December 26, 2008

Vol. LXXXVIII No. 16 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 88 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

Boston’s North Shore reeling from foundation collapse

29 Kislev, 5769

December 26, 2008

Smiles all around at Blumkin Home family dinner

by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA) -- Like a sudden death in the family, the news sifted through the Jewish community north of Boston, sparking shock, sadness and regret.

The Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation, a pillar of the North Shore community and a supporter of popular programming like the Youth to Israel program, joined the mounting list of Jewish casualties of the stillunfolding Bernard Madoff financial scam.

The foundation’s four staff members were terminated early Dec. 12 and all programs were suspended.

“It is with a heavy heart that I make this announce- Children’s program of the Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation, which was forced to shut ment,” Lappin wrote in a down in the wake of the Bernard Madoff scandal. Omaha’s ARTZA program had once letter to his staff. “The received funding and the JCC was hoping to reapply for the 2009 summer trip.

Credit: Robert I. Lappin Charitable Foundation Foundations’ programs have touched thousands of lives As Jewish institutions and investors across the country over many years in our efforts to help keep our children struggle to gauge the damage from the $50 billion Jewish.”

Madoff fraud, its impact is being felt more immediately The foundation’s Web site said that the money used to in smaller communities like the North Shore. fund its programming, some $8 million, was invested Lappin, 86, was the community’s biggest philanthrowith Madoff and had been frozen by the federal courts. pist, and the collapse of his $8 million foundation is hav“The money needed to fund the programs of the ing both a material and a psychological impact.

Lappin Foundation is gone,” the statement said.

Continued on page 2

by OZZIE NOGG On the Thursday night before Thanksgiving, nearly 100 guests gathered in the auditorium at the Jewish Community Center for cocktails and a holiday dinner. The program -- sponsored by Jewish Social Services -- is a favorite with residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

“We’ve hosted this Family Night Dinner for nearly 20 years,” said Maggie Conti, Director of Activities and Outreach programs at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. “The residents always look forward to this special celebration. It’s a time for them to get their hair done and dress up. It’s like going out to a nice restaurant with family.”

Continued on page 3

RBJH resident Inessa Manevich, left, enjoys dinner with Activities Director Linda Fitzgerald.

Omaha Jewish vets honored The life and times of an energetic senior in Washington, D.C.

by ANNE MUSKIN “Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude.

America will never forget their sacrifices,” President Harry S. Truman once said.

Sponsored by the Veterans of Foreign Wars of Nebraska, the Honor Flight Network displays this same sentiment towards Nebraska’s veterans in an incredibly unique way. With a waiting list of more than 750 people, the group flies Stuart Muskin, left, and Kevee Kirshenbaum, right, were met at WWII veterans to a reunion of veterans of World War II and Korea in the nation’s Washington DC for a day capital by Rep. Jeff Fortenberry, representing Nebraska’s First to visit the war memorials. Congressional District.

On Nov. 19, Heartland Honor Flight HOLIDAY CLOSING completed its fifth successful trip of Due to staff vacations and the need for Nebraska veterans to the nation’s capital. computer upgrades, there will be no Jewish Among the 140 person group were memPress next week on Jan. 2. The deadline for bers of Omaha’s Jewish community: Bill the Jan. 9 issue is Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 Cohen, Kevee Kirshenbaum, and Stuart a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448 Muskin.

Inside Opinion Page see page 20

by LEO ADAM BIGA Sol Bloom doesn’t believe in accidents. It’s why he’s sure he was destined to make his way to Palestine as a young, idealistic Zionist 62 years ago. Inflamed with passion to help secure a Jewish state, he left America for service in the Haganah militia.

The Omaha resident is equally sure a higher power saved him from almost certain death on at least three occasions -- once, when scratched from an armed patrol whose entire ranks were decimated by an Arab ambush in the Judean Valley.

He’s convinced something beyond mere circumstance has guided his five-decade career as a dairy nutritionist, leading him to work with fellow Jews in a field where Jews are a rarity. He’ll tell you his parents’ brave immigrant journey from Romania and a cousin’s pioneer efforts settling Palestine Sol Bloom and his daughter Ruthie play a duet while inspired him to beat his own adven- living in Manila, the Phillipines, in 1979. turous path -- to Israel, Puerto Rico, processes. The believer in him finds the hand of fate or God behind incidents he Nigeria, Zambia and the Philippines.

For Bloom, rhyme and reason attend can’t ascribe to mere chance. He’s always been curious about the grand design at everything.

The scientist in him methodically stud- work. An ever inquisitive hunger drives ies things to identify patterns and Continued on page 15

This Week: Senior Living Issue starts on Page: 12 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Jeanette Nadoff says goodbye to Omaha: Page 3

Coming Next Month: Women’s Health on Jan. 9 Monthly Calendar for January: Page 6

Film Review of Benjamin Button: Page 10

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Boston’s North Shore reeling

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executive director, Liz Donnenfeld. “I’m incredibly sadContinued from page 1 “It’s devastating,” said Arthur Epstein, another major dened for Bob Lappin and the entire staff of the foundasupporter of local Jewish charities. “It’s one of those tion. This comes as a terrible shock to all of us. Whatever things that could pull people closer together. But some we can do, our doors are open to them.”

As the community grapples with the news, some hope of the programs he ran, I don’t think we’re going to get is stirring. Several federation leaders met this weekend to them back.”

Lappin made his fortune in the vacuum cleaner busi- discuss ways to respond, while the North Shore Rabbinic ness and now manages his investments and foundation Association has pledged to continue the Introduction to from a former sea captain’s residence near the waterfront Judaism course that had been paid for by the Lappin in Salem, Mass., and from his winter home at The Foundation.

Former Omahan, Rabbi Baruch HaLevi, the head of Breakers in Palm Beach, Fla. His foundation supports a number of programs aimed at combating what he sees as the rabbinic association and religious leader of the dilution of Jewish identity through intermarriage -- Congregation Shirat Hayam in Swampscott, said the or, as the foundation’s erstwhile mission statement puts rabbis will meet with Lappin Foundation’s executive director, Deborah Coltin, this week to talk about ways it, “helping to keep our children Jewish.”

Among the discontinued programs are Rekindle the temples and synagogues can potentially help continShabbat, which provided free Shabbat dinners to local ue some programs.

“They did such great works, I would not like to see families, and Teachers to Israel, a professional enricheverything lost,” said HaLevi, who likened the news of ment trip for Hebrew school instructors.

The foundation also sponsored the Great Shofar the foundation’s collapse to a death in the family. “The Blowout, which in 2006 broke the Guiness world record foundation had its hands in so many different lives. It’s for most shofars blown simultaneously -- 796 blowers a sad day for the North Shore.”

Jewish Journal Boston North editor Bette Keva conshowed up at Phillips Beach in Swampscott, Mass. Lappin had hoped the Blowout, which started in 2001, would tributed to this report. Full Journal coverage of the Lappin Foundation is available at www.jewishjourspark a yearly competition among Jewish communities.

But the biggest impact is likely to be with the loss of nal.org.

Editor’s note: in addition the foundation’s flagship to institutions mentioned program, Youth to Israel, in the Dec. 19 Jewish Press which offered free, all-American Jewish expenses-paid summer Congress, Yeshiva trips to Israel for local University, the Los youth -- a sort of youth Angeles Community version of the popular Foundation, the birthright Israel program Foundation of the Greater for those aged 18 to 26.

Washington Jewish Over its 38-year history, the program has evolved Federation, the Gift of into a rite of passage for Life organization and the North Shore teens.

Chais Family Foundation Rachel Jacobson, the (which annually gave program director, had to about $12.5 million to set aside her emotions and Jewish causes and was get to work sending out forced to shut down on letters to 97 families Dec. 14), news of losses telling them that the sum- A passenger is helped onto an Elderbus, a program run by the for other charitable founJewish Council for the Aging of Greater Washington whose funding dations have surfaced. mer trip was off.

“I have parents who are could be jeopardized by losses suffered in the Madoff scandal.

Among them are: Yad Credit: Washington Jewish Week Sarah, an Israeli organizadevastated for their kids and for the program,” Jacobson said. “I think the whole tion which lends medical equipment, three Jewish day community is in shock, including us.” schools: Boston’s Maimonides School, the Ramaz Jerry Somers, a North Shore community leader and School in New York City and SAR -- a Jewish high board member of the Jim Joseph Foundation, recently school in Riverdale, NY, and the Jewish Community helped secure $1 million to fund programs for a new Center Association (not the Omaha JCC, however), as teen outreach program, the North Shore Teen Initiative, well as the JCC of Greater Washington. for the next three years.

Also on the list are the Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family “I think that our program and the Youth to Israel pro- Foundation (which invested $145 million with Madoff), gram seriously complemented each other,” Somers told North Shore (Long Island) Jewish Health System JTA. “And that’s a portion of what the community (which, thankfully, had only one percent of its holdings would enjoy that is going to be negatively impacted, with Madoff), and the New York-based JEFT depending on how the community responds.”

Foundation, which focuses on electoral and criminal jusThe local federation is not expected to suffer directly tic reform and will shut its doors at the end of January. from the foundation’s collapse. Lappin, who once gave It is expected that more foundations and Jewish organan estimated $500,000 annually to the Jewish izations will be affected as investors who have lost money Federation of the North Shore, withdrew his support a with Madoff are forced to reduce their donations and few years ago after clashing with the executive director, grants. As stated in last week’s Press, however, Omaha’s though he restored some of that support last year.

Federation Foundation had no association with Madoff “I’m shocked and saddened,” said the federation’s and has not been affected.

Beth El to hold community-wide Healthy-Living Expo

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El’s auxiliary groups will provide a valuable community service as they come together to present the Karin Levine Healthy Living Expo (formerly the Karin Levine Health Symposium), on Sunday, January 11, from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the synagogue. The entire community is invited to participate – at no charge.

Sponsored by Sisterhood with support from Men’s Club, Hazak, the Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group and United Synagogue Youth (USY), the event was established several years ago to honor the memory of Beth El congregant Karin Levine, who died in December 2005 at age 49, following a 15-year battle with cancer.

The upcoming event will be fun, entertaining and interactive for attendees of all ages. “A variety of healthrelated exhibits and demonstrations will be featured, with tips to promote a healthier lifestyle for both physical and mental well-being,” said event organizer Marcie Spivack, who serves as this year’s Sisterhood president.

“Get your blood-pressure screened, watch CPR demonstrations, learn about yoga and exercise for stress relief, and enjoy the benefits of relaxing massage therapy by trained experts.”

Spivack also noted that a pharmacist will be on hand to discuss safe ways to take medications; representatives from the National Kidney Foundation and the Diabetes Education Center of the Midlands will also participate; and demonstrations of Krav Maga (Israeli self-defense), Tai Chi, and exercises for senior citizens will also be performed. In addition, Jewish Family Service is offering a developmental assets (strength-based) self-survey for kids ages 12-18, plus a personality inventory for adults.

A healthy-pasta cook-off is also on the agenda, as well as a presentation by a representative involved in Community-Supported Agriculture (co-op farming), who will discuss the importance of eating organic foods.

There will be something for folks of all ages at the Healthy-Living Expo; for more information, call 492.8550, or visit www.bethel-omaha.org/Levine HealthyLivingExpo.shtml.

Decemebr 26, 2008

Smiles all around

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Jeanette Nadoff says “goodbye”

Continued from page 1 The fall cornucopia centerpieces reflected the harvest menu created by Mike Aparo, RBJH Director of Food and Environmental Services, and Laura Bair, Blumkin Home Food Service and Catering Manager. The dinner offerings included roasted butternut squash soup, turkey breast in mushroom wine sauce, maple glazed sweet potatoes and apples, French cut green beans garnished with

Mary Heiman and Adrienne Kitagawa.

Entertainment was provided by KIOSFM anchor Michael Lyon. Born in England, Lyon began his professional singing career in the mid-1980s.

“Michael made his main stage debut at Carnegie Hall in 1998, and to have him with us, singing a bit of opera along with familiar Broadway show tunes from Oklahoma and My Fair Lady was a real treat. The residents and their families

Left: Kevee Kirshenbaum and his wife, Myrna, a Blumkin Home resident, and right:

Grace Lebowich shares the festive meal with her husband Ben, a RBJH resident.

almonds and fried onions, and upsidedown caramel apple pie.

“The Family Dinner ran like clockwork,” Conti said, “because so many Blumkin Home staff participated. Bert Benson served as majordomo for the evening. Shane Kotok and Shelly Fox made excellent bartenders. And Mike Silverman -- who stands head and shoulders above all of us -- used his height like a periscope, overseeing which tables needed to be served and directing traffic in general.”

Also lending a hand were RBJH Activities Directors Linda Fitzgerald,

Resident Betty Goldstrom enjoys the family dinner with her sons Mark, left, and Larry. loved the music, and the entire event was a huge hit.”

her home of more than 43 years, when

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press she moves to Chicago to be with her son David, and his family.

She came to Omaha in Daughters Julie Amrani 1965, a young rebbetzin and Sharon Mizrahi live in arrived from Des Moines with her three children in Israel with their husbands, tow. Born in Toldeo, OH, children and now grandJeanette Nadoff is the children. daughter of immigrants, She still stands alone, who escaped from however, in one category pogroms and persecution.

-- as the first (and still the She understood the only rabbi’s spouse) to meaning of “klal Yisrael” chair the Federation and worked to promote Women’s Campaign in those values.

1976. Again in 1980, she She met her husband, a and Deenie Meyerson, young rabbinical student were named by Mary at the Hebrew Fellman (the first woman Jeanette Nadoff Theological Seminary, to serve as Federation and the two were married in 1948 -- the President) as co-chairmen of the same year the State of Israel was founded Women’s Campaign in Omaha.

-- (a fact she likes to restate often.)

A year later, she was named “Woman of Jeanette and her husband, Rabbi Isaac the Year” by Israel Bonds.

Nadoff, who had been named spiritual In an Aug. 28, 1981 article in the Jewish leader of Beth Israel, a large Orthodox Press, Joe Kirshenbaum, who would later congregation, would later be honored in become president of the Federation, said, October 1983, at a dinner at Peony Park, “I’ve worked with Jeanette on the board attended by more than 500 people. The and as former president of Beth Israel. event, held just prior to the Nadoffs’ 35th She is the most sincere person I’ve ever wedding anniversary, drew members of worked with, serving and adding her the community and accolades from across intelligence and competence to whatever needs to be done. She works only for the the religious spectrum.

Throughout the years, Jeanette Nadoff cause, never for the glory.”

More than 27 years later, Kirshenbaum would make important contributions to the Omaha Jewish community -- and still stands by those words.

Though her husband died more than serve as an officer of several organizations: AMIT Women (formerly Mizrachi 15 years ago, after suffering from Women) the Omaha Chapter of leukemia, Jeanette Nadoff remained in Hadassah, the Women’s Division of Israel Omaha, close to the synagogue even after Bonds, and Beth Israel Sisterhood. She Beth Israel moved out west. And though later served on Mizrachi’s national board. she may be residing in Chicago, her heart And this soon, she will say goodbye to will remain in Omaha.

