicious behavior and notifies the operational security team, which then reacts appropriately and in coordination with the police and other authorities.

To achieve this ability, we cannot wait until the next incident or rely on temporary measures. We must recognize that security preparation is everyone’s duty and requires our immediate and continual commitment.

David Dabscheck is a founder and co-president of the nonprofit Community Security Service, which safeguards the community by training volunteers in professional security techniques, providing physical security and raising public awareness about safety issues.

ha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

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Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf.

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December 2, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

To be young, gifted and a British Jew

Behind the headlines ELLIOT JAGER (Jewish Ideas Daily) -- One way to think of British Jewry is to focus on its slow and steady decline: 270,000 demographically graying souls, synagogue affiliation in a downward spiral, out-marriage running at 30 to 50 percent.

Anti-Semitism is a constant. In the first six months of 2011, 283 verified anti-Semitic incidents were reported, with 41 of them categorized as “extremely violent.” The line between despising Israel and having contempt for Jews has been blurred beyond recognition, with the Guardian and Independent leading the way and even the oncerespectable Times joining in.

A more nuanced take on British Jewry, however, would view the community as a dying star, moribund but glowing. Culture is thriving: Next month there will be another Jewish Film Festival, construction will soon begin on a new Jewish community center in London, and a crowd will gather in Coventry at Christmastime for the 30th annual Limmud Conference, which bills itself as a “carnival of Jewish learning.” The “strictly Orthodox” are growing in numbers. There are more kosher restaurants in London today than there were after World War II, when the Jewish population crested at 450,000. It is not remarkable to spot young men openly wearing kippot on the London Underground, surely a sign of a community at ease.

So, how will the fate of British Jewry play itself out? The answer depends largely on the community's next generation of leaders, today's Jewish university students. They make up a miniscule 0.5 percent of the country's 1.6 million undergraduates and are concentrated in a small number of universities -- Oxford, Cambridge, and colleges in London and other major cities. Their attitudes have now been mined in a comprehensive survey conducted by David Graham and Jonathan Boyd for the Institute for Jewish Policy Research, a think-tank loosely tied to the Board of Deputies of British Jewry. The survey finds these students mostly pessimistic about their community's future and troubled about the way current leaders are managing its affairs.

This generation came of age in a “multi-cultural” England in which Islam is ascendant and Judeo-Christian values no longer dominant. In this milieu, being Jewish is mostly a personal lifestyle choice. Nevertheless, 79 percent of the survey’s respondents said that having a "religious identity" is integral to being Jewish, and most have had some formal Jewish education. When they arrive at university, about half have been observant—for example, eating only kosher meat at home. Remarkably, 27 percent are Sabbath observers. Ninety-five percent embrace the idea of Jewish peoplehood; most say their closest friends are Jewish, and “supporting Israel” is important to their Jewish identity. An overwhelming majority have visited Israel and hold predominantly positive attitudes toward it, though 11 percent are indifferent, ambivalent, or negative toward the Jewish state. The more observant the students, the more pro-Israel they are.

Only 40 percent, however, said their romantic partners were exclusively Jewish. A majority of “traditional” respondents but only a minority of “progressives” said it was important for Jews to marry other Jews.

Fully a third of Jewish students in London and 42 percent nationwide say they have experienced anti-Semitism.

During a 2010 Manchester demonstration against tuition

hikes, a former head of the National Union of Students -non-Jewish -- had to be escorted away by police after some in the crowd began chanting, “Tory Jew scum.” Most Jewish students say they are open about their Jewishness on campus but keep their pro-Israel sentiments to themselves rather than risk attention from pro-Arab rabblerousers at their universities Some unapologetically pro-Israel groups campaign actively against Palestinian Arab intransigence. This year, when University College of London President Malcolm Grant declared that campus anti-Semitism was not a problem, the former head of the school’s Jewish students said that Grant “knows this is an outright lie.” The Union of Jewish Students as a whole called on the college president to “stop ignoring the harmful influence of extremists.”

Yet, when asked in focus groups about British antiSemitism, students faulted the Jewish media and establishment for overemphasizing anti-Israel sentiment on campus. This attitude of denial may be more important than

the generally dovish views of British Jewry in explaining why the Union of Jewish Students currently plans to distribute both Palestinian and Israeli flags on campuses -- to prove that Jewish students support “freedom, justice, and equality.” One wonders when the Federation of Student Islamic Societies will reciprocate by distributing Israeli flags.

