Vol. LXXXIV No. 13 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Dennis DePorte Joins Temple Staff as Executive Director by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Dues Equalization Committee which he chaired for Temple Israel Communications Coordinator three years. Later he became a member of the Gary Kaplan, president of Temple Israel’s Board of Executive Committee and was elected treasurer and Trustees, announced that Dennis DePorte, a longtime then vice president. Last year, he served on the volunteer and lay leader at Temple, Executive Committee as a presidential has been named the new executive appointment. director. He assumed the position on DePorte was also a member of several Nov. 29. search committees including the ones Kaplan pointed out DePorte’s “deep that hired Cantor Wendy Shermet and commitment to Temple” and his previous to her, Cantor Jennifer Blum. In “strong knowledge of our mission and addition to co-chairing Temple’s Annual operations. Dennis brings a unique Golf Outing, DePorte spearheaded the combination of business and voluncongregation’s popular Deli Night. He teer experience to the job,” stated gave his assurance that Temple would Kaplan. DePorte’s “customer service continue to host a Deli Night despite his background and years of Men’s Club change in occupation. leadership will be the basis of his However, he was slated to be the next service to the membership. His many president of the Board of Trustees and years as treasurer and leader of the now, as executive director, he has Budget and Dues Committees will be resigned from the board. A nominating a big help to both the board and committee will convene to select next Dennis DePorte staff.” year’s president, according to Kaplan. A member of Temple since 1976, DePorte believes “Sometimes, you see an opportunity and watch it go the depth of his knowledge of the history and inner by,” DePorte explained. But the more he thought about workings of Temple as well as his passion for Temple the position of executive director along with his will serve him well in his new position. Director of involvement at Temple, this was “an opportunity I didmarketing and sales at Ak-Sar-Ben Beef Company since n’t want to let pass by,” he said. 1984, DePorte added, that in a business sense, he feels As treasurer and Dues Equalization Committee chairqualified to manage and run the physical property of man, DePorte worked directly with former Executive the synagogue. Director Dorothy Spizman who served in the position With strengths in strategic marketing, business plan- for 20 years. ning and organizational leadership, DePorte has expe“I hope to continue the great traditions of Temple Israel rience in assessing diverse challenges while developing and help it flourish whether at our present location or in and leading action plans. He also worked for a new facility and to share my passion with the staff and Pennsylvania Life after attending the University of the membership,” he said. He expressed his intention “to Nebraska at Lincoln. be greatly involved” in working with the planning comIn 1988, DePorte began a three-year stint as president mittee as it progresses in its quest for a new building. He of Temple’s Men’s Club. During that period, he reacti- pointed out that he would want to “keep everything runvated the group. Following that, he was elected to the ning smoothly as the plans move forward, because the Board of Trustees. At the same time, he served on the internal mechanisms still have to run.”
20 Kislev, 5765 December 3, 2004
Shiputznick Teens to Repair the World …One Job at a Time by RACHEL BLUM JCC Program Director Look out world…here we come! In an effort to develop an appreciation for the meaning and practice of tzedakah within our Jewish youth, Jewish teens from all Jewish youth groups in Omaha have formed a volunteer group, “Shiputznick.” Our goal is for Jewish teens to participate in community service projects in the Jewish community as well as the Omaha community at large. Shiputznick means “repairman” in Hebrew, and ultimately, that’s who we are, as we work together to follow the principles of Tikkun Olam, or repairing the world. Shiputznick began with five teen committee members, who represented each of the four Jewish youth groups in Omaha. They are: Alyson Friedman, Avi Katzman, Seth Rich, Sarah Spooner, and David Trubnikov. Each of these teens has recruited a few more teens to help with our upcoming projects, and what started with only five has within the past few weeks increased to almost 20 participants. Shiputznick’s first project is this Sunday, Dec. 5, as over 15 teens have committed to help Jewish Family Service wrap Hanukkah presents for Project Dreidel. Teens have signed up to help in shifts throughout the day and are excited to know that their efforts will put a smile on the face of a child less fortunate than they are. The following Sunday, Dec. 12, a few more teens are celebrating Hanukkah with Yachad, a social/religious program associated with the National Conference of Synagogue Youth. Continued on page 3
A Notebook of Needs by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Editor’s Note: The story you are about to read is true, and used with permission. The names and some details have been changed to protect the subject’s privacy. Welcome to the second installment of The Project Dreidel Chronicles. Over the next three weeks, you will be introduced to a few of the Omaha area Jews who have been helped by Jewish Family Service. The people featured in these stories have graciously agreed to share intimate details of their lives with the community in order to increase awareness of the programs and services offered by Jewish Family Service that have made such a tremendous difference in their quality of Jewish life. Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign supports Jewish Family Service as well as the rest of our Centers of Excellence: the ADL/CRC, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services. Your gift to the Federation Campaign is what allows us to take care of each other in Omaha, Israel and 60 other countries around the world.
Inside Opinion Page see page 8
Despite our best efforts, our community needs continue to outpace contributions to the Omaha Federat i o n Annual C a m paign. Your increased Campaign gift ensures that every member of the Omaha Jewish community will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. People who come to Jewish Family Service have a wide variety of needs. Some need emergency assistance. Some need help accessing state or community services. Some of them just need some canned food to supplement their meals. The following snapshots are taken from actual requests over the last few months
and highlight some of the specific programs and services provided by Jewish Family Service. • Oscar is an elderly cancer patient confined to a wheelchair. From his apartment at the Livingston Plaza, Oscar wheels over to the Jewish Family Service office every couple of weeks and gets some canned fruit and vegetables and various kosher food items from the Food Pantry to supplement the food he gets from Meals-On-Wheels. Jewish Family Service has made restocking their food pantry a priority. Many people on fixed incomes come to the JFS food pantry to pick up kosher, canned and non-perishable food items and some just stop by for a can of soup to
This Week: Teen Age Features Bet El’s USY: Page 7 Jonathan Sarna to Discuss His Latest Book: Page 2
Orthodox Surgeon’s Book Describes Journey: Page 5
get through the day. Social Security benefits only go so far and when there are health issues, some people may need to choose between buying medication or food. Local grocery stores have been generous and have been donating kosher foods. In addition, a Jewish Family Service Food Drive is being held now until Dec. 30. Donations can be brought to the barrels at the Jewish Community Center. • When Jerry changed jobs recently, he discovered that the medical benefits plan offered by his new employer included a pre-existing condition clause that didn’t cover the multiple medical problems he and his wife have. Facing a $1,000 bill for monthly prescriptions, Jerry contacted Jewish Family Service for help. Accessing her vast resources, Director Becki Brenner contacted Hope Medical Outreach, a healthcare provider for underand un-insured people. Working with the Continued on page 2
Coming This Month: Guide to Senior Living: Dec. 17 Op-Ed: Something to Do about AIDS: Page 8
Lincoln Federation to Host Annual Meeting: Page 10
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 3, 2004
Jewish Book Month Grand Finale
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by DIANE AXLER BAUM When Prof. Jonathan D. Sarna speaks at the JCC theater this coming Thursday, Dec. 9, 7:30 p.m., the audience will be drawn largely by his national prominence and the significance of his topic--“American Judaism: An Old Faith in a New World.” Sarna is, after all, acknowledged as this country's foremost expert on the history of U.S. Jews and Judaism. He is the Joseph H. and Belle Braun Professor of American Jewish History at Brandeis University, and he serves as national chairman of the Academic Council for “Celebrate 350: Jewish Life in America.” (This collection of organizations is aimed at promoting awareness of the three and a half centuries of Judaism in the U.S.) Credentials aside, however, Sarna is important on a personal level to Forrest Krutter, who held the presidency of Omaha's Jewish Federation from 1999 to 2002. Krutter, General Counsel and Secretary to Berkshire Hathaway, Inc., has been a friend of Jonathan Sarna’s for almost 40 years. The two met in 1965, at age 10, when Jonathan’s family moved from Philadelphia to Brookline, MA, for the senior Sarna to join the faculty of Brandeis University. “He’s a wonderful guy, a fascinating guy,” Krutter said of Jonathan Sarna in a recent telephone interview.