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FOLLOWING THE SUN Snowbirds Please let the Jewish Press know in advance when you are leaving and when you are returning. Sometimes several papers are sent to your “old”address before we are notified by the Post Office. Every time they return a paper to us, you miss the Jewish Press and we are charged 70¢! Please call us at 402.334.6448 or email us at jpress@jewishomaha.org.

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Temple teen represents youth at RAC Social Action meeting in Washington

ent high

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel schools, ethnicCommunications Coordinator ities, religions, As the Social Action cultures, and vice president of the socioeconomic Missouri Valley Region backgrounds. of the North American At the CSA Federation of Temple m e e t i n g , Youth (NFTY), Molly Molly, a junior Goldberg represented at Westside NFTY at the November High School. meeting of the was among delCommission on Social egates repreAction (CSA) of Reform senting Union Judaism in Washington, for Reform D.C. “I was the only Judaism conhigh school student repgregations resentative, a true honor from across the as well as educational and country. The a life altering experidelegates were Molly Goldberg, social action vice president of briefed ence,” she said. on As part of her training Missouri Valley region of the Federation of RAC stances for the NFTY regional Temple Youth, was the only high school stu- on social justice position, Molly, 16, visit- dent at a meeting of the Commission on issues.

“The ed the Religious Action Social Action of the Religious Action Center in most interestCenter (RAC) of Reform Washington, D.C. this fall. ing conversaJudaism with other regional social action tion was a CSA representative who disvice presidents last summer. “I enjoyed cussed reexamining (the RAC-sponsored my time with the legislative assistants four-day social justice seminar for high and developed a relationship with the school students), L’Taken curriculum NFTY National Board Vice President of about Israel,” according to Molly.

Social Action Michelle Cravez,” a colMolly also sat on the task force about lege student, who also attended the economic justice chaired by Magda Peck November CSA meeting. of Temple Israel. “It was great having Active in Omaha Temple Youth Group Magda there,” pointed out Molly who (OTYG) since she was a freshman, added that Magda is “a smart and talentMolly, daughter of David and Wendy ed individual. She is a great role model.”

Goldberg, is the OTYG program vice Now in her second term on the compresident this year. A Religious School mission, Peck said, “Molly provided a student at Temple herself, she’ll be co- thoughtful young Jewish voice as one of teaching War: What is it Good for? with two young women who brought the OTYG Advisor Amy Katz during the perspectives of youth. As chair of the spring middle/high school mini-mester CSA Task Force on Economic Justice, at Temple. She’s also involved in the Women and Families, I was delighted B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, an that Molly also was part of our team for independent study program on infec- this meeting at which we examined a tious diseases at the University of range of issues including responding to Nebraska Medical Center, and the the economic crisis, assuring greater fairNational Conference for Community ness in supporting the return of incarand Justice “Inclucity” program which cerated men and women who have provides an opportunity to interact with served their time, the impact of biofuels a diverse group of students from differ- on future environmental sustainability,

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and promoting ethical consumerism.

Having a voice from and for youth at the commission meetings is a terrific value added to our deliberations.”

Speakers represented the Earth Policy Institute; RESULTS, a non-profit advocacy organization committed to creating the political will to end hunger and the worst aspects of poverty; Ynetnews.com; and the Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs who discussed the world food shortage, U.S. foreign aid reform, and current events in Israel. Rabbi David Saperstein, from the RAC, talked about the Coalition on the Environment and Jewish Life, and Congressman Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, informed the delegates about the new congressional agenda.

“I find learning about policy interesting,” Molly commented. “It helps me stay up to date on the news. I enjoy connecting Jewish text to today’s issues.

“The Jewish community has offered me this unique chance to learn and show leadership. I would encourage others to explore NFTY’s Jewish and social action opportunities. L’Taken, Kutz Camp, summer Mitzvah Corps, trips to Israel, and regional programming are all great examples.”

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel considers Molly to be a great example, too. “I’m very proud of her!” he said.

Interested in studying public health policy, Molly plans to stay grounded in the future through her involvement in social action. She’s also considering a career in the clouds as an astronaut.

ORGANIZATIONS B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Eric Buske will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Dec. 31, noon, at Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. The Police Chief will discuss shootings, crimes and other misadventures. All men and women in the community are invited. The program is free. An optional buffet lunch is $13; beverage service only is $3. For more information or to get on the email list, contact Lois at 334-6443 or bnaibrith@jewishomaha. org YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS Join us on Monday, Jan. 5 at the JCC with a special musical program with “The Torch Singer” by Joyce Torchia singing all the classics. The musical program begins at 12:30 p.m., and lunch is served at noon for $7.00 per person. Join us for Bingo with Miles Remer at 10 a.m. Call

Teresa at 330.4272 for transportation.

For information call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

VISIONS Reminder: Visions Board meeting is Friday, Jan. 2, 9:30 a.m. in the social hall.

Visions Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Jan. 16, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn. Take a musical journey with Temple Israel’s Cantor Wendy Shermet. For information, call Harry Alloy at 6978709. If you need a ride, call Florence Hauss at 571-4583. Send reservations to Tootie Simon at 8725 Izard St., Omaha NE 68114.

Membership dues for 2009 are now due. Please mail your check payable to Visions for $7.50 to: Phyllis Schwartz, 1212 So. 137 Ave., Omaha, NE 68144

by Jan. 31.

To order a gift subscription to the Press...

Send a check for $35, made out to the Jewish Press and prorated for the year, to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information on how to connect your out-of-town relatives and friends, call 334.6448.

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Decemebr 26, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

Jewish chaplain ministers to patients of all faiths at UNMC turned to Rabbi Weiss for help.

by PAUL BALTES Media Relations Lead Weiss worked with a local Jewish organThe Nebraska Medical Center ization and other members of the pastoral When Yaakov Weiss completed his rab- care department. Together they worked binical ordination, he knew he wanted to with the patient’s son to build a Sukkah in find a way to use his the hospital’s Healing training to help care Garden. for people. Rabbi Weiss “When I told him we is finding that voice as built the booth, a Chaplain Resident at enabling him to celethe Nebraska Medical brate, his face just lit Center. up,” remembered “There is no shortWeiss. “He was far from age of people with home. He knew Omaha spiritual and personal had a small but strong needs here at the hosJewish community, but pital,” Rabbi Weiss didn’t expect to have said. this opportunity here. It Those needs come at helped him to know difficult times, such as people are here to care the death of a loved for them; not just meetone or serious injury; ing their medical needs, and also at times of joy but their religious needs Rabbi Yaakov Weiss and thankfulness, such as well.” as the birth of a child or successful treatWeiss visits patients of all faiths. He said ment of a serious illness. some are surprised at first to see a rabbi, “Studies have shown patients’ overall but all have welcomed him as part of the health improves when they’re treated clergy team. holistically,” said Rev. Deborah Boucher“It’s important to have diversity in our Payne, Director of Patient Care at The pastoral staff,” said Dave Sweeney, Nebraska Medical Center. “That’s the Manager of Pastoral Care. “It’s a reflecapproach we take at The Nebraska tion of the different patient populations Medical Center. We place a priority on we serve.” ensuring that the physical, spiritual and “I see it as finding a voice for caring for emotional aspects of care are addressed.” people. I’ve met a lot of people as a chapWeiss began his residency at the medical lain here,” said Weiss. “I listen to their center in August. His rabbinical training stories and find that there is often somewas especially useful when the family of a thing deeper than what the simple words patient from Israel sought his help in cel- mean. There is a reason why they’re ebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. telling it.”

The holiday involves building a boothWhen Weiss’ residency as a hospital like structure outdoors. Unable to build chaplain ends next summer, he hopes to the Sukkah booth in the family’s room at continue his work caring for others in a the Lied Transplant Center, the staff hospital or nursing home setting.

Women’ s H E A LT H

Kosher By Design Lightens Up

Issue Information

by Susie Fishbein (Artscrikk/Shaar, $35.99)

Publishes 01.09.09 | Reserve Space 12.28.08 | Camera Ready 12.31.08

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN

In this sixth project in her series, Susie Fishbein presents recipes and techniques “designed to promote healthier cooking and eating choices” and hopes to guide readers to be more health-conscious cooks and wiser consumers.

Wholesome foods, healthy ingredients, education, refeshingly pure and satisfying are some of her key words. You are encouraged to have fun, take care of you and your family, and let “the journey to better health start right in your kitchen.”

The headnotes contribute tidbits of food information ... registered dietitian Bonnie Taub-Dix comments about what is healthful in each recipe, “sheds light on the mumbo-jumbo out there” and “presents the most recent information about foods.”

Fishbein includes nuggets of her family preferences to help you make good choices.

Add “zesty zing”, read of medicinal benefits, powerful antioxidents, "Midas touch" (your hands yellow from the tumeric unless you wear gloves), fiber filled treats and even use “Veggie ham” (soy product found in supermarkets). Over 145 kosher recipes marked Dairy, Parve and Meat are in nine chapters: Appetizers, Soups, Salads,

Poultry, Meat, Fish, EggsPasta & Dairy, Side Dishes and Desserts with the recipes listed on each chapter page.

The instructions are detailed, with lots of color photographs, including Saffroned Barley, Salmon Burgers, Grilled Reuben Sandwich (that can be made using a whole wheat wrap instead of bread), Frozen Pumpkin Pie, PastramiWrapped Stuffed Figs and more.

Break out the wine and try this recipe: BAKED BROWN RICE AND EDAMAME 2 cups short-grain brown rice 4 cups chicken or vegetable stock 1 carrot, julienned, or 1 cup shredded carrots 1 cup shelled edamame; can be frozen 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce 1 tbsp roasted or toasted sesame oil Preheat oven to 350º.

Place the rice and stock into an 11- by 13-inch baking pan. Stir to combine.

Cover tightly with foil.

Bake for 1 hour 30 minutes.

Remove the foil, add the carrot, edamame, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir to combine. Return the pan, uncovered to the oven and cook for 5 minutes to heat the edamame through. Can be served warm or at room temperature.

Makes 6 Servings.

Lois Friedman can be reached at ReadItAndEat@yahoo.com.

Simchas C E L E B R AT I O N S

Issue Information Publishes 02.06.09 | Reserve Space 01.24.09 | Camera Ready 01.27.09

Contact your advertising representative to advertise in these very special editions.

Allan Handleman Call Allan at 402.334.6451 | email:ahandleman@jewishomaha.org

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Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 29 Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

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TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30 Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad Mishnah Club, 3:45 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31 Deli Night, 6 p.m. at Chabad House Youth Dept. New Year’s Eve Overnighter, 6:30 p.m.

New Year’s Eve Game Night, 8 p.m. at Beth Israel

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 1 New Year’s Day, Federation closed Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad

SUNDAY, JANUARY 4 Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel MONDAY, JANUARY 5 Friedel Jewish Academy Classes Resume YES Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Friedel Love & Logic Class, 6:30 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 6 Fast of the 10th of Tevet Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad ADL/CRC Civil Rights Committee Meeting, noon Mishnah Club, 3:45 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JFS/Yachad Art Project, 6:30 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 7 Aleph Bet and Beyond, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Global Anti-Semitism, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 8 Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Ideals and Ethics, noon at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Board, noon Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1:15 p.m. at Beth El Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad

MONDAY, JANUARY 12 Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Executive Board, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel Friedel Love & Logic Class, 6:30 p.m.

Board of Directors, 7 p.m. at Friedel Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad Mishnah Club, 3:45 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

JFS/Yachad Art Project, 6:30 p.m.

NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, JANUARY 2 Visions Board Meeting, 9 a.m.

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28 Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Temple Israel OTYG Winter Outing, 5 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Pre-Kindergarten, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El WRJ Book Sorting Day, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad Four Bs, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Karin Levine Healthly Living Expo, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El OTYG Spaghetti Dinner Meeting, noon at Temple Israel Challah/Chicken Cookoff, 5 p.m. at Temple Israel

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 Aleph Bet and Beyond, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Board Meeting, 6:30 p.m. at Beth Israel Global Anti-Semitism, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Ideals and Ethics, noon at Beth El School Directors’ Meeting, noon Dorothy Kaplan Book Group, 1 p.m. at Kripke Library Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad FRIDAY, JANUARY 16 Visions Luncheon Meeting, noon Temple Shabbat Comes to You at Remington, 4 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 17 Pajama Havdalah, 5:15 p.m. at Beth El ADL & Omaha Conservatory of Music “Music of Jewish Composers” Performance, 7 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 18 BESTT 6th/7th grade Minyan, 9 a.m. at Beth El Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Pre-Kindergarten, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Nitzanim program, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El Hazak Cinema Series, noon at Beth El Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m.

Sunday Night Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel

FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Tot Shabbat & Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth El

MONDAY, JANUARY 19 YES Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Jewish Book Club Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Friedel Love & Logic Class, 6:30 p.m.

Dr. Baum, 6:30 p.m. at the CDC Jewish Press Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 20 Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad Mishnah Club, 3:45 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Temple Israel ADL Youth Leadership Mission Meeting, 7 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 21 Spice and Spirit Cooking Class, 9:30 a.m. at Chabad Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Board, 4:30 p.m.

Aleph Bet and Beyond, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel Global Anti-Semitism, 7 p.m. at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Jewish Ideals and Ethics, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Parsha Club for Kids, 3:40 p.m. at Chabad LOVE Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23 BBYO Kallah Overnight Lev Banim Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Friedel Movie Night, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel BESTT Pre-Kindergarten, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El End of Poverty Book Club, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Men’s Club Speaker Series, 10 a.m. at Beth El Teen Class with Rabbi Gross, 10 a.m. at Beth Israel Mishpacha Morning, 10:15 a.m. at Chabad JFS Gallery Reception, 1 p.m.

Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 1 p.m.

Friends of Friedel Kickoff Dinner, 5 p.m.

Bedtime Storytime for Kids, 6 p.m. at Chabad MONDAY, JANUARY 26 Kabbalistic Insights for Women, noon at Chabad Hebrew 101, 6:30 p.m.

Friedel Love & Logic Class, 6:30 p.m.

Beth El Women’s Rosh Hodesh Group, 7 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 8 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 27 Parsha, Prayer and Prophets, 9:15 a.m. at Chabad JSS/RBJH Board Meeting, 11:30 a.m.

Mishnah Club, 3:45 p.m.

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Rabbi Mizrahi’s Class, 7:45 p.m. at Beth Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 28 ADL & Nebraska State Troopers Meeting, 1 p.m.

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 below events.

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Annuities: good or bad?

by ROB A. RANDELS, CFP® , MBA, ChFC Wealth Management Advisor for Northwestern Mutual Financial “Annuities are they good or bad?” is a question I often hear from consumers in the marketplace. I will often answer a question with a question, “A Ford F-150 is it good or bad?” It really depends upon what you are using it for. If you live on a farm it may be great. If you commute from Omaha to Lincoln each day, it may not be the best choice.

Next we need to find out: what type of annuity are we talking about?

There are deferred fixed annuities, variable deferred annuities, immediate annuities, non-tax qualified annuities, single premium annuities and many more to fill this entire paper.

The most common criticism I hear is that they can be expensive. This can be both true and false. Just like with mutual funds, it is important to know what the internal fees are for the product you are considering buying. If fees are excessive, the insurance company may be becoming rich instead of you. A healthy relationship should be win-win.

