December 8, 2006: Hanukkah Edition by Jewish Press

Vol. LXXXVI No. 13 Omaha, NE

Part I: HITLER’S CARMAKER

The Inside Story of How General Motors Helped Mobilize the Third Reich by EDWIN BLACK WASHINGTON (JTA)--James D. Mooney thrust his arm diagonally, watching its reflection in his hotel suite mirror. Not quite right. He tried once again. Still not right. Was it too stiff? Too slanted? Should his palm stretch perpendicular to the ceiling; should his arm bend at a severe angle? Or should the entire limb extend straight from shoulder to fingertips? Should his Sieg Heil project enthusiasm or declare obedience? Never mind, it was afternoon. Time to go see Hitler. Just the day before, May 1, 1934, under a brilliant, cloudless sky, Mooney, president of the General Motors Overseas Corporation, climbed into his automobile and drove toward Tempelhof Field at the outskirts of Berlin to attend yet another hypnotic Nazi extravaganza. This one was the annual “May Day” festival. Tempelhof Field was a sprawling, oblong-shaped airfield. But for May Day, the immense site was converted into parade grounds. Security was more than tense, it was paranoid. All cars entering the area were meticulously inspected for anti-Hitler pamphlets or other contraband. But not Mooney’s. The Fuhrer’s office had sent over a special windshield tag that granted the General Motors’ chief carte blanche to any area of Tempelhof. Mooney would be Hitler’s special guest.

Credit: JTA graphic Continued on page 6

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

17 Kislev, 5767 December 8, 2006 2 Sections

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Declares Nebraska, Israel Similar by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press During a 1991 Jewish Federation of Omaha mission to Israel, participant Avishai Braverman, then President of Ben Gurion University in Beer Sheva, demonstrated to the group that folding a map of the United States in half and then half again will show a crease--on Nebraska--the middle of the country. “Folding a map of Israel in half and in half again,” he continued, “will show that Beer Sheva is the middle of Israel.” With a stint at the University of NebraskaLincoln completing work toward a Ph.D. (which he finished at Stanford Braverman University), demonstrated the similarities between Nebraska and The Honorable Richard H. Jones, United States Ambassador to Israel, shows his roots in Nebraska, wearing a Nebraska cap and Westside High School golf shirt and holding up the Israel. Credit: US Embassy, Tel Aviv Israel’s newest diplomat JCC’s “Omaha” t-shirt. from the United States--The Honorable Richard H. interview with the United States Ambassador to Israel Jones--agreed when I told him that story. Maybe that’s took place just a day after the assassination of Pierre because he, too, has Nebraska roots. though he was Gemayel, the fifth member of the Lebanese political born in Louisiana, he moved here when he was 10-years- family to be killed. The Jerusalem Post front page story old, and graduated in 1968 from Westside High School. that day included a quote from President George Bush Because Omaha is the “place I have lived longest during denouncing the murder and accusing Syria of “trying to my childhood,” the Ambassador said, “I consider it my undermine the democratically elected Lebanese government.” The Ambassador supported Pres. Bush, adding, home.” And now home for the career diplomat is Tel Aviv. The Continued on page 2

Part II: The Project Dreidel Chronicles

Biggest Fear of Elderly: Losing Independence by JFS STAFF MEMBER for Jewish Family Service The story you are about to read is true, and used with permission. The names have been changed to respect the privacy of individuals and families. Welcome to the second installment of the Project Dreidel Chronicles. Starting with the very first chronicle almost seven years ago, maintaining the privacy and integrity of the people who receive services from Jewish Family Service continues to be paramount. The story you are about to read is true and used with permission. We continue to respect their wishes by changing names and altering details that members of our community might recognize. Life for Betty Friedman has not been easy. Always struggling to make a living in a time of life that should have been her “golden” years filled with travel, hobbies and friends turned into the darkest period of her life. Entering into her 60s, she chose to live in a two-bedroom apartment with her older brother and sister--her only family and closest friends. Their fixed incomes allowed them to get by and they had each other, which was all they wanted out of life. Friedman has always been a simple

Inside Opinion Page see page 20

woman. She was grateful for her good health and having a roof over her head. As an observant Jew, she sacrificed many material things, but desperately wanted to keep a kosher home. Her life changed dramatically earlier this year after discovering her sister had cancer. As her sister’s health deteriorated, Friedman became her caregiver. To add salt to an open wound, Betty’s brother had a heart attack that resulted in the need for daily care in order for him to make it through his day. Her role as sibling quickly turned into

a mother-like role. She had lost herself in endless days of appointments with doctors and shuttling her sister and brother to their various medical appointments. After this brief and battle, trying Friedman was devastated; loosing both of them within 15 months of each other. In reality, she is in her early sixties, but her body was worn by the endless hours of care and worry over her two siblings. As a result, she ended up in the hospital due to complications from exhaustion and the flu. Without much time to mourn, Friedman was forced to face the facts that she was in financial turmoil. Now unable to cover the monthly expenses alone, she began receiving shut-off notices from the utility company. That’s where JFS enters the picture. Jenny Meyerson, Financial Assistance Coordinator for JFS, says that Betty

This Week: Hanukkah Issue Starts on Page 24 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

A Nebraksa Homecoming in Israel: Pages 12-14

called her in desperation and in need of serious help. JFS helped Friedman find a new, more affordable apartment. Additionally, she received financial assistance with her rent and utilities. Meyerson worked with Friedman’s caseworker all along the way pooling all the resources necessary to stabilize her financial situation. She will never be completely independent and continues to look to JFS for assistance with food vouchers on a monthly basis. “Without the financial and emotional support from JFS, my future would have been bleak,” says Friedman. The community cannot turn away. It is up to each individual to embrace and celebrate every member in the Omaha Jewish community, according to Karen Gustafson, Director for JFS. To find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of others in our community, please contact JFS at 330.2024.

Coming: Dec. 22: Senior Living Issue JP Hanukkah Coloring Contest Winners Announced: Page 24

Next Generation in Business Features “Wolf Brothers”: Pages 28-29

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS SATURDAY, DECEMBER 9 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El 39 Forever Hanukkah Party, 7 p.m. JFS Tzedakah Project, 8 a.m.

C L I P &

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 10 Class with Rabbi Seth Nadel, 9:45 a.m.at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Mishpacha University, 10 a.m. at the Chabad House Annual BESTT Hanukkah Latke Party, 10 a.m. at Beth El Men’s Club, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Cradle Roll, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Camp Sabra Reunion, noon Shiputznick Teen/Parent Painting Project, 12:30 p.m. Jewish-Christian-Muslim Study Circle, 2 p.m. Hadassah Hanukkah Musical Party, 2 p.m. BESTT Chaverim Sports Day, 3 p.m. at the JCC

S A MONDAY, DECEMBER 11 V JFS Tzedakah Project, noon at JCC E Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El

C L I P & S A V E

Hanukkah Cookie Bake-Off, 5 p.m. at Chabad House. JFO “Super Sunday” and Cleanup, 6:30 p.m. NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. at JCC TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12 JFS Tzedakah Project, 8 a.m. Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. at Chabad House ADL/CRC Board of Directors Meeting, noon at JCC Travelin’ Toddlers, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. JFO “Super Sunday” and Cleanup, 6:30 p.m. JCC Maccabi Reunion and 2007 Kickoff, 6:30 p.m.

C L I P & S A V E

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13 Visions Speaker & Luncheon, 11 a.m. Bible Quiz Dinner, 6 p.m. Edward Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz, 7 p.m. Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. at Chabad House Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Yiddush Group, 1 p.m. JCC Hanukkah Extravaganza, 5 p.m. Hannukah Program, 7 p.m. at Friedel Jewish Academy Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross 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)

This Space For Rent Call Allan Handleman 334-6451

C L I P & S A V E

Continued from page 1 “I wish I could say Syria was helping with Iraq, but it’s not. There’s been universal condemnation of the assassination, with fingers pointing at Syria. There’s no question that the Lebanese people and its government will respond,” he added, “I wouldn’t be surprised if this galvanized the Lebanese people; we might see a repeat of the March 14 Cedar Revolution” (in which more than 1.4 million Lebanese supporters of the Siniora government thronged the capital in Beirut). So far, however, that hasn’t happened. Instead, nearly 800,000 supporters of Hezbollah and Syria, backed by Iran marched in Beirut, demanding that Siniora and his ministers resign. Middle East pundits are worried that if his government falls, Iran will literally be on Israel’s northern doorstep, making last summer’s war look like child’s play by comparison. The Ambassador, who served in Kuwait prior to his posting in Tel Aviv, has some experience with Middle East politics--and war, though he cautioned that “each experience is unique; it’s best not to draw too many parallels.” The “experience” to which he refers was at the highest level in Iraq. Amb. Jones served eight months in Baghdad as Paul Brenner’s right hand man from November, 2003 to June, 2004, as Chief Policy Officer and Deputy Administrator for the Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) in Baghdad. He left just two days after Brenner. He explained that “American forces are not involved here (in Israel), but I do understand what challenges are facing the Israel Defense Force. I’ve seen how American forces react in Iraq.” While admitting that politics in this part of the world can be a nasty business, the Ambassador was firm in the current administration’s position. “President Bush is unsurpassed in his support for Israel,” he said. “I wouldn’t say that if Prime Minister Ehud Olmert hadn’t already expressed that,” following his meeting with President Bush at the White House a month ago. Amb. Jones brings an amazing amount of talent to the table. Prior to his service in Kuwait and Baghdad, Jones was Ambassador to Kazakhstan (December 1998 until July 2001) and U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon (from February 1996 to July 1998). Previous postings include Director of the State Department’s Office of Egyptian Affairs (1993-95), the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, as well as Paris and Tunis. He earned Masters and Doctoral degrees in Business/Statistics from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, and a Bachelor of Science degree with distinction in Mathematics from Harvey Mudd College in Claremont, CA. And he speaks Arabic, Russian, French, and German--the first two especially useful in a polyglot country like Israel. “This is an amazing country, a strong country,” Amb. Jones said about Israel. “Think of what Israel has accomplished in just 58 years. And although it faces serious challenges, it’s also a fun place to live--despite what you read in the papers!” The Ambassador spoke proudly of some of the programs in which he’s personally involved. “On a cultural level, we just celebrated the 50th anniversary of the Fulbright Scholars,” he explained. More than 1400 Israelis and 1100 America have received grants. It creates a lot of good will and increases knowledge on both sides.” At a recent Fulbright reunion in Israel, more than 900 former scholars attended, most of them Israelis. But there were Americans there, including a Nebraskan who is researching what combat-related injuries due to families. Unfortunately, Israel is a natural choice for such studies. When talk turned to economic development--like the recent purchase of Iscar by Berkshire Hathaway, the Ambassador indicated he had heard about a second purchase, but didn’t know details. Though Agrologic, the climate sensor control company purchased by CTB, a Berkshire subsidiary, appeared to be a natural for Nebraska, the Ambassador noted that the Husker state doesn’t send much in the way of agricultural products to Israel. “The top three exports to Israel from Nebraska are machinery, computer-related and electrical products, and processed food,” Amb. Jones said. “Many states send business delegations here. Please start agitating back home for a delegation. I’ll see to it that we roll out the red carpet!” In fact, the day before this interview, he spoke at a meeting of the American Chamber of Commerce, noting that “The huge volume of trade exchanged between our two countries every year--almost $27 billion last year--is impressive in and of itself, but even more so when you consider that the United States routinely exports more to

Israel than any other country in the region. We also buy more Israeli products than any other country on earth. The goods and services that are exchanged between our nations certainly satisfy many of our various and sundry material needs. But our trade does much more than just that.” He added, “U.S.-Israeli trade and cooperation in biotech research enhances the well being and saves the lives of thousands of Americans and Israelis each day. U.S.-Israeli collaboration in information technologies is improving the efficiency of stronger, more prosperous future for generations to come. U.S.-Israeli cooperation on homeland security, an increasingly significant component of our trade these days, is making both our nations safer, through the development of cutting edge innovations.” I mentioned that Bob Wolfson, former Executive Director of the Great Plains Region of the AntiDefamation League, did head up a business delegation to Israel, but that was in 1992 when Ben Nelson was Nebraska’s governor. “Well, it’s time to send one again!” the ambassador said. Again, referring to his speech on Nov. 21, “Israel’s most important asset is its rarest natural resource--its people. Their commercial and technical innovations combine to make this exciting and fast-paced market unique in the region. Truly, innovations are gushing out of this land faster than oil is flowing from the Gulf. Is it any wonder then that investments are pouring into Israel just as rapidly? It seems that every time I turn around, there’s another major business delegation from the United States visiting Israel to survey its rich and varied business landscape in search of local companies to work with, sell to, buy from, invest in or learn from.” Amb. Jones added. “In fact, I’ve got someone else here you should talk to about that--and she’s from Nebraska.” Enter Barbara Masilko, a Papillion/LaVista High school graduate who went to Creighton University, and just happens to be the Economic Officer in the trade office of the U.S. Embassy in Israel. With a major in political science and fluency in Russian which she perfected during a three year stint at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow, Masilko puts her language skills to good use in Israel. Nearly 25% of the current population emigrated from the former Soviet Union to Israel after the fall of the Iron Curtain in 1989. “Israel has been a fascinating experience,” she told the Press. “I get to scuba dive here...not bad for a girl from a land-locked state like Nebraska.” Masilko, who hopes that Omaha’s Jewish community will indeed put together a business mission, urged interested community leaders to call the Omaha Export Assistance Office (at 402.597.1093) if they’re interested in exporting products to Israel (or vice versa). It’s a satellite office of the United States Commercial Service, which helps businesses through the paperwork necessary to get their products into overseas markets. Like the Ambassador, Masilko sees a connection between Nebraska and Israel. “The longer I’m here, the more I’m amazed at the similarities (with Nebraska) and the diversity,” she said. “There’s a fierce spirit here of independence and a real sense of patriotism.” Several of Nebraska’s congressional delegations have visited Israel, in addition to Sen. Nelson--including Sen. Chuck Hagel and Rep. Lee Terry. In fact, it was Molly Lloyd in Rep. Terry’s office who made the introduction to the Jewish Press and enabled this newspaper to get the interview with Amb. Jones. The Ambassador recalls his Nebraska roots with pride, and mentioned several families from his high school years. “Perhaps my Jewish friendships may have had an influence on my decision to learn more about the Middle East,” he said. “I spent a lot of time in the home of Dr. Ed and Sally Malashock and was close friends with both their sons.” Jim Malashock graduated from WHS in 1968, with Amb. Jones; Mark Malashock a year earlier. The Ambassador was pleased when he learned that Dr. and Mrs. Malashock had recently the funded the ADL’s Malashock Project for Interfaith Affairs. “I wish there was more of that,” he added. The Ambassador was honored by Westside High School in 2001, when he was inducted into its High School Hall of Fame. Other high school friends the Ambassador noted include Gary Katelman, Rick Gilinsky, Karen Sokolof Javitch and Jim Fried. When I mentioned that all of them still live in Omaha and he could probably see all of them at a Jewish Federation of Omaha event, the ambassador replied, “I would be honored to speak in Omaha; it would be a good excuse to visit.” We started this interview noting Avishai Braverman, who now holds a seat as an MK in the Knesset. “That’s useful information,” said Amb. Jones. “It might come in handy!”

December 8, 2006

GA Recharges Batteries for Federation Leaders Trustee of United Jewish Communities (UJC) and Intermediate Cities representative for the National Israel Emergency Campaign (IEC). Alperson, UJC National Campaign Chairman, represented Omaha at a private dinner for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, where he announced Omaha’s Israel Emergency Campaign current total of $1,370,000. I’ve been attending the GA for 15 years and all of them are unique. “Together on the Frontline: One People, One Destiny” focused on global challenges and new realities facing Israel and the Jewish people, rebuilding the North and southern areas near Gaza that were devastated during the war, understanding the threat of militant Islam, and how to make these issues relevant to our younger generation. Most agree that this 75th General Assembly was one of the best. I was especially pleased that Norman, Joe and Joel each found the trip to be worthwhile. “Going to the GA was a experience, terrific because the topics were of great interest to me,” said Sheldon. “For me, the best part of the GA was the chance to be with leaders from other comPrime Minister Ehud Olmert holds the Lifestyles Magazine edi- munities. It really helped tion featuring Omahan Joel Alperson, UJC National Campaign to recharge my batteries,” Chairman. Alperson represented Omaha at a private dinner for added Kirshenbaum. Prime Minister Olmert during the GA. Continued on page 4 by JAN GOLDSTEIN Executive Director Jewish Federation of Omaha A few weeks ago our Federation President Norman Sheldon and I traveled to Los Angeles for the 75th Annual General Assembly of North American Federations, along with 5,000 Jewish leaders from the U.S., Canada, and Israel. The GA is an annual event when people from cities across North America join with Israelis to discuss, learn, and engage in issues and challenges currently impacting the Jewish world. Other Omahans in attendance were Joe Kirshenbaum and Joel Alperson. Kirshenbaum is a second term Board

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Happy Hanukkah from the Jewish Federation of Omaha

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT by NORMAN H. SHELDON, President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha The smell of latkes is in the air, reminding me that Hanukkah is just around the corner. One of the great things about living in such a thriving Jewish community is that there are so many different ways to enjoy the holidays. This year, the Omaha Jewish community kicked off the holiday season with a very special program. The historic Great Plains Hanukkah Concert brought together 250 children from Omaha, Lincoln, Des Moines and Sioux City, ushering in the holiday season in song. Organizers Cantor Wendy Shermet and Cantor Gaston Bogomolni had a vision to not only bring our children together in musical celebration, but to teach them the Jewish value of Tzedakah. More than $5,500 was raised, with proceeds going to Omaha’s Child Saving Institute and Wings, a program within Omaha’s Partnership with Israel region that helps disabled college students learn to live on their own as they enter adulthood. The concert was just the beginning. December is jam-packed with a variety of programs, and I hope you’ll take advantage of these wonderful opportunities. Jewish Book Month has once again provided a terrific line-up of events, including the popular “Chanu-Kids” annual celebration which took place last Sunday. Throughout the month, the

Kripke Library will feature children’s books, toys and games for sale. Jewish Book Month will wrap up on Dec. 21 with the Kripke Library Book Discussion Group, discussing the novel The Inn at Lake Devine by Elinor Lipman. Jewish Family Service is sponsoring Project Dreidel once again this year, helping to bring Hanukkah to families in need. Members of the community are invited to donate new, unwrapped toys, children's books, gift certificates or monetary donations through Dec. 10. Donations can be brought to the JFS office during regular office hours. Tzedakah is the single most important thing we do, and I would encourage everybody to get involved in this worthwhile cause. The Jewish Community Center’s Hanukkah Extravaganza will take place on Thursday, Dec. 14, 5:15 p.m. Space for dinner is limited, so check with Cindy Reed at 334.6419 as soon as possible to see if space is still available. After dinner, games and prizes, guests are invited to stay for Friedel Jewish Academy’s Hanukkah show, which starts at 7 p.m. Of course, Hanukkah is also an ideal opportunity to spend time at your synagogue. In addition to joining your congregation at services, I encourage you to find out about your synagogue’s special Hanukkah programs. Seeing so many wonderful holiday activities is a great reminder of why I’m so proud to be part of the Omaha Jewish community. Happy Hanukkah!

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

GA Recharges Batteries for Federation Leaders Continued from page 3 an American and European responsibility to help the and why it matters. They have to know the story, own “People came together to focus on our support of moderates let the solutions come from within the the story and be passionate about it.” Israel, and to work on building our communities by Islamic world.” Birthright Israel (BRI) was also highlighted. By all sharing the wisdom of so many professionals and lay The GA did not only focus on threats to the Jewish accounts BRI is one of the most significant “portals of leaders. I’m not sure the Jewish world has a parallel to people. entry” we’ve found to connect our young people to the this remarkable event,” said Alperson. Representatives of the three largest religious movements Jewish homeland and to their Jewish heritage. The opening remarks by Israel’s Foreign Minister engaged in a panel about the challenges and opportunities Birthright trips to Israel are offered without cost to Tzipi Livni expressed appreciation for the vital connec- for American Jewry: Hebrew Union College Provost college students between the ages of 18 and 26. This is tion between Israel and North America. “Jewish identi- Norman Cohen; Jewish Theological Seminary chancellor- a cooperative effort funded by Jewish philanthropists, ty is a choice as well as an inheritance. We must see Israel elect Arnie Eisen; and Yeshiva University President Richard North American Federations and the Israeli government as a pillar of Jewish strength for children in the U.S. We Joel. All agreed that the next generation, while they may to bring Diaspora youth to Israel. Supported yearly by must ensure that Jewish children in the Diaspora see not necessarily be joiners, are open to meaningful experi- our Omaha Federation, along with additional contribuIsrael as their home, and that Israeli children see you as ences and connections. tions of private donors, several Omaha students count family.” within the 110,000 young Likud leader Benjamin people who have participatNetanyahu likened the ed in BRI to date, with radical Islamist governmany more scheduled for ment of Iran to Nazi trips this winter. Germany. “Iran’s nuclear We also focused on our program goes well other accomplishments as beyond the destruction of One People. Looking at our Israel,” he said. “It’s global challenges together, 1938 and Iran is Zeev Bielski, chairman of Germany, and it’s racing the Jewish agency for Israel to arm itself with nuclear (JAFI), discussed the recent weapons. Iran,” he says, war against Israel, and the “is a mad ideology that’s Above: Israeli Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni speaks at the $350 million dollar response been simmering in a corUJC’s General Assembly in Los Angeles last month as the by UJC Federations to date. ner of Islam for cenUJC’s Israel & Overseas Chairman Toni Young looks on. “We are here today in L.A. turies.” Below: Actors Jeff Goldblum and Mare Winningham share a to say “todah rabah (thank But it was the articulate laugh after addressing the opening plenary of the UJC you so much). You were and engaging Fareed General Assembly. A group from Omaha met Winningham in there when we needed you. Zakaria, editor of Karnit Goldwasser, wife of kidnapped Israeli soldier Ehud May of 2005 when she accompanied the Anti-Defamation We couldn’t do it without Newsweek International, Goldwasser, addresses the UJC General Assembly in Los League to Poland for the 18th annual March of the Living. you. When the katyushas who stressed that at the Angeles on Nov. 12. Credit: Robert A. Cumins Credit: Robert A. Cumins began we realized we needend of the day, forces of ed to get the children out of integration and economical growth can balance out rad“Those of us who work the line of fire. We called ical Islam. “Modernization of cultures can push religion with young people every day UJC and within a few hours into a marginalized sphere where religion doesn’t run are not despondent about we had one million dollars the country. For example, the vast majority of people the Jewish future,” Eisen needed to go ahead. We from countries like Turkey, Indonesia and other Arab said. “And we have to reach thought it would only last countries, while angry at our government as well as their out to them beyond the for a few days, but we all own, do not support the goals of Osama Bin Laden and walls of our institutions know it was much longer. It other jihad extremists.” …give them experiences, gives me great pride to stand The main question is how do we help these societies connect them to the richness here in front of you and tell live within the modern world without resorting to vio- of the Jewish past and to one you how much we apprecilence and terrorism? There seems to be increasing another.” ate what you did.” awareness amongst a growing number that we have Cohen agreed. “They are a Yes, it’s always about the answers to the modern world and they do not. generation searching for serious issues we face as a Bernard Henni-Levi, French philosopher and author answers. If we provide something meaningful that draws people, and our strength as a people to face them of Who Killed Daniel Pearl, although labeling political, them in, they will ultimately join. They are looking for together. Every year the GA is an amazing opportunity radical Islam as “a new form of Fascism” offered hope ties and Jewish connections.” Richard Joel, who visited to learn more, and everyone is welcome to attend. I that “democracy will win again for the same reasons it Omaha earlier this year, added, “Jewish education does- hope you’ll think about joining us next November for did against communism and fascism before….it’s both n’t mean anything if they don’t know why they’re Jews the 76th Annual GA in Nashville, TN.

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December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

LIVE GENEROUSLY. IT DOES A WORLD OF GOOD.

The following people have contributed to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s 2007 Annual Campaign. Thank you for living generously and helping us reach our 2007 campaign goal of $3.2 million. Pacesetters and Lions of Judah are listed in bold print. Donors who have increased their gift are also listed in bold print. Pacesetters

Lion of Judah

(Men making an annual gift of $6,000 or more) Marc Brodkey Sherman Brodkey Elliott Equipment Company & Capitol Equipment Company* ■ Dick Glazer Jim Glazer John Glazer Gary D. Epstein ❏ Harold Epstein ❏ Paul Epstein ❏ Joseph Erman ❍ Michael Erman ❍ Tom Fellman ❍ Friedman Family ❍ Sandy Friedman David Gilinsky* Morton Glass ❏ Bruce Goldberg* Donald Goldstein ❏ Buddy Goldstein ❏ Jeff Gordman Jerry Gordman Nelson T. Gordman ❏ Don Greenberg Herbert Goldsten Trust ❍ Gary Javitch Howard Kaslow ■ Jeff Kirshenbaum Howard Kooper ❍ Howard Krantz Martin Lehr ❏ Leonard Lewis Murray Newman ❍ Steven Nogg Omaha Steaks ● Anne and Alan Simon Eve and Fred Simon (In Memory) Steve Simon Kathy Simon Stacy and Bruce Simon Todd and Betiana Simon Alan Parsow Steve Pitlor ❏ Michael Platt Carl Riekes ❏ Harley Schrager ❏ Phil Schrager ❍ Bruce Shackman ❏ Norm Sheldon Mark Singer Slosburg Family Charitable Trust ❍ Jerry Slusky Isidore Tretiak Eugene Zweiback ❏

(Women making an annual gift of $5,000 or more) Margie Alperson ◆ Ellie Batt* Sandra Belgrade Carol Bloch Marcia Cohen Susie Cohn ✡ Sandy Epstein Ruth Erman Nancy Friedland Roz Friedman ▲ Thama Friedman Janet Glass Jan Goldstein Linda K. Gordman Nancy Greenberg* Deborah Greene Fran Juro Andi Kavich Maxine Kirshenbaum ◆ Sharon Kooper ◆ Bobbi Leibowitz Frances Milder Jeanie Neff Sharee Newman ♥ Nancy Noddle ◆ Patty Nogg Marcia Pitlor Pearl RichmanGiventer* Zoë Riekes Jan Schneiderman Anne Shackman ◆ Phyllis Sherman

Men’s Campaign

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David Goldstein Howard Goldstein Alan Goodman Robert Goodman Thomas Goodman Gary Gotsdinger Lonnie Graul Gary Green Andrew Greenberg Martin Warren Gerald Gross Alex Grossman Joe Guss Victor Gutman Bruce Gutnik Howard Halperin Michael Halsted Allan Handleman Sheldon Harris Larry Herman Jerry Hoberman Kenneth Hoberman Michael Hoberman Richard Ivers Eli Jabenis Art Jacobson Richard Jacobson Ed Joseph Leslie Joseph Marc Kahn Marcel Kahn Robert Kahn Thomas Kahn (In Memory) Nathan G. Kaiman Leo Kamisar Myron Kaplan Robert Katleman Rabbi Mendel Katzman Michael Kaufman* Larry Kelberg Kevee Kirshenbaum Mark Kohn Joseph Kosinovsky Jack Kozlen Abe Krasne Viatcheslav Krutik Allen Kurland Howard Kutler Wayne Lainof Jeffrey Laudin Michael Leibowitz Rabbi Mordechai Levin Mike Levine Steve Levinger Dmitriy Libov Harvey Lipsman Boris Litvin Neal Malashock Robert Malashock Harold Mann Todd Manvitz Gerald Marburg Irv Marcus Myron Marko Sheldon Masnek Guy Matalon Boris May Patrick McNamara Maurice Meiches Gerald Meyer Joe Meyers Marty Meyers Larry Meyerson Troy Meyerson Carl Milder Paul Militzer Stanley Mitchell Michael Mogil* Stuart Muskin Howard Needelman Steve Neesman Simon Noel Brian Nogg Steven Noodell Bob Olesh Mark Ocheretyanskiy Dennis Paley

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Your gift to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign impacts the entire Jewish world. Locally, your ONE gift to the Campaign funds a wide variety of community services provided by the Federation and our Family of Agencies:ADL/CRC,Jewish Community Center,Jewish Family Service,Center for Jewish Education,Jewish Senior Services and The Jewish Press.In Israel and overseas,your gift helps feed the hungry,rescue the oppressed and fight anti-Semitism.Your gift will help empower the next generation to continue to build,support and grow the Omaha Jewish community.

