Vol. LXXXV No. 14 Omaha, NE
Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa
Harlan Noddle Leaves Legacy of Leadership
Foundation Announces Sokolof Scholarship Applications Available by JANET HENTHORN Foundation of the Jewish Federation The much anticipated applications for the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Merit Scholarships are now available. The application forms, which must be submitted by March 1, 2006, can be downloaded from the Center for Jewish Education Scholarships and Grants page on the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s website at www.jewishomaha.org. The Sokolof Scholarships, which will be administered by the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, may be the largest that have ever been available in the Jewish community, according to Steve Bloch, President of the Foundation. Phil Sokolof died on April 15, 2004. Terms of his will created the Phil and Ruth Sokolof Honor Roll Fund and the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund. Both Sokolof and his wife Ruth had a deep love for Phil and Ruth Sokolof, 1971. education and a great appreciation for the hard work that made success possible. This influenced his establishing the criteria for the scholarships that are based on merit and not financial need. In addition, recipients must be residents of the Omaha metropolitan area.
Meeting with Jewish Educators, Bush Stresses Vouchers, Choice by Matthew E. Berger WASHINGTON (JTA)--President Bush brought his controversial support for school vouchers and charitable choice to a receptive Jewish audience, and expressed support for opportunities to help Jewish day schools.
Hanukkah came early to the White House as President Bush lit the menorah while the West Point Cadet Jewish chorale sang Hanukkah songs. Credit: Carrie Devorah Bush met Dec. 6 with 13 Jewish educators and dayschool leaders, and focused the talk on his support for school vouchers and other education initiatives. Later in the day he hosted the White House’s annual Hanukkah party, attended by several hundred Jewish leaders. The event was held before the holiday this year because Bush won’t be available later in the month. Continued on page 15
Inside Opinion Page see page 16
by JOAN K. MARCUS
Merit scholarships for $10,000 each will be awarded to two graduating Jewish high school seniors for their college or university education. The criteria for these scholarships, as well as those below, are overall good character, scholastic performance, personal achievement, and community service. Merit scholarships for $10,000 each will be awarded to two Jewish college or university students who are currently enrolled in, or have been admitted to, a course of study leading to a career in the field of health care. In addition, there will be up to two merit scholarships (amounts yet to be determined) available from the Karen Sokolof Javitch Music Appreciation Fund. These scholarships will be for Jewish college, university or music conservatory students who are majoring in or pursuing a degree in music performance, composition or music education. Fifty years ago Phil Sokolof founded Phillips Manufacturing Company. According to his daughter, Karen Sokolof Javitch, her father started the company as a one-man operation. He was the manufacturer, the salesman, the distributor and the billing agent for a steel product used in creating drywall Continued on page 5
Businessman, real estate developer, philanthropist, and community leader Harlan Noddle died Dec. 10 at the age of 69. Services were held Dec. 13 at Temple Israel with interment at Temple Israel Cemetery. “It wasn’t just about all the things Harlan built over the years--it was why he built them,” said Jan Executive Goldstein, Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. “He always cared about people, about humanity and about making the world a better place--be it here in Omaha, nationally, in Israel or anywhere else in the world where there was need. And he never stopped doing this for all of us. “He was always there for those who needed him and his spirit will always be celebrated in this Jewish community,” she added. Although Noddle was seriously ill for several months, he remained active in the Omaha Jewish community, most recently chairing deliberations of the Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Supporting Foundation. He also made the presentation to Dr. Hal Maurer at Chabad’s 18th Anniversary celebration--not just because Noddle served on the board of the University of Nebraska Medical Center with Chancellor Maurer-but as his friend. Continued on page 19
Project Dreidel Chronicles
Tomorrow Is a New Day by SHARON BARGAS 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 their families. Over the next several weeks, you’ll get to know some of the Omahaarea Jews helped by Jewish Family Service (JFS). Each person depicted in these stories has graciously agreed to share their story with the community to increase awareness of the programs and services of JFS that have made such a tremendous difference in their lives. Through Project Dreidel, JFS provides Hanukkah gifts and Jewish holiday meals to families in our area who cannot afford them. But sometimes, families and individuals have unexpected emergencies that require immediate intervention. JFS is there to provide the financial and emotional support needed to get back to normal, and that support costs money year ’round. Your donations to JFS allows us to take care of each other, ensuring that every Omaha Jewish community member will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment. To find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of others, please contact JFS at 330.2024. This is the first installment in a three-part series: Had it not been for Jewish Family Service, the woman in this first installment of “Project Dreidel Chronicles” might have fallen into such deep despair that she would-
This Week: Annual Hanukkah Issue starts on Page 21 Eyewitness to the Fall of the Minsk Ghetto: Page 3
15 Kislev, 5766 December 16, 2005 2 Sections
Where Are They Now? Features Dr. Hugh Levin: Page 9
n’t have been able to get back up again. Rosa Kaplanksy left the only world she had ever known five years ago to start a new life in hopes of offering her daughter a better life in Omaha. A native of Russia, Kaplansky struggled to learn English and created a home for her teenage daughter, independently, with no help from a spouse. She has vivid memories of her husband’s excessive drinking and poor health forcing her to choose a life on her own. Although she was a respected mechanical engineer in Russia, she did not have the opportunity to continue her career in the United States. Instead, she ended up working for minimum wage as a sales representative at a local discount department store. Repeating to herself over and over again, “I’ve never had any regrets,” she remained upbeat over the years. A little more than a year ago, she was stricken with horrendous pain that forced her to go to a local emergency room. After numerous tests and many visits to various doctors, Kaplansky was forced to endure a surgical procedure where surgeons removed her left ovary. That is when “getting by” for this Jewish Russian Continued on page 7
Coming Next Month: Tax & Financial Planning on Jan. 13 Inside the New Holland Center: Page 13
Behind the Scenes at Opera Omaha: Page 30
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16 Ima and Me, 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House Friedel Latke Sale and Luncheon, 10:30 a.m. Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Hanukkah Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Beth El C SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18 L JFS Tzedakah Project, 8 a.m. I “Living Hebrew” with Susie Levin and Bible Study P with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m. at Beth El
C L I P
Prayer Class and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El & Hadassah Hanukkah Party, 1:30 p.m. S A V E
Live from the 92nd St. Y with Barbara Walters, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY, DECEMBER 19 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m. JFS Tzedakah, noon Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m. BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El outh Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.
& S A V E
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20 JFS Tzedakah, 8 a.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel C WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 21 L PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El I NCJW Board Meeting, noon P
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Yachad Hanukkah Party, 6 p.m. at the home of Becki Brenner
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22 S A Thursday Story Time, 10 a.m. at the Kripke Library V Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel E Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m. Yiddish Group, 1 p.m. 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
S A V E
ning to be torn between the voice of his mother, who LOS ANGELES (JTA)--Munich. Rarely in the annals tells him that he is the kind of man the victims of the of motion pictures have keen minds written and specu- Holocaust prayed for, and the pull of his wife and newlated so much about a movie they haven’t seen. born child. In the end, Avner demands to know whether All the buzz and fuss isn’t about the quality, pacing, all the men he has killed were actually involved in the acting, music and cinematography of the movie. After Munich massacre, but receives no direct answer. all, the label “a Steven Spielberg film” is a Hollywood Since Munich started filming last June in Malta and gold standard, the source of mega-hits from Jaws to Budapest, it has been shrouded in a blanket of secrecy, Schindler’ List to Saving Private Ryan. which only now is beginning to be lifted ahead of its limThe interest in Munich looks deeper than that. For ited rollout on Dec. 23. one, it’s about a filmmaker’s obligation to historical fact. Because of, or despite, the news blackout, there has At the most profound level, it confronts the old and new been a constant stream of critical reports from Israel, question of how war and terrorism transform the perpe- most denouncing the historical inaccuracy of the film. trator and, even more, the one who takes up arms to “This is simply fiction, not a documentary,” said Ehud oppose evil. Danoch, Israel’s consul general in Los Angeles and one The film opens with still-haunting black-and-white of the few Israelis to have seen Munich. television footage from the 1972 Olympics in Munich, High-ranking Israelis, in and out of the Mossad, have as newscaster Jim McKay reports on the capture, and expressed astonishment and annoyance that not one had eventual murder, of 11 Israeli athletes and coaches by been consulted by Spielberg or Kushner, and neither has Palestinian Black September terrorists. Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s office, which oversees the When a botched attempt by German police to rescue intelligence service. It is not clear if the filmmakers the Israeli hostages fails, we hear McKay’s somber, “It’s would have received any cooperation, since Israel has all over, they are all gone.” never acknowledged that it carried out the post-Munich Although there are flashbacks to the massacre through- reprisals. Also, within Israel the book cited by the filmout the film, the main focus shifts to a meeting between makers as a main source, Vengeance by George Jonas, Israeli Prime Minister Golda has been widely discredited. Meir and her top military and “The man who came to intelligence leaders. The deciJonas and represented himsion is made to send a Mossad self to be, in effect, the team to Europe to hunt Avner character of the down and assassinate 11 of movie, was actually never in the massacre’s participants the Mossad and only served and planners. a few months as an El Al Tapped to lead the team is security guard,” said a agent Avner Kauffman (Eric knowledgeable Israeli offiBana), son of a Holocaust cial, who spoke on condition survivor (Gila Almagor), of anonymity. He cited a whose wife is expecting the number of obvious technical couple’s first baby. inaccuracies, but what most His companions make up From left to right, Daniel Craig, producer/director Steven upset the official was the a properly diverse, if ficti- Spielberg, Hanns Zischler and Eric Bana on the set of depiction of some of the Credit: Karen Ballard/Universal Studios Mossad agents’ actions. tious, team--it includes an Munich. aggressive hit man (Daniel Craig), a meticulous bour“You can argue that violence begets violence, but geois type (Ciaran Hinds), a toymaker-turned-bomb- there is a line our security officers will not cross and that maker (Mathieu Kassovitz) and an expert document is the ethos of the purity of arms,” said the official, himforger (Hanns Zischler). self a former officer in the Israel Defense Forces. “The From this point, the two-and-half-hour film incorpo- IDF is the most moral army in the world.” rates three storylines. It also is Israel that has consistently sought peace, and The first is that of a first-class action thriller, as the thus an end to violence, he added. squad tracks and hunts down its targets in Italy, France, After seeing Munich, the official drew an unfavorable England and Spain. There are some hits, some misses, comparison to the controversial film by Mel Gibson, The lots of explosions and shootings, James Bond capers, a Passion of the Christ. few car chases and a bit of sex. “In ‘The Passion’ you have two short scenes which All along, Avner is fed tips, in exchange for hefty pay- make the Jews look bad,” he said. “But in ‘Munich’ ments, by a mysterious Frenchman with seemingly some Jewish characters are depicted badly from the unlimited contacts, who may also be a double agent. beginning to the end.” The movie’s second storyline centers on the interacAlso displeased with the portrayal of the Mossad tions among the team’s five members, and occasionally agents is historian Michael Oren, who told The New with their hard-nosed Mossad boss in Tel Aviv (Geoffrey York Times, “It’s become a stereotype, the guilt-ridden Rush). Mossad hit man. I don’t see Dirty Harry feeling guiltAt first, they talk shop about the technical aspects of ridden. Somehow, it’s only the Jews.” their job, but as some of their hits lead to overkill, the An intriguing question is raised by Calev Ben-David of discussions turn more subtle and intense. The Israel Project, writing in The Jerusalem Post in the Some wonder if there is a moral dimension to their form of a letter to Spielberg. work, and if this is in conflict with millennia of Jewish “What I really suspect, Steven, is that you are using history and teaching. The concerns of the “moralists” ‘Munich’ as a means of commenting, in your own way, are followed by those of the team’s “pragmatists,” who on the situation of the United States in a post-9/11 ask if the constant cycle of attack, retaliation and coun- world,” Ben-David writes. terretaliation will ever lead to a solution. “But by setting those concerns against the backdrop of Spielberg has said repeatedly that this question is at the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, you cleverly sidestep havthe top of his mind and he cleverly stresses the point by ing to contend with the kind of overwhelming backlash alternating headlines of a terrorist airport bombing, a you would face if your movie made any direct politically Mossad assassination, and a plane hijacking. charged controversial statements about America’s own “I am always in favor of Israel responding strongly current war on terror.” when it’s threatened,” the filmmaker told Time Whether the point is valid or not, it is interesting that Magazine. “At the same time, a response to a response Munich’s final scene shows Avner walking along the doesn’t really solve anything. It just creates a perpetual- New York waterfront, with the World Trade Center’s motion machine.” Twin Towers clearly silhouetted in the background. A third subplot, relatively brief but central to Spielberg The criticism of Munich’s historical accuracy may be and screenwriter Tony Kushner, is a confrontation accurate, but Spielberg tries to make this an issue of little between Avner and Ali, the young leader of a PLO importance by making no claim to his film being a literal squad, in which the aims and justifications of the recreation of the historical events. The film is clearly Palestinian’s violence are discussed. labeled as “inspired by real events” and the director and The encounter, while polemical, is a well-handled writer have referred to the contents as “historical fiction.” piece of theater, and as an Israeli official who has seen the Whatever the debating points on Munich, we can be movie put it, “There isn’t a Palestinian spokesman who certain they will be batted about for a long time.
December 16, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 3
Eyewitness to the Fall of the Minsk Ghetto by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press In the September New Year’s issue, the Jewish Press chronicled the war years of Lev Shektman’s mother and two older brothers. Theirs was an a story not often heard--of suffering under the Nazis during World War II, followed by depravation and oppression under subsequent Soviet dictatorships. With the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 and the mass exodus of more than one million Jews to Israel and America, these “new” Holocaust stories came to light. Last year, author David Guy, himself a Jew from the former Soviet Union, published Innocence in Hell. Author of 16 books and an award-winning journalist in the USSR and post-communist Russia, Guy arrived in New York in 1993. His book, available at the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, features the stories of those who survived the round-up of Jews into the Minsk ghetto--and its eventual mass killings and deportations. One of those was Boris Dobin, who has lived in Omaha since 1991. Now, 14 years after arriving in the biggest wave of immigrants since the Exodus from Egypt, and 60 years after the liberation of Europe’s concentration camps and the end of the war, Dobin speaks out. According to Guy, the residents of the Minsk ghetto were “hunched, tormented by despair and looking more like their own shadows...The July sun blinded them and, unaccustomed to the darkness of their underground hideout, they shielded their eyes with their palms. They didn’t believe their own deliverance, so they were unable to express joy or even utter simple human words. “There were only 13 of them--men,
women, and children--who had the survived death of the ghetto, hiding in a deep cell next to the cemetery for almost nine months.” Boris Dobin was one of them. nearly “For 260 days, they slept in the daytime and stayed awake during the night. It seemed safer that way. They inhaled the foul stench and drank putrid water, burying their dead under makeshift beds and dreaming of and Photos from top: Smiling German bread They soldiers surround a group of relionions. were not imme- gious Jewish men on the street in diately discov- Minsk Mazowieck, Oct.-Nov, 1939 ered after the CREDIT: USHMM, courtesy of city’s liberation. Zydowski Instytut Historyczny Instytut Naukowo-Badawczy; Affixed to the It happened 12 barbed-wire fence surrounding the Minsk ghetto is a sign stating, hours later. They “Warning. Anyone climbing the fence will be shot!” Belorusian State were the last Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War; Jewish residents of remaining in- Minsk are rounded up to be forced into the ghetto. Minsk, Soviet Union, mates of the July-August 1941. CREDIT: Belorusian State Museum of the History of the Great Patriotic War. Photos courtesy of the U.S. Holocaust Museum. ghetto.” Before World War II, more than the nearby towns and villages and forced 80,000 Jews lived in Minsk and the sur- into a ghetto in Minsk. The brick walls surrounding the ghetto rounding towns. Located in what is now Belarus, Minsk was invaded by the were ordered to be built by the Jews. Germans in 1941. Within that first year, Extending from Kolkhozny Lane to another 20,000 Jews were rounded up in Kolkhozny Street and along the river to
Nemiga Street, the walls excluded the Russian Orthodox Church and extended to Republikanskaya Street. The conditions were deplorable; there wasn’t enough food or fresh water. And the “aktions” began almost immediately. Starting with large apartment buildings that housed a number of Jews, the Germans would sometimes keep men, women and children for hours just facing a brick wall. Occasionally, soldiers would point their rifles at the Jews, just to scare them. In the meantime, their comrades were busy upstairs, searching individual apartments, loading up on foodstuffs-from sugar to cocoa to rice--anything they could carry. And sometimes the soldiers would return to loot apartments where they had spotted valuables--silver candlesticks, linens, sturdy boots. But soon the soldiers did more than just point rifles...they began to round up groups of Jews, sometimes sending them off to “work camps” like Drozdi or, if the soldiers’ patience wore thin, they would just shoot Jews, leaving them to die in the streets and courtyards of the ghetto. When the ghetto was created by the Nazis, the Jews were also ordered to wear yellow stars. It seemed like new orders were issued every day: “Jews can only enter along two streets...the Judenrat must issue a loan of 30,000 rubles to cover the cost of resettlement from one part of the city to the ‘Jewish quarter’...” According to David Guy, “Life in the ghetto went on.” Some Jews did try to escape, and more than 10,000 eventually found their way to the partisans in the surrounding forests; most were killed fighting the Nazis, from disease, or from exposure Continued on page 4
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
Eyewitness to Fall of Minsk Ghetto Continued from page 3 opened a new passage, he struck and hypothermia in the bitter cold. water. The group filled whatever Dobin remembers the pogrom of containers they could find until the 1942, when Nazis killed more than water stopped flowing. 30,000 Jews in just two days. “We Occasionally, members of the were in a workers’ column and group would climb out of the cell were not permitted to go home. at night. “The first time I got out When we got back (to the ghetto) of the dungeon,” recalled Dobin, we had to cover the backyard with “and took a breath of cold air, it a layer of sand, but the blood almost toppled me over. The earth seeped through even after that.” was covered with snow. I grabbed a “My father was a stove maker, confist-full and swallowed!” sider a professor in his trade. It was On the day of his liberation, he who had rebuilt out secret hiding Dobin could hear thumping noises place into a cell with makeshift beds. overhead. How did they know it He didn’t do it alone; we all helped. wasn’t the Germans? They lay in We felt the ghetto was about to be their beds, too weak to move until detroyed and we had no time to they were literally pulled out by lose,” Dobin relates in Guy’s book, their Soviet rescuers. Innocence in Hell. Years later, Dobin walked down “We left a narrow, carefully camSuhkaya Street with author David ouflaged crawl space, lowered ourGuy who described the following selves into the cell and walled up scene in his book. “Make a turn the entrance, cutting our ties with here,” Dobin said, turning into the outside world. There were sevSlobodskoi Lane, buried under eral others who happened to get mounds of thick earth. They into the cell with us, 26 in all. We stopped next to some sort of structook a supply of water, some food Boris Dobin holds a copy of David Guy’s book, ture. “Here it is,” Dobin said. and a small oil lamp. This is how Innocence in Hell, in which he’s featured. Dobin “Our cell.” is one of only 13 survivors of the Minsk ghetto, The iron gates were covered with our new life began.” Dobin’s father, the stove maker, originally home to nearly 100,000 Jews. a coating of dazzling bright blue had thought about another strategic element of the hid- paint. Behind it was a small backyard and an unattractive ing place--how would its residents breathe. He built a house covered with gray plaster. People don’t live here any chimney duct that ended in the cell; from inside, the more. It now contains an auto shop and garage. occupants could just make out if it was day or night. “The house has been enlarged,” Dobin explained. “It “At first we were afraid: what if the Germans found was lower then. Do you see that chimney on the side of us?” Dobin told Guy. “We listened to the slightest the roof? It’s the very same duct which helped us to tell noise...we brought this fear with us from the outside the time of day.” world...it was a kind of paralysis, detachment and emptiA woman in a security uniform walked out of the ness. It was as if time had stopped.” neighboring wooden hut. (Dobin’s neighbors used to Then something happened that made the hiding live there--the refugees who had accidentally destroyed place’s occupants even more fearful. Dobin’s grand- the entrance into the dungeon.) mother died. The family had to bury her, of course, but “What are you looking for?” she asked suspiciously, how? His father dug a grave right next to one of the but with some curiousity. beds. How could we explain it to her...We turned around Then came two more deaths...and two more and left the yard. gravesites. The ground rose as each death required a “I looked one more time at the house,” wrote Guy, grave. At the beginning, the occupants could stand up “which years ago had contained a dugout where the last straight; by the end of the ninth month of hiding, their 13 surviving inmates of the Minsk ghetto hid themselves backs were bent in half. “That’s how much space was for so many months. They had also left 13 graves there, taken up by the fresh layer of earth,” related Dobin, “the probably not uncovered to this day. burial layer.” They buried 13 people in all. “Boris, too, looked at the house without blinking,” The group was also running out of water. They had Guy continued. “Then his eyes became pale and lifeless, enough to drink, but not to bathe. Their skin was cov- and his lips moved, disinctly whispering a vow: ‘If we ered in sores. And then the passage to the outside was should ever forget those who had perished, let the memdestroyed. As luck would have it, when Dobin’s father ory about us vanish into eternity.”
