December 23, 2011

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

Republicans state their case

December 23, 2011 27 Kislev 5772 Vol. 92 | No. 15

There will be no Jewish Press next week, Dec. 30.

This Week

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Amy Cassman Friedman, Director of Communications for the Millard School District, received the Professional of the Year Award from Public Relations

Dough Boy: Making knishes popular again Page 6

A festive month in Israel Page 10

Inside Next Month The Women’s Issue See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

From left to right: 2012 Presidential hopefuls Rick Santorum, Herman Cain (no longer in the race), Ron Paul, Mitt Romney, Michelle Bachman, Tim Pawlenty, John Huntsman, and Newt Gingrich. Not pictured: Rick Perry.

by ADAM KREDO WASHINGTON (JTA) -- Iran’s nuclear program appears to be racing ahead. The Middle East peace process is in shambles. And a series of recent flare-ups have highlighted ongoing tensions between the Obama administration and elements of the pro-Israel community.

It was against this backdrop that six Republican candidates took the stage Dec. 7 at the Republican Jewish Coalition’s presidential candidates forum. The hopefuls took turns laying out their lines of attack against President Obama, offering a preview of how Middle East issues might play out in a general election battle.

The daylong event attracted hundreds of Republican Jews to the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center here.

They heard from the top GOP contenders with the exception of Rep. Ron Paul of Texas, who was not invited. (The RJC’s executive director,

Matthew Brooks, cited the congressman’s “misguided and extreme views” as the reason for his exclusion.)

With less than a month to go until the Iowa caucuses, the current leaders of the GOP pack, Newt Gingrich and Mitt Romney, appeared to cement their status as favorites of Jewish Republicans, both receiving warm receptions and ample applause.

While the candidates touched on economic issues, most avoided addressing the social issues, such as abortion and religion, that tend to push Jewish voters away from Republicans.

Instead, their comments focused heavily on foreign policy, with each assailing the Obama administration for its policies toward Israel and Iran, and vowing that they would be better friends to the Jewish state and tougher foes for the Islamic Republic.

The ‘appeasement’ accusation Former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick

Santorum led off the forum by introducing a theme that the front-runners would echo.

“The president, for every thug and hooligan, for every radical Islamist, has had nothing but appeasement,” Santorum said.

Later in the day, Romney accused Obama of an “appeasement strategy” toward America’s rivals and enemies, while Gingrich said he was “very, very worried about our entire relationship with radical Islam,” saying it is based on self-deception and appeasement.

In response to a reporter’s question, Obama fired back the next day.

“Ask Osama bin Laden and the 22 out of 30 top al-Qaida leaders who have been taken off the field whether I engage in appeasement,” the president said.

Obama and Israel Gingrich and Romney both placed their criticisms of Obama’s Israel Continued on page 2

Tony Endelman gets personal

A life rich in family, serving country and community Page 11

Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Amy Friedman honored

16 18 19

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMPWRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Omaha based writer and comedian Tony Endelman thinks he is targeting the “oh-so coveted 18-34 demo” with his new book, I Hope There’s Pie. In his collection of personal essays, Endelman shares memories of Jewish summer camp, discusses coping with depression, tells all about haphazard romantic interludes, and talks about the death of his grandparents. He targets family, friendship, failure, work, sex and drugs, and does so with both affecting honesty and downright hilarity.

The title of the book, he says, is a

Tony Endelman nod to his late grandmother.

It’s fun to write about everyday life,” Endelman says. “And, I’m just a guy. I make my home in the Midwest; my personal story isn’t exactly astonishing. We have all struggled through adolescence, bickered with our parents, had a terrible job or two, and tried to navigate the dating world. What I wanted to put out there was something I think everyone can identify with.”

Endelman discovered at a young age that he could both write and make people laugh, and he started writing this collection of essays while living in Chicago. “I had just gone out on a terribly awkward date and felt like putting the experience down on paper,” he says. “The idea for the book took off from there.”

He’s hoping to accomplish two things with his book: he wants to make people laugh, and give especially those readers that are from his generation something they can relate to.

Maybe Endelman is right about that target audience; however, it sounds like there’s plenty here to enjoy for the rest of us.

Endelman earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin in 2005. I Hope There’s Pie is his second book. His first, based off his website www.thanksrp.com, was published earlier in 2011. I Hope There’s Pie is available for purchase at Writelife and other online retailers such as Amazon and Barnes & Noble. For more information, visit www.tonyendelman.com.

Amy Cassman Friedman Society of America, Nebraska Chapter. It is the highest honor bestowed on a PRSA member, and recognizes significant contributions to the profession over a period of years.

In January 2011, Amy managed a worst-case scenario at one of her three high schools. At Millard South, an armed and angry student entered the school just as classes resumed after the holiday break.

In the ensuing gunfire, a vice principal was killed and the principal was seriously wounded. Even as students began tweeting their parents from a locked-down campus, Amy immediately implemented a crisis communication plan that calmed devastated students, teachers, parents and the community.

The award is a bittersweet consequence of what Amy calls “the worst possible nightmare. It’s something you certainly prepare for, but you hope you never have to handle in any school district.”

As a former reporter, Amy has an understanding of what goes on behind the scenes at a newscast: “I look at the news differently, and I can tell when they are not telling the whole story. The biggest change in reporting is that everything moves so fast these days, and many news reports are created live.” That can create problems, especially when a community is in the middle of a crisis. Add to that the fact that most students and staff carry a cell phone, which means instant updates could be sent to parents outside the school.

“It’s a blessing and a curse,” Amy, says. “Because on the one hand, parents can hear directly from their children and know they are safe. At the same time, when news moves as fast as it does nowadays, through calls and texts and Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

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Republicans state their case Continued from page 1 policies within the context of broader foreign policy critiques.

Gingrich said the U.S. needs “a dramatically re-thought strategy for the Middle East” and that the country is engaged in a “long struggle with radical Islamists.” The former House speaker took aim at recent remarks by Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, who urged Israel to “mend fences” with its neighbors.

“This one-sided continuing pressure that says it’s always Israel’s fault no matter how bad the other side is has to stop,” Gingrich said.

Romney accused the president of having “rushed to apologize for America, but he has hesitated to speak up for democracy and freedom.” The former Massachusetts governor depicted Israel as a case in point.

Obama “has immeasurably set back the prospect of peace in the Middle East,” Romney said, and his administration’s policies have only “emboldened Palestinian hard-liners” who feel that “they can bypass Israel at the bargaining table.”

Texas Gov. Rick Perry said that Obama “has insisted on previously unheard-of preconditions for Israel, such as an immediate stop to all settlement activity.” Perry said he supports “the goal of a Palestinian state, but it should be the Palestinians who meet certain pre-conditions.”

First, Perry said, a Palestinian state must be “directly negotiated between Israeli and the Palestinian leaders.”

Second, he demanded “Palestinian recognition of Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.” Finally, he said Palestinian leaders must “renounce the terrorist activities of Hamas.”

Perry’s pre-conditions closely resemble positions previously articulated by Obama. The president has condemned Palestinian efforts to achieve statehood outside of the context of negotiations, called previous Hamas-Fatah unity efforts “an enormous obstacle to peace” and said Israel should be “a Jewish state and the homeland for the Jewish people.”

The Iranian threat The candidates talked tough on Iran -- and had some tough words for the Obama administration.

“On Iran, the only rational long-term policy is regime replacement,” Gingrich said in response to a question from an audience member. He called for covert action to sabotage Iran’s gasoline supply and said the U.S. should fund Iranian dissident groups.

Regarding the country’s nuclear program, Gingrich said, “It’s better to stop them early than to stop them late.”

Perry warned that Obama’s “failed policy of outreach to Tehran” has left the U.S. “with only two options: a military strike or a nuclear Iran.”

Romney called for keeping the threat of military action on the table while pursuing sanctions.

“We should make it very clear that we are developing, and have developed, military options,” Romney said in response to a question. “Nothing concentrates the mind like suffering from sanctions and seeing a military option. It is unacceptable for the U.S. to endure an Iran with a nuclear weapon.”

Moving the embassy Presidential candidates regularly promise to move the U.S. embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Back in 1999, then-candidate George W. Bush told an RJC gathering that he would move the embassy, but he never followed through as president.

At the RJC forum, Gingrich reiterated his pledge -- made in a June speech to the RJC -- to move the embassy to Jerusalem. But it was Rep. Michelle Bachmann of Minnesota who took that promise into uncharted territory with her unconventional proposal to help finance the move.

“I already have secured from a donor who said they will personally pay for the ambassador’s home to be moved from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem,” Bachmann said.

Gingrich’s State man Gingrich offered some red meat to the foreign policy hawks in the house and made the only real news of the night when he said that he would offer the job of secretary of state to former American diplomat John Bolton.

Bolton served for less than a year as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations during the second Bush administration as a recess appointment. Known for his confrontational style, Bolton is a favorite of conservatives who take a dim view of multilateral institutions such as the U.N. but a pariah to liberals who see him as an undiplomatic diplomat.

Bolton, who has not yet endorsed a candidate, later called the offer “very flattering” but did not say whether he would accept the job in a Gingrich administration.

Aid to Israel One issue mostly missing from the RJC forum was aid to Israel.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 30 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

The issue became a campaign flash point after Perry said at a debate that all U.S. aid allotments to foreign countries should start at zero and be considered anew each year, and Gingrich and Romney immediately agreed.

Asked at the debate whether his framework also would apply to Israel, Perry answered that it would, though he stressed that Israel would likely continue to receive funding at a “high level.”

Even the RJC had expressed concern over Perry’s formulation, warning in a Twitter post that it contradicts a previous memorandum of understanding between the two countries.

For weeks, leading Jewish Democrats have been highlighting the issue, accusing the Republican contenders of lacking commitment to American aid to Israel.

In an interview in advance of the forum, Brooks, the RJC’s executive director, expressed confidence that the candidates would “put to bed the political smears” from Democrats “that the leading Republicans want to cut aid to Israel.”

At the forum, Perry did address the issue head on, saying that “I am adamant that any discussion of foreign aid should start at zero. But let me be clear: Israel is our strategic ally.

America long ago ended traditional foreign aid to Israel.

Strategic defense aid to Israel will increase under a Perry administration.”

Yet the issue of aid was not mentioned by front-runners Gingrich and Romney -- and Democrats pounced.

“I am deeply disappointed that Governor Romney refused to state whether he supports the [Memorandum of Understanding] between the U.S. and Israel in his address this morning to the Republican Jewish Coalition,” Rep. Steve Rothman (D-N.J.) said in a statement. “If Governor Romney isn’t willing to support Israel’s military and foreign aid package before an audience of pro-Israel, Republican Jews, many of us believe he simply doesn’t support it!”

However, in a follow-up interview, Brooks dismissed the controversy surrounding aid to Israel as nonsense.

“The only one who had a perception problem on foreign aid was Perry as a result of his comments at the debate,” Brooks said. “He laid that to rest unequivocally as predicted.”

Post-forum headlines While Jon Stewart of The Daily Show labeled the RJC’s event a “tuchus kiss-off ” -- and Democrats used the opportunity to accuse the Republican candidates of politicizing the U.S.-Israel relationship -- the forum’s organizers said they were pleased with how things went.

“All of the candidates used the opportunity to demonstrate their strong pro-Israel credentials, their visions for how they want to lead America and provided a strong contrast between their visions and that of the failed policies of Barack Obama,” Brooks said.

But while the RJC forum garnered plenty of media attention, it did not yield much news. Instead the headlines -and sparks -- over the Israeli-Palestinian issue came later in the week with the release of an interview that Gingrich did with The Jewish Channel.

In the interview, Gingrich labeled Palestinians as “an invented” people. After coming under criticism -- including from Romney, who called his opponent’s comments “incendiary” -- Gingrich said that he stood by his characterization but reaffirmed his support for a negotiated settlement including a Palestinian state.

This article was produced in cooperation with The Washington Jewish Week.

Amy Friedman Continued from page 1 facebook, sometimes that means rumors start flying just as quickly. Yet, although much of the coverage that day did occur live, Amy was impressed by how calm everyone remained.

“Students, staff, and parents reacted very differently from what’s happened in other cities. People didn’t panic, there was no chaos.”

Minute by minute, hour by hour, Amy worked closely with police to provide accurate information in the timeliest way possible. She made hard decisions about responding to national media requests -- and continued managing one of the most challenging public relations situations with confidence and excellence that only comes with experience.

Amy Friedman is the daughter of Molline and Frederick Cassman, and married to Sandy Friedman; together, they have two grown children, Andrea and Dusty. She previously served as the Director of Communications for the American Heart Association. Amy, a long-time member of PRSA has served the profession of public relations for over thirty years. During her 35-year career, she was named the top communications director in the nation (Rome Betts Award of Excellence) by the American Heart Association in 1992, and Woman of Vision by the YWCA in 2000.

December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 3

Eric Yoffie: The exit interview

by URIEL HEILMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- At the end of this year, Rabbi Eric Yoffie, the president of Union for Reform Judaism, will be stepping down after 16 years at the movement’s helm. Last week, Yoffie sat down with JTA Managing Editor Uriel Heilman at the URJ’s offices in New York ahead of the Reform biennial, which will be held Dec. 14-18 outside Washington.