The 2007 Jewish Federation of Omaha Annual Campaign 2006 General Campaign Co-Chairs: Steve and Patty Nogg 333 South 132nd Street Omaha,NE 68154 402/334-8200 info@jewishomaha.org www.jewishomaha.org Please note that this list of Federation donors is complete as of December 4,2006.Every effort is made to ensure that the list is accurate and we sincerely apologize if any name was incorrectly printed or inadvertently omitted.To update information in this donor listing,please contact Brenda Frank at 334-6429.

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December 8, 2006

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How General Motors Helped Mobilize the Reich Continued from page 1 steadfastly denied for decades -- even in the halls of As Mooney arrived at the airfield, about 3:30 in the Congress -- that it “actively assisted the Nazi war effort” afternoon, the spectacle dazzled him. Sweeping swastika while it subverted mass transit at home, and has also banners stretching 33 feet wide and soaring 150 feet argued that its subsidiary was seized by the Reich during into the air fluttered from 43-ton steel towers. Each the war. The company even sponsored an eminent histower was anchored in 13 feet of concrete to resist the torian to investigate, and he later in his own book diswinds as steadfastly as the Third Reich resisted all efforts puted many earlier findings about GM’s complicity with to moderate its program of rearmament and oppression. the Nazis. In that book, he concluded that assertions Thousands of other Nazi flags fluttered across the that GM had collaborated with the Nazis even after the grounds as dense column after column of Nazis, march- United States and Germany were at war “have proved ing shoulder to shoulder in syncopation, flowed into groundless.” rigid formation. Each of the 13 parade columns boasted between 30,000 and 90,000 storm troopers, army divisions, citizen brigades and blond, blue-eyed Hitler Youth enrollees. Finally, after four hours, the tightly packed assemblage totaled about 2 million marchers and attendees. Hitler eventually arrived in an open-air automobile that cruised up and down the field amid the sea of devotees. Accompanied by cadres of SS guards, Hitler was ushered to the stage, stopping first to pat the head of a smiling boy. This would be yet another grandiose spectacle of Fuhrer-worship so emblematic of the Nazi regime. When ready, Hitler launched into one of his enthralling speeches, made all the more mesmerizing by 142 loudspeakers sprinkled throughout the grounds. As the Fuhrer demanded hard work and discipline, and This issue of General Motors World magazine from June 1934 details a meeting in Berlin enunciated his vision of between Hitler and James D. Mooney, GM's overseas chief. Mooney would later receive the National Socialist destiny, German Eagle with Cross, the highest medal Hitler awarded to foreign commercial collabothe crisp sound of his voice rators and supporters. Credit: Courtesy Edwin Black traveled across an audience A Fascination With Four Wheels so vast that it took a moment or two for his words to Hitler knew that the biggest auto and truck manufacreach the outer perimeter of the throng. Hence, the thunderous applause that greeted Hitler’s turer in Germany was not Daimler or any other German remarks arrived sequentially, creating an aural effect of carmaker. The biggest automotive manufacturer in Germany--indeed in all of Europe--was General Motors, continuous, overlapping waves of adulation. General Motors World, the company house organ, which since 1929 had owned and operated the longcovered the May Day event glowingly in a several-page time German firm Opel. GM’s Opel, infused with milcover story, stressing Hitler’s boundless affinity for chil- lions in GM cash and assembly-line know-how, prodren. “By nine, the streets were full of people waiting to duced some 40 percent of the vehicles in Germany and see Herr Hitler go meet the children,” the publication about 65 percent of its exports. Indeed, Opel dominated Germany’s auto industry. reported. Impressive production statistics aside, the Fuhrer was The next day, May 2, 1934, after practicing his Sieg Heil in front of a mirror, Mooney and two other senior fascinated with every aspect of the automobile, its histoexecutives from General Motors and its German divi- ry, its inherent liberating appeal and, of course, its applision, Adam Opel A.G., went to meet Hitler in his cation as a weapon of war. While German automotive Chancellery office. Waiting with Hitler would be Nazi engineers were famous for their engineering innovaParty stalwart Joachim von Ribbentrop, who would later tions, the lack of ready petroleum supplies and gas stabecome foreign minister, and Reich economic adviser tions in Germany, coupled with the nation’s massive depression unemployment, kept autos out of reach for Wilhelm Keppler. As Mooney traversed the long approach to Hitler’s the common man in Nazi Germany. In 1928, just before desk, he began to pump his arm in a stern-faced Sieg the Depression hit, one in five Americans owned a car, Heil. But the Fuhrer surprised him by getting up from while in Germany, ownership was one in 134. In fact, just two months before Mooney’s meeting at his desk and meeting Mooney halfway, not with a salute the Chancellery, Hitler had commented at the Berlin but a businesslike handshake. This was, after all, a meeting about business--one of International Automobile and Motor Cycle Show: “It many contacts between the Nazis and GM officials that can only be said with profound sadness that, in the presare spotlighted in this multipart JTA investigation that ent age of civilization, the ordinary hard-working citizen scoured and re-examined thousands of pages of little- is still unable to afford a car, a means of up-to-date transknown and restricted Nazi-era and New Deal-era docu- port and a source of enjoyment in the leisure hours.” Even if few Germans could afford cars -- GM or othments. This documentation and other evidence reveals that erwise -- the company did provide many in the Third GM and Opel were eager, willing and indispensable cogs Reich with jobs. Hitler was keenly aware that GM, in the Third Reich’s rearmament juggernaut, a rearma- unlike German carmakers, used mass production techment that, as many feared during the 1930s would niques pioneered in Detroit, so-called “Fordism” or enable Hitler to conquer Europe and destroy millions of “American production.” As the May 2, 1934, Chancellery meeting progressed, lives. The documentation also reveals that while General Motors was mobilizing the Third Reich and cooperating Hitler thanked Mooney and GM for being a major within Germany with Hitler’s Nazi revolution and eco- employer--some 17,000 jobs--in a Germany where Nazi nomic recovery, GM and its president, Alfred P. Sloan, success hinged on re-employment. Moreover, since were undermining the New Deal of Franklin D. Opel was responsible for some 65 percent of auto Roosevelt and undermining America’s electric mass exports, the company also earned the foreign currency transit, and in doing so were helping addict the United the Reich desperately needed to purchase raw materials for re-employment as well as for the regime’s crash rearStates to oil. For GM’s part, the company has repeatedly denied mament program. Now, as Hitler embarked on a massive, comment when approached by this reporter. It has also Continued on page 7

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

How General Motors Helped Mobilize the Third Reich Continued from page 6 threatening rearmament program, GM was in a position to make Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s military a powerful, modern and motorized marvel. The Quest For The â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Carâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; During the meeting with Mooney, Hitler estimated that if Germany were to emulate American ratios, the Reich should possess some 12 million cars. But, Hitler added, 3 million cars was a more realistic target under the circumstances. Even this would be a vast improvement over the 104,000 vehicles manufactured in Germany in 1932. Mooney told Hitler that GM was willing to mass produce a cheap car, costing just 1,400 marks, with the mass appeal of Henry Fordâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Model T, if the Nazi regime could guarantee 100,000 car sales annually, issue a decree limiting dealer commissions and control the price of raw materials. Many automotive concerns were vying for the chance to build Hitlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s dream, a peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s car or â&#x20AC;&#x153;volkswagen,â&#x20AC;? but GM was convinced it alone possessed the proven production knowhow. An excited Hitler showered his GM guests with many questions. Would the cost of garaging a car be prohibitive for the average man? Could vehicles parked outdoors be damaged by the elements? Mooney answered that the same vehicle built to withstand wind, dust and rain at 40 mph to 60 mph could stand up to overnight exposure outdoors. To promote automobile ownership Hitler even promised something as trivial as legalized street parking. Of course, Hitler had already committed the Reich to expedite completion of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first transnational network of auto highways, the Autobahn. Now, to

further promote motorcar proliferation, Hitler suggested to Mooney that the German government could also reduce gasoline prices and gasoline taxes. Hitler even asked if Opel could advise him how to prudently reduce car insurance rates, thus lowering overall operating costs for average Germans. The conference in Hitlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chancellery office, originally scheduled for a quarter hour, stretched to 90 minutes. The next morning, May 3, 1934, an excited Hitler told Keppler, â&#x20AC;&#x153;I have been thinking all night about the many things that these Opel men told me.â&#x20AC;? He instructed Keppler, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Get in touch with them before they leave Berlin.â&#x20AC;? Hitler wanted to know still more. Mooney spent hours later that day ensconced in his hotel suite composing written answers to the Fuhrerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s many additional questions. Clearly, Hitler saw the mass adoption of autos as part of Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s great destiny. No wonder Mooney and GM were optimistic about the prospects for a strategic relationship with Nazi Germany. A few weeks after the prolonged Chancellery session, the company publication, General Motors World, effusively recounted the meeting, proclaiming, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hitler is a strong man, well fitted to lead the German people out of their former economic distress... He is leading them, not by force or fear, but by intelligent planning and execution of fundamentally sound principles of government.â&#x20AC;? Ironically, Hitlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s famous inability to follow up on ideas caused GM officials to wonder if they had been too revealing in their company publicationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coverage of the Chancellery meeting. Copies of General Motors World were seized by Opel company officials before they could

1933, edition of The New York Times, headlined â&#x20AC;&#x153;Hitler a Menace.â&#x20AC;? The article, quoting former Princeton University President John Hibben, echoed the war fear spreading across both sides of the Atlantic. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Adolf Hitler is a menace to the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s peace, and if his policies bring war to Europe, the United States cannot escape participating,â&#x20AC;? the article opened. This was one of dozens of such articles that ran in American newspapers of the day, complemented by continuous radio and newsreel coverage in the same vein. However, the commanding, decision-making force at the carmaker was not Mooney, GMâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s man in Nazi Germany, but rather the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s cold and calculating president Alfred P. Sloan, who operated out of GM president Alfred Sloan, right, with E. I. du Pont chairman corporate headquarters in Pierre du Pont. Credit: Library of Congress Detroit and New York. Who was Sloan? circulate in Germany. Mooney later Mr. Big Sloan lived for bigness. Slender declared he would do nothing to make and natty, attired in the latest collars and Adolf Hitler angry. For Mooney, and for Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s branch ties, Sloan commonly wore spats, even to of GM, the relationship with the Third the White House. He often out-dressed Reich was first and foremost about mak- his former GM boss, billionaire Pierre du ing money--billions in 21st century dol- Pont. An electrical engineer by training, Massachusetts Institute of lars-- off the Nazi desire to re-arm even the though the world expected that Germany Technology graduate was a strategic would plunge Europe and America into a thinker who was as driven by a compulsion to grow his company as he was comdevastating war. Typical of news coverage of events at pelled to breathe oxygen. the time was an article in the March 26, Continued on page 8

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

How General Motors Helped Mobilize the Reich Continued from page 7 could--and should--create its own foreign policy, and “Deliberately to stop gowing is to suffocate,” Sloan back the Hitler regime even as America recoiled from it. wrote in his 1964 autobiography about his years at GM. “Industry must assume the role of enlightened industri“We do things in a big way in the United States. I have al statesmanship,” Sloan declared in an April 1936 quaralways believed in planning big, and I have always dis- terly report to GM stockholders. “It can no longer concovered after the fact that, if anything, we didn’t plan fine its responsibilities to the mere physical production big enough. I put no ceiling on progress.” and distribution of goods and services. It must aggresFor Sloan, motorizing the fascist regime that was sively move forward and attune its thinking and its poliexpected to wage a bloody war in Europe was the next cies toward advancing the interest of the community at big thing and a spigot of limitless profits for GM. But large, from which it receives a most valuable franchise.” unlike many commercial collaborators with the Nazis In ramping up auto production in the Nazi Reich, who were driven strictly by the icy quest for profits, Sloan Sloan understood completely that he was not just manalso harbored a political motivation. Sloan despised the ufacturing vehicles. Sloan and Hitler both knew that emerging American way of life being crafted by President GM, by creating wealth and shrinking unemployment, Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Sloan hated Roosevelt’s New was helping to prop up the Hitler regime. When explaining his ideas of mass production to Opel Deal, and admired the strength, irrepressible determination and sheer magnitude of Hitler’s vision. car dealers, Sloan proudly declared what the enterprise For Sloan, the New Deal--with its Social Security pro- would mean: “The motor car contributes more to the gram, government regulation and support for labor wealth of the United States than agriculture. The autounions--clanged an unmistakable death knell for an mobile industry is a wealth-creating industry.” What was America made great by great corporations guided by true in America would become true in Germany. great corporate leaders. Ironically, GM chose the alliance with Hitler even In a 1934 letter to Roosevelt’s Industrial Advisory though doing so threatened to imperil GM at home. Board, Sloan complained bitterly that the New Deal was Just days after Hitler came to power on Jan. 30, 1933, a attempting to change the rules of business so “govern- worldwide anti-Nazi boycott erupted, led by the ment and not industry [shall] constitute the final American Jewish Congress, the Jewish War Veterans and authority.” In Sloan’s view, GM was bigger than mere a coalition of anti-fascist, pro-labor, interfaith and governments, and its corporate executives were vastly American patriotic groups. Their objective was to fracmore suited to decision-making than “politicians” and ture the German economy, not resurrect it. bureaucrats who he felt were profoundly unqualified to The anti-Nazi protesters vowed not only to boycott run the country. German goods, but to picket and cross-boycott any Government officials, Sloan believed, merely catered American companies doing business with Germany. In to voters and prospered from backroom deals. the beginning, few understood that in boycotting Opel Sloan’s disdain for the American government went of Germany, they were actually boycotting GM of beyond ordinary political dissent. The GM chief so Detroit. Effectively, they were one and the same. hated the president and his administration that he cofounded a virulently anti-Roosevelt organization, and Edwin Black is the author of the award-winning donated to at least one other Roosevelt-bashing group. IBM and the Holocaust and the recently published Moreover, Sloan actually pressured GM executives not Internal Combustion: How Corporations and to serve in government positions, although many disre- Governments Addicted the World to Oil and garded his advice and loyally joined the government’s Derailed the Alternatives. Parts 2, 3, and 4 of this push for war preparedness. series will be posted on the Jewish Press pages of the webAt one point, Sloan’s senior officials at GM even site, at: www.jewishomaha.org. threatened to launch a delibEdwin Black’s research for the JTA four-part investigative series, “Hitler’s Carmaker” erate business slowdown to involved the review of documents at Georgetown University; Georgia State University; Henry sabotage the administraFord Museum; Kettering University; National Archives repositories in Chicago and Washington; tion’s recovery plan, accordYork Public Library Special Manuscript Collections; Yale University Sterling Memorial New ing to papers unearthed by repositories in the United States and Germany. and other Library one historian. At the same In addition, he had access to confidential FBI files obtained under the Freedom of time, Sloan and GM did not fail to express admiration for Information Act, period media reports from both Germany and America, secondary literature the stellar accomplishments and other materials researched to produce his just-released book Internal Combustion: How of the Third Reich, and went Corporations and Governments Addicted the World to Oil and Derailed the Alternatives. His sources also included the books: General Motors and the Nazis by Henry A. Turner; the extra mile to advance Sloan Rules by David Farber and Working for the Enemy by Reinhold Billstein, Karola Fings, German economic growth. Indeed, Sloan felt that GM Anita Kugler and Nicholas Levis.

New American Jewish Committee Website Opens Doors to 100 Years of American Jewish History by CHARLOTTE BONELLI Director of the AJC Digital Archives & Information Center A century of American Jewish history springs to life at ajcarchives.org, the American Jewish Committee’s new archival website. The influential advocacy organization launched the site as part of its centennial anniversary celebration. When you visit the site--www.ajc.org--you’re just a click away from reading AJC correspondence with Henry Ford. Listen to a broadcast of the first Jewish religious service conducted by American GIs on liberated German soil. View letters between AJC and David Ben-Gurion, among other seminal figures. The site opens doors to historic artifacts related to AJC contacts with Catholic leaders as the Church moved toward Vatican II. And to stirring films of Natan Sharansky, Elie Wiesel, and others addressing the historic Freedom Sunday Rally for Soviet Jewry in Washington, D.C., in 1987. You can also watch a film, Ready Mr. Rosewater, about the life of Edward Rosewater, of Omaha--President Lincoln’s telegrapher, who flashed to the world news of the Emancipation Proclamation. The unusual access that ajcarchives.org provides to the material itself is the result of a painstaking digitization process--undertaken by Bonelli and her staff. Through its user-friendly interactive timelines, and its basic and advanced search engines, the Web site opens to the Web user an ever-expanding treasure chest of materials. The site now contains a total of more than 75,000 pages of documents; a rare collection of films, radio and television broadcasts; more than 100 years of the American Jewish Year Book, the acclaimed annual record of events and trends in the Jewish world; and selections from the AJC-sponsored William E. Weiner Oral History Collection--one of the largest oral history collections in the United States. The acclaimed historian of American Jewish life, Deborah Dash Moore, director of the Jewish Studies program at the University of Michigan and author of GI Jews: How WWII Changed A Generation, said that AJC has done an enormous community service in constructing the Web site and making widely available its remarkable collection of archival materials. “For one thing, I think it’s simply wonderful to have the American Jewish Year Book online, since it’s an invaluable historical source and record of events,” said Professor Moore. “In addition, the interactive timelines, the oral history memoir excerpts, the cartoons, comics, and film clips all convey the complex process of a century of creative Jewish efforts to fight prejudice and anti-Semitism and promote a pluralist society and a peaceful world.”

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Teens to Compete in Zorinsky Bible Quiz by LOIS EPSTEIN The subjects of the quiz are the Books of Genesis and Jonah. And for the last few months, 21 high school students have been hard at work studying. The occasion for their efforts is the 21st Annual Edward Zorinsky Bible Quiz sponsored by the Henry Monsky Lodge #3306 of B’nai B’rith. The program takes place on Wednesday evening, Dec. 13, 7 p.m., in the Auditorium of the Jewish Community Center. “The program, held in conjunction with Jewish Book Month, is a lively contest and it’s very interesting to watch,” said Steve Riekes, a Lodge Trustee and founder of the event. “The competition is open to the entire community without charge.” “I urge everyone to come out and support our youth and help us celebrate the Bible Quiz’s 21st year,” Gary Javitch, Lodge president added. As prizes, the Lodge will award a total of $1250 in scholarship money to the first, second, third and fourth place winners. This money can be applied toward

college tuition, an approved trip to Israel, a camp or educational program sponsored by a Jewish organization. In addition, at the end of the program, each contestant who answered three questions correctly will receive a $10 cash prize and the first place winner will get $50. Participants include David Anderson, Salomon Cemaj, Macklin Emas, Nimrod Ginsburg, Daniel Grossman, Noa Harnik, Anna Kohll, Alec Lerner, Tali Levin, Ben Nachman, Lev Nachman, Aaron Parsow, Aaron Passer, Jesse Reno, Claire Schlessinger, Ygal Schuller, David Trubnikov, Effie Tsabari and Nate Wolf. Rabbis Eric Linder and Jonathan Gross, Cantor Gastøn Bogomoloni and Creighton professor, Dr. Leonard Greenspoon will serve as Judges. Gloria Kaslow will be the quizmaster, Rabbi Seth Nadel will act as the timekeeper. Stanley Mitchell, advisor and tutor, indispensably supports all activity functions. The participants and all of the high school religious school classes will be guests of the Lodge for an informal dinner in the hour before the Bible Quiz.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

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Yasher Koach to Lincoln Torah Readers by JENNIFER ROSENBLATT for Tifereth Israel Lincoln’s Conservative congregation--Tifereth Israel--is experiencing a renewal of its service-leaders and Torah-readers thanks in large part to the efforts of Rabbi Royi Shaffin and long time congregant and lay-leader, Nancy Coren. Earlier this year, Shaffin and Coren taught a class together for beginning Torah readers using curriculum developed by Rabbi Miles Cohen of the Jewish Theological Seminary. The class consisted of several first-time Torah readers as well as many congregants wanting to brush up on their skills. It culminated in Simchat Torah Nancy Coren and Rabbi Royi Shaffin led a class services, where participants had a that culminated in new Torah readers at Tifereth chance to share in the mitzvah of read- Israel. recent daveners and Haftorah readers: ing Torah. A hearty Yasher Koach to our class par- Emily Evnen, Carly Feldman, Emma ticipants and recent Torah readers: Sally Feldman, Josh Geffin, Rivkah Keilson, Arenson, Ken Bloom, David Brockman, Avi Knecht, Zachariah Knecht, Sheldon Jean Cahan, Alex Clark, Charlie Coren, Kushner, Lisa Levine, Henry Misle, Mike Eppel, Bob Evnen, Jane Evnen, Julius Misle, Eli Modenstein, Jeremy Brenda Ingram, Rivkah Keilson, Sarah Payne, Jerrold Safran, Zoe Tobin, and Kelen, Sheldon Kushner, Galina Noah Weiss. “We hope to add many more names to Moldavsky, Brittany Perry, Jerrold Safran, Rob Tobin, Zoe Tobin, and Issar the list as the year goes on,” added Rabbi Shaffin. Yazhbin. Todah Rabbah and Yasher Koach to our

Share Laughter, Silly Moments at Beth El’s Next Rosh Hodesh Group Meeting by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator A potluck dinner and a smorgasbord of hilarious “boy, was my face red” stories will keep everyone in stitches during Beth El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh group meeting on Wednesday, Dec. 20, 6 p.m. Aptly titled “Disasters in My Life that I Lived to Laugh About, or “Those Embarrassing Moments I Thought I’d Never Live Down”, the evening will be hosted by Ozzie Nogg and Susi Frydman-Levin, and will be held at the Wedgwood Townhomes Clubhouse, 966 So. 118th Plaza. Nogg cited several story examples that could be shared with others: “Remember the morning you locked yourself out of the house, and all you had on was your nightgown? Or how about the time you wanted to introduce your husband to your boss, but you couldn’t remember his name? (Your boss’s name...your hus-

band’s name...or both?) And don’t forget the time you decided to use self-tanning lotion, the night before that big party... “Come prepared to share a disaster you lived to laugh about, or just laugh along with others!” she said. All dinner attendees are asked to pitch in by bringing any vegetarian dishes, salads, fruit, vegetarian cheeses, breads and desserts--“surprise us!” Nogg encouraged. Anyone wishing to skip dinner and attend only the 7 p.m. program is welcome to do so, she added. Reservations may be made by contacting her at 342.7870 or ozzienogg@cox.net, or Levin at 932.6488 or susifrydmanlevin@cox.net. (Directions to Wedgwood: the complex is just north of Pacific St. off 120th St: turn east onto Mayberry Plaza, near the Wedgwood sign; continue to the top of the hill and turn right at the clubhouse.)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

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reach a lot of people. Federation With Patty and Steve Nogg serving as Annual Campaign CoCommunications Director Chairmen, and Brian and Jaime and On Monday serving as Super Sunday Co-Chairs, Tuesday, Dec. 11-12, the this year’s campaign has become a Jewish Federation of Omaha true family effort. will complete its first Annual “It’s heartwarming to see our son Campaign Direct Calling and our daughter-in-law get (AC/DC) telethon. The involved in the community,” said telethon provides the opporPatty. “Steve and I feel that commutunity for campaign workers nity service is extremely rewarding, to come together as a group and it’s wonderful to share this to solicit donors. This new experience with Brian and Jaime.” campaign element supple“Patty and Steve have been great ments face-to-face and sperole models to us since we’ve moved cial solicitations, which back to Omaha,” Jaime replied. remain a significant part of “We wanted to participate with every campaign. The them in this year’s campaign, and AC/DC telethon began in we’ve been so impressed with the November. enthusiasm of the Omaha Jewish Steve Nogg, Campaign community.” Co-Chairman, said that The Annual Campaign meets the AC/DC has been a great addition to the annual cam- Super Sunday Co-Chairmen Brian and Jaime Nogg needs of Jewish people across the globe by feeding the hungry, rescupaign. “We think it has volunteered at last year’s telethon. worked out very well,” he said. “Any time we can get ing the oppressed and fighting anti-Semitism. Locally, our volunteers together to talk about campaign is very contributions to the Annual Campaign fund programs positive. It helps energize our callers, which is vital for and services delivered through the Jewish Federation’s five Centers of Excellence: the Center for Jewish every campaign.” The primary focus of next week’s AC/DC telethon Education, the Jewish Community Center, Jewish will be to reach donors who were called during Super Family Service, Jewish Senior Services and the AntiSunday in previous years. By moving from Super Sunday Defamation League/Community Relations Committee. to AC/DC, donors won’t be interrupted during their Campaign dollars also help support the synagogues, the weekend family time, and they will have the opportuni- Jewish Press, Friedel Jewish Academy, Va’ad HaKashrut, ty to make their pledge before the end of the year. Super Bar/Bat Mitzvah programs, teen trips to Israel, BBYO Sunday Co-Chairmen Brian and Jaime Nogg will play a and more. key role in next week’s AC/DC telethon. Omaha’s goal for the 2007 Annual Campaign is $3.4 “AC/DC is a great opportunity to try something million. To donate, call 334.6436, visit www.jewishomnew,” Brian Nogg said. “We’re planning to have 15 vol- aha.org, or send your donation to the Jewish Federation unteers each night, which should give us a chance to of Omaha, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

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by MICHELLE GRALNICK Director, BBSTL B’nai B’rith St. Louis and the St. Louis Jewish Light newspaper will present their second annual Jewish Singles Soiree, December DecaDANCE, at the Marriott St. Louis Airport Hotel. This event--on Sunday, Dec. 24, 8 p.m.-midnight-is designed to bring together unmarried individuals for an evening of sophisticated socializing, and will include a lavish dessert buffet with chocolate fountain, fruit and cheese displays, a cash bar featuring the event’s signature drink, the Mazeltini, a raffle auction, and DJ music to dance the night away. Last year, the dance was attended by nearly 150 St. Louis residents; this year the event is being promoted to Jewish singles in Chicago, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Louisville, Memphis and Omaha as well. The dance is sponsored by MatchBook and the Fox Family Foundation, and in partnership with Sparks Matchmaking Service, Randye Lyle and Office Essentials, Inc., Sam Black of Design-Your-Gift, and the JCC. For those persons traveling from outside St. Louis, the Marriott hotel is offering a special reduced rate of only $65 per night. Reservations may be made by calling 314.423.9700 or 800.228.9290. Tickets to the event are only $25 in advance, and $30 (cash only) at the door. Register online at www.bnaibrithstl.org, or mail your check, payable to B’nai B’rith St. Louis, to: P. O. Box 50321, Clayton, MO 631055321 for receipt by Friday, Dec. 22. For more information, call me at 314.569.4122 or e-mail BBD2WRO@aol.com.

