Issuu

Vol. LXXXIII No. 17 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 82 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Troops Celebrate Hanukkah in Iraq

The Aleph Institute, a Chabad-Lubavitch program based in Miami that serves the spiritual needs of Jewish military personnel all over the world, distributed Hanukkah kits to more than 1,300 Jewish troops serving in the U.S. military. The kits included a hanukkiah, a dreidel and sufficient candles for the entire eight-day Hanukkah festival. The kits were sent to locations around the globe, including bases in Iraq near Baghdad, Mosul and Tikrit. Packages were also sent to Afghanistan, Turkey, Korea, Navy ships and Marine vessels at sea in the Persian Gulf, Germany, England, Antarctica, Bosnia, Hawaii, Alaska and almost every military base in the

1 Tevet, 5764 December 26, 2003

Dr. Jerry Lob Leads “Living a More Joyous Life”

U.S. Rabbi Sholom D. Lipskar, Chairman of Aleph, noted: “The war on terror today is very much like the war fought by the Jews years ago, and whose victory we celebrate today as Hanukkah. This year, the troops in Iraq received an early Hanukkah gift as they celebrated the capture of Saddam Hussein. This serves as a reminder that, ultimately, good will prevail over evil, and light over darkness --just as it did with the miracle of Hanukkah.” Above, Lighting the electric candles are members of the 447th Air Expeditionary Group U.S. Air Force at Baghdad International Airport. The menorahs were given to the Aleph Institute by the Klickstein family.

by BETH COHEN Executive Director Beth Israel Synagogue will bring Dr. Jerry Lob to Omaha for a Scholar-in-Residence Shabbat, “Living a More Joyous Life,” Friday and Saturday, Jan. 9-10. Dr. Lob is a licensed clinical psychologist who is an ordained rabbi from Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood, NJ. He is a prominent lecturer on relationships, parenting, marriage and Jewish philosophy. Prior to going into private practice, Dr. Lob was the School Psychologist at Ida Crown Jewish Academy in Chicago. He also presented a highly praised “Discovery Seminar” in Omaha three years ago. Dr. Lob currently lives in Chicago with his wife and five sons. On Jan. 9, Dr. Lob’s topic will be “From Caterpillar to Butterfly: The Dynamics of Personal Change and Inspiration.” Dr. Lob will speak after Kabbalat Shabbat services at 5 p.m. and a traditional Shabbat dinner. Shabbat morning services will begin at 8:45 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10. Free babysitting service begins at 9:30am. Rocheyl Simon will lead Junior Congregation at 10:30am. Dr. Lob will give the Shabbos morning sermon, “Jacob’s Approach to Joy and Suffering: A study in Divine and Human Intimacy” at approximately 10:30 a.m. A Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood will follow services. Lunch is at approximately 12:30 p.m. Following lunch, Dr. Lob’s topic will be “Happiness is Inside, Fun is Outside: The Process of Finding Joy.” The cost for the meals is $12 adult; $6 child for dinner and $8 adult; $8 child for lunch. Children four and under are free. Babysitting will be available on Friday and Saturday. Special youth programs will take place during the lectures on Shabbat afternoon. Please make your reservation by Jan. 6 by either calling the office at 556-6288 or e-mailing BethIsrael@novia.net.

Omahans Witness the Ripple Effect of Terrorism by PAM MONSKY Federation Communications Director Being in Jerusalem with 4,000 other North American Jews for the UJC General Assembly in November was exhilarating! The streets were bustling and the shops, restaurants and hotels were filled for the first time in three years. Walking around the city, you could almost forget that the intifada was still very much alive. You could almost forget that Israeli citizens were still risking their lives when they ride the bus to work or school. You could almost forget how dangerous it is to go grocery shopping or to stop for a cup of coffee at a café. Some of the mission participants had an extraordinary opportunity to meet with two families who can never forget that terror can strike anyone at any time. They are among the hundreds of families whose lives are now shattered because of the terrorist bombings directed at Israeli civilians. Rabbi Mendel Katzman, the spiritual leader of Omaha’s Chabad House organized our visits through Chabad of Jerusalem. Chabad in Israel provides material, emotional and spiritual support to victims of terror and their families. On our last afternoon in Israel, we piled into a rented van and set off though the winding streets of Jerusalem. Our first visit was to the home of Natan Mahalomi, a big, burly 38-year-old man

Inside

w h o looked like he could have played defensive back for the Huskers. He lives with his wife, Helen, and their three children ages five, three and a month old. Helen Mission participants Joe Kirshenbaum, left, Margo Riekes, Margie Alperson, had just Steve Riekes, Paul Shyken, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Susie Shyken, Julee found out Katzman, and Rabbi Mendel Katzman met with Natan and Helen Mahalomi she was and their children in Israel last month to hear first hand about terrorism. pregnant at the time of the bombing which n’t keep from cracking open the door to wounded Natan. The family lives in an peek out and see what we were doing immaculate, but small four-room apart- and then excitedly report their findings to their “ima” in rapid Hebrew. ment south of Jerusalem. It was all so normal. It could have Natan greeted us warmly and there was a nice spread of Coca-Cola and been my house and family…or yours. cookies for us on the coffee table. We We were all crammed into the small livcould hear Helen and the kids (mainly ing room and Natan began to relive the just the kids) through the closed door day he was blown apart by a terrorist leading to the back bedroom. Clearly, who just happened to get on the bus that Natan wanted the children out of earshot Natan took home from work everyday. It didn’t seem very normal anymore. while he told us about the bombing that Natan worked as a porter in Machane nearly took his life eight months ago. Nevertheless, the two older kids could- Yehuda, the huge open-air food market

This Week: Unexpected Results at Bible Quiz: Page 2 National Jewish Population Survey on Jewish College Students: Page 3

Jews and Christians Share Holiday Spirit in FSU: Page 5

in Jerusalem where you can buy everything from fruits and vegetables to bread to exotic spices. After a regular day of loading and unloading boxes of fruit and vegetables, Natan boarded his bus to go home, and made his way through the other passengers towards his regular spot in the middle. As the bus pulled away from the stop, Natan naturally looked around at the people standing near him. The bomber was two meters away from him when he blew up. After the explosion, there was complete silence. Natan said the silence was the sound of the Angel of Death. There were bodies on top of him, but he stood up to try to help. That’s when he felt the pressure from his own wounds. He looked down and saw that his intestines were blown out. Meanwhile, back at home, Natan’s wife Helen and four-year-old son Noam saw the news about the bombing on TV. Noam still trembles when he sees a bus go by their apartment building. Natan and Helen try to keep him away from the windows. Twenty-five people were killed that day…50 were wounded. Natan still cannot work and has had two surgeries with at least one more to go. When we visited, he’d just had his colostomy reversed, allowing him to go to the bathroom for the first time in eight months. Continued on page 10

Coming Next Month: Tax and Financial Planning Issue: Jan. 9 Monthly Calendar Listings for January: Pages 6-7

Take the Federation’s “Pop Quiz” Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2003

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Bible Quiz “Winner” Demonstrates Integrity, too! by GARY JAVITCH phy and the prize was indeed special,” said Gloria More this year than ever, the 18th Annual Edward Kaslow, the moderator of the quiz. Zorinsky B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz proved to be both Bible Quiz chairman, Steve Riekes added that in makinteresting and exciting. The story of the recently con- ing the sacrifice, the prizewinner exemplified all the cluded event, held at the Jewish Community Center on values B’nai B’rith promotes, especially honestly and Dec. 10, ended with a integrity. most unusual twist. That special person Because of a scoring was the Bible Quiz winerror, an ineligible perner, Steve Lercher. son was inadvertently With Steve voluntarily allowed to compete in withdrawing his name the prize round. No one from the winners circle, caught the miscalculation the three people who because it came at the had tied for second were very end of a preliminary elevated to first place: round. No one--except Those students are Gal for the participant--who Tsabari, Ben Gerber and mentioned to officials Marty Nachman. that he thought there was Because of the change in Bible Quiz judges, committee members and winners included: Rabbi results, the fifth person a flaw in the results. However, with all the Howard Kutner, left, Steve Riekes, Stan Mitchell, Ben Gerber, Gary was boosted into the activity that accompanied Javitch, Steve Lercher, Marty Nachman, Rabbi Mordechai Levin, Gal fourth place position. the conclusion of a pre- Tsabari, Gloria Kaslow and Rabbi Aryeh Azriel. In that position, there liminary round and the beginning of the final round, he was also a tie--between Joel Passer and Samantha Long. was told the problem would be addressed at the end of Since B’nai B’rith generally only recognizes four the quiz. places and there were five winners, the Lodge added a A record 26 students had begun the bible competi- fifth prize this year. Financially, the results were also tion on the Book of Exodus and Ruth. The contestants adjusted. The three first place winners will share had studied very hard. After two preliminary rounds, $1200. This represents the sum of the first prize ($600), the field was narrowed down to eight students. The second prize ($350) and third prize ($250). The fourth final round was extremely competitive. The winner place winner normally earns $125. Because of the tie, wasn’t determined until the last question was asked. the lodge added an additional $125 to give to the extra As luck would have it, the ineligible finalist won the person in the “tie” position. $600 scholarship by correctly answering that question. Lodge trustee, Steve Riekes stated earlier, that “each From that point on, events moved very quickly. The participant was a winner. All came away with more winner was declared. The second through fourth knowledge of the Jewish tradition.” Oh yes, Henry places were announced, trophies and cash prizes were Monsky Lodge did not want to let the special winner awarded, and the crowd left the theater. walk away empty-handed. To recognize the imporNo one recalled the earlier statement of a potential tance of Steve Lercher’s actions, B’nai B’rith made a error and, had it not been mentioned again, it might donation to a Jewish charity of his choice and also prehave escaped detection. However, the winner, who sented him with a cash award. answered every single question correctly in the prize In a memo sent to the judges, parents, participants round, returned the cash award and brought back the and committee members in advance of a Press article, trophy! the lodge said they expected an exciting event next “All the people with whom we discussed the dilem- year also, but hoped (half-jokingly) that it would not be ma agreed that the person who turned down the tro- quite as exciting!