JTA: What are you proudest about your time leading the movement?

Yoffie: My first biennial I talked about Torah at the center. That was less of a programmatic initiative than it was a theological and cultural assertion. We had to operate with a consciousness of Torah being fundamental to all we do. It was an important cul- Rabbi Eric Yoffie says “an extraordinary worship revotural change.

Second, there has been an lution in the Reform moveextraordinary worship revo- ment of joyful, enthusiastic lution in the Reform move- Jewish worship built around ment of joyful, enthusiastic participatory Jewish music Jewish worship built around ... has dramatically changed participatory Jewish music. It the worship experience in has dramatically changed the the movement.”

Credit: Union for Reform worship experience in the Judaism movement, and you really see it everywhere. I certainly didn’t create this, but we saw the sparks of this and then tried to support it, accelerate it.

That’s Reform Judaism at its best.

And camps. In the last 15 years we’ve added five camps and more than doubled our camping population.

Any regrets?

I have lots of regrets. I’m not one of those people who say I have no regrets.

Are all Reform Jews studying Torah? Celebrating Shabbat?

Performing mitzvot? Until such a time that that’s happening, we need to ask why not and what more could we have done.

Jews are a dissatisfied people; we cry out all the time.

Jewish leaders have to be more dissatisfied than anyone else.

Among the elite, we have more observance and commitment than I would have imagined possible, but general levels aren’t what they ought to be.

Two years ago we started a youth engagement campaign for ages 13 to 18. In retrospect, we should have started that 15 years ago.

While individually I’ve been tremendously engaged and involved in Israel, the reality is that too many people don’t feel the connection they should. I’m sorry I wasn’t more successful in creating those bridges.

The upcoming Reform biennial is slated to be the largest ever, with nearly 6,000 attendees. What’s so special this year?

It’s a time of transition. There’s tremendous enthusiasm about Rick [Rabbi Richard Jacobs, the incoming president of the URJ]. People want to come. Most of these people aren’t rabbis but synagogue lay leaders who come at their own expense. That’s enormously encouraging.

What’s the role of the president of the URJ? It’s a mistake to exaggerate the influence of the president of the URJ, and for that matter most Jewish leaders. The most important Jewish work is done in local Jewish congregations.

We can help shape Jewish consciousness, give priority to important Jewish things, give concrete support, offer legitimacy in cases where there may be some resistance among leaders.

If organizations like yours only have a limited influence on Jewish life, who has a great influence?

The critical arena for the Jewish world is the synagogue.

It’s the anchor. It’s the only place in the Jewish world where you’re valued as an individual Jew no matter who you are or how much money you have. It’s a democratic venue. It’s a place where you study Torah and you pray and you educate your children, where you create community, deal with people who are suffering, celebrate successes. Where else does that happen?

Does contemporary Reform have an ideology?

Heschel [Abraham Joshua Heschel, a major Conservative Jewish thinker who taught at Reform’s Hebrew Union College for five years but spent most of his career at the Conservative movement’s Jewish Theological Seminary] talked about a three-legged stool of God, Torah and Israel. I would say Torah study, observance of mitzvot and faith in the God of Israel.

We understand you need a balanced Judaism; focusing on

any one leg distorts the others.

Reform Judaism has become more expansive. What is certainly different is the word “mitzvah” [commandment]. That word had really disappeared from the Reform lexicon, even as late as the 1970s. That began to change. I spoke a language of mitzvah. We now have a Reform Judaism that is in a certain sense more traditional. We’re also more radical. We live with the contradiction.

We’re not a halachic movement and we don’t profess to be.

In some ways, we clearly have adopted polices that by premodern standards are a departure: patrilineal descent, gay and lesbian partnerships.

If it’s not ethical, it’s not Jewish. As much as we embrace tradition, we remain committed to this notion.

Reform Judaism long has struggled to gain a foothold in Israel. Will it ever catch on there?

If we’re not a part of Israel, we move to the margins of Jewish history. The key is Israeli Reform rabbis. When we have 100 Israeli-born and-educated rabbis, it’s going be a different country and a different movement. Now we have 40-plus rabbis. In 10 years we’ll have 100.

What’s next for Eric Yoffie?

I write for The Huffington Post, I blog for the Jerusalem Post, I have some other writing projects. I’m exploring.

There’s a lot to do in the Jewish world, even outside of the Jewish world. I’ve thought of writing about Israel, I’ve thought about writing about Chabad. I’ve always thought about writing children’s books. I enjoy the blogging style. It fits my mentality.

What would you write about Chabad?

Their role in the community is fascinating. I see the intense reactions they elicit, both positive and negative, from people outside of the Chabad world both in Reform and non-Reform circles. There are those who feel it’s undermining other institutions in the community and at the same time people who have been touched by a Chabad rabbi or have found a Chabad connection.

There are Reform rabbis who say they specifically target our wealthy members and they feel that that’s outrageous, and other Reform rabbis who say they’re out there offering Jewish services in the competitive, free market society in which we live, and we have to do what we’re doing and we have to do it better.

4 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

Mainstreeters welcome the New Year with new activities

by OZZIE NOGG Want to begin 2012 on the right foot?

Resolve to join these Mainstreeters programs: New Year’s Get-Active Toning and Conditioning Classes: Wednesdays, Jan. 11, 18 and 25 in the Simon Chapel at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Fee is $15 which includes three 45 minute sessions. These classes are designed to improve your balance and help reduce the risk of falls. Our certified exercise leader, Sharon Rowe (MA Public Health Education) has been teaching a variety of exercise, wellness and health classes for 30 years in her business Body by Rowe. Join this group and your joints will thank you. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 4. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE. 68154. If you have questions, call Rocky Stern at 402.343.4952.

Lunch and a Movie: The Help. Monday, Jan 16. Lunch ($10) in the JCC Auditorium at 12:30 p.m. Movie (FREE) follows at 1 p.m. in the JCC Theater. Set in the South during the Civil Rights movement, The Help chronicles the daily hardships of African-American maids and their interactions with the white families for whom they work. A must-see.

Deadline for reservations is Monday, Jan 9. Star Catering Brown Bag Lunch includes your choice of Tuna Salad or Egg Salad Sandwich with mushroom barley soup, cole slaw, chips, pop and cookies. $10. Please make checks payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Mainstreeters c/o Maggie Conti, 323 So. 132 Street, Omaha, NE. 68154. If you only want to see the free movie, call Maggie at 402.334.6521 to save your place.

Poker Refresher Course: Tuesday, Jan. 24 and 31. Free classes run from 10-11 a.m. in the Husker Lounge on Main Street at the Blumkin Home. Instructor: Shawn Menagh, poker enthusiast and volunteer at the Home. Sit down with Shawn and learn the lingo, the rules and basic strategies of this popular game including the poker hand rankings, how and when to bet, and when to bluff. Reservations appreciated by Jan. 17. Call Maggie Conti, 402-334-6521, to save your seat at the table. If you have questions, please call Rocky Stern at 402.343.4952.

Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach Programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, said. “If you’re aged 60-plus, we invite you to jump on board Mainstreeters in January. These programs will help you exercise your brain (and body) and enjoy life to the fullest.”

Sunday Night Dinners at Beth Israel

by BETH COHEN Executive Director, Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel’s very successful Sunday Night Dinners continue in January and February.

On Sunday, Jan. 8 at 6 p.m., the menu for the monthly dinner will include a variety of Israeli delicacies. Menu items include falafel, shwarma, couscous, and Israeli salads.

This is an annual favorite, with over 100 people attending the Israeli Sunday Night dinner last year. This is a great opportunity to get your fill of authentic, Israeli foods.

The February dinner is a Super Bowl Party on Sunday, Feb. 5. Snacks will be available starting at kick-off with the game being shown on the projection screen. Dinner of fabulous football food will be served at 6 p.m.

“Our monthly Sunday night dinners are great events,” says Rabbi Jonathan Gross. “Not only are they fun, family

friendly, relaxing evenings with fantastic food, we are able to keep the cost down because the meals are done by volunteers. We couldn’t do it without our Dinner Committee Chairs, Joey Shyken and Shirly Banner, and all of the amazing volunteers who help them.”

Cost for a dinner is $8 for adults, $4 for children ages 412, and free to kids 3 and younger. In addition, sponsorships for the dinners are available to help offset the cost of these and other programs at Beth Israel. Sponsorships are $36 (include one dinner), $54 (includes two dinners), $72 (includes three dinners) and $90 (includes four dinners).

Sponsorships are announced at the dinner and in the following synagogue bulletin.

For reservations or sponsorships, contact the synagogue office at 402.556.6288 or BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha. org.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $40, made out to the Jewish Press, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

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

My Hanukkah

From our Shlicha NA’AMA KEREN, Community Shlicha Since I was in 3rd grade I have been a part of the “Maccabi Tzair” youth movement. Not everyone might know that there is a connection between Jehuda Ha’Maccabee and Maccabi - my movement. There is a connection between Hanukkah and Maccabi. Hanukkah is the Maccabees holiday! This is why, Hanukkah is my favorite holiday. Since 3rd grade I have been celebrating Hanukkah with my Maccabees friends.

It was in ancient Modi’in that the Maccabees first lit their flame of freedom. Judah Maccabee and his band of fighters went on to win their struggle for freedom for the Jewish people and experience the miracle of Hanukkah.

Since 1944, the Maccabi World Union and the Maccabi Tzair Youth Movement have been conducting a traditional torch relay in Israel every Hanukkah. The torch is lit at the graves of the Maccabees in Modi’in, in the presence of Israeli dignitaries and public figures. Today, the torch represents the Maccabi values: the continuity of the Jewish people, love for Israel, freedom and independence.

After the torch is lit, it travels throughout the State of Israel and throughout the Diaspora to symbolize the spiritual reunion of the Jewish people.

This year is the 67th Torch Relay of Maccabi Tzair. Like every year, the opening ceremony is attended by all the movement members, movement dignitaries and state figures (the President of Israel, government ministers, etc.), and symbolizes the start of the various torch relays. During the day the junior and senior movement members work on activities based on a theme chosen by the movement. This year’s theme is “Maccabi - The Heart of the Community.”

After the opening ceremony, the Maccabbi Tzair members participate in other torch relay programs. On the first day all members volunteer in one of the southern development towns in coordination with the local authority.

Delegations of senior members and adult emissaries may set out with a torch to carry an educational and moral message on behalf of the movement. The torch relay for seniors is a three-day trip in the Negev. Finally, there is a local torch relay with festive activities in every community that has a branch of the Maccabi Tzair movement, consisting of a procession of torches and local volunteer projects.

This Hanukkah I will try to share my love for this holiday by lighting the candles during the JCC Hanukkah event on Thursday, Dec. 22, and by making torches like the Maccabees are doing on their Torch Relay - hope to see you there.

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 5

Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation Please save the date, January 8. kicks off for the year decision making.

The teens will also be participating in hands-on volunteering around the Omaha area. They will learn about local nonprofit Jewish organizations by bringing in speakers who will introduce them to their various causes.

After considering an array of organizations both locally and in Israel, the Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation will then invite several organizations to submit a grant request. After reviewing the submissions, the Youth Foundation will then determine the group -- or groups -to which they will award a grant.

The group met on Dec. 11 and listened to presentations by non-profit professionals from the ADL, Inclusive Communities, Habitat for Humanity, Project Harmony and Jewish Family Service.

The Jewish Youth Foundation Karen Gustafson, Jewish Family Service Director, talks members are developing a about the programs of the agency. Alyssa Kirshenbaum and fuller appreciation for the Samantha Wiener listen. services different organizaThe primary goal is to teach high school tions provide and the challenges they face in teens about philanthropy and non-profit funding. For the next meeting, each particiorganizations. Participants will be guided to pant is tasked with presenting information develop an interest in issues and causes that about a non-profit organization which they are important to them individually, as well have researched on their own. as the larger Jewish community. They will Members of the Jewish Omaha Youth learn the satisfaction of giving and how this Foundation are Alyssa Kirshenbaum, act creates strong community and a lifetime Samantha Wiener, Eva Phillips, Sophie of caring. Some fun and exciting activities Cemaj and Rebecca Booker. For more inforthis year include fundraising through a new mation on the Jewish Omaha Youth online platform called Razoo. This fundrais- Foundation, please call Shiri Tene at ing money will be donated to a worthy non- 402.590.2149 or send an email to profit of their choice through collective stene@jewishomaha.org.

by SHIRI TENE Philanthropy means many different things.

It could mean the donation of money. It could also mean demonstrating a genuine concern for human welfare or the commitment of time to a worthy cause. Most of the teens with whom I work think of it as a greater form of doing a mitzvah, or a good deed. Here we call it Tzedakah. Tzedakah, the fundamental way of Jewish life, is exactly what the new Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation Board for 20112012 will be doing.

We would like all our friends to join us at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home to help celebrate the 100th Birthday of our Mother, Ethel Grossman, hosted by Bernie & Marge Grossman, and Sharon & David Behrend.