Beth El Connects with Jewish Community Through New Weekly E-mail Newsletter by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El members have found the world of Judaism at their fingertips through the synagogue’s popular e-mail newsletter, “Beth El Views and News,” and the synagogue’s Rabbi Mordechai Levin is encouraging the entire Jewish community to jump on the bandwagon and subscribe to the informative weekly bulletin. Delivered every Thursday, the newsletter offers teachings and commentaries on a variety of Jewish topics, in addition to highlighting Beth El’s activities and events. “‘Beth El Views and News’ is an easy-to-read, inviting site which shares the richness of Judaism, the teachings of the Torah, the Talmud and thoughtful insights of contemporary rabbis and other Jewish thinkers,” Rabbi Levin said. “Each week I like to share with subscribers a mix of different learning opportunities,” he remarked. “Some weeks I send my personal thoughts; other weeks I offer selections from various Jewish sources--including excerpts from important Jewish books--with the hope that these samples will inspire our readers to examine the entire work. Rabbi Levin added, “These e-mails explore the world of Jewish authors and Jewish web sites, with links to the weekly parashah, haftarah and commentary, plus links to Jewish news and audio and video of Jewish presentations. I hope this exposure will inspire everyone to increase their Jewish knowledge.” To subscribe, e-mail Program Director Margie Gutnik at programming@bethel-omaha.org or call her at 492.8550, and include your name and e-mail address. Recipients may unsubscribe at any time.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

See Tel Aviv’s Coolest Street Live on the Web

JNF Offers Alternative Spring Break by DR. SOL LIZERBRAM JNF Vice President, Campus Engagement and Advocacy Jewish National Fund’s second annual Alternative Spring Break (ASB) program aims to bring 250 students and young adults to Israel in March, 2007, during the traditional college spring break. Sutdents will s pend eight days with JNF to rebuild the North, being educated, energized and connecting with the land and people of Israel. By participating in ASB, participants will be able to experience what the early chalutzim, pioneers, of Israel experienced, working the land, clearing forests and planting trees. Participants are already registering online at www.jnf.org/springbreak. Each student and young adult participant is required to raise a minimum of $800 that will be going towards Operation Northern Renewal. If you know of any young Jewish adults (age 18-26) who have not been to Israel, let them know about our JNF/Shorashim birthright israel trips. To sign up for birthright israel reminders, please e-mail collegeactivists@jnf.og. Last year, my wife and I sponsored a student on JNF’s ASB to Israel. It was incredibly meaningful to know that we helped one student get back to Israel. We even received a thank you letter from participant, who happens to be a member of our synagogue. In the letter she expressed her gratitude “for the opportunity to travel to Israel and do her part to help the community there.” Another student said, “There is so much we can do for Israel today--where your financial support, and our enthusiasm meet, is where Israel receive its greatest strength and support.” This year’s trip will be taking place March 8-16, 2007, and March 15-22 to accommodate the spring break vacations of most college campuses. Please join me in sponsoring a student. It costs $2,000 to send one student and make him/her a life long friend of JNF and Israel. Visit www.jnf.org/asbdonation to make a donation online.To learn more, please call Rebecca Kahn, JNF Campus Programs Manager at 212.879.9305, x248.

by MICHAEL SIMKIN Over the years, Sheinkin Street has become an Israeli icon for fashion, alternative culture, and an abundance of cheerful, beautiful people. On Fridays, thousands visit the street, in order to go shopping, sit in cafes, listen to street bands and drink in the local magic. The Economist Magazine has said “Sheinkin has become not just a street but an idiom.” With its trendy crowds, one-of-a-kind boutiques, and an energy that is totally local but intensely global, Sheinkin Street can be compared with Covent Garden in London, parts of Greenwich Village in New York, St. Catherine Street in Montreal, Oscar Freire Street in Sao Paulo, and Oxford street in Sydney. Now visiting Sheinkin Street is as close as a click away, no matter where in the you may be. world www.Sheinkinstreet.com is a virtual version of the real street, which offers internet surfers an opportunity to absorb the spirit of the street and to order unique Israeli made products from anywhere in the world. The site, which aired at the beginning of April 2006, Sheinkin Street in Tel Aviv. has until now has drawn well over 150,000 surfers from all over the world: Europe, USA, Australia, South America, Asia and even Barbados not to mention Algeria, Lebanon, Jordan and Egypt! C-Do Networks, has built a website about Sheinkin Street in English and Hebrew. Giving life and access to Israel’s hottest cultural tablaeu to the web’s hottest trendsetters, the founders’ aim is to show that Israel is not only about terror attacks and political rivalry, but also about culture, fashion and fun. Sheinkinstreet.com has already created a major buzz in Israel. A host of articles appeared in the Israeli press, highlighting the overwhelming and instant flood of web surfers that have discovered how to tap into one of the worlds greatest hotspots. An article in Ha’aretz said: “The Sheinkin Street web-

site (www.sheinkinstreet.co.il) crashed a few hours after being launched. The network could not handle the flood of surfers responding to the announcement of the site on the two most popular Israeli portals, Walla and Ynet.” Approximately $80,000 has been invested in building and developing the site. It includes a magazine which deals with local culture, leisure, fashion and life style as well as giving historical, and local information about Sheinkin Street. At the top of each page is an interactive map of Sheinkin Street, which allows surfers to enter the shops on the street, view photos of the stores as well as the products on sale. (Israeli products are highlighted with a label that says “Made in Israel.”) The site also includes short videos, which show interviews with fashion designers, people who have contributed to the development of the street, and local events. Users who register for the website receive newsletter updates regarding sales, discounts and activities in Sheinkin Street. Credit: C-Do.net The website also offers tourist information (regarding hotels, restaurants etc), galleries, photos of Sheinkin Street and other neighbourhoods in Tel-Aviv, a notice board containing information about parties, renting property as well as a search engine which enables users to locate specific shops and products in Sheinkin Street. The people behind this project include this writer: Michael Simkin, 31, a Brit from Liverpool, who used to work in advertising, and today is CEO of C-DO Networks Ltd, the company behind the website. On the team are photographer and videographer Arnon Maoz, journalist Hohit Ori Day, technical whiz Nave Goren, and photo assistant Elad Hezki. Sheinkinstreet.com is maintained and hosted by Comet Information Systems. The team plans to bring the concept to a location in New York City, when they find the right backers.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

A Nebraska Homecoming in Jerusalem by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press As a percentage, Nebraska probably has more Jews in Israel than most other states (with the exception of New York and Florida perhaps). So it was no surprise that the Jewish Press was able to gather more than 40 names for the first-ever Reception for Nebraskans in Israel. “Thanks so much for doing this for us!” exclaimed Jon Whitman, an English lit professor at Hebrew University. A 1967 graduate of Central High School, Whitman visits Omaha frequently, in order to see his father--Norman Whitman, who turned 100 years old last summer. In fact, Whitman’s wife, Ahuva--who is Curator of Art at Hebrw U., baked her father-in-law’s favorite cake to be sent back to Omaha; I hand-delivered the carrot cake the day I returned from Israel. (If you’re 100, you can ask for anything!) Some at the reception--like the Whitmans--have made aliyah and have been living in the Jewish State since the early 1970s; others are there temporarily--studying in post high school or post college programs. But all of them were excited to meet other “Huskers!” In addition to Whitman, readers may recognize other familiar names. Dr. Debby Duitch, a psychiatrist, and her husband, Avi Brickner, are fairly new olim, having just made aliyah from Newton, MA, a year ago. In a “small world” story, Dr. Duitch was on my flight to Israel out of Newark airport the Monday night prior to Thanksgiving. She was returning from a conference in New Orleans, but had stopped in Boston as well. Debby’s brother, Jonathan and Laurie Duitch were there. And the Press just missed seeing their mother, Omahan Jean Duitch, who spent a month in Jerusalem visitng her children and celebrating five of six of the Israeli grandchildren’s birthdays. Jonathan is an official Israeli guide and, in fact, was chosen by Beth Israel’s Rabbi Jonathan Gross to lead his synagogue trip in May, 2007. Guarding the mission will be Yitzhak Mizrachi, grandson of Jeanette Nadoff and the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff. Mizrachi, who spent almost a month here during the recent holidays has already served in the Israel Defense Force and is studying at Ohr Samayach in its smicha program. His mother, Sharon Mizrachi, is the “Omahan,” but the family actually moved from Cleveland, OH, to Israel about 14 years ago. She works for Hamodia, a newspaper geared to observant Jews. While her sister, Julie Amrani, wasn’t able to attend, Mizrachi did finally meet several other “rabbis’ kids” at the reception. Rabbi Raphael Groner, who runs a hesder yeshiva in Ma’aleh Adumim, had just returned from a trip to the United States--and a stopover in Omaha, where he met with long-time friends and supporters, Joe Kirshenbaum and Pacey Shyken. (A hesder yeshiva com-

Photos from top left: Marty Nachman, son of Beth Staenberg and Gary Nachman, is participating in the Conservative movement’s NATIV program. Florence and Ernie Alexander-originally from Hastings and Omaha--made aliyah 27 years ago. Sarah Ross, daughter of former Omahans Al and Willie Ross, standing left, Jonathan Duitch and his wife Laurie, seated, and Debbie Duitch and her husband, Avi Brickner, have been friends since childhood. bines two years of IDF service with three years of yeshiva learning.) When Rabbi Groner--whose father is the late Rabbi Benjamin Groner, predecessor of Rabbi Nadoff at Beth Israel--met Sharon Mizrachi, he asked, “Mizrachi? Haven’t I spoken to you on the phone?” She answered, “Yes, I recognize your name, too, but didn’t realize there was an Omaha connection!” Rabbi Groner’s sister, Gladys, wasn’t able to attend, but I caught up with her on Monday in Israel. You can read Joan Marcus’ interview with her on page 16 when she, too, visited Omaha in August. Their brother, Lew Groner, head of the Los Angeles Federation Foundation, has also visited Omaha recently and was interviewed by the Press last spring. He came to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Friedel Jewish Academy last May, after being encouraged to do so by Omaha’s Foundation Director, Marty Ricks. Frances Groner also lives in Jerusalem. She was unable to attend (she is 92 after all), but her children say she would love to hear from fellow Omahans. Yet another “rabbi’s kid” came to the reception, but

the last time most Omahans saw Avi Friedman, he was only five-years-old. Today the 18-year-old son of Rabbi Joseph and Melissa Friedman just finished his basic training for the IDF. He spent a lot of time catching up with Avi Katzman (my daughter), who is spending a year in Israel as part of the Young Judaea “Shalem” program, which combines ulpan (intensive Hebrew) with volunteering and college course work. With her three months of volunteering done at a middle school in Bat Yam, just south of Tel Aviv, Avi has moved into the dorms in Jerusalem. Thanks to the generous women of Hadassah, new housing was built near the Biblical Zoo for Young Judaea participants. “They’re gorgeous,” Avi said of the dorms, adding that the multi-story building boasts classrooms, an outdoor pool and tennis courts, indoor gym, and is “wireless,” for today’s college students with laptops. Though Jodi Lerner could not make the two-hour bus trip from Arad, she sends regards. Lerner is taking intensive Hebrew as part of the five-month program at the World Union for Jewish Students and considering aliyah. Continued on page 13

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A Nebraska Homecoming Continued from page 12 Another recent high school graduate in Israel is Marty Nachman, son of Beth Staenberg and Gary Nachman, who had planned on visiting him this week when Israel’s labor union, the Histadrut, went on strike at Ben Gurion airport. Marty, who is participating on the

Photos from top: The Beth Israel “rabbis’ kids” living in Israel: Sharon Mizrachi and her son Yitzhak, daughter and grandson of Jeanette and the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff; Avi Friedman, son of Rabbi Joseph and Melissa Friedman; and Rabbi Raphael Groner, son of Frances and the late Rabbi Benjamin Groner. Right: The youngest attendee at the Nebraska Reception was two-year-old Shira Rivka-daughter of Rabbi Ben and Aviva Gonsher, who are learning in Jerusalem. Bottom: Dan Bleicher, left, Ernie Grossman, Arieh and Anne Breslow, and Line Bleicher, from Council Bluffs, Omaha and Lincoln-catch up on Nebraska news. Conservative movement’s NATIV program, is also combining college course work with ulpan and volunteering. He will be moving from Jerusalem soon to the kibbutz component of NATIV. Although Nate Joseph, also a 2006 Westside graduate who is attending Or Dovid yeshiva in Jeursalem, couldn’t attend the reception, both Marty and Avi have bumped into him. “I saw Marty at the Jerusalem bus station,” Avi added, “but I forgot to introduce him to Estie Katkoff.” Katkoff, who is on Young Judaea Shalem, will be attending Washington University in St. Louis, as will Nachman. The reception wasn’t limited to post-high school students either. Menachem Chaim Linsky, son of Shari Linsky. is learning at Mayanot in Jerusalem. Readers may remember him as “Mark,” but with a full beard and tzitzit, he now takes his Jewish learning seriously. Though he attended Millard North, Linsky dropped out and later completed his GED. After a short lived marriage, he went back to his Jewish roots, and with the help of Chabad of Nebraska’s Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Linsky decided to learn more about Judaism in Jerusalem. He was delighted to meet Rabbi Ben and Aviva Gonsher and their two-year-old daughter Shira Rivka, as the Gonshers will be moving into an apartment near Linsky and have already extended him an invitation for Shabbat meals. Ben, who earned an MBA at Florida International Unviersity and smicha, (rabbinic ordina-

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tion) from the Talmudical Academy of Miami Beach, will be learning at the prestigious Mir Yeshiva. His wife Aviva recently completed course work for a master’s in occupational therapy. “This is really exciting,” Rabbi Gonsher said at the reception. “It was great to see old friends like the Duitch families and Avi Friedman, and meet new people like Menachem Linsky. What a great idea for the Press to bring all these Nebraskans rogether!” Probably the most unusual story belongs to Ernie and Florence Alexander. He arrived in Omaha as a young boy in 1938, sent away from the Nazis by his parents from Germany. “Dan grandparents Bleicher’s saved my life,” he said. “I will forever be grateful to that family.” He met native of Florence--a Hastings, NE, in Omaha, and they were married in 1947 by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke at Beth El. Though one son--Phillip--was born in Omaha, the family moved to New York when he was only five-weeks-old. (Phillip and his wife Lolly also live in Israel but could not attend). HaShem,” “Baruch Florence said at the reception. “We have four sons and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.” The couple returned to Omaha once, about 20 years ago--and stayed with Rav Mendel and Sara Landsman in the neighborhood near the old Beth Israel synagogue. “They were so kind to us,” Florence added, “and she made the most delicious Shabbos meals!” What the Alexanders didn’t know--but learned that night--is that the oldest Landsman daughter also lives in Israel--another Nebraska connection. The Alexanders, who live in Efrat, a suburb south of Jerusalem, arrived with their neighbors: Arieh and Anne Breslow. Some may remember Arieh as Leroy Breslow, the son of Minnie and the late David Breslow. He’s a taichi instructor now and has written several books: When Less Is More and Beyond the Closed Door. The couple has three children: Merav, Amira and Leah. The Breslows and Alexanders spent much of their time at the reception catching up on Nebraska news with Dan and Line Bleicher. Dan, who first arrived in Israel in 1973 as a student at Hebrew Union College, has the record for the Nebraskan who has been in Israel the longest. After earning a second degree in the U.S., Dan returned to Israel and met his future wife, Lina, who is originally from Strasbourg, France, in 1976. He works for the Israel Broadcasting Authority and Line is a librarian in the Social Work Library at Hebrew U. “There’s quite a story to how I reconnected with Ernie Alexander,” Dan said. “I received a letter from Ernie just after he and Flo had made aliyah in 1980. He inquired if I was ‘the same Dan Bleicher from Council Bluffs, IA, as the one who placed an ad in the Jerusalem Post.’ Of course, we’ve been friends ever since!” Another longtime friendship is the one between Sarah Ross and Jonathan Duitch. Sarah, the daughter of former Continued on page 14

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Continued from page 13 Omahans Al and Willie Ross, made aliyah in 1996 with her husband Teddy Weinberger (a columnist and frequent contributor to the Jewish Press) and their five children: Nathan, who just began his service to the IDF in October, Rebecca, Ruti, Ezra and Elie, who will become a bar mitzvah next year. Sarah, an investment banker, commutes to Tel Aviv from their home in Givat Ze’ev. Though Uri Levin, the JCC shaliach from 2004-06, had his own family reunion the night of the reception, we Photos from top: Young Judaea Shalem participant Avi Katzman chats with Uri Levin, the JCC shaliach from 2004-06; Mark and Amy Marshall talk to Sarah Ross about making aliyah; the newest oleh--Whitney Taxman Feferman gets tips from Laurie Duitch and Avi Brickner; NATIV participant Marty Nachman meets Jon Whitman, Rabbi Raphael Groner and Dan Feferman.

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Roger Aldrich, CPA Omaha, NE Fax: 402-933-4167 caught up with him in Tel Aviv. He just started the theater program at Tel Aviv University. “The first month has been fairly easy,” he told the Press. “But when production starts on our plays in December, I’ll be swamped.” He misses his friends in Omaha--but loves being back in Israel and near his family. The newest olim at the reception were Whitney and Dan Feferman who were married in Omaha in August. She’s the daughter of Jeff and Sherry Taxman and is finishing up coursework in order to teach English as a Second Language to Hebrew-speaking students. “It’s a one year program for people who already have at least a BA. I’m working a little bit on the side teaching English to adults at Berlitz and have some private students on the side,” she told the Press. “Dan is in a unit of the army called Strategic Planning. He’s really enjoying it and is writing a lot of papers and summaries. His Hebrew, even as good as I thought it was when we moved here, has improved immensely and he is hoping to continue in this unit as a career officer as soon as a position opens up.” Two surprise guests showed up at the reception: Mark and Amy Marshall. Married and the parents of a nine-monthold son, the couple gave up their New York apartment and are “testing the waters in Israel,” according to Mark. He once computed from his home in San Francisco to Omaha to run his schoolbased internet-telephony business, “So why not from Jerusalem!” he laughed. Unfortunately Harry and Annie Allen were just completing their annual trip to America to visit family--including Annie’s sister, Mary Fellman. (The “matriarch of Omaha,” Mary Fellman is currently in an assisted-living facility in St. Paul, MN, near her daughter, Marsha Zimmerman and nephew, Rabbi Morris Allen.) The Allen’s son, by the way, is Danny Allen, the Executive Director of American friends of Magen David Adom, which has now been admitted to the International Red Cross.

Sara and Baruch Gold, who live in Betar Illit, were unable to attend. She’s the daughter of former Omahan Miriam Simon, who lives in Ormond Beach, FL. Who else is from Nebraska and lives in Israel? University professors Jane and Stuart Margolis, originally from Lincoln; Rachel Fettman Heifetz--daughter of Cantor Leo and Annette Fettman; Shifra Gitt, daughter of Leon and Dani Shrago, who--like Mark and Amy Marshall--is trying life in Israel with her husband Mordechai Gitt and their three children. Others include: Dr. Menachem and Dvora Mor of Haifa--Creighton University’s first holder of the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization; Aaron (Michael) Marcovits, newly married and living in Tsfat; and his son, Mordechai (Max) Rogers-Marcovits, who attends yeshiva in Jerusalem. Sarah Ross reminded the Press of other Nebraskans: Bluma Karpman, who now goes by Sigalit--I can’t remember her married name--grew up in Omaha with her family, and moved to Israel many years ago. There are also two sisters from Omaha--Anita and Polly Rosenfeld, who moved here as young adults, probably 20 years ago.” If any of our readers know how to contact them, please call the Jewish Press at 402.334.6450 or e-mail ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. Why? Because in 2008, Israel will celebrate its 60th anniversary as a State. And that’s a perfect time to use the 2008 Passover issue to showcase these former Nebraskans and others in Israel! Thanks to a grant from the Special Donor-advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, the Jewish Press put on a delicious spread of Israeli treats; the staff of the King Solomon Hotel really outdid themselves. The Fund also paid for the Nebraska tshirts and hats distributed to the former “Huskers” at the reception. Dan Bleicher probably summed up the evening best: “We think the Federation should do this every time a mission comes to Israel. This was a fun evening!”

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

An Omaha “Rabbi’s Kid” Winds up in Israel Those of us who have grown up in Omaha remember Rabbi B e n j a m i n by JOAN K. MARCUS who Groner served as rabbi at Beth Israel Synagogue from 1953 to 1965. Rabbi and his wife, Frances, had seven children: Diane, Rafael, Gladys, Arlene, Sandra, Linda and Louis. We have often wondered what ever happened to Gladys after her graduation from Central High School in 1965. (Rabbi Groner died in 1992--the same year as his daughter, Diane.) Recently, our questions about Gladys were answered when, she appeared in Omaha from her home in Israel; she was on her way to participate in a walk for breast cancer, in Toronto, Canada. It was almost like looking back in time, so closely does she resemble her mother. When I met up with her, Gladys was amazed that Carol Katzman, Editor of the Jewish Press, was actually the daughter-in-law of Maury Katzman, the man whom she remembered and respected as the president of the synagogue of her youth! After that, she began recalling many things from childhood. Since she has lived in Jerusalem for most of her adult life, she seemed amazed when one name led to another. She remembers Omaha and Beth Israel as a different time. This was a time that wasn’t always “user friendly” to the daughter of Omaha’s only Orthodox rabbi. Gladys reports that at age 92, her mother is still living and is in Israel. However, two years ago, on Sukkot, Frances suffered a stroke that has weakened her. Until the stroke, she was vivacious and adapted well to living near three of her children. Gladys describes her mother as, “A mitzvah lady who came to Israel to live at age 79. She made so many connections and friends that people thought she had lived there for 40 years.” Groner remembers, “I must have been about five years old when my family came to Omaha from Windsor, Ontario in Canada, for a pulpit position at Beth Israel. My four youngest siblings, Arlene, Sandra, Linda and Louis, were all born in Omaha. We attended Harrison School and then I went on to Central.” She noted that “Growing up in Omaha was difficult for me because everybody looked to me as a role model. I was actually kind of wild and I broke a lot of rules. However, some of the things that I wanted to do--I didn’t--because I thought I had to set a good example. My life pretty much revolved around the shul. I would stop there everyday on my way home from school to see my dad.” Gladys wasn’t active in school organizations, but she did take a leadership role in National Conference of Synagogue Youth (NCSY). She remembers being friendly with four families at Beth Israel because they were all

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shomer shabbos, (observant of the 39 biblical prohibitions on the Sabbath.) She says, “We all lived within a block or two of the synagogue and none of us would ride on Shabbat. It was a good time because kids don’t need a lot of people to have fun. Most of my activities revolved around NCSY and I became regional president during my senior year.” Gladys remembers, “At school, I felt like very much of an outsider because most of the social activities were on Friday night and I couldn’t go. We went to Saturday morning services and, in the afternoon, my father had a class in Rashi and the parsha at our house. “We studied for an hour or two and then we walked to each other’s houses and played. I can remember that the Polikovs, Stones, Franks and the Sands were all my friends. I also remember Libby and Harry Lewis and their family. Their son, Marshall (now deceased) was my high school sweetheart!” During the summers, Gladys went away to Chicago for Jewish camp. She admits to always knowing that she was different. She says, “When I graduated from high school in 1965, I went straight to Israel. This was my dream and I had worked all through high school and saved my money. I wasn’t taking any chances that my parents wouldn’t allow me to go. However, they approved and I was on my way to spending a year on a B’nei Akiva pro- Gladys Groner met up with gram--a year on a kibbutz. I Katzman last week in Israel. worked, studied and traveled and it was a glorious time to be in Israel.” “The country was so Zionistic and I felt like such a pioneer. If you wanted to catch a ride with someone, you just put out your hand and they would stop. Living there was everything I dreamed and more. At the end of the year, I didn’t want to come home!” She wrote to her parents and asked for permission to stay. She told them that she would apply to Hebrew University if they would agree. After her extra year of study, her plane was the last one to leave Israel before the beginning of the six-day war. She returned to the United States and attended Louisiana State University in New Orleans. While there, she taught Hebrew and Sunday school and started a Hillel Chapter at the university. Gladys then moved to New York where she attended Yeshiva University and graduated in 1972 with a degree in Sociology. Her goal was to move back to Jerusalem, which

she quickly did. She says, “Even after all these years, there’s not a day that goes by that I don’t feel like I’m in the most special city in the world. Anywhere you go, you’re surrounded by Judean hills and history. I never get used to the beauty of the sun setting and rising.” “For me, being a Jew here in Omaha was difficult-standing out. In Israel, when you walk down the street before Rosh Hashanah, you’re just one of many Jews. There are signs all over wishing Happy New Year and you know that you belong.” For the past 20 years, Gladys has run a management company for people who live abroad and own homes in Israel. “There are many, many, people like that. During the past 10 years, a new generation of people are now buying homes in Israel instead of Florida! “Having a second home is now very accepted--even for the young people who want to come and study. My company handles everything-and some of these homes are valued at over a million dollars. We check on everything and make sure that all repairs are done before owners come back. We have become a full service for people who don’t have time to bother. We even stock their refrigerators and clean for them. Last year, we even put up many succahs before they came back. The idea is that Jewish Press Editor Carol we take care of their homes and of them. Each year, my responsibilities have become more and more. I run one of the largest businesses of this kind!” Gladys, who is divorced, has one son, Doni, 26. She is proud of him for his work with animals at the local zoo. Occasionally, he accompanies his mother on local trips. She says, “I am utterly and totally impressed with the things in Omaha. I am amazed at the Jewish Federation Foundation and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. It’s a wonderful place, and I am so impressed with everything in Omaha. When I walked into the new Beth Israel, I felt that there is so much to be proud of. A small part of me wishes that I could have been here during the last few years.” Although she has dual citizenship, Gladys considers herself an Israeli. “I think like an Israeli, and act like one. I am amazed because people in America are so polite! People don’t honk when they’re behind you. I enjoy many things about America, but I am truly an Israeli. Today, we have everything we need here, and I love it.”