Temple Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Jan Katzew to Emphasize Lifelong Jewish Learning by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Rabbi Jan Katzew, director of the Department of Jewish Education of the Union of Reform Judaism (URJ), has the opportunity to visit congregations throughout North America. While traveling to them, “I always learn at least as much as I teach,” he admitted. Rabbi Katzew will be in Omaha, Jan. 9-11, 2004, as educator-in-residence at Temple Israel. In addition to his duties as director of Jewish Education for URJ, Rabbi Katzew heads the Commission on Lifelong Jewish Learning, a group whose members are appointed by organizations representing nearly every aspect of the Reform Movement. Since it was organized in October 2000, the Commission’s purpose has been to develop new movement-wide educational ideas and programs. “In general, I expect to address aspects of lifelong Jewish learning” when in Omaha, Rabbi Katzew explained. “It is never too early to begin. It is also never too late to begin.” URJ priorities in education are the continual deepening of Jewish learning and living, Israel education, and combining formal and informal education, according to Rabbi Katzew. His weekend at Temple Israel will open with his D’var Torah at Friday night worship services on Jan. 9, 6 p.m. Rabbi Katzew will speak about “Tikkun Midiot: Repairing the World Inside Us.” His teaching will include a self-assessment activity designed to help his listeners discover where they are out of alignment with their best selves. It will lead to an understanding of how to be more balanced with respect to ethical values. “Rabbi Katzew is the Reform Movement’s leading voice in innovative and excellence in Jewish education,” said Rosie Zweiback, Temple program director.

“The entire congregation will enjoy learning with this master teacher.” After services, Rabbi Katzew will share a Shabbat dinner with Temple’s religious school teachers and their families. He will talk to them about “Teachers as Learners: How We Learn Profoundly Influences How We Teach.” On Saturday, Jan. 10, 9 a.m., Rabbi Katzew will join Temple’s Bagels and Sacred Books group which meets in the Milder Center. Shabbat worship services follow at 10:30 a.m. At 2 p.m., Rabbi Katzew will meet with Ma’agal Ha’Rav, a group of high school students who are interested in possibly pursuing higher educational careers at the Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion, the Reform Movement’s seminary. He will also meet with Temple Israel staff. In the evening, he will observe Havdallah with several congregational leaders and have dinner with them. On Sunday morning, Jan. 11, Rabbi Katzew will again meet with religious school teachers to discuss “A Mind at a Time: How Can Each Student be Treated as a Unique Individual?” followed by the 10 a.m. prayer assembly at which he will give a brief message to the children. At 10:30 a.m., Rabbi Katzew will meet with parents of children enrolled in Temple’s Religious School at the Four B’s (Behaving, Belonging, Believing and Bagels) meeting. At this on-going adult learning opportunity, he will chat with parents on “Raising Mensches: Helping Your Little Human Being Become a Humane Being.” Rabbi Katzew’s residency at Temple Israel is supported by the Margaret and Arnold Robinson Family Jewish Education Fund. On Sunday afternoon, while he’s still in Nebraska, Rabbi Katzew will visit Lincoln’s Congregation B’nai Jeshurun.

December 26, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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NJPS Findings on Jewish Students Drive Debate about Interfaith Future by JOE BERKOFSKY NEW YORK (JTA)--College-age Jews today are almost evenly divided between those with two Jewish parents and those with only one. That was among the major findings of the National Jewish Population Survey 2000-01, presented Sunday to officials of Hillel: Foundation for Jewish Campus Life at the organization's annual professional staff conference in Princeton, N.J. Billed as the most comprehensive demographic portrait ever of American Jewry, the latest NJPS found that 48 percent of students aged 18-29 have two Jewish parents, 45 percent have only one Jewish parent and 7 percent said neither parent was Jewish, though they identified themselves as Jews. Furthermore, the study found that children with only one Jewish parent socialize with Jews far less frequently, participate in fewer Jewish activities and don’t feel as connected to the Jewish people as those with two Jewish parents. While many studies, including the NJPS, have shown intermarriage rates nearing 50 percent, the survey of college-age Jews offers a rare comparison of the children of Jewish and interfaith households and suggests a wider future impact beyond the college campus. “It points to the creation of the intermarriage momentum,” said Sylvia Barack Fishman, a Brandeis University professor and author of an upcoming book about interfaith couples called Double or Nothing? Jewish Families and Mixed Marriage. “The large proportion of kids from interfaith homes generally reinforces the American norm of cross-cultural relationships,” she said. College-age Jews “are living in an America where it’s not cool to say you’ll date only Jews.” The study comes about a year after Hillel funded its own landmark study by the University of California at Los Angeles surveying incoming Jewish college freshmen. That study found that Jewish identification dropped dramatically among children of interfaith homes.

While 93 percent of those with two Jews offers more than just cause for conJewish parents identified as Jews in the cern. Steven M. Cohen, a Hebrew UniUCLA study, only 38 percent of those versity sociologist and senior consultant with just a Jewish mother and 15 percent to the NJPS, said he was surprised not of those with just a Jewish father called only by how many students have only themselves Jewish. one Jewish parent, but also by how many But Linda call themSax, who selves Jewish. conducted “There’s a the study for mixed mesU C L A ’ s sage there: H i g h e r more interEducation marriage, but Research possibly more Institute, said Jewish identithe two surfication,” he veys were not Students with two Jewish parents attend Jewish religious said. directly com- services more often than students with one Jewish parent, Based on p a r a b l e according to NJPS findings. Credit: UJC for NJPS 2000-01 the answers because she looked only at incoming of 216 college-age Jews among 4,550 total freshmen, not all college-age Jews. NJPS respondents, the survey's authors It’s no accident Hillel led the previous estimated that there are 270,954 understudy and asked NJPS officials to present graduate Jews between the ages of 18-29; the latest data. In recent years, Hillel has 88,620 graduate students; and 454,135 in sought to rebuild itself from a largely reli- that age group who are not in college. gious organization to one offering dynamOther major findings include: ic cultural programs that capture young • Fifty-four percent of all Jewish college Jews' imaginations. students said they currently are dating, Avram Infeld, Hillel’s interim executive but only 36 percent of those with two director, called the finding that nearly half Jewish parents date other Jews exclusiveof college-age Jews have only one Jewish ly, and 55 percent date both Jews and parent “a pretty astounding number” that non-Jews. underscores how far the organization still • Among students with one Jewish parhas to go. ent, only 1 percent date Jews exclusively. “That presents for us a very, very seriThe NJPS project director, Lorraine ous challenge,” he said. “How do we Blass, cautioned that any figures about begin to work with those with only one dating are suspect because few students Jewish parent in a more intensive man- were willing to answer that part of the ner?” survey. To observers of intermarriage, the • Among students with two Jewish paranswer is to approach all college-age ents, 12 percent said all their friends are Jewish students with a single strategy. Jews; 30 percent said most of their friends “The more we can create environments are Jews; 14 percent said about half are where they can forge connections to the Jews; 39 percent said some are Jews; and Jewish calendar, to Jewish intellectual tra- 5 percent said none are Jews. dition, to Jewish behaviors, to the Jewish • None of those with one Jewish parcommunity and to Jewish friendship ent said all their friends are Jews; 3 pergroups, that will help kids with two cent said most are Jews; 48 percent said Jewish parents and one Jewish parent some are Jews and 35 percent said none draw closer to Judaism,” Barack Fishman are Jews. said. • Forty-four percent of those with two Others said the survey of college-age Jewish parents said having a Jewish

spouse in the future is “very important;” 29 percent called it “somewhat important;” 9 percent said it’s “not very important;” and 18 percent said it is “not important at all.” • Of those with one Jewish parent, 59 percent said marrying a Jew is “not important at all;” 26 percent said it is “somewhat important;” 14 percent said it’s “not very important,” and 2 percent called it “very important.” Those with two Jewish parents also indicated that Judaism plays a more important role in their spiritual lives. • Twenty-six percent of those with two Jewish parents attend religious services at least once a month; 31 percent attend less frequently and 22 percent do not attend Jewish religious services at all. • By contrast, 61 percent of those with one Jewish parent do not attend Jewish religious services; 52 percent attend less than once a month and 8 percent attend at least once monthly. Regarding affiliation with the major denominations, those with two Jewish parents are divided almost evenly among “just Jewish,” Conservative and Reform, while the children of one Jewish parent overwhelmingly said they are Reform. • Twenty-seven percent of those with two Jewish parents said they are Reform, 26 percent Conservative, 22 percent “just Jewish,” 16 percent Orthodox; 4 percent secular, and 5 percent “other.” • Forty-six percent of single-Jewish-parent homes said they were Reform, 28 percent “just Jewish,” 19 percent secular, 4 percent Conservative, 1 percent Orthodox and 1 percent “other.” Infeld said the NJPS findings would make Hillel “take a close look” at how to encourage Jewish identity, starting simply with getting Jewish students together. “There is far less of a chance of dating a Jew if you don’t meet them,” he said. Others found little surprise in the study’s portrait of a population split between more Jewishly identified students with two Jewish parents and those with one Jewish parent who are less tied to the community.