Graham and Boyd say Jewish students may simply be more concerned about grades, relationships, and future aspirations than about day-to-day anti-Semitism. More likely, the problem is so endemic and discouraging that these students have become inured to toxic hatred of Jews and Israel. Boyd himself acknowledges this reality when he argues delicately that anti-Israel hostility “should not dominate our view, not least because over-emphasizing it appears to be affecting the Jewish identities of this young generation.”

This article was first published by Jewish Ideas Daily and is reprinted with permission.

Wolfowitz throws down the gauntlet

Focus on issues DANIEL TREIMAN (JTA)--Paul Wolfowitz threw down the gauntlet at Tuesday night’s Republican presidential debate.

A deputy defense secretary in the Bush administration, Wolfowitz is best known (and widely reviled on the left) for his role as an architect of the Iraq War. But Wolfowitz’s question -- one of several posed from the floor by representatives of conservative think tanks at the foreign policy- and national security-themed debate -was not about the Middle East. Instead, it was focused on Africa.

Wolfowitz asked: Under George W. Bush, who was a conservative Republican, the United States spent billions of dollars to fight AIDS and malaria in Africa and elsewhere and set up the Millennium Challenge Corporation to encourage governments of poor countries to pursue policies that promote economic growth and job creation. Do you believe those are still wise expenditures or do you think that we can no longer afford them?

The subtext of Wolfowitz’s question seemed to be a rebuke to the Republican field’s coolness toward foreign aid.

At a previous debate, Rick Perry vowed to start every country’s foreign aid allotment at zero each year and insist that any aid amount be justified before being allotted -- a proposal that was immediately embraced by Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney.

Romney, for his part, had suggested at an earlier debate that he would completely eliminate foreign aid when it is intended for specifically humanitarian purposes.

Romney said: I happen to think it doesn’t make a lot of sense for us to borrow money from the Chinese to go give to another country for humanitarian aid. We ought to get the Chinese to take care of the people that are taking that borrowed money today.

The Republican candidates’ bearishness on foreign aid has caused some unease in the Jewish community (particularly in response to the “start at zero” proposal,

which, Perry said, should include Israel as well).

The Jewish community has traditionally been strongly supportive of U.S. foreign aid. This support is rooted first in a strong sense of moral obligation. More parochially, in the pro-Israel community, there is the belief that U.S. assistance to Israel is easier to defend when there is broad-based support for foreign aid in general.

Jewish support for foreign aid spans the political spectrum -- from liberals to neoconservatives like Wolfowitz who are ardent believers in America’s responsibility to spread its value abroad.

Wolfowitz’s question appeared aimed at getting the candidates to walk back some of their previously expressed skepticism toward foreign aid. (After all, who wants to object to a Republican administration’s widely hailed efforts to combat AIDS and malaria on a povertyravaged continent?) However, the question did not end up eliciting much of a response from the top-tier candidates.

Rick Santorum -- who has been stuck at around 2 percent in the national polls -- led off by repudiating his rivals’ “start at zero” proposal and then launching into a rousing defense of foreign aid as a tool for promoting American values and interests (a response that was marred by his reference to Africa as “a country”).

Herman Cain followed up by essentially saying he needs more information in order to answer the question (a tack he previously took on another foreign policy question, though not to his benefit).

Ron Paul was direct enough: He reiterated his blanket opposition to foreign aid. By the time Romney jumped back into the debate, the discussion’s connection to Wolfowitz’s original question had been lost. After quarreling with Paul about budgetary matters, the former Massachusetts governor took the opportunity to attack President Obama as soft on Iran and vowed to make Israel his first overseas destination as president.

With the exception of Santorum, the candidates left Wolfowitz’s query unanswered. Also left unanswered was the larger question of how Republican presidential hopefuls’ appeals to Tea Partiers and deficit hawks will sit with neoconservatives and others in the party who believe deeply in foreign aid.