We will have an open house from 2 to 4 p.m.

Well wishes are all we ask you to bring.

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December in Israel Israeli’s consciousness.

Not observing Christmas in America is an important element in one’s American Jewish identity. Part of what makes me a Jewish American is that I don’t celebrate Christmas. It follows, therefore, that any time it is assumed that all Americans celebrate Christmas, I (to some extent) will be offended. Here in Israel, the fact that I don’t celebrate Christmas has almost nothing to do with my Jewish selfidentity. Indeed, one is only mildly aware of the holiday in passing.

Israel’s jelly donut (sufganiya) and America’s potato pancake (latke), the treats most associated with the holiday in each country, may be seen as symbolic of the place of Jewish culture in Israel and outside of Israel. Beginning in early November and on through all of Hanukkah, jelly donuts can be found at every bakery, supermarket, and grocery in Israel, and one can often see people eating them in the street. The potato latke is prepared in the home and is a much more private eating experience, just as Judaism and Jewish culture is a private, minority affair for Jews outside of Israel.

Precisely because I felt 100% American in America, this state of affairs always bothered me. That is, it was only because I believed that I had a full and equal share in what is America that I was so troubled by the fact that I as a Jew could not celebrate America’s most favored holiday. This “culture gap” was solved once I moved to Israel, a place where the majority culture and I celebrate together. Happy Hanukkah.

Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest three, Nathan, Rebecca and Ruthie, are veterans of the Israel Defense Forces; Weinberger can be reached at weinross@netvision.net.il.

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER Hanukkah in Israel is a much more subdued affair than is Christmas in the States.

Christmas is the single most important holiday in American culture, whereas Hanukkah places a distant fourth in Israeli culture (behind Passover, Rosh Hashanah/ Yom Kippur, and Succot). In fact, unless you have kids in school (who get off for the week of Hanukkah -- while the rest of the country is officially at work), the holiday of Hanukkah might not be such a holiday at all: you might prefer to take a winter vacation at a time when all those screaming little kids will be back in school (plus your employer will be happy that you took up the slack while those with kids took a few days off during the holiday). And so, what is most striking for an American Jew in Israel during December is not so much the experience of Hanukkah as a national holiday, but the absence of Christmas as a national holiday.

It is quite a relief to live in a country where one is not bombarded by the theme of a holiday in which one takes no part.

Sometimes Hanukkah coincides with Christmas, sometimes it doesn’t. Last year it didn’t, this year it does. This lack of contiguity matters a good deal to American Jews but largely goes unnoticed in the Jewish State. In America, when Dec. 25th falls within one of the eight days of Hanukkah, Jews are in sync with their surrounding culture--they celebrate at the same time that the majority of Americans celebrate. In Israel, Christmas is not on the cultural radar for most Israeli Jews, and so whether or not it falls out during Hanukkah hardly makes a ripple in an

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Dough Boy: Noah Wildman wants to make knishes popular again

by JEFFREY YOSKOWITZ Rivington Street slashed prices and introduced cabaret (Tablet Magazine) -- When I was 13 and my father deemed sideshows to attract customers. me ready for the kind of education only to be found within Now a new generation of Jewish chefs and bakers around the bloated knishes of Brighton Beach, we drove from New the country are making their claim on such classic dishes.

Jersey to Brooklyn for the day so Kenny and Zuke’s in Portland, he could introduce me to his Ore. offers a potato-and-onion beloved Mrs. Stahl’s, the crème de variety with layers of flaky la crème of the knish world, nearly dough, topped with caramelized a decade before it closed its doors onions. Wise Sons Jewish for good in the fall of 2005.

Delicatessen in San Francisco has The arrival of a new knish its own occasional potato-onion maker in town might be cause to knish iteration, with the onions reconsider the lament that the cooked down in schmaltz; the golden days of the knish are over. deli also offers potato with mushThis fall a quixotic 40-year-old room and kale, and potato with Lower East Sider named Noah cubes of house-cured corned Wildman launched Knishery NYC beef. “People go crazy for them,” with the hopes of restoring the Leo Beckerman, one of Wise A collection of knishes from Noah Wildman. food’s glory. He has begun deliverSons’ proprietors, said.

Credit: Knishery NYC ing knishes to customers in New And then there’s Wildman.

York City by bicycle, and his pushcart start-up will soon be Raised in a Reform household on Staten Island, Wildman, vending at street fairs around the city this coming spring. who now lives just blocks away from Rivington Street on the The revisiting of so simple a food as the knish -- a doughy Lower East Side, grew up eating frozen knishes but never shell usually stuffed with potato, kasha, or cheese -- has been imagined that he would one day be baking them. a long time coming. Great knishes can be elusive, while adeA series of serendipitous encounters led him to the knish. quate and sometimes disappointing ones, like those avail- Wildman visited Williamsburg’s weekly food festival, and able at Yonah Schimmel in Manhattan and Knish Nosh in was inspired by the new approaches to classic ethnic fare Queens, generally prevail. that he found there. At the same time, Wildman stumbled Wildman has no plans to remake the knish, a staple of the into a well-timed lecture series on the knish taught by Laura working class, into haute cuisine. “Part of Jewish character is Silver, a writer in New York City. to see through the silliness,” he said. “To go for substance.”

Reawakened by Silver’s enthusiasm, Wildman tried out And few Jewish foods are as packed with substance as the four different recipes to find a dough that balanced crisp knish. The baked dumpling came to the United States at the and elastic textures with chewy and crumbly consistencies. end of the 19th century by way of Eastern Europe, with “The dough is a vehicle for filling, but you need the vehicle competing accounts tracing the pastry’s origin to either the first,” he said. He uses two kinds of dough -- one for savory Polish town of Knyszyn or to a village in Slovakia. The knish knishes and one for sweet ones, “a kind of Bubbe’s pâte fillings offered a terrific way to add variety to a monotonous sucrée.” Keeping the right proportion of dough to filling is diet heavy on potatoes, cabbage, and buckwheat. There were one of the most critical elements of a perfect knish, also knish varieties tied to the Jewish holidays, according to Wildman said. His fillings range from high-quality versions Joan Nathan, such as kasha for Hannukah and chicken liver of the standards to savory pumpkin, apple-cheese, and for Rosh Hashanah. chocolate hazelnut. In addition, he plans future fillings of At the turn of the 20th century, Jewish immigrants in the curry sweet potato, the crispy chicken fat known as United States would bring knishes -- a portable and filling gribenes, and mushroom-quinoa. pocket food -- to lunch with them at their factory jobs. As The Knishery NYC is in its infancy, but Wildman is the food writer Arthur Schwartz notes in Jewish Home already producing knishes to reckon with, with a sensible Cooking, knishes, which were cheap, were also popular fare, dough-to-filling ratio, and in sizes more baseball than softoften paired with hotdogs, at the beaches around New York ball. Served with a Lime Rickey and deli mustard, Wildman’s City. Back then, Manhattan’s famous Second Avenue, home knishes could be a spiritual experience, or at least one that to the Yiddish theater, was known as Knish Alley. In 1910, brings back the memory of Mrs. Stahl.

Yonah Schimmel opened a knish store on Houston Street on Jeffrey Yoskowitz is a freelance writer in New York and Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Six years later, the New York the editor of the website Pork Memoirs. This article origiTimes reported on a “knish war,” when rival bakeries on nally appeared on Tablet Magazine, tabletmag.com.

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 7

Speaking from experience...

When I first began writing about Seniors and senior living, it was mostly as public relations for the new Blumkin Home. That tells you it was a long time ago, and I really wasn’t using my own experience to talk about aging. I hope you understand that I didn’t yet know what I was really talking about. I learned by listening to the professionals and also to my elders. But that was then, and this is now. Right now. And may I set the record straight and tell you: I’m now qualified to speak as a senior!

I’m probably not a certified maven, but I know I rank up there in the area of the real pros. Oh yes... now I speak from experience. When I talk about the advisability of remaining as active as possible, I’m not just mouthing words, I’m realizing more each day that moving around and going to places of interest with my contemporaries is a good idea.

I once, many moons ago, wrote about a very sensitive issue called “role reversal”. Meaning of course, adult children taking an active part in the lives of their aging parents.

I read all about it, and most recently read a wonderful article that told the truth so forcefully, it brought very sad feelings as I read. At this time in my life, I no longer have that kind of responsibility because sadly, I’ve lost both of my own parents.

But I read about that “middle generation”... the couples whose children are adults and whose parents are if not infirm, are in need of assistance. And what middle aged person would deny lending a hand, or some time, or effort of any kind, to the beloved people who were there for them, from the cradle to the chupah? Uh huh... that’s right. Some of them might say “when is it my turn?” But many more are quick to say “no problem Mom - consider it done”. Oh yes, that’s some of what you call “role reversal”.

Then there are those couples who are greatly concerned about their elderly parents because, the world being what it

is today, they live very far away. Maybe across the country, two time zones away. You think that’s an easy thing to have on your mind as you try to go to sleep at night?

Remembering the unmistakable sound of coughing when you spoke to your Dad on the phone earlier today, how could you help but worry about that cold? There are many mixed feelings, yes, but the basic one that comes to mind is wishing you weren’t so far away from your folks.

On the other side of that coin is where you find a somewhat different story, mostly because we all work diligently to maintain whatever scrap of independence we can.

Nobody, no matter the age, willingly says they don’t want to be bothered with taking care of their own affairs anymore.

Not unless it’s a matter of grave illness. We don’t like to be told we shouldn’t really be driving anymore, and we all know that even if we don’t hear as well as we once did, we can certainly still respond appropriately when necessary.

But wait a minute. We insist we can manage on our own, as we always have, except every now and then, maybe something comes in the mail that we read several times and still can’t figure out. What do we do? Shall I tell you what I do?

I put it aside and make a point of calling it to the attention of one of those kids who lives very far away but nonetheless phones every day. After all, he’s the one who went to law school! Of course he’s the problem solver. So what happened to “I can do it myself?” I think that’s one of those questions for which there is no logical answer.

One of the reasons that belonging to the enormous population known as seniors is sometimes very difficult, is that many of us have lost our lifetime partners. Young people don’t really understand that many little inconveniences are easily tolerated when there’s somebody near to complain to, or to commiserate with. The partner with whom you’ve shared the past five or six (or more) decades would understand even when the words are unspoken; but too often that partner is gone, and now we come face to face with the real struggles of the elderly. How does anyone describe the very delicate difference between enjoying some solitude at times, as opposed to the utter loneliness of knowing there’s not another soul in the house? Another tough one to answer.

We read every day how successfully the medical commu-

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Bert’s eye view BERT LEWIS

nity has learned how to extend our lives - in fact, today it’s quite commonplace to hear of people 100 and older. When I was a kid, somebody who was celebrating a one hundredth birthday was almost a freak! They were thought to be ancient... wow, 100! That’s wonderful, provided that person has also been blessed with relatively good health. Aha... there’s the catch. It’s all good and well to have a cake with 105 candles on it, but not if the birthday celebrant is unable to really enjoy the occasion. She’s in a wheelchair, smiling somewhat vacantly, but is she there.? This is an honor? I don’t think so. I’m not certain I subscribe to that hedonistic slogan that says “die young and be a beautiful corpse”, but maybe there’s a happy medium someplace.

So what’s the answer? Or rather, what’s the question?

There is no question. The facts are simple: we live a lot longer than our grandparents did. Also, people in the health care industry work hard to educate us about taking good care of ourselves. Those professionals who worry about our brains lasting as long as our limbs, are doing their best to overcome some of the worst geriatric problems. Oh yes, everybody is out there doing their best for us seniors.

The assisted living facilities grow more beautiful all the time and the amenities offered at such places grow more generous, but you know what? Most of us reallly just want to stay in our own homes, until the time we no longer need our homes.

Maybe it’s just that we don’t want things to change. We would want every day to be the way it always was, and we would want our partner right there too. When I write those words I remember a dear lady I considered my good friend.

She was twenty years older than I, but we were friends.

When we talked about such things as illness or infirmity, she would say “If I had one wish, it would be that when the time comes, my dear husband and I could hold hands and just leave together.”

That lady has been gone for some years now, but I’ll always remember her “one wish.” Now I understand it.

So is that the bottom line? The subject was senior living, and my comments about it are some of the things I think about when such a topic arises. I suspect they’re worth exactly what they cost you.

Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

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8 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

Joe Hack wins B’nai B'rith Bible Quiz

by BETH BROWN GERSHOVICH rectly. The other $20 winners were Ari Juster, Lee Lohman, B’nai B’rith Monsky Lodge Hannah Perry, and Max Polack.

“Thirteen Jewish high school students competed on Dec. Kevin Adler, Courtney Bierman, Madison Bierman, 7 for scholarships and cash prizes in the 26th Annual B’nai Estella Fox, and Justin Norton also took part in the program.

B’rith Bible Quiz.

Quiz founder, Steve Riekes, For the second straight declared that “All the students who studied the bible and year, Joe Hack took the top learned more about their prize of a $600 scholarship in Jewish heritage are winners in a nail-biter contest that wasn’t this quiz.” decided until the last question The Senator Ed Zorinsky was asked in the championship round. He also won Quiz questions came from the $50 in cash.