Annuities can be used for both accumulation and for distribution. Annuities used for accumulation can be useful for IRAs, to avoid current taxation on growth and/or as a substitute for other investment vehicles subject to ordinary income tax such as CDs, savings accounts or taxable bonds.

Immediate annuities provide a guarantee no other financial product can – income for life. That’s right, you exchange a lump sum amount for a guaranteed income stream that will pay you an amount each month, quarter or year – your choice for the rest of your life, no matter how long you live. The money cannot run out.

People approaching or in retirement share the same fear. The fear is running out of money some day. The immediate annuity may be appropriate for some or all of a person’s retirement assets depending upon their situation.

The guarantee is backed by the financial strength of the company you are working with when securing this product. It is very important to select a very financially sound company to work with, especially in this uncertain economic environment.

What should you be aware of when comparing annuity products?

First, be careful of products that include complicated formulas based on index values that include caps, spreads or other moving parts; that can mean less of a return you get at the end of the day.

Second, be aware of high or long surrender charge periods to get your money back out. Most people need some flexibility or are not aware of the surrender charges until they need to get their money.

Third, financial strength is the key. Do not give up security for a small increase in an interest rate or to add a bell or whistle that can drain your investment return.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

IN THE NEWS Lincoln’s Symphony Guild selected Kathy Friedman and First Lady of Nebraska, Sally Ganem, for their first Women of Note awards presented at a luncheon at the Lincoln Country Club. The Guild provides support for the Lincoln Symphony Orchestra with a wide range of activities and events.

Linolnite Kathy Friedman, left, receives the Women of Note award from Guild president Lynn Rustad.

The award to Friedman recognized her thousands of hours of dedicated service to her community. She has served as president of Lincoln’s Symphony Guild, Lincoln Legal Auxiliary, Lux Center of the Arts, and as vice president of Friends of Opera Board and Lincoln Community Playhouse. She has been an innovator of many projects, among which was the Holiday Homes Tour.

The well known Annieglass company, designers and manufacturers of glass serving pieces, has announced a new line of Judaica -- from seder plates for Passover to platters with Mazal Tov written in silver or gold Hebrew letters. Annieglass is available locally at Borsheims in Regency Court.

The Omaha Jaycees announce that they are now accepting applications for the Fifth Annual Ten Outstanding Young Omaha Teens (TOYO Teens) Awards.

The TOYO Teens Awards are based on the prestigious Ten Outstanding Young Omahans (TOYO) Awards that were started 76 years ago by the Omaha Jaycees. The TOYO Awards are intended to honor young Omaha professionals who are making a difference in the community. The Omaha Jaycees wanted to expand the effort with the launch of TOYO Teens. The purpose of TOYO Teens is to award ten outstanding teens that are making a difference in the Omaha community through volunteerism and community action.

In order to be eligible, you must meet the following requirements:

• be 13 to 19 years of age before March 14, 2009; • live in the Omaha Metro area; • have made significant contributions to the Omaha community through volunteerism and community action If you meet the above criteria, please visit www.omahajaycees.org and select “TOYO Teens” on the left side of the screen. Or, if you know of an Omaha teen deserving of this honor, please tell them about this award and direct them to the website where all details can be found.

The TOYO Teens will receive a $100 scholarship. The recipients will also be honored at a ceremony held at Village Pointe Shopping Center on May 3, 2009.

Mike Sigmond, an Edward Jones financial advisor in Omaha, recently was named to a select group of individuals who voluntarily train new brokers in their communities.

The financial services firm Edward Jones went from being a regional firm with about 300 offices in the early 1980s to a global investment firm with more than 10,000 offices today. The firm’s value-based culture of helping individuals succeed was primarily responsible for that growth, and Sigmond’s contribution to that culture did not go unrecognized.

Sigmond has been tapped as a “field trainer,” a position created for those financial advisors who voluntarily give their time and energy to help their new colleagues succeed. Those financial advisors named field trainers receive certification through training sessions and testing. Field trainers work with groups of new Edward Jones financial advisors for several months to help them through their training and while they build their businesses.

Edward Jones Managing Partner James D. Weddle said the willingness to help one’s peers is fundamental to the firm’s growth. “We couldn’t grow at the rate we’ve achieved if we didn’t have people like Sigmond who remember what it was like to start out, and who give unselfishly so others can realize the success he has enjoyed,” Weddle said. “Mike was selected for his dedication and willingness to help others as well as his success at running his own business.”

Field trainers are not monetarily compensated for this effort, but according to Sigmond, he has a much greater motivation than money to help others in the firm.

“That’s the Edward Jones culture,” Sigmond said.

“When one person succeeds, it adds to the firm’s success, which benefits us all. If someone hadn’t been willing to help me, then I might not be where I am today.”

Edward Jones is headquartered in St. Louis. Visit the website at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting website at www.careers.edwardjones.com.

You are cordially invited to attend our High School Open Houses Central High

Saturday, January 10 2:00-4:00 p.m.

Burke High

Tuesday, January 13 6:30-8:30 p.m.

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South High Magnet Thursday, January 15 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Benson High Magnet Tuesday, January 20 6:30-8:00 p.m.

OPS Career Center Saturday, January 24 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.

North High Magnet Sunday, January 25 1:00-3:00 p.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Please join with Beth Israel Synagogue to wish Mrs. Jeanette Nadoff hatzlachah rabbah —much good luck— in her move to Chicago.

Mrs. Jeanette Nadoff has been many things to the Omaha Community since 1965 when she arrived here with our beloved Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, of blessed memory.

She has been our friend and Rebbitzin, an ardent Zionist and advocate for Israel, and a leader of Beth Israel Sisterhood, Amit Women, Hadassah, and the Jewish Federation Women’s Divsion.

Our community is so grateful for all she has done and we hope, despite the distance, we will continue to see her often in the future.

12604 Pacific Street | Omaha, Nebraska 68154 | 402.556.6288 | www.OrthodoxOmaha.org

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Decemebr 26, 2008

Hanukkah menorahs on the web PEOPLE BYTE

by MARK MIETKIEWICZ OF THE

It is one of the loveliest moments in the Jewish calendar. For eight nights, families gather to light the Hanukkah menorah (or Chanukiyah) to commemorate a miracle that occurred over two centuries ago. And though the tradition is widely observed, people have practical questions about the lighting ceremony along with a deeper curiosity about meaning of the holiday. Today, some answers from the Web. The rules for the lighting the menorah aren’t as nerveracking as planning a seder or a sweat-inducing as building a sukkah. But these frequently asked questions do appear: • When to light? When the stars appear.

• Where to light? At the entrance to one’s home, facing the street.

• What to light? Preferably olive oil but wax is OK. The late Rabbi Eliyahu Kitov provides answers in somewhat more detail. [tinyurl.com/menofaq] And then there is the classic puzzler: right-to-left or left-to-right? Holidays.net does a fine job of illustrating what to do by walking you through each day with both instructions and animations. The short answer, by the way, is both, sort of. We add to candles daily from rightto-left and then light them from left to right. You’ll get the full story when you go to the site. [tinyurl.com/menolight] For extra help, click listen to the blessings recited over at Tiny Tots. [tinyurl.com/ chanutots] Of course, modern artists have been inspired to craft Hanukkah menorahs using a multitude of materials into countless stunning designs. [tinyurl.com/chanugallery] I took a few minutes to stop by Flickr to see the range of photos of menorahs people uploaded. There are over 500 shots online – and growing. [tinyurl.com/ menoflickr] One particular shot my eye and imagination. It’s a photo of the tips of branch of pine tree that looks somewhat like a menorah. It’s worth a look! [tinyurl.com/ menopine] One of the most remarkable menorahs on the web is a miniature silver Chanukiyah that was manufactured in the Lodz ghetto. As the Yad Vashem website describes, “when closed, the folding lamp has the shape of a book.

It contains nine small oil-holders and tongs. As it is portable, it enables the owner to fulfill the obligation of kindling the Hanukkah lights even under difficult conditions.” It was dedicated on Hanukkah 1944. The menorah was found after the war in the ruins of home of Mordechai Chaim Rumkowski, the chairman of the ghetto’s Jewish Council. [tinyurl.com/chanuvashem] Another unique one is the 1767 bronze Chanukiyah that Prime Minister David Ben Gurion presented to President Harry S Truman as a token of esteem for the president’s recognition of the State of Israel. [trumanlibrary.org/israel/menora.htm] Speaking of presidents, menorah lighting ceremonies at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue are now an annual tradition. The official White House site has photos and videos marking Hanukkah celebrations hosted by former Presidents Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton.

There’s a video of the menorah ceremony presided by George W. Bush but it is somewhat muted in joy because it is from December 2001, months after the 9/11 attacks. [whitehouse.gov/president/holiday/ hanukkah] In an oops! moment, the White House made a faux pas last month when it sent out its invitation to this year’s Hanukkah ceremony but accidentally printed a photo of a Clydesdale horse hauling a Christmas fir along the snow-dappled drive to the President’s residence. Jewish community leader Isaac Abraham of Brooklyn quipped, “It’s obvious what’s going on here: The Christmas tree is being taken out of the White House and the menorah is being brought in the back.”

White House staff apologized for the faux pas. [tinyurl.com/chanucard] North of the border, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper has also made a point of hosting Hanukkah celebrations. Last year, he commented, “The fact that this ceremony can now be conducted in so many countries, in public, in the supportive company of their non-Jewish fellow citizens, is reason for hope that the light of the menorah may one day banish antiSemitic bigotry into the darkness forever.” Check out

the links at the bottom of the page for a photo gallery of the Prime Minister and delegates from ChabadLubavitch. Both the candles and the rabbis are beaming. [tinyurl.com/menoharper] Nowadays, it is not uncommon to see massive menorahs on public display in major cities throughout the world. Chabad’s Virtual Hanukkah site has pictures of menorahs from Boston to Bologna and from Denver to Disney World. [tinyurl.com/chanuchabad] Those displays are certain to catch your eye but I am sure many people have special memories of smaller, more intimate menorahs. I stumbled across this lovely story about how your taste in menorahs says something about your taste in partners.

“Finally opening the box, he pulled out the menorah he had ordered a long time ago. Her eyes lit up like they did a few years ago when he proposed. It was a hand painted ceramic menorah and it was just the most beautiful thing to her. Without knowing what kind of menorah she wanted, he had found the perfect one. They were perfect for each other. It was the little things like this that let her know.” [tinyurl.com/menoperf] I’m not sure the Maccabees had this in mind when they celebrated the first Hanukkah but I did come across a site that puts an interesting environmental twist on the miracle associated with this holiday. The Green Menorah is described as “the symbol of a covenant among Jewish communities and congregations to renew the miracle of Hanukkah in our own generation: Using one day’s oil to meet eight days’ needs: doing our part so that by 2020, U.S. oil consumption is cut by seven-eighths.” You can find details about how to do your part at the Shalom Center website. [shalomctr.org/node/1186] Although the tradition of lighting Hanukkah candles may seem obvious, the Ohr Somayach website tackles plenty of contemporary questions about the commandment. For example, how can you fulfill the mitzvah if an overnight flight from the U.S. to Europe means you won’t have the opportunity to light a menorah? The response: “in this case there is no obligation to light Hanukkah lights.

The Talmud describes the mitzvah to light Hanukkah lights as ‘a candle for a person and his home’ (Shabbat 21b). The obligation to light Hanukkah candles applies only if you are based in a home at the appropriate time for fulfilling the mitzvah. But if you’re riding with your family in a car or plane the entire night -- and there’s nobody residing in your home -- you’re exempt from lighting Hanukkah candles.” [ohr.org.il/special/ hanukkah] If you are earth-bound during the holiday, you may want to try your hand at making your own menorah.

The Mazornet.com site has four plans including the Builder’s Special (which uses ceramic tiles and shot glasses) and the Seaside Special (that calls for seashells and driftwood.) [tinyurl.com/chanubuild] Here are more menorah crafts: • Clay [tinyurl.com/menoclay] • Potato [tinyurl.com/menotato] • Baby food jars [tinyurl.com/menojars] I normally don’t plug commercial products in this column but there is one other do-it-yourself Chanukiyah that really caught my attention. The “Hershey’s Kisses Sweet Menorah” calls for a base of silver-foiled chocolates topped by nine cardboard “candles.” On each night, an additional red-foiled Kiss “flame” is added until all the candles are lit! I had mixed feelings when I read the line advising not to eat your menorah. [tinyurl.com/chanukiss] I wasn’t all that surprised to see that menorahs have also graduated into the hi-tech world. There are numerous instructions for building “menorahs” using LEDs (light emitting diodes) that range from ultra basic [tinyurl.com/menoled1] to somewhat fancy. [tinyurl. com/menoled2] And then there are menorahs that aren’t really there at all because they live on your computer screen. You can download one that works with Desktop Google; [tinyurl.com/menogoogle] a dashboard widget for Macs; [tinyurl.com/macmenorah] a Windows variation; [tinyurl.com/winmenorah] and inevitably, an iPhone version. [tinyurl.com/meniphone] If you like, you can watch the Torah.org On-line Menorah as it is updated daily during the holiday to illustrate that night’s candle configuration. As the site mentions in a tongue-in-cheek fashion “Note! Rabbinic authorities agree: you CAN’T fulfill the Mitzvah by looking at a computer screen! [torah.org/learning/ yomtov/ Have a very happy holiday.

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

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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passing worked its way into the twin themes of profound love and loss that underpin the movie. Benjamin is adopted and raised by a black couple who run an old-age

by MICHAEL FOX home, the natural setting for a portion of the goodly number of deaths that occur over the course of the film.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button isn’t tragic or From the long-distance persistence of Forrest Gump through the epic yearning of The Curious Case of even melancholy so much as bittersweet, for every charBenjamin Button, the idea that one person can have a acter enjoys a long, eventful life. Benjamin, a perpetual profound effect on many lives permeates the screenplays outsider who’s well aware he’s different from everybody else -- a metaphor for being Jewish, though it’s obscured of three-time Academy Award-nominee Eric Roth.

The Jewish writer infuses his characters with a palpable by the casting of Brad Pitt -- partakes of numerous sense of personal responsibility, but he’s never fore- adventures and finds the love of his life.

“I think there’s a nice sort of humanism to the piece,” grounded moral conflict to the degree he did in the conRoth muses. “It probably resonates within myself troversial script for Steven Spielberg’s Munich.

“It was very complicated to write, very hard, it was a because [while] I’m certainly actively engaged in my real balancing act between trying to make it as real as own life, my family, I’m sort of an observer. I think writpossible but it had to have some kind of entertainment ers are. [They] take note of what’s going on. I can be value,” he recalls during a recent interview at a San more active, but I certainly speak through my writing.”

In a nice touch, Tony Francisco hotel.