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December 8, 2006

Film on Failed Suicide Bombers Counters Palestinian Documentary ily, Rehov said in a phone nationalistic grievances but constantly interview that he grew up emphasize their religious mandate. among Arabs and Muslims “Our goal is to kill all enemies of and continues to feel com- Islam,” one young woman says. fortable among them. “Those who die for Allah are not dead That background, and his French citi- but live in paradise,” a young man prozenship, made it easier to conduct the claims. interviews once the Hamas prison bosses, Such beliefs easily reinforce hatred of who in effect control the inmates of the Israeli prison, gave their permission. Rehov’s main purpose, and the most interesting aspect of the film, is to explore the terrorists’ minds and motivations. Israeli occupation, revenge for Palestinian deaths, frustration at checkpoints and poverty may all contribute to convincing young men and women to strap on explosive belts, but the Director Pierre Rehov with a captured would-be female suicide real reasons for the bomber, featured in his film Suicide Killers. Credit: City Lights Pictures bombers’ hatred lie much deeper, Rehov contends. Jews. “Jews have never obeyed God and He assigns two psychological factors to are not part of mankind,” another prisonthe formation of the terrorist mind-set, er adds. both inherent in Islamic religion and traOne former terrorist recruiter says voldition: a high degree of sexual frustra- unteers signify their wish to become tion, and a deep sense of humiliation and “martyrs” by declaring that they wish to wounded pride. “marry Allah.” Rehov’s conclusions seem to be borne A sense of shame is another major motiout to a considerable extent by the pris- vating factor for aspiring terrorists, oners’ own words and the commentaries according to Rehov. of Arab, Israeli and other experts inter“It’s bad enough that the infidel West is spersed in the film. superior in technology and wealth, but to The would-be terrorists rarely speak of have been defeated by Jews, whom

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT by TOM TUGEND LOS ANGELES (JTA)--Hassan is deeply frustrated because he was caught by Israeli police before he could blow himself up, killing Israeli civilians. “If I had been killed, my mother would call it a blessing,” the 16-year-old says. “My family and 70 relatives would have gone to paradise and that would be a great honor for me.” Hassan is one of more than a dozen Palestinian suicide bombers captured before they could carry out their missions and interviewed in Suicide Killers, a documentary by French Jewish filmmaker Pierre Rehov. The movie’s subtitle, “Paradise is Hell,” is a deliberate counter-allusion to last year’s Oscar-nominated Palestinian feature Paradise Now--which critics said aimed to humanize its two suicide bomber stars. The prison interviews with the wouldbe bombers, both men and women, will leave most viewers shaken, not because of the ferocity of the terrorists but because of their calmness and the certitude of their convictions. No regrets or second thoughts are apparent, except for the failure of their missions. The women in particular display a truly frightening serenity. Rehov, the film’s producer and director, has made six previous documentaries on Israeli-Palestinian relations and societies. He’s the product of a multicultural upbringing. Born in Algeria into an old Jewish fam-

Muslims have held in contempt for centuries, is the utmost humiliation,” he said. Rehov treads on more controversial ground when he lists sexual frustration as perhaps the key component of the terrorist mind. “Young Muslim men are raised in a highly restrictive atmosphere, riddled with sexual guilt and taboos,” he said. “They grow up without a natural relationship to women, whom they hold in deep contempt.” The fantasy of rewarding martyrs with 72 virgins in paradise is part of that, as is the sense that the Israeli lifestyle, with its half-clad women, is corrupting Islamic purity, Rehov said. He observed similar sexual attitudes among serial killers in other countries, one reason he titled his film Suicide Killers. The filmmaker dismissed another Western belief -that if Islamic moderates are encouraged, they’ll eventually rein in the extremists. “All Muslims, even in countries like Egypt and Tunisia, believe that Islam will prevail worldwide in the end because that’s the word of God,” he said. “Moderates believe that this will happen sometime in the future. The extremists think that it will happen in their lifetimes and they want to be part of the victory. It’s just a difference in the timing, not in the ultimate outcome.” Suicide Killers has screened at film festivals in Europe, America and the Far East. Rehov expects that the film will open in commercial theaters early next year. For more information, check www.citylightsmedia.com.

Wishing the Entire Jewish Community a Joyous Hanukkah

Caring for America’s Girls and Boys

December 8, 2006

With Rockets Stilled, Orthodox Union Helps Treat Emotional Scars in North by BEN HARRIS NAHARIYA, Israel (JTA)--They’re the invisible carnage of Israel’s summer war with Lebanon--traumatized children, confined for weeks to bomb shelters, who remain haunted by fears of falling rockets and nighttime air-raid sirens. Though less visible than the scenes of physical destruction that flooded the news media during Israel’s monthlong war with Hezbollah, the psychological wounds inflicted on the region’s children are just as real. And despite the millions of dollars poured into the area in recent months, their needs are largely being ignored by Israel’s government and by Diaspora Jews. “We were surprised that no work is being done with these children,” Debbie Gross, a therapist working with children in the north, told JTA.

religious women in Jerusalem, to oversee a counseling program for children as part of the Orthodox Union’s relief efforts in northern Israel, called Project Tzafona, or “To the north.” The program Gross designed brings counselors to northern Israel three days a week to enable children to deal with their feelings about the war. So far, she says, the program has reached 2,500 children. In one exercise, children are asked to use color to indicate which emotions they experienced during the conflict. In another, children are told to write down what made them feel safe. In addition to enabling the youngsters to voice emotions they may have repressed, the exercises also allow counselors to identify children whose trauma is particularly acute and who are in need of more intensive treatment. In Nahariya, counselor Moria Benjo works with children who suffered through the conflict this summer. Visible through the window are the mountain ridges from which Hezbollah terrorists launched hundreds of Katyusha rockets at Israel. Inside, Benjo is encouraging a group of girls to remember what gave them comfort during the bombardment. Benjo says the children are in great need of attention, though often they are hesitant to open up at first. “But when I begin to speak about it, their eyes are open and they don’t let me speak,” Benjo said. “They want to tell their stories. I see they want to talk about what happened, and we give them skills to accept their feelings.” Berman had been on the job less then a week when the Lebanon conflict erupted. Using connections established through the organization’s

Above: Counselor Moria Benjo, left, helps northern Israeli children who may have repressed traumatic memories from this summer’s war with Hezbollah, at an O.U.-sponsored program in Nahariya. Right: Therapist Debbie Gross, right, explains the challenges facing northern Israeli children to an O.U. delegation Nov. 22, in Nahariya. Credit: Bruno Charbit “Nobody seems to understand if you move on, basically you’re just leaving scars. There seems to be no realization that these kids went through terrible trauma, they went through a war, and you can’t say, ‘School’s started, everybody back to normal.’” Gross reports that she is seeing more reckless behavior, particularly among teenagers, who say they don’t believe they will live beyond age 30. Some children still suffer the after-effects of the conflict, Gross says, refusing to shower without a parent nearby or to be alone without the presence of an adult. Like unexploded ordnance that detonates years later, such fears, if not treated promptly, can surface in adulthood--with devastating consequences for the individual’s ability to raise a healthy family and function as a responsible member of society, experts say. Rabbi Avi Berman, director-general of the Orthodox Union in Israel tells of Yifat, 25, a mother of three who grew up in Kiryat Shemona, a northern Israeli city that has been victimized by Hezbollah rockets for years. The psychic wounds she suffered as a child were never treated and Yifat was crippled when air-raid sirens sounded in July, leaving her unable to be left alone in her home. “Because she was not treated as a child, she cannot deal with it today,” Berman said. “And we felt that our obligation as Jews is to go out there and make sure that nobody is going to be another Yifat when they grow up.” Berman hired Gross, the founder of a crisis center for

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

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NOW ON SALE! Makom Balev program, the Israeli version of the O.U.’s American youth organization NCSY, he began delivering supplies to residents confined to bomb shelters. After the war, Berman used some of the $450,000 raised through the O.U. website and an additional $425,000 from the United Jewish Communities Federation umbrella group to launch the counseling program. “There are 83,000 kids up north,” Berman said. “We want to reach each and every one of them and make sure that when they grow up, they’re not going to be traumatized by another siren.” Whether that effort is successful is mostly a question of funding, but it’s also a function of time. Gross says virtually everyone in northern Israel believes the next war is just around the corner. “Before there was a feeling the army will protect them,” Gross said. “There isn’t that feeling any more.”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

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Ahead of Iraq Report, Views Mixed on Wisdom of Engaging with Syria by RON KAMPEAS to present them to the White House WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Virtually before year’s end, reportedly has agreed everyone in Washington agrees that Syria on the need to engage Syria, which has is a weak state. But differences arise over extensive intelligence about Iraq, and whether its peace feelers to Israel and the Iran, which has considerable influence West are a genuine white flag or just a with Iraq’s Shi’ites. feint to entrap its stronger enemies. Bush is under no obligation to act on A seminar Monday at the government- the report, but will be under considerable funded U.S. Institute of Peace outlined political pressure to do so, not least those differences in the wake of the like- because his father’s secretary of state, lihood that a congressionally mandated James Baker, heads the commission. commission will recommend engagement Commissioners have met three times with Syria, currently a pariah state, as one with Moustapha, and he seemed cheered means of reining in Iraq’s burgeoning by the prospects of what the commission civil war. would recommend. For one thing, he “Syria is fundamentally a weak state said, there was no talk of drawing Syria that has very little to offer the United away from Iran's influence, a prospect he States and very little to offer its neigh- dismissed. bors, either in peace or in war,” said “I don’t think the Baker-Hamilton Robert Satloff, executive director of the report will discuss the notion about creatWashington Institute for Near East ing a rift between Syria and Iran,” he said. Policy, a pro-Israel think tank. “The guys on the Iraq study group are Engaging Syria would embolden its more sophisticated and more learned than ambitions to reassert control over to make such naive policy positions.” Lebanon, Satloff said, handing an unthinkable victory to the region’s radicals. But Robert Malley, a Clinton administration peace negotiator, said engagement would have the opposite effect. “The mere sight of Israeli and Syrian officials sitting side-byside and negotiating at a time when rejectionist ideology is the throughout spreading region--imagine the impact that would have!” he said. The core of the debate is assessing Syria’s seriousness about the endgame. The fear among Israelis A signpost on Mount Bental in the Golan Heights, capis that talking only buys Syria tured from Syria during the Six-Day War, showing cities and distances. Damascus is only 60 km away from the time to gain strength. Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA In an interview at the Syrian current Israeli border. Embassy in Washington, Ambassador Imad Moustapha said Syria’s interests lie in comprehensive peace negotiations. “We are offering Israel a comprehensive peace,” Moustapha told JTA. “It will be a very different context, an Israel who is not occupying our territories anymore, an Israel who will allow the Palestinians to have their sovereign free state. Comprehensive peace, total normalization of relations: This is our strategy, this is our vision.” Israelis have made clear that they expect more than words from Syria: They want a crackdown on terrorist groups finding safe harbor in Damascus, including the more extreme wing of Hamas led by Khaled Meshaal, and an end to support for Hezbollah, the Lebanese terrorist army that launched a war against Israel this summer. “We would love to be able to have negotiations with Syria, but that must be based on a certain reasonable, responsible policy, which is not performed by Syria for the time being,” Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert said last month after meeting with President Bush in Washington. “Everything that they are doing is to the other direction--in Lebanon, in Iraq, and the sponsorship of Hamas and Khalid Meshaal as the main perpetrators of terror against the State of Israel,” Olmert said. Bush has been supportive. Outlining his vision for the NATO alliance in Riga, Latvia last month, he included Syria among international threats. “The regime allows Iranian weapons to pass through its territory into Lebanon, and provides weapons and political support to Hezbollah,” the president said. Still, the Baker-Hamilton commission could bring pressure to bear on Bush to change that tone. The commission, now debating its recommendations and slated

Iran would not prevent Syria from pursuing peace with Israel, Moustapha said, despite Iran’s rejection of Israel’s existence. “It’s not this bizarre image of Syria and Iran, two countries in isolation toward the rest of the world and entrenched in one position,” he said. “We respect that Iran has its own national interests to look for, to sustain and to promote, and they respect that we have our own national interests to promote.” Moustapha dismissed the demand that Syria drop its support for Hezbollah and Hamas as “details” and “pretexts.” “Once there is a context for peace, the whole paradigm will change,” he said. Malley, the former Clinton administration negotiator, said it was unrealistic to expect Syria to abandon the terrorist groups, but said re-engagement could persuade Damascus “to use its leverage with Hezbollah and Hamas in constructive ways.” The debate comes as there are pressures in Israel from top officials--including Defense Minister Amir Peretz and Amos Yadlin, the military intelligence chief--to at least feel out Syria. Engaging Syria could weaken the axis between Iran and the terrorist groups it sponsors, said Shlomo Aronsohn, a Hebrew University political scientist. “If you succeed in removing Bashar Assad,” the Syrian dictator, “from his current role supporting Hamas and Hezbollah, we may have a strategic breakthrough,” Aronsohn said. Satloff, the Washington Institute director, suggested that the reverse was true-engaging the Palestinians would further isolate Syria, which in turn might moderate Assad. He hailed Olmert for employing just such a strategy in offering last week to restart negotiations with the relatively moderate Palestinian Authority president, Mahmoud Abbas.

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

The Gift That Keeps on Giving A grant from the C.M. “Nick” Newman Bequest Fund, enabled this newspaper to undertake a press trip to Israel, covering stories that do not ordinarily appear in the Jewish Press. A separate grant from the Special Donor-advised Fund of the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation funded the Press’ “Reception for Nebraskans in Israel,” paying for the food costs as well as for Nebraska tshirts and caps for all the attendees. Without these grants, the Jewish Press would not have had the funds for either of these. In fact, grants from a number of different community funds have paid for important “extras” in the Press budget. During the last 18 months, we’ve written requests for and received funds from: • the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation for a college editorial intern; • the Special Donor-advised Fund of the Jewish Federation Foundation for matching funds for that position; • the Nick Newman Fund for participation in the biannual American Jewish Press Association’s business conference for our Advertising Manager and Ad Executive; • the Ann Woskoff Schulman Fund for our Nov. 10 Literary Supplement published by the National Foundation for Jewish Culture; • the Morton A. Richards Youth Fund for sponsorship of our monthly Teen Age page; • another grant from the Special Donoradvised Fund of the Foundation to purchase a

“silver” replacement reel of the first year-anda-half of Jewish Press issues, from December 1920-March 1922, to be used as a test for possible digitization of this newspaper; • and funds from the Herbert Goldsten Fund, two Special Donor-advised Funds of the Foundation, and the Shirley and Leonard Goldstein Supporting Foundation for the spring 2006 exhibit in the Jewish Community Center Gallery: “Front Page: 85 Years of Jewish Press History.” All in all, the Press has received nearly $25,000 in the past 18 months to accomplish these projects. And these grants have enabled this paper to purchase an oversize scanner and new digital camera. While writing grant requests is no easy task, the results--as you can see--have enormous benefits. None of this would be possible without the backing of the board and staff of the Jewish Federation Foundation, especially its Executive Director Marty Ricks. His support of this newspaper is unparalleled according to reports from colleagues across the country. He has helped grow the Foundation’s assets to more than $75 million under his leadership, making it the second highest per capita Jewish community foundation in the country after Cleveland. The Foundation board, too, is always looking after the interests of local Jewish agencies and institutions, urg-

ing friends, business associates and family members to create lasting legacies. To ensure that the programs and projects close to your heart can continue into the future, pick up the phone today and call Marty Ricks at 402.334.6440. There are only a few weeks left in the calendar year to establish a fund, get tax benefits, and make a Hanukkah gift to the community that will keep on giving, long after you’re gone.

Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman. 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, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Jewish the Committee, 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.

Truth, Justice and the Maccabean Way

FOCUS ON ISSUES by MARLA COHEN And what do you think was going on in the world that needed super heros?” The docent’s question lingered in the exhibition room. Her charges, a group of high school kids visiting the Jewish Museum in Manhattan did what kids do when put on the spot. They looked at the ceiling, at their shoes, but not at the docent. The exhibit was on comic books, more specifically, “super heros: Good and Evil in American Comics,” an exhibit of more than 70 works dating from the late 1930s through the late ‘50s, the heyday of the comic book. Surely a bunch of teens could find something to say about comic book heroes. One tentatively pushed up his hand. “World War II?” “Right,” she replied. But I thought her response and the answer stopped short. This is an exhibit of superhero artwork, paired with a larger exhibit of comic book art in an adjacent room. The works on display in both rooms focus on the Jewish artists of the genre and in the superhero show, on the creators of the likes of Superman, Batman, the Green Lantern, Captain American and the Avenger, to name the better known. If anyone needed a superhero to right the world’s injustices in the late ‘30s and early ‘40s, when most of the super heros we’re familiar with were “born,” it was the Jews. And who would know that better than the artists who created these fighters for truth, justice and the American way? Most of the artists whose work was on display had been born into immigrant families, only a generation removed from Europe’s pogroms. Not wishing to fall prey to an overstatement of Jewish influence, it’s amazing nonetheless that, as a group these guys, gave us the characters that became American icons. Much has been said of the super heros’ “biographies” and the parallels to the immigrant experience. The superhero is always an outsider, with alter

egos that fits into mainstream society. There are parallels to our own folklore. What is a golem, but a handcrafted savior of the Jewish people? And if you scratch a little deeper, the Jewish Museum is happy to point out parallels to the Torah. The museum notes that Superman--created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Schuster, sons of immigrants born in Cleveland--bears a passing resemblance to Moses. Superman, whose given name on Krypton is Kal-El (all that is God), is sent to Earth in a small, solitary vessel--a spaceship-and is adopted, not unlike the baby Moses who in his basket is rescued by Pharaoh’s daughter. Out of the reeds, into the oil When the days grow colder and the light decreases, the heroes that spring most readily to mind are the ones who defied Hellenization --or as we’d call it today, “assimilation”--and went on to lead a rebellion against the Syrian Greeks ruled by Antiochus. In the year 164 B.C.E., after three years of battle, the Jews succeeded in overthrowing their oppressor and cleansed the holy Temple. Any child weaned on the eight nights of Hanukkah lights knows the basics of the story and can tell you that the miracle of the oil is supplanted by the miracle of the victory. That a tiny army, led by the Hasmonean family of Mattathias and his son Judah could defeat a much mightier army is the real miracle. And so the Maccabees--who struck like hammers--became a type of superhero. They represent all good, all the time. They fought for our rights, so that we could be Jews, and we will ignore the pesky details of how many Hellenizing Jews they did away in their battle. “I want to be a Maccabee soldier, brave and bold,” the refrain from a song learned in nursery school, is what stays with us. Hero today, gone tomorrow Maccabees, like the super heros on display at the Jewish Museum, which continues through Jan. 28, 2007, fight against injustice, know where they stand against tyranny, and aren’t afraid of taking the unpopular position. Their alter ego is that of priests, but we remember them today primarily as victorious warriors.

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern

The world has often viewed Jews as a pariah, vilifying and persecuting us throughout history. It doesn’t seem surprising to me that the creators of the original superhero comics were men whose families had fled Europe. Nor does it come as a surprise that Superman went to battle in the pages of Marvel comics against Hitler and Mussolini a full year before the United States entered World War II. Today, most Jews in this country lead lives of abundance and comfort. We must be accepted here, or certainly we couldn’t be marrying non-Jews at the high rates that we do. Jewish culture, if not Judaism itself, is mainstream, part of the pop cultural landscape. So what kind of hero do we get today? Perhaps the one we need, the vilely antiSemitic anti-hero, Borat, played by the reportedly Shabbat-observant comedian Sasha Baron Cohen. Playing a journalist from Kazakhstan, Cohen’s gift is getting others to reveal their views about Jews. On his “Da Ali G Show,” Borat gets a rancher in Texas to say that the “Final Solution was necessary for Germany.” The Rev. James Broadwater, running for the Republican congressional primary in Mississippi in 2004, told Borat that Jews would “go to Hell.” And one of Borat’s real talents is getting people in the middle of our great country to sing along to his song, “Throw the Jew Down the Well.” For young Jews, Borat is ironic and hilarious, while their parents may feel that he’s simply offensive. Whether Cohen is making a point or just being provocative is open to debate. But the end result of his “interviews” isn’t. It’s not news that anti-Semitism still abounds. But we American Jews take our acceptance in society for granted, much like the Hellenizers of Judah Maccabee’s day did. Most of us expect to and do live a pretty good life. But the lessons of history, from the very real Maccabees to the very fictional Superman battling the Axis powers, say we shouldn’t. Of course Maccabees are real and Superman is not, any kid can tell you that. But it’s what Borat reveals that makes you pause and think. Marla Cohen is the editor of the Rockland Jewish Reporter, New York.

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., 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.; $36 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. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to: jpress@jewishomaha. org.

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New Reform Torah Commentary Provides Lessons of Matriarchy

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by RABBI HARA PERSON NEW YORK (JTA) -- The Torah teaches us to revere our mother and father (Lev. 19:3). This mitzvah is embedded within the Holiness Code. In observing it, we achieve holiness, as well as the wholeness of learning from the wisdom of both our patriarchy and our matriarchy. A new Torah commentary written by women, The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, currently in progress at the URJ Press, does just that. With significant help from Women of Reform Judaism, this Torah commentary-- which includes the work of women scholars, clergy and poets--is meant to complement and supplement what has gone before, not to replace. The goal of this project is to place women’s voices alongside the male voices of our tradition. When women join the conversation, new ways of studying the text emerge that add depth to the experience for students of Torah. Familiar tales are reframed, new understandings surface, and traditional readings are challenged. The women in the text become not simply secondary characters, but primary in their own right. The story of Yehudah and Tamar in Genesis 38, for example, becomes no

longer just one episode in the life of Judah, but rather a complete and rich tale about insights into broken promises, being a childless widow in biblical society, and the avenues of redress that were open to women. When Reuven sleeps with his father’s concubine Bilhah, we read the incident not only as a part of the larger Ya’acov and Yosef narratives, but also as a story about male and female power, and the nexus of sexuality, jealousy, anger and revenge. to References biology are not skipped over or left unexplored. Though the women of the Bible may have heard God’s voice, or lived lives of heroic struggle, like all women they also bled and nursed and gave birth and dealt with infertility and the fear of rape. Whereas these details may be mentioned only in passing in the text, and may be only minor events in the big picture of the biblical narrative, they are recognized as potential windows into women’s lives. We also take note of the ways in which the texts treat the generic female body. We study the laws about a woman being taken by force, the laws surrounding birth and menstruation, the laws of purity and contamination. From these questions we gain insights into the lives of our

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: I can’t begin to tell you how moved I was by Joan Marcus’s article “An Adoption Story: ‘Call Me Ima’ in the Nov. 10 Jewish Press. Before moving from Omaha to Sun City five-and-ahalf years ago, I was a volunteer Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and served on three different foster care review boards (FCRB) for five years. I’ve been on a foster care review board for five years here and also serve on the state (policy making) board. The FCRB reviews the cases of all children in foster care to make sure that none of these cases fall through the cracks. We hear stories of horrendous abuse and neglect of our most vulnerable citizens and are well aware of Reactive Attachment Disorder. Far too many of the cases we review involve children who disrupt both foster and adoptive placements. The story of Sarah and Abby Schondelmeyer brought tears to my eyes and hope in my heart for Abby’s future. For her to be able to put into writing that she loves Ima shows just how far Sarah’s love, devotion and tenacity have paid off. Linda Priesman Smith Sun City, Arizona To the Editor: Though gone from Omaha physically now for nearly 12 years, I have stayed in touch via the Jewish Press; and, every now and then, there is a story that really hits me. The news that Temple Israel is looking at being part of a “Tri-Faith Campus” was one of those stories. Once again, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel is speaking volumes about his compassionate and open-minded leadership through action. Way back when, Judy and I worked with rabbi and a North Omaha Church and its leadership--an all African-American Church--to establish “The Lord’s Vineyard.” It was a cooperative garden project that brought our congregations together with sweat, labor, and increased love and understanding. This move toward a “Tri-Faith Campus” resonates with the same forward and positive thinking. It is not rhetoric --it is action. It is awesome to see Rabbi Azriel and Temple Israel still work hard to bring about peace, harmony and understanding through its actions. Right on! Barry Siff Boulder, CO

ancestors as well as into our own. We ask what tools women had to work with in order to become active participants in the narrative, and the ways in which power and powerlessness motivate actions. Tamar used clothing to hide her identity and seduce her father-in-law in order to get what was rightfully hers. Rivka used clothing and food to help Ya’acov trick Yitzhak. What do these motifs teach us about women’s lives in ancient times, and now? How are biblical characters forced to act when their access to power is limited, and what light does this shed on contemporary human behavior? Names and namelessness are a topic that can teach us about kinship relationships, the relative importance of the sons or husbands of these women, and their roles in the narrative. Why is Esau’s wife, Adah, named when so many other wives are nameless? Why are Noah’s wife and Lot’s wife unnamed, despite their important roles? Why are the daughters of Zelophehad named? Why is Aaron’s wife Elisheva, who seemingly plays no role in any story, given a name? Last month, we previewed the commentary through WRJ’s Parshat Chayei Sarah program, in which more than 10,000 participants throughout North America in nearly 300 Reform synagogues engaged in Torah study. Women

The study of Torah by women...is not meant to compete, but rather to complete...

and men alike had the opportunity to discuss this portion that both details the death of our matriarch Sarah and introduces us to Rivka. During this study of the Torah portion of Chayei Sarah, as seen through the eyes of women, provocative questions were addressed and we will perhaps all begin to gain a new perspective on the role of women in the Bible. When women study Torah and create commentary, we become partners with God, who invites us into this sacred dialogue of text study. When women study Torah, we take our rightful place in a sacred dialogue. We declare that the lives of the women of the Torah matter, and thus that our lives and our concerns matter too. The study of Torah by women, and the writing of Torah commentary by women, is not meant to compete, but rather to complete the richness of the Torah study that has come before. In order to truly be a holy community before God, we must revere both the mothers and the fathers of our tradition. We must listen to the whole raucous spectrum of voices, not limit our own possibilities for holiness based solely on gender identification. Inspired by the cacophony of diverse voices, we are able to inch ever closer toward wholeness, and thus to holiness. Rabbi Hara Person is Editor-in-chief at Union for Reform Judaism Press.