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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Temple Israel will kindle the Hanukkah spirit with a Shabbat worship service on Friday, Dec. 23, 6 p.m. In addition to singing favorite Hanukkah melodies, the clergy will bestow a special blessing on children and adults who have birthdays in November and December. The service will be followed by Hanukkah dinner at 6:45 p.m. with traditional holiday fare including brisket and latkes. Families are asked to bring their own menorahs and candles for the dinner which is sponsored by Women of Reform Judaism. A family tzedakah project is also traditional at Temple. Congregants are asked to dedicate one night of Hanukkah to tzedakah by shopping for books with attached audio tapes for kindergartners through fourth graders. The books will be sent to the Gordon School in Akko, Israel. Elyce Azriel, director of Temple’s Middle/High School, who has been to the Gordon School, said, “It desperately needs books with tapes on the elementary level for their library and their English classroom.” In February, middle and high school students will read books and record them on tapes. Rita Paskowitz, a professional storyteller, will instruct the students on creative interpretation. The Gordon School is part of the Omaha Jewish community’s Partnership 2000 Project. Forging relationships through programs that build Jewish identity, Partnership 2000’s purpose is to strengthen connections between Israel and the United States. Books with tapes can be brought to the Hanukkah dinner. Amy and Tim Zweiback attended last year’s Hanukkah dinner with their son Max, who was two at the time, and daughter Mia, who was nine months old. “It was fun for the whole family,” commented Amy. “We sat with our cousins and Granny Judy Zweiback.” Amy added, “We just sent in our reservation and are planning to go again this year.” Other timely tzedakah opportunities are donations of gift cards from grocery stores such as Target, Hy-Vee, and Bag ‘N Save for Jewish Family Service and sharing Hanukkah with another family by helping them fulfill their holiday wishes. To find out more about this Temple Israel Caring Community project, call Temple’s Executive Director Dennis DePorte at the office (556.6536) or contact him at ddeporte@templeisraelomaha.com. Open to the entire community, reservations can be made by sending a check to Temple Israel for $9.50 per adult and $5 per child (in sixth grade and younger). There is no charge for children two and younger.
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Acceptance of Red Diamond Means Israel is Closer to Joining Red Cross by CHANAN TIGAY appearance of unanimity. NEW YORK (JTA)-However, after three Magen David Adom’s days of intensive negotialongstanding effort to tions--in which Switzerjoin the International land and Pakistan often Red Cross and Red acted as intermediaries for Crescent movements has the feuding nations--it proceeded in fits and finally became clear that starts, so it should have there simply was not unacome as no surprise that nimity, though there was the latest attempt to clear the two-thirds majority the major barrier to entry The new crystal with a red Magen needed to pass the measdidn’t go smoothly. David Adom inside it as adopted ure. In the end, though, it by the Red Cross in Geneva last Calmy-Rey finally put was a success: early in the week. The Red Cross and Red the issue to a vote at 2 morning on Dec. 8, Crescent movements added an a.m. Thursday. It passed Geneva Convention signa- additional emblem that paves the 98-27, with 10 abstentory countries adopted a way for Israel to join the global tions. neutral red diamond as an relief network after nearly six The MDA will continue official protective symbol, decades of exclusion. The 192 sig- to use the red Star of to go along with the red natories of the Geneva David when operating in cross and red crescent. Conventions approved the new Israel. When working “We are blessing the ‘red crystal’ emblem--a diamond- abroad, MDA personnel result and we are very, very shaped red crystal on a white will display the star inside encouraged by the background---into which the Red the red diamond. achievement,” said Reuven Star of David of the Israeli relief Jewish groups welAzar, counsel for political agency Magen David Adom (MDA) comed adoption of the affairs at the Israeli can be placed. red diamond and hoped Embassy in Washington. Credit: MDA/BP Images/JTA that the development “We think that it's a would lead to the MDA’s humanitarian issue and it should have been full membership in the international resolved 55 years ago. For political reasons organization. it was prevented, but fortunately we found A spokesman for U.N. Secretary-General a way to advance on this.” Kofi Annan said Annan was “delighted” by Daniel Allen, executive vice president the decision and “hopes in particular that it of the American Friends of Magen David will open the way for societies that are not Adom, called the vote “proof positive yet formally part of the movement, such as that humanitarian concerns can come the Israeli Magen David Adom, to be first, even in matters related to the admitted as full members.” Middle East.” Adam Ereli, the U.S. State Department Syrian opposition nearly scuttled last spokesman, called the decision a “historic week’s effort. Syria demanded that MDA and significant” step toward “meeting enter into an agreement with the Syrian the movement’s goal of being truly uniRed Crescent Society similar to one versal.” MDA signed recently with its Palestinian Arab opposition has shut Israel out of counterpart concerning how the agencies the organization for decades. The Jewish would operate in eastern Jerusalem. state’s candidacy was rejected during the Under the pact, in which MDA recog- 1949 Geneva Conventions, which insistnized the Palestinian Red Crescent as the ed that new aid groups adopt the Red national group in the territories, Cross emblem Among the major stumPalestinian ambulances are guaranteed bling blocks has been Arab and Muslim speedier passage through the West Bank. states’ refusal to accept the Star of David, With support from some Islamic coun- arguing that the official symbols couldn't tries, Syria insisted that the Syrian Red be changed--though the conventions Crescent be allowed to operate in the indeed were changed to include the Golan Heights, which Israel conquered Islamic red crescent. from Syria in the 1967 Six Day War. A conference to admit MDA to the Participants said the demand was an obvi- international movement is expected ous nonstarter for Israel, which doesn’t sometime in 2006. If accepted, MDA consider the Golan occupied territory. would be eligible to request funds from As the conference dragged on without the international movement and would consensus, concern grew that the proto- have access to training, information and col, thought to be a sure thing going into forums from which it's now excluded. the meeting, might fail. It was Swiss “We are really thrilled by what hapForeign Minister Micheline Calmy-Rey pened,” said Devorah Goldburg, spokeswho finally pushed the measure through. woman for the American Red Cross, As guardian of the Geneva which since 2000 has withheld dues to Conventions, Switzerland had hoped the the international body to protest Israel’s measure wouldn't have to come to a exclusion. “It’s a great day for MDA, but vote: The Red Cross traditionally makes it’s also a great day for the movement.” decisions by consensus, giving the
Sokolof Scholarships Continued from page 1 corners for the construction industry. Sokolof went on to build Phillips Manufacturing into a multi-million dollar business that made over 20 metal products for the building industry and employed over 150 people. Sokolof became well-known nationally through the work of his organization, National Heart Savers Association. Because of his efforts, millions of Americans became aware of the devastating effects of high cholesterol. “Mom was the heart of Dad’s inspiration for National Heart Savers,” said Karen Javitch. Ruth Sokolof, who died in 1982, is also remembered for her dedica-
tion to causes. She taught and improved the lives of physically challenged children. Last Sunday the 45th annual Ruth Sokolof Christmas Shopping Spree for the Visually Impaired was held at the Westroads Shopping Center. Bloch has appointed Suzanne Richards Singer, a Foundation Board member, to be chairman of the Sokolof Scholarship Committee and other related funds. If you have questions, or if you wish to have an application form mailed to you, contact Janet Henthorn, the Sokolof Scholarship Coordinator, at the Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation, 334.6551 or e-mail jhenthorn@jewishomaha.org.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT Greenblatt and Seay have announced the publication of a series of 33 traditional Klezmer tunes, arranged by championship fiddler, Deborah Greenblatt. The collection is arranged for two musicians, with chords for backup players, and includes the following titles: Klezmer Fiddling Tunes for Two Violins, for Two Violas, for Two Cellos, for Two Basses, and for Two Mandolins. Each volume is spiral bound and includes the same tunes in the same keys so that musicians can play together. Each is available for $5, plus $2.50 for S&P, and can be ordered online at: www.mastercall.com/g-s. A variety of programs celebrating Hanukkah will be broadcast on NET Television in December. Leading off on NET1 on Thursday, Dec. 22, 9 p.m. is A Laugh, A Tear, A Mitzvah. The program explores what being Jewish means to millions of American Jews and offers a glimpse of how Jewish immigrant communities assimilated and achieved success in this country. Personal memories and recollections from comedian Jackie Mason, actors Fyvush Finkel and Theodore Bikel, writer Calvin Trillin and many others reflect the experiences of modern Jewish life. Following at 10 p.m. is A Chanukah Celebration. Actress Fran Drescher hosts this entertaining special filled with stories, ideas and information to bring new meaning to the holiday season. Chanukah Stories follows at 11 p.m. In this dynamic animated special, celebrity storytellers share two popular Hanukkah tales--one that takes place on the first night of the eight-day Festival of Lights, the other on the last. The Tie Man’s Miracle, narrated by actor Jami Gertz (Still Standing), celebrates the true meaning and enduring spirit of the holiday. The folktale Moishe’s Miracle, as re-told by television veteran Bob Saget (“Full House”), is chock-full of humor, mystery and delicious latkes. Chanukah Stories repeats on NET2 on Friday, Dec. 23, 6:30 p.m. followed by a special episode of Alef … Bet … Blast-Off! at 7 p.m. In the episode A Chanukah Mitzvah, David and Rachel go back in time to meet Judah Maccabee and learn important lessons about pride
and identity. Chanukah on Planet Matzah Ball follows at 7:30 p.m., the story of lovable aliens who learn the true meaning of Hanukkah told through animation, liveaction puppetry and original music. The music of Rock N Roll legend Buddy Holly will come to life again in Rave On! A Tribute to the Day the Music Died at the Omaha Community Playhouse. This foot-tapping, sing-along production will bring audiences back to the 1950’s with classics such as “Maybe Baby”, “That'll Be the Day”, “Peggy Sue” and of course “Rave On!” “Rave On!” will be playing through Dec. 31 on Wednesdays-Saturdays, 7:30 p.m., and Sundays, 2 and 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available for New Years Eve performances at 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. at Howard Drew Theatre. All tickets $35 (tax included); New Years Eve tickets: $50 (7 p.m. show) and $75 (10 p.m. show). Tuffy Epstein and Friends will perform for the Jazz on Stage series at the Grande Olde Players Theatre Sunday Dec. 18, 6 p.m. at 2339 No. 90 St. with an open jam session in the lobby at 5 p.m. This free jazz concert is open to the public, no reservations needed. A variety of Jazz standards and holiday music will be played. Arnold “Tuffy” Epstein acquired the nickname in 1936 as a 30-pound, 6-month-old baby from an uncle passing through Omaha to attend the Olympic trials. Epstein started his musical career when he skipped his graduation ceremony from Central High School to go on the road with the Blue Barron band. He spent the summer traveling across the country playing tenor saxophone. He then earned a degree in teaching music and spent four years with the United States Air Force Band, two years teaching in Iowa, 26 years teaching instrumental music at Nathan Hale and then finishing his career with the Omaha Public Schools as a string specialist with 10 elementary schools. He currently teaches saxophone, clarinet and flute privately. Epstein’s association with percussionist Luigi
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Waites goes back to when he was 14 years old and would play at the jam sessions Luigi organized at the Dreamland Ballroom on 24th & Lake. Now he and other area musicians share their skills with students of Jazz at the Cathedral Arts Project each March. Epstein will be joined Dec. 18 by Danny Mattran on trumpet, Bill Erickson on keyboards, Steve Thomas on drums and Ron Bauers on bass. U.S. Recording Companies fund in part the instrumental music for this series, as arranged by the Omaha Musicians’ Association, Local 70-558 of the American Federation of Musicians, along with the Grande Olde Players Theatre and Dr. Mark and Bonnie Gill Manhart.
Chabad Winter Camp Provides “Positive Jewish Experience” by SUSAN PALEY for Chabad House Fantastic winter activities, wonderful field trips and creative Hanukkah celebrations are just part of Chabad’s Winter Kids Camp, coming Dec. 26-27. “My daughter, Jessica, 9, attended Camp Gan Israel this past summer,” said Diane Shandell. “It was one of her very favorite camping experiences. Not only did she and the other kids have a positive Jewish experience and learned lots of new Jewish things, but they also had so much fun! We went to Fun Plex, played laser tag, made jewelry and did pottery, hosted a magician and swam every day. I can’t wait to see what the winter session will offer! As a parent, I was really pleased.” Estie Katzman, Youth Program Coordinator for Chabad House agreed emphatically. “Every time Jewish kids get together, there should be an element of fun. Judaism should be associated with good times and positive identity. We will be baking sufganiyot and cooking latkes, dancing and singing, painting and playing sports, and we will also have a fabulous carnival for the kids. Our Grande Finale will be a musical performance at the Hanukkah on Ice program. Several out-of-town counselors, as well as some of our own Omaha Jewish friends, who are living and loving Judaism, will help show the kids how wonderful it is to be Jewish and proud of it.” Campers will receive a hot lunch, as well as healthy snacks and drinks. Cost for older kids ages five-12 is $25 per day (9 a.m.-4 p.m.) and $18/day for kids ages three-five (9 a.m.-1p.m). Reservations may be made by calling Chabad House at 330.1800.
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ORGANIZATIONS
LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. VISIONS The Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn with ragtime piano player Marty Mincer. The cost is $9.50 per person. Give recognition to new incoming, outgoing and present board members as we celebrate the Installation of New Officers for the year 2006. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709. Join Visions for a great show and good times as we travel to Chanticleer Community Theater in Council Bluffs to see the musical Oliver on Sunday, Jan. 29. Depart from the JCC at 12:45 p.m. and return by approximately 7 p.m. The cost of $38 includes coach transportation, theater ticket, dinner, tax and tips. Dinner follows the show at the Pizza King in Council
Bluffs. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Jean Elkon at 551-6656. Visions Membership dues are due for the year 2006. Send check for $7.50 per person to Visions, C/O Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Make all checks payable to Visions. BREADBREAKERS Distinguished Professor of Surgery at UNMC, Dr. Michael Sorrell, organ transplant specialist, will be the guest speaker on Wednesday, Dec. 21, noon, at the Regency Lodge. He will talk about his work. His patient, B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge member Ken Weiner--a three-time organ transplant recipient will introduce him. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. All men and women in the community are invited to attend. NATIONAL COUNCIL OF JEWISH WOMEN NCJW Omaha Section’s next board meeting is Wednesday, Dec. 21, noon, at the JCC. AMIT American Mothers for Israel and Torah will meet on Sunday, Dec. 25, 11 a.m., for its annual Mother-inIsrael brunch. Sara Landsman is chairman of the event which features Rabbi Jonathan Gross. He will speak about his trip to Israel. When you call Charlotte Kaplan at 551.5658 for reservations, she’ll give you the location of the brunch.
IN THE NEWS The Advisory Committee of the Nebraska Library Commission Talking Book and Braille Service is seeking to fill three vacancies. The purpose of the committee is to represent the needs of talking book and Braille borrowers and to make recommendations concerning library policies, services, and programs. Membership consists primarily of library users but may include librarians, educators, health care providers, and other individuals who understand the needs of individuals with disabilities. Information concerning nominees should be sent by March 1, 2006, to the Nebraska Library Commission, Talking Book and Braille Service, 1200 N St., Suite 120, Lincoln, NE 68508-2023. La Miguelita, the Founder and Artistic Director of the American Flamenco Theater, will be a guest artist at
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Espana Tapas Bar, on Thursday, Dec. 22. Espana will serve a sumptuous five course dinner. La Miguelita is a student of Luisa Triana, one of the best flamenco dancers today. Please call Espana at 505.9917 to reserve your table. There is limited space, as there is one seating only. Also appearing is Tamara Say, founder of the Prairie Flamenco Company. In 2004, she was hand-picked for the signature performance at the Nebraska presidential rally for John Kerry. She studies with Las Vegas flamenco artist and choregrapher La Miguelita and has performed with the Alianza Flamenca in the New Orleans’ French Quarter, and in Virginia, and Nebraska. The Dance Shoppe is moving--but not too far--into a new space at 8712 Pacific in Countryside Plaza just across and to the east next to Stems Flowers.
Tomorrow is a New Day Continued from page 1 immigrant became impossible. Bills began coming in steadily adding up to $40,000 in total. Near a nervous breakdown, Kaplansky remembered the kindness of JFS as a new immigrant to Omaha. She turned to Becki Brenner, JFS Executive Director, for advice on dealing with collection agencies that started to knock on her door. “I didn’t know enough English to explain the fears I had as a result of my bills,” Kaplansky admitted Not only did JFS respond to the collection agencies with phone calls and letters, the agency provided financial assistance by paying several overdue medical bills. JFS gave Kaplansky, a fiercely independent woman, hope for the future and a feeling of self respect once again. After their first meeting, Brenner was struck by Kaplansky’s desire to take care of herself by paying bills $10 at a time. Brenner understood that she had come to her as a last resort. Kaplansky is the kind of person that had exhausted every avenue before coming to JFS. Fortunately, JFS was there to get her through the rough times.
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GATES/BECKMAN Jennie Lynn Gates, daughter of Linda and Harry Gates, and David Lee Beckman, son of Linda and Dennis Beckman, announce their engagement. The bride-to-be graduated from the University of Nebraska-Omaha, with a BA in painting and will receive an MA in Jewish Communal Ser-vice from Brandeis University in May 2006. She is a UJC FEREP (Federation Executive Recruitment and Educa-tion Program) Fellow, and is interning at Combined Jewish Philanthropies in Boston, MA. Her fiancé graduated from the University of Nebraska -Omaha with a BFA in Photography in May 2005. He works for the Newton Marriott. He is the grandson of Anola and Noble Palmer of Papillion and Ramona Beckman of Lincoln. A May 28, 2006 wedding will be held at the Downtown Omaha Sheraton.
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Page 7
ENGAGEMENT
THE YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday at the JCC for the annual Hanukkah Party with musical entertainment by Roger Webb. Lunch begins at noon in the auditorium. The cost is $6 per person. Try your luck with bingo with Eileen Remer at 10 a.m. Exercise will begin at 10:30 a.m. and the discussion group at 11 a.m. in the Social Hall. Call Dee Dee for transportation at 330.4272. Call Maggie Conti at 334-6521 to make reservations for Bluffs Run Casino on Dec. 29.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
Gift Books, a Memoir by Inscription: Redux THE HISTORIAN’S F OOTPRINT by OLIVER B. POLLAK Books have been given as gifts even before Gutenberg. Publishers scramble to get their holiday lists, Christmas and Hanukkah, into the stores by October. I received Daniel Defoe’s, Robinson Crusoe in 1950 published in London pursuant to Book Production War Economy Standard from Leslie Gutfreund inscribed with a black fountain pen “With lots of love from Leslie, Christmas, 1950.â€? They moved to Johannesburg. I never read the book. My great uncle Eric Bonner, an antiquarian bookseller in London, presented me with Speed, The Book of Racing and Records (1950) inscribed with a blue fountain pen, “Wishing you a merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 1950/1 Uncle Eric.â€? I still refer to it. His last gift to me was in 1970, a catalogue of the 1953 Cecil Rhodes Centenary Exhibition in Bulawayo, when I was teaching in Rhodesia. The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson and Sung under the Silver Umbrella, Poems for Young People (1945) came from an unremembered source in the 1950s. The former remains unread, the latter still gets some attention. This 50% success/failure rate between the donor and the donee has left me with a problematic or ambiguous attitude about giving books. It is a careful decision. Recommending a book is different than giving a book. Books are given to mark special events like rites of passage. Upon graduating high school in March 1937 my mother, Ruth Pollak, received Propheten und Gottesmänner [Prophets and Godly Men] by Marcus Ehrenpreis, and published by Berlin’s Der Heine-Bund Eine jĂźdische Buchgemeinde, from the Hannover Gemeinde Synagogue, signed by Rabbi Unruh [restless?]. My mother left Nazi Germany in 1939.
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My children received similar tokens of accomplishment upon their Bar Mitzvahs. Noah received Silversmith of Old New York: Myer Myers (1958), by William Wise for winning the 1982 Beth El Men’s Club Book Report Contest. Patricia Fenn and Alfred P. Malpa studied the religious gift book phenomena. Their Rewards of Merit: Tokens of a Child’s Progress and a Teachers Esteem as an Enduring Aspect of American Religions and Secular Education, published by the Ephemera Society of America in 1994 is a delightful diversion. Gifts arrived from mother on her travels, elder hostel activities, and book signings she attends. The Taos Indians and the Battle of Blue Lake (1991) by R. C. Gordon-McCutchan and The Hand of Compassion, Portraits of Moral Choice during the Holocaust by Kristen Renwick Monroe (2004), both inscribed to me by the author. The English translation of Werner Keller’s The Bible as History (15th impression 1974, useful for establishing when gift received) inscribed by my in-laws Reva and Joe Goldstein, “To Oliver, Whose everyday life will someday be recorded as History. Much love Reva & Joe.� Gifts from teachers and employers account for John T. McNeill, The History of Calvinism (1967), “For Oliver with the best of wishes, R.N. Soffer.� Fellow graduate student and Soffer employee, Mary Robertson, is the William A. Moffett Chief Curator of Manuscripts (British History). Barbara in den Bosch, a graduate student who master’s thesis I directed, presented me with David Landes’ Revolutions in Time: Clocks and the Making of the Modern World (1983), a significant reading in my calendar conscious life. Garrison Keillor, Lake Wobegon Days (1985) came to me in 1985 with the inscription, “To our dad on his 84 divided by 2 birthday; Love, Noah and Aaron.� My colleague Bruce Garver stayed at my house in 1975 when he was interviewing for a position at UNO. He brought from his library The Prehistory of East Africa by Sonia Cole. Bruce and Karen have an impressive library of Czech culture and European art.