Kushner (“Angels in In devising their retriAmerica”) hosted a coubution against the terrorple of “Benjamin Button” ists who planned the murscreenings in New York der of Israeli athletes at this month. The playthe 1972 Olympic wright was brought in to Games, the Mossad “had rewrite “Munich”—to decided intentionally to Roth’s chagrin, for no do the most dramatic writer appreciates having kind of acts” like blowing his work revamped—but up hotel rooms, Roth they ended up sharing the notes. “They wanted peoOscar nomination and ple to know about this; becoming good friends. they wanted those who A native New Yorker, would follow in [the terRoth has lived in Los rorists’] footsteps to not Angeles for many years. do it. They were sending Brad Pitt stars as Benjamin Button in Paramount Films’ The He has five children, all of a big message.” whom identify as Jewish, For moviemakers, Roth Curious Case of Benjamin Button, which opened Dec. 25. explains, “Those things lend themselves to great drama, by his ex- and current wives. His daughter, Vanessa, was and they can even make genre things out of them, set the 2007 Academy Award-winner for producing the best pieces like a Hitchcock thing. It’s always a balance: Are short documentary, “Freeheld.”

Roth received his other Oscar nomination for The we now reveling in the violence? So that became a whole Insider the freighted true-life relationship between other issue.”

Although plenty of critics and even a few moviegoers Jewish “60 Minutes” producer Lowell Bergman and found Forrest Gump overly sentimental -- notwithstand- tobacco-industry whistleblower Jeffrey Wigand. He just ing Roth’s Oscar-winning script and Robert Zemeckis’ finished adapting Jonathan Safran Foer’s bestselling Oscar-winning direction—the writer shrugged off the novel, Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close, about a young boy whose father is killed on 9/11. brickbats that came his way. Not so with Munich.

“It’s a very Jewish story in its own way,” says Roth.

“I was threatened a lot,” he confides. “The FBI finally caught somebody who was threatening to kill me. He “[Producer] Scott Rudin asked me, ‘Do we want to was non-Jewish [and] he was just somebody who was make it more Jewish? How Jewish do we want to go crazy. He was a total stalker. The one that was most with his family?’ It does have some things to do with the frightening to me was someone erased my Wikipedia Holocaust, it’s also about this kind of bond of family, biography and just wrote, ‘Jew.’ That one kind of chilled but it’s mostly about grief. This boy tries to come to grips with the fact his father died in this kind of nonsenme.”

No such drama is likely to attend The Curious Case of sical, senseless way. But it’s about tradition, it’s about Benjamin Button, a human-scale epic re-imagined and family business.”

The boy touches numerous lives in the course of his expanded from F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story of a man who physically ages backward. Roth relates Benjamin’s journey, a geographical and emotional through-line that life story through the pages of a journal (replete with let- is Roth’s preferred territory.

The Curious Case of Benjamin Button opened everyters and post cards) that a fading elderly woman reveals to her adult daughter in a New Orleans hospital room as where Dec. 25.

Michael Fox is a freelance writer in Northern Hurricane Katrina reaches landfall.

Roth’s aged parents died during the lengthy stretch he California. He can be reached at: foxonfilm@ was working on the screenplay, and he believes their yahoo.com.

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Temple Religious School kids celebrate Hanukkah a special way

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Left: Showing off the fleece blankets they made with their sixth grade classmates at Temple Israel Religious School are Rachel Stoneking, left, Madison Eisenberg, Madison Bierman, Max Gendler, Isaac Rogers, and Courtney Bierman. The blankets are being donated to Children’s Hospital’s Omaha Project Linus to provide love, security, warmth, and comfort to children who are seriously ill or trau-

matized. Named after the blanket-toting character from the Peanuts comic strip, the national non-profit organization has more than 300 chapters nationwide. Right: Fourth graders, Seth Norton, left, and Bennett Ray, made Hanukkah cards for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Other grade levels made projects such as foam menorahs, picture frames, and dreidels during their Hanukkah parties in December. There were also lots of latkes and sufganiot (Hanukkah donuts) for everyone.

Decemebr 26, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

‘Older and wiser’ volunteers enrich life at Beth El

by JILL BELMONT “There are lots of single Beth El Publicity Coordinator people who belong to Beth El The list of contributions made to Beth El by the syna- who live alone in their apartgogue’s senior congregants is long and varied; be it in ments or houses,” Jess said, ritual, social or educational areas, many seasoned and “and as we get older and our experienced members offer wisdom, dedication and circle of friends and family leadership that help the synagogue to thrive and grow. diminishes, there may be peoAmong those who currently hold leadership positions ple who don’t have anybody at Beth El are Helen Rifkin, Joan Marcus and Sylvia Jess. who contact them, anyone Rifkin serves as president of the L’Chaim Chapter of who knows whether they’ve Hazak, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism’s gotten up in the morning or organization for Jewish adults ages 55 and up. The organ- if they need anything.

Sylvia Jess ization offers spiritual, social and educational program“I live alone, and there are ming geared to the senior population of the congrega- days that the phone doesn’t ring, and I think it’s importion. As the USCJ web site explains: “The name HAZAK tant for the older generation to have somebody calling is an acronym. The het stands for Hokhmah (wisdom), them,” she continued. “I think there’s a need for it, and the zayan for Ziknah (maturity) and the kuph for Kadima as someone said to me, there are only so many television (looking ahead).” shows you can watch, so The local Hazak chapmany books you can read, ter is active in a variety of and so much walking you ways: members set tables can do by yourself.” for all Shabbat dinners, Saying “I get as much sponsors an annual deli out of it as I give,” she night, and hosts lunch ‘n’ said that “making the learn events; the group calls is very nice for me, has also purchased necestoo. I hear different opinsities for the kitchen, as ions from different peowell as a movie screen and ple and exchange ideas – I video projector (purenjoy that.” chased with Men’s Club).

Referring to her phoneRifkin shared the imporcalling endeavor as “a littance of a group such as tle step,” Jess added that, Hazak for those who are Helen Rifkin, center, is flanked by members of her 2008 Hazak “I just want to make Beth “older and wiser” (she says Board of Directors: front row, Gloria Goodman, Tootie Simon, El more of a family. There she doesn’t like ‘seniors’), Frances Gottlieb, Ilse Kahn and Peggy Chasen; back row, Audrey are a couple of things that by saying, As one ages and Epstein, Jim Wax, Sol Schwartz, Jane Dreyfus, Harriet Marcus and I’ve wanted to accomyou find that you’re more Marcel Kahn. plish, and thank goodlimited -- sometimes financially and sometimes because of ness, this is one that we are accomplishing. health issues -- you still need communal society, a center “The synagogue means an awful lot to me, and it’s an of activities that you can count on, not just something important part of my life.” that is sporadic.” Hazak provides such avenues, and she As a relatively-new Beth El member, Joan Marcus hopes to expand the group’s social offerings. wasted no time getting involved and establishing a new “Many adults between the ages of 60 and 80 are still community service project for the synagogue: on the very vital people; if they aren’t able to do all of the things fourth Friday of each month, she cooks and serves lunch that they’ve done in the past or are hampered with at the Nebraska AIDS Project, 139 S. 40th St. health issues, we try to offer assistance, as well as make While lunches are funded at the center, she explained, programs affordable so that everyone can enjoy events every Friday, different organizations come in and provide without a lot of cost.” the buffet-style meals for around 40 people, all of whom Another longtime congregant who has made her mark are either HIV-positive or have full-blown AIDS. Lunch on Beth El is Sylvia Jess. Almost two years ago, she menus include offerings such as tuna casserole, salads, decided that she wanted to connect with other Beth El veggies and cookies – “they’re very grateful for whatever seniors who, like her, live alone and might appreciate we do, and I find helping out to be very gratifying.” someone checking in on their well-being. So she got a While the meals are important, the companionship prolist of the synagogue’s members who are 75 and older, vided by visitors is equally significant, Marcus noted. “In and got busy on the phone. many cases, they’ve been rejected by their own families.

These people are not necessarily homeless or penniless; many of them have jobs, most of them have some kind of disability income. They like the sociability aspect of coming to the center and eating, and it’s nice for them to see that others care about them,” she said.

Marcus usually prepares lunches in Beth El’s kitchen Joan K. Marcus (“Beth El makes it so easy,” she said. “The kitchen is always available to me”); and she’s always looking for people to help out. Anyone interested in volunteering is encouraged to contact her at 333.5995, or at hmarcom@juno.com.

“If you’re not hot on cooking, come down and help me serve. Everyone eats on paper plates, so there’s not a lot of work to do – it’s easy,” she remarked, adding, “The more the merrier.”

College students invited to catch up during Beth El gettogether

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Winter break is the perfect time for college students to catch up with old friends, and Beth El is pleased to sponsor a special mid-afternoon lunch for Jewish young adults – at no charge - on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2-4 p.m., at Bagel Bin, 1215 So. 119th St. “Our Bagel Bin college students’ get-together will be a great opportunity for Jewish college students to catch up with their friends,” said Robert Mosenkis, the synagogue’s youth director and event organizer.

“Everybody is spread out all over the country and only has a few times a year when they can see their Hebrew school and youth-group friends. It’s great to see how college life is treating everyone, and what better way than over a hot cup of coffee or bagel and soup, on what will surely be a cold day!”

Mosenkis added that Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg will be on hand, noting that, “they look forward to hearing how everybody’s semesters went and what they’ve been up to.”

The lunch is open to all Jewish college students – synagogue affiliation is not required. To reserve a spot, contact Mosenkis in the synagogue office, 492.8550, or at youthdir@bethelomaha.org. “We look forward to seeing everyone,” he said. “Stop by and say hi!”

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

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Omaha Jewish vets Contnued from page 1 The tribute trip kicked off with a pre-flight dinner at the Holiday Inn Central last month. With presentations and music by the Marine Corps Honor Guard, Governor Dave Heineman, and The Greg Spevak Orchestra, among others, the veterans and their loved ones were treated to a charming evening.

The next morning their flight left at 6:30 a.m.

“When we got off the plane in Washington,” Muskin said, “there was a column of people 100 on each side, parents and kids, waving flags and thanking us for serving.”

Cohen added, “I didn’t know I did all those great things!”

Cohen, who was in the U.S. Army, 106th Infantry stationed on Oahu and Maui, said the greeting was definitely the most impressive part of the trip. After their arrival, the men were taken by bus to the World War II Memorial.

While there, they were joined by some familiar faces. Senator Chuck Hagel (RNE), former Senator Bob Dole (R-KS), Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE), and Congressman Lee Terry (R-NE), were on hand to thank and talk to the veterans.

Kirshenbaum said, “they joined the crowd and walked around,” while the group took pictures and mingled. After about an hour and a half, they were off.

Muskin, who was also a member of the U.S. Army, served in the 35th Infantry division, 134th Infantry, Patton’s 3rd Army, and 1st Army. He said that after a driving bus tour complete with an animated guide, they were at the Korean Memorial.

Kirshenbaum explained, “There are 19 statues. If you double that, it represents the 38th parallel.”

The 38th parallel was the suggested dividing line between North and South Korea.

The group moved to the Air Force Memorial, and then to Arlington National Cemetery for the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. “Arlington Cemetery is so huge,” Kirshenbaum said, “you’re just glad you aren’t one of them.”

“I was in the navy,” he went on.

Kirshenbaum served as a minesweeper in the Philippines, Alaska, and Shanghai.

“We were the first ships in. We swept the mines under the water.” Kirshenbaum remembered, “Where the fleet goes, we’ve been.”

They finished their trip at the Iwo Jima

Above: Bill Cohen visits the World War II Memorial. Left: Sen. Chuck Hagel, right, welcomes Stuart Muskin to Washington, D.C. Below: Posing for a photo with former presidential candidate Sen. Bob Dole are Kevee Kirshenbaum, standing left, and Stuart Muskin right.

The Omaha vets took in the expanse of the Korean War Memorial, composed of 19 statues of soldiers that represent the 38th parallel, the final dividing line between North and South Korea.

Memorial. This was Cohen’s first time at the Iwo Jima Memorial. “I had been in Washington several times, but never saw any (memorials) other than Arlington,” he mentioned.

“All three participants stressed how incredible the VFW staff was. “They treated us so well,” Kirshenbaum said, “it couldn’t have been better.” Cohen followed up, “the people that ran the trip were so nice, so good, and so caring.”

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Page 13

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

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by BERT LEWIS A recent issue of this paper carried a front page story about the fabulous new kitchen(s) now completed in the Blumkin Home. There were details about everything from the flame broiler (whatever that is!) to the PVC pipes that carry soda from the storage area in the basement right to the kitchens!

Using the term “state of the art” hardly describes it all.

Reading about it did jog my memory however.

A good many years ago, when referring to the “Home” meant the Dr. Sher Home, my late mother, Mary Wine was an active volunteer. Representing the old organization, Bikor Cholim, she and some of her faithful members, such as the late Sylvia Ross and Sarah Epstein, decided the Sher kitchen needed some updating. (I so regret not being able to remember any of the other names, but it was a long, long time ago, so forgive me.)

My mom felt the food being prepared and served to the elderly residents of Sher was wholesome and the choices were familiar ethnic, but it also had the inevitable mark of “institution cooking.” This bothered her enough to give it a lot of thought, and one day she came up with an answer. She shared her ideas with the Bikor Cholim ladies and they enthusiastically agreed with her.

Her idea was to create a separate kitchen, not as large as the one then in use, but a place where a woman resident who simply wanted to make a pot of “homemade chicken soup” perhaps, or bake a pan of cinnamon rolls could do so.. There were, within the population of Sher Home, many elderly ladies who were perfectly able to turn out any number of dishes, exactly as they did in their own kitchens “at home.”

It wasn’t a matter of necessity to provide an extra kitchen for the ladies, it was more like a mitzvah. The more the women in Bikor Cholim talked about it, the more they liked the idea. So, in the way they did things in those days (and even sometimes now) they decided they needed a fund raising project, because the cost of

the kitchen would be significant.

If there was anything those women knew how to do, it was raise funds! I wouldn’t take an oath, but I’m thinking a raffle was involved. Whoever was on the “committee” (read: movers and shakers) got busy, calling on various business owners, ostensibly to ask for donated prize items. And of course, even the tickets to be sold for the raffle were donated by a Jewish local printer. Those women knew everybody, knew who would give what and weren’t a bit bashful about asking!

Well, they raised the necessary dollars and created a separate small but complete kitchen, for the exclusive use of any resident who decided they felt like cooking or baking something. And they loved it, probably more than most would have believed at the time. You see, it has to be remembered that Sher was a Home for the Aged, not a nursing home. Most of the population was mobile and it wasn’t an uncommon thing for a resident to still be capable in the kitchen.

Actually, one dear old lady never did give up all of her connections to cooking and food preparation. Long before my mom’s little kitchen idea was born, a woman named Mrs. Rundell routinely made her own noodles (lockshen), on a card table in her room! Nobody questioned her project -- that was what she wanted to do, and darned if she didn’t manage very nicely.

Maybe such things as Mrs Rundell’s lockshen gave my mom the idea that some of the ladies missed doing what had been their “job” for decades. She certainly knew how much her own homemade rolls and cakes and other goodies were appreciated when she brought them in every week. Bikor Cholim did a lot for the old Sher Home, but while it wasn’t the costliest project they provided, it was certainly one of the most thoughtful.

Reading about the fantastic new Blumkin Home kitchen made me suddenly remember Mom’s little kitchen for the ladies at Sher. If only I could tell her about the new one -- I know she’d kvell, but also she’d remember the pure pleasure that special place at the Sher Home brought the women who used it.

