December 24, 2010

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Warm scarves and cool dogs

December 24, 2010 17 Tevet 5771 Vol. 90 | No. 17

This Week

by OZZIE NOGG Warm fuzzies -- those pleasant sensations we feel when someone expresses love, friendship or gratitude -- are given and received at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home on a regular basis. Two current examples of residents giving and getting warm fuzzies include a Fleece Scarf Sewing Bee and the Blumkin Home Dog Show. First case in point, as described by Maggie Conti, RBJH Director of Activities and Outreach Programs: “Once a month I try to have a different staff person work with the Blumkin Home residents, either baking their favorite dessert or doing a craft project. Several years ago the Residents made ‘Shalom Tiles’ to give to the staff at holiday time, as a way to say thank you and give something back. The tiles were a huge hit. “This year, Natalie Osborne, RBJH Nurse Manager, came up with the Scarf Project idea. She thought it would be great for the residents to make scarves out of fleece to give to the staff as holiday gifts. Natalie bought fleece in every color of the rainbow -- even plaids -- and all on sale. Then she and Mary Ann Blair,

The special Senior Living section starts on Page 10

Israeli olive harvest is under way Page 8

Mike Aparo, Director of Food and Environmental Services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home with Benny, his Tri-Colored Smooth Collie.

Shabbat on Christmas Eve

USY Kinnus offers comaraderie, ruach to Beth El teens Page 20

Inside Point of view Synagogues In memoriam

Next Week There will be no Jewish Press. See Front Page stories and more at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press

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by EDMON J. RODMAN LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- As quietly as rising challah, Jews prepare for Christmas. Slipping a favorite DVD into the player, then popping open a take-out carton or two of Kung Pao something, we make ready for a quiet December’s eve. But before you get shluffy from all that MSG, let me recommend a film to consider for a Christmas Eve from my personal collection. It’s called When Malka Meets Santa. I know, I know: It sounds like a direct-to-cable holiday movie even more suspect than Santa Conquers the Martians. Nonetheless, it’s a film that could be playing near you soon, opening Dec. 24, when Christmas Eve lands on Shabbat. The two stars of this soon-to-be released film -- A-listers Shabbat HaMalka, the Sabbath Queen, and Santa Claus -- rarely perform together. But when they do, they offer the Jewish audience a peek into a story of religious conflict and tension beyond the usual December dilemma fare. A critic might wonder: Do these two really need to share screen time? Don’t they appeal to different audiences?

Just look at their conflicting styles. Santa, whose late-night performances are known to millions, likes to clandestinely drop into homes through the chimney. He hails from the North Pole.

Taken outside of a tourist shop in Safed, this re-purposed Santa anticipates the clash of cultural symbols that happen when Shabbat falls on a Christmas Eve. Credit: Benzi Rodman On the other hand HaMalka, the shechina, the feminine presence that Jews welcome into their households and synagogues every Friday night, doesn’t need a chimney to enter a scene. Like Elijah, she’s more of a front-door type. And HaMalka hails from a more mystical background. The accidental co-stars do have something in common; both have theme music written by Jews. But HaMalka’s, L’Cha Dodi, found on her Kabbalat Shabbat soundtrack and everybody’s mix list, doesn’t rely on red-nose reindeers in white Continued on page 2

Activity Assistant, cut the fabric into scarf-size shapes. So far, so good. Until we ran into a few kinks. “First, we couldn’t figure out how to thread the old sewing machine someone donated, but Adrienne Kitagawa, Activity Director, saved the day when she found the threading directions on the Internet. Next, we couldn’t get the bobbin to work, but Nakia Martin -- the charge nurse on the Northwest Wing -- magically solved that problem. As an aside, Nakia told me she’d wanted to go into fashion design but picked nursing (lucky us!) instead. Nakia took all 80 scarves home with her and sewed the seam down the middle, all on her own time. That’s what you call going above and beyond the call of duty. “So, the Scarf Project was a bit of a challenge, but a fun and colorful one at that. With help from Natalie, Mary Ann, Nakia and Mary Heiman -- who worked with residents in the Southwest neighborhood of the Home -- the fleece scarves turned out just the way we wanted them to. Wonderfully warm and fuzzy.” Second case in point. The recent Dog Show held in the Continued on page 10

NCJW appoints Nancy Kaufman as CEO by RON KAMPEAS That’s when Hamilton knew uniWASHINGTON (JTA) -- With versal health care would become a the prospect for the first American reality in Massachusetts. Within universal health care plan appar- weeks of meeting with Kaufman in ently dimming in Massachusetts the fall of 2005, DiMasi had introbecause the three duced the bill, outsize personaland it passed less ities vital to its than a year later. passage -- the “Nancy was state’s governor, phenomenal its House speakbecause she knew er and its Senate personally all the president -players, from the could not agree speaker of the on the details, House and the Nancy Kaufman governor and the came to the respresident of the cue. Senate to At a critical providers and meeting with the chiefs of the hosspeaker of the pitals,” Hamilton state House of said, noting that NCJW’s CEO Nancy Kaufman Representatives, some were Credit: jewishboston.com Kaufman, the Democrats and director of Boston’s Jewish others Republicans. “She knew Community Relations Council, where they were as people, their overwhelmed Salvatore Di Masi politics. She was a phenomenal with statistics, broke down the cost strategic thinker. And all the while analysis and, most critically, knew her heart is wanting to serve those how the deal could be made. who have no voice, no influence.” As Kaufman spoke, the speaker It’s a familiar tale: Colleagues say visibly shifted, recalls the Rev. that in Kaufman’s 20 years directHurmon Hamilton, who heads the ing the Boston JCRC, she comGreater Boston Interfaith bined street smarts with a passion Organization, which led lobbying for the underdog and made social for universal health care in the justice an inextricable part of state since the late 1990s. Jewish activism in that city. “His perception of us changed -Now she hopes to do the same you could see it in his face and his on a national stage when she body language,” Hamilton recalled assumes the directorship next of Di Masi. Continued on page 2

2 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

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Continued from page 1 month of the National Council of Jewish Women. “This is an opportunity to take everything wonderful I did in Boston and bring it to a national level,” said Kaufman, who will fill the newly created position of NCJW chief executive officer. “It’s an opportunity to have a broader impact.” With 90,000 members in 100 sections, NCJW is a vehicle to make social justice activism a must-have item on Jewish agendas across the country, Kaufman says. She sees the individual sections as catalysts for change. “I’m a community organizer by training,” she said. “People need to feel it and touch it and become advocates for making change.” Kaufman ascends to the national stage after decades of anxious introspection by Jewish social justice groups over why issues such as workers’ rights, gender and race equality, and alleviating poverty -- once the core of the Jewish agenda -- have been shunted aside in favor of Israel activism, left and right. NCJW had been searching for a successor to Stacy Kass, who left the executive director’s position at the women’s advocacy organization a year ago. Nancy Ratzan, NCJW’s president, said expanding membership was a key consideration. Like many other national groups, NCJW has been grappling with how to replenish membership. NCJW insiders say Kaufman was hired because of her track record in wrapping the pro-Israel activism that has become a sine qua non of national Jewish advocacy with the social justice focused on women, children and families that is the group’s bread and butter. “She was brilliant in bringing together a lot of diversity and creating a lot of welcoming mixed players into the social justice arena, and combining that with the commitment to Israel in Boston,” Ratzan said. “We look forward to making what she accomplished in Boston a national model.” In Boston, Kaufman united a politically diverse community by making clear that her Israel commitment was unassailable, said her deputy, Alan Ronkin, who is set to step in as acting director of the Boston JCRC. Kaufman, 59, is a veteran of former Gov. Michael Dukakis’ administration, and has not been abashed about her liberalism. In 2007 she spoke out when the Anti-

Defamation League fired its Boston-area director for railing against the national group’s opposition to recognizing the Armenian genocide. The ADL eventually reversed its posture, rehiring the Boston-area director and recognizing the massacres of Armenians as “tantamount” to genocide. National director Abraham Foxman paid Kaufman the compliment of influence. “The last thing we need now is for Barry Shrage and Nancy Kaufman to be fighting us,” Foxman told JTA at the time, referring also to Shrage, the president of Boston’s Combined Jewish Philanthropies. When Israel’s Foreign Ministry recalled its Boston consul, Nadav Tamir, for publishing a memo criticizing the Netanyahu government for how it handled its relationship with the Obama administration, Kaufman was outspoken, calling Tamir the “best Israeli diplomat I have worked with in my 19 years here.” Her credibility with progressives is precisely what helps make the case for Israel, said Steve Grossman, a former president of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee who in November was elected the treasurer of Massachusetts. He said Kaufman’s work with local Presbyterians was the basis for this year’s rejection of Israel sanctions by the church’s General Assembly. “The strong and valuable relationships she was able to build during moments of crisis,” Grossman said, “you see how important it is.” Rep. Barney Frank (D-Mass.) said Kaufman’s expertise was bringing a “coherence” that tamed the Jewish community’s “cross currents.” “She does that superbly,” he said. The plan is to replicate programs that made the JCRC an essential part of Boston’s social activism community. At the JCRC, Kaufman launched programs that brought suburban Jewish youths to the inner city to tutor their peers. She helped form interfaith coalitions that helped bring about the country’s first universal health plan, and she led fundraising for disaster relief. “She invented a new way for a JCRC to be a JCRC,” Shrage said. Kaufman set a standard, he said, whereby “we need to be oriented to the Jewish community but not parochial.”

Shabbat on Christmas Eve Continued from page 1 Christmas dreams for flavor. She prefers a more regal approach: “Come my beloved, with chorus of praise” begins the song that introduces her presence to her worldwide audience. As to audience, each has a different approach to treating their fans. Once a year, Santa makes the rounds offering his loyal base a reward. His “naughty or nice” list is a major meme. HaMalka makes the rounds once a week, every week. She visits without spotlights or outdoor displays, or making judgments. You can’t sit on her lap. And she travels light, preferring a less materialistic approach. HaMalka brings only, as her song goes, an idealistic “new light.” Santa, of course, is known for his big reveal, the audience give-away -- the fancy wrapping and tantalizingly large package under the tree. It’s a broad performance that fills one with wonder: Is the packaging more intriguing than the contents? HaMalka, according to her fans, is the total package. Not to sound like her publicist, but she’s a peaceful Shabbat guest host whose easy-feeling performances bring her fans through the week. To one of HaMalka’s biggest fans, Abraham Heschel, the idea of a Sabbath Queen, or bride, signified “majesty tempered with mercy and delicate innocence that is waiting for affection.” Santa engenders affection, too. His fans write songs to him hoping that he’ll “hurry down” their chimneys and bring them gifts like “two front teeth.” After imagining them on screen together, I have to admit I didn’t see much chemistry. Santa is more of a physical comedy guy, while HaMalka goes for a more spiritual presence. He’s always up on rooftops, sometimes sliding off them, while the trades compare HaMalka to a fountain of blessings and say she’s simply radiant. So where does this mismatched couple meet? In Malibu, of course, where all the celebrities hook up. As the scene plays out, it’s sunset at the end of a long work week and Santa, before beginning his long night of deliveries, stops for a break on a deserted stretch of beach. In the distance he sees a vision in white walking slowly toward him as his sleigh bells suddenly start to go “Bim-bam.” Now folks, if you think for one moment that as the sun sets, HaMalka and Santa meet on the sand, and the Sabbath

Queen greets the Ho Ho Guy with Shabbat Shalom, and she climbs into his sleigh and they go for a ride, and then she talks him into taking Shabbat off … And as they fly over LA, after hearing a loud chorus of L’cha Dodi coming from a synagogue, they land in the temple’s parking lot, where because every car’s alarm goes off the congregants all rush outside and are greeted by the HaMalka and “HaSanta,” who donates everything in his bag to the temple’s teen group’s toy drive… If you think that’s how When Malka Meets Santa ends, wow, do you need a break from all the rum-pa-pa-bumming in your ho-ho-ho home. Actually, after sharing a moment on the beach, the two agree to keep their relationship professional, meeting only occasionally for Chinese takeout. Edmon J. Rodman is a JTA columnist who writes on Jewish life from Los Angeles.

Facebook’s Zuckerberg Time Magazine Person of the Year by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year. The choice of Zuckerberg to grace the cover of Time’s year-end issue was announced on Dec. 15. In its introduction the magazine said that Zuckerberg, who is Jewish, was recognized “For connecting more than half a billion people and mapping the social relations among them; for creating a new system of exchanging information; and for changing how Mark Zuckerberg Credit: dailymail.com we all live our lives.” A college dropout, Zuckerberg created Facebook in 2004. He is estimated to be worth about $6.9 billion.