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

FRIDAY, Dec. 9: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Emily Giller, Jewish Press Intern on Experience at the Jewish Press and Jewish Community. The community is invited.

luncheon will follow. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9:30 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

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

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.; Tot Shabbat/Say Shalom to Shabbat, 6 p.m., followed by dinner.

To RSVP, call the synagogue office.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Scholar-inResidence Rabbi Ron Hoffberg, leader of the Masorti Movement in Prague. During Saturday morning Shabbat services, the rabbi will present Jews in Central Europe: Legacies of the Past. Afterward, at a Kiddush luncheon, he will explore Czech Files: Inspirational Stories of Jews Returning to Judaism. On ; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: Beth El/BBYO Blood Drive, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the JCC. Register online at www.redcross.com, enter code 132, and sign-up; Bible Study Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Diversity in Movies: Embracing the World with open Jewish eyes, 10 a.m. with Susi Frydman-Levin; BESTT Sixth grade family program, 10:15-11:15 a.m.; Scholar-in-Residence Rabbi Ron Hoffberg, 11 a.m., the rabbi will offer a multi-media presentation revealing The Magic of Jewish Prague; Kadima youth group will meet at Tranquility Ice Plex from 1–2:30 p.m.

Pick-up at skating rink. Cost: $5 for admission; bring money for snacks. RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office or at youthdir@ bethel-omaha.org; Chaverim, 3-4:40 p.m., bowling at Sempeck’s Bowling Alley, 20902 Cumberland Dr. Drop-off and pick-off at the venue. Cost: $7. RSVP to Shiri Tene in the office or at youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

TUESDAY: YAC Playgroup, 10:30 a.m. Toddlers and parents will meet at Saddlebrook Community Center, 14850 Laurel Ave. For more information, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com.

USY/KADIMA SHABBAT: Friday, Dec. 9, 6 p.m.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:38 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Laws of Shabbat, 2:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 3:30 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 3:30 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:41 p.m.

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

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

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

TUESDAY: Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:30 p.m. with Rabbi Mizrahi at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush

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

FRIDAY: Kiddush, 6 p.m.; Early Family Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayetze.

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

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY, Dec. 4, 4 p.m. Taste of Judaism. These classes are free, but reservations are required. Class the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com to add your name to the list.

TUESDAYS, 6:30 p.m. Intro to Judaism led by Rabbi Lewis. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. Register by calling the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com.

THURSDAYS, Beginning Hebrew, 6 p.m. and Intermediate Hebrew, 7 p.m. The cost is $50 to cover course materials. For more information call the Temple office at 402.435.8004 or email stemple@neb.rr.com.

Note: Please contact Rabbi Lewis if the cost for a class creates a financial hardship.

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

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:38 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Singing, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Lisa Lieb.

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

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

Candlelighting Friday, December 2, 4:38 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY: Experience Shabbat for grades 3-6, 9 a.m.; Torah Study, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m. Isabella Radler, daughter of Gretchen and David Radler, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Grades PreK-2, 10 a.m; WRJ Book Sorting, 10 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 4-6 p.m.; School Dinner, 6 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 7-8, 6-8 p.m.; Movie: Nora’s Will, 6:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy with Cantor Shermet, 10-11:30 a.m. Newcomes are always welcome. To register, contact Program Director Wendy Goldberg, wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com or 402.556.6536.

Scholar-in-Residence Joseph Telushkin, Friday, Dec. 9 Human Rights Shabbat with Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, 6 p.m. followed by a congregational dinner; Saturday, Dec. 10, Be a good person in a complicated world, 9 a.m.; Sunday, Dec. 11, The 50 Best Jewish jokes and what they tell us about the human condition, 10 a.m.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 10 a.m. will incorporate an interactive learning session followed by Kiddush lunch.

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

WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

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

Tifereth Israel and Congregation B'nai Jeshurun are holding a pre-Chanukah bash on Sunday, Dec. 18, at Tifereth Israel. Beginning at 11 a.m. adults will gather in the social hall for a short learning session based on the book, A Different Light. The session will end at 11:30 a.m. and be followed by entertainment presented by the members of the Lincoln Jewish Community School. Please call the office to RSVP by Dec. 1.

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

Israel under the radar

by MARCY OSTER Ostrich farming will be banned beginning next year.