I loved remembering this old story and glad it came to mind with “Senior Living.” I love recalling the bits and pieces that made up the history of my parents’ lives.

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

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Are you prepared to help aging parents?

by MICHAEL SIGMOND If you have your parents during much of your adult life, consider yourself fortunate. As they age, however, you will need to become increasingly aware of added responsibilities you may have to assume. And by planning ahead, you can help make life easier.

In dealing with various matters relating to your parents - particularly financial matters - the key is open and frequent communication. And that means you’ll need to find out everything you can about your parents’ assets, debts and estate plans.

You can start by finding out if your parents have a simple will drawn up. If they don’t, urge them to get one. Your parents have worked hard all their lives and they want their assets distributed according to their wishes instead of a court’s decree, which is what would happen if they die “intestate” (without a will). Even if your parents have a simple will, they may still need to take further action. If you think they have a sizable estate or want to give significant gifts to charitable groups, encourage them to consult with an attorney who specializes in estate planning.

You’ll also need to learn whatever you can about your parents’ savings and investments. Which banks and financial service providers hold your parents’ assets? Where are the records of these accounts? Do they work with a financial advisor? You’ll need to learn these things in case your parents become incapacitated or die unexpectedly.

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Long-term care is another subject you might want to discuss with your parents. Of course, they may never need to enter a nursing home or require the services of a home health care worker. However, if they do, the expenses can be enormous. For example, the average annual cost of a private room in a nursing home is more than $75,000, according to the 2006 annual MetLife Market Survey of Nursing Home and Home Care.

If your parents needed to come up with this type of money, it could wipe out their financial independence - and possibly place a burden on you or your siblings. Currently, Medicaid pays almost half the costs of long-term care, but, to qualify for this government program, your parents would have to “spend down” almost all their assets. Consequently, you may want to talk to your parents about other ways of paying for these costs.

Start discussing these issues with your parents soon. As you can see, there’s a lot of ground to cover, and the sooner you start, the better.

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Decemebr 26, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

The life and times of an energetic senior

Continued from page 1 Besides his own exploits as an animal his lifelong search for nutritionist, Norman became a bioorder, meaning and variachemist and Jack a rabbi and psytion. He appreciates life”s chologist. richness. It’s no coinciThe stories of old times roll off dence then he’s sought Bloom’s tongue. The words precise out foreign posts and and poetic. The recall uncanny. He immersed himself in expresses disappointment, not indigenous cultures. regret, about his failed first marriage, At age 84, he still savors ended when his oldest children were life’s simple wonders, already grown. He acknowledges a whether a Brahms symweakness for the flesh led him to take phony, a good book, a a mistress in Nigeria and that the bountiful crop, a cow proromantic in him led to a love affair in ducing milk from rough Manila with a woman who became silage, his family, his daily his second wife, Erlinda. He and prayers, his research, his Elinda share a home together in travels, his memories. A Millard with their son Jesse. good batch of fu-fu.

He candidly describes a history of Far from an unexammental illness in his family. His late ined life, Bloom’s charted older brother Norman descended his times in voluminous into schizophrenia, believing he was journals. Both the good the second coming of Christ. Bloom and bad. He writes-talks Sol Bloom, center, celebrates as Rabbi Ismar said his younger brother Jack sought with pride about his par- Schorsch, left, chancellor of the Jewish Theological psychiatric help for a time. Their ents making a comfort- Seminary, awards Rabbi Jack Bloom his doctorate. mother received electric shock treatable life for the family in America. He grew up in ments. Bloom himself has had problems. Jesse now Western New York and Palisades, N.J., a pair of bed- struggles with his own brainstorms. room communities outside New York City.

Then there’s Bloom’s once sturdy body, now severely His reminiscences refer to a “dominant” and “discipli- stooped, wracked by various maladies. It doesn’t stop narian” father pushing him and his two brothers. the former competitive swimmer from taking daily laps Despite little formal education Sam Bloom kept a com- in the Jewish Community Center pool. plete set of Harvard classics and a Webster’s unabridged No hint of judgment or bitterness in Bloom. He dictionary at home. On Sundays Papa Bloom held court accepts what life gives, both the sweet and the sour. He in bed, where he regaled the boys with the florid prose awakes each morning eager to meet the day, ready to of advertisements. He instilled a love of learning in Sol, make some new connection or association or insight.

Norman and Jack.

Whether it’s a laboratory with four walls or the larger lab The patriarch also made sure his sons were exposed to, of living, he approaches life as a much anticipated experas Sol puts it, “the finer things.” He made them take iment. Discovery always just around the corner. music lessons -- Sol plays the fiddle -- and attend Jewish His brother Norman would get in manic, obsessive school. He took the family to Central Park for band con- moods trying to prove God’s existence in numerical certs, Second Avenue for vaudeville shows and Yiddish coincidences. He caught the attention of the late theater productions, Coney Island for the amusement astronomer and popular science writer, Carl Sagan, park rides and the Catskills for Borscht Belt retreats. whose book Broca’s Brain devotes an entire section to It was at Esther Manor near Monticello, N.Y., where Norman’s belief that he was a messenger of God. the family vacationed summers, that Sol, the city boy, Sol isn’t his brother but when considering certain matgot his first exposure to farming. The hotel owner kept ters, such as the proposition Jews are God’s chosen peodairy cows out back to supply guests with fresh milk and ple, he assumes a slightly messianic manner himself.

Speaking as a scientist, he told a guest at his home: “I Bloom made it a habit to help bring the herd in from pasture. He didn’t know it then but fattening calves and don’t know if God actually exists.” However, Bloom boosting milk cows’ production would take up a large suggests Jews’ disproportionate impact on everything from world religion to art to politics to moral tenets is a part of his adult life.

Sol sees divine intervention in the Bloom boys coming testament to some divine plan.

“So when I go back to the fact that a good part of the from such humble roots to achieve professional heights.

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western world goes by Isaac’s basis” for righteous living, “and what the Jews presented to humanity, maybe even though I’m a scientist there’s something in there that is not just completely random,” he said. “The eternal thread of Jewish survival over 3,000 years is a strong thread. That thread’s metaphorically wrapped itself around historical periods and around the throats of Egyptian, Persian, Asyrian, Greek and Roman empires and left them all lifeless -- as the Jews moved on small but strong to the present day. It’s a very thin fiber, but it’s so.

“If little people like we have been able to maintain these basic moral foundations to the whole world and still exist when all these empires have gone down, then even though I’m a scientist and I have to go by hypotheses, I don’t think it’s just random. I’ll leave it at that.”

Sol Bloom just leave it at that? Impossible. Invariably, one theory begets another.

“When I lived in the Philippines (1970-81) Manilla already was a city of seven to eight million. In Israel maybe you had at that time 21/2 million. And how many times did you read about that big city of Manilla in the newspaper? Maybe when there’s a typhoon or maybe when they found all those shoes in Imelda’s closet. But how many times was there something to do with that tiny fragment of humanity in Israel,” he explained.

“Today, you have six to seven billion people on the face of the earth while the whole population of Jews in the world is about 16 million. It works out to be about .018 percent of the total population. And yet there’s always something going on about them. Mexico City alone has 16 million. How often do you hear about Mexico City” But you will hear about the Jews being in this, doing that -- out of all proportion to their numbers.

That tiny fleck of humanity in six billion.”

Bloom added, “Why for such a long time are we always hearing something about them? Isn’t that interesting?” He’s confident the weight of evidence demonstrates Jews hold a special, even anointed place in the scheme of things. “That’s one of the things that sort of helps me maintain my faith,” he said.

All this musing leads Bloom to his own variation on the law of attraction.

“The first (formal) agricultural experience in my life was with a Jew. I started at 21 with my father’s cousin, Ephraim Katz, in Palestine. And now, 60 years later, I’m working with a fellow by the name of Steven Silver, who owns International Nutrition in Omaha. He’s from the same tribe as I am. Now, imagine this. How many Jews are in American agriculture? Not many. How many are in the professional feed milling business? Even fewer.

How many Jews do you find in the feed business in the north central area -- Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri? One. Follow me?”

Continued on page 16

Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 16, 2008

Life and times of an energetic senior Continued from page 15 Bloom. “I was struck by the idealism of these people in vest the fruit crops. Mucking out the poultry house and For Bloom, it’s more than coincidence he and Silver Palestine struggling, building a new frontier.” cattle pens convinced him cows were preferable to hens. found each other. “Random, or as we say in my Yiddish, However, at the urging of his parents, who feared for his “The first silage I made was on the kibbutz -- a combetokhn (faith). Isn’t that interesting?” safety in conflict-strewn Palestine, Bloom enrolled at bination of cow pee and citrus rinds-peels. It was a pit Like Bloom’s parents, Katz, the pioneer in the family, Franklin and Marshall College in Lancaster, PA. He was silo, layered with silage we packed down with a tractor. was a Romanian emigre. Unlike them Katz felt the call still a pre-med major. America was at war by then and in If you want it to ferment properly you have to extrude to Palestine strongly enough that he became a settler ’43 his draft number came up. He wound up in the 99th all the oxygen,” he said. “I fed it out (to cattle) and I’m there, raising a family and farming. Katz, an academic by Infantry Division, but when the unit began preparations to telling you it was nice stuff, but the flies ... Oy vay!” training but a man of the soil by inclination, appealed to join the fight in Europe, his poor eyesight and flat feet got The fertile country impressed Bloom.

Bloom’s sense of wanderlust and earthiness. Tales of him transferred to guard duty stateside. As it turned out, “I remember the secretariat showing me the place.

Katz’s contributions to the aspiring nation state fed the 99th’s ranks were decimated in the Battle of the Bulge. They were in a valley with the richest soil in all of Israel,” Bloom’s imagination. akin to Iowa’s rich black “My cousin in Palestine earth, Bloom said. “When is growing wheat and has they got there in’ 25 there oranges and pears and were some swamps, a few apples. He’s growing oil cows. The settlers erected seed crops for the factotents. If you ever want to ries in Haifa,” is what know what Palestine Bloom recalls thinking looked like before the about this man he Jews started coming back admired. “I mean, at that in, get Mark Twain’s time Ephraim Katz was ‘Innocents Abroad’ and the leading light of our you’ll understand the entire family. He was the transformation that came one doing it,” Bloom about. It’s completely said. described there. Dismal, “When he was in desolate.”

Bucharest, Romania he Sol and Helen Bloom are married at Kibbutz G’vat in 1947 as Helen Bloom, right, is among the crowd of British soldiers in He added, “By the time Palestine as partition is announced on Nov. 29, 1947. was a professor of English. his cousin, Epharim Katz, next to the rabbi, acts as a witness.

I got there they’d built Because he was a Jew he was still considered an alien and Providential? Sol believes so. “Perhaps something else concrete barracks with manicured lawns. It was a mixed he couldn’t have citizenship, so he left and farmed in was meant for me,” he said. farm of dairy, poultry, a vegetable garden, a fruit Israel, in the northern part of Haifa, near the port. He After the war he worked as a counselor at a summer orchard, a vineyard, forage crops for cattle and sheep, planted crops. He had wheat, sorghum, citrus.” camp, where he met Helen, a nice Jewish girl from the eucalyptus and field crops -- sorghum, wheat, corn.

There were hardships and tragedies, too.

Bronx. He once again set his sights on Palestine when he They’d done all that in 20 years. It was a lovely place.”

“In 1929 there were riots by the Arabs and they burnt learned he could study agriculture at the Hebrew Even then, he said, the region “produced beautiful his wheat and cut down all his citrus. His first wife, University in Jerusalem under the GI Bill of Rights. He oranges exported to Europe.”

Sabena, died from typhus. He went into depression.” went first in 1946 and Helen followed six months later.

Bloom reveled in the daily routine of kibbutz life.

The neighborhood where Katz’s place was located was Cousin Katz greeted Bloom in Haifa. For Sol, it meant “You got up about 5:30. You got your coffee and named for Sabena. But Katz and his farm and the settle- finally meeting the hero whose spirited example led him milk. I would go to work in the vegetable garden. Then ment that grew up around it survived. He remarried and to make the long voyage. Katz took Sol to the rural about 8 o’clock you’d come into the communal dining raised a second family there. compound of houses he’d built and to the fields he’d hall, with its big bowls of porridge, and there’d be sour Letters from Katz to Bloom’s father “about all of these planted. “He brought in new ways, new machinery, new cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, vegetables, thick baked adventures in Palestine” were much anticipated. When his breeds from America and he built this pioneer-type bread. You had a choice of a hard egg or a soft egg. father read the letters aloud it sparked in the “impression- house of rough-hewn blocks and iron bars on the winHe added, “After breakfast I’d go back and work. I was able” Sol a burning desire to emulate Cousin Katz and dows,” said Bloom, “that’s where Helen and I were called in Hebrew a bakbok -- cork. In other words, you’re thereby break from the prescribed roles many Jews filled married in 1947.” used wherever you’re needed. I’d come back for lunch -then. Sol’s aptitude for science had him thinking about The kibbutz Sol and Helen were assigned, G’vat, “was a cold fruit soup. It’s hot in the summer so we would rest medicine. Katz’s example gave him a new motivation. a completely communal settlement. You never saw any until about 1:30. When the heat would break, we’d go “Since I was already a socialist -- I was going to a money,” he said. “It had begun in 1925 with Jews from back and finish our work. About 4:30 you’d shower and Jewish socialist school -- I thought, I’m going to break Poland and Russia. There were about 400 members and change your clothes. You had a set of khakis to work in this Jewish commitment to being a merchant. I am about 300 ‘illegals’ from displaced persons camps” (in and a set of khakis for the evening. We stopped working going into agriculture. I am going to bring it right out war-ravaged Europe). Bloom began training at the kib- about noon on Friday for the Sabbath, whose observance from the earth. So that was my raison d’etre.” butz ahead of Helen’s arrival. He worked the corn and lasted till Sunday morning. You had two weeks vacation.”

The promise of helping forge a new nation enthralled wheat fields and the vegetable gardens. He helped har- Continued on page 17

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Life and times

Continued from page 16 The enterprise of reclaiming an ancestral homeland moved Sol, who witnessed the settlement’s first high school graduation ceremony.

“There was something completely mystical about it,” he said. “The land I was working on, the plums I was harvesting, they were planted by Jews, tended by Jews, plucked by Jews. The Jews had been persecuted, separated, driven from place to place for 1,900 years and here they’d gone back to the same place from which they were driven. Here they were graduating their first set of kids back on the lands where ancient Israelis had plowed and enjoyed the fruits of that land. Back in the land of Joshua and the prophets and all the greats of Israel.”

Bloom continued, “These pilgrims’ kids were training to begin life there again. You have to have a pretty strong memory in order to do that. To have lived a year in that type of community among these people who had settled, built the place, who knew why they were there, what they were doing and where they were going” was everything Bloom had hoped for and more.

Bloom meets Nigerian government staff at a for the U.S. Ambassador in Nigeria, 1968.

He left before Israel’s formation in mid-’48 but was there when the United Nations declared Palestine would be partitioned to allow a Jewish state amid Arab neighbors. “This was the first time in history a group made the decision that Jews, after being dispersed all over the world in ghettos, would have a place of their own,” he said. Photos he snapped then picture jubilant crowds in Jerusalem. He and Helen joined the celebration. “We danced, we sang, we drank. It was something very uplifting, something quite marvelous.”