Books of Exodus and Ruth.

Back row: Steve Riekes, left, Trustee, Gary Javitch, President The quiz is annually run by Led by chief questioner Emeritus, Joe Hack 1st place; Ari Riekes, new Lodge presithe Henry Monsky Lodge, Gloria Kaslow, other question dent. Front row: Lee Lohman, left, Sam Kohll, 2nd place, which gives out scholarships providers included, Stan Aaron Zipursky, 2nd place (tie); Hannah Perry, Ari Juster, to cover schooling or any Mitchell and Steve Riekes, the Aaron Kurtzman 4th place; Max Pollack and Mark Javitch, other Jewish-related event. quiz founders. Scorekeeper Scorekeeper.

The other top winners were Mark Javitch, timer Ari Samuel Kohl and Aaron Zipursky, who tied for second place Riekes, chaperone Karen Javitch, and Gary Javitch, proctor and will each receive a $300 scholarship. Aaron Kurtzman enabled the contest to run smoothly, while judges Dr. garnered fourth place for the second year. These three finish- Leonard Greenspoon, Rabbis Steven Abraham, and Yaacov ers also won $20 in cash for answering three questions cor- Weiss interpreted bible passages and resolved all questions.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Come meet Rabbi Steven Abraham and learn about the real miracle of Hanukkah! Was it the oil lasting 8 days, was it the military victory against the Greeks, or was it something else with a much more lasting impact on our Jewish identity? Wednesday, Dec. 28, noon at the Blumkin Home.

An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to be placed on the email list call 402.334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha. org.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH To know Yiddish is to become an artist with words and a master at describing the foibles, the quirks, and the strengths of human character. Yiddish is the best way to understand the soul of the Jewish people. We meet every Thursday, from 1-3 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Home Board Room. Come join us and enjoy meeting your soul mates.

For information call Anne Skolkin at 402.343.1638.

MAINSTREETERS Lunch and Movie on Monday, Jan. 16, 2012 at 12:30 p.m. at the JCC Auditorium and movie at 1:00 at the JCC Theater featuring the film The Help. An aspiring author during the civil rights movement of the 1960’s decides to write a book detailing with the African-American maid’s point of view on the white families for which they work, and the hardships they go through on a daily basis. There is no charge for the

movie and to order a brown bag lunch through Star Catering send your reservations form along with $10 to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions or transportation call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Deadline is Jan. 8.

Toning and Conditioning Classes will be Wednesday, Jan. 11, 18 and 25 at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Chapel from 9:30-10:15 a.m. Designed to help reduce the risk of falls and improve your balance. The class is taught by Sharon Rowe, MA Public Health Education is a certified exercise leader and Pilates coach and has been teaching a variety of exercise, wellness and health classes for 30 years in her business Body by Rowe. Send reservations with full payment to Mainstreeters, c/o Maggie Conti, 323 S. 132 Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For questions call Rocky Stern at 402.393.4952.

Make check payable to Jewish Social Services. Deadline is Jan. 4.

Poker Refresher Classes on Tuesdays, Jan. 24 and 31 at 10-11 a.m. in the Husker Lounge at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. The Instructor is Shawn Menagh, poker enthusiast and volunteer at the Rose Blumkin Home. Shawn will teach you the poker hand rankings, how and when to bet, when to bluff and help you understand all the lingo of the game. There is no charge for the class. Call Maggie Conti at 402.334.6521 for reservations. Call Rocky Stern for information at 402.393.4952.

New addition to the Safari Park

by EDGAR ASHER Two twin emperor tamarins have been given as a gift to the Ramat Gan Safari Park by the Czech government. The tamarins, native of Central and South America, are named ‘emperor’ in honor of the German Kaiser Wilhelm ll due to the fact that the tamarins, like the Kaiser, have a long and impressive mustache.

Tamarin births are Credit: ISRANET normally twins, and these two additions to the Safari Park have been named Alex and David after twin brothers who work at the Safari Park.

One of them, Alex, sports a big mustache rather like the tamarin.

These latest arrivals are expected to be a big attraction over the upcoming Hanukkah holiday.

Top 10 things to do on Christmas Eve

by MARK JAVITCH 10. Go out to eat at a Chinese Restaurant 9. See a movie 8. Dress up in 80’s attire 7. Laugh at other people dressed up in 80’s attire 6. Win great prizes for being the best dressed, having the best hair, and the best dance moves 5. Get free yummy food and drinks 4. Do the moonwalk or the running man, and no one will make fun of you 3. Ever played Scene It? We are going to play the 80’s version 2. You get to hang out with all the cool Jewish 20’s and 30’s in Omaha And the number one thing to do: Attend Omaha’s first ever Rockin 80’s Matzoh Ball Bash! The Bash will be at the Phoenix (120th and Blondo) at 8:30pm The event is sponsored by YJO, Beth El, Beth Israel and Temple Israel. For more information, call Bob Goldberg at 402.334.6531 or email bgoldberg@jewishomaha.org

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 9

Temple Israel youth dazzled

by New York City

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Riding the subway, dinner at Katz’s Deli, lunch at Pizza Tov, breakfast at Delancey and Essex Streets in the Jewish Lower East Side, a walk through SOHO and East Village, a tour of Jewish Ellis Island, visiting the Jewish Heritage Museum, Shabbat at Congregation B’nai Jeshurun, a Broadway

mented. “I recommend that all sophomores go on the trip. It’s an amazing opportunity!”

Justin Norton, who goes to Westside High School, decided to go on the trip, “because I thought it would be a valuable Jewish experience. I thought it would be fun to be around my fellow Jewish classmates while learning about Judaism in the most Jewish city in the United States.” From his visits to

Discovering New York City are Hannah Schifman left, Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Micah Stiel, Moriyah Ramberg (all from Topeka, Kansas), Leah Brookstein, Mallory Rogers, Michelle Davidson, Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Hannah Budwig, Justin Norton, Mackenzy Gordman, Katie Zetzman, Jacob Arnold, Brandon Friedman, Maddie Jensen, Emily Glazer, and Hannah Miller. show... where else could it be but New York City? That’s where 15 tenth graders got to go in October accompanied by Temple Israel’s Rabbi Aryeh Azriel; Rabbi Debbie Stiel, formerly of Temple Israel and now with Temple Beth Sholom in Topeka, Kansas; and Temple Israel congregant Patrick Jensen.

Brandon Friedman, 15, said the best part of the trip was “seeing all the life in New York. It’s so different from Nebraska.” The Plattsmouth High School sophomore, has been to New York, “but I’m usually just in Long Island. This time, I stayed in a hotel in Manhattan, and I got to explore Manhattan.”

A Religious School student since he was a preschooler, Brandon anticipated going on the annual New York trip for years. He was intrigued by the story of immigrants coming to the United States. He was surprised by “the weather. It was cold, raining, and snowing. A chunk of snow fell off a skyscraper and hit me on the shoe!” He’s glad he went, but “I think we should go back in May.” A student at Millard North High School, Michelle Davidson went on the trip to New York, “because I thought it would be a good opportunity to get closer to my classmates and to learn about what it’s like to celebrate Judaism in New York. I loved it all,” said Michelle, on her first trip to New York. “I loved going to the places -- to Broadway, 5th Avenue, Rockefeller Center, Times Square. I liked going to the Holocaust Museum. It was really sad,” but she felt that she learned a lot.

Like Brandon, Michelle said the snowstorm was a surprise, “but the trip was still fun!”

“I’m extremely glad that I went,” she com-

the Jewish Heritage Museum and the Holocaust Museum, “I learned things about the Holocaust and about Jewish history that I never knew before.” He also noted that “the food was really good. Pizza Tov was the best restaurant” in his opinion.

Unexpectedly, the Omaha sophomores came across the Occupy Wall Street movement. “That was pretty interesting,” said Justin.

“I’m very glad I went on the trip, because I enjoyed myself and it was a great way to learn about Judaism and have fun at the same time,” he added.

Micah Stiel, son of Rabbi Stiel and her husband Steve, was one of three tenth graders from Topeka who went on the trip.

In addition to reuniting with the students with whom he had begun Religious School some ten years ago at Temple Israel, Micah “really liked going to Ellis Island and Katz’s Deli. Ellis Island was very informational and also very fun. Shabbat services were unlike any I had been to before.” He described the service as “very energetic” and as having a “lot of instrumental music.”

All the students agreed that the experience drew them closer to one another.

Others on the trip were Jacob Arnold, Leah Brookstein, Hannah Budwig, Emily Glazer, Mackenzy Gordman, Madison Jensen, Hannah Miller, Mallory Rogers, Katie Zetzman, all from Omaha, and Moriyah Ramberg and Hannah Schifman from Topeka. This trip to New York City by the tenth graders was made possible by Temple Israel’s Harvey Ferer Fund.

!"#$%&$ COMMUNITY for the

If you are a synagogue member who wants to compete in the Community Decathlon, contact your Synagogue Team Managers for more information! Beth Israel contact Beth Cohen, Beth El contact Margie Gutnik and Temple Israel contact Wendy Goldberg. For further questions, contact Ed Heller, JCC Director of Health & Fitness, at 402-334-6580. All events are at the JCC. 3.................DODGEBALL Tuesday, January 3.................

Wednesday, January 4..........TRIVIA NIGHT Thursday, January 5...............PING PONG Sunday, January 8...................VOLLEYBALL Monday, January 9..................GAME NIGHT* Thursday, January 12..............Wii ROCK BAND Sunday, January 15.................BASKETBALL Monday, January 16................SYNAGOGUE FEUD**

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*Game Night: Poker, Scrabble & Mah Jongg. ** Spin off of Family Feud.

Participants and spectators are invited to bring a can of soup as a donation to support the Jewish Family Services food bank. The synagogue that has the most cans donated at each event will be given an extra 2 points towards their total points for that event! Your donation is greatly appreciated!

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10 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

A festive month in Israel

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by EDGAR ASHER This year the Christmas and Hanukkah festivals coincide, thus Jerusalem will be in a very festive mood as thousands of Jews and Christians are expected to come to the city to celebrate.

The Ministry of Tourism is expecting some 90,000 tourists during the holiday period. A third of whom are pilgrims, visiting sites and holy places.

The Minister of Tourism Above: Minister of Tourism Stas Misezhnikov; front row, 3rd from right; meeting in Stas Misezhnikov met yes- Jerusalem with Christian leaders in honor of the upcoming Christmas festival. Below: terday in Jerusalem with Christmas trees being selected from the JNF forests for the upcoming festive holiday.

Credit: ISRANET leaders of Israel’s Christian community together with ambassadors and members of the tourists industry who are in the main responsible for bringing the pilgrims and tourists to Israel.

As in previous years the Jewish National Fund (JNF) has been distributing Christmas trees to local churches, monasteries, convents, embassies and foreign journalists. If private individuals wish to obtain trees they can buy them for a modest $18 a tree. The trees are Arizona cedars and at this time of the year the JNF foresters begin to thin out the crowded woodland and sell them to the general public. The controlled thinning out of the trees enhances the quality of the remaining trees and also goes a long way to prevent illegal felling of woodland. Most of the cedars are grown in the north of the country.

Obama administration gets some of the leeway it sought in new Iran sanctions

by RON KAMPEAS The legislation would allow Obama to delay its impleWASHINGTON (JTA) -- New sanctions targeting Iran’s mentation for six months at a time if he determines that its financial sector and its sale of crude oil give President provisions would unsettle oil markets. Before applying sancObama leeway to moderate their possible impact on oil tions, the president would determine that “there is a suffimarkets and to use carrots as cient supply of petroleum well as sticks to sway third parand petroleum products ties into isolating the Islamic from countries other than Republic.

Iran to permit a significant The sanctions target any forreduction in the volume of eign entity that deals with Iran’s petroleum and petroleum financial system or trades in oil products purchased from with the country.

Iran by or through foreign The legislation notably names financial institutions,” the the Central Bank of Iran as a tarlegislation says. get. Existing law already bans Such language addresssuch dealings for U.S. entities es administration conand individuals. cerns that the sanctions The sanctions amendment was could backfire, driving up wrapped into the $662 billion oil prices and alienating Defense Authorization Act, a Gas and oil fields near Ahwaz, Khuzestan province, Iran, nations that Obama sees as comprehensive mechanism that April 2008. New sanctions approved by the U.S. Congress key to isolating Iran. authorizes defense spending and target third parties who deal with Iran's energy sector.

State Department helps shape policy. The act was Credit: Patrick C, via Creative Commons spokesperson Victoria approved last week by the U.S. House of Representatives and Nuland said the sanctions amendment’s new language was the Senate, and is almost certain to be signed into law by the undergoing close review by administration officials. president.