Identify, Discredit and Neutralize Anti-Israel Advocates

ANOTHER POINT OF VIEW by RABBI JONATHAN GROSS The threat that Israel faces to its very existence is not only fought with Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. Since the inception of the Jewish state, Israel has been engaged in a propaganda war. The stakes--world opinion and international support. The weapons - media, literature, and activists. Recently I attended a lecture given to a group of Omaha clergy who meet on a monthly basis. The topic was “Palestinian Perspectives”. In my opinion, the lecture was a diatribe about the evils of Israel and the advocacy for the so-called “one state solution” to the Middle East conflict, i.e. a call for the end of the Jewish State. The speaker lives and works in Omaha. In my view, his job is to speak wherever he is invited and to spew lies and propaganda against Israel, advocating for its destruction. I find that his open hostility towards Israel is immediately apparent, but his lies are not so apparent to his audiences. The rhetoric of misinformation employed to indict Israel includes the distortion of facts, revisionist history, the omission of significant details, fabricated and inflated statistics, and other blatant falsehoods. Worse yet, he insists that there is moral equivalency between the IDF protecting civilians and Palestinian suicide killers targeting civilians. His overall message is clear--the very idea of a Jewish State is a racist concept and the only true road to piece is the end of Israel. These kinds of “community lectures” are not unique to Omaha. Organizations, such as The Palestine Right of Return Coalition (PRRC), also known as Al-Awda

(the Return in Arabic), are a division of the so-called International Solidarity Movement (ISM) a well known activist group whose mission is to provide the seemingly non-violent support for Palestinian terrorism against Israel and to spread propaganda around the world. Their representatives are articulate, well trained, well educated and often credentialed. In their own words, they have launched the “electronic intafada” a battle of ideas to curry world opinion in their favor. We need to be informed and familiar with the real facts about the conflict. Our points must be succinct and cogent, and we have to be prepared for the false arguments and lies that will be employed. To do this, we need to read books like The Case For Israel and Why Terrorism Works by Alan Dershowitz, From Time Immemorial: The Origins of the Arab-Jewish Conflict over Palestine by Joan Peters, and Myths and Fact: A Guide to the Arab-Israeli Conflict by Mitchell Geoffrey Bard. We have to attend programs in the Jewish community such as Eye on Israel and other informative Israel events at the JCC and in the synagogues. And of course, we all have to find a time to get to Israel whether through a mission or otherwise, to see the facts on the ground for ourselves. In the wake of the Holocaust, there was no need to argue on behalf of the existence of the state of Israel. In the 21st century we are now facing a new challenge. The world must relearn the importance of Israel, but in order for that to happen the Jewish people have to be strong in their own conviction. A century ago, there was no state of Israel and our predecessors worked to turn the 2000 year old dream of return into a reality. Our job is to ensure that the dream of our predecessors endures forever.

In the wake of the Holocaust, there was no need to argue on behalf of the existence of the state of Israel. In the 21st century we are now facing a new challenge.

Rabbi Jonathan Gross is the senior rabbi at Omaha’s Beth Israel Synagogue.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the closing of the Jewish Press office on Monday, Dec. 25, and Monday, Jan. 1, there are early deadlines as follows: for the Dec. 29 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 20, 9 a.m., for all ads, articles and photos; for the Jan. 5 issue, the deadline is Wednesday, Dec. 27. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, December 8, 4:37 p.m.

Synagogue Listings

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Tuffy Epstein answering the question, “What’s This Klezmer Thing All About?

Beth El Synagogue

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

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

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m. Members of USY will conduct services; Kiddush is sponsored by Beth El; Shabbat Tunes & Tales, 11:15-11:45 a.m., Monthly sing-along program led by Patty Nogg is open to all Jewish children (up to age five), their parents and grandparents, free of charge; Mincha/ Ma’ariv, 4:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Bible Discussion Group, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, 10 a.m., with Susi FrydmanLevin; “The Weekly Parasha: It’s All About Me?!,” 10 a.m., led by Andy Greenberg; “Jewish Pot Pourri,” 11 a.m., led by Frydman-Levin. W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. THURSDAYS, noon: Rabbi Levin leads Getting More Out of Prayer: Insights into the Siddur. WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP: Monday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m., at the synagogue; women in the Jewish community are welcome. MOTHERS CIRCLE: Monthly class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, continues Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. and is open to the community, free of charge. For information, contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org. BESTT/MEN’S CLUB HANUKKAH LATKE PARTY: Sunday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. to noon. BESTT CHAVERIM: Will enjoy sports activities at the JCC this Sunday, 3-5 p.m. Open to all Jewish children in grades 4-6, free of charge. RSVP to Robert Mosenkis at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org. HANUKKAH HOEDOWN: Friday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m., following Kabbalat Shabbat. Adults, $12.50, children (6-12) $8.50, children five and under, free. For reservations, contact Margie Gutnik.

B’nai Israel Synagogue

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 southstreettemple.org

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

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

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others! YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:37 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Kiddush sponsored by Rabbi Jonathan and Sara Gross in honor of the visit of David and Sandy Gross; Mincha, 12:41 p.m.; Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:42 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel follows breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Gift Shop will open from 9 a.m.-noon; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m. MONDAY: Lunch & Learn with Rabbi Gross, noon, “Make a Note of it: The Role of the Musical Cantilations in Understanding the Torah.” Rabbi Gross will share the presentation he made as part of the Klutznick Symposium. Make a reservation for the $5 soup and sandwich lunch; The Kosher Kitchen, “We Are What We Eat?” at 8 p.m. at the home of Liat Shyken. TUESDAY: “End of Life Issues,” lecture with Rabbi Nadel, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Nadel has recently been certified by the New York Organ Donors Society and the Halachic Organ Donors Society as a Rabbinic consultant on organ donation. WEDNESDAY: Beth Israel Board Meeting, 6 p.m. at the JCC. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m. Make your reservations for the Dec. 15 Hanukkah Lunch!

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Services at the Blumkin Home, 9 a.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Brian Bornstein and Christie Emler. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple. WEDNESDAY: LJCS Hebrew class (grades 2-8), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, Dec. 10 and 17, 7 p.m. Maimonides. This two session course will introduce and explore Maimonides’ ideas and philosophy and how it remains relevant and vibrant for today’s world. HANUKKAH LATKE PARTY/POTLUCK: Celebrate the second night of Hanukkah at Temple on Saturday, Dec. 16, 6 pm. We’ll provide latkes, songs, and dreidls. Bring a dinner item to share, menorah and candles and a wrapped item for children’s gift exchange ($5 value). E-mail tstemple@ neb.rr.com or call at 435.8004 by Dec. 8 to RSVP. Questions? Call Lon Hollibaugh at 488.4338.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m. A 20 minute video broadcast of inspiration; Mishpacha University presents Mishpacha Mornings, 10:1511:45 a.m. A family breakfast and interactive learning experience for parents and children up to age five. For information contact 391.7640, e-mail TippiM@aol. com. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

BAT MITZVAH Sarah Littky, daughter of Felicia and Scott Littky, will become a Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, Dec. 16, at Agudas Achim Congregation in Alexandria, VA. Sarah is a seventh-grade honors student at George Washington Middle School in Alexandria, VA. Her interests include science,

TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle-Tehillim & More, 9 a.m. Kabbalah WEDNESDAY: Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. All events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call www. 330.1800 or visit Ochabad.com.

Chamber Orchestra, drawing and working with preschoolers. For her mitzvah project, Sarah is collecting in-kind donations for the Animal Welfare League of Arlington. She has a brother, Avi. Grandparents are Sarita and David Cooper.

OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Marti Nerenstone & Beyt Shalom Congregation.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet will lead the service. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. Joshua Cohen, son of Marla and Robert Cohen, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Teacher Learning Coffee, 9 a.m.; Religious School (K-6), 10 a.m.-noon; Cradle Roll, 10 a.m.; Men’s Club Speaker, 10 a.m. in the Milder Center. Omaha’s Chief of Police, Thomas

Warren will address police efforts to curb the peaks in violence that have occurred recently in some areas of Omaha and discuss several new initiatives. Join us for bagels and juice. TUESDAY: Congregational Conversation, noon in the Milder Center discussing the Temple Israel Building Project and the Tri-Faith initiative. WEDNESDAY: Grades 3-6, 46 p.m.; Family School, 6-8 p.m.; Grades 7-12, 6-8 p.m. with Bible Quiz and Dinner at the JCC. LIFELONG LEARNING TUESDAY, DEC. 12: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30–8 p.m. THURSDAY, Dec. 14: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Azriel, 10-11:30 a.m. FAMILY HANUKKAH DINNER, Friday, Dec. 15, following 6 p.m. Shabbat Service. Bring your own Menorah and candles. Send a check, along with the reservation form to the Temple office. Reservations are due by Friday, Dec. 8. No telephone reservations will be accepted. Cost is $9.50 for Adults, $5 for children Grade 6 and younger, and no charge for children 2 years and younger.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg. SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. SUNDAY: LJCS Grades 2-7, 9:30 a.m.-noon at Tifereth Israel; K-1, 9:45 a.m.-12:15 p.m. and Hallah High, 10 a.m.noon at South Street Temple; Kadima/USY Meeting, 12:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; LJCS Hebrew class (grades 2-8), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. ADULT EDUCATION Monday and Thursday evenings, 7-9 p.m. Beginning Hebrew, Siddur, and Chumash: Feeling Knowledgeable and Comfortable at Services with Rabbi Shaffin. SUNDAY, Dec. 17: The Lincoln Jewish Community School will hold its Annual School Hanukkah party, 11:30 a.m. Students will present a concert of Hanukkah favorites. There will be arts and crafts, dreidel games, and sufganiyot for all to enjoy. The Annual Synagogue Hanukkah party begins at 12:30 p.m. and includes lunch.

PERSONAL I would like to express my deepest gratitude and appreciation for all the support and prayers from my friends and family. Thank you for your cards and contributions. With all your help, I know that I will get well. Bess Bergman

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

December 8, 2006

Blessed Be the Lightening

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayishlah It isn’t often that American history or world history is referred to directly in one or another Biblical passage. But if you will read the fourth chapter of Judges, you will find a clear and direct reference to Barak. If you continue and say “Barack Obama,” you might mean Barak who is a principal character on the stage of American or world history (you might have preferred to say bimah instead of bamah, but both words, I think, can be used for the grand stage of history). Now Barak in the Bible has an interesting name. His name means “lightening.” It may simply be that the infant’s slide down the birth canal was so rapid that his mother named him “Lightening.” Now Deborah, who was the chief judge and military leader of the Israelites along about the 11th century BCE, was faced with an onslaught of Canaanites under Sisera, who, like his great-great-great grandson

Ahmadinejad, threatened to wipe Israel off the map. She recruited Barak to defend Israel. Barak was totally successful and he is credited with preserving Israelite independence through his astonishing defeat of the Canaanites. What this has to do with Barack Obama (come now, don’t bother with little things like spelling), we leave to the reader to determine. I cannot refrain from astonishment at the hundreds of times in Jewish history that the Israelites (later, Jews) were confronted with total destruction and escaped. Military men will accredit these victories to astute military maneuvers. But all the rest of us do not hesitate to see the finger of God in preserving Israel. It would do well for Ahmadinejad to read over this history carefully. His own name may well be added to a long list which includes Haman and Titus. If Sisera, the Canaanite, who fell to Barak, begins the list, might Ahmanijedad not bring up the list to its end, at least for our generation? No, Barak is not the same root as Baruh. Barak simply means, as we have said, “lightening,” not “blessed.” But this will not prevent us from saying that Barak was also blessed, that is to say, “thanked,” for the activity for which he is cited in the Bible.

• Leaders of three Jewish streams launched a “national consultation” with the Presbyterians in the wake of differences over the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Rev. Clifton Kirkpatrick, who heads the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Rabbi Jerome Epstein, the Conservative movement's executive vice president; Carl Sheingold, the Reconstructionist movement's executive vice president; and Reform President Rabbi Eric Yoffie met last week in Louisville at the Presbyterian Center. The principal focus was the Presbyterian Church’s decision this year to roll back Israel divestment initiatives. “We discussed frankly and openly our different

ROBERT ARONSON Robert Aronson died on Nov. 28 in Oak Park, CA, of pancreatic cancer at the age of 55. Memorial services were held Nov. 30 at Mount Sinai in Simi Valley, CA. He is survived by his children, Tom, Jon and Molly Aronson; fiancé Patti Jo Wolfson, of Agoura Hills, CA; his father and stepmother, Harvey and Phyllis Aronson; and sisters, Nancy Somberg of San Diego, and Patti Kramish of Denver, CO. Memorials to PanCAN, the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network online at www.pancan.org or to PanCan at 2141 Rosecrans Avenue, Suite 70000, El Segundo, CA 90245.

1439 So. 13th 341-2452

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perceptions of the situation in the region and found some ways to begin working together in this area that has most divided us in the past,” a joint statement said. The leaders affirmed “that peace for Israel and the Palestinians should be built on the foundations of security, justice, and the establishment of two viable states.” Yoffie said, “It would be a mistake to say that we’re at exactly the same place on Israel. But the significant differences that generated so much anger in the Jewish community have been addressed, so we are all at this point anxious to move on.” • Hamas can run a violent intifada even while in power, and will not act against armed Palestinian groups, its leaders said. The terrorist group’s supreme leader, Khaled Meshaal, told Lebanese media Tuesday that Hamas can continue to direct violence against Israel, and that the current cease-fire in the Gaza Strip is merely a tactic. He added that even if a two-state solution to the conflict is implemented, Palestinian violence will continue as long as Israel sits on “occupied” land. Speaking separately Tuesday at a refugee camp in Syria, Palestinian Authority Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said the Hamas-led government encourages Palestinian violence against Israel, and would never act against terrorist groups that attack Israel.

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JTA NEWS BRIEFS • An Israeli government audit criticized the military high command for lack of training. State Comptroller Micha Lindenstrauss published his long-awaited report Monday on the condition of the Israel Defense Forces, though the findings predated the recent Lebanon war. Lindenstrauss said top brass suffers from insufficient training, with more than two-thirds of brigadier-generals and major-generals not having completed the required courses at th National Command College. He also rapped the army for not keeping proper logs of weapons stores and no expediting investigations into female conscripts’ complaints of sexual harassment. The IDF said it was studying th report.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

by JILL SEDARIS You don’t have to be a mother or a daughter to come join the fun at Chabad of Nebraska’s Hanukkah Bakeoff. Come decorate cookies and enjoy holiday music on Monday, Dec. 11, 6:30-8:30 p.m., in the Ed Rosen kitchen at Chabad House. It’s all part of the fun preparing for Hanukkah which starts on Friday, Dec. 15. This program costs just $4 and is open to all women in the Jewish community, ages seven to 97! For more information, call Carol at 330.1800.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax: 402.334.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; or log on to www.jewishomaha.org and click on ‘Jewish Press’, and then Submit announcements. Callthe Press office at 402.334.6448 for more information.

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Winners of Jewish Press Annual Hanukkah Coloring Contest Win Memberships to Omaha Children’s Museum by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press With a record number of entries this year--62 in all-it was difficult for the staff of the Jewish Press to make a decision. In the end, the clever drawing of “Gimelman” by eight-year-old Zev Randone was selected as the winner. The son of Eve and Jarred Randone, Zev will receive a Family-Plus membership to the Omaha Children’s Museum, a $75 value. Runners-up are Lila Ferber, age 11, daughter of Dr. Jenni Schlossman and Jeff Ferber; Ariel Kohll, age 11, daughter of Ivy Lynn Kohll and the late Louis Kohll; and Jenny Libov, age nine, daughter of Marina and

had actually used the Jewish Press Coloring Contest as an assignment in all his religious school classes. An artist himself, Christensen urged his students to work in other media. His students used colored construction paper, photos cut out from magazines, popsicle sticks, markers and crushed wrapping paper to create an artistic collection of hanukkiot (Hanukkah menorahs), Hanukkah greetings and the like. This year’s contest included entires from: Alex Belgrade, age seven; Zachary Belgrade, age seven; Cooper Clark, age six; Jackson Clark, age six; Catherine Cox, age six; Benny Dietrich, age 10; Connor Dietrich, age 11; Lauren Dietrich, age six;

Gabe Levin, age 12; Nadia Levitova, age 10; Daniel Levy, age eight; Jacob Levy, age 10; Samuel Lieb, age nine; Olivia Nogg, age seven; Tomer Palmon, age eight; Alexandra Pichik, age nine; Natalie Pichik, age six; Ethan Potash, age 10; Benjamin Raffel, age six; Julia Raffel, age six; Gavin Rogers, age eight; Mallory Rogers, age 11; Jessica Shandell, age nine; Ethan Shrago, age seven; Jake Simon, age eight; Ben Snyder, age nine; Jacob Spivack, age eight; Aaron Stein, age 11; Emilie Stein, age eight; Hannah Stein, age six; Joshua Stein, age six; Matt Stein, age 11; Samantha Sullivan, age seven; Halle Unger, age 11; Max Weiner, age nine; Elisa Wiener,

Runners-up for the Jewish Press Annual Hanukkah Coloring Contest are: Lila Ferber, age 11, daughter of Dr. Jenni Schlossman and Jeff Ferber; Ariel Kohll, age 11, daughter of Ivy Lynn Kohll and the late Louis Kohll; andJenny Libow, age nine, daughter of Marina and Dmitry Libov. Dmitry Libov. They will receive regular family memberships to the OCM, valued at $60 apiece. Zev’s drawing is featured on the front page of Section Two of this week’s Jewish Press; smaller versions of drawings by Lila, Ariel and Jenny are pictured above. The Press staff was surprised by the large increase in entires until it was learned that Daniel Christensen, a teacher at BESTT--Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah--

Noah Eckles, age seven; Claire Edelman, age six; Alec Epstein, age nine; Calista Epstein, age seven; Melissa Epstein, age 11; Whitney Feidman, age seven; Jason Gallagher, age eight; Aliya Jabenis, age eight; Zach Kahn, age 11; Allyson Kavich, age seven; Jacob Kirshenbaum, age six; Andrew Klein, age 10; Jacob Klein, age eight; Noah Kohll, age 11; Sophie Leona Kohll, age four; Sarah Kutler, age nine; Joshua Kurtzman, age seven; Adam Lehman, age six;

age nine; Samantha Wiener, age 11; Matthew Wiesman, age 11; Aaron Zipursky, age 11; and Naomi Zipursky, age 11. Next year’s Hanukkah issue will be published on the Friday following Thanksgiving, Nov. 23, 2007, as Hanukkah starts on Dec. 4. This year, this first candle is lit on Friday night, Dec. 15. Parents may pick up their children’s drawings at the Press office during regular business hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Temple to Celebrate Hanukkah by Welcoming Darfurian Refugees by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Refugees from Omaha’s Darfur community will attend Temple Israel’s Shabbat services on Friday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m., the first night of Hanukkah. A traditional brisket and latkes dinner (as well as a vegetarian option) will follow. Temple’s choir, Kol Rina, will add to the joyful mood of the worship service. There will be additional singing of traditional Hanukkah melodies at the dinner in the Friedman Social Hall. Everyone is requested to bring a menorah and candles to be lit at the dinner. “The Darfurian Muslim community reminds us of similar circumstances the Maccabees experienced,” pointed out Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. “Few in numbers, the Darfurians are trying to survive in a time of darkness in their lives as refugees. It’s our responsibility to bring the message of the Maccabees to the Darfurian community--the message of hope, courage, and physical and spiritual survival. Jews have lived as refugees throughout history. Now is the time to open our arms to the Darfurians--if not now, when?” Dinner reservations and checks are due on Friday, Dec. 8. Adult dinners are $9.50 each; child meals are $5 each. There is no charge for children two and younger. The dinner is sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism-Omaha. Along with welcoming the Darfurian community to Temple, the congregation will be participating in a tzedakah project on behalf of Heartland Refugee Resettlement, an organization that assists immigrants in Omaha. Items being col-

lected include four place settings of drinking glasses, forks, spoons, and knives; several sizes of plates and soup bowls; two kettles, a large stew pot; a teapot; a frying pan; a large knife; a paring knife, three plastic containers; potholders; a container of dish soap; two dishcloths; a can of scouring cleanser; and a large new garbage container into which all of the above can be placed. All or even some of the kitchen items can be brought to the Hanukkah dinner or dropped off at Temple prior to Dec. 15. Mimi Silverman, chair of the Temple Israel task force that has been working with Heartland Refugee Resettlement, which assists refugees of all nationalities financially for a limited time and helps them find housing, said there are 50 to 100 refugees from Darfur in Omaha. “As Jews in Omaha, we need to be concerned about the refugee situation,” she said. According to Silverman, the federal government is directing many refugees from Darfur and other areas to Omaha due to the availability of jobs and housing here. “We can’t ignore the situation” Silverman emphasized. “We need to help them as best we can. Today’s refugees will affect Omaha’s future.”

Shalom, Pardner! Saddle Up and Head to Beth El’s First-ever Hanukkah Hoedown by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Round up your family and friends and mosey over to Beth El Synagogue’s firstever rip-roarin’ Hanukkah Hoedown on Friday, Dec. 15, 6 p.m., following Kabbalat Shabbat services. Lasso yourself some delicious vittles, (including vegetarian options) along with all the mouthwatering fixin’s. “You just can’t beat Lucy’s southern fried chicken, and our traditional latkes and applesauce that will please the palate-and that’s not all!” remarked Beth El’s Program Director Margie Gutnik, who is coordinating the dinner. “What hoedown would be complete without some down-home fun? You

won’t want to miss our family entertainment, a fabulous magician sure to put a smile on everyone’s faces, young and old -- and we’ll also be handing out great grab-bag gifts for every child. What better way to spend a cold December night than with the warmth of celebrating Hanukkah with family, friends, fabulous food and fun?” she asked. Cost is $12.50 for cowboys and gals; $8.50 for little cowpokes (6-12); and free for sprouts age five and younger. Reservations are needed by Dec. 11 and may be made by mailing a check to Beth El (be sure to indicate how many people are in your party), 14506 California St., Omaha, NE 68154. There will be good eats and fun for all ages.

Summer Experiential Learning Program for Palestinian, Jewish, and Israeli Students by ORLI FRIDMAN For Abraham's Vision The Vision Program )is currently considering applications from Jewish, Palestinian, and Israeli college students (irrespective of citizenship) for a 4-week experiential learning trip to the former Yugoslavia. The program is partially funded but opportunities for full funding are available. Traveling together in Serbia, Kosovo, and BosniaHerzegovina, students will engage in an intensive comparative conflict analysis program that educates them about the Balkan wars of the 1990s, explores analytical connections with the IsraeliPalestinian conflict, and allows students to reflect on their own relationship to

both conflicts as well as to one another. We are accepting applications from students who identify as Palestinian and/or Jewish and are currently attending a four year college/university in any of the following cities: Ann Arbor (MI), Boston, East Lansing (MI), Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, and Washington, DC. The 2007 Vision Program application has been available online since Nov. 1 and will be due Jan. 15, 2007. Learn more about the 2007 Summer Program: http://abrahamsvision.pmailus.com. For more information, please contact one of the Vision Program Co-Directors Ziad Abu-Rish ziad@abrahamsvision.org or me at: orli@abrahamsvision.org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Four-Generation Western-Wear Business Still Thriving After 70 years

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popular, Wolf Brothers would sponsor free horse shows at Skyline Ranch, and an annual free square dance at the Ak-Sar-Ben Riding Club. During AkSar-Ben rodeos, the store had given away more than 50 saddles and sterling silver belt buckles. In 1958, Kirshenbaum moved across the street to 506 So. 16 St., in the Aquila Court Building. He found within the next couple of years, that the downtown area was beginning to decline, while at the same time, shopping centers were coming into vogue. His business was then moved to 201 So. 72nd, where he divided his store into two sections; one for ladies’ clothes, and the other half for the western attire. After a few years, he bought the building at 7001 Dodge, and moved the western store to that location. He reported that business was very good in women’s apparel, and opened a junior store called “Joey’s Girls” next to his ladies’ store.

NEXT GENERATION IN BUSINESS by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES

You won’t find real covered wagons or cattle rustlers in front of Wolf Brothers Western Store at 7001 Dodge Street, but you will notice a few painted pseudostore fronts on the building, reminiscent of the days of Wyatt Earp. This familyowned business has brought the flavor and fervor of the Old West to one of Omaha’s busiest commercial areas. When you enter the store, you can browse among both men’s and women’s top-quality western wear--a plethora of rhinestone-trimmed shirts, boots, belts, and cowboy hats. Additionally, for the serious horseman, there are saddles and other riding equipment and accessories available. Wolf Brothers is Omaha’s oldest familyowned, men’s and women’s store, according to Joe Kirshenbaum, co-owner, along with his two sons, Tom and Dick, and Tom’s son, Matt. I had the pleasure of visiting with Joe Kirshenbaum, who provided an in-depth history and chronology of the business, beginning back in the mid-1930s. At that time, it was originally owned and operated by brothers Joe and Sam Wolf, at 14th and Douglas Sts. In 1936, The Wolf Brothers owners: Tom, left, Joe and Matt Joe Wolf sold out his interest Kirshenbaum; not pictured, Dick Kirshenbaum. to Sam, and in 1948, Sam moved Wolf Brothers Store to 1514 Farnam. “I was working at Natelson’s at the time and Sam asked me, his son-in-law, to work with him,” Kirshenbaum said. “At that time, Wolf Brothers specialized in California-style clothes and western shirts. Sam sold his inventory and location to Bond Clothing Company of New York. I was hired to manage the new Bond Store. Sam then moved the Wolf Brothers store to 507 So. 16th St., next to the Hill Hotel.” Kirshenbaum recalled that, “After a year, Sam wanted to retire, and offered to sell the store to me. It was 15 by 40 feet deep. California-style clothing was not selling well on 16th Street, but we did sell a few western shirts. About that time, square dancing was becoming popular, and there were more calls for western clothes,” he said. “I found a Jewish tailor on North 24th Street, by the name of Zorinsky, who also sold clothing. I sold him my entire inventory, and then put in a complete line of western shirts, boots and hats.” Kirshenbaum discovered that being in close proximity to the Hill, the Rome and the Castle Hotels proved to be a perfect location for his business. “Lots of people who shipped cattle to the stockyards stayed in those hotels,” he reported, “as well as ranchers from South Dakota, Montana, Utah, Wyoming and Colorado, so I got a lot of their business. I went to three or four square dances a week in Nebraska and Iowa, and on weekends, I would go to the horse shows in Nebraska and Iowa, as well. When Tom was six-years-old, we dressed him in western clothes and I took him with me. I became the president of the Ak-Sar-Ben Riding Club, but never rode a horse,” he said, laughing, and added, “I worked with Ak-Sar-Ben on their rodeos and horse races.” It should also be noted that throughout the years when square dancing was

Tom, the third-generation Kirshenbaum, came to the western store in 1972, followed one year later by his brother, Bill. A major setback occurred in 1975, when the tornado destroyed the 7001 Dodge building. “But we rebuilt a much larger store in September of that year,” Joe Kirshenbaum reported, “and put in a saddle and tack department. Since Tom rode horses and was active in horse shows, he was well-versed in saddles and the equipment that went with them. In 1976, we opened a store in the Council Bluffs Shopping Center. Bill managed that store. In 1997, we opened another store in the Westroads Shopping Mall. Bill took over the Westroads store, and Dick, my other son, came back to Omaha from Arizona State, and was put in charge of the Council Bluffs store.” In 1998, the Kirshenbaums opened “Wolf Brothers Boots 4 Less” on 132nd and Center Streets, a store that featured work boots and clothing. Dick left the Council Bluffs store to manage the new one, and Tom’s son, Matt, the fourthgeneration Kirshenbaum, took over the store in Council Bluffs. Over the years, Joe Kirshenbaum observed that western wear had leveled off, and that the rents at the shopping malls were becoming exorbitant. They closed the Council Bluffs store, and Matt went to the Doge Street location to work with his father, Tom. Meanwhile, Bill opened a “Beanie Baby” store at the Westroads, and three “Periwinkle” stores, which featured ladies’ accessories, gifts, and Brighton products, at Westroads, Oakview, and Village Pointe. He then decided he needed to devote full time to the three stores, and Tom and Dick bought out Bill’s interest in Wolf Brothers. “We then closed the Westroads Store and concentrated on the 7001 location, run by Tom and Matt,” Joe Kirshenbaum Continued on page 29