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I have received numerous books from my wife, curiously uninscribed but accompanied by a birthday, Valentine Day or anniversary card that gets separated from the book. When I give a mystery, women’s literature or art book to my wife, I can expect the accusation that I am giving her a book that I want to read. My publisher, Jim McKee, presented me with Houghton Mifflin’s 1899 trade list, A Catalogue of Authors. Neil Shaver, at Yellow Barn Press, lavishes me with fascinating and mouthwatering antiquarian catalogues. Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Chair in Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, and I have an inconstant habit of purchasing each other gift books while on our travels. From Prague he brought me Ex Libris Lådi Novåka 1900-1916, a collection of 16 Czech bookplates. From the Turtle Island bookstore in Berkeley, I reciprocated with a classic work on Egyptian hieroglyphics. My law partner, David Hicks, and I frequently exchange books at birthdays and the holiday season. The best eye and ear opener, a real epiphany, I received was Leonard Cohen, A Life in Art by Ira B. Nadel. This year, I gave him hot off the press, Mirror to America, the autobiography of 89-year old historian John Hope Franklin. I suggested to my Secret Santa at the law office that I would like a donation to the Omaha Library Foundation. Donors know my interests or what they think they should guide me to. My childhood experience fostered caution about giving books. People have idiosyncratic interests. Giving a book suggests you are committing the donee to more work than the donor--the recipient is supposed to take the time to read the book. Following the recent wedding of my son Noah to Erika, I apprized the interests of our new expanded family and sent gifts from my collection on maps, Freud, and wine. Omaha friends get gift certificates to the Bookworm, out of towners get certificates to Borders and Barnes and Noble, a good medium to commit the recipient to readContinued on page 9
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Straight from the Heart Circle in West Omaha, a facility that also included a learning center for patients. In 1995, when he retired as medical director of the Department of Cardiology and Coronary Care Medicine at by JOAN K. MARCUS Creighton, Dr. Levin filled in as needed at Bergan Mercy. At his retirement, he We wondered why we hadn’t seen Dr. was given the hospital’s prestigious Spirit Hugh and Corinne Levin at Shabbat of Mercy award. In 1954, Levin and Corinne Kavares services at Temple Israel. We found, after some investigation, they were spending were married in New York. She has spent part of their winters at Sun City Palm many years donating her time to Desert in the Palm Springs area of Hadassah, the Omaha Symphony, Opera Omaha and other organizations. They California. Although Dr. Levin is diminutive in have two adult children: Deborah Ann stature, we found out that he is a “giant” Hoffman, who lives in Plano, TX, where among doctors--especially cardiologists. she owns a personalized children’s furniture store; and son, The Levins came to Michael Levin and his Omaha in 1963 when wife, Jane, in Omaha. Hugh was offered a job in Michael is an architect the cardiology departwith Alms Corporment at Creighton ation and Jane is a University. Vice-president at First Dr. Levin was bom in Data. The Levins have 1931 in Burlington, three grown grandVermont. He became children. interested in medicine Hugh’s list of honwhen he was still going to ors and awards are high school in Newport, impressive. He has VT. His expertise as a stubeen tapped for Phi dent was evident when he Beta Kappa, Sigma Xi was named valedictorian Hugh and Corinne Levin (scientific honorary of his high school gradusociety) and Alpha Omeg Alpha (a medating class. He graduated with a 95% grade-point ical honorary society). He is a Fellow of average and went on to the University of the American College of Internal Vermont where he graduated summa Medicine and also of the American cum laude with a 96% average. It was very College of Cardiology. In addition to that, he received three clear when he received his Bachelor of Science degree in psychology in 1953 Golden Apple Awards from Creighton University medical students for excelthat he was a “man on the move.” In 1956, he went on to medical school, lence in teaching. Last year, he received again at UV, and he selected the field of the Candlelight Ball Award for his contricardiology during his residency in inter- butions to Bergan Mercy. Currently, he is candidate for an Emeritus nal medicine. To complete his internship, a he went to Ohio State University and fol- Professorship. Hugh’s friends say that, in addition to lowed it with a fellowship in cardiology being a brilliant doctor, he is a mensch there. Levin spent two years in the United who will drive to the home of a sick States Air Force doing cardiovascular friend for consultation, comfort or conresearch at Wright Patterson Air Force solation. It doesn’t matter if the friend Base in Dayton, Ohio. While doing this has heart problems or some other ailresearch, he met the two doctors who ment--Hugh always fulfills his vow of later influenced him to come to Omaha “healing the sick.” When we interviewed the Levins by and join the medical staff at Creighton University’s Medical School and hospital phone from their home in sunny California, Hugh commented, “Corinne system. After two years at Creighton, Dr. Levin and I both have wonderful memories of negotiated with Bergan Mercy Hospital Omaha. We still enjoy our home there to set up their cardiology department-- and Temple Israel plays an important role just the second such facility in Nebraska. in our lives. “I had a successful career in Omaha and He accomplished the task in six months to great acclaim from administrators, we couldn’t have made a better choice for other medical professionals, and of a place for me to have that opportunity. Plus--Omaha was a wonderful place for course, the community. Over the years, the department expand- us to raise our family!” Though Hugh and Corinne are gone-ed to 10 cardiologists and many nurses, technicians and clerical staff. In 1989, the for now--Creighton’s need for Hugh’s group started an open-heart surgical pro- expertise in cardiology will probably gram and now offers a full range of both always bring them back here. After all, invasive and non-invasive cardiac services. how many doctors can still say they pracAn additional office opened at Gold tice “straight from the heart!”
WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
Gift Books Continued from page 8 ing, and leaving the choice in their hands. When my sons visit from San Francisco and Berkeley we may take a romp with my charge card at the ready to Jackson Street Books and the Antiquarium. When in San Francisco we splurge at City Lights and Moes. Mementoes, ephemera and iconic publications are given with no intention that they be read, they are celebrations of the occasion. The several gifts of Tillie Olsen’s Tell Me a Riddle and John Kennedy Toole’s A Confederacy of Dunces, however, were meant to be read. A recent pleasure is to give books I wrote, including Jewish Life, Nebraska Courthouses, A Year at the Sorbonne, and
most recently A State of Readers, Nebraska’s Carnegie Libraries. Jane Eyre has been successfully revived this year as a movie. My copy is rubber stamped, “For The Womens Studies Library At Sonoma State--Donated By Faculty Wives To Their Sisters.” If you are looking for a book for an avid reader you cannot go too far wrong with Leave Me Alone, I’m Reading by Maureen Corrigan and The Know-It-All by A. J. Jacobs. Attorney Oliver B. Pollak is a professor of history at the University of NebraskaOmaha. He can be reached at OBPOMNI@aol.com. An earlier version of this essay originally appeared in the Nebraska Center for the Book’s NCB News.
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
Bible Quiz Draws Largest Crowd Ever
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The 20th Annual Zorinsky Bible Quiz had its largest audience ever. Despite the snowy evening, more than 100 from the community watched the competition which featured a threeway tie for second place in a closely-fought contest. Left: Winners are Marty Nachman, left, tied for second; first place winner Effie Tsabari, Ygal Schuller, and Tali Levin, also tied for second. Right photo, front row: Samantha Long, Effie
Tsabari, Tali Levine, Sarah Long, Lev Ginsberg, Marty Nachman, Ygal Schuller, Claire Schlessinger, Gloria Kaslow and Stan Mitchell (Committee members); back row: Rabbi Jonathan Gross (Judge), Iris Ricks (Timekeeper), Steve Riekes (Lodge Trustee), David Trubnikov, Daniel Grossman, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel (Judge), Adam Goldberg, and Gary Javitch (Lodge President).
As Narnia Film Hits Theaters, Jews Uneasy with Strong Christian Theme Open 7 days a week
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books? I’m unsure. My personal jury is still out,” said Dardik, the spiritual leader of Beth Jacob Congregation in Oakland, CA. “I read them and clearby JOE ESKENAZI ly it didn’t affect my personal theology.” J. the Jewish news weekly of Northern California He added, “I haven’t seen the movie, but I wouldn’t be surprised if they fleshed out the Christianity a bit SAN FRANCISCO (JTA)--A potential mega-block- more to be satisfying to the Christian audience. That’s buster film, financed by a fervent Christian and burst- the part that’s most disconcerting to me. I also have ing with Christian overtones, is being mass-marketed concerns about the marketing. Hollywood has a way of being very in-your-face.” to-- guess who?--Christians. Like Gibson, Anschutz is a Church groups are buying up figure who makes many wary. whole theater showings just like Walden Media in recent years Daddy Warbucks did for Annie. began creating Christian-friendAdvance screenings are being ly films short on sexual content held for pastors and ministers, or profanity--drug abuse and who have given the film their philandering were trimmed blessing, literally. Catholic pubfrom last year’s Ray Charles lishing companies are putting biopic Ray, for example. out companion guides. Anschutz also is an outspoken And the Jewish community is evangelical, who was attracted well, no one knows quite what to the Narnia tales for the same to think. reason others in the business That’s because the film in were repelled -- its Christian question isn’t Mel Gibson’s The messages. Passion of the Christ. It’s The But “Lion” is no “Passion.” Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, Compared to the extremely the Witch and the Wardrobe, the negative reaction “Passion” garspecial-effects laden adaptation nered from Jewish organizations of British author C.S. Lewis’ before, during and after its classic 1950 children’s book. release, the marketing of The $250 million film, which Christian allegory as popular opened Dec. 9, was produced entertainment in “Lion” has by the owner of the San created hardly a ripple. Francisco Examiner, the rightThe story is based on a book wing evangelical billionaire many people read as children, Philip Anschutz, who also owns only to learn later that “Lion” Walden Media. Walt Disney Co. and the six other books in also helped, especially on the Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia distribution end. In fact, many series were full of Christian alleof the same firms that so sucgories. cessfully recruited whole conThe latent nature of “Lion’s” gregations to attend showings Christian message, and the fact of “The Passion” have been that one can be completely contracted again for “Lion.” oblivious yet still enjoy the The re-oiling and firing up of story, allows the film’s producthe machinery that pulled ers to promote “Lion” on two Christians into theaters and levels: one method for avowedly made “The Passion” a huge hit, as well as “Lion’s” Christian Top, Walt Disney’s production of ‘The Chronicles of Christian audiences and one for Credit: Disney/Walden. everyone else. overtones, have given some Narnia.’ from left to right, Georgie Henley, While the uplifting Christian Above, Actors, Jews reservations. William Moseley, and Skandar message is pitched to pastors and Anna Popplewell, Rabbi Judah Dardik was Keynes in a scene from ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’ church groups, the theatrical hooked on “Lion” when he read Credit: Phil Bray/Disney/Walden trailer features a dazzling array of it years ago as a day-school student. He borrowed the entire series from his older sis- special effects created by Peter Jackson’s WETA--the company the New Zealand-based director founded to ter and devoured them. It was only years later that he was told it was steeped tackle Lord of the Rings--and huge battle scenes. Disney is allocating about five percent of its promoin Christian allegories. He was “surprised and embartional budget to wooing Christian groups. Peter Sealey, rassed I hadn’t realized. I felt duped,” Dardik said. Rereading the series, he saw more and more alle- a marketing professor at the University of California gories and could never appreciate the books as mere Berkeley’s Haas School of Business and the former presfiction again. Now he sees them as theology--beauti- ident of marketing and distribution for Columbia Pictures, describes this as “a very effective use of that fully written theology. “Should Jewish children see this movie or read the Continued on page 12
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Page 11
Cookbook Puts Kids in the Kitchen
Book Fair Speaker “Sweet and Funny”
index teaches kids about various cooking by TRINA KAYE Maybe it’s the one-on-one time with a tools. Fishbein also includes directions on parent or grandparent. Maybe it’s getting the practice of keeping a kosher kitchen. “The recipes in my book are for real messy or sharing a job well done. Or maybe it’s just the plain fact that kids love food, nothing silly like gummy worms to cook. Whatever the reason, best-selling crawling out of cookie crumbs,” says Fishbein. “They author Susie are foods that kids Fishbein recoguniversally love as nizes these simple well as some starter pleasures and celeideas for simple brates them in her cookbook meals. The concept new of the book is to KOSHER BY challenge kids and DESIGN: Kids in to inspire them to the Kitchen. As with her want to cook hugely successful more. Parents may cookbooks Kosher even want to borrow these terrific by Design and Kosher by Design Susie Fishbein, right, author of Kosher by Design recipes when not in Entertains, this new and Kosher by Design Entertains and ‘the kids.’ the mood to prebook features the distinctive photos, fla- pare more sophisticated dinner menus.” With traditional recipes, such as Hearty vors, and user-friendly style that readers have come to appreciate. This collection of (heart-shaped) Blintzes, and universal recipes will inspire both parents and kids favorites such as Tuna Melts and Saucy to get in the kitchen and get cooking, and Franks, this book is full of ideas and inspiwill satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. ration for every meal. Experts agree that getting kids into the Fishbein designed these kid-friendly recipes for children ages 10 and older to kitchen teaches them math through measprepare and has included helpful guide- urements, nutrition through food selection, and independence through increased lines to indicate degree of difficulty. Cooking with her four children has skills--all with the added bonus of parents given Fishbein first-hand experience in and children spending time together, crekids’ needs, abilities, and most important- ating memories. Fishbein is an everyday cook who loves ly, their desires to be active participants in the kitchen. Separate equipment and to share her passion for cooking and enteringredient lists help adults delegate the taining. She travels around the country tasks of gathering everything that is need- sharing recipes and techniques through ed to cook. The easy-to-follow directions book signings and cooking demonstraare age-appropriate and are paired with tions and has appeared on national televimouthwatering photos that take the sion shows such as “The Today Show,” guesswork out of what the finished recipe “Living It Up with Ali & Jack,” and should look like. An innovative photo “Sheila Bridges Designer Living.”
by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Photos from top left: Author Judith Viorst indicated the Judith Viorst was greeted “I” in her books is not all enthusiastically by the more autobiographical, and does than 120 who attended last not always refer to her specif- week’s Jewish Book Fair ically, but to a “composite luncheon; among the crowdwoman,” gleaned from per- -Ruth Goldenberg and her sonal interviews, conversa- daughter, JoAnn Hill Gold, tions with women, research and Enid Blumenthal; the and study, and simple obser- Kripke Library is chaired by vation. Lena Bogomolni, right. While most women avoid the topic of growing older, Viorst now we set the table for 14. Who knew approaches the inevitable passage of time on that long ago night when first we danced to ‘Begin the Beguine’ what we with humor and grace. Viorst has written books similar to her were beginning.” On role reversal “...Despite some losslatest best seller, for every decade from age 30 to 70. She has also written adult es, physical and mental. So though we know no harm is meant, we’ve come to fiction, science and children’s books. She quoted excerpts from I’m Too mightily resent our children’s tendency Young To Be Seventy, a delightful collec- to act parental.” And my favorite, about marriage: tion of poetry: “Growing older is not as bad as it seems, if you can find hilarity in “...But lately I’m cold when he’s hot and the pathos and the ability to laugh at I’m hot when he’s cold and between the two of us, are 65 degrees of separation, yourself and the world around you.” Said Viorst, “There’s a lot to laugh and we haven’t worked out how we’re about.” Her speech, interspersed with going to live together the rest of our laughter from the audience, earned a lives, since we’ve become thermostatically incompatible.” standing ovation. On family: “...We used to be two and
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
Narnia Leaves Jews Uneasy with Christian Theme Continued from page 10 manner recalling the medieval Turks and aligned with a money. That audience does not have as many films as it donkey in a lion costume (a false god, if you will) wants.” invades Narnia. Sealey, however, saw “duplicity” in the way Disney is Those who believe in Aslan pass through a gate into shying away from mentioning Lewis’ Christian message another realm. After a terrifying moment passing in its general publicity materials. In a 16-page “Narnia through the gate, a beautiful kingdom is revealed. Aslan Educator Guide” that Sealey found on the film’s web- decrees that he has ended Narnia just as he began it, and site, religion and Christianity aren’t mentioned even the four children, who died in the world of postwar once. Great Britain, can now live with him forever in paradise “The issue is secular audialong with other believers. ences. Will they appreciate seeYou figure it out. ing a religious message without Pastor Earl Palmer, coknowing it?” he asked. Disney founder of Berkeley’s New “should make a statement, College and a scholar on they should let people know. Lewis, said Lewis always saw The lion is resurrected. It’s a his tales as “stories of the margreat piece of entertainment velous,” but Palmer admits and you can enjoy it if you’re that Aslan is a loosely veiled Christian or not. However, the Christ figure. But Lewis wasn’t underpinnings of the work trying to fool anyone, Palmer reflect the New Testament.” says: Before turning to chilOnce it’s known that Lewis dren’s books, he wrote was a theologian who wrote The witch, played by Tilda Swinton, and actor Skandar Christian religious tracts. with a Christian message in Keynes in a scene from ‘The Chronicles of Narnia.’ “Lewis said you can take a Credit: Phil Bray/Disney/Walden rock out of your shoe, but you mind, the parallels between the Narnia tales and the New Testament easily fall into can’t take an idea out of your mind. His faith is in everyplace. thing he writes,” said Palmer, senior minister at Seattle’s For starters: University Presbyterian Church. • Narnia is a magical kingdom created by the divine “I always say that you should let the story flow over King Aslan, but currently in a state of perpetual winter you. Don’t try to interpret it,” he said. “Later, when you due to a curse of the evil White Witch. The four children look back, you’ll see certain biblical allusions. There are (two “Sons of Adam,” two “Daughters of Eve”) stum- theological themes, just like in ‘Lord of the Rings.’” ble in via the enchanted, eponymous wardrobe and Lewis, however, denied he was writing allegorically. become the disciples of Aslan. Instead, he claimed to simply be imagining the concepts The child Edmund betrays his siblings and Aslan, of good, evil and the ultimate redeemer in a mystical Judas-style, to aid the White Witch, and is saved when world of his own creation. Aslan allows himself to be sacrificed, not unlike Jesus. But he never went so far as to claim the obvious • Aslan is resurrected and the White Witch is van- Christian parallels were a coincidence. quished. The four children are crowned kings and “There’s one funny line he put in a letter. He said chilqueens of Narnia. Peter--not a coincidental choice of dren know who Aslan is,” Palmer said. “The great goldnames--becomes High King. en lion, son of the emperor from beyond the sea, is a • In the last of the Chronicles of Narnia, fittingly titled Christ reference.” And the golden lion is the sole redeemer. “The Last Battle,” an army of people described in a
Hanukkah Run Celebrates Freedom of Religion by IRIS RICKS for B’nai B’rith This year’s Annual B’nai B’rith Hanukkah Run will have a special theme: Freedom of Religion. “Please join us as we celebrate religious diversity in a pluralistic society,” said one of the run’s organizers, Steve Riekes. “We are fortunate to live in a country where the separation of church and state allows us to practice freely as Jews.” The event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 25, 9 a.m., starting at the JCC. Participants should meet at the entrance of the Phil Sokolof Fitness Center. You do not have to be a runner to participate. The “Run” is not a race. This unique event is a group activity to draw attention to this year’s theme. As usual, at the conclusion of the run, refreshments will be served. Participants will follow a prescribed fivemile route, together, beginning and ending at the Jewish Community Center. A van supplied by Nova Health Equipment Company will follow behind the group. Any participant who feels tired, or who feels he or she would like to run less than the five miles may elect to ride in the van for such portions of the route as he or she desires. If you wish to enter, please send a check for $18 (Students: $10) payable to B’nai B’rith Henry Monsky Lodge and mail it to Henry Monsky Lodge B’nai B’rith, C/O Lois Epstein, 333 So. 132 St, Omaha, NE 68154 (Deadline is Dec. 19). If you need an entry form, please call the B’nai B’rith office at 334.6443. A long-sleeved t-shirt is included in the entry fee.
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actually a six-foot space beneath the concert hall where the heated or cooled air is stored before quietly making its way up to where patrons are seated,� Smayda explained. “It’s barely noticeable.� In addition to the contemporary design elements and engineering aspects of the new space, Hoffman pointed out the use of beautiful materials used to finish walls, floors and staircases. The treads of the main staircase, which can be seen through the etched reflective glass that surrounds the lobby, is made of layers of glass. Limestone, imported from France, starts in the lobby space and goes up through the third level. The Founders’ Room, a site for receptions, is lined in rich mahogany. The clerestory windows high above the third tier in the concert hall brings the eye upwards in awe. “The windows are actually two sets,� explained Smayda, “patterned after the Music Hall in Vienna. The outside windows are three inches thick; there’s The exterior, above, of the new Holland Center for Performing eight inches of ‘air’ in between, and the inside Arts, which opened in Oct; below: concert hall and lobby.
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press It was a hot, Indian summer day when I joined the press tour of the new Holland Center for Performing Arts. And while temperatures have dropped and snow has piled up, the hoop-la about this new addition to Omaha’s downtown hasn’t stopped. From the initial grand opening to the weekly announcements about concerts, appearances by blues, R ’n B and opera singers, Holland Center staff have begun to realize that Omahans know what a gem this new building is.
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windows are half-an-inch thick. Not only do they help soundproof the space, but the ceiling is bowed to help push the sound downward towards the audience.� Sycamore wood lines the walls with handmade acoustical tiles. The floor is “Everything in the building is carefully maple. There are no parallel walls in the thought out and deliberate. That incred- concert hall and roller banners on the side ible attention to quality and detail has walls and over the orchestra can be adjustbeen paid to this project from all involved ed for the best acoustics depending on --the design team, acousticians, theater what kind of performance is being staged. In addition to the concert hall, a smallconsultants and construction team. And, that quality will undoubtedly be reflected er recital hall is located in a separate part in the performances taking place on the of the building, accessible by walking Holland Center’s stages,� explained around the east side of the concert hall Erick Hoffman, Vice President for and through the Founders’ Hall. The Marketing and Communications for the Recital Hall, which also has its own entrance from a smaller staircase, next to Omaha Performing Arts Society. He guided our group on its behind-the an outdoor concert space at ground level, scenes tour before the Holland Center contains no fixed seating. Instead, the opened to the public. With him was Steve room can be used for cabaret-type perSmayda, Senior Project Manager for the formances, small recitals for up to 450 Kiewit Construction Company, who took people, or even weddings. The team at Omaha’s HDR--in partgreat pride in pointing out the little nership with Polshek Architects, details of the building. “If you look closely,� Smayda Kirkegaard Associates acoustic consultexplained, “you’ll see a small gap ants and theater consultants Fisher Dachs between the concert hall and the rest of Associates--has created a very “nonthe Holland Center. That gap--called an Omaha� look in the Holland Center. acoustic isolation joint--surrounds the More than gorgeous, the Holland Center entire concert hall, creating a ‘building is already proving to be the bold, imagiwithin a building’ and ensuring the high- native, acoustically perfect space Omahans have yearned est acoustical quality.� for and performers have No longer evident (it’s Upcoming events: been covered by carpet- Omaha Performing Arts presents demanded. With the foresight of ing), this concept means Empire Brass on Tuesday, Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m.; New Year’s Eve generous donors like that noise from the rest of with Marvin Hamlisch, Saturday, the building--including Dec. 31, 8 p.m. Comedian Dick and Mary Holland heating and air condition- George Carlin appears on Jan. (for whom the building is ing--won’t be carried into 13, 8 p.m.; and the Kronos named) and Jewish comthe pristine concert hall. Quartet on Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m. munity supporters like Concert goers have already For tickets, go online: www.oma- Todd Simon and David Omaha’s noticed that, unlike the haperformingarts.org, or by Slosburg, Orpheum, they can’t hear phone at: 345-0606 or at Ticket newest performing arts Omaha in the lobby of the space is a big, bold, beauor feel air handlers. tiful reality. “That’s because there’s Orpheum Theatre.