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They attended school together from the sixth grade through senior high, and they continue to keep up with each other’s lives, getting together two or three times a year. This Thursday, Krutter added, he’s looking forward to hearing an outstanding lecture by this longtime friend. Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) and the Kripke Jewish Federation Library are presenting Sarna to the Omaha community as a “grand finale” of this year’s Jewish Book Month. Sarna’s newest book, American Judaism: A History, was published in April by Yale University Press to highest acclaim. In the speaker’s honor, the Kripke Library will open at 7 p.m., a halfhour prior to the lecture, and will remain open during a dessert reception following the talk. Copies of Sarna’s books will be available for purchase, and he will participate in book signing. “I urge everyone in the community to benefit from an evening with a scholar of Jonathan Sarna’s prominence, knowledge, and insight,” said Steve Riekes, a member of the Education and Identity Coalition, which serves as the JELS Advisory Board. The event is free and open to the public. Additional information is available from the JELS office at 334-6445 or mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.
Chanu-kids Brings Out Kids of All Ages
CLIP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 3 Tri-Faith Dialogue, 8:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Sam Joseph, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4 Hazak Lunch and Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El C BBYO Israel Disco, 7 p.m. L SUNDAY, DECEMBER 5 I P Jewish Potpouri, 10 a.m. at Beth El Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Sam Joseph & Adult Education, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel & Bible Study Class, 11 a.m. at Beth El Hebrew Crash Course, 11 a.m. at Beth El S W.O.W. Program, 4 p.m. at Chabad House A MONDAY, DECEMBER 6 V JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. E Hanukkah Extravaganza, 5:30 p.m. at JCC
C L I P & S A V E
“Kosher Kitchen” Class, 7:30 p.m. at the Hoffman home TUESDAY, DECEMBER 7 ADL’s Manhigim Institute, 4:30 p.m. Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Hanukkah Program, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy TLC “Growth Through Torah”, 7:30 p.m. at private residence WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 8 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Latke Sales, 11:30 a.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy “Maximize Your Relationships” Class, noon at TLC C B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz Dinner, 6 p.m. L B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m. I Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel P THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. & Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel “Most Important People of the Bible”, noon at Beth El S Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. A “Meaning of Life” class, 1 p.m. at TLC Visions Chanukah Party, 4 p.m. V Jonathan Sarna Lecture and Reception, 7 p.m. E Kabbalistic Journeys, 7 p.m. at Chabad House “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”, 7:30 p.m. at TLC All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. FOR A COMPLETE LISTING, VISIT THE FEDERATION’S WEBSITE: www.JewishOmaha.org (click on calendar)
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Left: Uri Levin, the shaliach for the Jewish Community Center, read to preschoolers at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library’s second annual Chanu-kids program. Right: More
A Notebook of Needs Continued from page 1 drug companies, Hope Medical Outreach is able to provide medications at a lower cost or free. During the application and approval process for Hope Medical Outreach, Jewish Family Service paid the $1,000 that Jerry and his wife needed for their prescriptions for one month. Lack of education, a medical or family crisis or language barriers often leave people feeling helpless when faced with insurance benefit explanations or finding available resources for much-needed services. Jewish Family Service collaborates with the community at large to help people navigate the red tape so often associated with these issues. • Leon lives on a fixed income and worked delivering Meals-On-Wheels. But when his car broke down recently, he didn’t have the money to pay for the repairs. To compound the problem, without his car, he couldn’t work. Jewish Family Service paid for the repairs to his car, but in the meantime, he lost his job with Meals-On-Wheels. For the time being, Leon delivers phone books and gets paid a penny a book. The staff at Jewish Family Service is helping him access the resources he needs to find a better paying job. Jewish Family Service provides emergency aid to people with urgent needs to help them get back on their feet.
than 100 children (and their parents) were treated to a magic show and face painting. Books for Hanukkah are still for sale at the Kripke Library
More Than 3/4 Million Visitors Visit Yad Vashem Website by ADAM SCHWARTZ for Yad Vashem More than 750,000 visitors have entered the Yad Vashem website since the uploading of the Central Database of Shoah Victims’ Names. Visitors to the site come from 151 countries. Available from anywhere in the world at www.yadvashem.org, the Names’ Database is an attempt to reconstruct the names and life stories of all the Jews who perished in the Holocaust. Exploring the database with Avner Shalev, Chairman of the Yad Vashem, Prime Minister Ariel Sharon expressed great personal interest in the project. “I call on every Jew to visit Yad Vashem’s website, to check for names of family members or acquaintances, and to add what is missing,” he said. Credit: Isaac Harari
Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec. 7.
December 3, 2004
Klezmer Concert at Temple Turns Out a Fun Night by CLAUDIA SHERMAN “I’m so pleased that the Temple Israel turnout was communityCommunications Coordinator wide and that we were able Approximately 400 people to bring such a talented and attended the Maxwell Street fun group to Omaha,� said Klezmer Band on November Cantor Shermet. The con20 at Temple Israel. cert was followed by a Sponsored by Temple’s dessert reception prepared Music Fund and a donation by Elyce Azriel and Sandy from Fred and Eve Simon, Nogg with help from other the band posed with Cantor bakers. Wendy Shermet prior to the Diane and Lonnie Graul, concert. who attended the concert, Steven Weintraub delightcommented that they “really ed the audience when he enjoyed it. We had a great performed the traditional time,� Diane Graul said. “It bottle-on-top-of-the-head The Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and Temple Israel’s was fun and I heard some dance. He also performed Cantor Wendy Shermet relax for a moment before the con- Klezmer music that I hadn’t one number dressed like an cert. heard before.� Eastern European shtetl rebbe with a full “beard,� large Hal Selner who attended with his wife Noni, said, fur hat or streimel, and long black coat. Kimber Leigh “We loved it. It was fabulous. It really stirred memories Nussbaum sang numerous songs in Yiddish and even from my childhood, because my parents were immiLadino. The six-piece band played everything from grants from Russia. I knew a lot of the songs and purBeethoven to traditional Jewish wedding music and chased the CD. I was so moved that I want to teach were applauded with two standing ovations. Yiddish to my seven-year-old granddaughter!�
Shiputznick Teens to Repair the World Continued from page 1 The community program was created to provide social programs to members of the Jewish community with a developmental disability, regardless of synagogue affiliation. The goal of Yachad is to provide social programs that supports, enhances, and teaches the richness of the Jewish faith. Shiputznick teens will contribute by playing Hanukkah games and singing songs with Yachad participants. Uri Levin, the JCC Community Shaliach, has been the driving force behind Shiputznick. “From my own experience I can tell you that volunteering for others in your community is so satisfying and fulfilling in a way that is hard to explain in words,� he explained.
"
“I used to volunteer in a mentally disabled hostel in Israel when I served in the Israeli Navy. My unit and I used to come once a week to paint, hammer, clean and do what ever we were asked to do. The appreciation from the tenants and staff of the hostel was enormous and we felt good helping people who couldn’t help themselves. “More than that, I can tell you that this experience gave me a lot of confidence approaching the physically and mentally disabled. We want to offer our teens these same types of character building opportunities.� For information or to see how you can volunteer, contact Uri Levin, 334.6403 or ulevin@jccomaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Beth El Offers Latkes and Fun for Families During Congregational Hanukkah Celebrations by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator During December, Beth El Synagogue will mark the Festival of Lights with two fun-filled celebrations for congregants of all ages. On Sunday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to noon, Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) students and their families will be treated to the school’s first annual Family Hanukkah Program. During the morning, kids and their parents will be able to take part in a variety of Hanukkah games, participate in arts and crafts and enjoy a Hanukkah Film Festival. Also on the agenda will be Hanukkah-cookie decorating, candle-lighting and brachot practice, as well as a presentation about how Hanukkah is celebrated in Israel. For this special holiday event, the West Court will be transformed into the Latke CafÊ, offering free latkes and sufganiot (doughnuts); in addition, the synagogue’s Judaica Shop will be open for all Hanukkah shopping needs. All BESTT families are encouraged to help kick off this new Hanukkah tradition; plan to spend a fun morning at Beth El on Sunday. On Friday, Dec. 10, a festive congregational Hanukkah dinner will feature a musical program by Cantor Gastón Bogomolni, plus games and prizes for all. The evening will begin with an uplifting musical Kabbalat Shabbat service at 6 p.m., then on to the social hall at 7 p.m. for a delicious Hanukkah feast, featuring Lucy White’s famous fried chicken and of course, latkes! Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5 for children 5-12; free for children under age five. For reservations, please send a check (payable to Beth El), as well as your seating preference, to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 3, 2004
Celebrate Hanukkah with Friedel Jewish Academy
Temple’s Hanukkah Dinner is More than Latkes and Candle Lighting
by JORDANA L. KURTZMAN Friedel Jewish Academy’s PTO has kicked off its annual Hanukkah candle sale this year. Handcrafted fabric gift bags with Hanukkah candles, tea or hot cocoa, chocolates, recipes, and a Friedel magnet are on sale for $12 a bag. The money raised during this sale will help the teachers purchase items for use in their classrooms as well as funding equipment for use by the teachers and students as a whole. To purchase gift bags, call me at 334.3192 or Friedel’s Administrative Assistant, Mary Jane Tweedy, at 334.0517. For sheer joy and excitement, the pinnacle of the Hanukkah celebration is Friedel’s annual Hanukkah presentation, the only Jewish play in the Omaha area. Cookie Katskee, principal of Friedel, encourages Jewish individuals and families to celebrate Hanukkah by attending this festive celebration. The students have practiced for weeks and are very excited to share in the excitement of celebrating the miracle of Hanukkah with the community. Debbie Kricsfeld, mother of kindergartner Sam, said that her son is “very excited about his family and friends coming to see him perform on stage.” Zev Randone’s mother concurred, adding, “Zev is thrilled to be singing songs in Hebrew. He sings them all the time at home, too!” Along with traditional holiday songs, the Friedel children will be singing several other Hebrew songs as well as presenting a play entitled, “Things Could Always Be Worse” on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 7 p.m. in the JCC Theatre.