“We are at the stage of looking hard at how one might Weeks of tense negotiations between the Obama adminis- implement this in a way that ensures that the goals that the tration and Congress preceded the adoption of final lan- administration and the Congress share, which are to maxiguage for the Iran sanctions. In House-Senate conference, mize the pressure on the government of Iran, are implenegotiators modified language to address administration mented in a manner that affects Iran but also protects the concerns that the tough language would inhibit its ability to legitimate interests of America’s friends and allies around the influence other countries to ratchet up Iran’s isolation and world,” she told reporters at the daily briefing on Dec. 15. instead could backfire.

Note: the article was edited for length.

December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 11

A life rich in family, serving country and community

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator He defended America in two wars, worked for a car dealership, started two other businesses, was married for 62 years, belonged to Beth El Synagogue and Temple Israel, and served as a volunteer. A lifelong Omahan, Kevee Kirshenbaum, the son of Meyer and Dora Kirshenbaum, was born in 1923 when his family lived at 1515 North 25th Street, “right next to Adas Yeshuron Synagogue” which is now a church,” he said.

“We had no money, but I never knew it,” recalled Kirshenbaum, whose life mirrors many others of his generation. He delivered newspapers and worked in packing houses when he was young. When he was ten, his family of six, moved to 3125 Lafayette Street, and he attended Franklin Grade School and Central High School. After graduating in 1941, he went to the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.

In a nation shocked into patriotic nationalism by the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, Kirshenbaum joined the Navy in 1942 before he could complete his college degree. After being sent to Colorado College, the Navy moved him to Plattsburgh, New York, for midshipman’s school, and he earned his commission as an ensign.

Then he was sent to Florida for small craft training and later to Tacoma, Washington, to board a minesweeper. “Our first mission was a secret,” he explained. The ship was sent to Cold Bay, Alaska, to work with the Russians to teach them to mine sweep so Japan could be invaded from the north.

After that mission from 1944 to 1945, Kirshenbaum continued his tour of the Far East in the Philippines on board another minesweeper. At 22, he was promoted to captain of his own minesweeper in Shanghai.

“I came home in June 1946 and went back to Lincoln and got my degree in business,” When he was a senior at UNL, he met Myrna Samuelson, a freshman. They married in April 1949 in Denver, Myrna’s hometown. But they made their own first home in Omaha where Kevee went to work for Phil Gerelick Motors, a Ford dealership.

However, a year and a half later, the Navy called Kirshenbaum back and sent him to Japan. He found himself back on a minesweeper as a lieutenant junior grade as the Korean War fumed. He got his own command and was promoted to full lieutenant. Transferred to Korea, he was away

Kevee and Myrna Kirshenbaum were married 62 years. from Myrna, who stayed with her parents in Denver, for two years.

Finally, in 1952, the Kirshenbaums came home to Omaha to stay. “A friend from Sioux City talked me into going into the gasoline business,” he continued. Dividend Bonded Gas had seven stations in Omaha and two in Lincoln. “We stayed in business for 30 years and then sold it.”

Kirshenbaum started another business, One Hour Photo, in 1980.

“We had the first ones between Chicago and California (except for one in South Dakota),” he pointed out. His business partners were the same ones with him in the gasoline business. They kept the photo stores until 1982 when Amoco approached and asked Kirshenbaum to start a selfservice gas station-convenience store. They were located at 72nd and Dodge, 84th and Fredrick, 120th and Blondo, and 160th and Center. In 2000, “I sold my share of Amoco and the photo business,” he said.

Myrna, in the meantime, stayed home to raise the Kirshenbaums’ son Jim and daughter Kathy, while “helping out at the photo shop.”

Jim went to Harvard and is now a cardiologist, and Kathy,

a Northwestern University graduate, is a psychotherapist.

They both live in Boston and have blessed their parents with six grandchildren, now between 14 and 30 years old. “One grandson just got married,” Kevee added. He attended the wedding in New York’s Catskill Mountains. The others are attending or have attended Yale University, Columbia University, Occidental College, and two are in high school.

Myrna was afflicted with Parkinson’s disease in her final years. Kevee had to move her to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home “where they took real, real, real good care of her.” She died about five months ago.

Kevee found time during his career to serve on the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center Boards of Directors. He’s also been on the Blumkin Home Board “about four times. I’ve been on every board they have!” he noted. “I’ve also been very active at the (Nebraska) Jewish Historical Society.” He still sits on the Board of the Livingston Apartments which he also served as president.

Kevee’s mother lived there about 8 years. He’s been a member of B’nai B’rith for more than 50 years, was a member of Beth El Synagogue for 30 years, and has been at Temple Israel since 1976. He was a member of the Temple Israel Dues Equalization Committee for about ten years. A volunteer for SCORE (formerly the Service Core of Retired Executives) for ten years, Kirshenbaum provided free mentoring services to business entrepreneurs.

He commented on how much he enjoys his relationship with Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. One year, in fact, his bid at the Omaha Temple Youth Group Spaghetti Dinner won him a lullaby. “Rabbi Azriel and Elyce (Azriel) came to sing. I wore pajamas and had a baby doll!” he laughed recalling the memory. He has also contributed to the new building’s fund raising effort to build a new synagogue “for the new generations.”

“Up until this year, I played golf,” said Kevee, who broke his hip in a fall two years ago. “I’ve had season tickets to Nebraska football games since 1962. I’m going to give them to my two nephews next year.” He mentioned how kind and helpful his nephews, Matt and Adam Kirshenbaum, who live in Omaha, have been to him.

“In my spare time, I have lunch with a group of guys at the Bagel Bin every Monday. I’m the youngest guy there.” He also meets with “ten to 12 guys every Friday at the Pancake Continued on page 12

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

Family Reunion: My great-great-grandfather was a revered Chasidic rebbe

by MENACHEM KAISER (Tablet Magazine) -- Last May I traveled to Mako, Hungary, for the yahrzeit of my great-great-grandfather. I’m referring to my mother’s father’s father’s father, Reb Moshe Vorhand, aka the Makove Rav, a minor-league but wellrespected Chasidic rebbe, who died in 1943.

It’s difficult to say exactly why I went. While I’m proud of the lineage, it’s mostly a harmless point of family trivia. I find even my immediate family’s mainstream brand of Orthodoxy foreign to me, never mind my extended family’s extreme observance. But my mother, who is always (but lovingly) on my religious case, has recently begun to invoke the Makove Rav in remarking upon my relative non-observance.

I am, she tells me, letting him down. These exhortations are hard to take seriously. Who is this rabbi, and why should I care? Does it matter that I’m his descendant? When my mother offered to pay for a trip to Hungary, I agreed to go, if only to understand what I’m supposed to feel guilty about.

Mako is in Hungary’s southeast corner, close to the Romanian border. It’s known, if at all, for its onions and as the birthplace of Joseph Pulitzer. I arrived on a Friday from Budapest, via a train and two buses, and stood clueless in the town square until I spotted a Chasid, whom I followed.

Only a block away, just past the refurbished synagogue, was an off-white, no-nonsense-looking building. Chasidim were scattered about, walking in little circles, talking on cell phones and smoking in the small parking lot, where a banner overhead referred to my forebear, in Yiddish, as “a great tzaddik”. the miracle-worker of his generation.” The building was a Chasidic hostel. About 10 years ago, Reb Mechel had bought and thoroughly renovated a former egg factory so it could comfortably accommodate those making the annual pilgrimage to Mako.

The men who arrived for the weekend (and a handful of their accompanying wives) were from all over -- Austria, Israel, England, Belgium, New York, Los Angeles, Toronto - so the lingua franca was Yiddish. For me that meant halting conversation. My pronunciation is hopeless. Many of the other attendees were related to me, though I couldn’t keep straight exactly how, and everybody I met wanted to know what I was doing there. I’d quickly mention my connection to the Makove Rav -- aside from Reb Mechel, who’s a generation closer and has no mothers in the way of his connection to him, I had the most direct line, which garnered me instant credibility, even celebrity. People called me der zun! or der ainekel! and when they did I suddenly felt very underdressed. At least I’d had the foresight to bring a white shirt.

The yahrzeit proper, when we were to visit the gravesite, was on Sunday, so Shabbat should have been a gentle spiritual warm-up. Except that the current and very much living Makove Rav was also in Mako. Background, quickly: When my great-great-grandfather died in 1943, the vacant rebbe position went to his son-in-law, because his son could not travel from Nitra, in modern-day Slovakia, to Mako to take

up the post. The current rebbe is that son-in-law’s son -- my first cousin twice-removed, if I calculate correctly -- and he lives in Kiryat Ata, Israel, near Haifa, and has hundreds of followers in his congregation there. This rebbe set the tone for the entire weekend. Our meals, in particular, were rebbedictated. We sang when he sang, we ate when he ate, and we hushed when he held forth.

Orthodox synagogue in Mako, Hungary Toward the end of the Friday night meal, the rebbe, in shirtsleeves and woolen tzitzit, poured two beers and motioned that I take one. He raised his cup and, after briefly inquiring about my life, delivered a 10-minute blessing. This was awkward. He spoke to me, and only me, about repentance and renewal, about the constant opportunity to start fresh, to not be weighed down by sin. He told me that my ancestors are ready and willing to help me redeem myself. I didn’t catch everything he said, but I got the general drift.

Eventually, the rebbe left, and things relaxed. One Chasid passed around solvent-grade schnapps. I asked for stories of the (original) Rav, of which there are many, almost all implausible, like how he assured the Mako community that they would survive the war. (Or, as a less-audacious variant has it, that they’d be OK as long as he was alive.) And how the cars holding Makovians got detached from an Auschwitz-bound train. Twice. I understand these as myths, not stories; in their retellings, these ever more fantastical legends overtake and obscure the personality they’re meant to valorize. They transform a real, multifaceted person into a one-dimensional miracle-worker, which makes it that much harder to gain any realistic understanding of who my great-great-grandfather was. For the Chasids I met in Mako, the stories may be less important than the story-telling.

Maybe this is how they ascribe greatness to their rebbe. And maybe that is how I’m supposed to know my great-greatgrandfather -- as someone about whom people tell miracle stories.

On Sunday morning, we headed to the gravesite, in a

cemetery outside the city that was difficult to get to. Its inaccessibility is a preservative -- there were no signs of destruction. The Rav’s grave, along with that of his wife, is in a humble mausoleum. Weak daylight snuck in through the windows, barely supplementing the dozens of candles clustered on top of the tomb. A few people were reading the Rebbe’s writings (collected, edited, and published posthumously by Reb Mechel). The current rebbe was writing names on slips of paper -- names of those who required prayers for healing or livelihood or some other blessing -- that he would then place on top of the tomb. There was an ongoing, unorganized effort to recite the Tehillim, the Psalms. I hadn’t brought a prayerbook of my own and know maybe one psalm by heart, which I started repeating. Then I stood idly for a while, feeling conspicuous and useless, until an old woman approached me. I don’t know who she was, but she knew my name. She carried a yellowed Tehillim, full of loose and uneven pages that looked like they might crack. She opened the book and showed me what was inscribed: “From the library of Moshe Vorhand.”

I prayed from my great-great-grandfather’s Psalms, and for a brief moment I felt what everyone else had been feeling the entire time. For a brief moment I understood -- even if I can’t fully articulate -- why veneration traverses generations, why family is something to take pride in, why it matters that my great-great grandfather was a rebbe.

Menachem Kaiser is a writer living in Brooklyn. This article originally appeared on Tablet Magazine, tabletmag.com.

Kevee Kirshenbaum Continued from page 11 House, and on Wednesday, I go to B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers. I leave Tuesday and Thursday open. I’ve been making my own meals for the last three years at home -- as long as the microwave works,” he smiled.

Despite the fall and the use of a cane, he likes to travel.

“I went to New Jersey for a nephew’s Bar Mitzvah, and then a month later, my grandson’s wedding. I went to Long Island to Myrna’s cousin’s wedding -- I know she’d want me to go -- and I went to Palm Beach, Florida, for a week’s vacation. I went to Boston for Thanksgiving, and I’m planning to go to Palm Springs to visit my brother.”

His injury doesn’t hold him back from exercising either. “I joined the JCC when it first opened, and although he doesn’t “work out” as strenuously as he once did, “I still walk and stretch.”

“I’ve had a wonderful life,” Kirshenbaum proclaimed.

“I’m satisfied and have no regrets. I wouldn’t change anything.” He offered a little advice: “Do your own thing. Be happy at what you’re doing. Get married and have a great life!”

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 13

How to avoid elder financial abuse

by RUSS KAPLAN Russ Kaplan Investments, Inc. For a long time I have been aware that the investment business has some unsavory characters. You hear or read about it repeatedly in the news. Sadly, I am stunned to see how prevalent financial abuse is among the elderly.

According to research done by Investor Protection Trust, 20% of elderly investors have been taken advantage of in the areas of being charged hidden excessive fees, encouraged to make inappropriate investments, or just plain defrauded. MetLife estimates that elderly financial abuse resulted in losses of $2.9 billion in 2010.

I believe that your best defense against this type of abuse is some financial education. One of the best places to get a good financial education is by attending our monthly luncheon and investment discussion groups. We always post the dates on the Russ Kaplan Investments

Facebook Page. We also are happy to meet with you individually if you have any questions, free of charge, no hidden fees here.