December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 3

On Israel, can U.S. Jews disagree nicely? by SUE FISHKOFF California Board of Rabbis. are turning to JCRCs and other community relations speSAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- Laura Sutta says she doesn’t “Dialogue has gotten a bad rap, that it’s about glossing cialists for help in dealing with their internal conflicts. feel safe talking about Israel. Sutta returned to the United over issues,” said Rachel Eryn Kalish, lead facilitator for the “San Francisco is not the only place where discourse has States in 2003 after living in Israel for 23 years. She found San Francisco initiative. “That’s not what this is about. You devolved into something unpleasant,” said Ethan Felson, that while she was away, the vitriol over Israel reached a can be an advocate and still be civil.” who heads the civility campaign for the Washington-based fever pitch in her Jewish community in the San Francisco It’s an uphill battle in San Francisco, a city where the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. More than 350 national Bay area. Israeli Consulate is routinely picketed, where the Boycott, Jewish leaders have signed onto the JCPA’s civility pledge; “I’ve lost two friendships over it,” she said. “One was a Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) campaign against Israel is some have reached out to the JCPA for programming ideas. friend from high school. When I talked to him about Israel, very active, and where activists on both sides call each other “Quite a few communities are interested in doing someI could feel him judging me.” Sutta says she’s dumbfounded Nazis, pigs and worse. One comment posted online under a thing,” Felson said. “The breakdown of respect for different by the “fury of the volleys being exchanged.” views, the demonization of fellow Jews -- it feels that Cecilie Surasky also doesn’t feel safe. Surasky is the engaging on issues that matter has become a blood sport.” deputy director of Jewish Voice for Peace, an OaklandIn Atlanta, an Op-Ed in the local Jewish paper by an based organization that supports security and self-deterIsraeli who noted that pursuit of peace is a Jewish value mination for Israelis and Palestinians, while detractors was followed by a letter to the editor accusing the author of claim it is anti-Israel. She has filed four police reports in as supporting suicide bombers. In Boston, tempers flared many months. when the local Workmen’s Circle rented space to Jewish In one highly publicized incident in November, memVoice for Peace and Adalah, a pro-Palestinian group that bers of Surasky’s organization were pepper-sprayed at a supports the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movemeeting in Berkeley by a woman associated with ment. StandWithUs, a pro-Israel activist group that often clashes Alan Ronkin, deputy director of Boston’s JCRC, says with Jewish Voice for Peace. “We fear for our safety,” extremists on both sides shut down dialogue at times. Surasky said. “The issue of Israel is tearing this communiRonkin says he is worried not about how to bring those An interactive theater exercise was one of 18 workshops at the ty apart.” people into the fold, but how to reassure moderates who Dec. 12, 2010 launch event for the “year of civil discourse” in San In response, the San Francisco Jewish Community “hear the loudest voices and turn away from the Jewish Credit: JCRC Francisco. Relations Council has launched a “year of civil discourse” community because they’d rather not be involved in a ranto encourage local Jews to agree to disagree on Israel with- Jewish Voice for Peace video suggested that the organiza- corous, divisive conversation.” out name-calling or violence. The question now is whether tion’s supporters should have been taken away on trains to The launch of San Francisco’s civil discourse project on dialogue will help heal the rifts or make things worse. The concentration camps. Sunday grew out of a 5-year-old initiative called Project effort, which was launched Sunday with an invitation-only, Dr. Mike Harris, spokesman for the local branch of Reconnections in which the JCRC trained people in three all-day conference in San Francisco, is being watched close- StandWithUs, attended the Dec. 12 gathering. He says it’s congregations to act as conversation facilitators. ly throughout the United States by communities considering too soon to tell how useful the civil discourse effort will “We emerged with people who can lead tough conversasimilar efforts. prove. tions, who can be the voice of moderation and create safe The kickoff event at Congregation Beth Israel Judea and On one hand, he said it is “absolutely necessary” for people spaces within their institutions,” said the JCRC’s associate the Brandeis Hillel Day School drew more than 200 people. to “get beyond the tension, so Israel can be talked about.” But director, Abby Porth. Each invitee was asked to bring two friends who disagree on he considers Jewish Voice for Peace outside the bounds of The project was taken to Atlanta last month, and about a Israel. “This is not about changing people’s views but about the Jewish communal conversation, saying the group “does dozen cities have contacted the JCRC for information about listening respectfully and hearing divergent views, with the not accept the ground rules” of Israel as the Jewish state. bringing it to their communities, according to Porth. health of our community at stake,” said Rabbi Doug Kahn, “There is a conflict between the imperative for civil disThe effort already has yielded fruit. At Temple Beth Israel director of the San Francisco JCRC. course and the imperative to name and shame those who are in Aptos, Calif., 90 minutes south of San Francisco, Rabbi The civil discourse program here is being co-sponsored by anti-Israel,” Harris said. Richard Litvak said that by November 2009 things were so the Jewish Community Federation and the Northern Cities across the country report similar troubles, and they Continued on page 5

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Kissinger tells JTA: Take remark on gas chambers in context by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON (JTA) -- It should have been ancient, if unsavory, news: A cavalier reference to gassing Jews, an aside in a conversation nearly 40 years old. But the aside was pronounced by Henry Kissinger, a German-born Jew who fled Nazi horrors as a child and who has been honored by multiple Jewish organizations as one of Israel’s saviors during its darkest days, when he was secretary of state to President Nixon. “If they put Jews into gas chambers in the Soviet Union, it is not an American concern,” Kissinger is heard saying on the latest batch of Nixon-era Oval Office tapes released by the Nixon Library. Following its publication Saturday -- buried deep in a New York Times story that focused more on Nixon’s well-known bigotries -- a shock shuddered through the Jewish community and led to calls to shun Kissinger, and then to calls to forgive him. Kissinger in an e-mail to JTA would brook no request for an apology and did not even directly address his gas chambers remark. Instead he appeared to insist on context: His frustration at the time with the insistence of the Jewish community and U.S. senators such as Jacob Javits (R-N.Y.) and Henry “Scoop”Jackson (D-Wash.) on attaching human rights riders to dealings with the Soviets. “The quotations ascribed to me in the transcript of the conversation with President Nixon must be viewed in the context of the time,” Kissinger wrote to JTA. He and Nixon pursued the issue of Soviet Jewish emigration as a humanitarian matter separate from foreign policy issues in order to avoid questions of sovereignty and because normal diplomatic channels were closed, Kissinger wrote. “By this method and the persistent private representation at the highest level we managed to raise emigration from 700 per year to close to 40,000 in 1972,” Kissinger wrote. “We disagreed with the Jackson Amendment, which made Jewish emigration a foreign policy issue. We feared that the Amendment would reduce emigration, which is exactly what happened. Jewish emigration never reached the level of 40,000 again until the Soviet Union collapsed. The conversation between Nixon and me must be seen in the context of that dispute and of our distinction between a foreign policy and a humanitarian approach.” In fact, the historical consensus is that while it was true that what became known as the Jackson-Vanik Amendment -- named for Jackson and Rep. Charlie Vanik (D-Ohio) -- at first inhibited emigration, it formed the basis for the late20th century politics of making human rights a sine qua non of statecraft. That resulted not only in the mass emigration of Soviet Jews 15 years later, but also in contemporary efforts to end internal massacres in countries such as Sudan. Kissinger, however, was dedicated to realpolitik -- the art of securing the grand deal, even at the expense of the moral and ethical considerations of the moment -- and his disdain

for human rights activists knew few bounds. Gal Beckerman, a historian of the Soviet Jewry movement, told Tablet on Tuesday that this even led Kissinger to suppress a letter that might have helped salvage a deal with the Soviets to release Jews under the Jackson-Vanik stipulations. Similar considerations led Kissinger to press Nixon during the 1973 Yom Kippur War to delay delivering arms to Israel by a few weeks. Their conversations at the time show Kissinger arguing that Anwar Sadat, Egypt’s president, needed an unadulterated victory to make peace concessions. Nixon argued -- correctly, as it turned out -- that Sadat was already able to claim a victory, and that it was more important to stanch an ally’s casualties in a war that would claim 3,000 Israeli lives.

Israeli Prime Minister Golda Meir, President Nixon, center, and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in a 1973 Oval Office meeting covered in newly released Nixon White House tapes. Credit: National Archive In a 2009 review of the period in The Jewish Press, top Nixon aides Alexander Haig, the chief of staff; Leonard Garment, the White House counsel; and Vernon Walters, the deputy CIA chief, all recall the same dynamic: The time for hanging Israel out to dry had ended. “Both Kissinger and Nixon wanted to do [the airlift],” the Press quoted Walters as saying. “But Nixon gave it the greater sense of urgency. He said, ‘You get the stuff to Israel. Now. Now.’” The image of Kissinger as a cold-blooded sociopath has long been a staple of his most virulent critics, and the newly revealed quote was like manna to their theories. “In the past, Kissinger has defended his role as enabler to Nixon’s psychopathic bigotry, saying that he acted as a restraining influence on his boss by playing along and making soothing remarks,” said Christopher Hitchens, who has said Kissinger should be tried as a war criminal for his role in ordering the bombing of Cambodia and for enabling Latin American autocrats. “This can now go straight into the lavatory pan, along with his other hysterical lies. “Obsessed as he was with the Jews, Nixon never came close to saying that he’d be indifferent to a replay of Auschwitz. For this, Kissinger deserves sole recognition.” Menachem Rosensaft, vice president of the American Gathering of Jewish Holocaust Survivors and Their Descendants, reached a similar conclusion after reading

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accounts of the newly released Nixon tapes. “Now that Kissinger’s true nature has been exposed, the Jewish community and Jewish institutions must draw the appropriate conclusions,” he wrote in an Op-Ed in The New York Jewish Week. “We now come to the realization that as far as he was concerned, human rights in general were an irrelevancy,” Rosensaft said in an interview with JTA. “He needs to know that when he is in the company of Jews, we will know precisely who he is and we hold him in contempt.” Abraham Foxman, the national director of the AntiDefamation League, said that approach goes too far. The ADL issued a statement saying that Kissinger’s comments show a “disturbing and even callous insensitivity toward the fate of Soviet Jews” and are a reminder that “even great individuals are flawed.” But, it noted, “Dr. Kissinger’s contributions to the safety and security of the U.S. and Israel have solidly established his legacy as a champion of democracy and as a committed advocate for preserving the wellbeing of the Jewish state of Israel.” Foxman elaborated in an interview with JTA. “He worked in an atmosphere that was intimidatingly antiSemitic toward Jews,” the ADL leader said of Kissinger. “We need to understand the intimidation under which it occurred.” Beckerman wrote in a review of a book that examined Kissinger’s psychology that his upbringing -- the horrific transition, at age 10, from a world of safety to one of chaos - helps explain an ideology that places order above all as the salvation of humanity. Kissinger, Beckerman wrote in the Forward in 2007, “was guided by the sense that the world needs a strong America -- led by versatile statesmen -- that will stand as a bulwark against the disorder and disequilibrium that he experienced as a child.” How did Kissinger’s Jewish identity play out in the White House? It was a complex matter and not always consistent. In September 1972, when Kissinger was still the national security adviser, he and his arch-rival, Secretary of State William Rogers, had a bitter exchange at a Cabinet meeting over whether the government should lower flags to half mast for the 11 Israeli athletes murdered at the Munich Olympics. Nixon took Kissinger’s advice and lowered the flags. Nixon regarded Kissinger as his truest aide, although he also noted, in another tape released recently, the “latent insecurity” of Kissinger and his other Jewish advisers. On the eve of Nixon’s Aug. 8, 1974 resignation, the result of scandals besieging his administration, Kissinger could not help himself and burst into sobs, according to Robert Dallek’s account, “Nixon and Kissinger: Partners in Power.” Nixon, too, joined him in weeping. In what has become an icon of how the isolation of power brings strong men to their knees, both men kneeled in the White House living room and prayed. For a transcript of the tapes, visit JTA.org or click here [http://bit.ly/hObhFO].)

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December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 5

Our collective future created a completely new energy and personality for this campaign. In changing our approach, we renewed our focus on key principles of Jewish philanthropy. And, it JAN GOLDSTEIN, Executive Director, Jewish Federation of Omaha was all about communication. With the close of 2010 within sight, it is Our training sessions emphasized one-ontime to take stock and assess the exciting one solicitation and we increased our facechanges made in this year’s Federation to-face meetings. In doing so, we engaged Annual Campaign. While it may be too the community in Jewish conversations and early to fully evaluate our efforts, we are on provided donors a chance to have a voice in track to realize great success with our cam- this community. paign this year. We have communicated clearly and effecAs our lay leaders and professionals con- tively where our dollars go and the importinue to work hard towards our goal, we tance of individual giving. Our conscienneed everyone in the Jewish community tious effort to have peer-to-peer gatherings supporting this effort. When you do your and small, intimate Jewish conversations part, you are investing in our collective proved invaluable. Ultimately, sharing like future, meaning that Federation can contin- experiences touches our lives in a way nothue to support our agencies, programs and ing else can. the synagogues that are the lifeblood of our Above all, this year is about having more community and are most meaningful to all of your voices heard. We went beyond just of us. making a case for giving; we gave an everGiven the economic challenges that have expanding group the opportunity to share touched us in one way or another, the fact insights about what is working and what can that we are working to grow the 2011 cam- be done better. paign illustrates that, here in Omaha, Jewish It is natural to select a single piece of the philanthropy remains the first choice in Federation that speaks to you at a given time charitable giving. in your life and support it. We all do so withThose who give so generously know that out much thought. However, to ensure that the Jewish Federation remains the primary all the pieces of our Federation thrive long connection to Jewish community and the term, we have an Annual Campaign that center for Jewish giving in Omaha. We work safeguards the whole, providing continuity everyday towards our singular purpose – to year after year. promote and enhance the quality, welfare In addition to supporting local needs, we and continuity of Jewish life here at home, in are proud to help sustain Jews worldwide. Israel and in 70 countries throughout the We support Jews helping Jews. In the interworld. national arena our primary role is to supThis is certainly an exciting time to be port and build Jewish community wherever involved with our Federation. We are start- Jews are in need and yearn to be connected. ing to see the results of work that began last Our Annual Campaign is a result of this January when our Campaign co-chairs, awesome Jewish community that is full of Norm Sheldon and Ellie Batt, along with caring people who work to ensure the Federation lay leadership and professionals, vibrancy and stability of Jewish Omaha.

From the desk of the Director

Arts+Entertainment Singer/songwriter and Council Bluffs native Ruvane Kurland will return to the area Friday, Dec. 31 for a performance at First Night 2011, a celebration of arts, community, and the New Year. Kurland, now living in Ohio, was raised in Council Bluffs, and has been touring the Midwest for nearly 15 years. Kurland has performed for Hillary Photo Credit: Clinton, and has Greg Bartram made several radio and television appearances. His song I Don’t Know was featured on the Chicagoland Musicians Compilation CD.