by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel’s annual Hanukkah dinner complete with brisket and latkes, candle lighting, and singing is planned for Friday, Dec. 10. A 6 p.m. Shabbat/Hanukkah worship service will precede the 6:45 p.m. dinner in the social hall. Families are encouraged to bring their own menorahs and candles. With hundreds of local children in need of everything from food to hygiene items, Temple dedicates the night of the Hanukkah dinner to tzedakah. Camp Fire USA sponsors after-school programs for needy children and could use unwrapped donations of new board games, markers, crayons, books, match box cars, soccer balls, basketballs, and activity books. In addition, there will be tzedakah boxes on the tables at dinner. Monetary donations to support Camp Fire’s snack program at Jackson Elementary School can be contributed to the tzedakah boxes.
Sponsored by Friedel’s PTO, Judaic studies teachers Na’ama Arzi and Anna Besser will be making homemade latkes with the students in keeping with the tradition of cooking foods in oil for Hanukkah in remembrance of the miracle of the oil that lasted eight days.
Debbie Kricsfeld, left, Eve Randone, and Jordana Kurtzman. Elyza Halev also helped enormously with this PTO project, but is not pictured. These fried delicacies will be on sale in the Academy commons on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 11:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., where Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross will supervise the kashrut of the food preparation. Purchase a lunch serving of two large latkes with applesauce and sour cream for $5 or take a “to go” order of ten medium latkes for $10. If you’d like to place an order in advance, please call Mary Jane Tweedy at 334.0517.
GAUCHER DISEASE Approximately 1 out of every 450 within the Ashkenazi Jewish population has Gaucher disease
ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Jonathan Gross will be the guest speaker at our Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 8, noon, at the Park Inn Regency, according to Gary Javitch, Chairman. Rabbi Gross is the newly installed rabbi at Beth Israel. Cost is $10 for lunch and $2 for beverage service only. Breadbreakers is open to the community. YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us for our Annual Hanukkah Party on Monday with a special program “Making Music Come Alive” with Phyllis Dunne, following lunch at noon. This program is funded by the Nebraska Humanities Council. Cost is $6 per person. Participate in bingo at 10 a.m., senior exercise class at 10:30 a.m., and the discussion group at 11 a.m. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330.4272. For information and reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. Make reservations for the Mystery Trip on Dec. 16; Bluffs Run Casino on Dec. 30 and Bob Berg and the Foggy Mountain Cloggers on Monday, Dec. 20. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.
The symptoms may become apparent at any age and they include:
EASY BRUISING AND BLEEDING BONE PAIN ●
FATIGUE EASILY FRACTURED BONES ●
DELAYED GROWTH ENLARGED SPLEEN AND LIVER ●
The consequences of this disorder can be debilitating. For more information on Gaucher disease, treatment, and testing, contact your doctor or please call and ask for Information Packet 9. RGD/US/P145/01/04
1-800-745-4447 www.genzyme.com
Many children who attend Jackson School come from homes that are too impoverished to provide food for the kids on weekends. Breakfast and lunch are provided at school during the week. Each Friday, Camp Fire volunteers deliver more than 100 backpacks each filled with two kid-friendly meals to the school. The meals include cans of vegetables, fruit, soup, juice boxes, and a surprise snack of crackers, pudding, applesauce, or raisins. Monetary and other gift donations to Camp Fire USA will be accepted at the Temple office up until Dec. 10. Reservations for the dinner, by the Women of Reform Judaism, are due today, Dec. 3, by taking a check to Temple Israel. The price for adults is $9.50, $5 for children who are in sixth grade or younger, and free for two and younger. Vegetarian meals are also available. It’s not necessary to attend the dinner in order to attend the service.
VISIONS Reminder: Visions Hanukkah Party is Thursday, Dec. 9, 4-7 p.m., at the JCC Auditorium. Enjoy Eastern European music by Anna Mosenkis and Lev Shechtman. TORAH LEARNING CENTER (TLC) All classes are taught by Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman. Please call 981.0569 for details. Mondays, 7:30 p.m., “Kosher Kitchen”: learn the laws of keeping kosher. No prior knowledge necessary. Beginner and advanced students will gain from this class at the home of Rabbi and Ariella Hoffman. Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m., “Growth Through Torah”: personal growth through studying Jewish philosophy from the Torah, at a private residence. Thursday, 1 p.m., “Meaning of Life & Other Business,”: Way of G-d by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto, in the Kripke Library. At 7:30 p.m., “Crash Course in Hebrew Reading”: learn to read Hebrew, in the Omaha Room of the JCC. Discovery is coming to the JCC, Sunday, Dec. 19, 7 p.m. Discovery is a one-stop extraordinary presentation that combines philosophy, psychology, history, and computer science to take audiences on a journey into the “why” of being Jewish.
December 3, 2004
Orthodox Surgeon’s Book Describes Journey from Vietnan to OU Boardroom B OOK REVIEW by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS Journey Through the Minefields: from Vietnam to Washington, an Orthodox Surgeon’s Odyssey is the autobiography of Dr. Mendy Ganchrow, former president of the Orthodox Union, and published by Eshel Books. As the title suggests, Ganchrow recounts the exciting situations that he experienced while heroically serving in the United States Army in Vietnam, and he describes the political minefields that he was called on to navigate through as a Jewish political leader and activist. The story begins with Dr. Ganchrow’s childhood in Brooklyn and follows him through Yeshiva University, where he earned his undergraduate degree, and Chicago Medical School. He writes about his experiences during the Vietnam War, serving as a front line surgeon and later as a Chaplain in Tay Ninh and Long Binh. After completing his service Dr. Ganchrow moved with his wife Sheila and five-year-old daughter Malkie to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he completed his residency in colorectal surgery, and finally to Monsey, New York where he ultimately settled, started a practice, and raised a family. In Monsey he became very active in AIPAC, The American Israel Public affairs committee, and eventual created his own pro Israel PAC in Hudson Valley (HUVPAC). Throughout the book, Dr. Ganchrow relates the challenges that he faced as a medical student, a soldier, a successful surgeon, a political activist, and a global community leader, all while remaining a firmly committed Orthodox Jew. The book is replete with instances where Dr. Ganchrow was confronted with a situation in which he was asked to compromise on his principles. Whether it be a hyper-aggressive drug representative trying, unethically, to get him to buy a medical product, President Reagan personally asking him to support a sale of weapons to Saudi Arabia, or Viet Cong missiles threatening to interrupt a Passover Seder with 400 American soldiers, Dr. Ganchrow held his ground in all situations and always did what he thought was consistent with Halacha and in the best interest of the Jewish people. Several anecdotes in Journeys Through the Minefields are not only described by Dr. Ganchrow, but are also told from the perspective of his wife, Sheila. This tandem narrative often adds a humorous touch to Dr. Ganchrow’s story. Reading Sheila’s version of the
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Ganchrow’s courtship immediately following Mendy’s version is particularly amusing. The penultimate chapter is his account of “The Lanner Affair”. For many readers, this chapter will most likely be the most interesting, however, Dr. Ganchrow states in the introduction, “everything I have written here about the Lanner affair is either already public knowledge, or represents an airing of events related to the case as I experienced them in my last months as president of the OU.” He repeatedly points out that prior to the article in the Jewish Week, he was not aware of Lanner’s activities nor was he involved in protecting Lanner. The true focus of the chapter is to illustrate the difficult steps that Ganchrow took as a leader to repair the damage that the scandal had caused to the OU, and the decision process that he faced in appointing the Joel Commission. “I was determined to act in a clinically objective fashion. The patient, in this case the Union, must be saved and brought back to health.” A person who buys this book thinking that it is a tell-all expose’ of the Lanner Affair will be disappointed. Journeys Through the Minefields is an inspiring story of the life of an extraordinary man who persevered through many turbulent times but always remained committed to his beliefs whether regarding his personal observance and spirituality or the fate of the global Jewish community. Indeed, many of the events that he recorded had a major impact not only on the American Jewish community, but on Israeli society as well. He relates incidents that reveal aspects of the United State’s relationship to the Jewish community and Israel from as far back as the Kennedy administration. He gives insights from personal meetings with many world famous politicians including Yitchak Rabin, Shimon Peres, Bibi Netanyahu, Ehud Barak, Joe Lieberman, Al Gore, Bill and Hillary Clinton, Hosni Mubarak, King Hussein, and many others. It is also an opportunity for the reader to learn about all of the accomplishments that Dr. Ganchrow was able to achieve as president of the OU which were, unfortunately, overshadowed by the last episode of his presidency. Any aspiring leader can learn valuable lessons and gain inspiration from reading Dr. Ganchrow’s book. He’ll be speaking at Beth Israel Synagogue, as its Scholar-in-Residence, Saturday, Dec. 18, 9 a.m., and again after Shabbos at a 7:30 p.m. book signing. For information or to make a reservation for Shabbos lunch, contact the office, 556.6288 or e-mail: BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org.