Etz Chayim Preschool: Where Winter Camp Makes Judaism Fun! by RABBI ARYEH BLUM Director Omaha Center for Torah Learning Now halfway through its first year, the Etz Chayim preschool enjoys the admiration and gratitude of all the participating families. Etz Chayim boasts 100% satisfaction from both the students who can’t wait for school to begin to the parents who feel a sense of security, community, and authentic Jewish and secular education. This past week, head teacher Shari Blum completed an exciting and inspiring Hanukkah unit, as well as a unit in the study of reptiles. Student Jacob Wigodsky even brought his pet turtle to class to share with the other students. “At Etz Chayim, we dream big,” explained Blum. “We’re not looking at three and four year olds; we’re nourishing and witnessing the development of future leaders of the Jewish and world

community. Moreover, we’re helping to build strong and stable Jewish families. “We believe the home is the primary educational institution, so we’re are also helping parents create their own centers of moral and academic education in their own homes,” she added. Because of the growing interest in Etz Chayim Preschool, the administration has decided to open a winter camp during school break. From Monday through Wednesday, Dec. 29-31, 9 a.m.-12 p.m., Etz Chayim Winter Camp will open. Preschoolers will learn new songs, paint, listen to stories in a warm and caring Jewish environment. Added Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman, Etz Chayim Administrative Director, “We show kids that it can be great fun to be Jewish.” For more information, call the school at: 384-2032.

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B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS There will be no Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 31. Luncheons will resume Jan. 7. OMAHA CENTER FOR TORAH LEARNING Rabbi Aryeh Blum will deliver the weekly parasha shiur on Shabbos afternoon, Saturday, Dec 27, 4:30 p.m. Time for Torah will continue Monday, Dec 29, 7 p.m., at the OCTL House, 1313 No. 58 St. “Hidden Dimensions of Psalms,” organized by Shirley Goodman at her home on Tuesdays, 4:30 p.m.; Rabbi Tuvia Hoffman will explore the meaning of Psalms. Join Rabbi Blum for Lunch ’n Learn at the Kripke Library, Wednesday, Dec 31, noon. The OCTL will be offering a new class in crocheting kippas after New Years, call 630-3112 or 320-8055 for information and reservations. Crash Course in Hebrew Reading with Rabbi Hoffman meets Wednesdays, noon, at the JCC; the Advanced Course on Hebrew Comprehension meets at 7 p.m. at the OCTL Beis Midrash; this class is for students want to gain skills in comprehension. Call 981-0569 for more information. Save the date: Saturday Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m., the OCTL is having a Social Jigsaw Puzzle night at the home of Jeff and Sherry Taxman. Prizes will be awarded for the quickest puzzle solvers. Cost is $5 per person. Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. Play bingo at 10 a.m. with Eileen Remer or exercise with Stacey Paskert at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for “YES Talk” at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, students from the Omaha Conservatory of Music will perform. For transportation call Dee Dee at 330-4272. Call Maggie Conti for all reservations at 334-6521: Bunch to Lunch at Le Peep on Jan. 8; Mystery Trip on Jan. 15; the movie Seabiscuit on Jan. 22; Bluffs Run Casino on Jan. 29. The Omaha Theater for Young People present Broadway Town on Monday, Jan. 26, 12:45 p.m. Lunch begins at noon. Deadline for reservations is Jan. 19. There is no charge for the performance. Lunch is $6 per person. Call Maggie at 334-6521 for reservations. WALK-IN, DROP-IN & LOMIR REDN YIDDISH There will be no meeting on Thursday due to the JCC being closed New Year’s day. VISIONS Travel around the world without leaving your seat at the IMAX at the Henry Doorly Zoo to see India: Kingdom of the Tiger on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 11 a.m. (meet in the IMAX lobby at 10:40 a.m.) Cost is $5.75 per person. Join us for lunch at Julio’s on 132nd and Arbor. Send reservations with payment to: Sandy and Fred Bromley, 13419 Marinda St., Omaha, NE 68144. Deadline is Jan. 6. Luncheon Meeting is Jan. 16, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia’s Venice Inn. Send reservations to: Tootie and Mickey Simon, 8725 Izard, Omaha, NE 68114. For information, call Harry Alloy, 697-8709. Deadline is Jan. 9. Membership dues to Visions for 2004 are now due. Send $5 per person to: Visions, c/o Gilda Pieck, 6955 Cuming, Omaha, NE 68132. Make all checks payable to Visions.

Rabbi Levin Invites College Students to Share Lunch During Winter Break by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Rabbi Mordechai Levin has invited college students to join him, and each other, for an informal get together including lunch, on Saturday, Jan. 3, 12:30 p.m., in Beth El’s West Court. In a personal letter to Beth El’s college students, Rabbi Levin suggested that Winter Break will offer an ideal opportunity both for first meetings and for renewal of relationships. He said he looks forward to hearing how the school year is going, and he offered, if students wish, “to answer your questions on whatever I can.” He tempted them further with mention of “Lucy’s famous lunches.” Rabbi Levin used the chance to invite the college students to join the alternative service in the Chapel, starting at 10 a.m. The alternative service differs from the traditional service in the Sanctuary by featuring spirited singing; more English readings,; a time for silent prayer; and a short, interactive discussion on the Torah portion of the week. College students are requested to make a lunch reservation by calling the synagogue office, at 4928550.

IN THE NEWS Stephanie Kaplan, daughter of Robert & Anne Kaplan of Highland Park, IL, has recently finished her first quarter in the University of Denver’s Honor Program receiving notification that she has earned a place on the Dean’s List. Stephanie is the granddaughter of Rosa Richtman and the late Dave Richtman. Scott A. Meyerson has joined the law firm of Stinson Morrison Hecker LLP “Of Counsel” and will practice in the general business division, focusing on corporate, real estate, closely-held businesses, mergers and acquisitions, leasing and commercial lending law. Prior to joining Stinson Morrison Hecker, he was the founder and principal of the Meyerson Law Office. Meyerson earned a BS from Northwestern University in 1991 and graduated from the University of Nebraska School of Law in 1994, where he was in the Order of Barristers, and served on the Allen Moot Court Board and as SBA first year class Vice-president. He also was a member of Law Student Research Service and President of its board. He is active in the community and currently serves as Finance Chairman on the Jewish Press Committee. Rachael Wagner, daughter of former Omahan Dr. Alan Wagner and his wife, Jodi Wagner, now of Virginia Beach, VA, is one of only 32 United States students to be named Rhodes Scholars. The 21-year-old Harvard University senior will attend Oxford University in England next year to pursue a master’s degree in economic development. At Harvard, Wagner maintains a nearly perfect straight-A record and is active in a long list of student activities, from Editor of the Harvard International Review, Vice-president of the International Relations Council to membership on the ski team. She’s majoring in both economics and social anthropology and wrote her senior thesis on the balance between family and work, based on her volunteer experience with the Center for Women and Enterprise, a Boston-based organization that provides business opportunities for low-income women. Rachael is the granddaughter of Sylvia Wagner and the late Robert Wagner..

BIRTH Amy and Ben Shapiro announce the Dec. 1 birth of their son, Matan Efron. Grandparents are Gila and Julian Katz of Hermosa Beach, CA, Vicki Cooley of Omaha, Howard Shapiro of Canton, PA, and former Omahan James Reynolds of Fairfield, IA.

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Peter Duchin Orchestra will headline the annual Opera Omaha Guild’s Snowflake Ball on Saturday, Jan. 24 at the Embassy Suites. The evening of dinner and dancing includes an auction which includes three big-ticket items: a guided tour of Paris, an all-expense paid trip for two to Russia, and a cruise on the Queen Mary II. For ticket information for the fundraiser, call Linda Anderson, 391.0473 or visit www.operaomaha.org/snowflakeball. Attend the grand opening of “T-Rex: King of the Dinosaurs” at the Omaha Children’s Museum on Saturday, Jan. 17. For membership information or hours of operation, call the OCM at: 342.6164. The Omaha Symphony presents “A Marriage of Strings and Winds” on Jan. 10, 7 p.m. and Jan. 11, 2 p.m., featuring Victor Yampolsky, Conductor; Amy Sims, Violin; Maria Harding, Flute; Marcia McHugh, Flute, playing Bach’s Bradenburg Concerto No. 4, Mozart’s Concerto No. 3 for Violin, Stravinsky Octet and Haydn Symphony No. 7, “Le Midi”. For ticket information call 342.3836, ext. 130, or visit the symphony’s website: www.omahasymphony.org.