Kurland will be performing 3 sets at St. John’s Lutheran Church (633 Willow Avenue, Council Bluffs, IA 51501) from 9:15 p.m.-midnight. For more details visit www.ruvanekurland.com and www. firstnightcouncilbluffs.org. The JCC Community Theater Group still has a few spots available. If you are interested in being on the stage, surrounded by other community members, and/or making new friends, please consider signing up today. All budding thespians age 8 and up are welcome. Auditions will be held Sunday Jan. 9, from 12:30 p.m. until 1:30 p.m. in the JCC Theater. You must be registered in order to audition! Register today by calling Cindy Reed at 334.6419.

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On Israel, can U.S. Jews disagree nicely? Continued from page 4 bad that members on both sides of the Israel divide threatened to quit if the temple’s Israel policies weren’t clarified to reflect their viewpoint. Kalish, the lead facilitator for the San Francisco initiative, held several dialogue evenings along with another facilitator, and community members took the effort seriously. By this fall, leaders of the opposing sides managed to talk it out and come up with a policy setting boundaries for speakers invited to the congregation, Litvak said. “A train wreck was averted,” Litvak said.

In the Bay area, rabbis are taking the lead. Virtually every local rabbi has signed onto a civility pledge published in j, the local Jewish weekly, and many have joined a Rabbis’ Circle to foster dialogue on an ongoing basis. Ironically, several rabbis at Sunday’s event said they no longer do Israel programming in their congregations, fearing it will lead to excessive divisiveness. “If the polarization reaches a point where the subject of Israel is too difficult to discuss,” said the San Francisco JCRC’s Kahn, “we all lose.”

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 31 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment. Questions? Call 334.6448.

Publishing Date 01.14.11 Space Reservation 01.04.11 Camera Ready Deadline 01.07.11 Contact your advertising representative to advertise in this very special edition.

Allan Handleman 402/334-6451 ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

6 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

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Shas maverick seeks to put Israeli haredim to work

by LESLIE SUSSER The government also is playing a key role. Education JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Not so long ago, few Israelis had Minister Gideon Sa’ar has proposed a blueprint to increase heard of Rabbi Chaim Amsellem, a soft-spoken Shas back- the numbers by another 3,000 over the next five years. The bencher in the Knesset. Trade and Industry Ministry has launched special vocationOver the past few weeks, however, Amsellem has emerged al courses for haredim and offers incentives to businesses as a maverick in Israeli politics. Having broken ranks with that employ them. the Orthodox-oriented Shas and its haredi leaders, he is These programs clearly are meeting a growing need. In a talking about establishing a new party to challenge for the recent poll conducted by Chakima, an institute that helps Sephardic vote. haredim prepare for higher education, 53 percent of haredim It’s not so much the politics that makes Amsellem’s move said they would be interested in studying for a secular professignificant; the chances are slim that other Shas Knesset sion in a religious, gender-segregated classroom environment. members will break with the party to join Amsellem. The new trend seems to be fueled by a confluence of interRather, Amsellem’s very public rejection of Shas ortho- est between haredim desperate to break out of the cycle of doxy is part of an emerging movement in the Israeli poverty and a government eager to bring them into the labor Sephardic world against the rigid Orthodoxy that Shas lead- force. Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz has even suggested ers have tried to impose on followers. waiving for haredim the national requirement to serve in the Indeed, Amsellem speaks of nothing less than a Sephardic IDF, so they can go straight into the workforce. “social and cultural revolution,” which his new party would Employment of haredi men will increase rapidly over the both tap into and promote. next decade, the Ministry of At the heart of the moveTrade and Industry forecasts. ment is a novel reassessment Some Israelis are talking of the idea of the “society of about the emergence of a Torah scholars,” perhaps the haredi middle class. most fundamental formative Others, however, see a much principle of the haredi world. slower change. They note that Both Shas and the some 50,000 haredi students Ashkenazi haredi parties hold still have IDF exemptions that that virtually all young haredi are valid only as long as they men should devote themstay in yeshiva and don’t work selves solely to Torah study, as (until a certain age). a society of Torah scholars Holding back change are who are exempted from Chaim Amsellem, left, speaks with fellow Shas Party mem- haredi leaders who believe mandatory army service as ber Avraham Michaeli during a plenum session in the that dramatic or rapid change long as they stay in the yeshi- assembly hall in the Israeli Knesset. may destroy the very fabric of Credit: Miriam Alster/FLASH90/JTA haredi society. va. This has led to deep poverty in the haredi community because rather than serve “It’s only happening at a snail’s pace because there is no in the Israel Defense Forces, many haredi men choose to real leadership,” Amsellem said. “No one has stood up and stay on indefinitely in the yeshivas. openly said this is the way things ought to be except me.” Amsellem and others want to change this approach. Amsellem wants to build a genuinely socially concerned Amsellem advocates a society of Torah scholars comprising party independent of rabbinic fiat. Unlike conventional only a small elite of specially gifted students, with all others haredi Orthodoxy, which turns its back on modernity and serving in the army and joining the labor force. This, he often on the secular Israeli state, Amsellem is willing to argues, is the true, more lenient Sephardic approach: a pro- entertain a working symbiosis between haredi Orthodoxy ductive, working life combined with Torah study whenever and the modern world. He also is unabashedly ready to call time allows. Amsellem says excessive Ashkenazi or himself a Zionist. “Lithuanian” influence led Sephardim to embrace the model His positions have earned him rogue status in Shas. In late of an all-inclusive society of Torah scholars. November, the Shas Council of Torah Sages expelled Now, he says, it’s time to break free from such thinking, Amsellem from the party and demanded that he hand over mainly because it perpetuates a state of poverty among the the Knesset seat he had won on the Shas ticket. Amsellem haredim. refused, resulting in a campaign of discreditation. Placards “Our goal is that people who genuinely study should get a in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak compared Amsellem to Amalek, real cost-of-living stipend, not just pennies,” Amsellem told the biblical Israelites’ worst enemy. JTA in an interview. “This will be possible only when those Among the haredi leadership, Amsellem is very much a who are genuinely part of the society of Torah scholars lone figure. His ideas, however, enjoy wide public support. devote themselves to study, and those who aren’t combine In an early December poll by the Panels Research Institute, Torah study and work, the way the Sephardim down the 52 percent of Israelis polled said enlisting haredim in the ages have always done.” army and having them join the workforce was the only way Amsellem’s ideas reflect major social changes already to save haredi society. An astonishingly high 22 percent of under way in the haredi world. haredim concurred. “Over the past few years we are witnessing a dramatic Despite evidence of some support among haredim for such increase in the number of haredim enlisting in the army,” change, the chances of Amsellem being politically successful said Asher Cohen, a Bar-Ilan University political scientist are minimal as long as Rabbi Ovadia Yosef, the nonagenariwho focuses on religious parties and movements. “We also an spiritual mentor of the Shas Party, is alive. His impolitic see a growing trend of both men and women going to col- remarks about non-Jews notwithstanding, Yosef commands leges of higher education. People are trying to break out of universal praise within Shas, and even from Amsellem. the vicious cycle of poverty, as happens in any normal soci“I don’t think anyone could defy Rabbi Ovadia and win ety. They are studying and looking for work.” votes,” Bar-Ilan University’s Cohen observed. “And I don’t Cohen believes the notion of the society of Torah scholars see rabbis, even those who say privately that Amsellem is is already collapsing; it’s just that haredi leaders are not right, joining a political movement that challenges a rabready to admit it or condone it. binical authority of Ovadia’s stature.” The numbers alone suggest that something serious is happening. A decade ago, hardly any haredim served in the IDF. When a special haredi infantry battalion was established in 1999, it had just 30 soldiers. Today it numbers more than Shannon and Mitch Sherman announce the Dec. 6 birth 1,000, including three companies at various stages of trainof their son, Zachary Arthur. ing and two combat units. Another 1,000 haredim serve in He is named after his great-grandfather, Arthur Sherman. special haredi technological units in the Air Force, Navy and He has a sister, Allyson, four. intelligence corps. Grandparents are Claudia and Marc Sherman, and In Israel, where the IDF is a vehicle for giving young Israelis Rhonda and Roger Heffelfinger of Grand Island. marketable skills for later in life, these numbers are signifiGreat-grandparents are Irvin Harris of San Diego and cant not just to the military but for Israeli society as a whole: James Schlegel of Lincoln. These haredim are picking up skills for the job market. An additional 1,000 haredim are enrolled in National Rabbi and Mrs Nosson Meir Meretsky announce the Service, an alternative to military service that makes it pos- Nov. 16 birth of their son, Chaim Benyomin Zev. sible for them to join the job market without being drafted He is named for Reb Dovber, his father’s mother’s grandinto the IDF. father Benyomin, and great-grandfather Zev Wolf. The number of haredim studying mainly vocational secuHe has three brothers, Mendel, Shalom Dovber, and lar subjects in haredi colleges or secular colleges with special Yisrael Leib Nehemiah, and two sisters, Chana Leah and programs for haredim has more than quadrupled since 2005, Chaya Mushka. to approximately 5,000. Most of the students are women -Grandparents are Sandra and Marvin Kohll, Linda many of them, ironically, in institutions supported by Shas. Meretsky, and John Klatt and Jody Carson of West Linn, OR.

Births

December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 7

JOLT spotlights Young Leadership by SHERRIE SAAG Development Associate, Jewish Federation of Omaha Today we meet Eric Dunning in a profile that introduces members of JOLT, the Jewish Omaha Leadership Training program. As an initiative of the Omaha Jewish Federation, JOLT offers its members an opportunity to learn, connect and build strong leadership skills for the future. What inspires you? Jewish education and the impact it has on the life of me and my family. What is the proudest moment in your career? I love working for state government and know that we make a positive difference in people's lives every day. It's not about any specific moment, but rather knowing that I get the opportunity to serve the entire state, from Omaha to Chadron. Who is your Jewish hero and why? My father-in-law, of blessed memory, Jack Cohen. I knew Jack when both Toba and I were in college. He was a man dedicated to his family and his community. To me, he represented what one would strive to achieve, and to be kind and thoughtful while doing it. For me, Jewish community Eric Dunning means... The Kripke library. It is one of my favorite spots in the community. It is a place of learning, fun, and is not only about the past - but the future. If I inspire anything in my children, it will hopefully be an understanding of just how fun learning is. Reading is the greatest gift and one from which we should never walk away. The Library is a place that we must always invest in for generations to come. If you could change one thing about our Omaha Jewish community, what would it be? I would like to see services that are more affordable for middle income Jewish families. No one knows that I…. ...never miss the TV show Glee. It is not only highly engaging and entertaining and the music makes my kids dance, but I love the fact that two of the characters are Jewish and are intensely proud of it. How would you like to be remembered? As a kind husband, father, and son.

Organizations B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS U.S. Senator Ben Nelson will discuss his outlook for the 2011 session of Congress on Wednesday, Dec. 29, 11:45 a.m. at the Blumkin Home. Speaker yet to be announced for Wednesday, Jan 5, noon at the Blumkin Home. An optional buffet lunch costs $10; beverage service is $3. For more information or to be placed on the e-mail list call 334.6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha.org. MAINSTREETERS Get the best tickets to Jersey Boys on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2011 at the Orpheum Theater at 2 p.m. (matinee). Tickets $52 includes ticket and transportation (Transportation from the JCC provided by Jewish Social Services). Dinner following at Jason’s Deli (on your own). We have purchased a limited block of tickets – first come, first served. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Maggie Conti, C/O Jewish Social Services, 323 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE

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68154. For information call Rose Pitlor at 558.5144 or Jim Wax at 393.4442. Mainstreeters Luncheon is Monday, Jan. 17 at 12:30 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home auditorium. Michael Lyon has wowed audiences of all ages and will perform a medley of traditional standards and musical show tunes. Make check payable to Jewish Social Services and send to Maggie Conti, C/O Jewish Social Services, 323 S. 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 68154. For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521. LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Yiddish words have made their way into every phase of modern life, show biz, law, classrooms, etc. Come join us at our new meeting room (across from the beauty salon) at the Blumkin Home, every Thursday, 1-3 pm. For information, call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638.

High Schools

Opportunities & Possibilities for ALL Students 2011 Open Houses Career Center Saturday, Janary 8 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon

South High Magnet Thursday, January 13 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

Central High Saturday, January 8 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Benson High Magnet Tuesday, January 18 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Burke High Tuesday, January 11 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.

Bryan High Tuesday, January 18 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.

Northwest High Magnet Thursday, January 13 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.

North High Magnet Sunday, January 23 1:00 - 3:00 p.m.

“Hebrew 101” set for its fourth straight year by ANDREW MALASHOCK Administrative Assistant, Center for Jewish Education The CJE is proud to announce the return of “Hebrew 101” with Mor Sheinbein for its fourth year starting Jan. 10. Mor, a native Israeli, encourages people of all ages wanting to learn how to speak the Hebrew language to enroll for the course. The class starts with basic understanding of the Hebrew alphabet, progressing slowly to every day conversations. “It was much more fun learning and practicing Hebrew with Mor and the other students than trying to start out on my own,” said Crystal Modde, who took the class last year. “The class helped me to get comfortable with the basics of reading so that it was easier for me to eventually practice by myself.” Anyone with that spark of interest is highly encouraged to attend. Get into learning Hebrew on the right foot with Hebrew 101! The class will be held on Monday evenings from 6-7:15 p.m. in the Center for Jewish Education classroom. The meeting dates are Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31 and Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28 and costs $70 or $54 if you are a donor to the Annual Campaign of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Pre-registration is required. For registration, or if you have questions, please call 334.6445 or email mgrossman@jewishomaha.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 & friends, call 334.6448.