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December 3, 2004
IN THE NEWS An 87-year-old family business legacy continued its evolution today, as All Makes Office Equipment announced its plans to transition leadership to its fourth generation family members. Effective immediately, the following changes will be in place: Larry Kavich will Jeff Kavich Amee (Kavich) Zetzman assume the title of Chairman; his son, Jeff Kavich has been Company” by founder Harry Ferer. named President/CEO All Makes Omaha, When Ferer’s son-in-law, Lazier Kavich, and Executive Vice-president for Lincoln entered the business, All Makes added and Urbandale; daughter, Amee office furniture to its line of automated (Kavich) Zetzman will be office machines. But as technology has President/CEO of Lincoln and evolved, All Makes has changed to meet Urbandale, Executive Vice- the needs of its customers. Today, All Makes is one of the president/CFO All Makes Omaha; Bill Encell is Executive Vice-president, Sales Midwest’s largest office furniture dealers Manager/Vendor Relations; and Andy with customers in all 50 states as well as Petersen, Vice-president, Business several foreign countries and has an Omaha showroom the size of half a city Development/Major Accounts. Employing more than 120 people, All block featuring the most extensive prodMakes is headquartered in Omaha, with uct selection in the area. branches in Lincoln and Urbandale (Des MAZON: A Jewish Response to Moines), IA. The Company started in 1918 as “All Makes Typewriter Hunger announced that help for
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Nebraska’s hungry and needy is on its way after awarding a total of $13,000 to two of the state’s hunger-relief organizations. In Nebraska, a $5,000 grant was awarded to the American Indian Council in Alliance, in support of its food program, which serves hungry Lakota Indians and other low-income people in Alliance. And an $8,000 grant was awarded to the Lincoln Interfaith Council (LIC) in support of its network of 12 food pantries, providing food and casemanagement services to more than 16,000 individuals annually. Omaha Children’s Museum is launching a program to honor Omaha area elementary schools and classes. Teachers, principals and parent-teacher organizations can apply for Omaha Children’s Museum Honors through Jan. 31, 2005. OCM Honors is designed to honor elementary classrooms and schools who have made a contribution in the areas of community service, cooperative learning (kids helping kids), hands-on based curriculum, environmental and social awareness, arts and sciences, and activities celebrating Omaha’s diverse culture. The award includes a free outreach program to the winning class or school, a plaque and a $50 donation of new books to its library. OCM Honors is sponsored by Museum Rainbow Connectors Guild. The award will be presented to classrooms and schools in March 2005. Applications are available on the teachers page at the OCM website, www.ocm.org, or at the museum’s front desk. For information, call 342.6164.
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PIZZERIA 13463 W. Center Rd.•330-1444 7924 W. Dodge Rd.•391-1881 1213 Howard St.•344-2222
Applications for scholarships to Nebraska colleges and universities from the Peter Kiewit Foundation for eligible high school seniors are currently available through high school guidance offices. For information, call 344.7890. Applications are now available for the 2005 Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel. Now in its 19th year, the fellowships offer an opportunity for 26 students entering 12th grade to spend five weeks in Israel during the summer of 2005, all expenses paid. The deadline for applications is Jan. 5, 2004; applications may be found at: www.bronfman.org. The deadline to enter the Bess Streeter Aldrich short story contest for high school and middle school students is Feb. 17, 2005. Send 1000-2000 word original stories to Bess Streeter Aldrich House, PO Box 167, Elmwood, NE 68349. Include your name, age, grade, school and teacher on the cover sheet, along with your address, e-mail address, phone number, title and two copies of your story--one with your name and one without. For results, send in a SASE envelope.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Greenblatt & Seay’s Schoolhouse Performance Series features Greenblatt & Seay performing Classical Music on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2:30 p.m. The concert will be followed by refreshments, and a chance to chat and jam with Greenblatt & Seay. Admission is $4 for adults; $1 for children and students. For information, contact them at: The Old Schoolhouse, P.O. Box 671, Avoca, NE, 68307, 402.275.3221, or g-s@alltel.net. UNO’s Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will present a musical program on Sunday, Dec. 5, 7:30 p.m. in the
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The Child Saving Institute Guild Board and Regency Court presented “Sparkling Nights,” a benefit for CSI’s adoption programs. The event raised $20,000. Chairwomen for “Sparkling Nights” were Wendy Chapman, Jill Goldstein and Maureen Prescher. All proceeds go to CSI. Since 1892, CSI has met changing needs for Omaha’s children, based on the belief that children are the community’s most valuable resource.
Strauss Performing Arts Center Recital Hall on the campus of the University of Nebraska-Omaha. The concert is $5 for adults; $4 for students and seniors. Beth El Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will perform with the UNO Concert Choir and University Choir, during UNO’s Winter Concert on Saturday, Dec. 4, 7:30 p.m., at the Strauss Performing Arts Center. Cantor Bogomolni will perform a solo medieval Jewish chant, and along with the choir, will sing “Maoz Tsur.” For ticket information, please contact the Strauss ticket office.
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December 3, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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underwritten by A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION FROM AN ANONYMOUS DONOR Editor’s note: This month’s Teen Age features the teens of Beth El Synagogue’s USY. Special thanks goes to Rachel Katskee, Youth Adviser, for collecting the material.
A Little Bit of Woody in Your Life
A Thanksgiving Treat by NAOMI RENNARD & ABBY GINSBURG “This has been the best day of my life, I can not imagine anything better.” Corey Green said this to us as he boarded the bus to return home. What made Corey’s weekend so great? Let’s start with the USY basics: prayer and food. Then we must share the highlights of the weekend. Corey boarded the 12 o’clock Omaha-bound bus, after screaming, singing, and dancing with 427 ecstatic USYers and Rick Recht.
Members of BILU-USY at Beth El Synagogue collected canned food for the Omaha Food Bank during the Jewish holidays.
Upcoming BILU USY Events • Omaha Jewish Teens Israeli Disco Night – Dec. 4 • Annual Pound Auction – Dec. 11 • Ski Trip – Jan. date TBA • Talent Show – Feb. date TBA One may think it does not get better than a Rick Recht concert with all your friends, but one would be mistaken. Fifteen Omahans traveled to St. Louis for Kinnus 2004 and shared the famous Millennium Hotel with a boys’ football convention. The only thing that can cause more of a ruckus than a group of USYers is a bunch of football teams and their fans. But we are digressing. Kinnus is all about ruach. Because it is 1 a.m., we will swiftly move on to our favorite moment of Kinnus. Without a doubt, it was the circle of light Havdallah service. You could really feel the love tonight. Funnily enough, that was the theme of the weekend. Wishing we were still there, Naomi Rennard and Abby Ginsburg Naomi Rennard is a senior at Central High School and Abby Ginsburg is a junior at Burke High School.