December 26, 2003

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Jews and Christians Share the Holiday Spirit Year-Round by Helping to Alleviate Poverty in Former Soviet Union by CLAIRE SCHULTZ Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, the for the American Joint Distribution Fellowship is governed by a Committee Board of distinguished When the Soviet Union colChristians and Jews and has lapsed in 1991, hundreds of contributed close to $100 milthousands of elderly Jews lion toward international social were suddenly impoverished. welfare services. Funded priAnd hundreds of Jewish chilmarily by Christians, the notdren were orphaned or abanfor-profit organization prodoned by families too poor to motes a greater understanding care for them. between Jews and Christians The American Jewish Joint and builds Christian support Distribution Committee Rosa Shtovbanko, Chesed Mobile Client, in her home opening for Israel and other shared (JDC), headquartered in New her food package. CREDIT: James Nubile, Tsebrikovo, Ukraine concerns. York City, along with its fun“Rabbi Eckstein communiders from around the world, created the largest care and cates the message that there are Christians who care feeding relief program carried out for Jews since the dis- about Jews and are willing to contribute toward Jews in placed persons camps of the late 1940s, post Holocaust. need,” Ostrin continues. “The Fellowship is an imporFederations, individuals and foundations work as a team tant partner in JDC’s efforts to provide critical welfare to feed and provide medical assistance to victims of assistance for the young and the elderly throughout the Communism and Holocaust survivors. former Soviet Union.” “Although we focus year-round on the challenges “Since the fall of Communism and the collapse of faced by impoverished people in the former Soviet human services infrastructure in the former Soviet Union, the season of light and hope. Hanukkah and Union, we have contributed millions of dollars through Christmas, is an especially significant time to reflect on JDC toward the needs of the poor and hungry elderly,” our Judeo-Christian partnerships,” says Asher Ostrin, Rabbi Eckstein says. “We recently expanded our outDirector, JDC’s Program in the Former Soviet Union. reach to provide much-needed food, housing, medicine “We are especially thankful for the support of Rabbi and clothing to that society’s youngest victims." Yechiel Eckstein, JDC Board member and president and In addition to the Fellowship, JDC works in partnerfounder of the International Fellowship of Christians ship with United Jewish Communities and the and Jews.” Federations of North America, Swiss Banks Settlement Based in Chicago and Jerusalem, under the leadership of Fund, individuals and foundations in the United States

College Bound TEEN’S POINT OF VIEW by EMILY MUSKIN I confess I have no idea where I will be at this time next year. How many 18-year-olds actually know what they are going to be when they grow up? If by chance they do know, how many will actually stick to this pursuit? The numbers are very low. This is why the college process is so difficult for many high school seniors. High school is filled with uncertainty. At the same time a senior is applying for college, they are trying to find out who they are. Scholarships and applications for colleges require students to boast their accomplishments and tell why they are the best candidate for each school. What I’ve found during this process is how hard that actually is. How can someone who doesn’t even know themselves expect to market themselves to people who have never met them? Through this time of insecurity, students can rely on several sources of help in their application and scholarship process. The Education Planning Center was the first step I took in order to narrow down my schools. They have computer programs and personnel

and around the world, and the Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany (Claims Conference). JDC’s support of Jewish people in the former Soviet Union began in 1991 and currently serves more than 250,000 individuals. “For the past eight years, the Claims Conference has been JDC’s major partner in providing these welfare services, especially to those regions that have a substantial number of victims of Nazi persecution,” explains JDC’s Ostrin. The funds come from the proceeds from the sales of unclaimed and heirless restituted Jewish properties in the former East Germany. We acknowledge this tremendous support and express our deepest gratitude to the Claims Conference.” Over the past 50 years, the mission of the Claims Conference has been to secure a small measure of justice for Jewish victims of Nazi persecution through negotiations, disbursing funds and seeking the return of Jewish property lost during the Holocaust. Julius Berman, Claims Conference Chairman, explains, “Aging Nazi victims in the former Soviet Union are among the neediest Jews in the world, and that is why the Claims Conference allocates substantial funding to Jewish welfare centers in the region. Our focus on elderly Jews in the former Soviet Union is essential,” he continued. “In 2002 alone, Claims Conference-funded programs provided more than two million hot meals and two million hours of home care. Almost none of these services would be available without our funding.” For more information, log on to www. jdc.org or call 212.687.6200.

MARRIAGE to assist students. The computer program is designed to help students find the colleges that are right for them by giving those options such as location, size, majors, etc. By entering my personal interests, I found about ten to twenty schools that looked like a good fit for me. Websites are also helpful in the college search. In speaking to a couple of different students from Central High School I saw two very different approaches to the college process. Senior Kylie Zacharia laughingly states that applications are “evil!” When she calms down a little, her reply is more sensible. “Finishing high school is difficult in itself. College plans just add more stress.” Kylie is currently applying to eight different colleges and has had to write about five essays. Daniel Gutman has a milder approach to the college search. He applied to three universities, and is now waiting to hear back from them. “It is all about prioritizing, and finding time to do homework, college applications, and scholarships,” he stated. High school seniors do have a lot of work to do, but they also have much to look forward to. Counselors, teachers, and most parents are eager to help the students with the college process. With the resources available and a little time and commitment, the college process does not seem so daunting. Good luck!

APTER/LEWIS Brian Ashley Lewis of Chicago, IL, was married to Andrea Lyn Apter on Oct. 25 at the Westin Diplomat Resort in Hollywood, FA. Rabbi Sheldon Harr and Cantor Mark Goldman performed the ceremony. The bride, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Apter of Plantation, FL, is a graduate of Kent State University and is Vice-president of CramerKrasselt Public Relations. Her sister, Tanya Apter, was maid of honor; Debby Carter, cousin of the groom, was her attendant. Her grandparents are Paul and Anita Sigel of Boca Raton, FL, and the late Bessie Sigel, and the late Beatrice and Julius Apter. The groom, son of Rochelle “Rocky” Lewis and the late Marshall Lewis, graduated from the University of Iowa and is senior investment liaison at Northern Trust Bank. His brother, Jay D. Lewis, was best man; Scott Apter, the bride’s brother, was a groomsman. He is the grandson of Morris J. Lipp and the late Helen Lipp and the late Harry and Elizabeth Lewis. Following a wedding trip to Maui, Hawaii, the couple returned to their home in Chicago.

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2003

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FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 5 YES Program, 10 a.m. Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Social Justice Club (Gr. 7-12), 5:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Adult Bâ€™nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Walk-in Drop-in/Yiddish Group, 10 a.m. Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Jan Katzew, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Jan Katzew, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Educator-in-Residence Rabbi Jan Katzew, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Club 56 Event, noon at Temple Israel HAZAK Program, 2 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 12 YES Program, 10 a.m. Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. Driverâ€™s Ed. Class, 6 p.m. JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Pennie Z. Davis CDC Omaha Symphony Day, 9 a.m. Visions IMAX & Lunch, 11 a.m. JFS Event, noon Adult Education, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel Driverâ€™s Ed. Class, 6 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 Scrapbooking Club, 10 a.m. at Beth El Menâ€™s Club, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Bible Study Group, 11 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Rehearsal, 1 p.m. at Temple Israel Barn Girl Art Group Show, 2 p.m. Rabbi Myer S. Kripke Birthday Celebration, 2:30 p.m. OTYG Board Meeting, 3 p.m. at Temple Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 19 YES Program, 10 a.m. â€œSoul of the Textâ€? Adult Ed. Class, 11 a.m. JFS Board of Directors Meeting, 6 p.m. NCJW Bookclub, 7 pm JELS Teacher Training Program, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Walk-in Drop-in/Yiddish Group, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El JOLT II Panel of Leadership, 6 p.m. LOVE Auxiliary Board Meeting, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 KADIMA and 6th Grade Shabbat on Jan. 23-25, at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Sisterhood Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El JYG Event, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Kids Snack and Learn, 11:30 a.m. at Beth El BBYO 4 Israel, 1 p.m. Girl Scout Troop Meeting, 3 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 Crash Course in Hebrew Reading, noon Adult Bâ€™nai Mitzvah Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 29 National Conference on The Passion, 9 a.m. at Creighton University & UNO Walk-in Drop-in/Yiddish Group, 10 a.m. Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century with Rabbi Levin, noon at Beth El â€œLive from the 92nd Street Yâ€?, 7 p.m. FRIDAY, JANUARY 30 Melitz Events (Jan.30 thru Feb. 11), 8 a.m. at Temple Israel Kahn Scholar-in-Residence Weekend with Bob Alper, 9 a.m. at Beth El Scholar-in-Residence with Rabbi Bob Alper, 7 p.m. at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 31 BELLS Luncheon with Rabbi Bob Alper, noon at Beth El Comedy Night with Rabbi Bob Alper, 7 p.m. at Beth El