Probably the most important step is to know up front what your particular investment is going to cost in the way of additional fees attached to your actual investment purchases.

In the brokerage business, different financial products pay different fees. For some of those unsavory financial advisors, it is an invitation to sell you whatever product pays THEM the best commission, regardless of how inappropriate it is for you. In contrast, at Russ Kaplan Investments you will know your fees upfront; and we only charge a percent of assets we have under our management. It boils down to the fact that the better YOU do, the better we do.

Remember the old saying on Wall Street: if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Bringing innovation to retirement living in Omaha

by CONNIE CHISHOLM Corporate Marketing Assistant, Home Office Pacific Springs Village has always been committed to being a community where you can create a retirement lifestyle that’s uniquely your own. Now we’re getting ready to take our commitment to a new level with an innovative expansion at our community.

When we set out to expand, the first thing we did was to listen. We wanted to know all the things that matter most to you. Then we involved top designers and senior living experts to bring those ideas to life.

The expansion will include a multitude of new amenities—from multiple dining and entertainment venues to a wellness center and lifelong learning programs. These, of course, will be added to the many existing amenities already on campus like our restaurant, library, barbershop and beauty salon.

The expansion at Pacific Springs Village will also allow us to create a continuum in residential choices that includes Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Support, as well as an increased focus on wellness and holistic living, including spiritual and nutritional support.

Resources like our AgeWell Center help to promote this idea of overall wellness.

Specifically designed for adults 55 and older, the AgeWell Center offer a wide variety of activities, including yoga, tai chi and massage therapy. Our AgeWell Center staff are senior fitness experts, all with backgrounds in exercise science and work one-on-one with our members to create personalized wellness programs.

To discover more about Pacific Springs Village and our upcoming expansion, please call 402.829.5626 or visit us at www.pacific springsvillage.com.

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Retirement Plan Insurance?

by ROB RANDELS Wealth Management Advisor In today’s volatile securities markets people are faced with a double-edged sword. People want their money to grow and provide a hedge against inflation. The wild swings in the markets make everyone hesitant to take on risk in their portfolios. On the other hand, we all enjoy the safety of guaranteed interest accounts or money markets, however, low interest rates make progress difficult. In the past, statistically speaking, most people required 7 years of retirement savings. Today, with advances in medical procedures and medications people are living longer and longer.

If an individual works until 65 today, they may easily live until age 90 or longer. Based upon 20 or more years of retirement savings needed, there is a much more significant need for retirement savings and retirement protection on those dollars.

One of the most common nest egg risks is the failure to consider long term care needs. A common risk is thought to be loss of principle, but often more devastating are health care and long term care costs. The average cost of care in Nebraska is near $200/day or $6,000/mo.

This is where long term care insurance is critical in protecting retirement assets to be sure you do not run out of money. A second common desire is to pass assets to children.

I cannot stress enough the importance of having “retirement plan insurance” which is long term care insurance to protect both your financial and emotional well-being.

For business owners, depending on business structure and age, there are many tax incentives that can provide additional advantages. It is important to work with an experienced professional that has both a CFP® and CLTC designation to properly secure this protection.

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14 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

Response to Cohen’s Computer Club has been strong this year

by DAVID M. COHEN, PH.D. President, Cohen’s Computer Club Cohen’s Computer Club is a “concierge” service, providing training on Apple (Mac’s) or Windows-based computers at your home or office, using YOUR computer. Most students want to learn just a few things (such as using email or Facebook) which requires only 1 or 2 hour-long lessons. Lessons are tailored to the individual. Since I started Cohen’s Computer Club in June, 2010, I have had many different students, including an energetic lady in her 90’s who is into email and Facebook. This showed me that chronological age is less important than the interest and desire to learn and master new technologies. One of my favorite moments occurred when a student of mine (a lady in her 80’s living in an assisted living setting), said “The computer opens up a whole new world for me!” Imagine adding to the enjoyment (“quality of life”) of a mature woman, already a grandmother many times over. Another memorable moment was watching another student call her grandson on Skype and speak to him as he returned to his dormitory room from late-night carousing in

Madrid, Spain (semester abroad)! When you have experienced long distance visually augmented phone calls (with Skype or similar programs) you can perceive the truth in the slogan “reach out and touch someone” -- the feeling that you are in the actual presence of your loved one during the phone call. Moreover, using Skype does not cost any money (assuming that you already have paid for a computer and an internet connection!).

Cohen’s Computer Club has blossomed into a resource for all people interested in expanding their knowledge and skill in navigating the world of personal computers. We have had many clients who are retired but still active in their homes as well as others who benefit from lessons using their computer at work.

The latest additions to our client list are small businesses, who use our 1-to-1 training methods to augment the computer skills of newly hired employees and to refresh the skills of more senior employees.

More information can be found by telephoning our office (402.637.3935) or by visiting our website: www.CohensCom puterClub.com.

Care Consultants for the Aging celebrates 20 years

by MELISSA WHITTLE Omaha Branch Manager, Care Consultants for the Aging It is with great pride that Care Consultants for the Aging celebrates its twentieth anniversary. Care Consultants is unique in that it was founded by two women, caregivers themselves, who recognized a need in their community. Like many people in their situation, they knew they needed assistance but did not know where to find it. These two women, Virginia Williams and Rose Ann Opperman, put their hearts and souls into the ElderCare Resource Handbook, a listing of services for seniors in the community. A wealth of information became accessible, both to professionals and to the public, and the Handbook has been added to and updated every two years since.

While researching for the Handbook, another overwhelming need became apparent. People kept asking how to balance independence with the care they needed in order to be safe and healthy in their homes. Thus, Virginia and Rose Ann created the

Caregiver Referral Registry.

Care Consultants screens and schedules caregivers who work directly for their clients. Clients can decide on the type of care, the amount of care and the caregiver themselves but still have the peace of mind knowing that the caregivers are experienced and have been thoroughly screened. Care Consultants can schedule assistance anywhere from 1 hour to 24 hours a day and care is flexible to change as needs do. Caregivers can offer everything from companionship and light housekeeping to more personal cares such as bathing, dressing, toileting, walking assistance and medication reminders. Often, the registry will be used to support hospice care or offer respite to a family member needing a break.

Care Consultants for the Aging opened in Omaha in 1991, in Lincoln in 1998 and in Des Moines in 2008. Since that time, they have referred caregivers to thousands of clients and helped them to maintain independent lifestyles in their homes.

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 15

January

FOR A LIMITED TIME!

nal o i t sa

n e

Community Calendar FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23 Beth El Brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbos Hanukkah Lunch at Beth Israel, 12:30 p.m.

5th Annual Hanukkah Carnival, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel YAC - What’s a Jew to do on Dec. 24?, 7 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 No BESTT Classes PreK-7 at Beth El Men’s Club Congregational Hanukkah Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, DECEMBER 26 No Monday Moadon, Grades 2-7 at Beth El TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27 Eye on Israel with Dr. Matalon, noon Annual Freedom Menorah Parade, 4:30 p.m. at Chabad Star Deli Dinner, 5:30 p.m. at Blumkin Home BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28 Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m.

No BESTT Classes (Grades 2-8) at Beth El Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Lomir Redn Yiddish, 1 p.m.

Life after Death with Dr. Matalon, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, DECEMBER 31 Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 1, 2012 JCC Closed No BESTT Classes PreK-7 at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 2 No Monday Moadon, Grades 2-7 at Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 Community Decathlon: Dodgeball, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANAURY 4 Marian High School Viewing Schindler’s List, 11:30 a.m.

Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m.

No BESTT Classes (Grades 2-8) at Beth El JFO Executive Meeting, 6:30 p.m.

Community Decathlon: Trivia Night, 6:30 p.m.

NO Beth El BESTT 8th Grade Class Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education Class with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El Common Sense/ADL Training, 3:30 p.m.

Community Decathlon: Ping Pong, 6:30 p.m.

BILU USY College Reunion, 1 p.m. at Bagel Bin BILU USY Lounge Night, 7 p.m. at Beth El Life after Death with Dr. Matalon, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, JANUARY 6 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Synagogue Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat! & Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 7 Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El PTO Movie Night, 6:30 p.m. at Friedel

SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 BESTT Classes grades K-7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Sunday Scholar’s Series, 11 a.m. at Beth El Pizza & Parasha with Cantor Beth, 12:30 p.m. at Bagel Bin BESTT Chaverim Board Meeting, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Omaha Youth Foundation Meeting, 1 p.m.

Community Decathlon: Volleyball, 2 p.m.

BESTT Chaverim Goes to Bounce U, 3:30 p.m.

Kadima Nerf Wars and Games, 4 p.m. at Beth El Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 9 Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Community Decathlon: Game Night, 6:30 p.m.

Lets Wine About It! with Cantor Beth, 6:30 p.m. at Fox and Hound, 120th & Dodge CJE Introduction to Judaism, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 Rabbis & Presidents Committee Meeting, noon Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m.

BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m.

Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at RBJH Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Community Decathlon: Wii Rock Band, 6:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH Let’s Do Lunch with Rabbi Levin, noon at RBJH Star Deli SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 Israel Advocacy Shabbat with AIPAC, Callyn Weintraub at Beth Israel No Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7) at Beth El Simchat Shabbat & Cafe Schmooze, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Veshinantam, 5 p.m. at Beth Israel BILU USY Lock - In, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 15 BESTT Classes grades K-7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education Classes, 10 a.m. at Beth El Community Decathlon: Basketball, 2 p.m.

MTAGroup Auditions, 3 p.m. for Music Man, Jr Beth El Patron Dessert Reception, 7:30 p.m. at Patty & Steve Nogg’s home MONDAY, JANUARY 16 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day JSS Mainstreeters Sack Lunch and Movie The Help, 12:30 p.m.

BESTT Chaverim Goes to Bounce U, 3:30 p.m.

No Monday Moadon, Grades 2-7 at Beth El Community Decathlon: Synagogue Feud, 6:30 p.m.

CJE Introduction to Judaism, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 B’nai B’rith Board Meeting, 11:45 a.m.

Friedel Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m.

BBYO & JFS Teen Program, 6 p.m.

Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel BESTT School Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 B’nai B’rith Breadbreakers, noon Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m.

BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m.

BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at RBJH Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Dorothy Kaplan Book Discussion Group, 1 p.m.

Young Leadership Alumni Event, 6:30 p.m.

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 20 Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH USY Kabbalat Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m.

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 21 Junior Congregation (Grades 2-7), 10 a.m. at Beth El Beth El’s Havdalah Under the Stars, 6:30 p.m. at UNO Kountze Planetarium

8420 West Dodge Rd, Ste 113 Omaha, NE 68114 Office: 402-991-5153 Cell: 402-578-0008 Fax: 402-884-7386

SUNDAY, JANUARY 22 BESTT Classes grades K-7, 9:45 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education Classes, 10 a.m. at Beth El Retirement Reception for Jan Goldstein, 1 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 23 Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El JFO Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m.

CJE Introduction to Judaism, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JFO Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 25 ADL Play The Secret Life of Girls Performance, 10 a.m.

Scholars Club for 4th, 5th & 6th Graders, 4 p.m.

BESTT Classes, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Omaha Jewish Chai School, 6:30 p.m.

BESTT 8th Grade Class, 6:45 p.m. at RBJH Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 26 ADL Play The Secret Life of Girls Performances, 9 a.m.

Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Women’s Rosh Hodesh Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 27 ADL Play The Secret Life of Girls Performance, 10 a.m.

Star Deli, 11:30 a.m. at RBJH SATURDAY, JANUARY 28 Family Service, 10 a.m. at Beth El Monthly Shabbat Morning Class with Rabbi Mizrahi, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Shabbat’s Cool grades Pre-K-7, 10 a.m. at Beth El Mini Shabbaton for grades 2-5 Shabbat’s Cool, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Jewish Federation Super Sunday, 9 a.m.

No BESTT Classes PreK-7 at Beth El Weekly Torah Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El ADL Play The Secret Life of Girls Performances, noon Beth El Celebrates TuB’Shevat, 1:30 p.m. at Lauritzen Gardens MONDAY, JANUARY 30 Monday Moadon - Grades 2-7, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Israeli Cooking Classes led by Na’ama Keren, 7 p.m. at Beth El Teens 4 Israel Latte & Learning, 7:30 p.m.

Starbucks, 114th & Dodge CJE Introduction to Judaism, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 31 BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel

All events held at the Jewish Community Center unless otherwise noted. This calendar does not include all community events. For a complete listing, visit the Federation’s website: www.jewishomaha.org (click on calendar). To keep calendar accurate, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events.

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16 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

Point of view

American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

Nebraska Press National Newspaper Association Association Award winner 2008

Barnum and Bailey

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press Presidential primaries are wonderful and interesting things. They are like an anthropological study into what makes our society tick, even if it takes a while to make sense of what we see and hear on the news. The politicians, pundits, late-night comedians and journalists all talk a lot, but are any of them saying anything worthwhile?

Let’s see what we’ve learned lately: how many times can you (allegedly) cheat on your wife before you become unelectable? How often can you fumble during a debate? Why is changing your mind about important issues viewed as a negative mark on your campaign? And what does it really say about us when we spend more time discussing the latest flipflop, rather than discussing the actual issues?