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Here are some recent stories out Crocodile farming will be allowed to continue for a short of Israel that you may have missed. time, as the crocs are transferred to countries that allow the Let them eat pork -- sort of use of their skin to create leather products. Slaughtering Israel's chief rabbi has agreed to allow the import of a them in Israel, however, will be outlawed.

Spanish goose whose meat reportHula frog hops out of extinction edly tastes like pork. Three nonThe Hula painted frog recently Jewish chefs have confirmed that the leapt out of a more than 50-year goose indeed tastes like pork. extinction. The species, unique to Chief Ashkenazi Rabbi Yona Israel, was long thought to be Metzger has ruled that the meat is extinct. Called “agulashon shehorgahon” in Hebrew, the tiny frog has a kosher. He cited a Talmudic stateblack belly with white spots. ment that for every food prohibited to the Jewish people, there is a The frog disappeared from the area kosher substitute with the same Crocodile farming in Israel will be going the in the 1950s after the drying of Lake way of the dinosaur. taste, according to Ynet.

Hula to stop the spread of malaria.

Credit: Jorge Novominsky The last Hula painted frog was sightGiving up the (crocodile) farm Israeli women looking for real crocodile leather bags and ed in 1955; it was officially listed as extinct in 1996. shoes soon will not be able to look for that made in Israel Nature and Parks Authority warden Yoram Malka dislabel. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority said it will covered the frog, which apparently is a female. Malka is on allow a regulation permitting crocodile and ostrich farm- a mission now to find her a male companion and return ing for commercial purposes to expire, essentially outlaw- her to the wild. ing the practice.

Pulverent e

December 2, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

Jacob: father of 12

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Vayetzei We need not name all the 12 sons here for the reader may find them in the Sacred Text.

Let me point out that the list begins with Rueben and Simeon and ends with Joseph and Benjamin. Jacob looked with favor on Joseph and gave him a garment of many colors. The brothers, envious, ganged up on Joseph and tried to do away with him.

They decided, however, not to murder him, but sold him as a slave to some merchants who were on their way to Egypt.

In Egypt, Joseph was sold to an officer of Pharaoh, named Potiphar. When Potiphar’s wife saw how handsome Joseph was, she tried to entice him to lie with her. But Joseph refrained. She grabbed him, ripped his clothes, and tore one of his garments off him. She then shouted for everyone to come, and said: “See this Hebrew lad; he assaulted me. But I resisted, and see, I grabbed one of his garments from him as he escaped my wrath.”

Potiphar knew his wife very well, and recognized the untruth in her account. Nevertheless, to save face, he confined Joseph to what we might call a private jail.

I recommend that the reader read for himself the developing story of how Joseph grows from prisoner to Viceroy of Egypt. The situation, characters, and plot come together and create a beautifully constructed short story.

Dance group cancels over removal of Israel references

by JTA NEWS STAFF SYDNEY, Australia (JTA) – A Melbourne-based Israeli dance group refused to perform at a folk festival to protest the organizers’ decision to remove references to their being Israeli.

The Machol Israeli Dancing Club was scheduled to appear at the Multicultural Folk Dance Festival in Mansfield, northeast of Melbourne, on Sunday. The festival included Aboriginal, Chinese, Irish, English, Lebanese, Armenian, Ukrainian and Hungarian folk dances. But organizers removed the word “Israeli” and instead named the dancers as the Machol Group and described them as a Jewish dance group, the local Jewish website J-Wire reported.

The group, founded in 1993, refused to perform and has taken its complaint to the Victorian Equal Opportunities and Human Rights Commission.

In its submission, the Machol club claims it was told that the organizer would not be held responsible for consequences if the words “Israel” or “Israeli” was used to describe the group.

The dance group has more than 200 members and stages dances four times a week.

LGBT survey launched for Jewish non-profits

by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) – The Human Rights Campaign has launched a survey to measure LGBT inclusion at Jewish non-profits, believed to be the first study of its kind.

Known as the Jewish Organization Equality Index, the survey has been in development for ten months while a Human Rights Campaign program manager consulted with Jewish leaders, executives and clergy on how to most effectively rate workplace policies as related to lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees in Jewish organizations. The survey was released on Monday and a final report will be released this spring.