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2003

Opinion Happy Hanukkah, New Year, Whatever! ‘Tis the season. So why do we as Jews get so upset when cashiers and clerks wish us “a Merry Christmas”? And why do why grouse so about the holiday tunes played repeatedly on the radio and in malls? Regardless of what the Constitution says, this is a Christian country. The majority of Americans are Christian, and even those who don’t readily identify with a particular denomination still celebrate Christmas. And despite a number of minorities in this country besides Jews (Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists and others), the Christmas holidays still dominate the culture in December. Sometimes, like this year, when Hanukkah falls only six days prior to Christmas, it’s hard to separate the two holidays. Last year, when the first candle was lit on the Friday night of Thanksgiving vacation, Hanukkah was long over when the Salvation Army bell ringers began their campaign. Then it’s easy to remember that Hanukkah is a minor holiday compared to the “biggies”--the Festival holidays of Sukkot, Pesach and Shavuot, and the Yamim Norim: Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. But there’s still an important message in Hanukkah that we Jews tend to forget this time of year: tolerance. Yes, though we’re the minority, we should be tolerant of Christians who exuberantly celebrate their major holiday. This is their “biggie” and we should be happy when Christians are faithful to their religion--after all, don’t the rabbis exhort us to be faithful Jews? Are we the only ones who need to observe rituals and attend services?

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Don’t Christians need to do the same? Oh, but what about all the “Holiday” band concerts and chorals, you ask? Why do “our” children need to sing “their” songs? Will our Jewish children suddenly become interested in converting to Christianity just because they sing “Silent Night” for the umpteenth time? Will they beg to attend church if they play a rock version of “Jingle Bells” at a band concert? (Hardly likely since they’re not begging to attend synagogue services!) Or, do they really just look at these events as a required assembly needed for their class grade-and are we, the parents, the ones making the big fuss? Perhaps, we’re the problem. How Jewish are we? Do we attend services on a regular basis? Light Hanukkah candles even if our children are out of town attending a youth group convention? Are we enrolled in any kind of Jewish educational program or class? Do we pick up a Jewish text-even once a year--to learn? Have we added even one mitzvah to our observance this past year? Do maybe the reason some of us cringe at the sounds of this season is because we’re the ones who are so insecure about our Jewishness. Maybe

if we were strong enough in our Jewish beliefs, we wouldn’t begrudge Christians in theirs. So, relax! Enjoy the last night of Hanukkah tonight. Eat another latke. Sing another verse of “Maoz Tsur”. And, like the rest of our fellow Americans, we wish you a happy, healthy, prosperous and peaceful 2004!

interesting figures on observance of New Year’s Eve, known here as Sylvester. According to the poll, 32% of Israeli families observe the Sylvester in one way or another, regularly or occasionally. The rabbinate, of course, has been sharply critical of the growing trend. Rabbi Yisrael Lau, former Chief Rabbi of Israel, has lashed out at Israelis who put up Christmas trees or display Santa Claus figures. “These phenomena, which increase year by year among Jews, are evidence of a society which has no moral, cultural or national backbone,” he said. “If we were afraid of assimilation in the Diaspora, we have now brought it into our homes.”

December is reporting a record rise. The Tourism Ministry advises that Catholic groups have been arriving from Italy every week. Even a country like Nigeria is sending over 10,000 Christian pilgrims, more than twice the number that came last year. Restaurants and shops go out of their way to provide the proper atmosphere to attract customers. The Jewish National Fund gets into the picture, too. In accordance with its annual custom, the JNF trims its forests at this time of year and announces to Christian members of the overseas press, diplomats, churches and others who might be interested, that the trees are available on request. Based on the experience of previous years, some 1700 trees are available. As usual, the Jerusalem municipality will also distribute trees to local Christians. In Haifa, a city with mixed population, Hanukkah, Christmas and the Muslim Id al Fitr are marked jointly at what is called the Holiday of Holidays. There is no religious element as representatives of the three faiths join in a series of musical, literary, artistic and other cultural events concentrated largely in Wadi Nisnas, the center of the local Arab population. For the little ones who may not get enough of Christmas here, Finland’s air line, Finnair, has been advertising flights to that country where one of the enticements is Santa Park, for the kids. But the great majority of Israelis will not be affected by the approach of another holiday in a country where Hanukkah and the hanukkiah reign supreme. Perhaps the one reference to the holiday which would be acceptable to all was the cartoon in Ha’aretz showing Santa Claus in his reindeer-led sleigh, bringing an appropriately wrapped Christmas gift--Saddam Hussein. Carl Alpert can be reached at: alpert@techunix.technion.ac.il

Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joey Shyken; Nancy Skid; and Melanie Weinstein. The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press and the Foundation are constitional committees of the Jewish Federation. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

It’s That Time of Year

OUR MAN IN ISRAEL by CARL ALPERT Haifa--Lead story in a popular Israeli daily: “The end of December; it’s dark and cold outside. The display windows feature decorated fir trees and Santa Claus figures. No, this is not Paris or London, but right here at home. It appears that more and more Israelis are not ashamed to celebrate Christmas, and the fact that this is obviously a Christian holiday does not particularly disturb them. The important thing is that there are lights sparkling in the living room, and a pile of gifts.” Individuals interviewed by the paper spoke up freely: “It’s not as if we are wearing crosses around our necks. We keep kosher on Passover and fast on Yom Kippur. There’s no connection between celebration of Christmas and our being Jewish....” And another added: “Conditions in the country being what they are, the more holidays we can celebrate, the better.” Though some store display windows feature Santa Claus and Christmas trees, the observance is certainly not widespread. Commercial interests play to two significant groups in the population, the foreign workers, said to number several hundred thousand, who long for memories of home, and the large number of recent immigrants from the former Soviet Union, Jews and non-Jews alike. Knesset member Roman Bronfman, himself a Russian immigrant, has explained that for the Russians the tree symbolizes the new year, and has no Christian connotations. A survey conducted last year by the Mutagim Institute among a representative section of the Jewish population revealed some

Perhaps the one reference to the holiday which would be acceptable to all was the cartoon in Ha’aretz showing Santa Claus in his reindeer-led sleigh, bringing an appropriately wrapped Christmas gift-Saddam Hussein. A spokesman for secularism in Israel once reflected on haredi objections to the use of Santa Claus costumes by Israeli Jews at parties or in advertising. If the Polish nobility of the 18th century had adopted Santa Claus dress as their formal uniform, he said, today’s Meah Shearim would look quite different. A Haifa weekly which circulates among the general city population, runs a full page ad with Arabic text only, advertising a new high rise apartment building, obviously seeking Arab purchasers. There is one line in English, which we reproduce exactly as printed: “Marry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” Another element contributing to the Christmas atmosphere this year is the large number of Christian pilgrims. After several years during which tourism dropped considerably because of Arab terrorism, this

Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Creative Director Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Ray Pred Account Executive Timothy J. Ketelsen Bookkeeper Lori Kooper-Schwarz Production Assistant

Editorial The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org. Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.. Letters should be no longer than 250 words and must be singlespaced typed, not hand-written. Published letters should be confined to opinions and comments on articles or events. News items should not be submitted and printed as a “Letter to the Editor.” The Editor may edit letters for content and space restrictions, but should be printed as soon as possible to ensure timeliness. Letters may be published without giving an opposing view. Information shall be verified before printing. All letters must be signed by the writer, but the name can be withheld at the writer’s request. No letters should be published from candidates running for office, but others may write on their behalf. Letters of thanks should be confined to commending an institution for a program, project or event, rather than personally thanking paid staff, unless the writer chooses to turn the “Letter to the Editor” into a paid personal ad or a news article about the event, project or program which the professional staff supervised. For more information, contact Carol Katzman, Jewish Press Editor, 402.334.6450. Postal The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $31 per calendar year U.S.; $35 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Phone: 402.334.6448; FAX: 402.334.5422. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198 or e-mail to:jpress@ jewishomaha. org.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

A Tale of Two Crypts Sayyid waited only one day after Saddam’s fall to abandon his hiding place. Sayyid’s story makes a powerful symbolic counterpoint to Saddam Hussein’s capture on Sunday. A young man hides in a crypt for over two decades as Saddam

BEHIND THE H EADLINES by DANIEL PIPES The discovery of Saddam Hussein in a crypt-like hole, hidden by bricks and dirt, in a farm house in a small town near Tikrit, brings to mind the story of another Iraqi who also hid from the authorities by literally going underground. That Iraqi would be Jawad Amir Sayyid, 45, of Karada, a town south-east of Baghdad. He dwelt for an astonishing 21 years in a cell below his family’s kitchen, entering it on Dec. 2, 1981, and never once emerging from it until April 10, 2003, a day after the toppling of Saddam Hussein’s regime. Sayyid disappeared from the world because he had deserted from Saddam’s army and supported dissident views. Fearing execution, he built out of concrete a three-foot-wide and five-foot-high subterranean room. The walls of his self-imposed prison cell were organized with a series of hooks holding such implements as a scythe, a bamboo fan, a mirror, a kettle, a stove, a toothbrush and a clock. A small hole at the top of the cell provided some sunlight. He drew water from a tiny well and had a miniature toilet. His mother tended to him during all those years through a trap-door entrance; he kept up with world events by listening closely through headphones to the BBC’s Arabic Service. His first hope of release came right after 9/11, when President George W. Bush gave a speech declaring that terrorists of the world would be hunted down. “The next time my mother brought me food I told her of my conviction that [Saddam Hussein] would not last.”