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December 16, 2005
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A Perfect Fit LETTER FROM NEW YORK by VICTOR WISHNA I’ve walked past the substantial bronze statue on Seventh Avenue dozens of times, stopping maybe once (the first time) to smile at the massive man hunched over an enormous sewing machine and note the equally outsized yarmulke on his head. It’s a pretty well-known fact that the clothing industry was once the shmatte trade, that here and elsewhere, Jewish garment workshops were as common as Korean delis, Greek diners, or Chinese laundries. Most people give it only a passing thought--in my case, literally. But a new exhibition by the Yeshiva University Museum at the Center for Jewish History makes the case that the thousands of workers, innovators, and entrepreneurs who comprised this Jewish-dominated industry wove together not just shirts and dresses but the very fabric of American life. It’s impossible to understand this country’s history without realizing the role of the fashion business, explains Gabriel Goldstein, curator of “A Perfect Fit: The Garment Industry and American Jewry, 18601960”, which opened to the public last week. “The idea that you are defined by the clothes you wear is something of an American idea,” says Goldstein, himself looking quite dapper in a tailored suit, colorful floral tie, close-cropped beard, and black knit kipah. But, he points out, the garment industry also helped define how Americans worked and thought of work, encouraged the evolution of gender roles and the labor movement, and even shaped the structure of the Jewish community. The demographic story told here is familiar, but has never been conveyed with such palpable details, through a collection that is part archive--films, photographs, documents--and part fashion show, with more than 100 full-size mannequins decked out in everything from evening gowns to rhinestone-studded cowboy shirts. It begins in the mid-19th century, when German and Central European Jewish immigrants, with their skills as tailors and “textile middlemen,” arrived just as the sewing machine and the Civil War propelled American garment production into mass manufacture. (Fechheimer Brothers opened in Cincinnati, from where it could produce uniforms for North and South, and later recreated grey and blue army tunics for nostalgic families--the first throwback jerseys.) Peddlers canvassed the nation, some developing new clothing to meet demands of a new American life. An early pair of Levi Strauss’ 501 jeans, circa 1890, looks as though it might still be on sale today. Decades later, Eastern European immigrants powered the garment trades, where Lower East Side sweatshops became not only symbols of struggle but centers of social connection and entrepreneurship (a worker who saved and bought three sewing machines and hired three friends could turn his tenement into a “manufacturing center”). But as Goldstein points out, the business was New York-driven but hardly New York-specific. The section “A Tale of Six Cities,” also includes New York’s five liveliest sisters in the industry (Philadelphia, Baltimore, Rochester, Cincinnati, and Chicago), where Jewish firms flourished, including Hickey-Freeman and Hart, Schaffner & Marx. After World War I, the West Coast-where many Jews with garment industry origins had migrated, some to start movie studios--rose as a center of both film and fashion. With glitzy designers like Adrian (born Gilbert Adrian Greenburg), the California clothing industry, inspired by Hollywood, began to have a pronounced influence
on American tastes in general. And when World War II erupted, Jewish clothiers responded as they had a century before, churning out uniforms and supplies--the exhibit includes the offerings of one Sephardi-owned firm, which switched from silk underwear to parachutes. Beyond tracing trends, though, A Perfect Fit examines the impact of Jewish traditions, including the perpetual striving for social justice. Not surprisingly, Jews, filling the roles of managers, workers, activists, and even mediators (the most famous being Louis Brandeis, who established the “Protocols of Peace” to calm 65,000 striking suit-makers), became a founding pillar of the labor movement. The exhibit includes a black mourning ribbon worn by members after the 1911 Triangle Shirtwaist fire, reflecting some of the unions’ eventual achievements: safety standards, minimum wage, collective negotiation. The long tradition of women involved in business (often so their husbands had time to study Torah) may help explain a Jewish “advantage” in the industry, with wives, sisters, and mothers often keeping the books, running the stores, and eventually establishing their own labels--one display honors Nettie Rosenstein, Hattie Carnegie, and Sally Milgrim as the matriarchs of American fashion. By the time Mamie Eisenhower donned a Nettie Rosenstein gown for her husband’s 1953 inaugural balls (and carried a handbag by Rosenstein’s protégé, Judith Lieber), the influence of Jewish women designers was undeniable. So, too, was the effect of the industry on American Jewish life. Goldstein only half-jokes how for much of the 20th century, the American Jewish calendar was marked not only by Rosh Hashanah and Passover, but also by buyers’ weeks and the new season’s inventory. Furthermore, unlike other industries, the garment trade provided a setting in which Jews could comfortably identify as Jews, while still achieving economic mobility, which they in turn utilized to support the community--another proud Jewish tradition. Ultimately, organizations like the UJA-Federation would have their own clothing industry divisions, but one of the more touching artifacts is an early invitation to a turn-of-the-20th-century charitable Purim Ball, sponsored by a small menswear company. The show ends in 1960, Goldstein explains, because soon thereafter, many long-standing truths about the industry began to change. American workshops gave way to international production centers, and family businesses disappeared into big multinationals. At many once-Jewish-owned labels, only the names remain. As visitors leave the last gallery, they are asked to add their own story to the narrative via computers set to the museum’s web site (www.yumuseum.org). “We think almost everyone will have a connection regardless of background,” Goldstein says, whether it’s Irish or Jamaican relatives who worked in the industry or memories of a first suit bought at a department store. I remember, now, that my own grandfather in Kansas City started out as a sewing machine operator at the men’s cap company owned by his future father-in-law (nu, he married the bookkeeper), perhaps hunched over like the man in the statue before going on to bigger and better things--his own start in the sports apparel business. And I recall meeting admired family friends like Sol Stolowy, a Warsaw-born refugee who became President Truman’s personal tailor. To say the garment industry therefore links me, my family, my neighbors to the annals of American history might be a bit of a stretch. But my walks down Seventh Avenue take on a little more meaning. I see the common thread. Former Kansas Citian Victor Wishna lives and writes in New York City. He can be reached at LetterFromNY@juno.com.
Chabad Invites Young and Old to Skating Party by SUSAN PALEY for Chabad House Chabad’s premiere Hanukkah on Ice party is “not to missed for the young, older and everybody in between,” Shani Katzman, Educational Director of Chabad of Nebraska, said enthusiastically. “We love to offer programs for families around the holidays that are cool--no pun intended--and fun, to give children the message that it’s fun to be Jewish at this time of year and all year long. We wanted to do something entirely new and different, and what could be more winter fun than ice skating?” In addition to a “beautiful” Hanukkah atmosphere, complete with Jewish music and menorah lighting, a
buffet dinner and plenty of room for adult schmoozing, instructors will be available to assist in helping new skaters master the ice. Participants in Chabad’s Winter Camp will get a ride straight from camp to the party. Activities include the Grand Menorah Building Contest, great prizes, sizzling latkes, luscious sufganiyot and more. Cost for adults is $7; children ages 4-12, $4; and children three and under are free. The Hanukkah on Ice gala takes place on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 4-7 p.m., at Moylan-Tranquility IcePlex, 12550 West Maple Rd. Reservations may be made by calling Chabad at 330.1800 or online at: www.nebraskajudaism.com.
December 16, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Meeting with Jewish Educators Continued from page 1 Bush’s annual Hanukkah meeting with representatives of the Jewish community has been controversial in past years because of who was invited and who was snubbed. Bush has brought congregational rabbis and political leaders to the table before, as well as heads of major Jewish organizations, but has been accused of neglecting Jewish leaders who have opposed some of his policy initiatives. This year, meeting participants and White House officials said the choice of participants reflected a desire to highlight education issues. Bush’s focus on school vouchers and faith-based initiatives-issues that long have been counted as administrative priorities but have received scant attention in recent years--suggests he may be trying to bring those issues back to the forefront, and may be seeking support from the Jewish community. Because of the background of the participants, selected by the White House, other controversial issues in the Jewish community--such as the nomination of Judge Samuel Alito to the U.S. Supreme Court--were not broached. “He didn’t say anything that extraordinary that anyone would be surprised about,” said one participant, who spoke on condition of anonymity. “He certainly wasn’t challenged, but he was asked questions that dealt with educational issues.” Many Jewish organizations have opposed school vouchers and charitable choice, believing federal funds for religious programs violate the separation of church and state. Day-school leaders could be a more receptive crowd, howev-
er, because they stress the value of reli- Atlanta, said Bush got emotional when gious education and because vouchers Ballaban spoke of being the son of a slave would help their schools’ bottom lines. laborer. “He was aware of the political chal“I was impressed by how deeply moved lenges,” said Rabbi J.B. Borenstein, exec- the president was by my father’s story utive director of the Torah Academy of and how deeply the president feels the Minneapolis. “The church-state issues American dream,” Ballaban said. Many of the educators said they were came up, but he said it was not a churchstate issue because it was the parents who awed by the invitation, and overwhelmed would decide; no one would be forced.” by the audience with the president. “If Participants told Bush they’ve strug- anyone had told my grandparents 90 gled to receive aid and resources they’re years ago at Ellis Island that their grandson would entitled to have been sitfrom public ting around a schools, and table with the were looking president, for ways to they would streamline have explodthe processes. ed with joy,” Bush seemed said Dr. to enjoy the Kalman Stein, exchange, principal of par ticipants the Frisch said, and one School in leader even remarked that Paramus, N.J. Bush could First Lady Laura Bush is joined by rabbis and staff particiAttendees be a good pating in making the White House kitchen kosher for a said they got to see a difteacher after Hanukkah event on Dec. 6. he left the Credit: Shealah Craighead/White House ferent side of the president. White House. “I think he wanted educators to see the “As educators who dedicate themselves to teaching the faith and to teaching, real him and to hear things directly they are fulfilling the true lesson of through him and not through the press,” Hanukkah every day of the year,” Bush said Metuka Benjamin, director of educasaid later Tuesday at a Hanukkah candle- tion at the Stephen S. Wise Temple lighting event. “Just as the Maccabees School System in Los Angeles. Another participant was Rabbi Zelig reclaimed their holy temple, these teachers help ensure that Jewish traditions are Rivkin, head of the New Orleans Torah Academy. Bush pledged his support for passed from generation to generation." Rabbi Steve Ballaban, head of the rebuilding the Gulf Coast, and praised Alfred and Adele Davis Academy in Jewish schools that took in students after
Hurricane Katrina. Bush also expressed his support for Israel, including its withdrawal this summer from the Gaza Strip. Later in the day, Bush listened to the West Point Jewish Cadet Choir and then hosted several hundred Jewish leaders at the annual White House Hanukkah party. The event was fully kosher for the first time, at the insistence of First Lady Laura Bush, officials said. Representatives from the Bergen County, NJ, rabbinical council and the Washington office of Chabad certified the kitchen as kosher. While the Bush White House has hosted kosher dinners before, this was the first time the White House’s kitchen was used for the meal. In addition to Boronstein, Ballaban, Klein, Rivkin, and Benjamin, other Jewish educators invited to the White House included:Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Dean, Ner Israel Rabbinical College in Baltimore, MD; Rabbi Yigal Tsaidi, Educational Director, Yeshivat Akiva in Southfield, MI; Gail Armstrong, Head of School, Solomon Schechter Day School of St. Louis, MO; Rabbi Nosson Schreiber, Dean, Margolin Hebrew Academy of Memphis, TN; Stuart Dow, Head of School, The Emery/Weiner Rabbi Eli School in Houston, TX; Dessler, Dean, Hebrew Academy of Cleveland, OH; Rabbi Oren Druin, Associate Head of School for Judaic Samuel Scheck Hillel Studies, Community Day School of North Miami, FL; and Paige Nathan, Executive Director, Tulane University Hillel of New Orleans, LA.
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December 16, 2005
Where Have All the (Young) Jews Gone? While more than 5000 delegates at the Reform movement’s biennial convention earlier this month debated political topics--the war in Iraq, President Bush’s choice for the Supreme Court and reproductive rights, the Conservative movement’s 560 person biennial argued over whether or not the movement was “halachic” or not. Last month, about 3000 Jews showed up in Toronto for the annual GA--the General Assembly of United Jewish Communities, the organization that combined the well known UJA (United Jewish Appeal--the overseas arm of federated fundraising) and the Council of Jewish Federations (the former federation umbrella organization). There, the debate centered around new formulas to fund overseas and Israel needs and a new campaign, Operation Promise, which, if successful, will add badly needed dollars to operations like the Joint Distribution Committee’s Chesed program in the former Soviet Union and will likewise reunite the remaining Falas Mura population in Ethiopia with their family in Israel. Chabad held its annual shluchim convention over Thanksgiving for its ‘messenger’ couples from all over the world, (the Orthodox Union held its biennial convention in 2004 in Jerusalem). So, how are we--and what are we--doing? At first glance, the organized Jewish community seems to be in pretty good shape. We’re raising more money than ever, offering more and diverse programs, and involving more people. But are we, really? Or are we basically rotating the same group of high level givers--who use their large donations as clout to get what they want--and the same retread board members, who are trying to climb the Jewish political ladder to perceived clout? Are we asking the right questions at our organizational meetings? Are we listening to the right group of Jews? Maybe it’s time we stopped protecting our turf and started listen-
ing to the next generation. Young people are flying beneath the radar-and it might be our fault. After all, they’ve watched us bicker for years about comma placement in hearings on our organizations’ resolutions; they’ve heard us disparage those who don’t “give as much as we think they should” and they’ve seen our friends become the objects of political fallout during nomination and election proceedings. UJC did offer a panel of young people to its delegates, though it was composed of those already involved in their local federations--and giving quite large gifts. And the Reform movement did address its growing concern with Jewish teenagers’ casual attitudes toward sex. But the group we’d really like to hear from in upcoming conventions is young people who are organizing on their own-outside the alphabet soup of Jewish communal life. As an example: there are dozens of loosely organized groups of Jewish singles in New York who are hosting Shabbat dinners on their building rooftops, organizing minyanim in their apartments, collecting food in their workplace for elderly and poor Jews, signing up for midnight shifts of Habitat for Humanity’s Rockefeller Center project to build homes for victims of Hurricane Katrina. Similar loosely organized groups have popped up in Chicago and Los Angeles. None of this is being done under the auspices of any organized group; it’s just happening. But has any synagogue reached out to these young people with an offer to “house” these groups for Shabbat and holiday dinners, services, programs or projects? In Omaha it may be easier to find these young Jews and get them involved, but as we all know, not all of
our young people are coming back here. As we look forward to lighting the first candle of Hanukkah on Sunday evening, Dec. 25 (coinciding with Christmas for the first time in a century), let us not lose sight of one of the underlying messages of this (minor) holiday. It was a small band of rebels--not the establishment--who fought against the Hellenistic, secularizing practices of the Syrian Greeks. The rebels went outside the mainstream--because the so-called leaders of the day weren’t listening. Let that be a lesson to us today. We need to think globally and help our young people get connected wherever they live--not because Jewish organizations should be perpetuated, but because Jews and Jewish communities should be.
The Reverend Kevin Nunn in Lakewood used his freedom of speech to write an article to the Asbury Park Press, lambasting the Jews of the Lakewood Jewish community for what he perceives as the preferential treatment they are afforded and their secluded ways. The article is full of assumptions and falsehood. What was the purpose of Reverend Nunn’s article? What kind of energy was he trying to create by writing it? Was he trying to make peace and ease a tense situation?
ing these money problems, that has been aired by ABC, Jackson, called the Jews leeches and said they are the cause of all world problems. Now perhaps Jackson’s private conversation at home should not be judged so harshly, as many of us have conversations that we would rather were not publicized, however, for Michael Jackson this isn’t the first time he’s expressed such a hateful sentiment. A few years ago, Jackson sang a song calling Jews negative names. At that time Jackson excused himself by saying the song was written to make a point that racism is wrong. The excuse was weak at the time, but the recently revealed private phone conversations drove home the point that the excuse was just that: a cover-up and an excuse. Michael Jackson is a hater. He uses the hate-filled speech for his own means--be it to spice up a song or get away with paying a bill. One can and must use freedom of speech to condemn something when it is evil and immoral, however, many people exercising their right to ‘say what they think’, ‘speak their mind’, and ‘finally tell it as it is’, use hate speech to cover another agenda. The founding fathers wanted this country to have freedom of speech so people can voice their opinion, not to abuse that freedom by provoking or inciting others. Hate speech should not be outlawed; ugly words of hatred expressed under the banner of freedom of speech should be protested vehemently. Rabbi Hecht is Dean of Hadar Hatorah School for College Youth and a lecturer at the Ivy League Torah Study Program. He is a cofounder of the Ari Program, an innovative school for at-risk kids. He can be reached at rabbishea@aol.com.
Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.
Freedom to Hate
FOCUS ON ISSUES by RABBI SHEA HECHT Thirteen-year-old twins, Lamb and Lynx Gaede of the Prussian Blue band, the Reverend Kevin Nunn of Lakewood, New Jersey, and Michael Jackson have all exercised their freedom of speech. Being that the United States of America is a free country and upholds freedom of speech this shouldn’t pose a problem. However, when the founding fathers established freedom of speech I doubt they meant the provocative and instigating hate speech that these people have used. How much of what gets said under the title of freedom of speech is actually someone expressing their opinion and how much of it is motivated by the need to incite others? Assuming that specific speech is hateful and provoking, should it be protected as free speech? Thirteen-year-old, blue-eyed blond twins, Lamb and Lynx Gaede are being raised as white supremacists by their mother. With their mother guiding them, they are trying to spread the message of white supremacy with a new CD. Their songs mock minorities and praise Adolf Hitler and Rudolf Hess, his righthand man. Their mother offers no excuses for her daughters’ behavior. She said she is raising them the way she sees fit and they have a right to say what they think. To me it would seem that the mother is abusing her freedom of speech by using her innocent girls to send out her message of hate toward minorities.
The founding fathers wanted this country to have freedom of speech so people can voice their opinion, not to abuse that freedom by provoking or inciting others. Leaders within the Lakewood Jewish Community wrote a rebuttal to the article, stating that Reverend Nunn never approached them with his concerns about unity between the Lakewood neighborhoods. I only wonder why Kevin Nunn refers to himself as a Reverend. One of the jobs of a leader-especially a religious leader is to create unity, which this article does not contribute to. If Reverend Nunn’s true motive would have been to promote peaceful coexistence, and not incitement of hate, he would have reached out to the Jewish community in an attempt to establish a relationship. Michael Jackson is in financial hot water. He owes his lawyers money for fighting a court case successfully. In a taped phone call, regard-
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December 16, 2005
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Comments by French Jewish Thinker on Recent Muslim Riots Stirring the Pot
FOCUS ON ISSUES by LAUREN ELKIN PARIS (JTA)--A prominent French Jewish intellectual has come under attack for criticizing the public reaction to recent Muslim riots as too sympathetic. Critics called Alain Finkielkraut racist for emphasizing the ethnicity and religion of the rioters in an interview last month with Ha’aretz. Finkielkraut, 56, was quoted as saying that “in France there are also other immigrants whose situation is difficult-Chinese, Vietnamese, Portuguese--and they’re not taking part in the riots. Therefore, it is clear that this is a revolt with an ethno-religious character.” Contrary to the widespread opinion that the riots could not be “reduced to an unalloyed reaction to French racism,” Finkielkraut argued that they were attacks not against France “as a former colonial power” but “against France as a European country. Against France, with its Christian or Judeo-Christian tradition.” The comments by Finkielkraut, a former leader of the left-wing 1968 student uprisings who in recent years has been characterized as a “neo-conservative” because of his support for Israel, launched a French version of the “culture wars” that have periodically raged in the United States over the past few decades. The controversy erupted last month when excerpts from the interview were translated into French and appeared in Le Monde newspaper. The truncated version of the interview caused an immediate sensation, and a lively debate arose in the French media over the “Finkielkraut Affair.”
On Nov. 24, the Movement Against Racism filed charges of racism against Finkielkraut. Racism is a criminal offense in France. Finkielkraut apologized on the Europe 1 television station the following day, saying his comments had been taken out of context. The Movement Against Racism then withdrew the charges, though Mouloud Aounit, the group’s secretary general, said he doubted the sincerity of Finkielkraut’s apology. Finkielkraut, 56, is the son of Polish Jewish immigrants to France, survivors of Auschwitz whose parents died there. His theories on the Holocaust denial have helped make him one of the most respected philosophers in contemporary France. He said he was perturbed by the riots not only as a Frenchman, but as a Jew. As he told Ha’aretz, “When an Arab torches a school, it’s rebellion. When a white guy does it, it’s fascism. I’m ‘color blind.’ Evil is evil, no matter what color it is. And this evil, for the Jew that I am, is completely intolerable.” Finkielkraut also said the French educational system breeds a “postcolonial mind-set” that offers sympathy for the rioters and, he claimed, is “creating an infrastructure for the new antiSemitism.” Laurent Joffrin, editor in chief of the newspaper Le Nouvel Observateur, said that Finkielkraut “is certainly not a racist. But in speaking like one, he reinforces the dangerous propaganda popularized” by racists, and “only exacerbates the tensions.” Some Jewish community groups were outraged by the way Finkielkraut’s comments were “butchered” in the French media. Writing on the Web site of the Union of French Jewish Employers and Professionals, Menahem Macina defended Finkielkraut. Macina accused Sylvain
... he was perturbed by the riots not only as a Frenchman, but as a Jew. As he told Ha’aretz, “When an Arab torches a school, it’s rebellion. When a white guy does it, it’s fascism. I’m ‘color blind.’ Evil is evil, no matter what color it is. And this evil, for the Jew that I am, is completely intolerable.”