HRC suggests in a statement on its website that Jewish non-profit organizations participated in the study because LGBT Jews make up approximately 7 percent of the Jewish community. HRC also claims that the Jewish Organization Equality Index is mirrored after basic Jewish ideals such as kavod habrivot, the idea that every person is deserving of basic dignity and respect.

The index is modeled after the HRC’s Corporate Equality Index and Healthcare Equality Index.

The study will be available for eligible organizations until March.

Wodka vodka removes ads seen as anti-Semitic

by JTA NEWS STAFF NEW YORK (JTA) – Billboards for Wodka vodka that the Anti-Defamation League said reinforces anti-Semitic stereotypes were removed.

The ADL, which had criticized Wodka’s New York ad campaign, welcomed the company’s apology and the removal of the billboards from locations throughout New York.

The ads featured two dogs, one wearing a Santa cap and one wearing a yarmulke with the message “Christmas Quality, Hanukah Pricing.”

“We welcome the response of Wódka vodka, and are glad that they were sensitive to our concerns and the concerns of the many New Yorkers who were offended by this advertisement,” said Ron Meier, ADL’s New York Regional director. “The company acted quickly and appropriately in recognizing that the billboard was offensive to many and should be removed.”

The company announced via its Twitter feed that it had decided to pull the ads. The company tweeted, “Although rarely serious, we apologize to anyone we may have offended through our holiday campaign and are removing our billboard immediately.”

ADL had called the billboards “crude and offensive.”

Ninth attack on Egyptian gas pipeline to Israel

by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Egypt’s gas pipeline to Israel was blown up for the ninth time in less than a year.

The attack came Monday, just hours before Egyptians went to the polls to elect a new government in free elections. A previous attack on the pipeline came just three days earlier.

Monday’s attack occurred near al-Arish in the Sinai. Two consecutive explosions occurred within about 100 feet of each other, Reuters reported. No one has claimed responsibility for the attack.

The Egyptian government said earlier this month that it would tighten security along the pipeline.

Gas had only recently been flowing again through the pipeline after months of repairs.

Egypt supplies Israel with more than 40 percent of its natural gas needs to produce electricity; electricity prices have risen by more than 10 percent in Israel since the attacks began.

The first attack on the pipeline came in February during the uprisings against deposed Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. In July, machine-gun toting men overtook guards before blowing up a station in the Sinai. In late September three men fired on the pipeline at a pumping station in the northern Sinai.

Selling gas to Israel has been unpopular on the Egyptian street since the opening of the pipeline in 2008. Mubarak has been accused of giving Israel a sweetheart deal on the gas, since Egypt lost more than $714 million on the pact.

Jordan recently agreed to pay a higher price for its gas, Reuters reported. Egypt is expected to demand that Israel also agree to a price hike, according to reports.

To Submit obituaries to the Jewish Press: Email to the Press at jpress@jewishomaha.org; fax to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154, or online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on Jewish Press and go to Submit Announcements.

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 2, 2011

Jewish leaders meet Biden in appeal for Pollard

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Four drug dealers, a trafficker in stolen goods, a gambler and a turkey made President Obama’s Thanksgiving freedom list, but Israel’s bestknown spy did not.

But advocates of releasing Jonathan Pollard aren’t giving up hope. Seven Jewish leaders who met with Vice President Joe Biden said they were “encouraged” after more than an hour of back and forth.

but I told him, ‘Over my dead body are we going to let him out before his time.’”

The movement to free Pollard has gathered steam in recent months. Starting the ball rolling a year ago was Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.), who spearheaded a letter from 39 members of the U.S. House of Representatives calling for clemency for Pollard, a former U.S. Navy analyst sentenced to life in 1987 for spying for Israel.

Frank -- and Pollard’s supporters -- were frustrated that they were unable to sign on a single Republican to the effort.

Within the national security community, opposition to Pollard’s release still runs strong.