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8 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

Marriage

Olive harvest under way

JOHANSSON-VEITZER Kimberly Johansson gallery located in Oakland, and Tim Veitzer were marCA. ried on Aug. 14, on Mt. The groom is the son of Tamalpais near Mill Valley, Gail and Irv Veitzer, the CA. Shami Jacobs of grandson of the late Jenny Omaha officiated the cereand Nathan Veitzer and the mony. late Cele and Harry The bride, the daughter Schwartz, and is a graduate of Elizabeth and Karl of Tulane University. He Johansson of Green Bay, currently owns and operWisconsin, is a graduate of University of ates National Holistic Institute headquarWisconsin-Milwaukee. She currently owns tered in Emeryville, CA. and operates Johansson Projects, an art The couple resides in San Francisco, CA.

by EDGAR ASHER For the past few months in Israel, and other olive growing regions in the northern hemisphere, the farmers have been busy harvesting the fruit from the olive trees and sending them mainly for processing as olive oil. This year in Israel the olives are smaller

fruits are of the highest standard. Particular attention is paid to the production of virgin and extra virgin olive oil to ensure that the oil is both cold pressed and at no stage during the production have any chemicals been used. Reuven Berger, one of Israel’s leading testers of olive oil will take at random bottles

A considerate gift for your loved ones by BOB NELSON, CLU, Vice President and MIKE MURPHY, LUTCF for Grace/Mayer Financial & Estate Planning Division We would like to share an idea that will make an impact on those you care about the most. Taking the time to list these few simple things can make sure your wishes are understood and carried out. A will designates your personal representative, your children’s guardian and your instructions for distributing your property at death. Consider it your “personal letter of instruction” to the court. A “living will” is a medical directive written in advance that sets forth your preference for medical treatment. It also specifies who has the decision-making responsibility regarding medical treatment. A financial power of attorney designates who will be authorized to manage your affairs, typically financial ones, if you become unable to handle them. Review beneficiary designations on all of

your financial accounts, including employer provided benefits, investments, bank accounts and insurance policies, to ensure they are still relevant to your current wishes. Designated beneficiaries generally fall outside the provisions in your will, so it is critical that you keep your beneficiaries updated…in addition to your will. Specify where important papers are located. Keep a master list, tell your family where it is and review it periodically. Have a list of professionals who assist you with your legal and financial affairs (attorney, accountant, insurance agent, family physician, financial advisor etc.) Specify your preference for final arrangements such as funeral expenses, where you want to be buried, whether you are an organ donor, etc. Update your planning and review it regularly. Decisions like these are difficult without your input. Taking care of the above is one of the most considerate gifts you can give!

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An olive press at a factory in Mughar in the Credit: Edgar Asher/ISRANET Galilee. than usual due to the fact that there has been virtually no rain for the past eight months. The olives are mainly grown in Mediterranean type climates (dry summers, wet winters). Israel is the 20th largest cultivator of olives in the world and produces 48,750 metric tons of olives each year. This compares to the world’s biggest producer of olives, Spain, who last year produced 5,475,300 metric tons. The United States takes 10% of the entire world’s olive fruit production. In the north of Israel there are some olive trees that are thought to be almost two thousand years old, brought to the Holy Land by the Romans. The quality of the Israeli olives is very high and strict international controls are in force to ensure that the products made from the

Olives being gathered in northern Israel using traditional methods of collection using long poles to ‘knock’ the fruit off the tree. The olives fall on to tarpaulin below the tree and then are gathered up and taken to be Credit: Edgar Asher/ISRANET crushed. of high quality oil from supermarket shelves and check to see that what is described on the label is in fact what is in the bottle. The stringent criteria for the testing have been established by the International Olive Board. The consumption around the world of olive oil has generally increased in most countries. The oil is used extensively for cooking, particularly in Mediterranean countries. This rise in popularity has been ascribed to the proven qualities of the oil which is high in HDL ‘good’ cholesterol and anti-oxidants. In addition, the fact that virgin olive oil has no added chemicals also increases demand by consumers.

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December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 9

Religion and rain

Journal entry from Israel TEDDY WEINBERGER One of the ingredients that contributed to Israel’s catastrophic fire in the Carmel is the country’s current drought. When the fire began on Dec. 2, Israel had only received approximately 10% of its September-November rainfall average. In some places, rainfall was even less than that; for example, Tel Aviv’s total through November was just 5 millimeters of rain (4% of the average 121 mm), and Jerusalem’s total was only 6 mm (8% of the average 77 mm for the threemonth period). From its inception, Judaism has believed that there is a connection between doing the will of God and the amount of rain that falls in the Land of Israel. In the second paragraph of the “Sh’ma” prayer, taken from Deuteronomy 11, Jews pray every morning and every night: “If you obey the commandments that I enjoin upon you this day, loving the Lord your God and serving him with all your heart and soul, I will grant the rain for your land in season, the early rain and the late... Take care not to be lured away to serve other gods and bow to them. For the Lord’s anger will flare up against you, and He will shut up the skies so that there will be no rain and the ground will not yield its produce.” Religious Jews, therefore, look at times of drought as times that call out for repentance, which, as we know from the High Holidays, involves fasting, charitable acts, and prayer. Concerning the prayerful response to drought, there is a long-standing tradition to insert the following paragraph (which can be found in every Israeli siddur) into the “Acceptance of Prayer” section of the weekday Amidah (recited thrice daily): “Preserve and save this year from every bad thing and from all kinds of destruction and from all kinds of evil and give this year hope and peace; be merciful and have pity upon us and upon the year’s grains and fruits; and bless it with rains of favor, blessing, generosity,

AVEVA HAHN SHUKERT, PH.D. life, plenty and peace as in good years.” There are other prayers that may be added as a response to drought, especially during public prayer. All of these are said in addition to the regular requests for rain inserted into the prayer service during the rainy season. As far as fasting, the Chief Rabbinate, as part of the repentance process for rain, marked out two days in November for individuals to fast (in truly dire circumstances, a fast may be declared for the entire public). My 16-year-old son Elie fasted on both occasions. Sarah and I were not happy to see our son go without food, but we were proud of him. Religion is about a relationship with the divine. Elie feels himself both an integral part of the Jewish people and a pious Jew. If God oversees nature, then a drought is no blind occurrence but the outward manifestation of God’s dissatisfaction with human beings (as we saw in the “Sh’ma” prayer). I know that this is problematic to modern thinking. Somehow we can accept generalized formulaic prayers, including the traditional and routine prayers for rain, but prayer and fasting in response to a particular set of occurrences? That smacks of superstition and magic. I myself wrestle with these issues. But over the last few years I have come to realize that if I don’t believe in God’s capacity to be in relation with and respond to human beings, then religion is going to function less as “religion” in my life and more as a hobby or recreation, however encompassing I choose to make it. When does religion function like religion? When it provides calm and reassurance that things will turn out okay, when it makes me much less anxious about the future. The more truly religious a person is, the closer they come to knowing that while they are in charge of the day-today details of their life, God is in charge of the big picture. Wherever you fall out on the belief spectrum, I trust that you will join me in hoping that the remaining months of Israel’s rainy season will be wet indeed. Teddy Weinberger made aliyah in 1997 with his wife, former Omahan Sarah Ross, and their five children. Their oldest two, Nathan and Rebecca, recently completed mandatory service in the Israel Defense Forces; their daughter Ruthie is still serving in the IDF. Weinberger can be reached at weinross@net vision.net.il.

Israel offers good-will gestures by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Christian Palestinian residents of the West Bank will be allowed to enter Israel, including overnight, for Christmas. Thousands of pilgrims are expected to visit the West Bank city of Bethlehem during the Christmas season. Christmas ceremonies will take place in accordance with the “StatusQuo Principle,” relating to the ceremonial traditions estab-

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lished in years past, according to the Israel Defense Forces. Meanwhile, the Israeli city of Haifa unveiled in its city center a 38-foot Christmas tree made of recycled water bottles and other plastic objects. The tree, comprised of 5,480 recycled bottles and illuminated by LED-certified lights, was created by Israeli designer Hadas Itzcovitch and her father, artist Ernest Itzcovitch, to raise awareness of environmental issues.

Home care you can trust by ANGIE GERHARD When it becomes impossible to live independently, whether temporary or long-term, finding the right care can be difficult. It is easy to feel overwhelmed or alone. If a nursing home is not the preferred answer, at-home care may be what you are looking for. For Custom Care Nursing, the keywords are safety and trust. “When people feel as if they have very few options left, we step in and offer what they need,” says Jeff Gerhard. Custom Care’s staff is fully licensed; rigorous background checks are in place, so you know you are getting the best home care possible. Whether you or someone close to you needs long term home care, whether it is Alzheimer’s, cancer, long- or shorter-term surgery recovery, Custom Care Nursing will take care of all your needs. This includes communicating with doctors, organizing medication schedules, and excellent after care, all with 100%

confidentiality. Custom Care goes beyond traditional nursing care: they are not just in your home; they are by your side in the hospital, at appointments, and during outpatient treatments. Custom Care provides you with professionals who take care of everything, down to the smallest detail. They accompany you anywhere, anytime, and offer emotional support, companionship, and advocacy. They will ensure that the efforts of your healthcare providers are coordinated, and everyone is on the same page. It is Custom Care’s mission to actively champion your healthcare needs in a humane and dignified manner, so that you receive the best possible information, care, follow-up, and support from everyone involved in your treatment and recovery. Angie and Jeff Gerhard and their staff believe you deserve nothing less. For more information, call 402.320.3700, or visit www.cus tomcarenursing.com.

Mediguard affordable and easy to use by SARAH MATLOCK On Feb. 22, 2010 Dan Ward, President and CEO of American Electronics and MediGuard USA, visited Visonic, Inc. Visonic is located in Kiryat Gat, Israel. Dan had a pleasurable visit with the plant manager, Yehile Rotblat. He was given a tour of the entire manufacturing plant. Not only was it exciting to revisit the testing center, but Dan was very impressed by the warm greetings and high excellence of the operations. This massive quality control center is the birth place of new technology which continues to help keep people safe and in their homes. “My son wouldn’t let me go home without an alert system. After I did my research and decided on MediGuard it was a simple call and the unit was installed the day I came home from Rose Blumkin. I feel so safe and the customer service is outstanding!” Betty S., MediGuard USA, subscriber, stated. In 2006, MediGuard USA was introduced to Omaha, Nebraska; each unit is specifically designed for each user. It is affordable

and easy to use. There are email alerts and web-based incident reports available for families and medical providers. ”My family and I love the MediGuard system. They know I am never alone and the customer service is outstanding! I have recommended this system to all of my friends.” Jim P., subscriber. “I am a care provider for my mom and aunt. I work fulltime and am very busy caring for my 10 year old. I was going crazy trying to keep track of everyone’s well being. I now have the peace of mind go to work, knowing that MediGuard will call me if there is an emergency.” stated Lorrie S., Caregiver. The Visionic equipment is one of the leading systems available on the market. If you have a loved one who lives alone or is recuperating from a recent surgery or illness and are considering an emergency response system, contact MediGuard USA and a representative will be happy to meet with you. For more information please call, 402.891.9700 or visit us on the web at www.mediguardusa.com.

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10 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

Warm scarves and cool dogs Continued from page 1 RBJH auditorium, where residents interacted with man’s best friend -- those warm, fuzzy four-legged bundles of affection. “This was our first try at a dog show,” said Conti, “and it was a huge success. Shelley Cash, our Director of Nursing, is wild about dogs. She helped organize the show and also did a fabulous job as emcee of the event.”

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Twenty-two dogs took part, including a tiny Chihuahua, two champion Afghan Hounds and charming Golden Retrievers. Conti admitted she wasn’t sure, at first, that bringing so many dogs to the Home was a good idea. “Linda Abrams Tederman, who visits the Blumkin Home every other Wednesday with Hudson, her Bernese Mountain Dog, participates each year at the Remington Heights Annual Dog Show,” Conti explained. “Linda invited me to Remington’s dog show -- they had 29 dogs participating -and when I saw how well behaved the dogs were, I was convinced that providing this type of program at the Home made perfect sense.” Numerous studies show that interaction with animals truly has a positive affect on the elderly. The presence of animals can lower blood pressure, reduce cholesterol, relieve depression, minimize boredom and significantly improve their quality of life and sense of well-being. “Just seeing the dogs made the residents smile and laugh,” Conti said. “And the unconditional love that animals bring is so emotionally powerful. Experts agree that animals allow people to focus, even for a few minutes, on something other than themselves. The Dog Show brought residents out of their rooms to socialize with one another and with the animals, and that brightened up everyone’s day.” According to Conti, “It was obvious that the residents really enjoyed petting so many dogs throughout the afternoon. This event was eye candy for everyone.” Pet participants in the Blumkin Home Dog Show belonged to residents’ family members, friends of the Home, and staff of both the Blumkin Home and JCC, and although Conti calls all twenty-two dogs “winners,” the headliner was clearly Elaine and Mace Jabenis’ eight yearold white Lhasa Apso, Sammy -- a certified, trained therapy dog, a member of Paws for Friendship, Inc., and a regular visitor to the Home. “We set up a stage area so everyone could see the dogs,” Conti said, “and when it was Sammy’s turn, he did ten minutes of tricks. By the end of the show, he was the star.” At the tea time following the show, RBJH residents, family and friends enjoyed a human version of Puppy Chow -- a chocolate and cereal treat. “Sammy and his friends took home bags of doggy treats made by the residents,” Conti said. “The buzz is already out in the community about the Dog Show, and now the main question is, ‘When’s the next one?’ Family, friends and staff are eager to sign up.” As you read this, the residents and staff at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home hope you’re snug as the proverbial bug, wrapped in warm fuzzies.