Israel’s independence was not won without a fight and Bloom volunteered to do his share there, too. He and other Americans studying abroad joined the Haganah. Unlike most of the green recruits, who lacked any military experience, Bloom was a U.S. Army veteran familiar with weapons. But he’d never seen combat.

Assigned to a unit guarding the perimeter of a Jewish enclave, he wrote, “We kept guard during cold nights and moved weapons secretly by taxi cab.”

He was selected for a strike force of 35 soldiers tasked with engaging the Arab Legion laying siege to the Jewish settlement of Ramat Rachel. At the last minute, he said, an officer scratched him from the operation due to his marital status. A bachelor friend and fellow American, Moshe Pearlstein, replaced him. Moshe and his comrades were cut down in an ambush. There were no survivors. Bloom’s journal commented: “I will always remember how formidable -- yes, how heroic -- the ‘35’ appeared in all their battle gear as they assembled on the edge of Beit Hakarem. They were the Yishuv’s best...” Their loss, he wrote, “was a terrible blow to the Haganah ... The sweet soul Moshe became, as far as I know, one of the first Americans to fall in the war

of independence for Israel. His sacrifice has given me a long and eventful life.”

His life was spared another time there when a bus he and Helen were on took sniper fire. Only the vehicle’s side armor plating shielded him from the rounds.

With the couple’s parents pressing for their return they came back to the U.S. While studying at Iowa State University, Bloom met Israeli emissaries who were visiting American ag colleges “to talk enthusiastic ideas to young Jewish fellows like me” he said. It was a recruitment tour designed to attract Zionists in serving the newly formed Jewish nation. Bloom was ripe for the picking. “I knew one thing -I wanted to study a profession that I could go back to use in Israel.”

He asked the visitors, “What should l study to help the State? Should I become a veterinarian?”

“We need nutritionists,” he was told.

That’s all he needed to hear. Besides, he said, “I liked very much working with cattle when I was on the kibbutz.” From ’50 to ’55 he earned a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State, a master’s from Penn State and a Ph.D. from ISU. All in dairy applications.

His scientific inquiries in that period proved fruitful.

At PSU, he said, “the first feed grade antibiotics were in use. I worked with oromycin -- I got beautiful gains. I got the sense of how powerful biological (compounds) are.”

Of how 20 grams “of this yellow powder in a ton of feed” could increase milk production. Magic dust. He went back to ISU, he said, “where this line of study was cocktail party more advanced. I worked with very good people. The work I did gave off papers in three different fields. I was elected to Sigma Xi, a scientific honorary society. I won the Borden Award.”

Longing to apply his expertise in Israel he was frustrated when no position was immediately available. Thus, in ’56 he followed his nose for adventure to Puerto Rico, where he worked on dairy cattle feeding trials and introduced high molasses rations for swine.

When a post finally opened in Israel the next year to conduct a Ford Foundation study at a research station, the Suez Canal crisis erupted. The U.S. government issued stiff warnings to Americans to avoid travel there but a little war wasn’t going to stop Bloom “I went anyway,” he said. “They (the American consulate) called me in and slapped my wrists.”

These were heady times for Bloom.

“It was exciting. In the Suez campaign all the agronomists had gone into the Sinai Peninsula and had just come back, so the first seminars I heard were all about their findings in that area. When I did my research the agronomists there wanted us to use more pasture. We didn’t have that much. Security was a problem.”

The study compared cows feeding in pastures to those feeding off silage in enclosures. The herds “were then hit by foot and mouth disease,” he said, “which cut off some of the work I did over there.” He was just happy to be back in a flourishing, independent Israel. He was, in many ways, home again.

“There’s a deep Jewish cultural connection,” he said. Not to mention “the beauty of living as part of the majority. There’s a certain sweetness, a certain pleasure in that, even today with our liberal (tolerant) attitudes you don’t quite have here (in the U.S.).”

Continued on page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Life and times Continued from page 17 sion bulletins for livestock proHis much-traveled lifeducers. Helen did not accompacareer has taken intriguny him. ing turns outside Israel.

Nigeria was in the throes of a For example, in 1964 he civil war, making difficult living was hired by the Albert conditions even harder. Bloom Einstein Medical Center was largely untouched by the in Philadelphia. He said it conflict. “The only way USAID marked “the only time in people felt this war was in the my life I worked in the many checkpoints on the roads, medical profession. I Between marriages to the frequent searches of our worked with many oncol- Helen and Linda, there was vehicles and the presence of ogists and cardiologists in Rose, in Africa in 1967. troops in training,� he wrote. helping them A memorable design their experience was leadstudies. In the ing a convoy of building there trucks loaded with were about 30 15 tons of seed corn prima donna across Nigeria to medical and impoverished biological Biafran farmers. researchers Despite bad roads, and I learned devastated villages, how to get chaotic assorted things done� delays, the delivery in terms of was made. l a n d i n g Bloom spent four research conflicted years Erlinda Bloom, Sol’s second wife, lights the menorah there. The affair he grants.

He did well with their children Jesse and Ruth, in the Philipines carried on with his but was frus- in 1977. Jesse lives with Sol and Linda today. housekeeper, Rose, trated. “My marriage was on the brink of came in the wake of “the powerful lonebreaking down,� he said, “and I was liness� he felt so many miles from home. looking to get back into my field. The “Combined with my own mental anxionly opportunity I had to get back was in eties,� he wrote, “it endangered my abilNigeria as a swine nutritionist� with the ity to function, and so it was to the jourU.S. Agency for International nal I turned to record daily activities to Development in 1967. He introduced maintain sanity and stability.� To numb adaptive feeding-breeding techniques for the pain there was plenty of Star Beer and the swine industry, advised the govern- dancing under the starlight to the sound ment and Peace Corps, lectured, con- of talking drums. ducted feeding trials and penned extenHe took an extended R & R in Spain,

where the bull fights both intrigued and repulsed him. Like most in the crowd he rooted for “the majestic creature.�

In 1970 the USAID sent him to Zambia to advise/study the local swine industry. He wrote, “Mind you, you find Jews almost anywhere in the world, but I didn’t expect to find any in Zambia.�

But he did in the Shapiro family, who adopted him. "I have found Jews in the most exotic places,� he wrote in his African memoirs.

That same year he began his longest overseas idyll, in the Philippines, where he stayed through 1981. He went in the employ of the USAID but eventually became a free agent. He was a nutrition consultant for swine operations and feed mills, he created and marketed his own Rose-N-Bloom brand livestock feeds with another American expatriate and worked for the American Soybean Association and corporate giants Cynamid and Monsanto.

He became close with an American ranch family, the Murrays. Bloom loved riding out on their high grass tropical range. Pastures gave way to jungle. The ranch was accessible only by boat or plane. Getting the steers to market was a big operation.

The Philippines is also where Bloom met and married Erlinda, “my Oriental package.� They started a family together there. “I came back from the Philippines in ’81 -- to Richmond, ID. Erlinda had a cousin living-working there. God took me to a place, the Midwest, with corn, soy, cattle, pigs, where I could begin my work again,� he said, Over the next dozen years his work necessitated more moves. Vigortone Ag

Products in Marion, Ohio. Dawes Laboratories in Chicago. At Dawes he developed vitamin-mineral fortifiers for animal industry species. Omaha-based I.M.S. Inc. brought him to Omaha in 1989 as its senior nutritionist.

He stayed here after hooking up with Steve Silver’s Omaha-based International Nutrition in 1990. Meeting up with another Jew in the non-Jewish ag field only confirmed Bloom’s belief that far from “purely chance� it was “supposed to happen.� At least he chooses to believe so. The very thought, he said, “is a comfort to me.�

He and Erlinda traveled to Israel in 2003. He hadn’t been there since 1962 and he marveled at how a once dreary stretch of road outside Tel Aviv “was green all the way to Jerusalem. That is my road. It’s built by Jews.� The whole country’s transformation from dusty outpost to verdant oasis satisfied him. “Israel’s a beautiful place, and it means so much,� he said. “There’s a personal connection.�

Silver said Bloom brought “a wealth of experience. He worked in helping develop products for use in our overseas markets.� Though mostly retired now, Bloom said, “I’m still working a little bit. “I’m doing something on the coproduct or residue from ethanol production and how to make it more amenable for pigs and poultry and so forth and so on. It’s interesting�

Away from work Bloom enjoys “the little pleasures of the day.� Listening to his beloved Brahms. Praying/socializing at the synagogue. Doing mind exercises.

When reviewing his life, he said, “Sometimes I think, Did I do all these things? It’s hard to imagine.�

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Life insurance … are you kidding me?

by BOB NELSON, CLU, VICE PRESIDENT and MICHAEL MURPHY, LUTCF Grace/Mayer Financial & Estate Planning Division Life insurance has been a proven financial tool for over 100 years, yet most people today still feel confused or defensive about life insurance. The stories are legendary about the different forms but yet … in our opinion … there are only two types of life insurance: (1) term insurance; and (2) cash value insurance. I believe the confusion mostly centers around the latter Here are the simple facts: Term insurance: Most situations for which you insure can be easily protected with term insurance. Today’s products usually have 10, 15, 20 or 30 year rate guarantees (meaning the premium cannot be changed during that rate guarantee period).

Things typically protected with this coverage are mortgages, family income while the children are growing up, college expenses and other “temporary” needs or wants.

Cash value insurance: Here’s where it gets a little tricky.

There are more versions of cash value insurance than there are coffee choices at your favorite gourmet kiosk. There is whole life, universal life, variable life to name a few. The more important question is “Why are you buying this in the first place?”

Here’s the answer. Some people simply “want” lifetime coverage. It could be for complex estate planning or it could be just to multiply the size of what you wish to leave for others…children, charities or businesses. For lowest cost lifetime coverage there are relatively new products called “guaranteed” universal life. This product has a secondary guarantee within the contract that the insurance amount will be paid regardless of the performance of the cash values.

Coverage beyond age 65 is often desired by a lot of people.

You might say, “by the time I am 65, I won’t need insurance.”

That may be true, but that really isn’t the issue. The real issue is “Do you “want” your insurance to last beyond age 65?” If so, and you are willing to pay the premiums, the relatively new lifetime contracts may be your best answer.

As always, the more you understand, the better decision you will make.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Medicare made easy

by CHAD CARSTENSEN Senior Market Sales Shopping for the right Medicare insurance plan can be difficult -- even downright confusing. From Medicare Supplement and its various plans A through L, to Medicare Advantage and Part D prescription drug coverage, the Medicare marketplace is more complex than ever. And it continues to evolve.

Look back at the history of Medicare and it’s apparent that the program’s most dependable characteristic over the years has been change itself. Just this year, Congress passed sweeping legislation that changed the way Medicare pays for Medicare Advantage and severely limited the way agents can market Medicare Advantage and Part D to consumers. So how can seniors keep pace in such a rapidly changing market? The key is finding a reputable agent you can trust.

At Senior Market Sales, Inc. (SMS), providing health insurance solutions to people on Medicare is the core of our business. We’ve done it for more than 25 years. Mature Health

Center, a service of SMS, does not have captive agents who are going to push you into a certain company’s product whether it’s right for you or not. We are an insurance broker, meaning we help you compare plans from a number of top providers and offer expert advice so you can make an informed choice.

Our self-help Web site, MatureHealthCenter.com, makes it easy for you to shop for and purchase a variety of insurance and financial products online, including Medicare Supplement, Part D, Medicare Advantage, Long-Term Care, Dental, Life, Annuities and Travel insurance. It features online quoting, insurance need calculators, product explanations and informative how-to articles on retirement planning.

At Mature Health Center, we know Medicare and our comprehensive product line, state-of-the art technology and personalized customer support are all targeted to one objective: helping you find insurance that fits both your health needs and your budget.

Fixed annuities can provide guarantees in uncertain world

by RICHARD L. NESS, LUTCF RLN Financial Perhaps the most disturbing question facing retirees is: “How can I preserve my financial security if something happens to my retirement funds?”

That question has become reality over the past few years, as millions of people watched their retirement savings decline in value. Younger workers will probably have an opportunity to recoup lost assets and wait out cyclical downturns. But for retirees and older workers facing retirement, this is generally not an option.

There is a step you can take to ensure that your money won’t run out. You may want to consider allocating a portion of your retirement funds to fixed annuities -- financial vehicles that replace unpredictability with a guarantee.

Here are two points to ponder: • Securities markets are not as predictable as we would like

them to be.

• You could live a lot longer than you expected, and possibly outlive your retirement income.

Today’s average life expectancy is now 75.4 years for men and 80.5 for women and increasing. If a person retires at 62, they could easily live another 15 or 20 years. This may put a strain on pension plans, Social Security and private investments. A retirement fund designed to last 10 years can get stretched thin if it has to provide income for another 20.

Certain fixed rate immediate income annuities offer a guaranteed, lifelong income. You will continue to be paid for as long as you live -- to 95, 105 or longer. A number of payout options exist which can optimize the income stream. Factors we consider include life expectancy and survivor income needs.

Is a fixed annuity right for you? For further information on how annuities and other financial products can help preserve your retirement income, please contact me at 402.505.7499.

HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Jan. 1. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. is Wednesday, Dec. 31 for the Jan. 9 issue. There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 2. Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

PAID ADVERTISEMENTS

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home • Rehab Services • Skilled Nursing Care • Respite Care • State-of-the-Art Services • and Programs

Jewish Family Service • Counseling • Programs for Developmentally • Disabled (YACHAD) • Financial Assistance • Love and Logic

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Meeting the Social Service needs of the Omaha Jewish Community

Jewish Family Service | 402-330-2024 | www.jewishomaha.org Rose Blumkin Jewish Home/Jewish Senior Outreach | 402-330-4272 | www.rbjh.com

Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 16, 2008

It’s hard to ask for help Imagine the scene occurring in households across America: the main breadwinner has been “downsized” out of a job. Health insurance runs out the following month.

Unemployment benefits are not enough to fill in the gap and parents have to choose whether to purchase food or medicine for their children, whether to pay the rent or utility bill.

Now imagine that same scenario in the Jewish community. The adults responsible for maintaining the well being of their family now worry whether their children can continue religious school at their temple or synagogue; they don’t know if they’ll be able to afford day camp at the Jewish Community Center for their second grader or preschool for their toddler next fall.

Our community is no stranger to tough times, and every year, there are families who face economic uncertainty. This year, however, it’s compounded by the toughest economic climate in generations.

It’s not easy for people who are used to being on the giving end to suddenly find themselves in a position of need. It’s embarrassing -- and it’s harder yet to ask for help.

But this community has always prided itself on being a family; as Federation Executive Director Jan Goldstein said in her recent community update: the three Cs -- communication, collaboration, and cooperation are longstanding bywords to the way we feel about one another. And we’ll add caring and compassion.

Anyone who needs help can get it in a variety of places and ways. For example, Jewish Family Service, now an arm of the renamed Jewish Social Services (which also operates the

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, as well as outreach services to seniors in the community), has always assisted those who need short term financial help. Whether it’s funds to pay the rent or for medical care, or food packages for the holidays, a quick call to 330.2024 will get a compassionate staff member who will keep everything in confidence.