Since then, however, a trickle of current Republican officeholders have joined the calls for clemency for Pollard, among them Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.), the 2008 GOP presidential nominee, Jewish leaders who met with Vice President Joe Biden, and Tea Party-aligned Reps. shown here checking out an iPhone app in the White House Allen West (R-Fla.) and with President Obama in July 2011, said in a statement that Michael Grimm (R-N.Y.). they had a “meaningful and productive” meeting with the Additionally, an array of forvice president about Jonathan Pollard. mer Republican senators and Credit: Pete Souza, Official White House photo former top officials of A statement issued jointly by the seven Republican administrations -- some who noted that Biden had invited the group in played a role on Pollard’s incarceration -response to their earlier request for a meet- also have called for his release. ing. It described the meeting and exchange “We do not condone espionage, nor do we as “meaningful and productive.” underestimate the gravity of Pollard’s That was all any participant said, although crime,” says an Oct. 26 letter signed by 18 Abraham Foxman, the Anti-Defamation former senators. “But it is patently clear that League’s national director, emphasized -- as Mr. Pollard’s sentence is severely disproporothers did, off the record -- that the phrase tionate and (as several federal judges have “meaningful and productive” was more than noted) a gross miscarriage of justice.” boilerplate.

A number of the signatories had served on Foxman says he has an Israeli staffer who the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, asks him after every meeting, “Haya kedai?” including Sens. Dennis DeConcini (D-- “Was it worth it?”

Ariz.), Alan Simpson (R-Wyo.), Arlen “I told him it was worth it,” Foxman said. Specter (R-Pa.), Birch Bayh (D-Ind.), Connie One measure of the seriousness of the Mack (R-Fla.) and David Durenberger (Rconversation was how long it lasted -- more Minn.) -- a position that would have allowed than an hour, in Biden’s White House office. them access to secret information that oppoAnother was the composition of the nents of Pollard have alleged implicates him Jewish group, representing three major more seriously than the publicly known streams of Judaism and the spectrum of pro- information he shared with Israel.

Israel outlook.

Biden’s meeting came the same day that In addition to Foxman, those in atten- Obama announced five pardons and a comdance included Michael Adler, vice chair- mutation for Thanksgiving. None of those man of the board of trustees of the Jewish pardoned are still serving time. The action Federations of North America; Rabbi Steve clears their record, and frees them to particGutow, president of the Jewish Council for ipate in areas of public life previously denied Public Affairs, the Jewish community’s pub- them, such as voting. (As it happens, it was lic policy umbrella; Malcolm Hoenlein, also the 24th anniversary of Pollard’s 1987 executive vice chairman of the Conference sentencing.) of Presidents of Major American Jewish Presidents may pardon and commute at Organizations, the foreign policy umbrella; will -- it is one power not subject to any Simcha Katz, president of the Orthodox oversight. Traditionally they issue pardons Union; Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice around holidays; expect another round president of the Conservative movement’s before Christmas. Obama has been relativeRabbinical Assembly; and Rabbi Eric Yoffie, ly parsimonious with his releases; he has president of the Union for Reform Judaism. issued 22 pardons and one commutation.

The day before, Pollard’s wife, Esther, said Bill Clinton gave pardons or commutations in a statement that her husband, who is said to 456 people in eight years, while George to suffer from an array of grave medical prob- W. Bush issued 200. lems, may not survive another year in prison.

The meeting also came the week that the “In the last year, as Jonathan’s [medical] White House announced that the president condition became worse, he was too weak to would observe the decades-old tradition on even sit through a one-hour visit. I feel he’s Wednesday of pardoning a turkey headed withering away in front of my very eyes,” for the Thanksgiving table.

Esther Pollard said in the statement.

Esther Pollard recently published an She added that after “26 years, all his sys- appeal to Obama in The Jerusalem Post that tems are feeble and we both know that the noted the tradition of pardoning turkeys. next emergency hospitalization or operation “While the pardoning ceremony is lightare just a matter a time, and that no one is hearted, the values it demonstrates are solemn promising us he’ll make it through.” and deeply cherished,” she wrote. “As the presPollard has been hospitalized four times ident of the United States, your granting this year. clemency to a lowly barnyard bird demonBiden promised last month at a holiday strates to the world the great respect that the reception at his home that he would meet with American people have for the values of justice, Jewish leaders on the Pollard case after telling compassion and mercy. It is in this light that I a group of rabbis at a meeting in Florida that write to bring to your attention once again to “President Obama was considering clemency, the plight of my husband, Jonathan Pollard.”

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