JEWISH PRESS NOTICE bcbsne.com An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 31 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment. Questions? Call 334.6448.

December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 11

Beth Gaynes Ginsberg: A passion for dance by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator “Every Saturday afternoon,” Beth Gaynes Ginsberg recalls, “my mother took me to the library. We passed City Hall, and I heard music coming out so I asked my mother to go inside.” The seven-year-old saw young dancers and asked her mother to let her take dance lessons.” That’s how a lifetime of passion for dance and a career that came to a close only a couple of years ago began. Growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, Ginsberg graduated from Roosevelt High School, attended Drake University for a year, and then the University of Iowa where she majored in theater. Her Beth Gaynes Ginsberg mother, Pearl Ann, a native of Chicago, was a pianist. Her father, Joseph E. Bernstein, had immigrated to America from Eastern Europe. The Bernsteins also had two sons, Seymour, who died “quite a while ago,” Ginsberg said, and Bernard who died in 1943 flying over Germany. “Growing up, I had a wonderful, well-known teacher,” remembered Ginsberg. Rose Lorenz “was gifted, well-educated, and was always my mentor. She was also a musician. By eighth grade, I was taking two lessons a week from Rose who was invited to teach for the Dance Masters of America Convention in Washington, D.C.” Rose invited Beth to accompany her and demonstrate dance techniques. “Rose followed my career, and I stayed in touch with her” even attending “every one of Rose’s birthdays until she was 95.” After college, Ginsberg moved to Chicago to study dance, then to New York where she performed in venues such as neighborhood playhouses while continuing her studies. At a welcome home event for veterans after World War II, Beth met Joe Ginsberg. He had been a football player at Drake University and the University of Iowa on an athletic scholarship. “He’d been gone five years after volunteering for the draft,” Beth noted. After meeting Joe a couple of times, Beth began to think he was “a very nice guy.” When she returned to Chicago, “we missed each other. We both began to realize that it was not just a friendship.” Eventually, they knew “we loved each other very much.” In the fall of 1946, they became engaged and were married Feb. 9, 1947 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines. Joe owned a supermarket there, but in 1956, the couple moved to Omaha, Joe’s hometown, and he began working with young people at BoysTown and with legendary college football Coach Bob Devaney, Jewish Boy Scouts, Omaha Home for Boys, and United Synagogue Youth. In 1995, Joe was named Humanitarian of the Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. In 1959, the Ginsbergs had a son, J. Alvin Ginsberg. For a

few years, “I wanted to give my attention to this wonderful baby.” Tears flooding her eyes, Beth explained that he died in an accident when he was 24. In the 1950s, Beth opened a dance studio in the Center Mall at 42nd and Center near the home in which she and Joe lived. For the next five decades, hundreds, perhaps thousands of girls, for the most part, from as young as four years old, learned ballet, tap, jazz and other forms of dance at Beth Gaynes Dance Studio. “Some of them grew up in the studio,” Beth remarked. She had many second-generation students whose mothers had learned to do an arabesque and plié at her studio. Five days a week, she taught every class with the assistance of demonstrators she hired. Recitals were usually at the Orpheum, the Music Hall at the Civic Auditorium, and during the last years, at schools. One of her students was crowned Miss Dance of America some 30 years ago. Many danced at the Omaha Community Playhouse over the years. “A couple did go to Broadway,” she added, “and one was a Rockette.” Beth was also the principal choreographer of the Omaha Press Club Ball for 31 years. She was honored with a Distinguished Member Award by the Press Club in 2001.

More than 40 years ago, she founded the Omaha Dance Teachers Association. From 1978 to 1980, Beth was the national president of Dance Masters of America (DMA), an international organization of dance educators who have been certified by test to teach. Active in more than 30 chapters in the United States and Canada, DMA prides itself on being on “the cutting edge of the newest and best teaching techniques and having an enormous impact upon both the art and education of dance” since 1884. Also the DMA national historian and Member of the Year in 1988, Beth received the President’s Award along with other past presidents at DMA’s 125th anniversary in 2009. Her award cited, in part, that Beth “is like the encyclopedia for Dance Masters. Her lifetime of knowledge in the Art of Dance...tremendous passion for dance history” were among the accomplishments recognized at the anniversary celebration. About ten years ago, Beth’s career was featured in an article in Dance Magazine which has been publishing for more than 80 years. In 2001, after 53 years of marriage, Beth lost Joe to an illness. He was 81 and is buried at Beth El Cemetery as is their son. The Ginsbergs were members of Beth El Synagogue Continued on page 12

Lucille Katelman’s birthday celebration

When Lucille (Lucy) Katelman was born, no one could have imagined that in just 98 years, her family would have grown to include a total of 32 children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, who all helped celebrate her 98th birthday at a big bash last July. In addition to her sister, Margie Schoenberg, to the birthday girl’s left, who lives in Beverly Hills, Lucy’s relatives came in from Southern California and Portland, Oregon, for the occasion. Lucy, who lives at the Rose Blumkin Home and partied all weekend with her family, said, “I’m lucky to have made it this far, and I have no intention of stopping!”

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12 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

Facing life (and death) with a plan

Beth Gaynes Ginsberg: A passion for dance Continued from page 11 where Joe was “very active.” Now a member of Temple Israel, Beth was also president of Hadassah for eight years. But suddenly a few years ago, “I was alone,” she recalled. “I got terribly rundown. I never knew what fatigue or being tired was.” She insisted that she had been “so strong you couldn’t believe it! But I didn’t have the mental capacity to do what I expected of myself, and I couldn’t concentrate.” So in 2008, Beth Gaynes Dance Studio closed its doors. “I missed it -- especially the children and the parents. I missed what I had lived all my adult life.” Beth still lives in the house near the Center Mall. She was delighted when

Temple’s Caring Committee brought her a handmade shawl. “It was the most gorgeous shawl you’ve ever seen! Gorgeous!” she emphasized. Caring Committee members come around on some holidays, she said. “It’s very nice. Temple is very thoughtful. And I do like the rabbi.” She enjoys reading biographies and history. Transportation has become a problem. She has thought of looking at some assisted living residences but hasn’t yet. “I’ll move when I have to,” she stated simply. As for life, she puts her priorities in order by advising: “Be the kind of person that is the right way for yourself, your family, and benefits our community.” Words she has exemplified as a woman and a dancer.

Age gracefully at home by RILLA EATON Development Associate, Visiting Nurse Association The Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) in partnership with General Mills and Bag ‘N Save will be providing free health screening clinics throughout our community. These clinics will screen for the following vital health information: • Blood pressure • Body Mass Index • Body fat % • Total cholesterol • HDL cholesterol • Triglycerides These clinics are designed to first show attendees their general health and then show

them ways in which to improve their general health through diet changes, increased activity and lifestyle changes. The VNA will have registered nurses, registered dieticians and nutritionists onsite to advise those people who wish to know more about improving their health. In addition, free information about healthy living will be made available. The clinics will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 7 and will be at the following Bag N’ Save locations: 144th and Center, 90th and Maple, 108th and Q, 50th and Grover, 72nd and Dodge*, 51st and Harrison*, 108th and Maple.* *the above indicated will not screen for cholesterol levels.

by CATHERINE N. SWINIARSKI, J.D. Managing partner, Elderlaw Associates of Omaha When a family member suddenly falls seriously ill and can’t make life-and-death medical decisions for themselves, family members must decide what he or she would have wanted. Oftentimes, decisions must be made quickly. People have been urged for many years to plan for times of serious illness and death by completing an advance directive, or “living will,” in which you designate the person who will make those decisions when you can’t make them for yourself. Many advance directive forms are written in complicated legal and medical terms that few can readily understand. And few forms help foster the difficult discussion that must come before anybody puts anything in writing. Since its introduction in 1997, the Five Wishes advance has broadened the discussion from the purely medical and legal into the areas that people say matter most – personal, spiritual and family issues. There are at least five good reasons to use

Five Wishes: • Five Wishes is written in everyday language • It’s all-encompassing, and you can change it as your situation changes. • It’s a discussion guide. • Five Wishes meets the legal requirements of 42 states and the District of Columbia. • It brings peace of mind. Five Wishes has helped drive change within society so that those who are seriously ill or near death have their wishes known and respected. Your complimentary copy of Five Wishes can be obtained by contacting Catherine N. Swiniarski, J.D. at 402.659.1699, or www. elderlawomaha.com, or purchased through the Aging with Dignity Foundation at 888.594.7437, www.agingwith dignity.org. Elderlaw Associates of Omaha is a law firm which emphasizes the specialized interests of Seniors, and those who love and care for them. Services include wills, trusts, probate, and medicare and Medicaid planning.

Retirement planning by RUSS KAPLAN President, Russ Kaplan Investments An important thing to realize, for seniors as well as those who are planning for their retirement, is that we are living much longer than you might imagine. According to census data, the average person reaching age 65 will live another 20 years, and that is a long time. This requires a long term investment strategy which includes equities. Many seniors I come across aren’t usually invested in equities because they don’t like risk. Risk has different definitions, but for seniors the biggest risk is outliving your money. The current interest rates are historically

low, meaning that you are getting much less income than you received in the past. However, these low interest rates are not likely to last much longer. What this means is that as interest rates rise the value of your bonds will go down. Just since last November, according to the Wall Street Journal, interest rates on the ten-year Treasury went up 0.7%. Unfortunately for those holding this type of Treasury, value went down by 5.5%. What’s even worse is that investors who are holding 30-year Treasuries lost 7% of its value. Over time, the best performing investment has been stocks, so don’t ignore this in your golden years.

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December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 13

Salad for one

Bert’s eye view BERT LEWIS Usually, when I’ve covered a topic a few times, I try to think of it as past history, and just forget about it. The subject of Senior Living is, however, one that must be good for many, many words and thoughts. So let me see if, in fact, that’s true. Let me share with you how one senior has changed her way of living over this past year. This is a woman who has been learning how to live alone in the same quarters formerly shared by a mate. So, you might say, what’s the big deal? I’ll try to explain. The big deal is that she still cooks dinner each night, but usually it’s enough for two, not one. Why is it so hard to make salad for one? Or she decides on a cold morning, it’s a great day for a pot of chili. And it is, but how many bowls of chili can one woman eat before she can’t stand the sight of it? And there are still at least three full bowls left! Then take the horror of the Niagara Falls in the bathroom, when all of a sudden, just expecting the plumbing to do as it always does, water is rising where it has absolutely no business rising. That’ s usually when the woman alone, standing and watching helplessly, yells “NOOOO, please don’t overflow! I don’t know what to do!!” If her brain kicks in on time, she remembers a small turn-off valve way down there in a corner, but her knees don’t allow the kind of squatting such a position requires. No matter what a peson believes, this is a time for prayer. Bedtime is at best a lonely time for the person who lives alone. No matter how tired, sometimes sleep is elusive, and the lone human in the house just lies there, waiting for sleep to come. That’s when it starts. What starts? The house noises, of course. You know, the funny sounds that come wheezing from the furnace, or the thunderous bumping sound when something in the structure either expands or contracts. That can sound like a gunshot, especially if one is half asleep (and a scaredy-cat besides). If it’s winter and the temperatures are bitter, the house has a special set of noises it makes, seemingly only at night. Cracking sounds, the kind which make the listener believe any minute the entire house will crumble into a heap of rubble. Yes, that does take a healthy imagination, but what can I tell you? That’s what it sounds like. Or after a day of especially strong winds, what chills the heart of a home owner faster that seeing roof shingles in the driveway or in the yard? Roof shingles, for crying out loud! What does that mean? It means somebody better call a person who will climb up on the roof and assess the damage, then bring the bad news to the owner. But wait. “Did you call your insurance people?” somebody will ask. Did I call who? OMG, should I do that? Times like that are exactly when a woman alone can often be heard yelling, “oh why aren’t you here to take care of this? It’s not my job!” And it’s hard to yell while crying, I can tell you. But it’s not all disasterous - no, worse than that is when it’s a matter of sentiment. I won’t go into the way certain music can recall certain moments, or seeing a particularly beautiful view can make one wish to share that sight. The memories stored in a person’s hard drive can be a great surprise, when suddenly one arises from nowhere, and it’s 1949 or some other date, way back when. It’s not too hard to travel back in time and sing along, remembering every word of the song. (You, who can’t remember her cell phone number!) As I write this, it’s only a few days until the one year anniversary of the day my room mate left us. In some ways it’s nearly impossible to realize it’s been a year already. In other ways, it seems like forever. I have pictures of him (some of the two of us) all over the house. Some of him with this grandchild or that son or daughter. At the time of day when he would come home from the office, I sometimes think I hear him at the door. At night I constantly check his side of the bed, because I so often think I hear him. I can tell you many things about senior living, perhaps the one thing with the most meaning is simply this. Friends and family are, to the senior living alone, very important. Everybody needs a good back-up system, of course. When that senior is living alone, maybe for the first time in her life, it’s the hardest work she’ll ever do. That’s when the one who never put gas in her car learns how to do it, or how to change a light bulb, or to remember to put out the trash can on Wednesday night, or to pick up the cleaning without a reminder. Oh yes, if nobody is there to do it for you, you’d better learn to do it yourself. Lucky for me I always did those things anyway, but now I do them with a heavy heart. I’m told the time will come

when some of the sadness will ease and eventually tears won’t be so close to the surface. I’m sure that’s true, but so far I know that it takes more than a year. My kids are my salvation. None of them live nearby, but each of them comes and goes as though they did. Whether for a weekend or a few days longer, they come and their company is like small doses of courage and energy for me. That’s why I know that next year will be a tad easier when it’s yahrzeit time. Not a lot, but at least a little. There are a number of us who lost mates in the past year. Some I know well, some not at all. But I know this: we’ll survive, all of us. For one thing, there are no options with this deal. It is what it is. No “if only” this or that....accept it. A wonderful yiddish expression translates to say “do I have a choice?” So accept your assignment, lady. It’s just another form of senior living. Bert Lewis can be reached at BertLewis39@aol.com.