The world of U.S. politics is a three-ring circus on a normal day, but this year it seems worse than ever. Are candidates electable because of what they stand for, or in spite of?

And by the way, what do they stand for? Does anyone really know? In return, do the candidates themselves, or their advisors, know what the public actually wants? How could they?

And yes, I realize that’s an excessive amount of question marks. Sorry about that.

I’d love to be a fly on the wall during these campaigns.

Figuring out how to survive the latest faux pas or trying to make sense of the most recent polls must be a mind-blowing experience. Of course, there’s only one true question on everyone’s mind: how to crack the code and win the election.

There must be some secret formula: do this, say that, and you’ll get that coveted seat, whether it’s on the local city council or all the way in the White House.

Enter the University of Haifa. Students recently solved one part of the puzzle: how to get more face time on television.

Without doing something very bad, that is (we already know having an affair or saying something rude will do the trick; it’d be nice to figure out how to accomplish this the polite way).

Researchers asked 463 students to rank the attractiveness of the 120th US Congress, based on official photographs that

are posted on government websites. Presidential candidates, the speaker of the House, and majority and minority leaders were unfortunately excluded from the study.

“After controlling for seniority, political standing, electoral vulnerability, ideology, legislative activity and communications efforts, gender and race, among other variables, the study found that physical attractiveness was the third strongest predictor of television coverage, increasing overall coverage by 11.6 percent.” (JTA) First of all, I’m a little insulted on behalf of the US that the researchers felt it necessary to pick on American politicians for this study. At the same time, I’m not surprised at all. Of course you get more TV time in America when you’re handsome.

That way, even when they say horrible things, at least the public has something moderately pleasant to look at. Getting bad news from an unattractive Senator is much less fun.

I’m being facetious (don’t write in), and I’m only sort of sorry. There is a reason I’m bringing this up. Those professors and students in Haifa aren’t crazy for doing this type of research; they know as well as we do that how we rate our politicians often has little to do with actual issues. Sure, sometime we talk about taxes, or the wars abroad, but we spend just as much time discussing Newt’s marriages and Romney’s hair. At the end of the day, we are all so distracted; we barely remember what each candidate actually stands for.

Handsome politicians get attention, sure; I believe it. But I think scandalous politicians get equal billing. What we are really talking about here is not just looks; it’s overall entertainment value.

That is not okay. It is unacceptable that I can tell you Newt is on his third marriage, but that I have no idea why he wants to defund Planned Parenthood. It is not okay that I know about that credit

line at Tiffany’s, but even after reading his own words can’t explain his position on Libya. I can make a guess, but I really shouldn’t. Similar things can be said about most politicians who make the news: in watching the political song and dance, we don’t always come away with valuable knowledge about what causes these people believe in and what they stand for.

We (the media, the public) pay attention to the wrong things. Our priorities are very, very mixed up. We in the media want to give people what they want- and we think they want to look at entertaining people. But we need to pay at least equal attention to what’s really important. Talking about taxes, military spending, interest rates and civil liberties isn’t always as sexy as Anthony Weiner’s embarrassing tweets or Sarah Palin’s most recent reality show, but it is high time we all start paying attention to what really matters. 2012 is an election year: let’s, at least part of the time, act like that actually means something.

“Rabbi, Matisyahu shaved off his beard! Should I shave off mine?”

Focus on issues SIMCHA WEINSTEIN NEW YORK (JTA) -- As if the Jewish world doesn’t have enough problems with Iran on the brink of starting a nuclear war and the radical Muslim Brotherhood making gains in Egypt’s phased elections.

This week we were rocked by another close shave with disaster: “Chasidic reggae superstar” Matisyahu got rid of his facial hair!

Full disclosure: Matis is a friend and I’m a fan. However, I always feared the label “Chassidic reggae superstar” was a heavy burden for someone who became so “frum so fast.” It seems that the beard became a symbol of that burden to Matis, and he felt he had to do something drastic to free himself from other people’s expectations and demands.

I can’t begin to imagine the pressure of being the most famous bearded Jew on the planet. People in Japan may not know who the chief rabbi of Israel is, but you’d better believe they know Matisyahu -- especially if they’ve seen him live in concert.

I’ll admit that I’m taking Matisyahu’s decision to go clean shaven a bit personally. Having such a prominent Jewish celebrity embrace the beautiful dictum of letting the hair on the face grow made me look cool, too, and allowed me to relate better to my students. (At least that’s what I told myself.)

But herein lies the root (pun intended) of the problem. I for one am guilty at times of using his success to encourage other

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young people to become more involved in their faith. My intentions were always pure, but there is always a danger that we’ll mix up the message with the messenger.

In a world where pop culture is so ubiquitous and real life can feel sometimes like a struggle, we can start to live vicariously through celebrities, making them into idols.

I received a call from a young man distraught that his musical and spiritual hero Matisyahu had shaved off his beard. The young man actually asked me if he should follow suit. I gently told him he needed to learn more Torah and then decide, adding that I’d be happy to learn Matisyahu, sans famous beard, Dec. Photo via Twitter along with him. Yet 13, 2011. the truth is, anyone who grows a beard because a “Chasidic reggae superstar” has one probably wasn’t mature enough to grow one in the first place even if they were able.

We place too much of our own hopes and dreams into the hands of Jewish celebrities. Take the sporting arena: What happens when your favorite kosher-eating, kipah-wearing “Chasidic celebrity boxer’ loses a bout? Do you suddenly

stop wearing a kipah and keeping Shabbat?

I’m certainly not an A-list star in the constellation of “Chasidic celebrities.” I’m probably a D-lister (on a good day). One of my best-selling books is about the Jewish influences on the creation of classic comic book superheroes.

Over the years I’ve received numerous e-mails from overly enthusiastic readers eager to share their “deep” theories about the “spirituality of Superman” and such. It’s flattering, but also disconcerting. I wanted the book to inspire readers to go on to further explore Jewish philosophy, not obsess about comic books. I’ve started writing back, “I think it’s time to turn off the laptop...”

I’m grateful for celebrities who choose to observe Jewish tradition in the public eye. We can salute them and admire them, as long as we never forget that they are people, not prophets. To treat them otherwise is unfair to them and us.

In the wise words of Monty Python, Matisyhau is “not the Messiah.”

It’s going to be a cold winter, especially if you don’t have a lush beard anymore to warm you. Let’s let the lights of the Chanukah candles warm our faces -- bearded or not -- and look up to a real hero: Matisyahu the Maccabee.

In the meantime, like facial hair on a beardless face, “we all have room to grow.”

Rabbi Simcha Weinstein is a best-selling author who recently was voted “New York’s Hippest Rabbi” by PBS-Ch. 13. His forthcoming book on demography is titled The Case for Having Kids: Why parenthood makes you (and your world) healthy, wealthy and wise.

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December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 17

Are the chosen people becoming the choosy people?

Behind the headlines MARK W. ZALKIN Many synagogues across the USA have experienced either flat membership numbers, or are seeing a significant decline. This often leaves buildings underutilized, with many empty seats. While some congregations appear to be standing still, others have merged, closed, or consolidated into shared facilities. Much of this decline has been evident for years, but it has accelerated by recent demographic, sociological and economic forces. Funding and donations have declined, lines of credit have been used up, and many members are unable to pay dues needed to support overhead costs, staff salaries, and maintenance.

The above forces, while certainly real, have also served to mask a more significant reason for this ongoing problem.

There are many well-educated, young, committed Jews seeking a Jewish experience that speaks to who they are today – independent and engaged in the secular world. They also seek something spiritual, and want to be connected to the Jewish community. They seek relevance and meaningful self-expression, with extremely different expectations than we have seen in the recent past.

More and more American Jews are indifferent to denominational labels. A new generation is leaving the established community behind. The number of younger Jews aged 2544 is shrinking, while intermarriage is increasing. The hard truth is: many younger Jews are not interested in engaging in and connecting in the same way their parents did.

There are many alternative forms in which Jews nowadays connect, such as the post denominational or no label Minyanim. Hundreds of alternative, from all clergy, to parttime clergy, to all volunteer-run organizations have sprouted throughout the country. These groups have attracted some of the most committed non-orthodox Jews of Generations X and Y. Many of its members have benefited

from day school educations, Hillel, and a variety of Israel centered programs.

Another example is Kiruv (outreach). One Denver organization, Judaism Your Way, has been finding innovative ways to embrace Jews and their loved ones since 2004. Their website states: “With over 70 percent of Denver marriages involving a Jew resulting in intermarriage, JYW helps interfaith and GLBT individuals, couples, and families celebrate their weddings, B’nai Mitzvah and baby namings in ways that are at the same time deeply inclusive and powerfully Jewish.”

Over 150 people attended their 2010 Passover Seder, and over 900 people came to their 2010 High Holiday services.

The move to re-engage and connect Jews to Judaism is not limited to liberal focused groups. Chabad, the Aish HaTorah Movement and the Jewish Learning Experience are just some examples of more orthodox leaning organizations that have had great success in reuniting Jews with their rich heritage.

In 2010, hundreds of people attended High Holiday services at the Levis JCC in Boca Raton, Florida. The controversial decision ignited a war in Broward County where only 12 % of the estimated 120,000 Jews are affiliated with a synagogue.

New York’s Jewish Week in its September 10, 2010 issue stated: “The turf battle in Boca is the leading edge of a trend that is likely to play out all over the country in the coming years.”

A Miami JCC attracted over 1000 people at High Holiday services with tickets distributed by the Miami Jewish federation, and assistance from two Conservative synagogues. In New York City, the 92nd Street Y offered High Holiday services in 2010.

In addition, innovative Jewish distance and online learning opportunities are all over the Internet. Also, book groups and Torah study through Kollels have seriously challenged some tepid, uninspired synagogue offerings.

When I am engaged by a synagogue to design and facilitate a board development session, I immediately request copies of 12-18 months of board minutes. These minutes give me a window into their decision-making processes. I

have observed that most synagogue boards focus primarily on financial problems, pleas for board attendance and support, and various fundraisers. Instead of discarding outdated operating and membership philosophies and policies from the 1950s, I see a picture of boards forging ahead with the motto “business as usual.” A common statement is: “If we only can attract 85 new member units this year, we can balance the budget and maintain the status quo.

Boards can start by changing the focus of their meetings.

Troubled synagogues rarely disappear overnight; just like human beings, they have life cycles. When in trouble, they experience slow, lingering deaths. The great news is, it’s not too late: the decline can be stopped and even reversed.

Ever wonder why some board meetings are just plain awful?

One answer can be found in the work of several Harvard researchers who have clearly defined three distinct modes of nonprofit board governance. First, there is Fiduciary Mode, in which the board exercises its legal responsibilities of oversight and stewardship. Second, there is Strategic Mode, in which the board makes major decisions about resources, programs, and services; and finally, Generative Mode, in which the board engages in deeper enquiry by exploring root causes, values, optional courses of direction and new ideas.

Challenged synagogues have an opportunity to re-engage Jews by becoming vibrant and relevant using a generative meeting mode, finding out what the current membership really wants, what the next generation wants, and having courageous conversations to meet everyone’s needs.

Mark W. Zalkin, M. Ed., MSW, is the owner of Zalkin Coaching and Training. He provides board development programs, board assessments, and professional coaching for Jewish communal organizations and other non-profits.

He also teaches leadership and management workshops in North America and Asia, and provides professional coaching services to a wide variety of clients.

Letter TO THE EDITOR

Rabbi who criticized Tebow says he’s sorry

by DANIEL TREIMAN Rabbi Joshua Hammerman’s essay critiquing football phenom and devout Christian Tim Tebow has elicited an outpouring of anger. (It also looks like it has disappeared from the website of The New York Jewish Week, which originally published the article.)

Now Hammerman has issued a statement apologizing: “This week I wrote an article for the Jewish Week in which I attempted to explore the phenomenon of Denver quarterback Tim Tebow to make broad points about society and extremism. I now realize that some of my statements had the reverse effect of what I had intended and for

this I deeply and sincerely apologize.

I have spent my entire career engaged in dialogue with people of all faiths while speaking out passionately against all forms of bigotry. I have the deepest respect for those who are committed to their faith, including Mr. Tebow. I realize the way in which I attempted to make my points was clumsy and inappropriate, inadvertently suggesting the kind of intolerance and extremism my article was intended to disparage. I sincerely apologize to Mr. Tebow, his family, the Broncos and Patriots and all those whom I may have offended.”

Note: this story was edited for length

When it comes to your hearing, who do you trust?

To the editor, I just wanted to tell everyone in this wonderful community who keeps kosher and is going to be hospitalized, or who is in a care facility other than the Rose Blumkin Home, that kosher food is available to them. I recently spent a week at Immanuel Hospital for knee replacement surgery and rehabilitation. The dietitians at Immanuel were wonderful when I told them in advance that I was concerned about keeping kosher while rehabilitating there. I had a different kosher entree for each meal, and everyone was so accomodating. I can't thank the staff at Immanuel and the people at Star Catering enough for all their assistance during my recovery process.