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 29

Four-Generation Western Wear Business Continued from page 28 said. Kirshenbaum describes his son, Tom, as “The only Jewish cowboy in the State of Nebraska.” Tom puts on a quarterhorse show every September in Lincoln, Nebraska, which includes 500-600 horses. “He runs the whole show,” Kirshenbaum said, and added, “He is past president of the Nebraska State Quarterhorse Association, and remains on the Board of Directors.” Kirshenbaum recalls in 1978, Shepler’s opened a western store in Regency. This might have proved to be a formidable competitor to anyone else, but the Kirshenbaums did not back down. “About that time I sold my ladies’ store on 72nd Street, and worked with Tom at the 7001 location. After six years, Shepler’s pulled out of the Omaha area. We were able to keep going and outlast them,” Kirshenbaum remarked, attributing that fact to Wolf Brothers’ positive public image. Tom and his wife, Kate, have another son, Adam, an attorney. He is married to Nikki, and they have two children, Joey and Jordyn. They are members of Temple Israel. Tom and his brothers all attended Westside High School and the University of Nebraska. Matt and his wife, Jennifer, have two daughters, Kathleen, 6, and Laura, 3. They also belong to Temple. Joe Kirshenbaum is now retired and lives in Palm Springs during the winter months, but always returns in the summer to oversee the business. According to his son and grandson, he’s the financial expert of the com-

pany, and helps take care of the money matters. A lot of Tom’s business comes from horsemen in outlying areas. He is actually more into that end of the enterprise, having raised horses for 25 years. He does a lot of direct mail and website communication, which is a big part of his business, and states that all of the employees know the horse industry. Matt takes care of the “boot operation”, and says the Internet has improved that part. In the retail area, he relates to the 25-40 age group. He has spent 10 years in the buying end of men’s western clothing, does the bookkeeping and manages the sales floor. Dick is still in charge of the “Wolf Brothers Boots 4 Less” store. Wolf Brothers not only caters to local trade, and that of farm and ranch communities, but in the past, has also serviced celebrities, including such notables as Johnny Cash, Patsy Cline, Roy Rogers, the Lone Ranger and members of Grand Old Opry. Also, Joe Kirshenbaum was never adverse to opening the store at off hours to accommodate special requests. On one occasion, he opened the store early for a contingent of 80 Japanese visitors so they could buy boots and hats. Another time, he opened outside of regular business hours for 50 Russian delegates visiting Omaha, who wanted western hats. According to Kirshenbaum, “Arthur Godfrey requested a picture of himself in the custom-made boots we

produced for him.” Before Johnny Carson became an icon on the “Tonight Show”, he worked for WOW-TV, and needed western attire for a kids’ program at the Orpheum Theater. Kirshenbaum loaned him a pair of boots whose soles were taped to prevent scuffing, and Carson was cautioned to return them after the show. Kirshenbaum explains, “We were just getting started in the business and couldn’t afford to give them away at that time. But if I had known how famous he was going to be, I’d have been able to sell those boots for a lot of money.” While the Kirshenbaums have been sole owners and operators of the business, they have retained the name of Wolf Brothers, out of deference to the original founders. If, in fact, Joe and Sam Wolf were around today, they would be justly proud and amazed at how the business has expanded and prospered all these years under the leadership of their progeny. Despite changes, relocations and the transitory nature of some of the ancillary shops, Wolf Brothers has remained a steadfast, progressive enterprise, serving a vast clientele. So how does this fourth-generation, family-owned business keep going so strong after 70 years, with no end in sight? The entrepreneurial Kirshenbaums adhere to the simple tenets of their remarkable success and longevity: Keep up with the times and the trends, sell quality merchandise at a fair price, and above all, offer outstanding customer service--the kind that always goes that extra mile.

wish that she had a tree a-shimmer with blue lights, like her best friend. She might wish that her mother made bell-shaped Christmas cookies topped with red and green sprinkles instead of potato pancakes topped with sour cream. And without meaning to, she might find herself humming Christmas carols along with the radio, along with her scout troop, and in music class. For Jewish kids with a musical bent, “O Little Town of Bethlehem” and “The Little Drummer Boy” raised philosophical questions that we were ill-equipped to answer. Imagine a nine-year-old, in music class, wondering if “Adestes Fideles,” because it was rendered in incomprehensible Latin, was as kosher say, as, “Jingle Bells.” And what if some songs, clearly off limits because of their content, had melodies that touched her soul? Should she hum along, should she mouth the words? If she sang everything except Jesus, what would the teacher do? And, worst of all, what would happen if she sang every word--and enjoyed herself ? I was that child, torn between the Christmas music and being Jewish, being special. Alone, the only Jew in the class, I navigated my way through that musical and

religious labyrinth, striking an uneasy balance between conscience and beauty. I hummed, I mouthed, I sang, and I survived. Little did I know then that one day I myself would become a music teacher. Because of my childhood musical agonies, I knew I could never teach Christmas carols, however beautiful, nor could I prepare Christmas pageants or concerts. In fact, I actually left New Jersey for Israel for this reason. Simply put, I was determined to be part of a tribe, nobody special. In my new life, Christmas comes in silence and, except for a few headlines about tourists in Bethlehem, leaves just as quietly. My children, in fact, sabras both, have barely heard any Christmas tunes. But when I hear the occasional carol, I am whisked back again to Mrs. Estok’s fourth grade music room. And once more, religious belief aside, the music overcomes me, and I sing my heart out. Melody Amsel-Arieli is a writer living in Maaleh Adumim, Israel. She is the author of Between Galicia and Hungary: The Jews of Stropkov and can be reached at: goldenjerusalem@yahoo.com or on her website: http://amselbird.tripod.com/.

Jewish Christmas Carols by MELODY AMSEL-ARIELI Growing up in rural New Jersey, we were the only Jewish family for miles around. We were told that we were special, not like our neighbors, who were mostly farmers. But special means different, especially at Christmas time. Simply put, there was a party on, and we were not invited. Religious belief aside, to a child, those halls decked with boughs of holly and gaily decorated Christmas trees were entrancingly beautiful. A ride down Somerville’s Main Street, with its glitzy window displays and glittering garlands of Christmas lights overhead might easily overshadow a week of subdued candle-lighting ceremonies, however meaningful. Though we tried our best to ignore the creche smack in the middle of town, those gentle-eyed cows and sweet little lambs were just so cute. And receiving gifts from your parents, even if there are eight consecutive ones, is somehow not the same as receiving all your heart's desires from a rosy-cheeked Santa leading a sleigh pulled by reindeer. To tell the truth, a Jewish child could get tired of feeling special. Secretly, in her heart of hearts, she might

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Page 30

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

IN THE NEWS Former Omahan Sheldon A. Bernstein, who served as Director of the Omaha Jewish Federation Foundation from 1992-98, recently was isntalled as President of the City of Hope, Ocean Hills Chapter #1527, in Oceanside, CA. wife, Lorrie His Bernstein, was installed as Vice-president. A bequest of $1,962,893 to the City of Hope was presented to Bernstein in honor of his new position. The chapter, started 15 years ago by a small group of seniors, now numbers close to 600. City of Hope, founded in 1913 in Duarte, CA, is a non-sectarian, non-profit science, research and hospital center, dedicated to extensive ongoing medical and surgical research.

“This Is Nebraska,” a locally-produced half hour television show, debuted this month on four Nebraska television stations. Each week, “This Is Nebraska” takes viewers on a journey across the state to show them the people, places and events that make Nebraska truly unique. Each show will feature four to six stories. The driving force behind the show is Barry Kriha, a former television reporter and producer who has worked at KHGI (Kearney), KOLN/KGIN (Lincoln) and KMTV and KETV (Omaha). He got the idea to do the program several years ago and has spent the last year developing and planning the show. The production company he owns, Creative Design Video, is producing the program. “You often hear there is nothing to do in Nebraska or it’s a boring state,” said Kriha. “That’s just not the case. Nebraska has a lot of rich history that people just don’t know about. There are so many interesting stories out there, and this program hopes to bring those to you.”

You can watch “This Is Nebraska” Saturdays, 5:30 a.m. on KTIV in Sioux City, Sundays, 5:30 a.m. on KETV in Omaha, Sundays, 6 a.m. on KGHI in Kearney, and Sundays, 6:30 a.m. on KLKN in Lincoln. Find text versions of the stories in the show, as well as shorter video versions at: www.ThisIsNebraska.com. The Compassionate Friends will host a remembrance program in conjunction with the Worldwide Candle Lighting, and invites families grieving the death of a child at any age from any cause, to light candles in their memory on Saturday, Dec. 10, 7 p.m., at the Holiday Inn Central, 72nd and Grover. Guest speaker is Harold Ivan Smith, author of A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating. Candles will be lit at 7 p.m. in all time zones around the world for a 24-hour wave of light. For more information or to reserve, contact 402.571.4011 or www.tcfomaha.org.

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“Better Than Pork, Isn’t It?”Jewish Joke Book Turns 25 by URIEL HEILMAN more knowledgeable, and much more popular. BROOKLINE, MA (JTA)--Here’s one: Michael “People were hiding who they were 50 years ago, when Bloomberg walks into a diner and orders coffee and a we were born,” Novak said. “Now you have an educated danish. When the bill comes in at $14, the flummoxed Jewish youth culture.” billionaire mayor asks, “What, are danishes so rare in “The younger generation is more comfortable with these parts?” their Jewish identity,” Waldoks says, noting the success of “No,” replies the waiter, “but Bloombergs are.” Heeb, the hip Jewish magazine and cultural phenomeThe story is a variation on a joke about Rothschild and non. “Assimilation has peaked.” 20-ruble eggs made famous in the Big Book of Jewish So what is Jewish humor? Humor, first published a quarter of a century ago. Jewish humor goes all the way back to the Bible, The story also is partly true. Bloomberg spokesman Stu Waldoks says. When the Jewish people follow Moses out Loeser--an avid devotee of the Big Book of Jewish Humor -- of Egypt only to find themselves pinned between the purwas sharing the joke about Rockefeller with Bloomberg suing Egyptian army and the sea, they say to Moses, when Loeser and the mayor were overcharged for danish and “‘Whatsa matter, Moshe--there weren’t enough graves coffee at a New York diner. Before Loeser got to the punch- for us in Egypt?’ Badum-bum!” a grinning Waldoks proline, however, the Jewish mayor finished the joke for him. nounces with a flourish. The actual verse reads, “Are Whether that's a sign of there no graves in Egypt that the diffusion of Jewish you took us away to die in humor into the national conthis wilderness?” sciousness, the success of the The first joke in the Bible 25-year-old compilation by appears as early as the fourth William Novak and Moshe chapter of Genesis, Waldoks Waldoks or simply a telling points out: Cain, after killing anecdote about the mayor’s Abel, answers an interrogasense of humor, is anybody’s tive God, “What am I, my guess. brother’s keeper?” (BadumWhat’s certain is that a bum!) quarter-century since the But Jewish humor really has publication of the “Big its origins in the prophetic Book,” Jews are still laugh- Moshe Waldoks, left, and William Novak, editors of the Big tradition, Waldoks explains. ing at themselves--and Book of Jewish Humor. The book’s 25-year anniversary edi- Just as the job of the prophet Americans are laughing tion was released in November 2006 by HarperCollins with was to make people uncoma new introduction by the authors. along with them. fortable, often speaking the Credit: Uriel Heilman/JTA truth to powerful people, “Although many of the people listed on the cover are no longer around,” Novak comedians have the power to puncture pomposity. and Waldoks write in their introduction to the 25-year And if it’s toilet-related, all the better. anniversary edition, which HarperCollins released last “For a Jew, a bowel movement is an event,” Waldoks month, “and Sholom Aleichem is still dead, ‘The Big declares. “That’s why there’s so much bathroom Book of Jewish Humor’ is still very much alive.” humor.” The authors sat down with JTA recently over a pair of Novak nods in agreement. “As you get older, it pastrami sandwiches at Rubin’s kosher delicatessen in becomes a wonderful thing,” he says. Brookline, MA, to talk about the book--and to trade jibes Twenty-five years on, these authors are a little grayer and wisecracks. and perhaps a little paunchier, but not much worse for A lot has changed in 25 years, they said. wear. “When we first put the book together in 1981, we were Waldoks has become a rabbi at a nondenominational not sure Jewish humor would continue,” Waldoks said. “But synagogue, Brookline’s Temple Beth Zion, which he has Jewish humor is still active. It’s more self-conscious, much transformed from a moribund Conservative temple into more knowledgeable. It goes beyond the stereotypes.” a popular “egalitarian Hasidic” house of prayer and song. The pair cited TV programs like Comedy Central’s Novak, who 25 years ago had but one book to his name, “South Park” and “The Daily Show” with Jon Stewart, the rather obscure High Culture: Marijuana in the Lives of both mainstream shows laced with Jewish references and Americans, has since become a bestselling author and ghostJewish jokes. They noted that the central character on writer, coauthoring books with celebrities such as Nancy HBO’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” Larry David, creator of Reagan, Lee Iacocca, Oliver North and Magic Johnson. His son B.J. shares his father’s appreciation and talent “Seinfeld,” goes beyond stereotypical portrayals of Jews. No longer are television references to Jews limited to for recognizing humor; he’s a writer and actor on NBC’s bar mitzvahs. There’s the “atonement phone” that hit comedy, “The Office.” Though sales of the original “Big Book” far exceeded Stephen Colbert of Comedy Central’s “The Colbert Report” kept on his desk during the 10 Days of Awe, the authors’ expectations--they estimate that more than encouraging his Jewish friends to call him to beg for for- 100,000 copies sold--the two say they’re most pleased about how it has been used: by children, given as bar giveness. There were the esoteric references Stewart made to mitzvah gifts, passed from friend to friend. “It’s a wonderful introduction to Judaism,” Novak obscure Shabbat prohibitions when Sen. Joseph Lieberman was running for vice president in 2000. There says. “This is a Jewish book your kids are going to enjoy are the unabashedly Jewish themes in shows from “Will reading. Buy it for that, if for no other reason.” and Grace” to “The Simpsons.” Novak says he sheps nachas when his kids sit around the “Are there still more goyim in America?” Waldoks dining room table trading punchlines from the book. quips between bites of pastrami on rye. After 25 years, everyone already knows the jokes. What there isn’t anymore, Novak says, is Jewish jokeNovak’s favorite Jewish joke is about the Jew who goes tellers in the tradition of the Borscht Belt and Henny to the post office in Pinsk to ask how often the mail goes Youngman (“Take my wife, please”). Those kinds of out to Warsaw. jokes have all but disappeared, relegated to mass e-mails “Every day,” he’s told. and Top-10 lists on websites like Bangitout.com. The man nods and is silent for a moment. “Thursdays What’s left, however, is Jewish humor that is much too?”

Beth El Welcomes Young Adults to Its Vodka and Latkes Hanukkah Celebration

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by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator For an altogether different kind of Hanukkah celebration, Beth El is presenting “Vodka & Latkes,” a fun-filled event for all Jewish community members in their 20s and 30s (single and married), planned for Saturday, Dec. 16, 7:30-11 p.m. Come hungry and be ready to enjoy an evening of cooking and noshing

on a variety of delicious latkes, plus the opportunity to taste an array of festive vodkas. Sharon Bargas, Lena Bogomolni, Karen Cohen and Justin Spiegal are serving as the evening’s co-hosts. Cost is $10 ($15 at the door); free babysitting will be provided (advance reservations are required), with snacks for the children. To reserve your spot for this great Hanukkah gettogether, send your check to “Vodka & Latkes,” Beth El, 14506 California St., Chairmen of Beth El’s upcoming “Vodka & Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, contact Program Latkes” event include: Lena Bogomolni, left, Director Margie Gutnik at 492-8550, or proKaren Cohen, Justin Spiegal and Sharon gramming@bethel-omaha.org. Bargas.

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 33

Solving Our Seasonal Santa Stickler

JEWISH PARENTING by SHARON DUKE ESTROFF One of the certainties of Jewish parenthood is that at some time or another we’ll find ourselves caught between an ornament-draped evergreen and a stocking-strung fireplace. We’re inevitably at the mall--in the midst of a (clearly desperate) Hanukkah shopping trip--when our child asks, “Please, can I get a picture with Santa Claus?” Upon hearing this request, our shopping-bag-clad arms instantly tense. Not due to the two mile line of kids currently standing between our child and jolly old St. Nick. But because we have no idea whatsoever whether to: a) plop down our packages and heed this request; b) eliminate Santa’s appeal by revealing that he’s merely the mall custodian in yuletide drag; or c) pretend we didn’t hear the question, grab our kid and hightail it out of there. Sure, we’ve all attempted to placate our kids’ Yuletide-envy with the tried and true eight nights is better than one night argument. But this technique rarely does

the trick as Hanukkah is neither intended to nor capable standing in for of Christmas. Besides, even a fully decked Hanukkah bush doesn’t change the fact that at the brownie troop holiday party there were nineteen red and green cupcakes and a single blue and white one. Which brings us to the classic question: What is the best way for Jewish parents to handle the Christmas season? It’s been said that answers can be found in the least likely of places; and it was an unlikely place indeed that brought me the solution to our seasonal Santa stickler. So promise you’ll bear with me as we take a temporary detour from the topic at hand to a time and place many months and miles away from the mall atrium at Christmastime. Destination Sienna A few summers back my husband and I decided to cash in our frequent flyer points and take our four children to Italy. On one particularly scorching day of this some-would-say crazy trip, we drove our rented minivan to the Tuscan town of Sienna. We anticipated the usual navigational challenges of driving an American-sized

BIRTH Keri and Phillip Bahar of Minnetonka, MN, announce the Nov. 20 birth of a daughter, Talia Saltzman Bahar. Talia is named in honor of her maternal family and in memory of her paternal great grandmother.

She has a brother, Zachary, and a sister, Chana. She is the granddaughter of Dr. and Mrs. Hadi Bahar of Potomac, MD, Mr. and Mrs. Ernie Saltzman, and Mr. and Mrs. Alan Nogg.

vehicle on roads better suited for hotwheels toys. But we were unprepared to find Sienna’s cobblestone streets engulfed with thousands of wildly-cheering, poncho-donning pedestrians. The cause for celebration, my Fodor’s guide informed me, was Palio, a 1000-year-old annual horse race turned colossal party between Sienna’s 17 contrade or neighborhoods. And as for the ponchos, they were actually flags boasting each contrade’s traditional mascot and color. Following the crowds to the center of town, we discovered thousands more flagclad Sienna residents parading around a makeshift horse track. Before I could say arrivaderci, my boys had found an overpriced flag-selling kiosk, wrapped themselves in colorful banners and begun parading the track alongside the Italian children. After hours of partying in Mediterranean heat, my kids became thirsty, tired and cranky. An offer of lukewarm water prompted the Tasmanian Devil, formerly known as Jake, to whine, “I want a cold drink…with ICE!” His siblings were equally adamant in this appeal. Since ice cubes in Italy can be rarer than diamonds--and at that moment indisputably more valuable--we had our work cut out for us. It seemed we’d trudged for miles before we saw it down a narrow alley. But there, waving before us was a symbol, not of contrade mascot, but of an American fast food chain. My children’s Palio flags slipped to the ground, as every slurp of their sub-zero sodas brought them that much closer to the comforts, the familiarity of home. Nice story, you may be thinking, but what’s the point? What does this have to do with Santa Claus? The point is that when my American family walked

through the gates of Sienna that steamy July day into an Italian celebration, we didn’t feel threatened by the festivities; or tempted to pretend they weren’t happening at all. We weren’t compelled to replicate the excitement on Sienna’s cobblestone streets on our asphalt cul-de-sac across the Atlantic. Instead, we released ourselves to the moment. Tasting it. Savoring it. Fueling ourselves with insight into a rich culture that did not belong to us. Yet when the day grew late, the party grew old and my kids grew tired, their thirst could only be quenched by one thing--an icy American soda. It’s the same situation with Christmas. The entire experience is alluring. The music, the lights, the cheesy television specials--it is a holiday overflowing in contagious excitement. But that doesn’t mean we must shield our kids from the yuletide festivities; that if we allow them to breathe in the Christmas spirit, it will somehow reduce their Judaism. To the contrary, it will only confirm who they are. If our children are deeply rooted in Jewish life and identity, a tete-a-tete with Santa is no more a threat to their Judaism than taking part in the Italian celebration of Palio is to their Americanism. For if we’ve done our jobs well, it doesn’t matter whether our children are wrapped in Palio flags or Santa’s burly arms, their insides remain the same-Jewish, American and just a tad Tasmanian devil. Sharon Duke Estroff is an internationally syndicated Jewish parenting columnist, award-winning educator, and mother of four. Her first parenting book, Can I Have a Cell Phone for Hanukkah? will be released by Broadway Books, a division of Random House, in 2007.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Some Zaniness and History for Children in Books for Hanukkah by PENNY SCHWARTZ BOSTON (JTA) -- A mythical bird with vision problems and George Washington are among the colorful characters in this year’s crop of Hanukkah books for children. And here’s the real miracle: Six books each spell the holiday Hanukkah. Eight Wild Nights: A Family Hanukkah Tale, by Brian P. Cleary, illustrated by David Udovic. Delightful holiday mischief reigns in this zany story of a family’s eight-day celebration. It’s hard to decide which is more hilarious, Cleary’s lighthearted, antic-filled, rhyming prose or the uproar of Udovic’s cartoon-like illustrations that nearly jump off each two-page spread of this 21-page tale. On the first night, Miss Fetter’s pint-sized shaggy dog dressed in an angora sweater wreaks havoc as it nearly topples over the menorah, chases the cat and causes Aunt Myra to spill the platter of applesauce. More adventures await with a tale from Grandpa sure to please the bathroom-humor crowd, chocolate gelt melting in the VCR, and the arrival of 17 step-cousins. But who’s counting? Not to worry. “After eight days of eating, Of loud noise and greeting, A great miracle’s happened here: We’re quiet and calm, and all getting along, and we can’t wait to do it next year!” The Ziz and the Hanukkah Miracle, by Jacqueline Jules, illustrated by Katherine Janus Kahn. Poor Ziz. The big, colorful bird is sad because by summer’s end, with the nights getting shorter, it’s hard to fall asleep at sundown and the Ziz can’t see what it’s eating. When the mythical Ziz goes to God for help, God offers a lamp of oil. Ah, a miracle. But Ziz doesn’t want to share with the other creatures that come to bask in the light. “No, it’s mine,” the Ziz shrieks as it flies off in tears from its home on Mount Sinai. The Ziz stops to rest at the Temple in

Jerusalem at the time of its rededication. Inspired by the light of the glowing menorah, and with the encouragement of a family of mice and an owl, the Ziz learns the meaning of friendship and sharing the miracle of light. Jules and Kahn are successfully paired again in their third illustrated Ziz tale. Their latest effort is a warmhearted, tender story that draws from the miracle of light, offering gentle assurance to children who might fear the darkness of winter. Celebrate Hanukkah with Light, Latkes, and Dreidels, by Deborah Heiligman, with consulting from Rabbi Shira Stern. This feast of photographs of Hanukkah celebrations around the world will tantalize children and adults. Heiligman and National Geographic have created a virtual holiday travelogue. The text is straightforward, with explanations of the rituals and customs emphasizing the themes of sharing, tzedakah and the miracle of light. Kids will have fun learning from U.S. astronaut Jeffrey Hoffman how the dreidel never stops spinning in space. Photos include Hanukkah celebrations in Rome, India, Uganda, Israel, Ghana and Peru. Instructions for playing dreidel and lighting the menorah, facts about Hanukkah, a reference list of books and Web sites, and the author’s recipe for potato latkes make this an informative resource for families. Hanukkah at Valley Forge, by Stephen Krensky, illustrated by Greg Harlin. On a bitterly cold December night more than two centuries ago, Gen. George Washington happens on one of his soldiers lighting Hanukkah candles. So begins the luminously illustrated tale based on a little-known, captivating piece of American history. In Krensky’s page-turner, Washington is intrigued with the holiday of the “children of Abraham” and encourages the young soldier from Poland to tell him

more about Hanukkah. Krensky, the author of more than 100 children’s books, retells the Hanukkah story, going back and forth in time, revealing the parallels between the holiday story and the fight for independence. Harlin’s illustrations will make the reader feel the cold of Valley Forge and imagine Washington’s worries about the hardships facing his soldiers. The only warmth radiates from the light of the Hanukkah candles. In a detailed author’s note Krensky, a master storyteller who specializes in historical fiction, writes that historical records from December 1778 reveal that Washington learned about Hanukkah from a Polish soldier at Valley Forge. The Miracle of Hanukkah, by Seymour Chwast. In this captivating book, the Hanukkah story is retold in a unique stepped-page format. Chwast, an award-winning graphic designer and illustrator, starts with small, illustrated cutouts and creates new images with each page that grow as the story progresses. The effect is dazzling and fun. The narrative, with the Maccabees’ triumphant victory, is told in simple prose embellished with outlined illustrations that evoke the Temple era. I Have a Little Dreidel, by Maxie Baum, illustrated by Julie Paschkis. Children will tap their feet along with the two rhyming stories in one based on the well-known, popular song of the same name. A young girl with braids proudly holds up her little dreidel, inviting young readers to celebrate Hanukkah with her cousins, aunts and uncles. Plenty of latkes, dreidels, menorah lighting, singing and dancing in this illustrated story. warmly Paschkis uses a paper-cut design, simple illustrations and a boldly colored palette to enliven the story. Easy-to-read verse is set apart at the bottom of each page surrounded by intricate blue-andwhite designs of Jewish symbols.

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December 8, 2006

Zayde’s Pride

BERT’S EYE VIEW by BERT LEWIS I’ve told so many family stories in this space, it didn’t seem possible there could be one you haven’t seen. Something came to my attention during a conversation with my dearest aunt, and I’m going to share it with you. First let me set the scene: go back to maybe the late 1920s or even early ’30s. My paternal grandfather (a.k.a. Zayde) was the owner and operator of a junk business. Nothing fancy, just a store filled with amazing stuff, and a truck. He was very short in stature, and the truck was quite tall, but even so, he could swing up on the running board and get behind the wheel. He’d go where he knew people had things to sell and those things, whether furniture, tools or dishes etc., became his inventory. When his children decided he needed a telephone (not something everyone had in those days), they also decided the store needed a name. Putting their heads together, they concluded the name should be easily noticed in the phone book, maybe head the list of junk businesses. After a lot of thought, it was decided to call the place “The ABC Junk Company.” Of course it was always called “the store,”but it had a name! You should also know my Zayde was a very pious Jew, working hard during the week but loving Shabbos when he could concentrate on his religion. He spoke often of Yerushalayem, and always with awe. Please remember this was well before Israel came into being and was still a dream for many. Suffice it to say, Zayde’s respect for all rabbunim and anyone connected to Judaism was profound. Ok, now you have a picture of Zayde Keva. Fast forward to last summer. In a community in northern California, very far from 27th and Cuming Street,

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW-Omaha Section Public Affairs Vice Presidents, Susan Rothholz and Nancy Nogg, and Pro-Choice Coalition Representative, Ann Moshman, invite members of the Jewish community to receive e-mail news of local and state events and issues which affect the lives of women, children and families. Don’t miss opportunities to meet with candidates for public office; learn about important issues such as domestic violence; take part in lobby day; and show support for reproductive choice. These e-mail “alerts” will be used when news needs to be sent quickly. These alerts will not duplicate NCJWNational e-mails or forward e-mails from other organizations. Please respond by e-mail to Susan Rothholz at spredwood2@cox.net.