Cypel, author of the Le Monde article, of “a high degree of libel.” Finkielkraut’s legal troubles aren’t over yet. In the Ha’aretz interview, he referred to the French comedian Dieudonne as the “guardian of [the new] anti-Semitism in France.” Dieudonne, who has been prosecuted several times for anti-Semitic remarks, responded by pressing libel charges against Finkielkraut. But Finkielkraut found one supporter
in an unlikely place. In an interview published Nov. 28 with the Nouvel Observateur, Muslim intellectual Tariq Ramadan defended Finkielkraut’s sincerity and commended him for expressing views that “other French intellectuals, politicians, or journalists think as well but are simply more calculated” about expressing. Still, Ramadan said he believed the interview revealed Finkielkraut’s “strange and dangerous evolution.”
LETTER TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Why do some people use the words ‘separation of church and state’ when quoting the First Amendment? Those words were used by Thomas Jefferson in a letter to the Danbury Baptists to reassure them that the Congregationalists would not impose upon the United States of America a governmental religion by the British government on its citizens. If they contend that evangelical Christians are violating the establishment clause, why then are they not going after the secular humanists whose religion is taught with impunity. (The Supreme Court stated in the Torcaso vs. Watkins case in 1991, “that among religions in this country which do not teach what would generally be a belief in the existence of God are Buddhism, Taoism,
Ethical Culture, secular humanism and others.”) But, according to the Anti-Defamation League and the American Civil Liberties Union’s definition of the establishment clause, it clearly violates it. We need to breakdown political divisions, so that all religions and philosophies can be taught in schools as intended in the U.S. Constitution...once again making the establishment case one way, as intended: “That Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof.” The ADL and the ACLU, in my opinion, are hard to believe when they insult my intelligence by presenting only one side of the First Amendment, and also by placing it out of context. David W. Millward
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December 16, 2005
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BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
B’nai Israel Synagogue
There will be no services this week.
Office Hours: Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:43 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Women’s Chesed Project, 3-5 p.m. Help to cook meals to have available when needed for shiva houses or for families in need of meals due to illness. Babysitting will be provided. Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time. THURSDAY: Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. Rabbi Gross’s Sunday class and Hebrew Club will be on vacation on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1.
618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com
Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org
Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org
Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org
Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com
Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 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
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to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334.6451.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel. Tot Shabbat, 6:30 p.m., in the sanctuary. Our congregational Shabbat/pre-Hanukkah dinner will be held following services. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation (3-7), 10 a.m.; K’tantan (K-2), 10:45 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Evening Service, 4:40 p.m. Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge. SUNDAY: Bible Study Class with Leonard Greenspoon, 10 a.m.; Living Hebrew, with Susi Frydman-Levin, 10 a.m.; Adult B’nai Mitzvah class with Cantor Bogomolni, 10 a.m.; Jewish Pot Pourri Class, 11 a.m.; From Your Heart to God’s Ears, led by Andy Greenberg, 11 a.m. SERVICES: WEEKDAY Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m. PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living, with Rabbi Levin. For more information, contact the synagogue office. SISTERHOOD’S “MAKE IT/TAKE IT” COOKING CLASS: Sunday at 1:30 p.m. A variety of Hanukkah sweets and dishes will be demonstrated, and attendees get to take the finished goods home! Cost is $5 per person; for more information, contact the synagogue office. COLLEGE STUDENTS’ “SUSHI & SCHMOOZE” PARTY: This casual evening, complete with sushi and socializing will take place on Thursday Dec. 29, 7 p.m., at Hiro Sushi, 3655 No. 129th St. All Jewish college students and recent graduates are invited to attend, with Youth Director Jamie Skog, Rabbi Levin and Cantor Bogomolni joining in the fun! To make reservations or for more information, contact Jamie Skog at 492.8550 or via email at youthdir@bethelomaha.org.
CONGREGATION Monday- B’NAI JESHURUN
BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY: Shabbat services, 9 a.m. at the Blumkin Home.
CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.; Ima & Me, 10–11:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service. SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon. WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Special Yud tes Kislev Farbrengen, 7 p.m. TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle, 9 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Torah Tots, 4:15 p.m. For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.
Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg following. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel; Game Night/Potluck, 6 p.m. SUNDAY: All-school Hanukkah Celebration , 10 a.m.-noon. ADULT EDUCATION Sundays, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel. Tuesday series on Jewish Social Justice. WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. SOCIAL ACTION PROJECT Bring new socks and underwear to donate to the children of the Friendship Home, the local shelter for victims of domestic violence. All sizes are needed for toddlers through high school, and for girls and boys. There will be a collection box in the Social Hall. HOLIDAY LATKE POTLUCK DINNER The annual Hanukkah Latke Potluck Dinner will be on Friday, Dec. 30 at the South Street Temple. There will be a Shabbat Service at 6:15 p.m. and Potluck Dinner at 7 p.m. Latkes will be provided for all! Bring enough food for eight people. Be sure to mark your item as meat/dairy/vegetarian. If you are unable to attend, donations are appreciated. Donations to the Temple will be accepted in place of a food item. Bring your menorahs to light. RSVP to the Temple office (435.8004 or stemple@ neb.rr.org) by Friday, Dec. 23.
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Marti Nerenstone and Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.
TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Craig Marantz and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Matthew Waldbaum, son of Natha and John Waldbaum, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. SITTER SERVICE: Available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, no facilities for infants. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, Dec. 22: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m.
NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin. Minyan, MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast. FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following. SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class. TUESDAY: The Ladies’ Lunch Bunch will meet at Manhattan Deli, on 8th and Q, noon. If you need a ride, call Marcia Kushner at 423.5959. WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066. HANUKKAH PARTY: Have fun together the first night of Hanukkah, Sunday, Dec. 25, 5 p.m. Our ktichen-maven men will prepare the goodies. Bring your family and your own menorah, candles and matches, so we can all usher in Hanukkah together. There is no charge for the party, although donations will be appreciated. There will be no babysitting available at this family event.
To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements
Ethiopians Commemorate ‘Sigad’ Festival in Israel
Announcements of children becoming Bar or Bat Mitzvah will be printed on the synagogue page of The Jewish Press one week prior to the event if submitted eight days prior to publication. The following information may be included: name, name of parents, grandparents and/or great-grandparents and stepparents and stepgrandparents (including late parent[s] and/or late grandparent[s]), names of siblings, date and location of event. In addition, the school which the child attends, honors and hobbies may be included, if space permits, as well as the name of the child’s Mitzvah Project and a short description. A clearly identified photo is welcome if it is easily reproduced. Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org. You can also submit announcements online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements.
Thousands of Ethiopian immigrants converged on Jerusalem to celebrate Sigad. This holiday, which goes back some 2,500 years, recalls the yearning for Zion by Ethiopians in exile. It renews the biblical union between the Jewish people and G-d and also the thousands of Ethiopians who died on the long Trek to reach Israel. The Ethiopian community came together on the 29th day of the Hebrew month of Heshvan to listen to sermons and prayers conducted by their religious leaders. Copyright: ISRANET
December 16, 2005
DEATHS HARLAN NODDLE Continued from page 1 Probably Noddle’s most intense volunteer experience recently was his involvement with the rebuilding of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, a relationship he has maintained since 1980, when Joseph Kirshenbaum, President of the Jewish Federation, announced that Noddle would co-chair the building of the Home, noting, “I am delighted that we have found someone who is knowledgeable of the construction field and also understands the Omaha Jewish community.” When Noddle accepted the job, he announced that the building would be completed within two years. In 1988, money was raised for a 22-bed addition to the Home. This expansion, completed in 1990, alleviated the waiting list that had existed since the Home opened. At the time, Noddle said that the fundraising was enormously successful and that it went much faster than they had planned, joking, “The selling point was that everybody knew they might end up there someday!” Mike Silverman, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services/The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, said of Noddle’s most recent involvement with the Home’s latest project, “Harlan’s presence at a meeting was inspiring. His participation and commitment to our project allowed me to dream, because the impossible became very possible with Harlan’s support. “I feel privileged to have had an opportunity to work with him and have learned a great deal from him in the three short years I have been here,” Silverman added. “He has touched my life, and I can only imagine how he has touched the lives of those that have known him for decades. He was a great man and will be dearly missed.” Noddle was born and raised in Omaha and graduated from Central High School and the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He served in the United States Army as a First Lieutenant from 1959-61. Until 1971, he was employed by American Community Stores, in various positions ranging from the store-planning department to group vice president. He began Noddle Development Company in 1971 with Joe Kirshenbaum as his partner. The two men were brought together by a mutual friend to develop a shopping and office center at 74th and Pacific. Today, Noddle Development is the largest developer of community shopping centers and office buildings in the upper Midwest. Headquartered in Omaha, the company provides a full range of development and management services from site acquisition through financing, construction and property management. Noddle headed every division of the Annual Campaign for the Jewish Federation. He served on the boards of the Midlands Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), the Mid-America Council of the Boy Scouts of America, the Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the New Community Development Corporation, and the Omaha Symphony. He was on the Executive Board of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee and chairman of the board of Nebraska Health Systems, through which he was appointed to two terms as a Nebraska Regent.
But, according to his wife Nancy, the position of which he was most proud was as Vice-chairman of the University of Nebraska Foundation. During the winter commencement ceremony today at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Noddle will posthumously receive the Order of the Tower, UNO’s highest non-academic award. In 1985, he was honored at an Israeli Dinner of State for his work with Israeli Bonds. In 2001, Harlan and Nancy were honored by NCCJ for their humanitarian contributions to the community. That same year, he was named to the Omaha Business Hall of Fame. With his son, Jay, Harlan was co-owner of the Omaha Beef Arena football team. Among many other Omahaarea projects headed by Noddle and his partner, Kirshenbaum, were the 7400 Building, Maple 108 Building, Noddle Building, Empire Fire and Marine Insurance, Harvey Oaks Shopping Center, Empire Park, 48th Street Square and Bellevue Crossing. He was involved in almost every Riverfront Development project in Omaha since 2000--including Gallup University’s new campus and the National Park Service Building. In 2003, Harlan’s son, Jay, assumed daily operation of Noddle Development Partners LLC, a newly formed entity that was created by his father. In 1997, Noddle was named to serve on an Omaha arena and convention center study group. The 10 members of the group were chosen to serve because, according to chairman David Sokol, “They are independent thinkers and are respected within their areas of expertise.” In addition to his wife, Nancy, and son, Jay and his wife Kim, Noddle is survived by daughter and son-inlaw, Susan Noddle and Marvin Levine of New York City; three grandchildren, Rebecca, Samuel and Aaron; brother Allan Noddle; brother and sister-in-law, Jeff and Linda Noddle of Minneapolis, MN; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Jim and Judy Farber. Memorials to the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Eppley Cancer Research Center at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. IDA ARKIN One of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home’s oldest residents died Dec. 8; Ida Arkin was 101. Services were held Dec. 11 at Temple Israel Cemetery. She was the Director of Development for Children’s Hospital and known far and wide as the “candy lady”, according to Joanie Bernstein, immediate past-president of Jewish Senior Services/The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “For years, Ida made candy for the Children’s Hospital Bazaar. She had her own personal customers that never came to the Bazaar, who would give her a check for $100, $200 or more for her candy, and she would give it to ‘her kids’. She raised thousands of dollars this way,” Bernstein said. “So many children were helped because Ida loved them,” Bernstein added. “She wanted to make sure no one would be turned away because of inability to pay.” She was preceded in death by her husband, Morris. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lloyd and Harriette S. Arkin; grandchildren, Stephanie Arkin, Lisabeth and David Schaps; and two great-grandchildren. Memorials to Children’s Hospital or charity of choice.
Parashat VaYishlah As he proceeds into the Land, Jacob sends lavish gifts before him to appease his brother Esau. And the night before the meeting, he has a struggle that leaves him limping forever (and influences Jewish diet for all time). He wrestles that night with a “man.” Shall we capitalize Man? Perhaps. Because the “man” was not permitted to leave without blessing Jacob. He gives Jacob the name Israel, which he explains means, you have striven with beings divine and human and prevailed. Esau now is puzzled at the generous gift that Jacob has sent on in advance. He refuses it, but Jacob persuades him to take it. And thus Jacob manages to confront Esau without calamity, and he arrives safe in Shechem. We have a not pleasant story following. Dina, daughter of Leah, goes out to see the country and, specifically, its womenfolk. But she instead confronts Shechem, who rapes her but then asks his father to negotiate with Jacob, so that he might marry her. Now, however, Simeon and Levi by deception, are able to kill and do kill
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. Call 402.334.6448 for more information.
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SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
all of the townsmen. Now Jacob proceeds farther into the land, to Bethel. Here Jacob requires his entire entourage to rid themselves of portable gods. In return, the Lord promises him that “an assembly of nations will arise from his descendants.” Note that Jacob in thanksgiving, sets up a pillar and pours oil on it. This practice is later specifically forbidden. We are told of Rachel’s giving birth to Benjamin, the younger brother of Joseph, whose long story finishes the whole Book of Genesis. Rachel dies at that point and the Text suggests that a pillar set up on her grave “lasts until today.” Now the Text at length continues with the story of the sons and grandsons of Esau. We are not permitted to know specifically about Esau’s descendants except for the long listing of the tribes and chieftains who descended from him. But the reader has the impression that the Text is simply doing its duty in continuing an account of Esau’s family. But it does so with neither enthusiasm nor love. The history of Israel proceeds not through Esau, but through Jacob. The Bible does not deny primogeniture (the special rights of the first-born). But it blandly prefers Jacob to Esau, and for example, David to his many older brothers. It is merit, not the accident of birth, that the Bible prefers.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
At Biennial Convention, Conservative Jews Wrestle with Movement’s Identity lost its pre-eminent position on the American Jewish scene, but instead of the breast-beating one might have expected at this convention, there was a lot of serious introspection and confidence, if not celebration. The movement’s leaders unveiled a detailed plan for keruv, or outreach, to intermarried families and new converts, and speakers and participants spent a great deal of time talking about what they want from a movement to which most remain deeply committed. Words like passion, sensitiv- Former Omahan Ray Goldstein, left, incoming president of ity, openness and honesty United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, talks with USCJ were used liberally through- Executive Vice President Rabbi Jerome Epstein before preout the four-day gathering in senting the new outreach initiative, at the biennial. Goldstein Boston, which was devoted to is a past-President of Beth El Synagogue in Omaha, where deciding where the move- his two daughters, Heather Kelln and Stephanie Johnson ment is headed and rolling and their families belong. Goldstein lives in Rochester, MN, Credit: Sue Fishkoff/JTA out a more proactive with his wife, Jody. approach to integrating intermarried fami- ed by halacha, or Jewish law, but evolves according to aggada, or changing social lies into Conservative congregational life. In his keynote speech, Rabbi Neil and cultural norms. Gillman’s examination of the moveGillman, a philosophy professor at the movement’s Jewish Theology Seminary, ment's theological wrestling act resonated urged Conservative Judaism to “abandon with many conference participants, but its claim that we are a halachic move- some said they did indeed see their movement,” which he called “irrelevant to the ment as based in halacha, and most lay people interviewed said the constant strugvast majority of our lay people.” Gillman proposed a new definition for gle with tradition gave Conservative the movement based on “living with Judaism an intellectual honesty they liked. In a closing-day speech, outgoing JTS ambiguity,” which he said more precisely describes a movement that may be guid- Chancellor Rabbi Ismar Schorsch hotly
by SUE FISHKOFF BOSTON, MA (JTA)--There were two separate minyans at last week’s biennial convention of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: a large egalitarian minyan, where most of the women as well as the men wore kippas, that prayed with gusto three times a day in the main conference hall; and a much smaller, heavy male, non-egalitarian minyan that davened more soberly down the corridor. The dual prayer services may symbolize a movement in crisis, split by divergent opinions on key issues such as the role of women, the ordination of gay and lesbian rabbis and the status of non-Jewish family members in synagogue life. But they also demonstrate that the Conservative tent is large enough to encompass a variety of views and practices, and that the leadership is willing to take a certain amount of flak from members that want it to take a stand one way or the other. “The United Synagogue is neither egalitarian nor not egalitarian; we are pluralistic,” Rabbi Jerome Epstein, the United Synagogue’s Executive Vice-president, told the 560 delegates at a plenary session, responding to criticism that conference organizers should not have scheduled space for a non-egalitarian minyan. “It’s not a sign of ambiguity or weakness to say we’re respectful of divergence,” Epstein said. “We have two equal services at the convention because we believe both are equally valid, both are equally authentic, both should be respected and both should be cherished.” The Conservative movement may have
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defended the Conservative movement’s traditional emphasis on “emet and emunah,” or truth and faith, as unambiguous and urged the movement not to change its positioning. “We are the only Jewish group that has the courage to struggle with the polarities of emet and emunah,” he said, contrasting that stance with “our friends to the left, who lack emunah” and “our friends to the right who are threatened by emet.” Giving up either polarity means, he said, “we cease being Conservative Jews.” While the Conservative movement long has walked a fine line between adhering to halacha and embracing a less traditional approach to Jewish observance, Schorsch--who is retiring this summer after some 20 years at the Seminary’s helm--has often come down on the side of tradition. In 2003, for example, he questioned the Conservative movement’s 1950 decision to allow driving on the Sabbath to encourage synagogue attendance. Rabbi Amy Eilberg, the first woman ordained by the Conservative movement 20 years ago, agreed with Gillman’s proposal to embrace ambiguity, but admitted, “it’s a message many in the movement do not want to hear.” There was no formal discussion at the convention of the hot-button topic of whether or not to ordain openly gay rabbis, a decision that will be made by the movement’s Law Committee or by the next JTS chancellor, and not by the United Synagogue. But that didn’t stop people from talking about it. Most said it will and should happen.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Winner of this year’s Jewish Press Hanukkah Coloting Contest is Julia Edelstein, age 9, daughter of Ellene and Stanley Edelstein
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
Isaac Levy, Watchmaker and Jeweler JOURNAL ENTRY FROM ISRAEL by TEDDY WEINBERGER
upstairs from the shop, while he manned the counter downstairs. Times were different then, he says. People felt that buying gold jewelry was a wise investment, and so they bought more. Isaac acknowledges that the 1950s are not known in Israel as a time of plenty, but he claims that people were satisfied
Because Israel is a young country, it’s possible to still find ongoing businesses that have been around since the very early years of the Jewish state. Isaac Levy opened his jewelry and watch store in Dec. 1951 on 10 Shlomzion Hamalka Street in Jerusalem. Fifty-four years later, a time span that covers 95% of the history of Israel, he is still there. Early in 1951, at the age of 19, Isaac immigrated to Israel from Azerbaijan, Turkey with his parents, three siblings, and his wife Esther (he married at 18). Isaac began studying watch repair at the ORT school in Jerusalem and decided to go to work toward the end of the first of his three years of study. Isaac would go to school Isaac Levy with decades long-time customer, Shlomit. during the day and work fixing then with what they had--unlike today watches from late afternoon to late at when everyone looks to see what their night. neighbor has. When Isaac finished his schooling he “Back then, we were all like brothers,� began selling jewelry and watches in addi- he says; there was none of this hatred that tion to doing repairs, always working you have today. There were few robberies until late. Isaac remembers the 1950’s as and murder was unknown. I had a woodbeing happy years. There were many en door that would have toppled had you tourists then and very few stores. Indeed, pushed on it a little. At the end of the Isaac estimates that during those years day, I locked up with a simple twist of one there were about seven jewelry stores in key in one lock. Today the insurance all of Jerusalem, whereas now there are company demands that I have an alarm 260. Isaac says that during those years system, a safe, a steel door, and bars on “there was happiness in the heart.� the windows.� Isaac’s business flourished. He was able Isaac traces the decline of his business to hire a watch repairer who worked to the rising nationalism of the local Arab
, " / / " /
population. Business as he knew it effectively came to an end in the late 1980s with the onset of the first intifada. “Before that time,� says Isaac, we lived with the local Arabs as brothers, and the larger populations of Arabs [in East Jerusalem and in the West Bank] we never even saw. Arabs then were afraid of the Jews, and this continued for years. But with the first intifada the story was finished-everything came crumbling down.� Isaac has not employed a watchmaker now for about 15 years. He does all the repairs himself, not that there are many, since as he points out with today’s cheap quartz and electronic watches it often doesn’t pay to fix them. Isaac is bitter at the prolonged downturn of his business. After 54 years he still presides over a very small store, but business is a fraction of what it was decades ago. He is a man who needs consoling but it’s hard to know what to say. One cannot escape the feeling that what has done Isaac in has little to do with the first or the second intifada but a lot to do with his 259 competitors. And yet, if you’d like to make his day, you’ll know where to find him--because despite everything, he has no plans to retire. “As long as I am able to get up to go to work,� he says, “I want to continue. From childhood I got used to working. Even if it’s not so profitable for me, I have a place to go so that I won’t have to stay in the house. If I would stop working, my life would be very difficult.� Teddy Weinberger made aliyah with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. He can be reached at: weinross@netvision.net.il.
Celebrate Hanukkah with Shabbos Lunch at Beth Israel by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue invites the community to attend a festive lunch for Shabbos Hanukkah on Saturday, Dec. 31. Following morning services, the meal will be served at 11:30 a.m. A traditional brisket and latke lunch will be served. Beverages and dessert are included in the meal. The cost is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 4-12 and free to children ages three and under. In order to have an accurate number of meals prepared, reservations are required by Thursday, Dec. 22, and may be made by calling the synagogue office at: 556.6288.
EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE While the Jewish Press office will be open regular business hours during the last week in December, several staff members at our printer will be on vacation. Therefore, deadlines for the Dec. 30 and Jan. 6 issues are as follows: Issue Deadline Dec. 30 Wednesday, Dec. 21 Jan. 6 Wednesday, Jan. 28 Photos used in last April’s Passover issue and September’s New Year’s issue may be picked up in the Press office during regular business hours. Photos that remain in the Press office after Dec. 31 will be given to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. Questions? Call 334.6448.
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December 16, 2005
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Dreidel House Invites Visitors to ‘Spin and Smile’ by BATSHEVA POMERANTZ (IPS) Flickering Hanukkah candles in the window and the waft of sizzling potato latkes serve as the perfect setting for the popular dreidel game, played by children of all ages throughout the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, which commemorates the Maccabees’ victory over the Greeks in the second century BCE. The dreidel, from the German drehen (to spin), is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side. The four letters--nun, gimmel, hey and shin--stand for Nes Gadol Hayah Sham, “A Great Happened Miracle There” (there meaning Israel)--referring to the miracle of the small cruse of pure oil which kindled the Temple menorah for eight days instead of only one day. The words determine the player’s next move regarding adding or detracting coins, tokens, candies or nuts from the pot. Nun is for nisht, or “nothing”; gimmel is gantz, or “everything”; hey is halb, or “half”; and shin is shtel, or “pay.” Eran Grebler, a second-generation ceramicist from Pardess Hana, designs and produces dreidels (sevivon in Hebrew) all year round. A dizzying array of some 300 tops is on display at the Dreidel House, which he opened in 2002 in the ancient port city of Caesarea. “Please Spin and Smile” reads the sign in his gallery. “I think every artist enjoys people touching his artwork,” says Grebler. “Visitors have great fun when they spin the dreidels and I get great satisfaction from seeing how they react.” Grebler has been creating dreidels for the past 20 years, along with other Judaica artifacts, although nowadays he deals almost exclusively with dreidels. Jerusalem vistas, hamsas (amulets for warding off the evil eye), animals, pomegranates and ancient Roman coins are only some of the images which adorn Grebler’s porcelain tops, in which he incorporates a combination of metals. One is even shaped like a cat--“a made to order dreidel for a cat lover.” His tops differ from the traditional dreidel, however, in that they do not have four sides that fall flat when the spinning ceases. For this reason they are positioned on a base with a dot or mark indicating the chosen letter when the spinning stops. Although visitors to the Dreidel House often provide ideas for new dreidels, as do Grebler’s three children, Grebler “finds inspiration literally everywhere. Some of my dreidels resemble carousels; some are inspired by vacations abroad.” After a trip to the Toy Museum in Prague, for example, Grebler returned to his studio with many ideas for innovative tops. One unusual dreidel, with wires and tubes around a square structure, was inspired by the Pompidou Center in Paris. Customers enjoy watching Grebler at work in the Dreidel House where meticulous planning and understanding of the laws of physics are vital to designing his tops. “A spinning item differs completely from a stationary one,” he says. “Some parts of the top fall into place because of gravity.” The effect of spinning the Magic Dreidel produces a Magen David on its base. Both collectors and chess players enjoy the spinning chess pieces on a unique and colorful chess set. The rules for the dreidel game, however, are a great deal less complicated than chess. Many of Grebler’s dreidels were not created for Hanukkah and add a bit of spice to such decisions as investments, wishes, relationships, division of household chores and vacation destinations. The Blessing Carousel Dreidel has trinkets attached with wishes like “love” and “health” (in Hebrew and English). It stops spinning and the wish near the mark is the selected wish. When children squabble over household chores, the Household Chores Carousel Dreidel comes to the rescue with such options as “clearing the table” or “washing the floor.” A Passover Dreidel, designed to twirl over the Passover plate, indicates who reads the various sections in the Passover Haggadah. “Not everyone wants to read the part about the wicked son,” says Grebler, “so the dreidel makes the decision.” The message of Hanukkah is that the light of goodness prevails in the conflicts of good versus evil and light versus dark. But the dreidel, balancing on one leg, symbolizes the seemingly precarious history of the Jewish people as it plunges down then bounces back up with optimism.
December 16, 2005
book, Miriam’s Journey, follows 10-yearold Miriam Bloom and her family as they flee Russia for a better life in America. “This is not your ordinary immigration story,” said author Robin K. Levinson of Hamilton, New Jersey, who based the book on her grandmother’s real life experiences. “The story involves a turn of events that threatens Miriam’s future in a way she never could have imagined.” Although the main characters are Jewish, Levinson expressed confidence that her series will appeal to readers from all religious backgrounds and ethnicities.
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“Parents will also appreciate these books because the Jewish values I emphasize, such as kindness, respect, charity, and honesty, are universal values.” Future Gali Girls books will be set in 12th century China, Colonial America, Ethiopia, and other well-known and little-known times and places in Jewish history. Each book will be linked to an 18inch doll, or doll accessory, representing the main character. Introduced last year, each Gali Girls Jewish doll comes with her own Hebrew and English name birth certificate, MagenDavid bracelet (for doll and owner), and a 10-piece wooden toy Shabbat kit, including candles, challah, and wine cup. Four different dolls come with blond, brown or red hair. Gali Girl dolls have inspired Jewish girls across the country and across the globe to develop a spirited interest in lighting Friday night Shabbat candles. The Gali Girls Jewish History Series takes the next step toward creating a connection between the contemporary Jewish girl and her rich, wondrous heritage. For more information visit www.GaliGirls.com.
Celebrate &
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Hot Chocolate
Gali Girls Children’s Book Series to Debut this Month by ALIZA STEIN Gali Girls Inc. TEANECK, N.J. – A new children’s book series that weaves together Jewish history, Jewish values, fascinating characters, and unexpected adventures will make its debut this month. The first
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
READ IT AND EAT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Could be cacao was harvested by the Olmecs, mother culture to the Maya, as early as 1000 B. C. And long ago the Aztecs created a drink that was reserved for noblemen and warriors. Fast forward to today and this little hot chocolate book with recipes “inspired by ritual, traditional ancient European classics, grandmotherly concoctions, and the imaginative inventions of preeminent pastry chefs and chocolatiers.” Following the ‘Chocologue” on ingredients, tools and techniques are the chapters Sources & Origins, Brave Old World, Haute Chocolate, For Adults Only, Second Childhood and Convivial Companions. Sixty recipes contributed by a dazzling array of hot chocolate lovers with the name of their restaurants, cacao bars and such. Hot chocolate from Frrrozen Hot Chocolate from Serendipity 3 in New York City, S’mores, LavenderPistachio, Ginger-Caramel, to SakiWasabi, Hungarian Hot, Hellfire and Mocha Voodoo and several European cups with headnotes and brief instructions. If skiing isn’t in your winter plans, curl up by the fire and try this speciality from Telluride to “revive even the coldest
downhill skier on a two-dog night” inspired by the mythical barrel of brandy strapped around a Saint Bernard’s neck--a symbol of rescue and solace. HOT CHOCOLATE REVIVER 3 ounces bittersweet chocolate, coarsely chopped 2 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped 1 cup low-fat organic milk 2 tablespoons brandy A few drops almond oil
Place both chocolates in a microwave-safe bowl and melt by heating in short bursts, stirring well after each interval. In a saucepan over medium-low heat, warm the milk until it is very hot. Pour the hot milk over the melted chocolate and stir with a wooden spoon until thoroughly combined. Stir in the brandy and almond oil. Pour into a warm mug and serve immediately. Makes 1 serving
Have a Joyous Hanukkah Celebration
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December 16, 2005
Five Centuries of Hanukkah Lamps from the Jewish Museum
It Has Never Been Hotter to be a Hebrew
by Susan L. Braunstein, Yale University Press, 403 Pages
by LINDSEY FIELDMAN Marketing Manager for JVibe NEWTON, MA--Launched just one year ago, JVibe magazine has reached a benchmark 6,000 subscribers. Part of a slew of new, hip Jewish products, JVibe’s success is proof that teens today are looking for ways to remain connected to Judaism. Clothing lines like Get Sababa and Kewlju are giving teens a way to express their Jewish pride. JVibe, through its print publication and companion website, inspires Jews ages 12-16 to weave Jewish values into their daily lives. The publication has doubled its readership in the past two months alone. Teens from across the U.S. can’t wait to get their hands on the next issue, which happens to focus on dealing with Christmas angst, an issue all too familiar to many teens. “JVibe is spreading like wildfire,” says Michelle Cove, Editor-in-Chief of JVibe. “The teens themselves are creating the buzz because they love the magazine so much. By giving teens cool Jewish role models and focusing on relevant issues, they are getting excited about their Jewish identity.” The bi-monthly publication is packed with celebrity interviews (with people like Natalie Portman and Zach Braff), advice columns, teen commentary, and roundtable sessions-all presented through a Jewish lens. Topics include: How does modesty fit in a world of baby-T’s and low-slung jeans? Are Spider-Man and Shrek Jewish? What’s the ticket to finding pleasure in what we have? JVibe shows teens how Jewish values can be useful in their lives and in helping them make complicated ethical choices. To subscribe to JVibe visit www.JVibe.com. JVibe is a product of Jewish Family & Life!, a multi-media organization that strives to spark and nurture Jewish identity. For additional information, contact me at 617.581.6847 or at lfieldman@jflmedia.com.
BOOK REVIEW by PROF. ARNOLD AGES As Susan L. Braunstein points out in her 33 page introduction to this splendid book on the history of the Hanukkah menorah (the word Hanukkah widely used today is a relatively modern word invented by Eliezer Ben Yehudah), the holiday which it celebrates is, in halachic terms (Jewish law) a minor festival. Yet this holiday of secondary importance has generated one of the greatest manifestations of Judaica, in the sense of art objects, in Jewish history. The Jewish Museum of New York, moreover, has over one thousand different Hanukkah lamps (as she calls them) from diverse geographies in its vast collection. The reason for this profusion is the simple fact that there have always been more Jewish homes than synagogues and families inevitably purchased or commissioned these lamps, as were their wants. In surveying the origins of the holiday of Hanukkah, the author delves into Talmudic sources to identify the battles which pitted Jews against Assyrians and which led to the desecration of the Temple--and to the miraculous longevity of the cruse of oil .In memory of that event the holiday of Hanukkah earned a place on the Jewish calendar. Braunstein notes also that the Jews on six continents displayed great interest in the Hanukkah and it was reflected in the national esthetic impulses of the countries where it was designed and produced. One other issue which the author raises is the actual participation of Jewish craftsmen in the design and manufacturing processes. Because gold and silversmithing were tightly
controlled by guilds, it was very difficult for Jewish representatives of those métiers to join. Thus many of the most beautiful Hanukkah lamps were executed by non Jewish craftsmen. But as Braunstein observes, some Jews did make it into the craft. In this richly illustrated volume, which is both a history and catalogue of the Jewish Museum’s holdings, there are scores of colored photographs as well as many black and white reproductions of the famous Hanukkah lamps. In addition, the volume contains photographs and commentary on the role of the Jewish families who were instrumental in creating The Jewish Museum 100 years ago. Each of the photographs is accompanied with a short narrative describing the geographical origin of the lamp in question and where available the name of the donor. The lamps displayed in the volume come in diverse shapes and colors and were made of silver, gold and various other alloys. The eight branch Hanukkah lamp has remained constant but the permutations within that number seems to be infinite, judging from the incredible way in which those eight branches have been arrayed. It is in the art of the Hanukkah lamp that geometry and creativity have been expertly fused. Although the Hanukkah begins early in post-Biblical Jewish history, The Jewish Museum’s collection covers lamps from the last four centuries and what a dazzling display it is. Every reader will have his own preference but this reviewer found the lamps from the 19th century Austro-Hungarian empire to be the most intriguing. This is a book for every Jewish art lover and collector and for anyone interested in the history of Jewish religious objects. Professor Arnold Ages can be reached at: sages@ca.inter.net.
The Warmest Hanukkah Greetings From Us To You.
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A Treasure Chest of Jewish Press Memorabilia by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES In the solitude of the Kripke Jewish Federation Library, I peruse the worn pages of old Jewish Press issues in bound volumes dating back to the 1930s. Any volumes older than that have to be viewed on a microfilm machine, as the pages would be too age ravaged, and could easily disintegrate, even with extreme care in handling them. But despite their fragility, these old papers hold a wealth of memories of days gone by. Headlines alone are not the only things that catch the eye when I research for the exhibit next spring. I can’t help noticing other interesting items in the Jewish Press of yesteryear. For example, do you remember when you could buy a Nelly Don dress at Herzberg’s for $2.98, a man’s suit for a mere $12, or a tank of gas for less than a dollar bill? How about a brand new car for around $500? Those are just a few of the ads featured in a 1930s edition. The advent of electric refrigerators was a huge innovation in the days when milk in glass bottles was delivered to your back porch. Those born “back then” experienced the only electronic device in the “home entertainment center”--the radio. The only way you could “visualize” the programming was through imagination. Around 1950, very few homes had TV’s, and those were in black and white. As a lifelong resident of Omaha, whose family ran a kosher meat business, I’m familiar with many of the names and faces of Jewish people featured in those back issues. Some, who are now long deceased, were close friends of my parents, and their then-youthful pictures appearing in wedding announcements brought back memories I wanted to share with my family members who knew them. It’s hard to describe the emotions that resonate, as the present momentarily becomes the past. In a 1940s Press, prolific news correspondents during and prior to World War II, and the Nazi regime, reported battleground scenarios, the devastating plight of European Jews, and listed servicemen and women killed in combat. On a more upbeat note, war heroes who received Military honors for valor and service beyond the call of duty, were also cited in the Press, and awarded community recognition for their outstanding achievements. I’ve only researched the ’30s and ’40s thus far, but in those years, just like now, the Jewish Press was the principal purveyor of news and items of interest to the Jewish community. The old editions featured a variety of pic-
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tures and noteworthy names, prominent Omaha residents, philanthropists, synagogue events, women’s organizations, luncheons, dinners and youth club activities. While the war was going on, it was business as usual here in the United States, but so many hearts were heavy. When they attend the exhibit next spring, children and young adults will get a taste of what life was all about when their parents and grandparents were young. Those of us who have been around considerably longer will be treated to 85 years of front-page headlines, familiar faces, and names they haven’t heard in ages, possibly bringing a tear or a smile in remembrance. Because of the joint effort of the NJHS and the Jewish Press in putting on this display, we will have an opportunity to recall old friends, places and historical events we might have otherwise forgotten. The project has garnered a number of grants from the Herbert Goldsten and Leonard and Shirley Goldstein Foundations and a Donor-advised Fund at the Foundation, which has enabled the NJHS and Press to purchase an oversized scanner capable of scanning the 12x17” front pages of the Press to be framed for the April, 2006, exhibit. We often refer to the “Good Old Days”, but realistically, there was plenty of hardship and suffering in those days, too. So what does it all mean? I think it reminds us that life was less complicated in the past. Commodities were cheaper, people had fewer stresses and fewer automobiles that moved a lot slower. There were no super highways, technology or medical breakthroughs. We paid $2 for a prescription that would cost $50 today. We managed to survive without computers, cell phones, zip codes, iPods, laptops, MP3 players, VCRs, DVDs, DVRs or ATMs. For entertainment, folks were content to listen to Red Skelton, Jack Benny or Eddie Cantor on a Zenith console radio, or sit on a screened-in porch in the summer, and play a game of checkers. Researching the archives, while an opportunity to reminisce, makes me wonder how we ever got by without all those modern conveniences. The answer could be that for every era there are new inventions, and each day is history in the making. Everything is relative. For example, as technologically advanced as we consider ourselves to be, I predict that future generations may someday research headlines from our contemporary Jewish Press, and speak of 2005 as “The Good Old Days”!
Happy Hanukkah May you be filled with happiness and joy during this season of light.
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Kaneko was one of the Fabric by KELLY BLICE Opera Omaha continues its 2005-06 Workshop’s first artists in residence, joinseason March 17, 19, 22, and 25, 2006 ing the ranks of great artists who also with an innovative new production of resided there, including Dale Chihuly, Puccini’s popular masterpiece, Madama Red Grooms, Roy Lichtenstein, Louise Butterfly. The sets and costumes for this Nevelsen, and Claes Oldenburg, to name production are designed by international- a few. ly acclaimed Omaha artist, Jun Kaneko. Known throughout the world for his large ceramic sculptures, the Japanese-born Kaneko moved to the United States in 1963. After study in the U.S. and a brief return to Japan, he began working in Omaha in the early 1980s. He and his wife, Ree Schonlau, founder of the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts, an international artists residency program in Omaha, are renovating an existing 56,000 square-foot factory building to become a new museum. The $15 million facility, called simply “KANEKO,” will open in Omaha in 2008 as a place for the “exploration of the creative process.” Kaneko’s work is in the permanent collections of more than 40 museums. The impressive list includes: the Philadelphia Museum Jun Kaneko paints fabric for Madama Butterfly at of Art, the Los Angeles County the Fabric Workshop in Philadelphia. Museum of Art, Fine Arts Museum Photo by Ree Schonlau of San Francisco, Nelson Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, and the For his Butterfly costumes, Kaneko Joslyn Art Museum. He has realized over needed to have the fabric dyed and screen 25 public art commissions around the printed with his special patterns and colworld. In July 2005 he received an hon- ors. Each panel of fabric must look as if it orary doctorate from the Royal College is hand painted by Kaneko, but must be of Art in London for his innovative con- screened by specialists for durability. tributions to sculpture. “Making the fabric for Jun’s designs is Cocooning the idea an elaborate process from start to finish,” When Opera Omaha first approached says Kate Abercrombie, project techniJun Kaneko with the idea of designing a cian/printer at The Fabric Workshop. new Madama Butterfly, he agreed --in “Each individual piece of fabric becomes part--because it was something he had its own work of art.” never done. Since that first conversation, At the start of the project, Abercrombie Kaneko has devoted himself to learning and Kaneko did experiments to get an about the history of Madama Butterfly. overall feel for how the fabric would hold He read biographies on Puccini, attended up on stage. They decided that either a an international conference in New York “dye process” or a “discharge process” about the opera, and traveled to see many would work best. Direct discharge is a different productions throughout the print process that strips dye from a fabric country to study the different ways a in selected areas. The discharge is printed designer could interpret it. onto the fabric with a silk screen. It is This immersion has also spawned a then steamed, and the dye is removed series of new art pieces on paper and in during the steaming. bronze, some of which will be on view at Abercrombie explains that by contrast, exhibitions at the Joslyn Art Museum and the dye process, which was chosen over the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts the discharge process, changes the fabric from late February through May. These structure so that the fabric is integrated exhibitions will run concurrent with with the color and holds the drape. Opera Omaha’s performance of Madama “Most of Jun’s pieces are dyed,” says Butterfly. Abercrombie. “This way they seem more “We are very proud to be a part of natural and the feel of the fabric is the Jun’s creative evolution at this stage in his same throughout. The dye holds the light career,” says Joan Desens, general direc- in the same way the fabric would naturaltor of Opera Omaha. “What is fascinating ly; it does not change the quality of the for Jun is not only the Japanese/ opacity or transparency of the fabric.” American subject matter; but also the fact The dye process works by making exact that as an artist he has an opportunity to transfers of Kaneko’s drawings directly work in and learn about a completely new onto a silk screen. Color is applied in medium. We clearly see his art reflected desired areas without losing the feel of in all of the designs.” the fabric. When it is steamed it becomes Screening and Dying the Fabric chemically part of the fabric, so as to In the spring of 2005, Kaneko brought eliminate any stiffness in the drape. his costume designs for Madama “The entire process is intricate, and it Butterfly to the prestigious Fabric ensures that the finished product will Workshop in Philadelphia. Founded in wholly reflect Jun’s original painted 1977, The Fabric Workshop and designs,” says Abercrombie. Museum is the only facility in the United Doug Bohr, Director of Public States creating and exhibiting new work Programs and Exhibitions, explains, “Jun in fabric and experimental materials in collaborated in 1979 with our staff on a collaboration with emerging and estab- series of screen printed garments, and we lished artists. jumped at this chance to work with him The Workshop supports artists’ resi- again on Madama Butterfly. He has dencies, exhibitions, a permanent collec- maintained a steady relationship with us, tion and its preservation, and public pro- and we are proud to be a part of his work grams, all of these based on experimenta- at this stage in his career.” tion with fabric. In the late 1970s, Continued on page 30
December 16, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Opera Omaha Continued from page 28 one is bringing their talents and expertise al house for Cio-Cio San (Butterfly), but stage lighting, and also video. Video aniBuilding the Costumes together to produce something extreme- in the style of Jun Kaneko. Then one day, mation, coordinated by Clark Creative The next step in Kaneko’s costume ly unique. Helping Jun’s vision come to he woke up with a completely new con- Group will employ the use of five projecdesign process was bringing the fabric to fruition is a wonderful experience for us.” cept, which he spent the next year rigor- tors that throw still and moving images the Utah Opera Costume Shop, where Setting the Stage ously developing, with the assistance of onto the “walls“ and drop-down and the pieces were cut, draped and built. Because designing for the stage is com- the project’s stage director, Leslie pull-up screens. The animation uses a The Utah Costume Shop was chosen pletely new to Kaneko, Opera Omaha’s Swackhamer. myriad of colors and images. because their staff specialists have experi- Director of Production, Terry Harper, The set includes a sculptural white stage Traditional Japanese elements, such as a ence in building unique and intricate cos- has been working closely with the artist, floor comprised of rings of concentric cir- shoji screen, a rickshaw, etc. ground the tumes from specialized materials, and artistic environment in its original the know-how to build them to last source. Much of the brilliant color that beyond performances in Omaha. will be seen on stage also comes from After Kaneko reviewed the muslin Kaneko’s vibrant, painted designs picmock-ups, Costume Shop Manager, tured on his interpretation of traditional Rose Brown, and her staff begin cutJapanese kimonos and clothing. ting the dyed fabric. Fred Clark, president of Clark Creative Kaneko’s costumes are different Group, a full service advertising agency from traditional Butterfly costumes, in and post-production shop, has a longthat Kaneko combines his own use of time relationship with Kaneko and colors and prints which must fit Schonlau that attracted him to assist with together in a specific way, all the while the Butterfly project. Having one of the retaining a Japanese structure to the most sophisticated television editing costume. suites in the state, Clark is able to bring Susan Memmott-Allred, full time expert video editors behind the project in designer for Utah Opera, says, “This is animating Kaneko’s designs to suit the the first time working with an artist as simultaneously projected images on the specialized as Jun, so we needed to take multiple screens. Left photo: at the Utah Opera costume shop, pattern makers begin the process of creating costumes into account all of the structure and “We feel this is going to be an interestfor Madama Butterfly. Right: Rose Brown, the Costume Shop Manager, reviews the sketch to the linen engineering that go into how he enviing marriage of Jun’s style and modern mock up. Photos by Ree Schonlau. sions his costumes moving on stage. day electronics,” said Clark. “The anima“For example, one of Jun’s costumes guiding him as to what is possible and cles and an off-center circular platform tion project is challenging, but will involves an elaborate headpiece for what is not technically, or cost-wise, that serves as the base of the house, which accomplish his artistic vision when comButterfly’s entrance. In order for it to achievable. is represented by shoji screens. pleted.” look the way he conceived it and still Harper says, “Jun and I both knew that “Jun’s setting provides a springboard for “Jun’s set will encourage the audience allow the singer to walk and perform there would be challenges as we pro- the audience’s imagination,” says to have a strong emotional involvement comfortably, we needed to build it as a gressed, but we didn’t see them as stum- Swackhamer. “There is a perfection in in the music, the story and the characseparate, umbrella-like piece and costume bling blocks. In fact, over the past year Jun’s geometric relationships which looks ters,” says Swackhamer. “From the a super (a stage extra) to carry it while and a half, Jun has learned to navigate the simple and colorful, but is actually very moment each character steps on the walking behind her.” stage easily. His instincts are enough to complex. The set has an organic strength stage, they are swept into the inevitable Rose Brown and her staff are delighted outweigh any lack of stage experience.” that immediately attracts the viewer’s eye.” tragedy of Pinkerton’s match with to be working with Kaneko. “Many times In fact, Kaneko spent several months Some of the unique elements of Butterfly.” we say we collaborate in the arts,” says designing and illustrating an entire set, Kaneko’s set design include the use of For ticket information, call 346.4398 Brown, “but for this project I feel every- scene by scene, that included a tradition- LTD units, the newest technology in or online at: www.operaomaha.org.