B’nai Israel speaker series Storyteller Anna Cotton was the featured speaker at Shabbat services on Dec. 10. She adapted Hanukkah book stories from The Hanukkah Guest by Eric A Kimmel, and The Tie Man's Miracle by Steven Schnur. In addition, she sang A Love Transcending from Festival of Light by Neshama Carlebach. Anna Cotton has earned a Bachelors degree and a Masters degree in Library Science. There will be a potluck dinner on Jan. 14, 2011, with discussion led by Phil Wolf. To volunteer, call Nancy Wolf, 330.6736 . The entire Jewish community is invited to attend.

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After Israeli fire, a hands-off approach to the forestland by MARCY OSTER field; in others homes were spared. Boneh said he found that JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Omri Boneh has been in a daze some of the groves he planted at the beginning of his career since the massive fire in Israel’s Carmel Forest. were only partially damaged. He called the surviving trees “a The director of the northern region of Keren Kayemeth good start for the next generation.” LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund, Boneh saw decades of the Ido Izhaki, head of the University of Haifa’s Carmel agency’s work destroyed in the four-day inferno, which Research Center, has been researching the Carmel region reduced swaths of the verdant forest in northern Israel to a since a major fire there in 1989. He agrees it would be a misblack, dead landscape. Boneh had personally planted thou- take to plant new trees on a large scale in the wake of the fire. sands of the trees over a 25-year career as a forester on “The forest needs to be left alone to recover, with only minMount Carmel. imal human intervention,” But Boneh, whose name Izhaki said. means “build” in Hebrew, Most of the trees burned doesn’t want to dwell on the were Allepo pines. Seeds past; he’s already thinking from the massive trees, which about the future. have adapted themselves evoThe first step for rehabililutionarily to forest fires, were tating the forest, Boneh says, released from the trees’ pine is waiting, allowing nature to by JTA NEWS STAFF cones by the heat of the fire JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Three Palestinian firefighters and were spread far and wide take its course. It’s called natwere refused entry into Israel for a ceremony honoring by its coals and winds. These ural regeneration. “Planting, which is proba- Palestinian firemen who helped battle the Carmel blaze. seeds will begin sprouting in Only seven of the 10 firemen were to be allowed in for a few weeks, according to bly the most important action in forestry, will be just in case the ceremony that was scheduled to take place Sunday Boneh. natural regeneration is not afternoon in the Druze village of Usfiya. The ceremony At some point, he said, adequate,” said Boneh, who was canceled. foresters could become The Israel Defense Forces said the denial of entry for involved in “selective thinhas dealt with the aftermath of five other significant fires the three firemen was a bureaucratic error. The list of ning” to limit the new forest’s names did not include the firemen’s ID numbers, the IDF density and help young trees on Mount Carmel. The most recent blaze, said, and that it did not receive the list in time. The army grow, as well as some planting which broke out Dec. 2, was at told Haaretz that it is working to get the correct permits to ensure biodiversity -- creleast six times as large as the and that the ceremony would be rescheduled, Haaretz ating a mixed forest by renext worst fire. Some 12,000 reported. introducing broadleaf trees Israeli-Arab lawmaker Ahmed Tibi called the incident such as oaks, carobs and acres of land were burned and 5 million trees consumed. “not just a march of folly or a theater of the absurd but other species natural to the Forty-three people were killed stupidity and the normative lordly attitude of the occu- area. Some of those trees also and 250 homes were destroyed pation regime.” will begin to regenerate natuIn a statement, the Palestinian Authority said that “It’s rally soon, with sprouts or severely damaged. Four days after the fire was not clear how the same firefighters who got permits to go emerging from the stumps of extinguished, Israeli Environ- out and help snuff the fire now are now refused permits the destroyed trees. mental Minister Gilad Erdan to their honoring ceremony.” Fires also contribute posi“We did this despite the occupation because it was our tively to a forest’s growth, convened the first government committee on the reha- humane duty,” the PA statement added. “We knew the Izhaki said. bilitation of plant and animal occupation would still be here after our assistance.” Following a massive fire in The Palestinian firefighters were honored over the the Carmel Mountains in life for the Carmel Forest weekend by Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud 1989, he said that “We region. The committee agreed that Abbas. observed the development of “Our neighbors faced a tragedy and it was our duty to flora and fauna in the region natural regeneration was the best course of action and that do our humanitarian work toward our neighbors to pro- and saw that some 15 to 20 no planting would take place tect the environment and human life,” Abbas said during years after the fire, the forest in the Carmel in the coming the ceremony in his office in Ramallah. reached a climax in terms of year. The committee also sugits fauna and vegetation gested that buffer zones with sparse vegetation should be diversity. This indicates that after about this amount of time created between communities and roads to prevent the following a fire, the forest will be home to more species of spread of fires to populated areas, as well as in large forest wildlife and vegetation than there were before the fire.” areas to prevent the spread within the forests. Fires, however, are only beneficial to biological diversity if Approximately $46 million would be needed for rehabili- they are infrequent. Today, due to human factors, the fretation, the committee estimated. That includes rehabilitat- quency of fires is too high, and thus the forest’s recovery is ing plant and animal life and preventing soil erosion, and likely to take longer, Izhaki said. infrastructure repairs of trails, roads, camping grounds and observation points. JEWISH PRESS NOTICE Compensation to the victims of the fire and their families There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 31 due to staff would add to the estimate. vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment. Not everything in the path of the fire was burned indisQuestions? Call 334.6448. criminately. In some places the fire skipped a hill, valley or

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Community Calendar FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24 Friday Night Dinner, 5:45 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, DECEMBER 25 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, DECEMBER 27 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 29 Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 30 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel FRIDAY, DECEMBER 31 Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 1 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 2 Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 3 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. CJE Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 4 Eye on Israel, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home BBYO Rabbi’s Debate, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel College Students’ dinner with the Clergy, 7 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 5 BESTT Classes Resume, 4:15 p.m. at Beth El Community High School, 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 6 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel History of Judaism in England, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Kadima Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El YJO Cocktails & Conversations, 6 p.m. Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m. at Beth El USY Lounge Night, 7 p.m. at Beth El FRIDAY, JANUARY 7 Kuzari - In Defense of Judaism class, noon Say ‘Shalom!’ to Shabbat! & Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 8 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel BESTT Shabbat School, 10 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 9 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El No BESTT Classes at Beth El Sunday Breakfast Scholar’s Series, 10 a.m. at Beth El Temple Israel JYG/OTYG Environmental Program for Religious School, 10 a.m. Revitalizing the Festivals with Cantor Shermet, 10:30 a.m. Kadima Program, noon at Beth El OTYG Board Meeting, noon at Temple Israel JCC Musical Theater Auditions, 12:30-1:30 p.m. USY Program, 3 p.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 10 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Hebrew 101, 6 p.m. Lets Wine About It! with Cantor Schlossberg, 6:30 p.m. at Brix Lecture Series, Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

TUESDAY, JANUARY 11 Eye on Israel, noon ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Pizza & Parasha class, 6:15 p.m. at Beth El Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community High School Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12 Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, noon Women’s Book Group, 3:30 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Hebrew 101, Mor Sheinbein, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community High School, 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 13 Friedel End of 1st Semester Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel History of Judaism in England, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting Group, 6:30 p.m. Community Lecture by Dr. Dana Blander, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 14 Kuzari - In Defense of Judaism class, noon USY Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m. at Zipursky’s SATURDAY, JANUARY 15 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Learner’s Service, 10:15 a.m. at Beth El PJ Havdalah, 5:45 p.m. at Beth El Musical Havdalah, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 16 No BESTT Classes at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 17 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. BESTT Chaverim Going to Bounce U, 1 p.m. No BESTT Classes at Beth El Hebrew 101, 6 p.m. Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Lecture Series, Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JANUARY 18 Eye on Israel, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Board of Trustees, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 19 NE Jewish Historical Society Board Meeting, 4 p.m. Community High School, 6:30 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 22 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El Friedel PTO Movie Night, 6:45 p.m. SUNDAY, JANUARY 23 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Temple Israel Spaghetti Dinner Planning Meeting, noon Temple Israel Club 56 Family Fun Center, noon Beth El, Tu B’Shevat, 1:30 p.m. at Lauritzen Gardens Henry Monsky Lodge Event Honoring Saul Kripke & Birthday Celebration for Rabbi Kripke, 3 p.m. Israeli Dinner & Tu B’Shevat Seder, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 24 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Hebrew 101, 6 p.m. Federation & Synagogue Executive Comm. Meeting, 6 p.m. Lecture Series with Rabbi Gross, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel TUESDAY, JANUARY 25 Eye on Israel, noon Scholar’s Club, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home JFO Executive Committee Meeting, 6 p.m. BBYO Night, 6 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. at Beth Israel JFO Board of Directors Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 26 Rebecca Goldstein Book Club, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Hebrew, Mor Shenbein, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Community High School, 6:30 p.m. AIPAC Community Briefing, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Advanced Halacha Kollel, 9 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 27 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Pop Theology, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El AIPAC Young Leader Happy Hour, 5 p.m. JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting Group, 6:30 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 28 Beth El USY Winter Shabbaton in St. Louis thru Jan. 30 Kuzari - In Defense of Judaism class, noon Family Junior Congregation Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El Birthday Blessings, 6 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 29 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Junior Congregation, 10 a.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 30 Temple Israel Breakfast, 7:30 a.m. at Stephen Center Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 31 Teleconferencing Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Federation Partnership/Israel Flutes of the Galilee, 5 p.m. Hebrew 101, 6 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 20 Women of the Torah, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel Pop Theology with Rabbi Linder, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel School Directors Committee Meeting, 10 a.m. Rabbi Levin’s Weekly Class, noon at Beth El JCC Musical Theatre Community Acting

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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Wed Di ding & S splays upp lies

16 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

Point of view

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What’s your status?

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT Editor of the Jewish Press As always, December is flying by like the Starship Enterprise at warp-speed. Much has happened this past year. Among the things we get to focus on this month are the lists: which famous people died, which movies ruled and which bombed, what the political highlights and low points were, what we regret and promise to never repeat, and what we are proud of, and who suffered from foot-in-mouth disease. This year, we saw the first ever soccer World Cup in Africa, and in Uganda, 70 people died from terrorist attacks while watching one of the games. There were fires, and there were oil spills, and there were conflicting rallies in Washington D.C. We had mid-term elections and WikiLeaks and we were introduced to the iPad. There was devastation in Haiti, as well as true heroism, trapped miners in Chile and China and New Zealand, and, oh yeah, the Census. Chemical Ali was executed, an Olympic luger died in training before the Games even started, Russia had its subway bombings, and we all watched closely as the Flotilla debacle unfolded. Great Britain held elections and Prime Minister Gordon Brown disappeared from the public stage. Elena Kagan joined the Supreme Court, and Times Square had its bomb threat, calling up bad memories for a city only beginning to heal. Like many people, I am somewhat obsessed with whatever the latest news is. I love the December lists, the nostalgic looking back at stuff that happened only three months ago. I am especially excited when Time Magazine announces its person of the year. Not so much because the individual is so famous, or even interesting, or necessarily admirable, but because whomever the editors pick, he or she represents what is going on around us. This year’s choice, Mark Zuckerberg, is certainly a good example of that. Time’s editors selected him “For connecting more than half a billion people and mapping the social relations among them, for creating a new system of exchanging information and for changing how we live our lives.” (Time.com) Zuckerberg, only 26 years old, is the man who introduced

us all to Facebook, that marvelous social network many of us can no longer live without. Although there still are people who have avoided the Facebook addiction (you may be one of them, and if so, three cheers to you), for most of us, checking our updates, friend requests and comments has become second nature. These days, Facebook is closing in on 600 million members worldwide, connecting the average user to 150 others. 600 million is an overwhelming number, when you really think about it. As a result, Zuckerberg has been painted by the media as a somewhat aloof genius, an oddball who probably wasn’t all that popular in high school. Arrogant, and a bit of an outsider, if you will. Becoming a billionaire before the age of thirty often has that effect: nobody with that kind of money should be popular, it seems. When he donated $100 million to the Newark public school system, it was immediately denounced as a ploy to counter any negative publicity caused by the movie The Social Network, which portrays Zuckerberg’s life story. It seems an unfair assessment. Besides saying: “I wish they wouldn’t make a movie about me while I am still alive,” Zuckerberg hasn’t criticized the script. It seems more likely that much of the negative response to him is a result of plain old jealousy: reportedly, Facebook’s worth is somewhere in the neighborhood of $30 billion, and that’s a lot of money by anybody’s standards. So what is it that Zuckerberg tapped into so successfully? Is it the easy way we are now able to find old friends who should maybe be forgotten? Our incessant need to find important things to say by way of status updates, or to indulge our voyeuristic tendencies? Is it a way to spy on others, and at the same time allow our privacy to be completely compromised? I think the truth may be a little less

macabre. We are human beings, and as such, we need contact with other human beings. No man can live in a vacuum, and quite often, the Internet is accused of creating that vacuum. In Facebook’s case, it may be the other way around: it may actually make us closer. Yes, there are creeps out there, but creeps aren’t caused by Facebook; we already had them. If someone sends you anthrax, would you blame the U.S. Postal System? Like a modern day village square, social networking brings us all together throughout the day. We can keep track of each other’s activities, check what’s happening in big ways and small ways, and the chance that friends or family members drop out of sight has diminished considerably. Also, it’s handy to get those YJO reminders. It’s how I followed what was happening with the Bagel Bin, and how I find out when I need to order my Friedel dinner tickets. It’s how I remember when my friends have birthdays, and how my siblings and I keep track of how fast our kids grow. Maybe, in 2011, you will find the Jewish Press on Facebook. Speaking of, I wish you all a fantastic New Year; may it be a great and peaceful one for all of us.