Page 35

Have a Happy & Healthy Hanukkah! lives one of his grandchildren, with her family. She’s the mother of a son and a daughter and has an abiding devotion to her religion. Her children are educated in Hebrew and familiar with all rituals and customs. As the son (Zayde’s great-grandchild), grows toward manhood, he begins to take his religion more seriously and at an early age declares an interest in the rabbinate. The interest grows with him, all the way to serious study in Israel. Like most young folks engaged in an expensive education, this kid works every summer during vacation. He’s had the same job for some time now, maybe six or seven years, obviously doing it well enough to be re-hired every summer. His grandmother just told me about that job. It seems Jacob works for a junk company, one that does exactly what his great-grandfather’s “company” did. Trucks pick up stuff which becomes inventory; while I’ve forgotten the name it was something like “Hank’s Junk.” I heard this from Jacob’s grandma, my aunt, and we howled together, remembering way back when. The first thing I thought of was that old expression, “What goes around comes around.” Somehow we’ve come full circle! Not all the way back to Cuming Street, but close enough to make us think hard about Zayde. Both Jacob’s grandma and I know very well how pleased and absolutely thrilled Zayde would be to know that he had a rabbi among his progeny. We speak of it often, and tend to kvell for him, since he isn’t here to do it himself. Also of possible interest to anyone sharing my story, is the fact that Jacob married a lovely young woman who was devout enough to plan a very Orthodox wedding. Guess where the young couple live and will finish schooling? Uh huh. Of course....Israel! I can say without fear of contradiction, my Zayde’s pride would defy description. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

ORGANIZATIONS VISIONS Reminder: Visions’ “Senior Conditioning” will be held at the JCC community room on Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon. Lunch will be served at 12:30 p.m. and at 1:15 p.m., the Dancing Grannies will perform.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Bob Freeman will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 13, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Marty Ricks, chairman. Freeman, a local attorney, will discuss the Temple Israel interfaith project regarding the possibility of creating an interfaith campus colocating with the Episcopal Diocese of Nebraska and the American Institute of Islamic Studies and Culture (AIISC). All men and women in the community are invited to attend Breadbreakers. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to the Ameristar Casino, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For information call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

40 Days and 40 Nights by DUANE J. PIEPER This is the season of light for Jewish communities around the world. It is extra special for the Jewish nation of Israel this year. In spite of the long hard fought war and unresolved issues of this past summer, there are reasons for celebration. This is a snapshot of my 40 day sojourn through Israel, and the rays of light and hope that I witnessed. The onset of war in Israel in the summer of 2006 dramatically touched the lives of many. The lead story for 34 days on all major media outlets was the IsraeliHezbollah conflict. This was more than a major news story for my wife and me, who have lived, studied and worked in Israel. We have a strong emotional and spiritual tie to this Biblical land, its people, and the God of Abraham, Issac and Jacob.

An acquaintance in Nahariya, whose home was severely damaged from a rocket strike, was rescued from the debris within minutes and attended to immediately. I experienced a variety of emotions as I traveled through the land. One poignant moment occurred when I came across the memorial to the 13 soldiers who suffered mortal wounds next to a cemetery wall in Kfar Giladi. In spite of the losses and setbacks, the soldiers that I encountered had not lost heart. Visiting with the members of a tank crew on the Lebanese border, I was impressed not only by their undying commitment to the protection of Israel’s borders and its future, but also by their concern that I would have a place to celebrate Rosh Hashanah.

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Above: This enormous sculpture sits at the entrance into Metulla on Israel’s northern border. Below: Duane Pieper wearing an “Omaha” t-shirt, meets Tatanya, a victim of a katyusha rocket attack on Haifa, who was recovering from her shrapnel-related injuries. Pieper went apple-picking with Tzvi Weinberg, a Metulla farmer.

By way of introduction, I am not Jewish; I am a Christian. As the fighting wore on we prayed for God’s protection over Israel and donated to various crisis relief funds. Ultimately we wanted to do more in our stand with Israel. Therefore, after much prayer and the blessing of my wife, I boarded a flight bound for Ben Gurion airport. This war proved to be more ominous and the outcome more uncertain than anticipated. The prolonged crisis brought the nation together as its citizens opened up their doors and hearts to the many displaced refugees fleeing the barrage of rockets falling around them in the North. A real sense of misphocha--family--developed throughout the land of Israel as many responded to the needs of their fellow countrymen. The situation of those who could not escape the front lines of the battle was much more tenuous. These were primarily the poor, elderly, and disabled, who endured the unpredictable daily barrage of missile attacks. Resolute individuals, relief organizations, business owners, hospital staff and civil servants stayed in the Galilee to provide for the basic needs of those left behind.

Other powerful encounters were those in a hospital listening to the trauma experience by the victims of the war and their subsequent arduous recovery process. My spirit was impacted most by their resolve and hope for the future. I was also stirred watching the citrus growers trying to salvage their rotting harvest with a limited post-war labor force. I subsequently volunteered my services and spent a week in an apple orchard in Metula. It was a joy and privilege to work alongside one of the original families who settled in this area shortly after the creation of the State. Their tenacity and commitment to carry on against all odds was an inspiration. My “Omaha” t-shirt, printed in Hebrew, was always an effective bridge builder. It gave me an opportunity to speak about our own community and robust support for Israel. Everyone always wanted to know more about Warren Buffett. In fact, while I was volunteering in the Galilee, he paid a visit to the Tefen Industrial Park, checking on his newest acquisition, Iscar Metalworking. This was front page news and a real encouragement to the people. Continued on page 38

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 37

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

40 Days and 40 Nights Continued from page 36 A variety of tasks remain in rebuilding communities, upgrading infrastructures, creating adequate and accessible shelters, and revitalizing businesses. Some are still struggling to recover from debilitating shrapnel-related injuries. Others have more subtle scars, contending with the effects of post-war trauma. The scarred land and burnt forests also ache for restoration. The history of the Jewish nation is one of resiliency, fueled by a spirit of purpose and determination. Still, Israel needs support from all of us at this critical juncture to keep the fire of hope and freedom burning. Along with prayer and financial support, one of the greatest gifts of encouragement is to go to the Promised Land. During periods like these one of Israel’s most important lines of defense, along with God Almighty, is you. Today, as in the time of Joshua and Caleb, there are still “Giants” in the Land. However, God is Israel’s protection and forever faithful to his promises. “He who watches over Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep.” (Psalm 121: 4) In spite of Israel’s ongoing challenges, may their menorahs and spirits burn bright during this Festival of

Lights season. May they be comforted by the source of

Above: Pieper saw many buildings hit by the barrage of rockets from Hezbollah. Right: He meets Mia, a warehouse manager for Latet’s Galilee location; It’s a humanitarian aid organization where Pieper volunteered in October.

hope and protection and be encouraged by the many miracles that happen there. My wife and I celebrate the miracles of the Jewish nation, the source of our own Christian heritage. We are grateful for the light, “I will give you (Israel) as a light to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 49:6). And also the gift, “And all the peoples on earth will be blessed through you.” (Genesis 12:3). Duane Pieper is the staff coordinator for Yachad, a social group for mentally and physically chalyoung lenged Jewish adults, sponsored by Jewish Family Service. His wife, Kathy, was honored in August as JFS’ Volunteer-ofthe-Year.

Where Shall We Eat? Dining With Marcel Proust, A Practical Guide to French Cuisine of the Belle Epoque and Pampille’s Table, Recipes and Writings from the French Countryside by Shirley King (2006)

THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK How and why review a reprint? Should I look at the reviews from when the book first appeared decades ago? Should I read the introduction and preface with an eye to timeliness and timeless message? Should I ask, why did the publisher decide to reprint these books in the University of Nebraska Press’s popular Bison Books series? How has the food-print media fared during the interim compared to the explosion of electronic media. Finally and sadly reprints are a necrology. James Beard died in 1985, and alas the author, Shirley King died in 2005. Omaha has at least three French restaurants, Café de Paris in South Omaha, the French Café in the Old Market, and Le Voltaire in Southwest Omaha. In my youth in Los Angeles, I fondly remember Robaire’s on LaCieniga and Jean’s Petite Blue Room in the Valley. My last trip to Paris, guided in part by Michelin and

Zagat, contained 10 days of unrivaled gastronomic wonder. French cooking has a history and these two books are more than cookbooks. They are an excursion into culture, a culture that is being battered and fried by fast and uniform food preparation. While White Castle is a readable novel and seeable film, the food is clearly incidental. Taste and smell are vital to Proust’s wondrously revealing, monumental, Remembrance of Things Past. If you read Gourmet, or are a fan of the genre that includes books like Ruth Reichl’s Comfort Me With Apples and Tender at the Bone, these books are for you. If you like to connect space and place to taste, as does Cather’s Kitchen by Roger and Linda Welsch, then Shirley King has offered up a pleasurable diptych menu for you. Dining With Marcel Proust first appeared in 1979 with a foreword by James Beard. King was motivated to get beyond the obvious, the madeleines with tea. The chapters are organized as the meal is served, starting with Hors d’Oeuvre and ending with Desserts. The recipes are accompanied by appropriate period illustrations of cooking utensils, produce and viands, and more importantly the Proust vignette that evokes a particular food dish. Proust was Jewish, the recipes are not, but I appre-

ciate his food obsession. One thing leads to another, sometimes going backwards. In 1919 Marthe Daudet (1878-1960), aka Pampille, published Les Bons Plats de France. King translated it and published it in 1996 as Pampille’s Table. Proust refers to Pampille in his magnum opus. King produced an English translation in 1996. The first essay, “The Awful Dinner,” is a three page hoot about more than everything that can go wrong with a highly orchestrated dinner. Some dishes have national stature. Cioppino in Italy, Paela in Spain and its French analogue, Bouillabaisse. Each book has a different recipe for fish soup. In the Proust tome, the accompanying quote is “Come along, my good Brichot, get your things off quickly. We have a bouillabaisse which mustn’t be kept waiting.” Daudet through Pampille through King writes, “Bouillabaisse, the triumph of Marseille, is really good only in Marseille. Don’t try to eat it in Paris.” With all respect for Pampille, when Bouillabaisse shows up on the menu, I order. Should I plan a trip to Marseille to get the authentic? Author, historian and attorney Oliver B. Pollak can be reached at OBPOmni@aol.com.

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New Generation of Publications Seeks ‘Users’ to Engage Jewishly by SUE FISHKOFF NEW YORK (JTA)--Ariel Beery is leaning over his espresso in a noisy coffee bar on East 44t Street, talking so fast about the new Jewish magazine he’s just launched that it’s best to sit back, close the notebook and let the words fly. “‘PresenTense’ is a transdenominational marketplace of ideas,” he begins, explaining that the articles, essays, poetry and artwork in the 48-page glossy that marked its first issue in late October are all created by young volunteers around the world.

New publications aimed at the Jewish youth market. Credit: Sue Fishkoff/JTA

Stacking up the Magazines by JTA STAFF SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)--These print publications aimed at the Jewish youth market all maintain web presences. Except for Jewish Voices, the campus magazine founded 35 years ago, all are less than five years old. American Jewish Life (www.ajlmagazine.com), six times a year ; The Blueprint (www.nyblueprint.com), monthly; Guilt and Pleasure (www.guiltandpleasure.com), quarterly; Heeb (www.heebmagazine.com), quarterly; New Voices (www.newvoices.org), five to six times during the academic year; PresenTense (www.presentensemagazine.org), two to three times a year; Zeek (www.zeek.net), twice yearly. The 26-year-old Beery doesn’t write a thing himself, he says, so he can give others the chance to express themselves. That’s a risky step for a new magazine, particularly one that is depending on advertising, subscription and vendor sales rather than foundation grants. Not to mention one headed by such a young guy, who, like everyone else in the operation, is not being paid. But that’s all part of the aesthetic of this new, fast-growing crop of Jewish publications created by and aimed at the 20- and 30something market. There are a halfdozen print magazines and many more online ventures, all newer than five years old, all billing themselves as a new way to engage young Jews and--to borrow an old phrase from Hillel--to get them to “do Jewish.” The fact that these alternative publications are proliferating speaks to the dynamism and energy of today’s young Jewish writers, and puts them in good historical company. “Every generation of American Jews creates publications that reflect the reality of its life,” says Columbia University journalism professor Sam Freedman, who likens the current Jewish media explosion to the emergence of the Jewish Daily Forward a century ago, and to alternative publications of the 1960s. “There’s something happening at the grass roots.” Like those earlier publications, the new young adult-oriented Jewish magazines and Web sites have created a community of writers and activists who know each other, read each other and often write for each other. “The fact that it’s so incestuous speaks well of the holistic aspect. It’s part of the overall exploration of Jewish identity," says Esther Kustanowitz, who in addition to being senior editor at PresenTense, runs two

blogs, contributes to others and freelances for a host of Jewish print publications. To critics from the organized Jewish community who complain that young Jews aren’t affiliating, the purveyors of this content counter, “We study, we read, we pray, we blog, we create Jewish music, we fight for social justice, we’re very affiliated--just not with your organizations.” Israel is front and center in these new publications, if not always in the usual packaging. The most recent issue of Zeek, a highbrow journal of essays, art and literature, features the musings of a newly religious gay man in Jerusalem. Sometimes the Israel focus is straightforward. PresenTense scrapped its entire first issue, which was going to be about holiday cuisine, to focus on the summer war with Hezbollah, which it covered via first-person essays from Israeli soldiers, students and visitors. “When Israel’s at war and our people are dying, it didn’t seem appropriate” to do otherwise, Beery says. Jewish values, particularly social justice, charity and environmentalism, are very popular topics, as is Jewish history and religious life. Culture, humor and the arts, especially books, film and music, take up a lot of space: Jon Stewart, Sara Silverman, the Balkan Beat Box, Borat--whoever’s pushing the Jewish envelope. But they differ from the mainstream Jewish media in their willingness to engage the world outside the Jewish community, their lack of interest in Jewish establishment organizations and their focus on people on the communal margins: gays and lesbians, Jews of color, Sephardim, left-wing politicos, non-halachic Jews, the intermarried, even non-Jews, whom these magazines hope are among their readers. And even when the tone of an article is breezy or sardonic, serious issues are being discussed. “The Jewish people are smart enough to want content,” Beery says. “Jewish youth are not surface dimwits. Jewish funders think they’re these idiots that have to be shepherded towards the goal with sweets.” And that, Beery says, is insulting as well as wrong. The biggest difference, however, may be that these new publications position themselves as discussion forums rather than finished products. We’re not talking at you, they say, we’re a conversation you can join. To prove it, they often write in the first person, they maintain websites and blogs where readers are encouraged to debate or berate each other, and they sponsor salons, lectures and other events to create communities of like-minded young Jews who share their concerns. It’s a new vision of what a magazine can do. “We want users, not readers,” says Tahl Raz, the 30-year-old editor of jewcy.com, an online Jewish publication that launched Nov. 15. The site is experimenting with “wikis” and other interactive media formats that allow readers not only to comment on what they’re reading, but to change articles written by others--online, permanently-from the comfort of their home computers. Raz says his staff will monitor the changes for spam or pornography, but other than that, it’s democracy gone wild. Laurel Snyder calls the “FaithHacker” blog she writes for jewcy.com “a conversation, not a column.” “I expect people to come back and correct me, to have that interaction,” she says. It’s an interaction she believes is sorely lacking in the mainstream Jewish community as well as its publications. Continued on page 42

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by MARK MIETKIEWICZ Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one of the most popular traditions of one of the most well known holidays of the year. But the authentic reasons behind the giving of Hanukkah gelt can leave most people scratching their heads. Today some Hanukkah gelt traditions courtesy of the World Wide Web. In Who Invented Hanukkah Gelt?, Tina Wasserman writes that one â&#x20AC;&#x153;theory focuses on the name of the holiday. Although Hanukkah means dedication, it is linguistically related to chinukh, which means education. Perhaps for this reason, some Jewish communities chose Hanukkah as the time to celebrate the freedom to be educated Jewishly. Maimonides made the education-gelt connection when he described Hanukkah gelt as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;an incentive for you [children] to study Torah properly.â&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;? [http://tinyurl.com/y4jrps] Eliezer Siegel explains that in 18th century Eastern Europe, rabbis tour outlying villages during Hanukkah to strengthen the townsfolkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewish education. Initially, these rabbis would decline payment. But eventually they would accept tokens of appreciation for lost time. In time, these gifts or gelt because almost obligatory to the rabbis, to other pillars of the community, and then in the 19th century, to children. Other traditions of giving coins or small gifts to kids have also been found in Persia, Yemen and pre-State of Israel Palestine. Siegel adds, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Needless to say, an immense gulf separates the customs described here from the shopping frenzy that is associated with the North American Hanukkah.â&#x20AC;? [http://tinyurl.com/ yaz335] According to the Jewish Outreach Institute, there is another direct connection between gelt and the story of Hanukkah. After the Temple was recaptured, the Jewish population was able to mint coins as an expression of their newly won independence. After the Temple was destroyed in 70 C.E., Jewish coinage ended except for a brief period during the Bar Kochva Revolution. But all that changed when the State of Israel revived the tradition. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In a brilliantly conceived move to link the modern world with the ancient history of our people, the first Hanukkah coin portrayed exactly the same menorah that had appeared on the Last Maccabean coins of Antigonus Matityahu, 1,998 years earlier.â&#x20AC;? [http://tinyurl.com/ vj25f]

Mark Mietkiewicz is a Toronto-based website producer who writes, lectures and teaches about the Jewish Internet. He can be contacted at highway@rogers.com.

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You can view drawings of some original coins on the American Israel Numismatic Association website [http://tinyurl.com/yezttd] and the lovely, modern variations minted by the State of Israel. [www.commem.com/prod04.htm] Nowadays, most gelt exchanged at Hanukkah isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t made of genuine gold or silver but of chocolate. Many of our fond memories for those mesh bags of coins can be traced by to Israelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Elite chocolate company. [www.hanukkahgelt.com/] For the homemade touch, why not mint your own chocolate coins - with a hint of mint? [http://tinyurl.com/yzgcm3] But for some real authenticity, how about a batch of Hanukkah Gelt Cookies? But be careful because these treats have REAL gelt inside. [http://tinyurl.com/ ucun9] If you prefer edible coins as an ingredient, check out recipes for Gelt Fudge, and White Cheesecake Decorated With Hanukkah Gelt. [http://tinyurl. com/ygcyy9] Sounds good but just not decadent enough? Then whip up a Hanukkah Gelt Double Fudge Chocolate Layer Cake. [http://tinyurl.com/yzau49] Of course, you do have eight days to finish it off but that shouldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be a problem. Speaking of decadence, in Reframing Hanukkah Gelt, Rabbi Goldie Milgram puts a new slant on holiday giving and receiving. She suggests that you gather up all the tzedakah boxes bursting with coins in your home, and pull out a cheque book, too. On one of the nights of the holiday, invite a few friends over and let each suggest worthy charities for all that gelt. Be generous. And meet again next year (or even sooner). [www.rebgoldie. com/gelt.htm] Speaking of charity, lovers of Sholom Aleichem who can read Hebrew will enjoy his short story Gelt about two nephews who get Hanukkah gelt and a lesson in tzedakah at the same time. [http://tinyurl.com/ yg5ldg] If you want to make the kids work for their gelt, here are suggestions for holding a Hide the Gelt game. [http://tinyurl.com/ye3nn8] If that sounds like a bit too much exertion, you can search for the gelt right on your computer screen. [http://tinyurl.com/yjl2n6] You can be sure that gelt has claimed its own niche in popular culture when Martha Stewart offers tips for creating Hanukkah Gelt Bags. [http://tinyurl.com/ ygmw3u] No word on whether thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where Martha keeps hers.

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Our prices are â&#x20AC;&#x153;on parâ&#x20AC;? with retail stores, said Nogg Temple Israel Communications Coordinator who has been running Templeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gift Shop for 14 years. Little kids will delight in specially designed Hanukkah And, of course, shoppers can depend on the Gift Shop to dishes; a wooden play set which includes a menorah, carry Hanukkah merchandise which is not always availâ&#x20AC;&#x153;candles, and flames;â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;&#x153;beautifulâ&#x20AC;? painted wooden drei- able at other stores. Certain items, such as hand washing dels, and an aleph bet stamp set cups traditionally used prior to for sale at the Temple Israel Gift eating a meal and tzedakah Shop, according to Gift Shop boxes, would be unlikely to be Manager Sandy Nogg. found anywhere except at a synThere is also a wide assortagogue gift shop. ment of menorahs; serving Hanukkah is only one time of dishes for a festive holiday meal; the year to find the perfect gift. Nogg suggested looking at the a dreidel and a star dish, and Gift Shop for wedding, new decorations galore. Time-honbaby, and Bar and Bat Mitzvah ored stand-bys such as stickers gifts too. All proceeds from the for children, Hanukkah milk Temple Gift Shop support and dark chocolate gelt, decoWomen of Reform Judaism rative candles, and collector From t-shirts to teddy bears, a large selection of projects and programs. dreidels are also available. â&#x20AC;&#x153;My grandchildren adore the Hanukkah gifts are available at the Temple Gift Shop. Currently, Temple Gift Shop wooden Hanukkah play set,â&#x20AC;? mentioned Nogg who is hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and grandmother to a three-and a-half-year-old, a two-and-a- 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday. On Wednesday nights, the Gift Shop stays open late. half-year old, and a newborn.

December 8, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 41

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Shedding some light on Hanukkiah’s History by JOYCE EISENBERG AND ELLEN SCOLNIC PHILADELPHIA (JTA)--Just as not every pancake is a latke, not every menorah is a hanukkiah. While Hanukkah commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over the Syrians more than 2,100 years ago, the word hanukkiah--the term for the menorah, the singular symbol of the holiday-was coined just about 100 years ago by Eliezer Ben-Yehuda, the Hebrew writer and lexicographer responsible for the revival of Hebrew as a modern spoken language.

front of the Knesset building in Jerusalem, as well as on modern Israeli coins and synagogue furnishings. Flanked by two olive branches, the symbol is also part of the national emblem of the State of Israel. The hanukkiah features nine candle holders--for eight Hanukkah candles and the shamash, the candle used to light the others. It celebrates the story, first mentioned in the Talmud, of the Maccabees entering the Temple in Jerusalem to rededicate it, finding enough pure oil to kindle the menorah for one day, but the oil burning miraculously for eight days. Rabbis later decreed that Hanukkah would be observed annually for eight days beginning on the 25th of Kislev. The holiday became known as “The Festival of Lights.” Why is there a ninth candle? Halachah demands that Hanukkah candles be lit for the purpose of pirsumay nisa, publicizing the miracle of Hanukkah. Using the lights for a practical reason-- to An Israeli boy watches candles burning in fully lit meno- read by, for example-- would be rahs on the last night of Hanukkah, in the Jerusalem disrespectful. But if Jews could neighborhood of Meah Shearim, Jan. 1, 2006. not use the Hanukkah candles Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA for light, some other source was Israelis call this candelabra a “hanukki- needed to kindle them. Thus the shamash ah,” but most Jews around the world say provides the practical light for other activ“menorah” or “Hanukkah menorah.” ities, including kindling the other candles. Menorah is a broader term that describes In keeping with the command of pirboth the Hanukkah menorah and the ritu- sumay nisa, a lighted hanukkiah is tradial candelabra that has been a symbol of tionally placed in the window of one’s Judaism for thousands of years. In fact, home. In Israel, some houses are built carvings on the archaeological ruin of the with a small indentation near the front Arch of Titus in Rome depict Roman sol- door, which may be covered with a piece diers sacking Jerusalem in 70 C.E. and car- of glass, specifically to display hanukkiyot. rying a menorah out of the Temple. Talmudic times featured a debate over The seven-branched menorah appears in the lighting of Hanukkah candles. Rabbi

Shammai said all eight candles should be lit the first night, with a decreasing number illuminated each subsequent night. Rabbi Hillel believed that one candle should be lit on the first night, two on the second night and so forth. Hillel’s instructions on kindling

Hanukkah candles have been interpreted to mean that by increasing the number of candles, and by increasing the light each night, one increases the holiness in the world. Of course, his teaching prevailed. Joyce Eisenberg and Ellen Scolnic are coauthors of The Dictionary of Jewish Words.

New Generation of Publications Continued from page 39 Most of the new Jewish media ventures acknowledge Heeb, the “New Jew Review” founded in 2002, as opening the door to a new kind of Jewish writing--clever, sardonic, knowing, brash and proudly, openly Jewish. “It’s a model for us all,” Beery says. “If we inspire them, then that’s cool, I guess,” says Heeb editor Joshua Neuman. “But we don’t think we’re the original Jewish publication. Hell, Moses was an editor-in-chief if you think about it.” Many are also following Heeb’s lead out into the world. Heeb holds parties, sponsors film festivals and runs “Heeb Storytelling” evenings in cities across the continent. “‘Heeb’ is creating a new kind of community among Jews 18 to 34,” Neuman says. Unlike Heeb, however, these newer publications are consciously linking the conversations they hope to generate among young Jews to the articles in their magazines. Guilt and Pleasure, an arts and culture quarterly launched early this year, started as a salon that editor Mireille Silcoff ran out of her Toronto home. The magazine's front cover proclaims its mission as “making Jews talk more,” and offers readers tips on running their own salons. It refers to its articles as “salon fodder.”

PresenTense, which held a recent livingroom discussion on “Jews and Money” together with students from the Conservative movement’s Jewish Theological Seminary, is setting up three salons that will run monthly in the New York area, to generate conversations on the topics addressed in its publications. But while Heeb is seen as a model in some ways, several of those involved with these second-generation “New Jew” publications want to encourage deeper Jewish engagement than they see Heeb doing, with its emphasis on sex and the shock value of images like the pig on the cover of its recent food issue. Benyamin Cohen, founder of jewsweek.com and now editor of American Jewish Life, an Atlanta-based for-profit magazine, says reading Heeb “provides a few fun minutes, but at the end of the day it’s very unfulfilling.” Jewish publications should aim higher, he believes. “Okay, so they wear an ironic T-shirt, but what happens next? Do they go to a class in the synagogue? Do their kids go to summer camp?” Snyder, the FaithHacker blogger and a former campus Hillel director, agrees: “If we don’t show people what’s significant and beautiful about Judaism--religiously, historically, culturally--there’s the danger” that all readers will take away from the publication is: “Jewish tattoos, wow!”