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Jewish Kids’ Books Move Beyond Biblical Stories and the Holocaust by PENNY SCHWARTZ BOSTON (JTA)--Kibitzers, dreamers, medieval travelers and dybbuks are among the wide array of heroes, heroines and mystical villains in this season’s crop of Jewish children’s books, as publishers expand their offerings beyond holiday books and biblical retellings. And, as Carolyn Starman Hessel of Jewish Book World points out, the roster of publishers is evolving as much as the books they publish. According to her estimate, about 160 new Jewish children’s titles were published last year by a growing number of mainstream and religious publishers. This reflects a national growth among religiousthemed books. Ilene Cooper, the children’s book editor of Booklist, a trade magazine published by the American Library Association, says that several years ago, Booklist began publishing an annual spotlight on religious books. “It was hard then to come up with enough books to fill the list,” she says, but not anyThe Travels of Benjamin of more. Tudela, by Uri Shulevitz. While she agrees that Credit: Farrar, Straus and the situation is improving, Giroux Natalie Blitt says some publishers are still not convinced that Jewish children’s books will sell. Blitt is director of the relatively new nonprofit organization Sippurim, which has put together an extensive online database of Jewish children’s books. One of Blitt’s concerns is the concentration, among books set in Israel, on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Strong books such as Real Time by Pnina Moed Kass, which has been optioned for movie rights, and Running on Eggs by Anna Levine are among them. Blitt is hopeful that upcoming books such as Light Years by Tamar Stein, and The Weight of the Sky by Lisa Sandell, a novel told in verse about an American highschool student who visits Israel, will widen the lens through which teens view Israel. “But where is the Madeline of Jewish books?” she wonders, which gives a flavor for Israeli culture and life in the same way that the wildly popular series about a young Parisian girl conveys an image of France. Without the attention of the Jewish press and without enough publicity, Jewish-themed books will not sell well enough and publishers will remain skeptical, Blitt cautions. Cooper points to several books that received rave
reviews from Booklist as examples of illustrated books that reach beyond traditional holiday stories: The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela, by renowned award-winning writer and artist Uri Shulevitz, tells the little-known story of the voyages of a medieval Spanish Jewish traveler, and Sholom’s Treasure by Erica Silverman, a past winner of the Sydney Taylor award given by the Association of Jewish Libraries, is illustrated by Caldecott award winner Mordicai Gerstein. However, Cooper bemoans the lack of contemporary stories. “There’s still a lot more old-fashione clothing than modern clothes in most Jewish children’s books.” Starman Hessel hopes for a book that will grab attention, the equivalent of a Jewish Harry Potter. She also echoes a recurring complaint of Jewish children’s writers and educators who note the abundance of new Holocaust books for children. “Why should Judaism be seen only through that lens?” she asks. Another unmet market, Cooper and Starman Hessel agree, is the increasing numKibitzers and Fools, Tales ber of children in interfaith My Zayda Told Me, by families. Simms Taback. Credit: “We get phone calls from Viking Children’s Books non-Jewish mothers in interfaith families who are looking for books for their children,” Starman Hessel says. As a children’s author, Cooper targeted this market with Sam I Am, a young-adult Hanukkah novel published last year, where the young boy Sam grapples with questions of religious identity. Changing reader needs are having a major impact on traditional religious publishing, says Scott Blumenthal, the editor at Behrman House, which publishes Jewish educational material for use in religious schools. Behrman House is responding to the demands of Jewish parents who want more classroom time for religious education programs because their kids have busier after-school schedules. “Our challenge is to speak to the kids in as concise and engaging manner as we can with kid friendly editorial content, lively design, art and illustration--something that’s going to not feel like more school.” The growth and change in the marketplace have caught the attention of a growing number of Jewish children’s writers and artists who want to break into the Continued on page 32
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Kids’ Books Continued from page 31 competitive field. Blumenthal is one of several prominent editors--including Judye Groner of Kar-Ben publishers, a division of Lerner Books--who participated in what is becoming an increasingly substantial conference for Jewish children’s writers and artists, sponsored in part by the Jewish Book Council, on Nov. 20 in
Manhattan. When the conference was first held seven years ago there were two speakers and about a dozen attendees, Anna Olswanger, an author who runs a Web site for Jewish writers and artists, writes in an e-mail. This year, there are nine speakers and almost 100 participants, she says.
Roundup of Jewish Children’s books by PENNY SCHWARTZ BOSTON (JTA)--The following is a roundup of appealing new Jewish children’s books: Angel Secrets: Stories Based on Jewish Legend, by Miriam Chaikin, illustrated by Leonid Gore (Holt, $18.95, ages 5 and up) Chaikin reveals her mastery of lyrically crafted, endearing stories based on biblical interpretations about the angels who link heaven and earth. Perfect for reading aloud. Chaiken writes warmly of angels of forgetfulness, alphabet angels and the palace of love. Gore’s dreamlike illustrations accompany each story. Dreamer from the Village: The Story of Marc Chagall, by Michelle Markel, illustrated by Emily Lisker (Holt, $16.95, ages 4-8) From the attic window of his home in a small town in Russia, the young Moshe Chagall, better known as Marc, sees the world differently from others. Colors are bolder, houses float in the sky, and fiddlers dance on rooftops. Markel chronicles Chagall's young life as he turns from a dreamer to an artist. Lisker’s fanciful, colorful Chagallesque illustrations dance across the pages. A short biography is provided at the end. Dybbuk: A Version, by Barbara Rogasky, illustrated by Leonard Everett Fisher (Holiday House, $16.95, ages 7-10) This tale, loosely based on the famous Kabbalist play by S. Ansky, is a mysterious, intricate story of broken promises, retribution and love set long, long ago, in the tiny village of Brinitz. Rogasky’s retelling is skillful and engrossing. Illustrations by the award-winning Fisher are bold and haunting. Hidden Child, by Isaac Millman (Farrar, Straus & Giroux, $18.00, ages 8-12) As a young boy growing up in Paris before World War II, Millman, whose name then was Isaac Sztrymfman, lived a happy life, accompanying his father on Sunday mornings to the nearby cafe‚ where Yiddish-speaking patrons debated politics. But the German occupation of France in 1940, when Isaac was seven years old, changed life forever. In straightforward prose and captivating graphic artwork and photographs, Millman recounts the story of his survival as he became one of the “hidden” children of the war. Millman strikes a perfect balance in recounting the tragic hardships he endured while revealing the acts of human kindness of people who took risks to protect him. A Horn for Louis, by Eric Kimmel, illustrated by James Bernardin (Random House, $11.95, ages 6-9, due out in late December)
Leave it to master storyteller Eric Kimmel to write a flowing and heartwarming story about the unique friendship between the young Louis Armstrong and the Karnofskys, a Jewish family in New Orleans. Great for reading aloud, this early-reader about New Orleans’ most famous jazzman is made ever more powerful as a portrait of daily life long before Hurrican Katrina devastated this colorful city rich in American cultural history. Kibitzers and Fools, Tales My Zayda Told Me, by Simms Taback (Viking, $16.99, ages 3 and up) Bedtime reading doesn’t get more fun than with these Yiddish tales recast by Taback, Caldecott-winning author and artist of Joseph Had a Little Overcoat. Be prepared to laugh along with the kids who'll delight in the baffling riddles of kibitzers and shlemiels. Why bring along an umbrella full of holes, asks Mendel. “I didn't think it was going to rain,” replies Itzik. The colorful illustrations are as off-beat and humorous as the narrative. Taback fills his short stories with easy-to-learn Yiddish expressions (and their definitions) and adds a glossary at the end. Sholom’s Treasure, by Erica Silverman, illustrated by Mordicai Gerstein (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $16, ages 4-10) The two award-winners are perfectly matched as Silverman engages young readers with the childhood world of Sholom Aleichem as he grows from class clown to master storyteller. Gerstein's illustrations are delightfully playful as he gives readers a Sholom with rosy cheeks, reddish-brown curls under his cap and an impishly endearing smile. The Travels of Benjamin of Tudela, by Uri Shulevitz (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, $17, ages 5 and up) Shulevitz has created a wondrous, illustrated travelogue just right for children by recreating the littleknown voyages of a Jewish traveler who visits Rome, Constantinople, Baghdad, and Jerusalem in the twelfth century. Shulevitz uses the first-person narrative to draw readers in. Shulevitz has won awards for several books, including The Treasure and The Fool of the World and the Flying Ship. Four Sides, Eight Nights, by Rebecca Tova Ben-Zvi, illustrated by Susanna Natti (Roaring Brook Press, $16.95, ages 4-8) An offbeat, fun book that goes beyond the traditional Hanukkah story to explore the history of the dreidel and spinning tops from around the world. There are dreidel facts from collectors and Sevivon science, including lesson on friction from Sir Isaac Newton. Natti is familiar to young readers as the artist of the popular Cam Jansen series, and her light touch and expressive characters enliven the book. (Editor’s note: all of these books are available at the Kripke Jewish Federation Libary and one is on order. Books for purchase also can be ordered from the Kripke Library or at local bookstores.)
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Latke Larry Doll Brings Joy To Kids With Special Needs by RUTH PORTNOY COLUMBUS, OH (JTA) -- For a second or two, it seems like the cloth doll is going to leap from the table to the stove and start wielding a spatula. Or maybe it’s just that Latke Larry’s creator, Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann, head of the Ohio State University Chabad House, in Columbus, Ohio, is so excited about the singing, dancing Hanukkah action figure and how it will benefit children with special needs that his enthusiasm seems capable of casting a spell. “How can you resist Latke Larry? He’s all about transforming the ‘oy’ of Judaism to ‘joy.’” says the rabbi, fidgeting in his chair as he activates the doll’s song. Latke Larry, clad in a chef’s hat, tzitzit dangling from his waist, rocks to and fro and sings (to the tune of “Rock of Ages”): “Latke Larry comes to you, a friend to play with and fun to chew. I’ve got tales of Maccabees - oy -- and plenty of calories.” Rabbi Kaltmann created the battery- and computerchip-powered toy as a fund-raiser for Chabad’s national Friendship Circle. The program pairs teenagers in 30plus communities with families whose children have special needs. The teens are companions to the children, playing games with them and joining them on outings. Rabbi Kaltmann and his wife, Esther, spearhead the Columbus chapter of Friendship Circle. Latke Larry retails for $17.95. Part of the cost covers manufacturing and distribution. Profits from the doll’s sale will be distributed to all branches of Friendship Circle. Rabbi Levi Shemtov, a Chabad rabbi in West
Bloomfield, Mich., and founder of the 11-year-old Friendship Circle, said the doll is only one idea brewing to raise money nationally for the program. “I’m really excited about this,” he said. “It’s a consistent and very appropriate fundraiser for Friendship Circle.” To record Larry’s voice, Rabbi Kaltmann got comic
Actor Jerry Stiller, the voice of Latke Larry, holds the Hanukkah doll. Credit: Neil Greenberg actor and TV star Jerry Stiller -- for free. Stiller said the actor Jon Voigt asked him to do it. Voigt, a longtime supporter of Chabad, had encountered Rabbi Kaltmann at events over the years. Stiller said he was intrigued. Speaking from his dressing room on the set of “The King of Queens” in Los
Angeles, he said the rabbi “arranged for me to meet him in the middle of 14th Street and Eighth Avenue (in New York). I had just come from the orthopedist, and I couldn’t find him. Then suddenly, he waved at me. I thought, ‘This is “Fiddler on the Roof” once removed.’ He screamed and we stopped traffic.” The pair went upstairs and Rabbi Kaltmann played the song for Stiller. Stiller later unveiled Latke Larry to his family. “We had a little get-together, my son Ben and the kids -- and we played it,” he said. “Everybody cracked up. A lot of the children there were not Jewish, but they got the greatest amount of joy out of this.” Rabbi Kaltmann called Stiller “a super-mensch. He has so much going on, and he found the time. He had to go to a studio to do this.” Stiller also donated his time in a commercial for the doll airing in Philadelphia and Chicago. The spot was arranged by Jon Diamond, president of the Columbus-based Safe Auto Insurance Company. Diamond’s children were volunteers with the Friendship Circle program. “Areyah brought me the doll one day and I said, ‘Wow, that’s very clever and very well done,’” said Diamond. Rabbi Kaltmann bills the doll as something more than an amusing toy. He sees it as an identity-builder for children who need something Jewish in their lives. Chabad is known for reaching out to unaffiliated Jews. In Columbus, Rabbi Kaltmann and his wife, Esther, teach in the Chabad Hebrew school, which draws 60 students who don’t belong to synagogues. Continued on page 34
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December 16, 2005
Latke Larry Doll continued from page 33 “Jewish kids have no icon for Hanukkah,” the rabbi said. “I thought, ‘How can we give children something where kids can express their Judaism, feel good and have a good time?’ I want Jewish kids in America to feel proud of their heritage.” On the back of the doll’s box, Rabbi Kaltmann put a latke recipe for those who might want to try to make the traditional Hanukkah food. The dolls have circulated throughout the country as a test to see how kids would respond to them. Beth Kramer of Sante Fe, N.M., said she got the doll through Chabad House there for her daughter, Ryanna. “It’s hilarious,” said Kramer. “It’s a great Jewish toy. I love the recipe on the back.” Katie Kaufman of Columbus said her children, 4 and 2, enjoy playing with the doll. “It’s adorable and it appeals to both kids and adults,” she said. “With Christmas being everywhere, the more mainstream Hanukkah stuff that’s out there to bring joy to children is a good thing.” Retailers are fascinated, too. Rabbi Kaltmann sold 13,000 of the 21,000 dolls he had ordered before they arrived from the manufacturer. He has been tirelessly traveling to holiday trade shows in such cities as Atlanta and New York to show the doll, play its song and make his pitch. Buyers have picked up the dolls for sale in a number of department and specialty stores, including Filene’s Basement and Bed, Bath & Beyond. Columbus-based distributor Eden Lane has added the doll to its catalog, which goes to about 3 million customers. The company has sold 800 dolls since October, said Eden Lane’s president, Larry Levine. He said the doll’s sales have quickly caught up to those of a competitor, Harvey Megillah, a singing doll that has been included in the company’s catalog for several years. “You just don’t have a product that sells like that,” said Levine. The doll also is available through its official Web site, www.latkelarry.com and 1-888-LATKELARRY. Rabbi Kaltmann said he hopes people will choose the direct order number and the Internet to purchase the toy so that Friendship Circle can receive more funds from the
sale. The Web site also contains information about the doll. The design for Latke Larry comes from Rabbi Kaltmann’s brother-in-law, Eli Toron, a graphic artist for “Sesame Street.” Larry’s song was written by two of the rabbi’s friends, Neil Greenberg of Philadelphia, who works in marketing, and Aaron Evenchik of Cleveland, an Ohio State University graduate who attended Chabad House regularly during his college years. The enterprise has been a lesson in licensing, manufacturing and marketing, said Rabbi Kaltmann. Getting the doll (made in China) from the Latke Larry, a new doll for Hanukkah, created d r a w i n g by Chabad Rabbi Areyah Kaltmann as a fund- board onto raiser for a Chabad program helping special r e t a i l needs kids. shelves Credit: Neil Greenberg i n v o l v e d countless details. They included registering for a design trademark and wrangling over the materials and the size of the doll (it’s now 7 inches tall, but the prototype was nearly twice as large). “For example, this ‘on-off’ button (on the doll’s foot) cost 50 cents,” said the rabbi. “But this is a first-class production.” Rabbi Kaltmann has sent fliers about Latke Larry to synagogues around the country. He also has promoted the doll on mainstream radio stations. Rabbi Kaltmann said he has other ideas for Latke Larry. He wants to write a children’s book featuring the character addressing children with special needs. He said, “The idea of Friendship Circle is about putting smiles on faces of people who deserve to be happy.”
Kosher Steakhouse Features Highest Quality Aged Prime Beef by JOSH GREENWALD New York, NY--La Carne Grill, Manhattan’s newest glatt kosher steakhouse, has opened at 340 Lexington Ave. (between 39th and 40th St.) in Manhattan. Owner Eddie Allaham, a creator of the acclaimed Prime Grill, draws upon his accumulated knowledge of high-quality steak and fine dining to create the ultimate elegant kosher dining experience. La Carne Grill’s menu reflects Allaham’s passion for the finest aged prime beef, as well as a strong connection to family traditions passed down from over 100 years of working in the meat industry. As a testament to his commitment to quality, Allaham personally inspects every shipment of meat the restaurant receives, guaranteeing that every cut reaches his superior standards. An on-site kosher butcher further ensures that every cut of meat is up to the restaurant’s high standards. The menu features a selection of finely cut steaks including filet mignon, rib eye, marinated hanger, and prime rib, all grilled to perfection and served with a choice of béarnaise and the “la carne” house sauce. Allaham has installed Chef Alexandre Petard to run La Carne Grill’s kitchen. Chef Petard’s knowledge of kosher laws and French technique has been honed through years spent of experience in the world’s most renowned kitchens including Jean Georges, Les Celebrites, and Les Halles in Manhattan. Additionally, Petard’s considerable experience at famed kosher eateries has allowed him to refine his craft to perfection. The combination of Allaham’s expertise and Petard’s culinary training has resulted in La Carne Grill’s classic yet innovative kosher steakhouse menu, with dishes ranging from Yellow Corn and Duck Ravioli with sage oil and balsamic reduction and Spiced Yellow Fin Tuna with mushroom vinaigrette and baby vegetables to “Steaks on a Grill” including La Carne Filet and a 22oz Angus Rib-Eye. Continued on page 35
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Kosher Steakhouse Continued from page 34 Located on a prime midtown block, La Carne Grill seats 160 people on the restaurant’s two levels. The elegant and modern décor envelops patrons and allows for a view into the open kitchen. The second level opens to reveal a lounge featuring a full sushi bar presided over by head sushi chef Sheng Xu, and a dazzling fish tank that is sure to catch the eye. Furthermore, the restaurant’s two bars, each with a full size flat screen TV, allow for a relaxing and entertaining evening within a fine dining setting. If you are going to be in New York, call 212.490.7172 for reservations. POTATO LATKES WITH SPINACH Ingredients 6 potatoes 1 onion 3 eggs 1/3 cup flour 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 bunches of spinach 1 shallot, diced 1 clove of garlic, minced Method: Grate the potatoes and onion by hand. Add the eggs and then the flour, and shape to form latkes. Sauté the latkes in the oil on medium heat until golden brown on both sides, approximately 4 minutes per side. Pat lakes dry with a paper towel and keep warm. Sauté the garlic and shallots on medium heat until they begin to brown. Add the spinach and sauté until it begins to soften, approximately 3 minutes. Place one latke on a plate, top with 1/4 of the spinach, and cover the spinach with another latke. Serve immediately. Note: For lighter pancakes, replace 2 of the potatoes with grated zucchini. Serves 4 appetizers.
garine 2 Yukon Gold potatoes, peeled and cubed 1/4 cup Coffee Rich (non-dairy creamer) 10 ounces pave steak 1 tablespoon crushed black pepper 4 porcini mushrooms, sliced 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 tablespoons brandy 2 tablespoons diced shallots 1/2 cup brown veal stock 1 teaspoon corn starch 2 tablespoons (non-dairy) tofu cream Micro greens for garnish Method: Sauté the onion in 2 tablespoons margarine on low heat until onions are soft, approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to avoid browning. Boil the potatoes in water until tender, approximately 15 minutes. Whip the potatoes with the remaining margarine and Coffee Rich. Coat the steak in crushed black pepper and kosher salt, and cook in a skillet to desired doneness. Set aside to rest for 5-10 minutes. Sauté the mushrooms in the vegetable oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For the sauce, flambé the brandy in a hot pan. Add shallots, brown veal stock, corn starch and tofu cream and reduce to desired thickness. Place the mashed potatoes on a plate, top with the steak, onions and mushrooms. Cover with sauce and garnish with the micro greens. Makes one serving.