Attention Freshmen! by MICHAEL FRIEDMAN Hi. I am the Freshman Representative for U.S.Y. On Halloween weekend, I went to Des Moines, IA, for Leadership Training Institute (LTI). It was fun and I learned a lot about planning programs. I also learned about keeping chapter membership involved and trying to get people to join. I brought great ideas back from L.T.I. that I am going to use for our chapter. I am really excited that I got the position of Freshman Representative. I hope to really make a difference in the number of freshmen that join and get involved. I want to make sure that all freshmen have a say in what we do as a chapter. Kinnus is coming up as I write this and I know I am going to have a great time. I think that it will be even more fun because I already know really nice people from LTI. I have been looking forward to going to Kinnus since last year--at Kadima Kinnus--when I had the greatest time. I am really looking forward to seeing all the people from last year. At Kinnus this year, I am excited to have fun and hopeful that I can get even more out of my experience in US. While on board I hope to learn things that will help me in the future. As the Freshman Representative for BILU, I hope this term can make a big difference by improving some of the programming, encouraging freshmen to join, making sure that their voices are heard and...that they have a great experience! Michael Friedman is a freshman and Millard North High School and the Freshman Representative of USY.
• Beth El USY Purim Carnival – March 27
by SHIRA KRONICK Hello Omaha; I am extremely fortunate to be BILU USY’s President. This year has started off extremely well and is only getting better. Recently, USY led a smooth and energetic Shabbat service. As the year progresses I hope to achieve several major goals. Unity: I want to increase the membership in both USY and Kadima by putting the “u” back into USY. I would like to also strengthen BILU by instilling a love of Judaism, community, and USY. Synagogue, yes, even USY can be social events, but we need to bring a stronger religious aspect back into BILU. Let’s bring members of Beth El back and increase attendance to services and projects within our Jewish community. Yachad means together. BILU is one word, comprised of four different symbols. They make different sounds and look different, however, they bond together to form a perfect sounding word. This is what I want members to reflect as well. As Kinnus approaches, I am getting more and more excited for everything BILU will be learning and bringing back to the community. Since the wonderful time the board and I had at LTI, Kinnus is all that is on anyone’s mind. My fourth and final Kinnus will be the best ever in St. Louis. Shira Kronick is a senior at Millard North High School and President of USY.
D’var Torah for Yom Kippur by NAOMI RENNARD Opening with a captivating story about Aaron’s need for repentance on behalf of his sons, there is little question why Achare Mot is read as an alternative on Yom Kippur. The parasha opens with the end of the story of Aaron’s sons coming too close to G-d. Aaron’s sons died and Aaron was told never to enter the shrine his sons defiled. Moses gave this message to Aaron, and Aaron was then told to take two goats for the Lord. One was to be marked “for the Lord”, which would be sacrificed by Aaron for the sins of “himself and his household”. The other was to be marked “for Azazel”; this goat would not be sacrificed but rather set free to remind Aaron and all people of the sins that had been committed. G-d then goes on to command Moses that anyone who makes a sacrifice that is not for the Lord is in need of repentance, and one day a year must be designated to clean each person’s slate. He then makes a number of commandments to Moses about sexuality. Some rabbis believe the reason for these laws at this time in the Torah is because of traditional events that once took place on Yom Kippur. The story of the two goats Aaron must sacrifice paints a clear picture of how G-d expects people to repent. The way Aaron had to go about sacrificing the first goat was quite extensive, and Aaron had to understand the directions to completely atone for his, and his sons’ sins. This shows people that G-d not only expects people to do well, but also alludes to the real importance of Yom Kippur. Today, many people believe if you apologize to those you may have harmed, you will, in fact, be written in the Book of Life. In this scene, G-d proves forgiveness must be earned through hard work, and the greater the sin, the greater one must try to be forgiven. G-d details the instructions on how to properly atone, knowing Aaron will do as he is told. This is one of many times in the Torah; readers must not lose sight of the meaning behind the story. Yom Kippur cannot be taken lightly. One must really think about the things he or she has done wrong and atone for them accordingly. The historical context of the parasha became clear only after discussing Achare Mot with Cantor Gastón.
First, he explained that this parasha is written in conjunction with Kedoshim, which contains the quintessential commandment: “love thy neighbor as thyself”. This parasha is all about G-d’s love for people and the way people should love and treat each other. Achare Mot is about the importance of rules and not nearly as uplifting, probably why it is read as an alternative. However, the second interesting historical context of the parasha comes in the second part. G-d gives Moses a number of commandments about sexuality. Among these are many rules about incest and one, much debated, on homosexuality. Since I knew the parasha is read on Yom Kippur, I assumed both of these things are considered sins, for which one must atone. However, I did some research; Conservative Judaism is still undecided on the stance it takes on homosexuality. Many rabbis have now concluded that homosexuality is not a disease, and cannot be “avoided”. This makes it hard to consider it a sin. Also, the wording of that commandment seemed a bit less clear, which is why I am sure it has been a debate among Jewish scholars for so long. However, that is not the history of the parasha I found most intriguing. Historically, after the fast was broken, there would be a celebration, much like some families have today. However, sometimes people would be extreme, and G-d’s laws concerning with whom one should not “celebrate” were actually reminders that although the sun had gone down on the Day of Atonement, the meaning was still important. The day is referred to as a day of “self-denial”. The people had to remember to stay pure, and the long list of people to whom one could not reveal themselves were, in part, G-d’s way of telling people to remember the day. Yom Kippur is meant for self-reflection and pure atonement, and even afterwards, you must not go back to the way you once were. This context made the parsaha’s reading on Yom Kippur much more clear. Achare Mot presents a few very important lessons, and while it is only an alternative reading, because of its tone, we must remember that sometimes the things hardest to deal with present the best lessons. Naomi Rennard is a senior at Central High School and the Religious Education Vice President of USY.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 3, 2004
Opinion What Makes a Senior...a Senior? Seniors, the elderly, bubbes and zaydes...sounds old, doesn’t it? According to AARP, you’re a senior when you turn 50 and those of you over 55 can receive senior discounts at local movie theaters--and on some days at local department stores! In 2004 (okay, almost 2005), seniors are not old! They work out at the JCC fitness center; they play golf and travel to warmer climes during snowy winter months; they dine out, enjoy plays and operas--some--like Selma Tretiak and Sis Adler are still going to big concerts like the recent Bette Midler event at the Qwest Center (you go, girls!). Seniors may live in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, but that doesn’t stop 102-yearold Rose Frankel from serving as concierge or 105-year-old Helen Kulakofsky from discussing the latest national news with visitors. (We all want to be like you ladies when we grow up!) Being a “senior” is a state of mind. Some people are old at 40; and some are still young at 80. And if we’re lucky enough to retain a sharp memory and good physical health, we can celebrate all the things growing older can offer: vacations of an hour or a week with grandchildren, a chance to read all the books we put aside when we were working so hard and to attend all the cultural events we couldn’t afford, the ability to share our “advanced” leadership with the community by serving on committees and boards, and the time to vol-
unteer--whether it’s mentoring middle school students like the late Joe Ginsburg or reading Torah on Shabbat and Jewish holidays, as the late Ben Heisler did. So, to salute all you seniors out there, the Jewish Press is publishing its first ever “Senior Living” issue on Dec. 17. We’ll feature ads and articles of interest to seniors and would-be seniors. We’re already getting a great deal of interest in this issue from advertisers--so if your business would like to participate, call our Ad Manager, Allan Handleman at 334.6451. The Jewish Press would also like to hear from you seniors! If you’ve got advice for soon-to-be seniors (whether it’s about parenting, grandparenting, financial or health issues), call Editor Carol Katzman at 334.6450. We’ll be publishing an “advice” article in that issue, so call her by Dec. 9 of you want your comments to be included. “Senior Living” is just that--living life to the fullest and taking advantage of all the little things as well. Thank G-d, we live in the year 2004, when medical advances continue to keep us healthier and living longer. That way, we can pass on our wisdom to younger generations, share our family history and Jewish traditions with grandchildren and even great-grandchildren (or in Fannie Chunovic’s case--great-great
(Founded in 1920)
grandchildren!). How lucky for all of us to have seniors around to guide us, inspire us, and set an example for us. To our readers and advertisers--have a memorable Hanukkah and happy holiday. G-d bless all you seniors, for G-d willing, we, too, will be seniors one day!