In the broader sweep of history, the Iraqi vignette serves as a reminder of the role Americans have for 60 years played around the world--defeating totalitarian regimes and bringing a modicum of decency and freedom to desperate lands...Conversely, the one place where the United States lost a war-Vietnam--totalitarian rule continues. Hussein rules the land as a brutal and absolute dictator. The American-led coalition liberates the country. The no-longer-young man comes out of his stifling cell and staggers into the sunlight just as the monstrous ruler abandons his gleaming palaces and himself begins haunting crypts to escape the authorities. The contrast in their spirits on leaving the crypts bears notice: Saddam was described by the U.S. military as “a tired man, a man resigned to his fate.” Sayyid said of himself to London’s Daily Telegraph, which described his bent and birdlike frame as quivering with excitement, “I was a fit young man when I first took refuge. Now I am withered and old. But I feel I have the energy of a young boy once again and there is not a second of the day when I do not taste the fruits of

freedom.” In miniature, this tale points to the profound morality of the American-led invasion, symbolized by the fact that, since April 2003, innocent Iraqis move about freely above ground while Saddam and his henchmen slip from one “rats hole” to another. In the broader sweep of history, the Iraqi vignette serves as a reminder of the role Americans have for 60 years played around the world--defeating totalitarian regimes and bringing a modicum of decency and freedom to desperate lands. The list is a long one and would include virtually every country of western Europe, saved once from the Nazis and a second time from the communists. It includes all the states and satellites of the former Soviet Union, which collapsed on failing to sustain a rivalry with the United States. The list also includes many East Asian countries saved from Japanese imperialism. And it includes Kuwait, saved from Iraqi aggression. Conversely, the one place where the United States lost a war--Vietnam--totalitarian rule continues. In short, however flawed the U.S. government is--and it certainly is flawed--in the course of pursuing an enlightened self-interest since the 1940s, it has liberated peoples worldwide. Or, to quote Jawad Amir Sayyid back in the spring, soon after he left the crypt: “I believe that Allah worked through Mr. Bush to make this happen. If I met Mr. Bush, I would say ‘thank you, thank you, you are a good human, you returned me from the dead’.” The words may be hyperbolic, but this sentiment of gratitude toward America is one that hundreds of millions of people have at one time shared. Daniel Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and author of Miniatures (Transaction Publishers). He can be reached at: www.DanielPipes.org.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor: In response to a letter to the editor which appeared in the Dec. 12 issue, I, too, am sorry to see an involved Jewish family leave Omaha. The community recognizes the need to attract people to Omaha, and the Federation has established the Community Development office to welcome newcomers, and keep current residents active and connected. Unfortunately, circumstances arise that make it difficult for people to stay in Omaha. The single, major reason people move into or out of Omaha is for employment. Although smaller Federations generally are not in the job placement business, there are many professionals within the Jewish community who are experts in this field. The community development department is currently putting resources in place that will be available to anyone in the Jewish community in need of employment services. Some of the plans being developed include preparing employment packets of information on major Omaha employers, recruiters and human resources professionals, career websites, and job search tools.

Another idea is to host an employment workshop with speakers who are experts in career counseling and recruiting. This work is in the beginning stages and I welcome individual ideas and suggestions to make this resource to our community a reality. Janie Murow Community Development Director Jewish Federation of Omaha

To the Editor: I was saddened and perplexed by Teddy Weinberger’s article, “Journal Entry From Israel,” which appeared in the Nov. 21 issue. I believe that most Jews, religious and nonreligious alike, would share my sentiments. It is disturbing to see such a lack of ahavat Yisrael, love of one’s fellow Jews, so blatantly expressed. In his attack on “ultra-Orthodox antiZionists,” Weinberger’s accusations are politically, ideologically and religiously unfounded. How does it happen that the vast majority of “ultraOrthodox” Israeli Jews participate in the Israeli govern-

ment and are broadly represented in that legislative body if most of them are anti-Zionist? In that regard, as in every other facet of religious ideology, Weinberger’s claim that “times have changed” is simply not true. Perhaps he can explain the place of the Nachal Hachareidi, the “ultra-Orthodox” branch of the Israel Defense Force, in which my son serves--although I and my family would certainly be considered “ultraOrthodox.” Other members of my family serve and volunteer in various Israeli civil services, cooperating on many levels to support and build this country. The ultra-Orthodox are pro-life, pro-living in the Land, and pro-democracy. They are opposed to any force that attempts to negate Torah observance in the Jewish homeland. I have yet to hear that any ultra-Orthodox Jew favors polluting the Kishon River, as Weinberger might have us believe. No one can fight every battle. The Kishon River has many advocates; the battle for Shabbat observance has but few. Sharon (Nadoff) Mizrahi Jerusalem, Israel

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Synagogue Listings

December 26, 2003

Synagogues B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m.

B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322-4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492-8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 N. 52 St. Omaha, NE. 68104 -5013 556-6288 BethIsrael@novia.net

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660-2395 http://welcome.to/beytshalom/

Chabad House An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330-1800 nebraskajudaism.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshrun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 jewishnebraska.org

Offutt Air Force Base SAC Memorial Chapel 301 Lincoln Highway Offutt AFB, NE 68113 294-6244

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

Temple Israel Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street Omaha, NE 68132-2651 556-6536 templeisrael-ne.org

Tifereth Israel Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502-5236 423-8569 tiferethisraellincoln.org

CORRECTION Due to a computer error, several names of donors to the Jewish Federation of Omaha’s Annual Campaign were inadvertently left off of the “We’re Invested in Jewish Omaha” list in the Dec. 12 issue of the Jewish Press. The Federation regrets the error. Please look for your name in the next ad scheduled for Jan. 2, 2004.

mail address to exec@bethelomaha.org. This is free and open to the entire community.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. FRIDAY: Join us for a musical Kabbalat Service, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Beth El. Junior Congregation will not meet on Dec. 27. Evening Services, 4:45 p.m. SITTER SERVICE Friday Night and Saturday Morning Sitter Service provided at no charge on a drop-in basis. WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m., Monday to Friday, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ROSH HODESH GROUP The women of Beth El are invited to a session featuring Israeli dance, discussion, and story-telling relating to Hanukkah, on Sunday, Dec. 28, 7:30 p.m. (refreshments at 7 p.m.) at the synagogue. ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAY: Bible Study Group meets at 11 a.m. in the Library, under the guidance of Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, continues exploration of The Book of Samuel. New adult students are welcome. WEDNESDAY, Jan. 7, 7:30 p.m. Adult B’nai Mitzvah class meets again with Cantor Bogomolni. THURSDAY, Jan. 8, noon: “Jewish Wisdom for the 21st Century”--Rabbi Levin’s weekly class. For more information, call the synagogue, 492-8550. COME & DANCE! Israeli Dance group will get together again, Thursday, Jan. 8. For information, please contact Cheryl Lerner, 334-8430 or cldancer@aol.com. A THOUGHT FOR SHABBAT To receive Rabbi Levin’s weekly “Thought for Shabbat” message by e-mail, please send your e-

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: MondayThursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat Services, 4:45 p.m. The West Minyan is at the home of Donald and Maggie Gerber at 4:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Services, 8:45 a.m.; Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Shabbos Hanukkah Lunch following services with children’s activities led by Rabbi BP and Rocheyl Simon Mincha, following lunch; Havdalah, 5:48p.m. SUNDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 4:40 p.m. Weekday Morning Services, 7 a.m.; Weekday Mincha and Ma’ariv, 6:30 p.m. MONDAY: Sr. NCSY Game Night, 6 p.m. at the Simon’s; Talmud Class, with Rabbi Kutner following evening minyan (about 7 p.m.). THURSDAY: Morning Services, 9 a.m.; The synagogue will be closed. Mincha, 4:40 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY, Dec 26: Shabbat in the Home. SATURDAY, Dec. 27: Blumkin Home Shabbat at, 9 a.m. SUNDAY: No Religious school on Dec. 28. School will resume Jan 4.

Candlelighting Friday, December 26, 4:42 p.m.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

Rabbi Debbie Stiel will be in the office Tuesdays and Thursdays, all day. You may reach her 9 a.m.-5 p.m. weekdays at 416-2321 (local for Lincoln), or at rabstiel@aol.com. FRIDAY: Shabbat Services, 7:45 p.m. with oneg to follow. SATURDAY: Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. CHILDREN’S TRIP TO OMAHA Monday, Dec. 29: Lincoln kids can make a trip to Omaha’s Jewish Community Center, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., If you’re interested, please e-mail or phone Lori Merliss right away at: lorimerliss@msn.com or call her at: 328-0414. CONGREGATIONAL MEETING Sunday, Jan. 4, 12:30 p.m.: Elections of new board members, adoption of 2004 budget and end-of-year reports will take place at B’nai Jeshurun’s annual congregational meeting. A babysitter will be available. And a bagel lunch will be provided. SCHOLAR-IN-RESIDENCE Sunday, Jan. 11: Rabbi Jan Katzew will visit the congregation. He will lead a teacher development seminar for the teachers, early afternoon. For the congregation at large, he will lead a teen and adult education program on Jewish Ethics titled “Making Menchen: Why do we do what is wrong when we know what is right?”.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; led by members of the Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation.