Take a stand against boycotts this holiday season

Focus on issues ETHAN FELSON NEW YORK (JTA) -- What’s old is new, and unfortunately this holiday season, wrapped in a bow, is a boycott of things Israeli and Jewish. The relics of the past boycotts -from Nuremberg to Damascus -- are back. Uninterested in reconciliation, the extremist and myopic fervor that undergirds the campaign to boycott Israel should be a wake-up call for those who have hit the snooze button too many times. Issuing the latest appeal for boycotts is the North American affiliate of the Sabeel Center, a group that wraps its disdain for the Jewish state in a cloak of Christian concern. Sabeel’s leader has said that Israel operates a “crucifixion machine” and that “security is a pagan god that Israel worships.” It wields the word “apartheid” like a cudgel. The center’s holiday boycott call targets more than a dozen companies because they operate in Israel or their owners are guilty of the sin of being Israeli, Jewish or affiliated with either. They manufacture goods in Israel, in the West Bank and in America. Their products include cosmetics, clothing, cell phones and prepared foods. Most cannot be tied in any rational way to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. That gets to the heart of it. The so-called BDS movement (boycotts, divestment and sanctions) isn’t here to help Palestinians; it’s a pernicious call to harm Israel and world

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

Jewish Press Board Andy Ruback, Vice President; Eric Dunning, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Past President; Daphne Pollak Alperson; Marc Brodkey; Phyllis Brown; Jason Epstein; Mel Epstein; Scott Farkas; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Jamie Meyerson; Michael Sigmond; Jim Simon; Dorothy Spizman; Nancy Wolf. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service/Jewish Senior Services, and the Jewish Press. Guidelines and highlights of the Jewish Press, including front page sto-

Jewry. Its proponents seek to bring the Israeli-Palestinian conflict into every sphere of American life. Boycott supporters don’t seem to care who gets caught in their snare, including tens of thousands of American workers employed by these companies. In so many ways it is a boycott of American values. Estee Lauder’s sin is being owned by the volunteer leader of the Jewish National Fund. Sara Lee and L’Oreal are guilty of having been praised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Another company is guilty of being owned by a friend of former Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Also in Sabeel’s crosshairs is a California-based business building green transportation infrastructure -- electric car charging stations in Denmark, Australia, Hawaii -- and Israel. It’s owner was named to Time magazine’s list of Environmental Heroes. But he is Israeli, so his company makes the list. What can we do? Here are some suggestions: Build bridges. Most Americans understand that such campaigns will not change governmental or corporate policies. So reach out to them -- in their churches, civic groups, where you work and in your neighborhood. The people calling for boycotts, divestment and sanctions are at the margins of public debate. Their goal is to poison the well at home. Don’t let them. Make the case. Israel is the national homeland of the Jewish people. It seeks to live in peace and security. BDS is a tactic aimed to delegitimize Israel. None of the groups backing BDS support Israel’s right to exist as a Jewish state.

Promote peace. Call on churches and others being roped into the BDS drama to seek something better. Israelis and Palestinians deserve peace: Two peoples, two states, living side by side. Their peace will come when the parties are confident. Foster reconciliation. Many organizations are working tirelessly to bring together Israelis and Palestinians, and Jews, Christians and Muslims. They deserve our support. Balanced travel missions demonstrate the complexity of the conflict and the need for peacemakers, not bomb throwers, rhetorical or otherwise. Stay civil. Avoid shouting and name calling. As tempting as it may be to call for a boycott of companies owned by Sabeel’s supporters, we need to reject ineffective and partisan virtual warfare. We are not the parties to the conflict. A zero-sum, scorched earth approach that thrives on division helps no one. Buycott instead of boycott. A few mudmasks and an extra container of hummus can’t hurt. Get involved. Thankfully, the alarm has gone off and friends of Israeli-Palestinian peace are pushing back. The Israel Action Network, a partnership of the Jewish Federations of North America and the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, will mobilize Jewish federations, agencies and JCRCs across North America to respond effectively to the assault on Israel’s legitimacy. Get up. Get trained. And go to work. Ethan Felson is the vice president of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs.

ries and announcements, can be found online at: www jewishomaha.org; click on ‘Jewish Press.’ Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Board of Directors, the Jewish Federation of Omaha Board of Directors, or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but it should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. The Jewish Press will not publish letters that appear to be part of an organized campaign, nor letters copied from the Internet. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the

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is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: avandekamp @jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jew ishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1.402.334.5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: avandekamp@jew ishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be single-spaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted

writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For information, contact Annette van de Kamp-Wright, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly (except for the first week of January and July) on Friday for $37.50 per calendar year U.S.; $80 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or email to: jpress@jewishomaha.org.

December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 17

Anything goes on campus? The answer is no

Behind the headlines WAYNE L. FIRESTONE WASHINGTON (JTA) -- In recent weeks, Jewish student activists have confronted mock Israeli checkpoints, opposed a student group that wanted to raise funds to defy the Gaza blockade and fought to keep an Israeli hummus brand on campus. In some instances, such efforts to delegitimize Israel have even included a sprinkling of American Jews and Israelis. Even if such incidents are exceptional, should we really accept that “anything goes” on campus? The answer is no. Hillel’s Schusterman International Center issued guidelines this week to ensure that local Hillels know which organizations, groups and speakers are considered valid partners in promoting civil and informed discourse on Israel. Our guidelines state that “Hillel welcomes, partners with, and aids the efforts of organizations, groups and speakers from diverse perspectives in support of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state.” We firmly state, however, that “Hillel will not partner with, house or host organizations, groups or speakers that as a matter of policy or practice: • Deny the right of Israel to exist as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders; • Delegitimize, demonize or apply a double standard to Israel; • Support boycott of, divestment from, or sanctions against the State of Israel; • Exhibit a pattern of disruptive behavior toward campus

events or guest speakers or foster an atmosphere of incivility.” These guidelines already are being utilized locally. The Tufts Hillel referenced them to say no to a partnership with its local chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine based on the national organization’s support of boycotts, divestment and sanctions. Does this mean that debate or discussion among students might be stifled? Of course not. Among the key tenets of the document is the principle that “Hillel welcomes a diversity of student perspectives on Israel and strives to create an inclusive, pluralistic community where students can discuss matters of interest and/or concern about Israel and the Jewish people in a civil manner.” At the same time, we reject efforts that may divide the Jewish community on campus over the potentially rich debate and discussion that occurs about Israel. We seek to engage and educate students not only to prepare them to advocate for Israel, but also to enrich their Jewish identities with an understanding of the centrality of Israel to their own lives and to Jewish civilization. We draw strength from the long Jewish tradition of vigorous inquiry and inclusivity modeled in the Talmud. While the Talmud includes diverse and even competing views in its discussion, it certainly does not endorse every opinion. It nonetheless models a vibrant practice of Klal Yisrael, the united people of Israel, which has fostered Hillel’s historic commitment to religious pluralism on campus. At the time of its founding, Hillel rejected the prevailing model of denominationalism, instead bringing together all

Seattle buses to carry ‘Israeli war crimes’ ads by JTA NEWS STAFF (JTA) -- Buses in downtown Seattle will carry advertisements about “Israeli war crimes” to mark the second year since the Gaza war. The Seattle Midwest Awareness Campaign has paid $1,794 to place the advertisements on 12 buses beginning Dec. 27, the day Israel entered Gaza to stop rocket attacks on its southern communities, according to Seattle’s King 5 News. The ads feature a group of children looking at a demol-

ished building under the heading “Israeli War Crimes: Your tax dollars at work.” Advertisements are accepted for Seattle buses as long as they do not publicize pornography, alcohol and tobacco. “As a government, we are mindful of the provisions in state and federal constitutions to protect freedom of speech,” spokesperson Linda Thielke told King 5 News. “So we can't object these campaigns simply because they offend some people.”

Jewish movements on campus under one roof. We recognize the strength in a spectrum of voices and backgrounds, and we are not afraid to embrace a similar diversity of political and ideological perspectives. That being said, we also understand the importance of creating an environment for healthy, fair and informed exploration and discussion. We will not tolerate those who use foul play or misinformation to manipulate the conversation. Israel is no exception, and that is where our guidelines come into the picture. No, Hillel will not allow for “anything goes” on our campuses. No, we will not partner with groups that seek to abuse our openness to espouse positions that undermine the very existence of Israel as a Jewish and democratic state with secure and recognized borders. And yes, I am confident that Hillel can play a critical role in helping this generation of students not only develop a strong sense of Jewish identity, but also a personal connection and commitment to the State of Israel. Wayne L. Firestone is the president and CEO of Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life.

Letter TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: Rarely do I write a letter to the editor of any publication, but I feel compelled to write and agree with Stanford Lipsey’s view point published in the Dec. 17 issue of the Jewish Press. I feel it is fine to contribute to any worth while community publication, but it is inappropriate to put it on the masthead of the paper. It appears the contributor is seeking recognition by placing it on the front page. The Press is now and always has been a well run community publication and shouldn’t be portrayed as an outlet for the well intending sponsor. The Jewish Press of Omaha should always be construed as a publication of the Omaha Jewish Community. The sponsorship of this publication should be placed on the Editorial page, if at all! Sincerely, Dik Weiner Omaha, NE

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18 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster Street | Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 | 402.322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: 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 and Cantor Beth Schlossberg. FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Cantor Schlossberg; Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sundays, 9 a.m. & 5:30 p.m.; weekdays, 7 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. BESTT: Winter break -- classes resume on Jan. 5. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. we will honor everyone who has celebrated a birthday this past month with a special blessing and reception. SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Beth El; 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. SUNDAY ADULT-ED CLASSES: Resume Jan. 9 WOMEN’S ROSH HODESH GROUP: Meets Thursday, Jan. 6, at the synagogue to learn about Judaism in Cyberspace. (see full story on page 18.) TOT SHABBAT & SAY SHALOM TO SHABBAT: Friday, Jan. 7, 6 p.m. and dinner follows. For reservations made by Wednesday, Jan. 5, dinner cost is $5 for Beth El members, $7.50 for non-members; after that, the cost is $10, and $15, respectively. No charge for children six and younger. To RSVP, contact the synagogue office. All Beth El 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, 4:43 p.m., followed by a Shabbat dinner. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by Sisterhood; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 4:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:48 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders is on Winter Break; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www. omahakollel.blogspot.com. THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class with Rabbi Gross, 9:30 a.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:48 p.m. SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes begin with Torah Parade, 9:45 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored by the Mack, Bresel and Gurock families in honor of Sophia Gurock’s birthday; “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids” (ages 10 and up) and Shabbat Mishnah Group, Avodah Zarah, chapter 4, one hour prior to Mincha every Shabbat; Mincha, 4:30 p.m. followed by Seuda Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:53 p.m. SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Chinese Buffet Dinner (by reservation), 6 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m. MONDAY: Weekly Teleconference Mishnah Class, 10:30 a.m. Contact the office to get the dial-in number and access code. TUESDAY: Scholars Club for fourth-sixth graders, 3:45 p.m. at the Blumkin Home; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Weiss’s Weekly Class, 7:30 p.m.; Advanced Halchic Kollel, 9 p.m.; Follow the Kollel at www. omahakollel.blogspot.com.

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

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: Service, 7 a.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY, TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY: Gan Israel Winter Camp, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Service, 7 a.m.; Gan Israel Winter Camp, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. SATURDAY: Shabbat Minyan, 10 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m.; Mini Mensch title will be awarded. Kiddush luncheon follows. Join Rabbi Katzman, noon-1 p.m.; W.O.W. Parsha, Prophets and Prayer, 12:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m. MONDAY: After school teen program, 2:40-4 p.m. THURSDAY: The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II intermediates and experts, ages 7-9, 3:50 p.m. Please contact Shevi@ochabad.com with any questions or to recive a guest pass. All programs are open to the entire community.

Candlelighting Friday, December 24, 4:43 p.m. Friday, December 31, 4:48 p.m.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: No Religious School TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m.; College Student Dinner, 7-9 p.m. (see full story on page 18.) WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Family School; No Middle School. THURSDAY: Adult Study with the Clergy, 10-11:30 a.m.; Kol Rina Rehearsal, 6:30 p.m.; Leadership Development, 7-9 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Boulevard | Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 | 402.423.8569 www.tiferethisraellincoln.org Services conducted by lay leader Nancy Coren. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 6:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Learners minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by a Lunch and Learn with Bob Hutkins and Kiddush luncheon. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Shabbat service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Learners minyan, 9:30 a.m.; Morning Service, 10 a.m. followed by special Kiddush luncheon to welcome the secular year and to honor a congregants yahrzeit and Talmud study. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel. The Tifereth Israel office will be closed on Fridays, Dec. 24 and 31

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 Ilan Emanuel. FRIDAY: Xmas Oy’ve - Chinese Potluck Dinner, 6 p.m. followed by Shabbat Evening Service, 7 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel and concluding with a movie. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: No LJCS Classes FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Oneg, 6 p.m.; Peaceful Shabbat Service, 6:15 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel. SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. all led by Rabbi Emanuel. SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes WEDNESDAY: Hebrew classes (grades 3-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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, 4:43 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Minyan, 4:48 p.m. SATURDAY, Jan. 1: Services, 9 a.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME 323 South 132 Street | Omaha, NE 68154 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Alan Shulewitz. SATURDAY, Jan. 1: Services, 9 a.m. led by Marty Shukert. Services will be held in the Chapel. Members of the community are invited to attend Services.