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Pre-Castro Jews Marked Hanukkah with Sweet Latkes and Guava Pastry by LINDA MOREL latkes to Cuba, serving them at Hanukkah with dollops NEW YORK (JTA)--When people think of Cuba, they of sour cream. There is little documentation on what picture shortages. There’s little oil for frying food or else Jews ate at Hanukkah in pre-Castro Cuba. candles, similar to conditions in ancient Israel, when the Therefore, Wasserman conducted research and interMaccabees defeated the Syrians. There are no potatoes views to develop recipes calling for ingredients that were or boniatos, Cuban white sweet potatoes, which were prevalent on this lush island, when markets overflowed once grated into latkes and kugels. Basic commodities, with yucca root, malanga and guava. such as milk, eggs and malanga--an indigenous tuberous While these ingredients may sound exotic, they can be vegetable--are hard to obtain. But things were not found in Spanish markets, Whole Foods stores, specialty always this way. green grocers, gourmet shops and many supermarkets. Picture Hanukkah before Fidel Castro’s Communist Guava is available frozen or in jars as guava jelly. Before revolution in January 1959. While latkes sizzled, holiday the revolution, 15,000 Jews called Cuba home. Acosta candles twinkled in balmy air. Jews were free to celebrate Street in Old Havana, still called “Jewish Street,” used the miracle of how a one-day supply of oil stretched for to be lined with kosher bakeries, restaurants and Jewisheight days. The island was dotted with luxury hotels, owned clothing stores. nightclubs and restaurants. Escaping winter chill, But as the new socialist government seized private wealthy tourists flocked there to sunbathe and gamble. businesses, 95 percent of the Jewish population fled, “In the forties and fifties, there was so much prosper- mainly to the United States and Israel. Those who ity, the Jewish community flourished,” says Tina remained were either too poor or too old to leave, too Wasserman, Reform Judaism Magazine’s food colum- assimilated, or too devoted to the revolution’s ideals. nist. “The Jewish way of life mirrored the opulent For decades, Castro opposed religious observance, but lifestyle enjoyed by many American Jews.” Cuban Jews in 1991, he reversed that policy, allowing Jews to openwere doctors, architects, bankers, shopkeepers and own- ly worship. But the collapse of the Soviet Union resulters of garment factories and hotels. ed in the cessation of their support, causing unimagin“They employed cooks and housekeepers,” able hardships. Poverty, unemployment and malnutriWasserman says. “They vacationed at fine hotels, attend- tion grew rampant. For that reason, in June Tina ed dances and parties and celebrated Jewish holidays.” Wasserman and her husband co-chaired a medical While it’s not known when the first Hanukkah was humanitarian mission to Cuba through the Jewish observed in Cuba, Jews played a part in pivotal moments Federation of Greater Dallas and the American Jewish of the country’s history. Luis de Torres, a converso, or Joint Distribution Committee. They brought medical Jew forced to convert to Christianity, arrived on the supplies and clothing to the approximately 1,500 Jews island as Christopher Columbus’ interpreter. suffering cruel shortages. After the expulsion from Spain in 1492, small groups At the Patronato Synagogue in Havana, a woman of Jews made their way to Cuba. Centuries later, Jewish making fritters mentioned it was difficult to find potapirates prowled the seas off of the island’s coast. In toes for latkes, so Wasserman suggested using malanga 1898, Jews from the Dutch Antilles supported Jose as a substitute. She later learned that malanga is equally Marti, who liberated Cuba from Spanish control. scarce. Inside the Adath Israel Synagogue kitchen, During this period, Jewish traders entered the island’s Wasserman became emotional, teaching two women to lucrative sugar cane business. American Jews born in braid challah. Romania and other Eastern European countries arrived As Hanukkah approaches, she hopes the friends she to work for U.S. owned plantations. met in Cuba can scrape together something to fry for In 1904, Cuba’s first synagogue, the United Hebrew the holiday. “We have Jews living only 93 miles from our Congregation was founded. “Two years later, a building shores,” Wasserman says. “They are sequestered in was erected, making 2006 the 100th anniversary of an Cuba, left with only fleeting memories of the latkes of official Jewish presence on the island,” Wasserman says. long ago.’’ Between 1910 and 1920, an influx of Sephardi Jews Recipes by Tina Wasserman. came from Turkey. Eastern European Jews, many from Poland, used the island as a stopover on their way to America, a country with strict quotas. Because of the tropical climate and rarity of anti-Semitism, many of them stayed permanently, growing prosperous in the garment industry. “Because so many Jews came from Poland, Cubans called all Jews Polacos, meaning Polacks,” Wasserman says. During the forties, the St. Louis, a ship carrying German Jews seeking refuge, docked in Havana, where its passengers were denied entrance. A decade later, Jews were among the diehard Communists who swept Castro into power. “In the days before the Communist Revolution, everything American was exciting,” Wasserman says, explaining that Cubans were great consumers of American television and TV dinners. “They loved Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Ingredients such as mayonnaise, Campbell’s Soup and American cheese were Yucca root fries with mojo sauce. Credit: Tina Wasserman /JTA readily available.” But this changed rapidly once Castro gained control. “There were many influences on Cuban Jewish cuisine,” says Wasserman, whose YUCCA ROOT FRIES WITH MOJO SAUCE Web site www. cookingandmore.com is a valuable Mojo Sauce resource of Jewish recipes and cooking tips. While 1/4 cup olive oil Ashkenazi cooking dominated, Sephardi seasoning fla- 6 large cloves garlic, finely minced vored food too. 1/2 cup sour orange juice or 1/4 cup orange juice and “A major influence on Cuban food came from Spain,” 1/4 cup lime juice Wasserman says, explaining that the signature dish Black 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin Beans and Rice is a variation of a 900-year-old dish Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste called Moros Y Cristianos. Meaning Moors and 1. Heat a 1 quart saucepan for 15 seconds. Add the olive Christians, it symbolized the coexistence of the two reli- oil and heat for 10 seconds over medium heat. 2. Add the garlic and cook for 20 seconds or until it just gions in Medieval Spain. “Jews in Cuba encountered African and Caribbean starts to get lightly golden. Do not let the garlic brown, or seasoning too,” says Wasserman. In the late fifties, the sauce will become bitter. 3. Add the remaining ingredients and bring to a rolling Chinese zmmigrants added soy sauce to Cuban food. “Onions, green bell peppers, cumin and pork were boil. Be careful, sauce may steam. Cook for three minutes. prevalent in Cuban cuisine,” Wasserman says. While Remove from heat, adjust seasonings if necessary and chill most Jews enjoyed popular local dishes, religiously until ready to serve with the fried yucca or on top of vegetables, meats or fish. observant Jews tweaked recipes to avoid pork. During the 20th century, Ashkenazi Jews introduced Continued on page 44

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December 8, 2006

Pre-Castro Jews Marked Hanukkah

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Continued from page 43 FRIED YUCCA 1 large yucca root--approximately 1 pound Kosher salt Vegetable oil for frying 1. Peel the yucca and slice it in half lengthwise. Remove the stringy core in the center. Cut each half crosswise into 2 inch lengths. 2. Place the big chunks of yucca into a 2 quart pot of salted water and cook over medium heat covered until the pieces are tender -- about 30 minutes. Drain on a cloth towel and cool. 3. When ready to fry, add enough oil to a 1 quart saucepan or deep fryer to make a depth of at least one inch. Heat oil to 375F. 4. Cut yucca into 2 inch by 1/2 inch sticks. Pat dry and add to the hot oil. Add no more than 5 or 6 sticks at a time as oil bubbles up and temperature will drop if too Malanga-crusted sole. many sticks are added at a time. Fry until golden. Drain on paper towels and sprinkle with salt. Eat as is or with the Mojo Sauce for dipping. Yield: 2-4 servings. MALANGA-CRUSTED FISH FILLET (Long and pink tinged, malanga is also called dasheen, cocoyam or taro.) 1 pound malanga root, peeled 2 large cloves of garlic, peeled 2 tablespoons packed whole cilantro, washed and patted dry 2 large eggs 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/2 cup flour Salt and pepper 1 pound thin fish fillets, such as sole, flounder or tilapia Vegetable oil for frying 1 lime 1. Cut the peeled malanga into chunks and place in a food processor work bowl fitted with the steel blade. Pulse on and off until the root is a coarse texture. 2. Add the garlic and process for 5 seconds. 3. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a spatula and then add the cilantro. Pulse until mixture is fairly smooth. Add eggs and 1/2 teaspoon salt and pulse until eggs are fully incorporated. 4. Place mixture in a flat dish or pie plate and let it rest

while assembling the remaining ingredients. 5. Place about 1/2 cup of flour in a flat plate. Season with salt and pepper. 6. Heat a 10 inch to 12 inch frying pan for 30 seconds. Add enough oil to come to a depth of 1/2 inch. Heat the oil over medium high heat until hot, but not smoking. Oil is ready when fish sizzles immediately upon contact. 7. Rinse off fish under running water. Do not pat dry. Shake off excess water and then coat on both sides with the seasoned flour. 8. Coat both sides of the fish fillets with the malanga mixture and add to the frying pan. Do not crowd the fish. Cook in batches of 2-3 fillets at a time. 9. Fry fillets for 2 minutes until golden and then flip over and fry an additional 2 minutes or until done. Drain on paper towel and keep warm in a 200F oven until ready to serve. Credit: Tina Wasserman/JTA 10. Just before serving, squeeze fresh lime juice over the fillets. Yield: 4-6 servings. SALADA DE MOROS & CHRISTIANOS (Cuban Black Bean and Rice Salad) 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced 1/3 cup coarsely chopped cilantro 6 Roma tomatoes, or 1 large tomato, seeded and diced 1 teaspoon ground cumin 1 jalapeno pepper, finely diced 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice 1/2 teaspoon salt Freshly ground black pepper to taste 3 ears corn, roasted and kernels removed (approximately 2 cups) or 2 cans of corn, drained 1/4 cup diced red onion 1/2 cup diced red or yellow bell pepper 1/2 cup diced green bell pepper 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed 2 cups long grain rice Salt and pepper to taste 1. Combine the first 9 ingredients in a serving bowl large enough to eventually hold all of the remaining ingredients. Let marinate for at least 1/2 hour at room temperature. 2. Roast the corn over mesquite wood until golden and tender on all sides. Remove from the cob and set aside. If Continued on page 45

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READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Although my husband has had diabetes for many years, we had never heard of the Jewish Diabetes Association. After being diagnosed with type I diabetes and beginning her own healthy lifestyle regimen, Nechama Cohen founded the JDA and is the Executive Director. She begins this cookbook with giving her thanks to Hakadosh Baruch Hu (the Almighty) for the privilege of presenting the first kosher cookbook of this kind created to help people with diabetes address obesity (64% of Americans are overweight or obese) and unhealthy lifestyle. Consulting with your health care provider and moderation are stressed for anyone looking for a healthier lifestyle and way of cooking. In the opening pages

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ZUCCHINI LATKES (PANCAKES) Low Carb, Low Fat 1 latke, 2 oz , 40 calories 3 large zucchini, peeled 1 medium potato, peeled 1 egg plus 2 egg whites, beaten 2 tablespoons soy or whole-wheat flour salt and pepper to taste non-stick cooking spray 2 tablespoons canola oil for frying Grate zucchini and potato, either by hand or in a food processor. Drain well in colander. Remove any additional liquid by wrapping the grated vegetables in a clean dish towel and squeezing well. By hand, mix in the egg, flour and seasonings. Form latkes and fry on both sides. For frying enlitened latkes: with each new batch, spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray and/or wipe the pan with oil occasionally, as well. You need to be patient with these pancakes and fry them for a long time until they are cooked through, or they will fall apart when flipped. Yield: 12 Servings. Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.

Enlitened Living covers the obesity epidemic, losing weight, carbohydrates, the glycemic index, fat, protein, exercise, ingredients, food preparation, and “the more you eat, the more you want--the less you eat, the less you want” practice of choosing good carbs and good fats and controlling portions (Appendix 7: Eyeballing Food for Portion Size relates size of portions to familiar objects: light bulbs, tubes of lipstick, golf balls... a thin slice of meat is approximately the size of a 51/4” computer disk). An informative, well written read. The 250 recipes, listed on the 10 colorful chapter pages as well as in the alphabetical index for convenience, are classics that are “litened”, new lite recipes, low

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and reduced carb and fat recipes with little or no sugar, and are easy to prepare. The one recipe to a page format has brief instructions, notes, tips--from Adding salt to kosher meat or poultry to Zucchini, peeling, garnishing, variations, and nutritional facts. Color photographs are scattered here and there in the chapters. The Soups chapter has low fat and low carb Chicken Soup and Fat Free-Knaidlach (only 29 calories each). Salads are from Breakfast Salad to Sizzlin’ Salmon and Spinach Salad with Soy Vinaigrette. Some of the Middle-Eastern recipes are Matboucha (a tomato dish), S’chug and Fenugreek (condiments) and Tehina (sesame butter). Everything from soups to nuts...the other chapters are Vegetables & Side Dishes, Dairy, Fish, Meat & Poultry, Baking lite, Pies & Desserts, Snacks & Beverages, and a special chapter of Passover recipes for low carb, low fat Appetizers, Main Dishes, Salads, Soups, Desserts and Snacks. The 15 appendices include Enlitened Choices for the Sabbath and Festivals, which cross references some specific recipes to Sabbath/Festival, Rosh Hashanah, PreYom Kippur, Sukkot (Tabernacles), Hanukkah, Tu B’Shevat, Purim, Pesach (Passover) and Shavuot (Pentecost). Other appendices have various charts, helpful equivalents and substitutions and more. If someone in your family has diabetes or before one of them is diagnosed with diabetes, give them a gift. Enlighten and enliten your cooking and healthy lifestyle choices for your family for Hanukkah with this recipe.

sto ck o

TORTE DE GUAYABA (GUAVA CAKE) 2 cups all purpose flour 1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1 teaspoon salt 13/4 sticks unsalted butter 3 eggs 3 tablespoons cream sherry 15 ounces guava paste in a 1/2 inch thick brick Non-stick spray 1. Place flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a food processor work bowl. Pulse on and off a few times to combine the ingredients. 2. Cut the butter into 14 pieces. Place the pieces in the work bowl and then pulse on and off until a coarse meal is formed with smaller than pea-sized pieces of butter remaining. 3. Combine the eggs and the cream sherry and immediately add to the work bowl while the processor is running. Process only until a ball of dough starts to form so that dough does not get too tough. 4. Coat a 9 inch springform pan with non-stick spray. Spread half of the dough over the pan patting even with your finger tips. 5. Slice the brick of guava paste crosswise into 1/4 inch thick slices. Place slices on the dough in a spiral covering as much exposed dough as possible. Paste may be pieced together since it won’t show. 6. Spread the remaining dough over the guava paste, covering the paste completely. 7. Bake in a preheated 350F oven for 30-40 minutes or until cake tester comes out clean and cake is a rich golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely before serving. This cake tastes better made at least a day in advance. 8. To serve, slice in individual wedges or cut rows 1 inch apart and then, on the diagonal, another set of rows 1 inch apart to create diamonds. Place the diamonds in little paper cups and serve as part of a dessert buffet. Yield: 1 cake serving 18-20 people, or 3-4 dozen miniature diamonds.

by Nechama Cohen (Feldheim, $39.95)

Continued from page 44 using canned corn, roast at 350 F for about 15 minutes until lightly browned. 3. Have all of your remaining ingredients ready while you cook the rice. 4. Cook the rice according to package directions. When the rice is done, quickly pour it over the tomato mixture. 5. Toss with the remaining ingredients. Add salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately at room temperature or chill it. Yield: Approximately 2 -3 quarts of salad

Page 45

Enlitened Kosher Cooking

ven ue f or t he o nly plun g

Pre-Castro Jews Marked Hanukkah

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Page 46

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

The Legacy of a Holocaust Survivor former Blackstone Hotel. He would back, not widely distributed except to often accompany his host family on pic- friends and people he thought might be nics, camping and fishing trips and other interested. I obtained a copy of the book, outings. later loaned it to someone, and unfortuWhen I first met Edelman, he nately, never got it back. However, in this impressed me as being aloof. I wondered book are accounts of the atrocities he how Jay, a jovial, friendly young man, lived through, complete with pictures. found anything in common with Edelman was spared from execution Edelman, who looked to be in his late 50s because he was among those Jews who or early 60s. After I got to know him, had a special talent or trade that the Nazis however, it became apparent that could utilize. Edelman’s attitude was merely a façade, a He was a barber and therefore provided cover-up for deepthis service to them. seated emotional His brother was an problems as a result accomplished violinist of losing his loved who gave concerts for ones and having the Nazi upper-echewitnessed and expelon officers. Edelman rienced unspeakrecalls a performance able horrors during that received a standthe Holocaust. ing ovation. After the Even through his theater cleared, the occasional banter, talented musician was one could detect promptly gunned great sadness in his down on the stage by eyes. The more I the same Nazi officers came in contact who moments ago with him, the more had stood up and his true, altruistic applauded him. That Joel Edelman character shone was one unconthrough. scionable example of what the Nazis did. He told of the day his parents sent him Edelman told of soap made from rento a store to buy a loaf of bread during dered fat of human bodies, and jewelry the turbulent times of Nazi-occupied from the gold fillings of their victims’ Poland. Imagine the trauma of returning teeth. There were other horrors he couldhome and finding both parents shot and n’t even speak or write about. killed in their own living room by the Miraculously, he managed to survive and Gestapo, for the “crime” of merely being escape from the Holocaust, but its afterJewish. math was permanently etched in his Edelman wrote a book about the memory, and aged him prematurely. Holocaust and what he went through Edelman was mostly bald except for during that time, called, Hell Echoes the tufts of white hair at each temple. Ashes of Auschwitz. It was a thin, paper- Appearance-wise, he reminded me of

by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Joel Edelman was a study in contrasts. Some days he was non-stop talkative; other days, taciturn and brooding. Although usually impeccably dressed and well groomed in suit and tie, other days would find him in a tee-shirt and tennis shoes. He liked to debate and make his point in most conversations; conversely, he would be agreeable and acquiescent. Approximately 20 years ago, I met Joel Edelman through the Tom McAdams family, close friends of mine. Their son, Jay, befriended Edelman who became a frequent visitor to their home. Edelman was a Holocaust survivor born in Krakow, Poland, who, along with a group of several other displaced persons, emigrated to the United States through the generous, compassionate sponsorship of Rose Blumkin. Through various agencies he found a place to live and part-time employment in Omaha, eventually moving to a downtown senior high-rise building for several years before meeting Jay McAdams. The McAdams family took him in as a guest, providing meals and an occasional place to stay whenever he wished. He and young McAdams became inseparable friends, though they argued and teased one another incessantly and goodnaturedly. In return for their hospitality, Edelman would treat the McAdamses to dinner at Angie’s, Rose Lodge, and the Tamarack in Missouri Valley. He would often visit this non-Jewish family on Sundays, armed with a sack of bagels, cream cheese and lox, upon which they eagerly feasted. On Passover, he introduced them to matzos. Sometimes he would bring a whole cheesecake, a legendary treat from the

Albert Einstein. Edelman also played the violin as a hobby. We would tease him about his “Stradivarius”, although his strings weren’t nearly as prestigious as that, nor was his playing. But through his music (he made up a lot of his songs) he found self-expression and a semblance of peace. His tunes, all composed in a minor key, reflected the angst in his heart. I then realized it was through music that he and Jay McAdams forged their mutual bond. McAdams was an outstanding classical pianist, who also enjoyed jazz and popular-song arranging, and played duets with his mother, a pianist and organist, accompanied by Edelman on the violin. These mini-concerts, would entertain passersby and neighbors with a variety of music wafting through the open windows of the McAdams residence, during summer months. Then the McAdamses, who had become like Edelman’s second family, moved from Council Bluffs where they had resided for many years, to a small town in Missouri. Shortly thereafter, Jay McAdams was tragically killed in a car accident. Edelman, who was frequently seen in Omaha’s downtown area, seemed to suddenly disappear. At first it was surmised that finding himself alone with little resources and horrific memories of the past, was too much for him to bear. He had moved from his apartment, left a part-time job without notice, and told no one where he was going. Attempts to trace his whereabouts were unsuccessful. For reasons unknown at the time, Edelman was never reported as a missing person. His acquaintances downtown thought he was just another transient Continued on page 47

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Page 47

The Legacy of a Holocaust Survivor Continued from page 48 who had wandered off to parts unknown, as it had been quite a while since his disappearance. No one had seen or heard from him after that, for many years. Meanwhile, the McAdams family kept trying to locate him, fearing he had met with foul play. Then recently, while unsuccessfully searching in the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Kripke Library for his book, I also asked at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home if anyone there might have a copy. A staff member reported she recognized the name, and recalled that Edelman had been a resident there for a number of years and had passed away around 1995. She also said he had loaned his books to the residents while he lived there, but none could be found at the present time. While saddened to learn of his death, I was relieved that he had been in a safe and caring environment all

during the time he was supposedly missing. When I informed the McAdams family, they shared my feelings. At last, there was closure to what had appeared to have been an unsolved mystery. Joel Edelman was not famous, nor did he ever consider himself to be anyone special just because he survived one of the most infamous mass slaughters in history. He wrote his memoirs so others would know what it was like. He was just an ordinary, somewhat melancholy man who went through a hell on earth and lived to tell about it. He sought solace through association with friends, and never took anything from anyone that he couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t give back doubly--whether gifts or acts of kindness. Though his voice is now stilled, the indomitable spirit of Joel Edelman lives on in the hearts of those privileged to have known him.

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Best Wishes For a Happy Hanukkah

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;NatureWorks LLCâ&#x20AC;? is offering an approximately 30% moisture gypsum available for pickup at its Blair, Nebr., facility. This gypsum is offered free of charge. If interested, contact Paul Foley at (402) 533-1407 or paul_foley@natureworksllc.com. We will need to coordinate a pickup schedule to ensure we have adequate gypsum and minimize the waiting lines.

11422 Miracle Hills Drive 493-8951

Page 48

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 8, 2006

Thoughts on Joining the IDF

JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER [Following were my son Nathan’s thoughts on the eve of his enlistment in the Israel Defense Forces. One sentence of background: Due to certain medical issues (which Nathan feels are minor-and I agree with him), the IDF drafted Nathan into its non-combat corps.] On the 15th of October I began the first year of my Israeli Army duty. What I’ll be doing for the next three years of my life has yet to be determined, since I’m still engaged in a fierce battle, trying to get the army to enlist me as a combat soldier. I believe with all my heart that it is my duty as an Israeli to serve my country. This is about paying my dept to the people who once fought for me, to those who died fighting for me, and to those who will fight for me in the future. This is a bond that is unique to the people of this great country. I am proud. It is an honor and a privilege to be able to serve my country. Political and religious rivalries, as well as socio-economic differences, have all played a part in the social crisis that has been haunting Israel for the past few years. As a result, different groups no longer feel that army service is completely necessary. This is a mistake. During this period of tension between so many different social camps, where the religious and the secular are keeping more and more within their own circles, where the political right-wingers despise the left and vice versa, the army becomes one of the only grounds where all people meet--three years of service with people from all levels of Israeli society. The army is based upon the work of units, but the army can only function well if all the individuals who make up these units work with each other, be they leftwing or right, religious or secular, rich or poor. No, this period of great social tension is definitely not the time to drop army service. My personal dream is to serve in one of the most elite

units in the Israeli Army. I’ve trained in the gym four times a week non-stop for the past two years, getting ready. Most of my friends say that they are waiting for the army to whip them into shape during the basic training at the beginning of their service. None of them are in the type of form I’m in, but then again, most of them aren’t hoping to be drafted into the elite units anyway. I’m told there were times when kids would train their hearts out before their army service, Nathan Weinberger, grandson of forand these elite units mer Omahans Al and Willie Ross, were their biggest was inducted into the IDF in Octber. and wildest dreams. But time has gone by, and today when I train, it’s me and maybe one or two other fanatics hoping to make the greatest units in the IDF. I do my weight lifting with Sergei, a Ukrainian who received his training at Soviet army camps during the communist era. He tells me of the ruthless captains who had him do pushups in the snow at three in the morning. I smile and drop to give him one hundred, twenty on each hand, and then the rest on my fists. Sergei was drafted by force, with his family’s life on the line if he refused. And I? I’m begging the army to take me to the most dangerous units, the ones that undertake only the most challenging missions. What’s more, I’m doing it because I want to, without any threat to my family. Sergei laughs as I willingly sweat out those pushups. He thinks I’m crazy. Then again, we don’t get much snow here, so Sergei believes I’ll have an easy ride compared to his service. It may be so. But I’m glad to be serving in the army of my people’s country, and not in the People’s Army of the USSR. Nathan Weinberger made aliyah almost 10 years ago with his two brothers and two sisters and parents, Teddy Weinberger and former Omahan Sarah Ross.

Friedel Presents Latke Extravaganza by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT On Wednesday, Dec. 20, Friedel Jewish Academy will host its annual latke fundraiser. Students, teachers and parents will work together all day cooking latkes and packaging sour cream and applesauce. “This is one of the nicest experiences at Friedel,” Principal Cookie Katskee says. “Potato peels fly through the air as students get busy peeling and preparing for the sale. The students get to mix the shredded potatoes with their bare hands. Now that’s hands-on cooking.” Katskee is enthusiastic about this event, as are the other adults at Friedel. Where else can you observe Rabbi Jonathan Gross mastering the Cuisinart and see your principal in an apron, juggling utensils? “This is a wonderful way for the students to connect with the community,” says kindergarten teacher Diana Zeman. “They get to explore the rich traditions surrounding Hanukkah and share these traditions with their families and teachers. It is a heartwarming experience to see the kids learn- Principal Cookie Katskee preing and having fun while pares for Friedel’s latke sale. helping out their school.” Zeman acknowledges things get messy and hectic, “but that’s a big part of the fun. It takes the students out of the classroom and out of their everyday school structure.” Students from different grades get to work together and have the opportunity to learn various skills outside the classroom environment. “For instance,” Zeman says, “they use math skills when measuring ingredients.” Visitors are welcome to join students for lunch for $5, from 11:45 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Take-out is available and will be sold in packages of 10 latkes with accompiaments for $10, from 11:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. Order by calling 334.0517 before Dec.19. As in previous years, Bag ’n Save is donating the ingredients. Last year, Bag ’n Save donated 125 lbs. of potatoes and 22 lbs. of onions.

“It is in the Negev that the creativity and the pioneering vigor of Israel shall be tested.” David Ben-Gurion, First Israeli Prime Minister

The Negev. Now.

“The Negev is an untapped resource of beauty, tourism and opportunity for the young Zionists of tomorrow.” Shimon Peres, Vice Prime Minister, Minister for the Development of the Negev

“It is a vote of confidence in Israel’s strategic initiative to enhance the economic and social development of our Negev and Galilee regions.” Prime Minister Ehud Olmert before U.S. Congress, May 2006

t has never been more evident – we must secure and develop the Galilee and the Negev. The Negev is 60% of the land of Israel – underpopulated, precious land. Through the Jewish National Fund Blueprint Negev campaign, we are making great strides in bringing new residents, new sources of water, improved agriculture, new communities and economic opportunity while protecting the environment.

Our dream is to ensure that Israel remains the choice for its youth, its elderly, its immigrants, and for Jews around the world to call their home. Join us. It’s time for the Negev. Now. Ask for a free DVD to learn more about our work in the Negev.

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