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

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. MondayFriday, Morning services, 7 a.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: All male members of Temple Israel are invited to a weekly informal get together at Spirit World, 7517 Pacific St. Join us for some relaxation and great conversation, 11:45 a.m.; Shabbat Evening Service, 6 p.m.: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, and Cantor Wendy Shermet will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will give D’var Torah. SATURDAY: Bagels and Sacred Books, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m. January Service Times, all services are at 6 p.m SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available at each Friday evening service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, as well as Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation accordingly. Cost is $2 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan, Monday & Thursday, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAY: The Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Dec 29, 2003 - Jan 4, 2004: No Religious School. UPCOMING EVENTS Monday, Jan. 22: The next Mindstretcher class. Wednesday, Jan. 24: Lunch and Learn.

Light eight candles tonight for the last night of Hanukkah prior to lighting the Shabbat candles.

Beth El Sisterhood Seeks Participants for Shabbat by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue The Sisterhood Shabbat at Beth El, scheduled this year for Jan. 24, will provide an opportunity for the women of the synagogue to share prayer, song, and inspiration with the congregation. Roles in the service are still available. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to return the request form without delay. Again this year, Sisterhood will sponsor a Kiddush Luncheon for all in attendance immediately following the service. To prepare

Last Chance to Reduce 2004 Income Taxes desserts, bakers will assemble in the Beth El kitchen on the following mornings: Sundays, Jan. 4 and 11; Wednesday, Jan. 7; and Tuesday, Jan. 13. All basic ingredients are available in the kitchen. If bakers have recipe calling for special ingredients, or if they have any questions about kashrut, they are asked to call the synagogue office, at 492-8550. For any other questions, please get in touch with Sisterhood President M’Lee Hasslinger, at 493-5541, or Vice-President Caryn Rifkin, at 3347216.

Omahans Witness Ripple Effect Continued from page 1 The Israeli government provides workman’s compensation to those wounded in terrorist attacks, but like many Israeli blue-collar workers, Natan worked “off the books.” He still receives half the regular compensation he would have gotten had he been “legitimate,” but it’s about one-forth of what he was making when he was working. The family survives through a combination of

support including the Israeli government, Chabad of Jerusalem and funds from the Israel Emergency Campaign conducted through the Jewish Federation of Omaha and United Jewish Communities. They are incredibly grateful. What struck all of us after our visit was that everyone in the family was affected by the actions of the homicide bomber, though Natan was the one with the physical wounds. We were seeing the “ripple effect” of terrorism first hand.

by MARTY RICKS Foundation Director If your CPA says your 2003 income tax liability will be exceptionally high, you still have five days until the close of business on Dec. 31 to reduce that projected tax bill. Consider setting up a Donor-Advised Fund at the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The amount you put in this fund will provide a charitable tax deduction up to IRS limits (any amount over that may be deducted in the five subsequent years). The amount you contribution (plus investment earnings on the fund) can be used in 2004 and later years to satisfy your normal charitable causes, like the Federation’s Annual Campaign, United Way, university and synagogue gifts (with some restrictions), NCJW, Hadassah, NJHS, etc. You can even make charitable designations on behalf of your children! If you’re interested, don’t wait until the last minute; consider Dec. 30 as the deadline. Call me at 334-6440 until Dec. 31 to open your Donor Advised Fund.

December 26, 2003

Alienation and Repatriation

SPARKS FROM THE WORD by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Mikketz Every year, since I was a small boy in Talmud Torah, I learned to appreciate the Joseph novella of the Bible all over again. It is really a wonderful story in itself. But it has implications about an attitude to life which carry us along to our own times. We meet Joseph as a callow youth, not realizing how unloveable it was to boast to his brothers, and even to his parents, that he was something special and important. As an adult, Joseph rises to the position of Viceroy of Egypt. It is his character and personality that have brought him so far. It was his interpretation of Pharaoh’s dreams that brought him to the position of Secretary of Agriculture and Food Administrator of all of Egypt. And now, the allure of status begin to work on him. Why should he think of himself as a despised Canaanite, worse than that, a Hebrew, when he can insist on being recognized as one of Egypt’s elite and privileged? The Bible does not tell us, excepting by a lacuna, about Joseph’s alienation from his previous self. It is only the yearning for his brothers and his father, together with Judah’s eloquent address, that brings back Joseph from alienation to an acceptance of himself as himself and a willingness to acknowledge these crude cowboys as his brothers. It is only after this wrenching psychological experience that Joseph is able to ask--finally--whether his father is still alive. And the man is now, literally, repatriated. He sees himself not only as an Egyptian noble, but as the lad who has a family of brothers and, God be thanked, a living father. The Joseph story is so rich that it has inspired writers of many generations and centuries to try to penetrate the human spirit on the basis of the life experience of Joseph, and people like him, generation after generation. Note that Moses also was reared as an Egyptian. He could well have been one of Pharaoh’s pursuers of the escaping Israelites, instead, indeed, as their leader. Joseph, to be sure, convinces us of his self-involvement with family when he breaks down and acknowledges who he is, risking his status as an Egyptian nobleman. Is not the lesson clear for all of us? We achieve various positions of honor in our lives in the contemporary West; we are in no sense obliged or urged to abandon the quest for this position. But we are reminded by Joseph that our origin is not to be denied. It is this origin with its special weltsanchauung which enables us to be both realistic and optimistic at the same time.

Fashion Alert!

When the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home sent their staff down “the runway” modeling new winter fashions accessories for the residents, staff member Phil Innis (dressed smartly in a blue turtleneck sweater) just had to give moderator Anne Joseph a hug while Innis’ dad modeled his spiffy outfit!

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s Day. Deadlines for ads, articles and photos are at noon: Issue Deadline Jan. 9 Wednesday, Dec. 31

DEATHS HARRY DON Harry Don died Dec. 19. Services were held Dec. 21 at Beth Israel Cemetery. He is survived by his brothers, David and Louis; aunts and uncles, David and Golda Lieberman and Frieda and Abe Blankenstein. Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue. SHERMAN NEFF Sherman Frederick Neff died Dec. 20 at the age of 66. Services were held Dec. 23 at Temple Israel Cemetery. He is survived by his wife, Jeanie Neff; daughters and son-in-laws, Andrea and Todd Bodenstein, Chicago, IL, and Jane and Jim Rubin of St. Louis, MO; grandchildren, Andrew and Katherine Rubin of St. Louis; a sister, Eleanor Singer of Rockville, MD; and sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Ellen and Tom Neuman of Cincinnati, OH. Memorials to the Lung Cancer Association or Temple Israel.

Rabbi Levin Invites Parents to Classes about Shabbat by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue “Why and How to Enrich Shabbat in Your Home” will be the topic of Rabbi Mordechai Levin’s next two-part series for the parents of our Jewish community, scheduled for consecutive Sundays, Jan. 5 and 12, 10 a.m. to noon, at Beth El Synagogue. Rabbi Levin will present traditional and contemporary sources, as a basis for suggesting steps toward enriching the Shabbat experience in the home. His discussion will focus on Friday evening rituals to welcome Shabbat, the Shabbat day, and the concluding Havdalah ceremony. In addition, he will talk about the history of Shabbat and Havdalah practices, the significance of the symbols associated with them, and specific home services for the Shabbat table and Havdalah. To augment the learning sessions, participants will receive a booklet with the blessings and a CD of Shabbat and Havdalah prayers recorded by Cantor Gastón Bogomolni. “I invite the parents of our Jewish community to join me, and each other, for a ‘nosh’ and an opportunity to learn on Sunday morning while their children also are learning in their religious school classes,” Rabbi Levin said.

Beth El Sets ‘Parallel Services’ for Future Shabbat Mornings by DIANE AXLER BAUM for Beth El Synagogue Beth El Synagogue has singled out two more Shabbat mornings, Jan. 3 and Feb. 7, for what Rabbi Mordechai Levin describes as “the richly rewarding experience made possible by ‘Parallel Services’.” On these first Shabbat mornings of both months, Beth El’s traditional service will take place in the sanctuary starting 9:30 a.m., and the alternative service will get underway in the Chapel at 10 a.m. Rabbi Levin promises to provide a strong start-up in the Chapel as the alternative service unfolds around spirited singing, new English readings, and a Torah discussion. He will join those attending in the Sanctuary to present thoughts for the week in the form of a D’var Torah. Cantor Gastón Bogomolni will offer his warm presence and powerful voice to each of the services at different times during the morning. The relatively new focus on Shabbat alternatives at Beth El reflects an important developing trend in Conservative synagogues across the country, according to Gloria Kaslow and Larry Raful, co-chairs of Beth El’s Long-Range Planning Committee. This is a trend, they said, recognizing that options and choice hold the key for individuals to derive maximum spirituality, inspiration, and meaning from synagogue attendance. The Parallel Services concept is receiving praise from clergy and congregants. For example, the highly regarded Rabbi Elliot Dorff expressed his positive feelings in his book Conservative Judaism: Our Ancestors to Our Descendants. He wrote: “Increasing numbers of synagogues offer multiple services on Shabbat mornings, varying in the nature of who leads the service, its degree of formality or informality. Synagogues are now more cognizant of the different styles of worship needed by the various constituencies within the Congregation.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2003

Comedy’s Odd Couple

Take This Pop Quiz!