If someone is worried about keeping a child enrolled at the Child Development Center or maintaining membership, another call to the Jewish Community Center at 334.6415 or 334.6417 will result in a scholarship being offered or the implementation of a reduced fee plan.

For scholarships for camp, Israel programs or youth conventions for teens, a call to the Center for Jewish Education at 334.6445 will mean information on the availability of funds for a variety of programs -- all listed in an insert in last week’s Jewish Press.

Seniors who have special needs and usually require more medical attention can call Jewish Social Services directly at 330.2725. One of those needs -- loneliness -- can be solved without funds.

Recall the late Izzy Bogdanoff, who made weekly phone calls to friends and family members, even at the end of his life when he was home-bound himself. Get in the habit of visiting an elderly friend or relative -- especially this time of year when the frigid weather prevents our seniors from getting out of their homes. Let them know you’re thinking about them -- even if you’re a senior yourself and aren’t venturing outside.

And, if you haven’t been to the rebuilt

Blumkin Home yet -- now’s your chance to visit a resident and see the changes for yourself!

This community has always been extraordinarily generous -- not just with donations, but with its time and energy. If you know someone who needs help, encourage them to make a call to any of the agencies listed here. They can also rely on their synagogues for help.

And if you’re still on the giving end of things, give a little more -- not just in your year-end donations, but by offering to volunteer your time and talents. You’ll probably find that as a giver, you wind up receiving more that you give, too! Happy Hanukkah!

ments such as “Allah, grant victory to Muslims. Allah, grant victory to jihad” and “The killing of a Jewish rabbi and his wife in the Jewish center in Mumbai is heartwarming news.”

Such supremacism and bigotry can no longer surprise, given the welldocumented, world-wide acceptance of terror among many Muslims.

For example, the Pew Research Center for the People & the Press conducted an attitudinal survey in spring 2006, “The Great Divide: How Westerners and Muslims View Each Other.” Its polls of about one thousand persons in each of ten Muslim populations found a perilously high proportion of Muslims who, on occasion, justify suicide bombing: 13 percent in Germany, 22 percent in Pakistan, 26 percent in Turkey, and 69 percent in Nigeria.

enforcement, and media join forces to deny even the fact of terrorism; and when all must concede the terrorist nature of an attack, as in Mumbai, a pedantic establishment twists itself into knots to avoid blaming terrorists.

I documented this avoidance by listing the 20 (!) euphemisms the press unearthed to describe Islamists who attacked a school in Beslan in 2004: activists, assailants, attackers, bombers, captors, commandos, criminals, extremists, fighters, group, guerrillas, gunmen, hostage-takers, insurgents, kidnappers, militants, perpetrators, radicals, rebels, and separatists -- anything but terrorists.

And if terrorist is impolite, adjectives such as Islamist, Islamic, and Muslim become unmentionable. My blog titled “Not Calling Islamism the Enemy” provides copious examples of this avoidance, along with its motives.

In short, those who would replace “War on Terror” with “A Global Struggle for Security and Progress” imagine this linguistic gambit will win over Muslim hearts and minds.

Post-Mumbai, Steven Emerson, Don Feder, Lela Gilbert, Caroline Glick, Tom Gross, William Kristol, Dorothy Rabinowitz, and Mark Steyn again noted various aspects of this futile linguistic behavior, with Emerson bitterly concluding that “After more than seven years since 9/11, we can now issue a verdict: Islamic terrorists have won our hearts and minds.”

What finally will rouse Westerners from their stupor, to name the enemy and fight the war to victory? Only one thing seems likely: massive deaths, say 100,000 casualties in a single WMD attack. Short of that, it appears, much of the West, contently deploying defensive measures against fancifully-described “activists,” will gently slumber on.

Victims caught in terrorist atrocities perpetrated for Islam typically experience fear, torture, horror, and murder, with sirens screaming, snipers positioning, and carnage in the streets. That was the case recently in Bombay (now called Mumbai), where some 195 people were murdered and 300 injured.

But for the real target of Islamist terror, the world at large, the experience has become numbed, with apologetics and justification muting repulsion and shock.

The one Mumbai terrorist still alive, Ajmal Amir Kasab, in action.

If terrorism ranks among the cruelest and most inhumane forms of warfare, excruciating in its small-bore viciousness and intentional pain, Islamist terrorism has also become wellrehearsed political theater. Actors fulfill their scripted roles, then shuffle, soon forgotten, off the stage.

Indeed, as one reflects on the most publicized episodes of Islamist terror against Westerners since 9/11 -- the attack on Australians in Bali, on Spaniards in Madrid, on Russians in Beslan, on Britons in London -- a twofold pattern emerges: Muslim exultation and Western denial. The same tragedy replays itself, with only names changed.

Muslim exultation: The Mumbai assault inspired occasional condemnations, hushed official regrets, and cornucopias of unofficial enthusiasm. As the Israel Intelligence Heritage & Commemoration Center notes, the Iranian and Syrian governments exploited the event “to assail the United States, Israel and the Zionist movement, and to represent them as responsible for terrorism in India and the world in general.”

Al-Jazeera’s website overflowed with com-

... those who would replace “War on Terror” with “A Global Struggle for Security and Progress” imagine this linguistic gambit will win over Muslim hearts and minds.

A frightening portion also declared some degree of confidence in Osama bin Laden: 8 percent in Turkey, 48 percent in Pakistan, 68 percent in Egypt, and 72 percent in Nigeria.

As I concluded in a 2006 review of the Pew survey, “These appalling numbers suggest that terrorism by Muslims has deep roots and will remain a danger for years to come.” Obvious conclusion, no?

Western denial: No. The fact that terrorist fish are swimming in a hospitable Muslim sea nearly disappears amidst Western political, journalistic, and academic bleatings. Call it political correctness, multiculturalism, or selfloathing; whatever the name, this mentality produces delusion and dithering.

Nomenclature lays bare this denial.

When a sole jihadist strikes, politicians, law

Jewish Press Board Michael Sigmond, Vice President; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Michael Siegel, Treasurer; Howard K. Marcus, Immediate Past-chairman; Marc Brodkey; Andie Gordman; Michael Kaufman; Bette Kozlen; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; Andy Ruback; Jim Simon; Nancy Skid; and Dorothy Spizman.

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. 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 stories 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.

Still asleep after Mumbai

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DANIEL PIPES

(Founded in 1920) Bobbi Leibowitz President Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Robyn Belgrade Sales Associate Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper

Pipes is director of the Middle East Forum and Taube distinguished visiting fellow at the Hoover Institution of Stanford University. © 2008 by Daniel Pipes. All rights reserved.

Read more at: www.DanielPipes.org)

Editorial The Jewish Press is an agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Deadline for copy, ads and photos is: Thursday, 9 a.m., eight days prior to publication. E-mail editorial material and photos to: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; send ads (in .TIF or .PDF format) to: rbusse@jewishomaha.org.

Letters to the Editor Guidelines The Jewish Press welcomes Letters to the Editor. They may be sent via regular mail to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154; via fax: 1-402-334-5422 or via e-mail to the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org..

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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.

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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.

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American Jewish Press Association Award Winner

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Decemebr 26, 2008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

The art of menschlichkeit

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN

ended our country’s participation in the 2001 Durban “Racism” conference, when it degraded into an anti-Israel and anti-Semitic saturnalia.

Does he not recall the President’s 2002 Rose Garden address, in which Mr. Bush boldly stated what his predecessors had always declined to say -- that Yasser Arafat, despite his claims, never renounced terror? Or how, last year, the President challenged Palestinians to “match their words denouncing terror with action to combat terror,” that “nothing less is acceptable”?

A New York tabloid recently mocked the Bush White House. No news there; ‘tis the season, so to speak.

The fodder for this ridicule, though, wasn’t political. It consisted, rather, of the artwork on the Bushes’ invitations to this year’s White House Chanukah party.

A beautiful snowy White House scene dominates the card; all the way off to the side, a horse is drawing a wagon bearing a holiday tree.

As in the past, some Agudath Israel representatives, myself included, received invitations to the Hanukkah event. I smiled at the card when it arrived, but didn’t find it offensive in any way.

According to the New York Post, though, someone -- although unwilling to share his or her The Jewish choral group Kol Zimra performs at the White House candlelighting on Dec. 15, near the menorah used by President name -- did.

Credit: Amy Burzinski Gorfinkel If we needed more evi- Truman in 1951.

Despite all that, the anonymous Post dence, beyond the countless blogs out there, that some people have all too informant chose to take offense at an much time on their hands and all too lit- innocuous illustration on an invitation from the Bushes. To visit the White tle sense in their heads, it’s here.

Those who received the invitations are House. In honor of Hanukkah. It defies presumably Jewish. Does the person all understanding.

And then, as if to widen further the who thought it clever to call a reporter realize how remarkable it is that there gulf between the good will of the Bushes even is a Hanukkah party hosted by the and the grumbling of the boor, yesterPresident and First Lady of the United day I received a second hand-addressed States of America? Is he aware of the fact White House invitation. This one’s that, in 1943, 400 rabbis marched to the cover art was a silhouette of a menorah White House to implore President against a blue background; and enclosed Franklin Delano Roosevelt to allow was a note reading: “Please accept our more European Jewish refugees from apologies, as the invitation you previousthe Holocaust to immigrate to our ly received had the incorrect cover artshores -- and that Mr. Roosevelt left the work.”

There is much about what Yiddishbuilding through a back door to avoid having to meet them? (No Hanukkah speaking Jews call “menschlichkeit” (litparty that year, or for several decades erally, “acting like a human being”; the word conveys graciousness and good thereafter, until Mr. Bush took office.)

Has the insulted invitee forgotten how manners) that the Post’s informant President Bush, in an act of principle, could learn from the Bushes.

Back when I received the first invitation, I asked Agudath Israel’s executive vice president for government and public affairs Rabbi David Zwiebel if he thought it was important for me to attend the Hanukkah party. I had mixed feelings.

I have no personal desire to make the trip. Having attended other such gatherings, whatever thrill might once have lain in milling about in a large crowd or shaking the President’s hand no longer persists. And as for organizational concerns, well, the Bush White House’s days are numbered -- and the number is

a small one.

On the other hand, though, some shapeless feeling was pushing me to want to make the schlep.

Rabbi Zwiebel thought a moment and said, “I think you should go.” Then, after I asked “Why?” he verbalized in four simple words what had still been congealing in my own mind.

“To say ‘thank you’.”

Rabbi Shafran, director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America, can be reached at Shafran@agudathisrael.org. This article is courtesy of Am Echad Resources.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR To the Editor:

Every year, Israel’s renowned medical first responders, Magen David Adom, are called to come to the aid of Americans who are visiting Israel.

People on vacation, touring, with synagogue or federation missions, youth programs and other trips have needed MDA’s famed services for a myriad of maladies such as cuts, bruises, twisted ankles, broken bones, illnesses, strokes and heart attacks.

Many Israelis now residing in the United States have also received help from Magen David Adom If you have had personal experiences with MDA in Israel (we hope you are feeling better now), American Friends of Magen David Adom wants to know.

Please write or email us at info@afmda.org with your name and contact information. We look forward to hearing from you.

Daniel R. Allen, CEO American Friends of Magen David Adom To the Editor: I read the article on the front page of the 12/12 Press on the Rabashkin/Postville tragedy with great interest.

This group of individuals providing a large percentage of the national production of kosher beef, lamb and chicken

have shown disregard for the laws of the United States, the State of New York and the State of Iowa.

They have made a joke out of the regulations on the hiring of illegal Hispanic members of the working population, including Postville, IA, and Gordon, NE. The federal laws governing timekeeping and payment of overtime wages has been ignored. According to federal inspectors, safety regulations for the slaughter of cattle have had little or no attention.

In New York, the Forward has shown that operation of the Rabashkin family were in violation of many local health and labor laws. The picture painted in Ben Harris’s article is out of place in having sympathy for this group of criminals.

The production of kosher meat products is a sacred business developed by our forefathers and should at the same time be operated within the laws of the federal government and state governments, paying employees their proper wages and showing the dignity that kashrut fully deserves. While at the same time, a great deal of money was taken from the observant members of religious people who use kosher meat products.

This situation represents some of the poorest publicity that American Jewish community has received in the last 50 years and there is no excuse for letting it continue.

Alan Goodman

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Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Candlelighting Friday, December 26, 4:43 p.m

Synagogue Listings 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 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Chabad House An Affiliate of Chabad-Lubavitch 1866 S. 120th St. Omaha, NE 68144-1646 330.1800 www.OChabad.com email: chabad@aol.com

Congregation B’nai Jeshurun South Street Temple Union for Reform Judaism 2061 S. 20th St. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435.8004 southstreettemple.org

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

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home 323 S. 132 St. Omaha, NE 68154

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

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

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

If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 402.334.6451 or Robyn Belgrade 402.334.6559

B’NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY, Jan. 9: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Glen Fineman, LIMHP, LCSW speaking on How Do I Know if I’m Mishugeneh or Not? The community is invited.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Services conducted by Rabbi Mordechai Levin and Cantor Beth Schlossberg.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Amy and Sandy Friedman, in honor of the 50th anniversary of his Bar Mitzvah; Minha/Ma’ariv, 4:45 p.m.

BESTT: Winter break until Jan. 4.

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

SUNDAY: No classes on Dec. 28; I am a Jew and Synagogue Skills classes will resume on Jan. 4; Navigating our Services with Joy and The Mitzvah Club will resume on Jan. 11.

Rabbi Levin’s Jewish Ideals and Ethics for Everyday Living will resume on Jan. 8.

COLLEGE STUDENTS’ LUNCH Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2-4 p.m., all Jewish college students in the metro area are invited to a latelunch get-together at Bagel Bin. To RSVP, contact Robert Mosenkis in the office, or at youthdir@ bethel-omaha.org.

TOT SHABBAT: Friday, Jan. 9, 6 p.m. Kid-friendly dinner follows, hosted by David and Rebecca Ruetsch-Finkelstein and their sons, Ari and Ethan. There is no charge for dinner; the cost has been underwritten by friends of Howard and Sharon Kooper, in honor of the couple’s anniversary, and by an anonymous donor. For planning purposes, RSVP by Wednesday, Jan. 7 to Margie Gutnik in the office, or at programming@ bethel-omaha. org.

EXPLORING GLOBAL ANTI-SEMITISM Mini course on Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21 and 28, 7 p.m.

Class will explore how prevalent global anti-Semitism is and how it affects different communities, led

by Alan Potash, executive director of the Anti-Defamation League.

Class open to adults in the Jewish community; cost is $18. For information or to register, contact Margie in the office, or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

WOMEN’S BOOK GROUP: Thursday, Jan. 8, 1:15 p.m.

KARIN LEVINE HEALTHYLIVING EXPO: Sunday, Jan. 11, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., at the synagogue. Open to the community, at no charge. (See full article on page 2.)