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha 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.
Something to Do about AIDS
METAPHORICALLY SPEAKING by DR. MAGDA PECK The Bangkok side street leading to my hotel was lined with street vendors and assorted bars where East meets West. The narrow roadway was thick with fumes and a cacophony of motorbikes, most bearing more passengers than seats. Each evening I was in Thailand last summer for the 15th International AIDS Conference, I passed an old woman sitting on the stoop outside. Never begging, expressionless, she was just there. That last night, I cradled juice, crackers and some yogurt in the check out line, right behind her. With leathery skin and cataract-covered eyes, she seemed ancient; more likely we were closer to the same age. I registered vague anger at generic injustice manifest. Mostly I wanted her to hurry up so I could get back to the hotel to pack. The commercial exchange was straightforward: she put a five Baht coin on the counter--about a dime--and said something quietly to the young clerk, who gave her back a piece of gum and three Baht coins. One by one, she placed each purposefully into the charity box next to the register. The picture on the plexiglass suggested it was for HIV positive children orphaned by AIDS. With palms joined, fingertips pointed upward, she pressed her gnarled hands thumb-side to her chest, and bowed her head. “Khop Khun Mak Kha, (thank you very much),” she whispered, and received a like gesture in return from the young cashier. When I stepped outside, there she was, back on her stoop, settled in for the night. She was smiling, to no one in particular, to everyone at once, a peaceful, knowing smile. Something happens when you do something. Even in the face of something so big and bad as AIDS. In one of the first public outcries 20 years ago about the emerging AIDS epidemic, Rabbi Robert Kirshner, then of Temple
Emanu-El in San Francisco, made reference to a midrash on the 13th chapter of Leviticus, in which our ancient sages discuss what to do when you see a leper. R. Yochanan says: “I go no closer to a leper than four cubits.” R. Shimon says: “If the wind is blowing, I go no closer than 100 cubits.” R. Amnu and R. Assai say: “We do not even go near a place where lepers are known to live.” R. Eleazar B. Shimon said that he would hide. And the great sage Resh Lakish said he would throw stones at the leper and shout “Stop contaminating us and go back where you came from!”
Each day while 20,000 people gathered in Bangkok to share science and swap strategies, 8500 more people around the globe died of AIDS. Imagine--more people than all the Jews in this state, wiped out every 24 hours. Rabbi Kirshner noted that our sages “were remarkably wise and perceptive, noble and compassionate, but not always.” At the epicenter of fear and judgment and uncertainty about a deadly infectious disease without cause or known cure, he observed: “The hostility of our passage does not arise merely from the fear of contagion…to avoid a leper is one thing; to throw stones at him is another.... To be a leper was not only to be afflicted with a disease but to be despised for it. It was not only to die a terrible death, but to be accused of deserving it.” AIDS is the leprosy of our times, a modern day parable of social injustice. Here and abroad, fear of discovery, the stigma of being branded, and even greater fear of reprisal, keep people from knowing their status and people living with HIV and AIDS from fully participating in available services. This global pandemic is the worst public health crisis in modern history, yet it is so hard to feel connected to it. Who do you
Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; and Melany Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitutional committees of the Jewish Federation.
know who has died of AIDS? My sister’s hairdresser, the lawyer in Boston who helped us to sell the house before we came to Omaha, the housekeeper of my best friend from grade school whose blood transfusion occurred before the national blood supply was protected. No one really close. AIDS is often one more social cause among many, one more call for donations, one more fundraiser. Forty million people in the world are living with HIV. Over 14,000 people every day become infected with the HIV virus. Half of all new HIV cases world wide are among youth 15-24 years of age. About half of all the people in the world who have HIV/AIDS are women. Over a million women died last year from AIDS. Twenty-two million people have perished already, equivalent to all the people who live in the New York City and Chicago and Kansas City and Los Angeles and everybody in Nebraska and Iowa combined. Each day while 20,000 people gathered in Bangkok to share science and swap strategies, 8500 more people around the globe died of AIDS. Imagine--more people than all the Jews in this state, wiped out every 24 hours. There are those in positions of power who want us to believe that AIDS is the consequence of personal choices, hence the primary solution is greater personal responsibility. But increasingly, the faces of AIDS are not those of men with men or strung out junkies shooting up. It is the 15 year old young married woman in Sub-Saharan Africa unwillingly betrothed to a man older than her father, who is already infected, to whom she is supposed to tell to use protection. It is the 12-year-old orphan whose mother and father have succumbed to the ravages of AIDS and whose only apparent economic option is to sell herself. It is the new HIV positive mother who has to decide between breastfeeding her newborn as is expected in her tribe--hence passing on the virus to her baby--or bottle feeding with costly and unevenly supplied formula that may be mixed with contaminated water. It is the American teen who trusted that 20-something who offered true love and swore he got tested. Continued on page 9
Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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For Jews, FBI Hate Crime Report Has Some Good News, Some Bad than 1,300 religion-based hate incidents in 2003. Jews were by far the most frequent targets of such attacks, with anti-Muslim incidents trailing far behind at 149. That was about the same number of by CHANAN TIGAY anti-Islamic incidents as the previous NEW YORK (JTA)--The incidence of year, though it was far fewer than the hate crimes in the United States may not number of such crimes committed in the be rising, but religion-based hate crimes aftermath of the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist overwhelmingly are directed against attacks. Jews and Jewish institutions. “We knew that the numbers had stabiThose were some findings lized, but they are higher than they of the FBI’s Hate Crimes were before Sept. 11,” said James Statistics 2003, released last Zogby, President of the Washingtonweek. The survey docubased Arab American Institute. “The ments 927 anti-Jewish environment remains dangerous.” crimes last year--most of Overall, the report found that hate them classified as intimidacrimes remained relatively steady tion--comprising more than between 2002 and 2003. The 7,489 total 12 percent of all hate crimes incidents last year were just 27 more reported in America. than took place in 2002, the FBI said-“In the total number of and the 2002 figures were the lowest crimes under the religion since 1994. category, the anti-Jewish As a motivating factor for hate crimes, crimes are higher than all A portion of the graffiti saying ‘Remember Timmy McVeigh’, religion was a distant second--along the others--and have been right, was scrawled on the CANDLES Holocaust Museum in with sexual orientation--behind race. each year,” FBI spokesman Terre Haute, IN, around the time it was gutted by a suspicious While 16.4 percent of these crimes were Paul Bresson told JTA. Credit: Mary Wright motivated by religious animus, more blaze on Nov. 18, 2003.
BEHIND THE HEADLINES
This, said Anti-Defamation League National Director Abraham Foxman, comes despite the perception that, since 9/11, anti-Muslim attacks have been in the ascendance. “There’s a feeling that there’s a lot of Islamophobia out there,” Foxman said. “While there is, anti-Jewish hate crimes predominate.” The 166-page report documented more
than 52 percent were the result of racial prejudice, most often anti-black. The FBI has been documenting hate crimes since 1990 under the mandate of the congressional Hate Crimes Statistics Act. A total of 11,909 U.S. law enforcement agencies contributed data to the 2003 survey, a drop from the 12,073 participating agencies the previous year. More than 5,000 U.S. police departments did not participate at all, including those in some large cities. Because so many law enforcement agencies do not take part, Foxman said, “there’s this gnawing feeling that we’re not getting the whole picture.” “We still haven’t made it of significant importance for all agencies responsible for law enforcement to report,” he said. The report is “really only a picture of those who cared enough, bothered enough to report.” And while Foxman does not believe that fuller reporting would necessarily alter the percentages, “the number will be higher,” he said. “One will realize that a lot more communities and people are being touched by” hate.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: The Jewish Community Center gave our community an amazing gift by bringing Uri Levin, an Israeli shaliach, to Omaha. He adds tremendous energy, warmth, and spirit to every event he attends. Our youth are seeing the human face of Israel and learning about Israeli culture through dance, language, and music. Thank you for sharing Uri with us.