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. SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.; Torah and Haftarah Reader: Miles Remer. SUNDAY: No Religious School TUESDAY: Adult B’nai Mitzvah, 6:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: No Religious School; No Family School; No Middle School. THURSDAY: No Adult Study with the Clergy. FRIDAY, Dec. 31: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Azriel and Soloist Sarah Schondelmeyer.

The Year of the Mitzvah by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group is pleased to announce The Year of the Mitzvah as its theme for 2011. The year’s meetings will be kicked off on Thursday, Jan. 6, with Judaism in Cyberspace, a program offering technology tips and ways to find Jewish information online. Taking place at the synagogue, the program will offer attendees the opportunity to learn about a variety of Jewish websites, including sites with games to play with children and grandchildren, and find out what’s available on Beth El’s website. “One of Judaism’s main principles is based on the journey to become holy,” said Margie Gutnik, who is co-hosting the evening with Judy Rubin. “Because true holiness is an unattainable destination, it is the journey itself which is most important. The journey is filled with education and experiences. In today’s world that education can take place in many forms. Modern invention has allowed so many more avenues of learning past classroom study.” All women in the Jewish community are invited to attend. Social hour will begin at 7 p.m. in the BESTT canteen area; participants will then move to the school’s computer lab for the 7:30 p.m. program. Reservations are needed and may be made by contacting Gutnik at programming@ bethelomaha.org, Rubin, at eddir@beth el-omaha.org, or by calling the office.

College students invited to catch up with Temple Israel clergy by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Eric Linder, and Cantor Wendy Shermet are hosting a dinner for all Temple Israel college undergraduate and graduate students at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 4, at Brazen Head Irish Pub, 319 North 78th Street. “We miss you so much!” emphasized Rabbi Azriel. “All of you have been part of our lives for so many years. So we want to hug, listen, love, and celebrate your lives and ours!” Promising an evening of food and conversation, the clergy are looking forward to catching up. “It’s always wonderful to reconnect with our college students so they know Temple Israel is always a home for them,” said Rabbi Linder. Please make a reservation by contacting the Temple Israel office at 556.6536 or at mkube@templeisraeloma ha.com to attend.

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December 24, 2010 | The Jewish Press | 19

Moses, Man of God

In memoriam MARY JANE â&#x20AC;&#x153;MJâ&#x20AC;? BEAR

Sparks from the word RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Shemot I have said before that Joseph was the hero of Genesis. Now, it can be said that Moses has given his name to all of the first five books of the Bible. His birth defied the order of Pharaoh. Pharaoh was beginning to grow annoyed with the number of the Hebrew slaves in the land. He was afraid they were growing to such an extent that they might become dangerous. If war broke out, he was afraid they might join the enemy. Therefore he ordered that if any births took place, the midwives were to kill all the males, though allowing the female babies to live. The midwives could not accept such an order. When a bit later a Hebrew mother gave birth to a male child, she could not think of killing him. She fixed a little floating carton, put the child in it, and let it float away on a small tributary to the Nile. The childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sister took it upon herself to see what would happen. The daughter of Pharaoh went with some of her maidens to bathe in the river. She heard a baby crying from this floating carton. She gathered at once that this must be a male child of the Hebrews and sent her maidens to retrieve it. She brought the baby with her to the royal palace and took care of him. When he was three months old, the sister suggested that she get him to a nursing mother among the Hebrews, so that he would survive. This was done. The infant Moses, not yet named, was sent to his very own mother to be nursed. When he was old enough to survive, he was brought back to Pharaohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, who now named him Mosheh, for she said it is from the waters that I pulled him out (pulled him out = â&#x20AC;&#x153;Meshitihuâ&#x20AC;?). Thus, Moses was brought up in good health in Pharaohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own palace. When he was almost a full adult, he went out walking one day and saw an Egyptian taskmaster beating a Hebrew slave. Seeing that there was no one about, he killed the Egyptian and saved the Hebrew. Sometime later, he saw two Hebrews quarreling and fighting. He went to free the smaller man. The other one said: what are you butting in for? You think you can kill me, the way you killed the Egyptian the other day? When Moses heard this, he realized his act was known. Fearing punishment, he fled to Midian. There, as chance would have it, he saved a young woman from the shepherds who would not let her get water for herself and her sheep. Moses chased them away, rescued the woman, and allowed her and her flock to go back home. When she got home, she was questioned: how come she was home so early? She told her father Jethro, Priest of Heliopolis (â&#x20AC;&#x153;Onâ&#x20AC;?). Jethro said: and where is this young man? Why did you not bring this Egyptian home to have a meal with us? She went out and found Moses, and brought him to the home of Jethro. Jethro, pleased with the young man, gave him his youngest daughter Zipporah as his wife. There, with Jethro, the couple lived quietly and happily. There, the Lord sought Moses out and sent him to meet his own brother, Aaron, and to demand of Pharaoh to let His people go. Moreover, He gave him three small miracles to perform to get Pharaohâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention. When it came to that, Pharaohs own magicians showed him how easy it was for them to perform these same miracles. And Pharaoh says: â&#x20AC;&#x153;I will not let these people go. They are lazy and shirking their workâ&#x20AC;?. Pharaoh adds: â&#x20AC;&#x153;To show you you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get away with this, you will no longer be given the straw with which you make your bricks. You go and find your own straw; your daily count of building bricks shall not be diminishedâ&#x20AC;?. The Hebrew slaves angrily set upon Moses and his brother Aaron; the slaves are saying they have made them â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;smell bad in the nostrils of the Egyptiansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;. The Lord now said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;If not so easily, than by a mighty arm and an outstretched hand we will bring My people out of Egypt.â&#x20AC;?

Mary Jane â&#x20AC;&#x153;MJâ&#x20AC;? Bear passed away on Dec. 17 at the age of 48 in Seattle, WA. Services were held on Dec. 21 at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines, IA and officiated by Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank She was preceded in death by her father, David Bear. She is survived by her mother, Jeanette Bear; brother and sister-in-law, Dr. Philip and Robin Bear; sister and brotherin-law, Linda and Robert Carpenter; uncles and aunts, Myron and Barbara Bear, and Rabbi Herman and Paula Blumberg; many nieces and nephews and cousins. She was a founding board member of the Online News Association, and past President of the Young Leadership division for the Jewish Federation of Seattle. Memorials may be made to Online News Association, MJ Bear Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 6574, Washington, D.C. 20035.

SARAH SCHREIBER Sarah Schreiber passed away on Dec. 14 at 95 years old. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, Julius Schreiber; her daughters, Diane (Dee) Dempsey and Marlene Parilman; grandchildren: Todd Kenyon, Joshua Parilman, and Lindsay Parilman, and great-grandchild Eli Kenyon; brothers and sisters-in-law, Jack and Lucille Epstein, and Harold and Etta Epstein; brothers-in-law, Al Kagin and Paul Kagin, and several loving nieces and nephews. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

DR. MARVIN SIMON Dr. Marvin Simon passed away Dec. 20 at the age of 86. Graveside services were held Dec 22 at BHH/Fisher Farms Cemetery, 8900 S. 42 St. He is survived by wife of 55 years, Pearl; daughter and son-in-law, Barbara and James Lukasiewicz of Las Vegas; son, Marc Simon; daughter and son-in-law, Susan and Greg Bramhall of Las Vegas; grandchildren, Jaron Lukasiewicz of Houston, Ardon Lukasiewicz of Las Vegas, and Brayden Bramhall of Las Vegas; brother and sister-in-law, Lee and Jean Simon of Phoenix. Born and raised in Omaha, Marvin graduated from Creighton University Dental School at age 21 and opened his own practice, caring for his patients for 50 years. Marvin was a devoted and loving husband, father and grandfather. Memorials may be made to your charity of choice.

Germany donates $80 million to maintain Auschwitz by JTA NEWS STAFF BERLIN (JTA) -- Germany has committed to a donation of $80 million to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Foundation, for the preservation and restoration of the memorial at the site of the Nazi concentration camp. Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution will be split between the federal government and the states, and will be disbursed in five annual installments, according to the German Foreign Ministry. The contribution is by far the largest to the new foundation, which was established in 2009 with the aim of securing long-term financing for upkeep of the memorial. Foreign Minister Guido Westerwelle said in a statement that the commitment underscored Germanyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s â&#x20AC;&#x153;historical responsibility to keep the remembrance of the Holocaust alive, and to convey [this remembrance] to future generations.â&#x20AC;? The foundation aims to establish a $160 million capital stock fund. The United States is contributing $15 million, and several European countries have pledged to contribute as well. There will be no Jewish Press on Dec. 31. Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursday, Dec. 30, 9 a.m., for the Jan. 7 issue. Questions? Call 334.6448.

WikiLeaks: Arab League boycotted Spielberg by JTA NEWS STAFF JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Arab League boycotted the films of Steven Spielberg after the director made a $1 million donation to Israel, according to a memo released by WikiLeaks. The diplomatic cable published in Britainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s The Guardian revealed that Spielberg was blacklisted by the Arab League's Central Boycott Office after he made the large donation during the 2006 Second Lebanon War. The Arab League voted in April 2007 to boycott Spielbergâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s films and other

products related to Spielberg, including his Righteous Persons Foundation. Algeria, Iraq, Lebanon, Kuwait, Libya, Morocco, the Palestinian Authority, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen all agreed to the ban on Spielberg material, as did Malaysia, Iran, Pakistan and Indonesia. Egypt, Mauritania and Jordan, which all have peace treaties with Israel, did not attend the meeting, according to the Guardian.

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20 | The Jewish Press | December 24, 2010

USY Kinnus offers camaraderie, ruach to Beth El teens by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator There’s nothing like a Jewish youth group convention to light a spark within teens and make a unique connection among its participants. Over Thanksgiving break, the United Synagogue Youth Emtza Region Kinnus in Minneapolis did just that, as several hundred teens gathered in Minneapolis for a weekend of ruach (spirit), fun and friendship. USY is the youth branch of the United Synagogue for Conservative Judaism; Emtza Region is made up of chapters from Nebraska, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Colorado, Kansas, North and South Dakota, and also Manitoba and Saskatchewan. A group of Beth El USYers, along with synagogue youth director Shiri Tene and chaperone Harrison Ellman, traveled to the Twin Cities for the convention; several participants recently shared their thoughts about the gathering. For Central High senior Ari Brodkey, Kinnus was “one of the greatest experiences I have ever had with USY. This year, I was able to feel a real cohesiveness among all of those in attendance at Kinnus. It was clear to me that though we all come from different backgrounds and experience Judaism in our own ways, the fact that we share even one commonality is enough for us to want to help and be there for each other. I hope that this spirit finds its way back to all USY chapters and I know it will definitely be a priority in ours here in Omaha.” Brodkey had been a dedicated USY member throughout his high school years, and currently serves as BILU Chapter’s Religious Education Vice President. He explained that his commitment to the organization is based on the belief that “USY offers something really valuable to the ritual lives of young Jews. Not only are they guided by their tal-

ented and insightful staff, but you will see weekend; she was also moved by the con- the BILU chapter, also expressed pride in just as many, if not more, USYers taking vention-wide Havdalah service. the organizational skills of his fellow leadership roles with great enthusiasm at “I love when everyone at the convention USYers. chapter events and conventions. Whether comes together into one giant circle and “My favorite part of the weekend was seeit’s leading Shaharit on Shabbat or guiding a sings the prayers,” she said. ing the leadership of the convention,” said discussion about how we as Jews interact in This Kinnus was the second for Zipursky, the Westside High School junior. “The conour secular world, vention was planned by USYers are leading Yonatan Dotan, a past BILU and exchanging president and a member of ideas on their own our Omaha chapter. It was and continuing to also great to see my brother, build their Jewish Ezra, help execute the conidentities with every vention and lead services in program they partichis role as Regional Executive ipate in.” Religious Education Vice Youth director President. Both Yonatan and Tene noted that one Ezra did a fantastic job leadof the convention’s ing the convention to sucthemes, the meaning cess.” of love and friendBrodkey also expressed ship, resonated with pride that despite difficult the youths. “I think economic times, the USY Kinnus was special organization is flourishing for the kids because and strong in its membership. they were able to “During our country’s ecoconnect with old nomic recession, Jewish Omaha’s USY contingent had fun performing the routine they made up for the friends and were also organizations across the “Emtza’s Best Dance Crew” dance-off during Kinnus. “One of the many fun times at able to make new world suffered great losses in Kinnus!” says Naomi Zipursky. friends. Convention financial stability and memhighlights included several learning activi- who serves as Communications Vice bership,” he said. “While United Synagogue ties dealing with love and friendship; for President on the BILU USY board. “Kinnus Youth was among the organizations affected example, defining love and applying this helps me connect to Judaism because I am by this, strong leadership and caring staff term to biblical texts, plus learning about surrounded by 200 other Jewish teens just were able to soften the blow significantly. In what friendship means to you and how it like me,” said the Burke High School sopho- fact, Emtza Region was one of only two applies to your everyday life and to the peo- more. “It is pretty hard not to connect to regions in USY in which not only have we ple around you. I think the kids got a lot out Judaism in a place like that. We all are there retained members, but we have also seen an of the convention as a whole.” because we are Jewish, meaning we already increase in attendance at all regional conAnother highlight, Tene shared, was the come with things in common!” ventions and chapter events. This strength renting out of the Mall of America amuseCalling Kinnus “a great way to spend my only bolsters the feeling that USY as an ment park on Saturday night. “Riding roller Thanksgiving break,” Adeev Potash said the organization is stronger than ever, and as coasters until 1 a.m. – can’t top that!” convention was a great way to connect with our regional cheer proudly states, ‘Emtza Naomi Zipursky also cited the Mall of other Jewish teens from the Midwest Region Region is here to stay!’” America adventure as a highlight of the of USY. Potash, who serves as president of