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m. free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 9:45 a.m. with Torah Parade; Kiddush sponsored

by Gurock, Mack and Bresel Families; “Guard Your Tongue” and “The Great Midrash” and “Advanced Parshah Study for Kids (ages 10 & up)” are one hour prior to Mincha, 4:30 p.m., followed by Seudah Shlishit; Havdalah, 5:49 p.m.; Sisterhood’s Second Annual Hanukkah Carnival, 6-7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Reading the Rambam, 9:45 a.m.; Teen Class is on winter break.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

TUESDAY: Mishnah Club for fourth, fifth, and sixth graders, is on winter break; Rabbi Mizrahi’s Weekly Class, 7:45 p.m.

Wednesday: New Year’s Eve Dinner & Game Night, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Synagogue office is closed; Women of the Torah class and Rabbi’s Gross’s classes are both cancelled for this week.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Youth Minyan, 10:30 a.m. MiniMensch title will be awarded; Kiddush lunch follows; join Rabbi Katzman from 12-1 p.m.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Hanukkah at the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Kabbalistic Insights for Women, 12:15 p.m.

TUESDAY: W.O.W. Prayer, Prophets, and Prayer, 9:15 a.m.; The Parsha Club for Level I beginners, ages 5-6; and Level II for ages 7-9, 3:40 p.m. Please contact shevi@ochabad.com for a pass.

THURSDAY: Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m.

All events and programs are open to the entire community.

CONGREGATION B’NAI JESHURUN Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, celebrating the conversion of Nicholette Brackhan, with oneg following hosted by Alisa and Tommy Murray.

SATURDAY: Shabbat Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Study, 10:30 a.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes.

WEDNESDAY: No LCJS Hebrew classes.

THURSDAY: New Year’s Day - Temple office closed.

ADULT EDUCATION JAN. TUESDAYS, 7:30 p.m.

Overview on World Religions, led

by Dr. Rita Lester, Associate Professor of Religion at Nebraska Wesleyan.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Shabbat Comes to the Blumkin Home, 2:30 p.m. led by Beth El Members.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m. led by Steve Riekes.

FRIDAY, Jan. 2: Kabbalat Shabbat, 6 p.m. led by Nancy Rips and Andy Greenberg.

SATURDAY, Jan. 3: Services, 9 a.m. led by Andy Greenberg and assisted by Aaron and Naomi Zipursky and Zack Bram.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat and Hanukkah candlelighting with Remington Heights Residents, 5:45 p.m.; Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. led by Rabbi Eric Linder and Cantor Wendy Shermet.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m.; Shabbat Service, 10:30 a.m.; candlelighting at Remington Heights Residents, 5:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: No Religious School; OTYG Hanukkah Party, 5 p.m. at Remington Heights (12606 W. Dodge Road) for a party with the residents followed by ice skating at ConAgra and pizza dinner at Zio’s in the Old Market. Contact Amy Katz, 556.6536 or akatz@te mpleisraelomaha.com to attend; candlelighting at Remington Heights Residents, 5:45 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: No Religious or Family School; No Middle/ High School.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:43 p.m.

SATURDAY: Srvices, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Nancy Coren, Lay Leader. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

MONDAY and THURSDAY: Minyan, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning service, 9:30 a.m. and Talmud study.

SUNDAY: No LJCS Classes on break through Jan. 4; Celebrate Hanukkah Karoke style, 12:302:30 p.m. at Tifereth.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066; No LJCS Hebrew classes.

Jewish Federation of Lincoln Annual Meeting, Sunday, Jan. 18, 1 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

Lunch will be served. RSVP to Jaine Merliss.

B’NAI MITZVAH John Gallagher, son of Elizabeth and Jack Gallagher, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 3, at Beth El. John is a seventh-grade student at Westside Middle School.

His interests include baseball, golf, m o w i n g lawns, computers and other electronics.

For his mitzvah project, John helped raise money to buy school supplies and sports equipment for the children

of Tikempt Ishet, Ethiopia.

He has a brother, Jason.

Grandparents are Gilda Pieck Manfred Pieck, Dr. Jack Gallagher and the late Cecile Gallagher.

Avishai Samuel Halev, son of former Omahans and Lincolnites, Elyza Richmon and Jeff Spinner Halev, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 3 at Beth El Synagogue in Durham, N.C. Avishai is a seventh-grade honor roll student at Smith Middle School in Chapel Hill, NC where he plays clarinet and percussion in the school band.

His interests include reading, playing basketball, football, and Ultimate frisbee.

For his mitzvah project, Avishai is working with a teenage KarenBurmese refugee to assimilate in the community, helping him with homework, learning English, and exploring his new home. He also contributed to other projects that support the Karen refugee community in the local area.

He has a two sisters, Davida and Shoshana.

Grandparents are Arlene and Harry Richman, and Mildred and Edward Rosenbaum of West Bloomfield, MI and the late David Spinner.

PERSONAL We would like to thank everyone for the cards, donations and good wishes after the recent passing of Doris Cohen.

Bill Cohen and Family

December 26, 2008

At last! History!

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Shabbat Hanukkah Our major holidays, like Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, are set dogmatically by biblical prescription at various times of the year. But Hanukkah is set by history. It is rooted in actual historical remembrances.

If you want a full history of Hanukkah, you’d have to start with Alexander the Great of Macedonia. His conquests were vast, but a dissolute life carried him away at an early age, leaving his enormous empire to his generals.

The general --Antiochus Epiphanes -- who acquired the Middle East, decided that he wanted his personal empire to be uniform in religion and language.

Language? Naturally -- Greek!

When Antiochus found the people insisting on speaking Hebrew in what was later to be the Land of Israel, he was angry. He made the decision to destroy their language or, alternately, to wipe out the people. He was annoyed to find the people still stubborn, still speaking Hebrew. Everything else was Greek to them!

Antiochus destroyed their Temple; he crushed out the lamps in the Temple and then went on his way.

According to history -- or legend -- when the people returned to the Temple, they found the lights were out and there was no consecrated oil, save for one small container. It was only enough for one day, but now -and this is the miracle of Hanukkah -- it lasted for eight days until a new supply could be made available.

Hence Hanukkah is celebrated for eight days, with the light on the first night, increasing day by day until at the end, there are eight brightly burning lights of Hanukkah. As it is said, however, in Yiddish: nicht cain yontuff-- it’s not a Holy Day. Why not? Because it is not mentioned in the Humash, the Five Books of Moses.

Thus it is a fairly secular Holy Day, if we may permit ourselves the euphemism and not bound by the strictures of the Yamim Tovim. Even gambling is permitted, even encouraged, within limits on Hanukkah.

And yet: Hanukkah means something close to “dedication,” So it is a secular holiday with strong overtones of holiness ...

HOLIDAY CLOSING & EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press will be closed Thursday, Dec. 25 and Thursday, Jan. 1. The deadline for all ads, articles and photos is 9 a.m. is Wednesday, Dec. 31 for the Jan. 9 issue.

There will be no Jewish Press on Jan. 2 due to staff vacations and a need to upgrade computer equipment.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Israeli instructors to teach Aleph Bet and Beyond to adults at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Hebrew isn’t just for kids! If you’d like to learn or relearn it, native Israelis Na’ama Artzi and Mor Sheinbein will instruct beginning and intermediate adult students in Hebrew in a class at Temple Israel entitled, Aleph Bet and Beyond, on Wednesdays, Jan. 7, 14, 21, Feb. 4 and 11, 6:30 p.m. Class participants will learn to decode Hebrew words adding to the meaning of Shabbat prayers.

Artzi, a Judaica/Hebrew instructor at Friedel Jewish Academy for the past seven years, has previously taught Hebrew Shabbat morning service prayers to adults and the B’nai Mitzvah class at Temple. Sheinbein is a former camp counselor at Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute in Wisconsin and has been teaching fifth grade Hebrew in Religious School at Temple for two years.

Instruction in phonics and meanings will be enhanced by use of a CD, said Artzi, who loves teaching adults.

“It’s so much fun to peel away the adult and let the kid come out.” She also learns from her students. “They tell me what a B’racha means to them and to their child.”

Class fee is $18 for Temple Israel members, $25 for non-members, and free for Temple Israel Family School enrollees. Register with Program Director Wendy Goldberg at wgoldberg@templeisraelomaha.com or at 556-6536.

Support for Aleph Bet and Beyond is provided by the Howard and Judy Vann Temple Israel Family School Educational Grant.

DEATHS JUDY BORDY SWISKAY Former Omahan Judy Bordy Swiskay died Dec. 20 at the age of 78 in Great Neck, NY. Services were held Dec. 22.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hanan Swiskay; brother, Norman Bordy; and sisters, Ruth Fiedler, Naomi Cohn and Frances Bernstein.

She is survived by daughter and son-in-law, Dana and Charles Mollins, Glenford, NY; sons, Jeffrey Swiskay and Michael Swiskay, both of New York City; grandsons, Braeden Mass and Reed Mollins; and sister, Betty Cutler.

Memorials to the Alzheimer’s Association.

STEVE WIGODSKY Steve Wigodsky died at the age of 61. Services were held Dec. 22 at Temple Israel.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Scott.

He is survived by his son, Glenn Wigodsky and his friend, Nicole Biondi, sons and daughters-in-law, Daniel and Sarah Wigodsky and Andrew and Tereza Wigodsky; grandchildren, Jacob, Brandon, Nadav, Deena and Alon; brother and sister-in-law, Bruce and Jan Wigodsky; and sisters and brothers-in-law, Cathy and Bill Christensen and Janey and John Mason.

Memorials to Temple Israel.

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Jewish Social Services sponsored a Hanukkah party for residents of the Livingston Plaza this week. Participants enjoyed a special tea with Hanukkah music by Anna Mosenkis and Lev Shekhtman.

Speaker Series continues

get history buff.

At B’nai Israel Synagogue on Dec. 12, Daniel Christensen, Jewish Educator, spoke about his interwoven Jewish roots from several countries and across the United States.

The colorful and unusual backgrounds of his relatives It’s fun to know history. led to the scholarship that Daniel Christensen found in learning about his heritage.

His topic was entitled “Go West, Young Jew.” He concluded there has a been a persistent westward movement of Jews throughout history. The Speaker Series will continue on the second Friday next month on Jan. 9, when Glen Fineman, LIMHP, LCSW will speak on “How Do I Know if I’m Mishugeneh or Not?” NOTE TO PUB: DO NOT PRINT INFO BELOW, FOR ID ONLY. NO ALTERING OF AD COUN Library of Congress - B&W - LOCYR3-N-02059-C The Speaker Series is designed to offer a variety of speakS t- Newspaper atew iatdSchawk: e C(212)l a689-8585 s s“GetiRef#:204983 fHistory i e dBuff” 4 1/4 x 3 1/2 85 film ers and topics of interest to the Jewish community, which CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING works! Place your 25 word ad into thousands of is invited to attend Shabbat services at 7:30 p.m. to hear Nebraska homes for $210. Contact the Jewish Press at 334-6448 or call 1-800-3692850. the speaker; an Oneg Shabbat will follow services.

To Submit Announcements to the Jewish Press: Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154 (with photos we will scan and return).

Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

Readers can also submit other announcements -- births engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies or obituaries -- online at the Jewish Federation of Omaha website: www.jewishomaha.org. Click on “Jewish Press” and go to Submit Announcements. Deadlines are normally eight days prior to publication, on Thursdays, 9 a.m. Check the Jewish Press, however, for notices of early deadlines prior to secular and Jewish holidays.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26, 2008

Despite ups and downs, it’s been “a wonderful life”

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Esther Siref has had her share of illnesses and painful passings of beloved family members, but she doesn’t complain. She and her husband, Bill, were married for 62 years before he died of leukemia about three years ago.

“We had a wonderful life,” she smiled. “He was a good father and a good husband.”

Esther and Bill met as high school students and became engaged right after she graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School in Council Bluffs. Esther’s life revolved around her parents, Jacob and Nellie (Oberman) Brown, and three brothers. Esther Esther Siref recently celebrated her 85th birthday with friends was the youngest and at Remington Heights. admittedly “the little princess.” Jacob Glenwood, Iowa, was in AZA. Still somewhat amazed at her posidied of heart problems when Esther tion, Esther was the assistant manager was only ten necessitating her brothers of B&G Hosiery Shop in Council and mother running the family busiBluffs.

As so many young men did, Bill ness, Brown’s Loans. joined the U.S. Army and was assigned Life wasn’t that different then than it to Mississippi.

On a visit to see him is for girls now, said Esther, who is now there, the engaged couple decided to a member of Temple Israel. “I was get married so Esther could stay there. good friends with Audrey Telpner According to Esther, weddings dur(Shapiro who died recently) and three ing wartime weren’t the large events or four other Jewish girls. We’d go to they are today.

“I didn’t even know my movies and have sleepovers,” she bridesmaid!” she quipped.

The wedrecalled. She belonged to B’nai B’rith ding was at the Hattiesburg home of a Girls, and Bill, who was from

rabbi who was a chaplain in the Army.

Esther’s family drove Bill’s car and Esther’s belongings to Mississippi where the young couple lived for about a year until Bill had to go to Europe.

Esther had been working in a USO camp library, but she returned home to live with her mother and await the birth of their first child. Janice was born on June 14, 1945. Bill came home safely about three months later.

For the next 12 years, the young family lived in Glenwood where Bill worked for his father who owned a clothing store and a bar. Two more children, Margie and Larry, were born there. From Glenwood, they moved to Omaha where Bill became a buyer at the Brandeis Department Store. He later worked for Hanes and a tennis shoe company and took care of Esther when she became diabetic.

“I belonged to all the Jewish women’s organizations and was active in Hadassah,” Esther commented. She liked to do ceramics, draw, do needlepoint (she stitched the Chagal windows), “but I don’t do those things anymore.” She and Bill traveled a lot.

“We probably went to every state” including “cruises to Hawaii and Alaska, but I could never get him to go outside of the United States.” She assumed traveling to Europe might have brought back painful wartime memories.

“It was important to my husband and me that our children be well educated, because we weren’t able to go to college due to war and economics,” Esther explained. All three of her children earned post-graduate degrees, and their mother is tremendously

proud of their academic and professional achievements. Janice now lives in California and Margie in Boston.

Larry, an M.D., lives in Omaha. The family has grown to include nine grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Members of Beth El Synagogue where their daughters were married, the Sirefs later joined Temple Israel where Larry and his wife Kathy are members. “We were always very happy at Temple. I can’t praise Rabbi (Aryeh) Azriel enough.”

After Bill died, Esther moved to Remington Heights. “I’m comfortable here,” she said. In addition to not having to cook or clean her apartment, she’s made friends including with “a lot of Jewish people.”

She can no longer do the more intricate crafts she used to do with her hands, but she plays Bridge, Shanghai, and Pan. She noted that Rabbi Azriel and Rabbi Mordecai Levin from Beth El both make visits to Remington.

Most important in Esther’s life obviously was her husband and still are her children, a virtue she has passed on to them. Larry confirmed that his mother taught him “the importance of education as well as the importance of family values and family being number one,” lessons that continue to influence his life today.

HOLIDAY CLOSING Due to staff vacations and the need for computer upgrades, there will be no Jewish Press next week on Jan. 2. The deadline for the Jan. 9 issue is Wednesday, Dec. 31, 9 a.m. Questions? Call 402.334.6448

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