To have him at the JCC, but also encouraging him to participate in the life of our congregations, in our religious schools, and in our celebrations has enriched us all. Kudos to the JCC board for your visionary leadership and for using community resources in such a wise and powerful way. Toda raba! Rosie Zweiback
To the Editor: The klezmer concert at Temple Israel was an absolute delight. It warmed my heart to see so many people from all the synagogues having a wonderful time. Anyone who missed the concert missed a rare event! Babe Nogg
To the Editor: I wanted to thank the Jewish Press for the wonderful support you gave the Beth El Gala with stories and pictures! We appreciate it so much. Ann Goldstein (co-chairman of the event, along with Cheryl Cooper)
Something to Do about AIDS Continued from page 8 At the AIDS Conference, I was overwhelmed by just how daunting a task healing the world can be, by how powerless and small I am. From Kofi Annan to Nelsen Mandela, the message to us was clear: AIDS is not about drug treatment and safe sex alone, rather it is about gender and geography, power and politics. To believe that AIDS is a consequence these folks deserve is to be blind to greater forces that shape the decisions we make or don’t ever get to make. Like so many of the really hard and complex social challenges of our times--poverty, hunger, violence and racism, the murder mystery of AIDS is so much bigger and so much harder to unravel than as a simple consequence of individual action. In Thailand and the weeks before in Vietnam, it became clear what we need to do to really combat AIDS will require attention, creativity and will to change the way we do business. So I ask you who sit near me in shul and pass me by at the J and read the Press: aren’t you just a wee bit uncomfortable? As people of conscience and as citizens of the world, we are compelled to take notice. As Jews, we have no choice but to act, for we are told, “You shall not stand idly by the blood of your neighbor.” Are you ready to do something about AIDS, around the globe and right here at home? Locally it is easier. The Nebraska AIDS Project (www.nap.org) has grown in 20 years; they support 735 men, women and children currently living with HIV/AIDS in our state. Take part in “Night of a Thousand Stars” on Dec. 4;
throughout the year consider lending a hand. Know your HIV status and make sure those we love protect themselves and are protected. Globally it is harder. Check out the American Jewish World Service online (www.ajws.org), an “international Jewish organization that supports more than 200 grassroots organizations in the developing world, Russia and Ukraine through grants, technical assistance, emergency relief and advocacy. They also provide international opportunities, enabling Jews to play a role in the process of meaningful social change.” Their work to combat HIV/AIDS supports over 50 projects around the globe. Right now they need our virtual advocacy to get more resources to places around the world where women and children’s lives are on the line. Just click and send your message to those in power and make your voice heard. At the International AIDS Meeting last summer there was no visible explicit Jewish presence; it was too far away and too costly for AJWS to exhibit. I wandered through days of meetings searching for what I could do. And then one hot Sabbath night my ancient convenience store angel showed me anew the awesome power of simple action. She surprised me with her generosity and taught me Bangkok rules: Nothing is too small, for no matter how hard or hot it may get, there is always a faint breeze of hope when you choose to do something. A pretty good deal, for only three Baht change. Magda Peck can be reached at: magdapeck@hotmail.com.
Are you ready to do something about AIDS, around the globe and right here at home?
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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
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 nebraskajudaism.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 jewishnebraska.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 Torah Learning Center 1313 No. 58 St. Omaha, NE 68132 553.5397
Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423.8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org
Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec.7 PERSONAL I would like to thank all my dear friends and family who remembered me during my recent illness with flowers, cards and calls. Your concern was greatly appreciated. Fondly, Adelle Hornstein
December 3, 2004
Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Amy Reynolds and Ben Shapiro, in honor their son, Matan’s first birthday; Evening Service, 4:40 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 10 a.m. Bible Study Class, 11 a.m.; Hebrew Crash Course, 11:10 a.m. BESTT FAMILY HANUKKAH PARTY Sunday, 10 a.m.-noon: BESTT students and their families will be treated to the school’s first annual Family Hanukkah Party. During the morning, kids and their parents will take part in a variety of Hanukkah games and arts and crafts, and enjoy latkes and sufganiot in the Latke Cafe. TOT SHABBAT Friday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: Experience Beth El’s warm and lively Tot Shabbat service in the West Court. Come for stories, music and prayers, and of course, our kid-friendly Oneg Shabbat with juice and cookies. CONGREGATIONAL HANUKKAH DINNER Friday, Dec. 10: A festive Hanukkah dinner will feature a musical program by Cantor Gastón, plus games and prizes. The 7 p.m. dinner will include Lucy’s fried chicken and latkes! Cost is $9.50 for adults; $5 for children 5-12; free for children under age five. Send a check (payable to Beth El), and your seating preference, to Beth El Synagogue, 14506 California St., Omaha NE 68154. AN EVENING WITH RABBI HAROLD KUSHNER As part of its 75th anniversary celebration, Beth El welcomes back author and speaker Rabbi Harold Kushner Sunday, Dec. 12, 7 p.m. He will speak about “Three Ideas the Jewish People Can Teach the World.” This presentation is free and open to the community; however, those plan-
ning to attend are asked to call the synagogue office. WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP Monday, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., women of Beth El will welcome the month of Tevet with a celebration of the Festival of Lights, at the home of Joye Wees, 12605 Lafayette Cir. Wees, with co-host Diane Axler Baum, will lead “Giving New Relevance and Enthusiasm to the True Meaning of Hanukkah.” Refreshments will be served at 7 p.m.; the program begins at 7:30 p.m. Reservations may be made by contacting Baum at 496.7455, or via e-mail at hypelady@aol.com.
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Ma’ariv and Kabbalat Shabbat, 5:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the Sisterhood; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Rabbi’s Class, 5 p.m. followed by Ma’ariv; Havdalah, 5:41 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 6:45 p.m. THURSDAY: NCSY goes to the UNO Maverick’s Game. Meet at Beth Israel at 6:15 p.m. There is no charge, thanks to Pepsi Cola and Bag ’n Save who provided the sky box for the game. Call Joey Shyken in the office to reserve. HANUKKAH PROGRAMS Enjoy a festive lunch on Shabbos Hanukkah, Dec.11, following morning services. Lunch includes brisket sandwiches and latkes and is $8 for adults, $4 for kids; reservations are due into the office by Dec. 6. That night, Dec. 11, 7:30 p.m., enjoy a musical evening with an All-Star Beth Israel band. There is no charge.
BEYT SHALOM SATURDAY: Blumkin Home Shabbat , 9 a.m. SUNDAY: Religious School, 3-5 p.m. at the JCC.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Mamarim class, 9
Lincoln Federation to Host Annual Meeting by Jewish Press News Service The supper and annual meeting of the Jewish Federation of Lincoln will take place on Sunday, Dec. 19, 6 p.m., at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln. Baby sitting services will be available. Special guests at the meeting will be Jeff Holmberg, President of American National Bank, Lincoln. The bank donated a $1500 campership for summer of 2005. Other awards will be given.
a.m.; Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m. Mishneh class, 9:30 a.m. Weekdays: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Halacha, “Walking the Walk” of Jewish Law, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: “W.O.W: Strength and Majesty, 9 a.m. Women only; babysitting available on request. W E D N E S D AY : K a b b a l i s t i c Journeys, 7 p.m. HANUKKAH ON WHEELS SUNDAY, DEC. 12, 4-6 p.m. at Skateland, Irvington Exit at I-680. Bring your most original Menorah and win a prize! Programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800.
Dr. Daniel Pomp will discuss the DNA marker found to identify Kohanim and other Jewish genetic markers. Pomp is on the faculty of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and involved in a major new research in collaboration with Merck Pharmaceuticals to discover genes controlling obesity and develop drugs based on these discoveries. The meeting is open to all members of the Lincoln Jewish community.
CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in Lincoln two weekends a month. Please call her at 402.416.2321 or e-mail her at dstiel@everestkc.net to set up an appointment. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Amy Zlotsky with an Oneg following. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Judy McKeighan.. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.-noon; Youth Group Meeting, noon at Tifereth. SOCIAL ACTION Dedicate gifts on the sixth night of Hanukkah to the children in the Lincoln Headstart Program, which needs literacy-related gifts for for children from birth to five years of age. Gifts should be unwrapped and cost less than $5. Please bring them to Temple by Dec. 5. For information, call Barb Straus at 476.1070. HANUKKAH PROGRAMS Friday, Dec. 10, 6 p.m.: Hanukkah potluck dinner, followed by family services. The first and second graders will present the Hanukkah story. Saturday, Dec. 11, 7:30-10 p.m.: The youth group will host a Hanukkah Party at the home of Carly Feldman.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marti Nerenstone and Beyt Shalom.