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For Jewish Cookbook Author, Hanukkah’s About the Art of Frying by LINDA MOREL NEW YORK (JTA) -- Some women have a knack for savoring life. Shoshana Barer, author of The Jewish Maven Cookbook, is that rare combination of glamour girl and domestic goddess. While her background was conventional, adventure was destined to be her life’s path. “My mother was from Poland, and Yiddish was my first language,” says this graduate of a yeshiva. Born in the Bronx, Barer married young and went West. During the 1970s, she settled in Reno, NV., and had two daughters. But then her marriage dissolved. Undaunted, she moved her girls to the rugged Big Sky country of Montana, where she lassoed a cowboy, who became her second husband. Believe it or not, he was Jewish. The fact that her chopped liver contains onions fried to a crackling crunch was part of the attraction, along with her high cheekbones, sultry eyes and long dark hair. Among her many talents, Barer is a great cook and loves to entertain. As Hanukkah rolls around, she sips champagne while making the crispiest latkes on either side of the Rockies. “I get my fry genes from my mother,” says Barer. “She wasn’t a good cook, but a great fryer.” “Frying is an art,” she explains. The temperature of the oil must be just right. Hot enough to sputter, but not so hot that it smokes. Furthermore, the right oil must be chosen. Barer recommends peanut oil. Like a pro, she knows when to flip foods sizzling in oil, so they become brown -- not burnt. For that reason, she could be called the high priestess of Hanukkah fare, a holiday revolving around a one-day supply of purified oil that defied the odds and lasted eight days. Back in 165 B.C.E., Judah Maccabee and his small band of heroes defeated the Syrian Greek army, restoring the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and regaining religious freedom for Jews. Since then, oil has become a reminder of this miracle and the cooking ingredient of choice during Hanukkah’s eight days. “Hanukkah is my favorite holiday,” says Barer, who at 60-something is now a proud grandmother. Throwing a holiday party every December, she invites her family and friends. She decorates her dining table to the hilt with dreidels and gelt -- chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil. She places seven menorahs in windows and on tables. When lighting Hanukkah candles, Barer designates a menorah for herself and another for her granddaughter. Her daughters and other guests must share the remaining five. “Everyone stands around while I fry latkes, eating them so quickly, I never get a chance to use a platter.” After dinner, there’s a rush to open presents and clear the table for the dreidel game, which goes on for hours. “I eat a lot of fried foods at Hanukkah, because they are tasty, and I love delicious food,” Barer says. “Nothing beats french fried potatoes or fried fish.” Although latkes are always popular, Barer fries an array of succulent dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. “My family prefers my fried matzahs to lox and bagels or any gourmet breakfast in this world,” says Barer, explaining that it was her husband’s favorite dish. After 24 years of blissful marriage, he passed away four years ago. “He always liked fried matzah with cream cheese on top. Well, that was fine until one day when he did the unthinkable. He poured maple syrup all over it. I guess being from Montana, he didn’t know any better.” That’s because Big Sky country is famous for pancakes. But Barer admits her fried matzah is delicious with syrup, as it is with bacon -- kosher bacon, that is. At holiday luncheons, she often prepares fried herring. “It has a taste like nothing else, so it’s worth smelling up the kitchen.” The Jewish cooking maven’s advice for this problem? Keep the doors and windows open and a fan going. “Just remember, I have more requests from lunch guests for fried herring than for any other dish in my repertoire. I must be doing something right.” Because of its texture, rice a la Jewish maven is Barer’s signature dish. With generous amounts of sesame seeds and almonds, mushrooms fried in schmaltz and gribenes -- chicken skin that’s sauteed until nothing’s left but chewy bits), there’s a lot of heavy crunching involved in eating this delicacy. “I remember a particular Hanukkah dinner at my
home,” says Barer. “I put out a bowl of gribenes. Everyone exclaimed how bad it is for your cholesterol. But when I walked back into my dining room a few minutes later -- not a crumb was left. Surprisingly, nobody died the next day, or even got sick.” So with all this rich food, how does this attractive woman keep her trim figure? It’s not surprising that she watches the size of her portions. After losing her husband, Barer built a log cabin in Montana, where she began reinventing herself again. “I never thought I’d be a writer,” she says. “But here I am working on book No. 8. Infusing the mystery-horror genre with humor, Barer created Sammi Mitchel, the beautiful host of the fictitious “Jewish Maven TV Show.” She invented this spicy character to heal from her husband’s death. Now part of a series of mysteries, Sammi next appears in “The Vessel” due in December. Her first novel includes a luscious Hanukkah dinner prepared for a new love interest. Barer’s editor said the food sounded so enticing, she urged the author to create “The Jewish Maven Cookbook.” (Descriptions of Shoshana Barer’s books can be seen at www.sablepublishing.com.) In real life, the Jewish cooking maven has recently started seeing a wonderful man. She claims he’ll be the last great romance of her life. But who knows? She’s got a lot more love and latkes to sizzle.
Recipes from The Jewish Maven Cookbook by SHOSHANA BARER FRIED MATZAHS (for Breakfast or Brunch) 4 eggs 1 cup heavy cream or milk 2 tsp. water, plus more for softening matzahs Salt and pepper to taste 1 box matzahs Butter, lots of it (about 1/4 pound) Cream cheese for spreading (a good 8 ounces) Optional: bits of raw onion and/or lox In a bowl, beat eggs with cream. Add 2 tsp. water, salt and pepper. Beat again. Pour into a 9 x 13-inch baking pan with sides. Reserve. Run one sheet of matzah under hot water, until damp and slightly softened. (Not too wet or it will break.) On a medium-high flame, melt one tablespoon of butter in a large frying pan. Dip both sides of the softened sheet of matzah into the batter. Then move to the preheated pan and fry matzo until light golden brown, but flexible. Add more butter, if needed. Flip over and repeat. (Don’t fry matzah until it’s stiff.) Place matzah on a platter. Spread cream cheese over matzah. If you like, sprinkle onion and lay lox on top of cream cheese. Roll up matzah and secure with a toothpick. Repeat with remaining matzahs. Yield: One box serves 4-6 people, but you’ll find you can never make enough! FRIED HERRING (for Brunch or Lunch) 12 ounce jar of herring in wine sauce or other marinade or brine 1 egg 2 Tbsp. light cream 1/2 cup flour 1/4 tsp. white pepper 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, or more if needed 1 large onion, sliced into rings Place contents of jar in a colander and rinse under cold water. Discard pieces of marinated onions, if any. Move fish to a ceramic or non-reactive container. Fill with water and submerge fish. Cover and refrigerate over night, or longer, changing water once. In a colander, drain water from fish. In a shallow bowl, mix the egg and cream together. Mix flour and pepper and place on a piece of wax paper. One at a time, dip herring fillets in flour, then in the egg mixture, and again in flour. Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a skillet. Fry herring fillets on both sides until nicely browned, adding more butter as needed. Drain fillets on paper towels and place on a platter. Meanwhile in another skillet, fry onion in butter until golden brown and sprinkle on top of fillets. The Jewish cooking maven serves fried herring with boiled potatoes bathed in melted butter and garnished with minced parley; sliced tomatoes; and lots of Jewish rye bread slathered with butter. Yield: 18 small pieces of fish fillets Continued on page 37
December 16, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Recipes from The Jewish Maven Cookbook Continued from page 36 RICE A LA JEWISH MAVEN (Dinner) 2 Tbsp. blanched almond pieces 2 Tbsp. sesame seeds 2 Tbsp. melted margarine or schmaltz (from recipe below), or more if needed 1/2 lb. white mushrooms, sliced 2 cups long grained uncooked rice 1/2 cup chives Gribenes (see recipe below) Cover 2 baking sheets with aluminum foil. Place almonds on one and sesame seeds on the other. Bake in a 350-degree oven for 1 minute or until light brown. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Sesame seeds will be ready first. Reserve. Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine or chicken fat in a skillet on a medium flame. Fry mushrooms until nicely crisp but not burnt. Reserve. Prepare rice according to package instructions. Two minutes before rice is ready, stir in all other ingredients and simmer. This dish is filling enough to be a meal in itself, but the Jewish cooking maven loves serving it with chicken, crusty rolls, and a bottle of champagne. Yield: 6-8 servings
SCHMALTZ AND GRIBENES Several chicken necks and several backs 1 large onion, diced Garlic powder, salt, white pepper and paprika to taste Pull the fat and skin off of the necks and backs and cut into small pieces. Use meat for soup or other purposes. Put fat and skin in a frying pan. Add the onion and seasonings and stir. Sizzle on a low flame, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and crisp. May take 30-60 minutes. Cool to warm. Remove the onions and skin, which is now reduced to cracklings called gribenes. Pour liquid chicken fat, the schmaltz, into a measuring cup. “I don’t use chicken fat every day, but on holidays -always,” the Jewish cooking maven says. POTATO LATKES (Anytime) 10 pounds potatoes (about 15) 1 large onion, diced 4 large eggs 1/2 cup matzah meal 1 Tbsp. flour 1 tsp. baking powder
®
1 cup peanut oil, or more if needed 1 Tbsp. salt 1 Tbsp. white pepper Optional Toppings: sour cream, caviar, applesauce Peel potatoes and submerge in ice water until needed. Dice one potato at a time and grate finely. Place in a large bowl. Grate onion finely. (By now the Jewish cooking maven claims you should be crying from the onion so sip a glass of champagne as you work. Your eyes will still smart, but you won’t mind as much.) Add onion to grated potatoes. Liquid will form in the bowl. Drain as much of it as possible. Add remaining ingredients (except toppings) and blend well with a spoon. (The Jewish cooking maven likes the taste of raw latkah batter. “Try it and see what I mean,” she says. “Could it be the champagne?’’) Place half of the oil in a large frying pan and heat over medium flame. Filling a soup spoon with latke batter, form 3 x 4inch pancakes. Drop pancakes into heated oil. The batter should sizzle immediately. When golden brown and firm in the center, flip over and repeat. Add more oil as needed. Drain latkes on paper towels. Serve immediately with the toppings. Yield: about 100 latkes
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
New CDs Highlight Creative Jewish Music Scene
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York City, where he can regularly be heard at B’nai Jeshurun and East End Synagogue as part of SAJ’s nationwide Synaplex Program. Ochs and Leanse are beginning to tour the country, leading worship services at synagogues and performing at Jewish Community Centers. Guest appearances from new Columbia Records recording artist Alana Grace and world renown Jewish vocalist Joshua M. Nelson provide the album with a wide range of vocal flavors. A rather raucous, Gospel-tinged version of “Oseh Shalom� (featuring the Strong Tower Gospel Choir) provides just one of many unexpected and beautiful sonic surprises sprinkled throughout this 11-song Jewish worship masterpiece. Omahans might recognize Nelson’s signature vocals if they traveled to Kansas City in September for the annual KC Jewish Art Fair, where he and his group headlined the entertainment. For those of you whose college-aged children have spent time studying in Israel, the name of the Moshav Band should be familiar. Formed in Modi’in, an Israeli Moshav just west of Jerusalem, the band brought together aging Israeli hippies, college students, and Israeli teens for amazing allthrough-the-night concerts. The mem-
(APPY (EALTHY (ANUKKAH
In “Gesher,� he returns to his Jewish heritage anduses 3,500 years of Jewish liturgy to bring it into the 21st century with his strikingly original melodies, production and arrangements. He’s also backed up by an amazing group of talented studio and recording mucisians. As a pianist himself, Ochs was particularly honored when his friend Matt Rollings--best known for his work with superstars Lyle Lovett, Dixie Chicks, and James Taylor, among others--agreed to play piano and keyboards on the entire record. Ochs also relied heavily on violinist Jonathan Yudkin, practically a legend for his work with Shania Twain and Martina McBride. Ochs worked closely with the nationally recognized soloist Leanse to provide lead vocals (and a few co-writes, as well). “The first time I heard Daniel sing in temple,� said Ochs, “he had this commanding, yet gentle, presence. It was evident that the congregation deeply connected with him, his spirit and his interpretation of the traditional synagogue music.� Leanse has been called the AllAmerican Cantorial Soloist in a career that has taken him to all corners of the country. He began in 1998, when Congregation Micah in Brentwood, TN, hired him to be their cantorial soloist. In 2002, he moved to the West Coast to lead the music at Congregation Beth Am in Los Alto Hills, CA. Most recently, Daniel relocated to New
7ISHING 9OU A
by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press A number of new CDs and re-releases have appeared on the market recently. Some--like Debbie Friedman’s double CD--will be familiar to consumers of Jewish music. Others--like “Gesher�, the debut CD from award winning, MultiPlatinum selling songwriter Michael Hunter Ochs and cantorial Soloist Daniel Leanse, is more contemporary and may not be as familiar. Not only are both these CDs worth the listening time, they should be added to your list for Hanukkah gift giving. Let’s start with the familiar. For many of us now in our fifties, Debbie Friedman’s lilting voice put a new take on familiar Shabbat, camp and holiday songs. We played her tapes in our cars so many times, we had to replace them with the “newer format�, the CD. It was Friedman who taught us new Hanukkah songs, like “Not by Might�, which, thankfully, replaced “I Had a Little Dreidel.� And her haunting “Mi Shbayrach� is now considered a standard in many Reform and Conservative synagogues. Her two CD set will make its debut in early 2006, maybe not in time for Hanukkah, but keep it on your list for birthdays and other simchas. Ochs’ “Gesher� CD is a collection of Shabbat prayers. It’s not the compilation of Shabbat melodies of our parents either. Ironically, Ochs is perhaps best known for the 1998 smash-hit, “On My Knees,� winner of The Gospel Music Association Dove Award for Song of the Year.
bers of the Moshav band--all Israeli-born sons of American parents--have attracted a wide following in the U.S., especially as many of the American college fans have returned home. Now a new CD--“The Best of the Moshav Band: Higher and Higher�-shows their alternative/pop style, blending their raucous rock ’n roll with deep Jewish tradition. For fans who remember the hot Israeli nights in Modi’in--or their parents--this is a “must� buy. Every year, there’s a crazy CD-it’s whether L e n n y Solomon’s parade of parodies in his “Shlock Rock� series or Mark Edelman’s “Guns and Charoses� or this year’s treat--“Meshugga Beach Party.� Calling themselves “the chosen surfers,� this hilarious CD mixes California beach guitar music and hassidic tradition for a blend of popular Jewish religious and holiday songs. Put on this CD and hang 10! And from Broadway via Kansas City, comes “The Odd Potato�, written by Kansas City’s Eileen Bluestone Sherman, with music composed by her sister, Gail Bluestone of Los Angeles. The story is based on a real-life experience of the father of the two women, Herman Bluestone. He was only six-years-old when his father died. His mother, an immigrant from Austria, wanted to proContinued on page 39
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December 16, 2005
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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New CDs Continued from page 38 vide a traditional Hanukkah celebration for their three sons but didn’t have the money to buy a menorah. Being a smart, creative Jewish mother (aren’t we all?), she took a familiar household object--the humble potato--and created a unique hanukkiyah for her family. The story, passed down to Herman’s daughters, first became a children’s picture book, The Odd Potato, and then a radio story, an awardwinning television show and, recently, a musical. Two years ago, the musical made its New York City debut as a benefit for a local charitable organization. This year, a CD was released with 20 Tony-award winning artists in singing or speaking roles. Familiar faces like Judd Hirsch, Hal Linden, Elaine Stritch, Hal Prince and Jim Dale join younger Broadway artists Dan Fogler, Sutton Foster, Lillias White and Cady Huffman to record what has become a Hanukkah clas-
sic. A portion of the proceeds from the sale of this CD will benefit Variety: The Children’s Charity, initiated by Variety Tent #8 in Kansas City. Many of these CDs are available in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library or the staff can order copies for you. You can also check out the websites of these artists and production companies and order directly. For Gesher, visit: www.geshermusic.com; and for “The Odd Potato”, go to: www.theoddpotato.com. For Debbie Friedman CDs, the Moshav Band and Chosen Surfers, as well as other Jewish artists, check out Jewish Music Group at: www.jewishmusicgroup.com. It’s a new record label dedicated to distributing and releasing not only traditional Judaica music, but also modern music with a message based on the teachings of the Jewish faith, and for fun, some novelty and comedy recordings. Among its newer releases are “Eponymous” from Chutzpah and “American Jewish Summer: Songs of the Jewish Youth Camping Movement.” There’s nothing like music to bring generations together. With the creative artists in the Jewish music scene today, there’s no need to stick to just “Hava Nagila.”
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Index of Advertisers Advertiser Page Abacus Consulting ......................................... 13 Absolutely Fresh Seafood Company .................6 Advantage Mortgage ...................................... 35 Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery, PC ......... 35 Alan Friedman Designs .................................. 25 Alkar Billiards .................................................. 22 All Makes Office Equipment ........................... 33 Arboretum on Farnam Drive ........................... 12 Associated Counseling Professionals ............. 13 Bell, Angela Massage Therapist ....................... 5 Bergman Jewelers .......................................... 38 Bernina Sewing Centers ................................. 38 Bistro 121 ........................................................ 10 Bloomfield Forum ........................................... 15 Blooms Floral Designs .................................... 37 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Nebraska ................ 7 Blue Willi’s ....................................................... 29 Borsheim’s ..................................................... 29 California Closets ............................................ 23 Care Consultants .............................................. 2 Category One .................................................. 30 CBRE/Mega ..................................................... 9 Charleston’s .................................................... 31 Christel’s ......................................................... 32 Country Inns & Suites ..................................... 13 Countryside Village ......................................... 23 Cox Communications ................................... 22 Crown Pointe Retirement Community ............. 3 Crowne Plaza .................................................. 24 Dance Shoppe ................................................ 23 Darland ............................................................. 5 Dolls Etc .......................................................... 27 Emanuel Contracting, Inc ............................... 20 Enterprise Bank .............................................. 25 Espana ............................................................ 17 Eye Essentials ................................................. 14 Faro’s ................................................................. 6 Fast Frame ...................................................... 33 Feta’s ............................................................... 10 Fremont Dinner Train ........................................ 6
Advertiser Page Garbo’s Salons & Spas ................................... 28 Ginger’s Hang Up ............................................. 5 Gordmans ....................................................... 28 Great Western Wealth Management .............. 20 Greek Islands .................................................... 6 Hadassah ....................................................... 25 Hairitage ............................................................ 7 Hampton Inn ................................................... 15 Harris Center for Judaic Studies ..................... 33 Hiro .................................................................... 6 Husker Auto Group ........................................ 20 Hy-Vee ............................................................. 40 Industrial Packaging .......................................... 2 Jewish Community Center The Late Night Players .................................. 4 Live from the 92nd Street Y .......................... 7 Jewish Federation of Omaha Foundation ........ 3 Jewish Press ....................................... 14, 21, 39 Jewish Senior Services ................................... 32 Katelman Antiques ......................................... 32 Kohll’s Pharmacy & Healthcare ..................... 38 Lakeside Dentistry ............................................ 5 Li’l Prince & Princess ...................................... 23 Louie M’s Burger Lust ..................................... 31 Malashock Jewelry ......................................... 27 Malbar Vision Centers ..................................... 27 Marriott ............................................................ 30 McLeod, Melanie Yogo Instruction ................. 39 MDK & Associates .......................................... 32 Mediterranean Bistro & Wine Bar ................... 31 Mid-City Jewelry & Loan .................................... 9 Mulhall’s .......................................................... 12 Nan C. ............................................................. 35 Nebraska Children’s Home Society ............... 24 Nebraska Jewish Historical Society ................ 24 Nobbies ........................................................... 36 Noddle Companies ........................................ 22 Northwestern Mutual - Rob Randals ............... 17 Omaha Knights Hockey .................................... 8
Advertiser Page Omaha Paper Stock Co. ................................. 34 Omaha Steaks ................................................ 38 Omaha Trans Video ........................................ 27 One Drake Place ............................................. 30 Osborne, Tom for Governor .............................. 9 Parsow’s ......................................................... 29 Passport Restaurant ......................................... 6 Pasta Amore ................................................... 37 Personal Genie ................................................ 14 Picture Man .................................................... 36 Planned Parenthood ...................................... 20 Pulverente ....................................................... 19 Regency Court ................................................ 29 Re/Max-Jennifer Kully ....................................... 2 Remington Heights ......................................... 26 Ricketts, Pete for US Senate ........................... 15 Right at Home ................................................. 14 Rockbrook Floors ............................................ 13 Rockbrook Village ............................................ 37 Rossi ................................................................ 37 Russell’s .......................................................... 23 Ryco Packaging Corp. .................................... 27 Sarah’s ............................................................ 23 Security National Bank ................................... 37 Sol’s Jewelry & Loan ....................................... 24 Soul Desires .................................................... 35 Souq Ltd. ......................................................... 12 Spirit World ...................................................... 10 St. Joseph Villa ................................................ 33 String of Purls .................................................. 23 Suburban Newspapers Inc. ............................ 27 Summit Financial - Joe John .......................... 36 Sunridge Village ................................................. 4 Topp’s ............................................................. 29 University of Nebraska Medical Center .......... 11 V. Mertz ........................................................... 10 Valentino’s ......................................................... 6 Wells Blue Bunny ............................................ 31 Wyndham Street Ltd. ...................................... 28 Zio’s ................................................................. 31
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
December 16, 2005
EMPLOYEE OWNED
Happy Hanukkah!
Celebrate the Festival of Lights!
Warm wishes to all and many thanks for your kind patronage.
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