President of the Jewish Federation of Omaha The Federation faces numerous challenges, but one of the most formidable and consistent has to be educating the community on what we do and where the money from the Annual Campaign goes. It’s true that the Federation is a complex and sometimes confusing entity. But I’ve found it useful to describe how the Federation functions through the analogy of a conductor’s relationship to the musicians in the orchestra. On their own, each musician is capable of producing beautiful music, but it’s the conductor who understands the entire composition. The conductor knows when it’s time for the percussion section to come in and when it’s time for the violin solo. The result is a piece of beautiful music produced by many people producing different sounds. They all work together, playing different parts, towards a common goal. In essence, that’s what the Federation does. Our Centers of Excellence (the ADL/CRC, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Educational and Library Services and Jewish Senior Services), the synagogues and our national and overseas partners all have different parts to play, but we are all working together for a common purpose: to help those in need and to improve Jewish life for everyone. Recently, I had the privilege to speak to the JOLT (Jewish Omaha Leadership Training) class about the role of the Federation in our community. The JOLT program is a leadership-training course (sponsored by the Federation) consisting of community members with leadership potential who were handpicked by the synagogues and Jewish organizations. I opened with a short “pop quiz” about the Federation. Just for fun, we’ve reprinted that quiz here. Why not test your knowledge about the Jewish Federation of Omaha? The answers are printed on the bottom of this column. 1) What year did the Omaha Jewish Federation come into existence? a. 1924; b. 1917; c. 1952; d. 1903. 2) Who is current Executive Director of the JFO? a. Jeff Aizenberg; b. Bob Wolfson; c. Jan Goldstein; d. Julee Katzman. 3a) How much money was raised in last year’s Annual Campaign? a. $3.1 million; b. $2 million; c. $1.4 million; d. $5 million.

Answers: 1) d; 2) c; 3a) a; 3b) a; 4) ADL/CRC, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services; 5)Executive Committee, Planning and Evaluation, Budget and Allocation, Personnel Practices, Building and Grounds, Israel/Overseas, Audit, Nominating, Insurance; 6) d ; 7) b; 8) c; 9) Leadership Training, Emergency Relief; 10) David Kampschneider; 11) Livingston Plaza; 12) 1973; 13) June 30; 14) Vaad Ha’Kashrut; 15) Mike Silverman; 16) b; 17) l. Score: 12-1--You are a Federation maven! Come by the Federation office for a free Jewish Federation of Omaha 2004 Campaign pen! 9-11--Not bad, but you probably need to join a few more committees! 8 and under—Keep reading the Jewish Press!

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT by STEVE PITLOR,

3b) How much went to our Israel allocation? a. 37%; b. 52%; c. 9%; d. 3%. 4) Name the five Centers of Excellence of the Jewish Federation. 5) Name at least six of the standing committees of the Jewish Federation. 6) What are the approximate assets of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha? a. $10 million; b. $20 million; c. $30 million; d. $40 million. 7) What is the approximate value of buildings, grounds and contents of the Jewish Federation of Omaha? a. $12 million; b. $15 million; c. $21 million; d. $31 million. 8) What is the approximate current Jewish population of Omaha? a. 3,300; b. 4,200; c. 6,000; d. 9,100. 9) Other than the Annual Campaign and overseeing its Agencies, name at least two other important functions of the Federation or events that the Federation sponsors or oversees? 10) Who is the Comptroller of the Federation? 11) What is the name of the subsidized housing development the Federation currently operates through a management agreement with an outside company? 12) What year was this JCC built? 13) What month does the fiscal year end for the Federation? 14) What is the name of the committee of the JFO that supervises kosher establishments within Omaha? 15) Who is the Executive Director of the Rose Blumkin Home? 16) Who is the Executive Director of the Foundation? a. Steve Bloch; b. Marty Ricks; c. Murray Newman; d. Jay Noddle. 17) BONUS QUESTION: What city or cities does Omaha out raise in their total Campaign? a. Austin, TX; b. Charlotte, NC; c. Nashville, TN; d. Orlando, FL; e. Syracuse, NY; f. Toledo, OH; g. Palm Springs, CA; h. San Antonio, TX; i. New Orleans, LA; j. Tucson, AZ; k. Sarasota, FL; l. all of the above.

by STEVE RICE agent said that I should change my They’re about as unlikely a pair as name, and I thought about it. But I you’ll ever find working together in would have been betraying myself and stand-up comedy. One is a young 32; the my heritage. I said, ‘When there’s a part other a young-ish 58. One towers at 6’3”, for the guy who just has brown hair, call while the other stands a respectable 5’ me.’ I never heard from him again.” 8”. One sports long, ebony locks; the He was “discovered”--rather discovother gray hair (his own). One is a regu- ered himself-- working as a waiter in lar on the hot and trendy L.A. entertain- Hollywood. “An elderly lady came into ment scene; the other leads an idyllic life the restaurant with her five grown sons,” in rural Vermont. he recalls. “They were Oh, and then there’s really outgoing and I just the part about one being made them laugh all an Egyptian-born, night. Before they left, Muslim (he’s been to the lady took me aside Mecca) Arab, and the and handed me $200. She other a Reform rabbi thanked me for entertainborn in Rhode Island. ing her family and said Together, Ahmed that I should take comeAhmed and Rabbi Bob dy as my profession. I Rabbi Bob Alper Alper are “Comedy’s Odd never saw her again, but and Ahmed Ahmed Couple.” Since April, I took her message to 2002, the pair has taken the comedy heart and went to work on it.” scene by storm. They bill the show as a Nine years later, he performs regularly night of non-political laughter. They at the prestigious Comedy Store in Los work ultra-clean, too. Angeles, and is going on auditions again. Alper observes, “Each of us brings a He says his comedy is helping to break unique and humorous perspective, down stereotypes, while helping him although, in the course of the show, peo- deal with being the subject of them. “If I ple begin to see the similarities, too, with didn’t have comedy, I’d go berserk.” our parallel stories of growing up Jewish, As to working side-by-side with Alper, growing up Arab, both of us following he says, “Bob and I complement each unusual career paths, etc. Most important, other. A lot of multi-comic shows feature the audience receives the underlying mes- three young people in black tee shirts, sage of our personal friendship and enjoy- all talking about ‘the difference between ment of one another." LA and New York.’ It becomes tiresome! A graduate of Lehigh University, Alper Bob and I mine a wealth of “unique was ordained at Hebrew Union College material never heard in contemporary in Cincinnati, and is the first Jewish per- comedy." son ever to earn a doctorate from the Examples? One of Alper’s “signature Princeton Theological Seminary. He has jokes” concerns teenage children: “We served congregations in Buffalo and got some good news about our son. Philadelphia, and continues to conduct Found out we were able to arrange a High Holiday services at another student loan for him. We loaned him to Philadelphia area synagogue. a family in Iowa.” He began his comedy career in 1986 Ahmed recalls a tour he did with Alper when he entered the “Jewish Comic of in New England. “When I left home, my the Year Contest” at the Going Bananas mom said, ‘Ahmed, make sure you call club in Philadelphia. He recalls, “the me when you get to Vermont.’” So when audience laughed and I was hooked.” I got there, I called to let her know I was Television, radio and personal appear- okay. She said, ‘Find a nice Arabic cafe ances followed as he quickly honed his and meet some people.’ distinctive approach to stand-up come“I happened to be drinking a cup of dy. He’s been seen on Good Morning coffee at the time, and I said, ‘Mom, I am America, Showtime, and Comedy the Arabic cafe.” Central, and was featured on Extra. Alper adds, “When Ahmed crossed the Ahmed worked as an actor for seven border into Vermont, our state’s Arab years before entering stand-up. While he population doubled.” appeared on TV and in films, including You can hear the comedy of Rabbi the action thriller Executive Decision Bob Alper at Beth El Synagogue on with Kurt Russell and Halle Berry, he felt Wednesday, Jan. 31, 8 p.m. Tickets Hollywood was perpetuating negative range from $18 for general admission to stereotypes. $180. A silent auction begins at 7 p.m. “I was cast as a terrorist, greasy cab Call the synagogue office for informadriver, and oil-hungry sheik, and I got tion, 492-8550. sick of it,” he recalls. “There are just no Steve Rice is a communications parts for guys who look like me. My specialist based in Hollywood, FL.

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