Candlelighting Friday, December 3, 4:37 p.m.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m., Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Sam Joseph will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Leslie Vann and Tom Vann in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Zoë Nicole Vann, and by WRJ-Omaha. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Zoë Nicole Vann daughter of Leslie Vann and Tom Vann will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at Shabbat Morning Services. Alexander Finkle, son of Sue and Terry Finkle will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Dec. 11. EDUCATOR-IN-RESIDENCE Rabbi Sam Joseph Friday, Dec. 3, 7:30 p.m.: Shabbat Evening Service “You Better be Good for Goodness Sake.” SUNDAY, Dec. 6, 10:30 a.m.: The 4B’s: Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels.“ Educator-inResidence Rabbi Sam Joseph will share with parents “Answering My Child’s Hard Questions: A Jewish Response to God, Sex and Death.” THURSDAY, Dec. 9: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 10, 4 p.m.: “Shabbat Comes to You” at Remington Heights.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN AT TLC FRIDAY: Mincha/Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:35 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; followed by Kiddush Luncheon and Mincha, 12:38 p.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. ADULT EDUCATION MONDAYS: Introduction to Judaism with Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum, 7:30-9 p.m. SUNDAYS: (during Hebrew School days): Jewish Law through the Ages with Rabbi Rosenbaum, 10-11:45 a.m.
BAT MITZVAH Anna Elyse Grossman, daughter of Cary A. and Andrea C. Grossman, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 11, at Beth El Synagogue. A seventh-grade superior honor roll student at Kiewit Middle School, Anna enjoys playing volleyball and cooking. She is Vice-president of
Kadimah at Beth El. For her mitzvah project, she made blankets for homeless teens at Youth Emergency Services. Anna has a brother, Joshua. Her grandparents are Arthur and Betty Sarlin of Sarasota, FL, Linda Rose and Caryl Witte of San Diego, CA.
December 3, 2004
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Hanukkah, Latkes and Memories
SPARKS FROM THE WORD by SUSI FRYDMAN LEVIN Shabbat Hanukkah All year-round, the Jewish holidays offer us opportunities to re-connect with the faith, traditions and history of our people and to strengthen our responsibility to future generations in assuring the continuity of Judaism. During each holiday, we also recall poignant memories from our childhood, as well as many from our adult lives. When I was a child, Hanukkah was a synonym for “fun.” Where I come from in South America, Hanukkah is celebrated at the beginning of summer, so my memories are filled with warm Hanukkahs, completely different from the cold, snowy ones we have in Omaha. Our family always gathered on the Sunday during the holiday: uncles, aunts and cousins came to my bubbe’s house. Together we lit the hanukkiyot and sang songs including Maoz Tzur, Oy Hanukkah, Oy Hanukkah, Ha Yomtev Hasheiner, and other melodies that always enriched our evening. But the most exciting moment came when my zayde called all the cousins together and gave us our Hanukkah gelt. It was a magical moment that we children always anticipated with great excitement and joy. And afterward, my bubbe brought us a large tray with crunchy and tasty potato latkes that we managed to make disappear within several minutes. We ate, we played, we celebrated and enjoyed being together. It was wonderful. Many years have passed since then. I grew up and now have my own family. Now it is our turn to plant the seeds of traditions within our children and to create memories that will keep the Jewish spirit and the Hanukkah flame alive for them. What flame do we have to perpetuate? The flame of a legend? Many of us are familiar with this well-known story. Many years ago the Greeks occupied the Temple in
Jerusalem, and they defiled all the containers of oil designated for use in the menorah. When the Maccabees defeated the Greeks, they found only one container of oil that was still pure. The cruse held enough oil for only one day, but a miracle occurred, and the oil burned for eight days. Hanukkah symbolizes more than just this legend. The festival commemorates the struggle for national and religious freedom fought by our ancestors, under the leadership of the Maccabees. During the Seleucid occupation of the land of Israel, Antiochus Epiphanes prohibited the fulfillment of the commandments of Judaism. Any Jew who was discovered observing Shabbat or the festivals or circumcising a son, was condemned to death. Antiochus also imposed the observance of idolatry rites upon the people and forced them to eat forbidden food, mainly pork. The Temple in Jerusalem was profaned with idolatrous cults and was a place of libertinism and orgies. A great rebellion arose against the policies of Antiochus, and it quickly turned into a powerful force. In the beginning, the revolt was led by Mattathias. After his death, the leadership passed to his sons; among them, Judah Maccabee, who excelled in military talent. After four decisive victories, Judah liberated Jerusalem during the month of Kislev (164 B.C.E.), and the Temple was purified from idolatry. To remember the purification of the Temple, the festival of Hanukkah was established, to be commemorated by all future generations. The story of the Maccabees is a story of human courage, integrity and hope. This year while we light the Hanukkah candles, let us remember the Macaabees' feat, their courage, their passion and their belief in freedom, as important values for the Jewish people. The spirit that inspired them to fight for Judaism, for the Jewish people and Jewish independence in the land of Israel, is the most powerful message that Hanukkah can bring to our homes. This is the flame that I want to keep alive, to honor my ancestors and to cling to the moral values, beliefs and religious practices of our people in every generation. Susi Frydman-Levin is an an Educational Psychologist and Hebrew teacher.
DEATHS CLAIRE WEITZMAN SHAPIRO Former Omahan Claire Shapiro died Nov. 13 in Sacramento, CA, at the age of 94, the last survivor of eight siblings. She grew up in Ellenville and Brooklyn, NY and married Morris M. Shapiro in 1932, who died in 1994. They lived in Omaha for more than 50 years, before moving to California. She is survived by a daughter, Deanne Canar, Sacramento, CA; son and daughter-in-law, James and Connie Schimmel Shapiro of San Francisco, CA; three grandchildren, Rachel Canar, Jay Shapiro and Lori Shapiro, and her future son-in-law, Peter Franus. Memorials to the Juilliard School in memory of Claire Weitzman Shapiro, c/o Development Office, 60 Lincoln Center Plz., New York City, NY, 10023 or favorite charity. PHILIP FREEMAN Philip Freeman died Nov. 23. Services were held Nov. 24 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery. A veteran who served in the U.S. Army during World War II, he is survived by his daughters, Shirley Freeman and Carole Nelson; and brother-in-law, Julius Froom. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. JOY M. GROSSMAN Joy Monsky Grossman died Nov. 24 at the age of 88. Services were held Nov. 26 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. The daughter of Henry Monsky, the Federation President who helped Father Flanagan found Boys Town, she is survived by her husband of 64 years, Paul Grossman; daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Mickey Coren, son, Brud Grossman, Tijeras, NM; son and
PERSONAL A big thank you to friends and family who have called, visited, and sent cards, donations and gifts during my recent recuperation. A special thanks to the rabbis and cantors of all the synagogues for their encouragement and to the staff of the Blumkin Home for their special care. Harold "Bae" Epstein and the entire Epstein Family
daughter-in-law, Dan Grossman and Cathy Kennedy, Tiburon, CA; sister, Barbara Turner, El Sobrante, CA; sister-in-law, Ramie Monsky, Palm Desert, CA; and grandchildren, Lisa Coren and fiance Brad Green of Yorktown, VA, Julie Coren of Tempe, AZ, and Emily, Nate, Rebecca and Jamie Grossman, all of Tiburon, CA. Memorials to the Grossman Family Fund, c/o Jewish Federation Foundation or Temple Israel. MONET ZIEGMAN WINTROUB Monet Ziegman Wintroub died Nov. 26. Services wer held Nov. 28 at Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Wintroub. She is survived by her daughter, Barbara Wintroub of Los Angeles, CA; sister-in-law, Rose Ziegman; nieces, Sheila Rosen and Paula Ziegman, Sonya Baker of Sun Vallete, ID, and Bea Premack of Aberdeen, SD. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or favorite charity.
To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114. Survivors shall be listed, including names of surviving spouse, sisters, brothers, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren and their places of residence; the numbers (but not names) of great-grandchildren, as well as the name of the spouse or children who preceded the deceased in death. The cause of death may be included, if authorized by the immediate family. In cases where confusion might arise due to people of the same name either being the deceased or a survivor, maiden names or middle initials shall be added, if known. Nieces and nephews shall be listed when there are no surviving children or grandchildren. Friends of the deceased (companions or life partners) shall be listed. Other pertinent biographical information (including honors or the serving as an officer in a Jewish organization) may be included at the Editor’s discretion. Memorial suggestions are acceptable to any bona fide, charitable organization; addresses will be included to out-of-state non-profit organizations, if provided.
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Light the first candle of Hanukkah on Tuesday, Dec.7
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 3, 2004