Lynne Saltzman

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18 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

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

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

FRIDAY: Beth El Brings Shabbat to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.; Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m.; Beth El’s Young Adult Committee, along with the Jewish Federation’s Young Jewish Omaha group, will host a Matzo Ball Bash, at 8:30 p.m., at The Phoenix, 120th and Blondo. For more information, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com; Sarah Edelstein, sarah.edel stein@gmail.com, or Rebecca Ruetsch-Finkelstein, finkelruetsch@cox.net.

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

SUNDAY: Congregational Hanukkah Dinner, 6 p.m. sponsored by Men’s Club.

BESTT: Winter break, Dec, 18–Jan. 4. Junior Congregation resumes on Jan. 7, and BESTT classes on Jan. 8.

TUESDAY: Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group meets at 7 p.m., at Beth El, to celebrate Hanukkah and friendship. All women in the Jewish community are invited, and attendees are encouraged to bring menorahs from home. RSVP to Julianne Herzog at 402.392.2309, or jmdherzog@aol.com.

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

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

TUESDAY: YAC Playgroup, 10:30 a.m., at Create, 2949 N. 204th St. For more information about playgroup, contact Caryn Scheer at carynscheer@yahoo.com.

SYNAGOGUES’ DECATHLON: Jan. 3-16, at the JCC. For more information, contact Margie in the office.

THURSDAY: Rabbi Levin’s What Do Jews Believe, noon.

No charge to attend.

TOT SHABBAT/SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: Friday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m. Dinner follows both programs at 6:30 p.m.

Cost: Beth El members, $5; non-members, $7.50. No charge for children ages six and younger. RSVP to Margie Gutnik in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

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

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:42 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Monthly Shabbat Morning class with Rabbi Mizrahi, 10 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; The Annual Shabbos Hanukkah Lunch with follow Kiddush (reservations required); The Laws of Shabbat, 2:30 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 2:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 3:30 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:47 p.m.; Fifth Annual Hanukkah Carnival, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. with Rabbi Gross. Contact the office for information

on how to call-in to the conference call.

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

WEDNESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders with Rabbi Mizrahi is on winter break; Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.

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

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:47 p.m.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting service begins at 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Mack, Bresel and Gurock families in honor of Sophia’s birthday; The Laws of Shabbat, 2:30 p.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Twitter Topic Class, 2:30 p.m.; Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 and up), 3:30 p.m.; Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:52 p.m.

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

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.

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

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

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

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

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

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.; Menorah Kindling and Shabbat Hanukkah Family Dinner, 4:30 p.m. Enjoy a festive meal and interactive games. Reserve by calling 402.330.1800 or email, chanukah@chabad.com.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon will follow. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9:30 a.m. New feature: Living Torah viewing.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY-THURSDAY: Camp Gan Israel Winter Camp, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

TUESDAY: Omaha’s Annual Menorah Freedom Parade leaves Chabad at 4:30 p.m. for an adventure ride and arrive at the JCC at 5:10 p.m. for an inter-generational menorah lighting ceremony and program.

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Camp Gan Israel Winter Camp, 9 a.m.3 p.m.; Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded.

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

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. followed by breakfast at 9:30 a.m. New feature: Living Torah viewing.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

All programs are open to the entire community.

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

FRIDAY: Hanukkah Dinner, 6:30 p.m. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for children ages 6-12 and free for children 5 and under; Family Shabbat Service, 7:15 p.m. Bring your own Hanukkiah with candles to light and Oneg and Hanukkah Fun at 8 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes

Candlelighting Friday, December 23, 4:42 p.m.

Friday, December 30, 4:47 p.m.

MONDAY: Temple office closed WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. with Oneg following hosted by Eleanor Kirkland.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. on Parashat Vayigash.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes MONDAY: Temple office closed WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

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

NEIGHBORHOOD PRAYER GROUP 1317 North 57 Street | Omaha, NE 68132 | 402.551.6609 FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:42 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Minyan, 4:47 p.m.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Beth El Members.

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

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg.

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

TEMPLE ISRAEL Union for Reform Judaism (URJ) 7023 Cass Street | Omaha, NE 68132-2651 | 402.556.6536 www.templeisrael-ne.org FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Linder and Cantor Shermet. A traditional Hanukkah dinner will follow services. Dinner reservations required.

SATURDAY: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Haftorah Reader: Miles Remer SUNDAY: No Religious School; Breakfast at the Stephen Center, 7:30 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: No Religious School, Family School or Grades 7&8.

FRIDAY, Dec. 30: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Shermet.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Torah Study, 9:15 a.m. Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Haftorah Reader: Miles Remer SUNDAY: No Religious School.

WEDNESDAY: No Religious School, Family School or Grades 7&8.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Hanukkah Candlelighting, 4:30 p.m. with appetizers; Erev Shabbat Services, 5:30-6:15 p.m.; Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Study Session on Pirkei Avot, 9:30 a.m.; Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by Kiddush luncheon.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes MONDAY: Temple office closed WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

FRIDAY, Dec 30: Shabbat Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY, Dec. 31: Morning service, 10 a.m. followed by a special Kiddush luncheon to celebrate the New Years, sponsored by Miriam Wallick.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes MONDAY: Temple office closed WEDNESDAY: No Hebrew classes.

ADL, Reform group rip Lowe’s for pulling ads from show on Muslims

by JTA News Staff WASHINGTON (JTA) -- The Anti-Defamation League and a Reform movement group have expressed concern with a decision by Lowe’s to pull its ads from a show that depicted Muslims in a positive light.

Abraham Foxman, the ADL’s national director, and Rabbi David Saperstein, director of the Reform movement’s Religious Action Center, both wrote to Robert Niblock, CEO of Lowe’s, about the decision to pull ads from The

Learning Channel show “All-American Muslim.”

Foxman said his group was “disappointed” by the decision to pull advertising “since it appears that they took this action in response to an appeal that was rooted in antiMuslim prejudice.”

A group called the Florida Family Association has led a campaign calling on advertisers to pull their ads from the show. The Florida group describes the show as “propaganda” hiding Islam’s “clear and present danger.”

Saperstein wrote to Niblock, “We are writing to urge you to clarify the rationale of your decision to pull your ad campaign, as your reported decision was vaguely based on ‘strong political and societal views on this topic.’ We hope you will make clear your commitment to religious liberty in the context of this matter by reconsidering your decision to pull advertising in the face of anti-Muslim sentiments and establish clear policies related to your advertising practices when issues of religious tolerance and liberties arise.”

Pulverente MONUMENT CO.

December 23, 2011 | The Jewish Press | 19

From Slave to Viceroy

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parsha Mikeitz Joseph, you will remember, through a series of strange events had become the Chief of the Guards. Rather than only a prisoner, in the prison in which Pharaoh kept those accused and convicted of crimes against the state.

Pharaoh had strange dreams which none of his official wise men could interpret. One of them remembered a young Hebrew lad in the prison who could interpret dreams. Pharaoh ordered that this young Hebrew prisoner should be brought to him.

They hurried Joseph out of prison, cleaned him up, dressed him appropriately so he could be presented before Pharaoh, and took him to the royal palace.

Joseph feared for his safety. But when he arrived, they took him to Pharaoh who set him at ease.

Pharaoh then related his dreams to Joseph. Joseph interpreted the dreams to say that there would be two years left of seven wonderful years of prosperity. He suggested to Pharaoh that an administrator should be appointed to save up all of the food available in storage facilities throughout the land. Most people did not believe there were years of drought coming quickly. But Pharaoh now appointed Joseph himself as administrator of food storage for the approaching years.

Joseph, now as “secretary of agriculture,” ordered that grains and other foods be stored in facilities throughout the land.

The drought began. The fields yielded no grain, and the trees yielded no fruit.

Quickly, there was starvation throughout the Mediterranean Basin. Joseph now began to dole out the stored food to people who otherwise would have starved to death.

They bought food for money, until all was exhausted, and Pharaoh had all the money in Egypt, and other lands as well.

People came and brought their livestock, and anything else they owned. Pharaoh thus became the owner of everything in Egypt.

Jerry Robinson, 89, comics artist and Joker creator, dies

by ALAN D. ABBEY Jerry Robinson, a major figure in the development of comic books and superheroes in the 20th century -including creating Batman’s arch-nemesis The Joker and sidekick Robin -- died Dec. 8 at 89.

“The streets of Gotham City are a little lonelier today,” said Mike Marts, editor of the Batman series at DC Comics, who called Robinson “a pioneer in storytelling.”

“Jerry brought a realism to comics - and a sense of humor,” said comics editor Charles Kochman, who published a book about Robinson last year. “He saw the value of comics as an art.”

Robinson was known for his early artwork and storytelling, as well as for books and museum exhibits on the history of comics. In 2004 he curated one of the first museum-level exhibitions of comics, The Superhero: The Golden Age of Comic Books 1939-1950, at the Breman Jewish Museum of Atlanta. Two years later he curated an expanded version of the exhibition, The Superhero: Good and Evil in American Comics, at The Jewish Museum in New York.

In an in-depth interview in 2007, Robinson spoke of the almost overwhelmingly Jewish background of early comic book artists, writers, editors and publishers.

“They did dominate the genre the first few years, as well as Jewish publishers,” he said. “My research indicated there were a number of reasons. And it happened in other disciplines with other ethnic groups, so it’s not that surprising.”

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Obama to Reform Jews: Don’t let anyone challenge my Israel bona fides

60 Years Experience With Jewish Lettering and Memorials

by RON KAMPEAS NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. (JTA) -- President Obama told a gathering of Reform Jewry not to let anyone challenge his record of support for Israel, which he said was “unprecedented.”

“No U.S. administration has done more in support of Israel’s security than ours -- none,” he said in an address last Friday afternoon to more than 5,000 people at the biennial conference of the Union for Reform Judaism. “Don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise. It is a fact.”

The crowd at a suburban Washington hotel gave the president a standing ovation.

“Even though it is a few hours early, I’d like to wish all of you Shabbat shalom,” Obama opened. “I want to give a shout-out, NFTY I understand is in the house,” he went on, earning a raucous cheer from the National Federation of Temple Youth.

After a brief d’var Torah -- “It never hurts to begin a speech by discussing the Torah portion,” Obama said -- the president listed several areas of close cooperation with Israel and the Jewish community, including missile defense and Iran sanctions. Of the sanctions, he said they were the “hardest hitting” ever. He repeated his pledge that he would take “no options” off the table when it comes to forcing Iran to back down from its suspected nuclear weapons program.

Obama peppered his speech with Jewish references, joking about his daughter Malia’s eagerness to attend bar and bat mitzvahs. His speech was based on the story of Joseph’s declaration “Hineni” -- “Here I am” -- to his father, Jacob.

To repeated applause, Obama ran through his domestic policy achievements on health care, and women’s and gay rights, among others.

Republicans have scored Obama for his at-times tense relations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly over the peace process. Obama said he was still dedicated to achieving Israeli-Palestinian peace but did not allude at all to his differences with Israel over settlement building in the West Bank.

B’nai Israel Synagogue heard guest speaker, Emily Giller, discuss her experiences at the Jewish Press and in the Jewish community. She spoke at Friday night Shabbat services on Dec. 9, 2011.

As intern for the Jewish Press, Ms. Giller has been given opportunities and significant responsibilities with special projects, including the Omaha Maccabi games. She was the organizer and mentor of aspiring journalists in covering the numerous events of the games.

She has also had to sort through sensitive information that, at times was politically charged. She explained how essential it is to get the news out and remain accountable to the readers. And there have been enjoyable assignments, too, such as interviewing a relative from Illinois who serves in Congress, and interviewing Miss America.

Giller explained that the future of journalism is not clear.

Electronic media and social media are having an affect on how the news is shared. The movement in this direction is apparent, but the amount of time is still indefinable.

The speaker series continues on Feb. 10, 2012 at 7:30 p.m., when Dr. Wayne Lainoff, Pediatrician, will discuss Pediatric Medicine since 1970 -- What Has Changed, What Has Not? An Oneg will follow service. Everyone is invited to attend.

TRANSPARENCY t INTEGRITY t HONESTY LARRY MARVIN has filed to fill the 2012 opening in the United States Senate from Nebraska

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AKC REGISTERED pointing Labrador pups for sale. Ready for Christmas. Blacks, yellows, and chocolates. Shots, wormed, socialized. Certified kennel. www.alcornshunterhaven.com, 308-232-4508.

VILLAGE OF Callaway accepting applications for Village Marshal. Certification preferred. Send resumes to: PO Box 157, Callaway, NE 68825 or call 308-8362262. EOE AIRLINES ARE hiring. Train for hands on Aviation Career. FAA approved program.

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DIESEL MECHANICS/TECHNICIANS needed for our location just south of Council Bluffs. Top pay and benefits, no nights or weekend work. We will help if relocation is necessary, growing company has need for several levels of skill. Apply now to jobs@lonemountaintruck.com.

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METALS TO Cash. Paying top dollar for combines, cars, tractors, farm equipment, pivots, irrigation pipe, water towers and more. Please call Markus at 308530-1088.

20 | The Jewish Press | December 23, 2011

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