December 29, 2006

Vol. LXXXVI No. 16 Omaha, NE

Networking Site Changing Face of Jewish Campus Life

by CAMPUSJ.COM NEW YORK (JTA)--Jewish life on campus has a changing face because of Facebook.com. Students and organizations are taking advantage of the social networking site launched in 2004 that allows users to make a profile, create and join numerous groups, and post messages to other members and groups.

“It’s already had a direct effect on the expectations that Hillel is putting into its resources,” said Hillel’s Simon Amiel, who is charged with overseeing the Jewish campus organization’s outreach fellows.

“Ten years ago, 15 years ago, the goal was to get students in the building,” he explained, adding “that’s still a nice goal for us...but it’s far more of an important goal to say there are 500 students having a Jewish experience every week, inside the building or out.”

Facebook’s ability to create ad-hoc communities is seen as its greatest strength. When an Iranian-American student was Tasered by campus police at the University of California Los Angeles, thousands of students registered their protest within days by joining groups created to complain about the incident.

A Facebook page showing some of the networking site's Asian Jewish groups.

Jewish students and groups on Facebook are taking similar advantage of the site's possibilities. A Jewish group was launched recently to gather right-wing Israel advocates to protest a book-signing by former President Carter on the same day in New York City. Another group is called “American Jews Against Israel.” Along the way, Jewish students are finding new ways to associate with each other and new aspects of their identities.

Janice Hussain is a junior at Brandeis University, and the daughter of Indian and Jewish parents, and until she started using Facebook, she didn't know there were many other Jews of a similar ethnicity.

“At Brandeis, if I wanted to meet someone who was Asian and Jewish, or Indian or half-Indian, I couldn’t,” she said in an interview. So Hussain this semester launched a group called “Asian and Jewish,” inviting a handful of people at Brandeis who were of Asian and Jewish descent. Before she knew it the group reached 90 members from various campuses.

Now that she’s had success online, Hussain is considering new endeavors for Jewish life on her campus, with which she’s had little involvement thus far. “I was actually thinking of maybe starting a club at Brandeis for Jews that are not fully Ashkenazi, or Jews of color, and to have an event or maybe have a lecture,” she said.

Hussain’s experience in finding common heritage is far from unique on Facebook for Jews of mixed descent.

“What seems to be coming up over and over again is a place for students that are from a mixed-parentage family,” Amiel said, noting that Facebook’s self-starting nature allows Jewish students to “make connections that are more organic.”

On Facebook, most of the traditional categories for Judaism and religious activity in general are far less popular than alternative expressions of identity. Jews on Facebook are using nontraditional identifiers far more Continued on page 2

Inside Opinion Page see page 12

Celebrating 85 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

8 Tevet, 5767 December 29, 2006

Survey: Interfaith Families Raising Jewish Kids Can Negotiate Christmas

by SUE FISHKOFF answered by 759 people, including 342 intermarried couSAN FRANCISCO (JTA) -- Judy and Curtis Carson ples raising their children as Jews. Within that group, 99 light Hanukkah candles in their Waxhaw, N.C., home. percent light Hanukkah candles at home, 93% give They also put up a tree -Hanukkah gifts and 63% but not a Christmas tree, tell the Hanukkah story.

Judy insists.

By contrast, while 44 “I don’t think any relipercent decorate a gion has a corner on Christmas tree and 51 greenery,” she says. Judy percent give Christmas is Jewish; Curtis is not. gifts at home -- activities They’re raising their ninethe survey organizers call year-old son Jewishly-“secular” -- just 5 percent religious school, synatell the Christmas story gogue, the works. But and 18 percent attend they also explain to him Christmas services, two that Daddy, Grandma and activities deemed “reliGrandpa are not Jewish, gious.” and that doesn’t seem to Yet 90 percent said confuse him. they would not ask their “We give each other non-Jewish relatives to small gifts for Hanukkah, refrain from giving and he gets his big gifts on Christmas gifts to the chilHanukkah and Christmas symbols often stand side by side in Christmas. He knows dren. Most say it’s a matDecember, as seen in this seasonal display in Maplewood, N.J., on they’re from daddy,” Judy ter of respect for grandCredit: Andy Neusner/JTA Dec. 17, 2006. explains. “He knows what parents.

Christmas means, and he honors” his grandparents for Survey organizers acknowledge that these results only celebrating it. reveal the holiday practices of a self-selecting group: The Carsons’ negotiation of the “December dilem- intermarried families who are choosing Jewish paths for ma”--the tug of war between Hanukkah and Christmas their children. But they say it indicates that these parents in intermarried households--reflects the findings of the are able to raise their children as Jews while honoring the third annual December Holidays survey by Interfaith holiday traditions of the non-Jewish spouse, and can do Family.com, a group that supports intermarried families so without confusing the children. making Jewish choices.

“The concept of the December dilemma is overblown,” The survey suggests that marking both holidays in says Micah Sachs, InterfaithFamily.com’s managing edisome way does not seem to affect the children’s develop- tor. “If you’re making Jewish choices, there are good, ing sense of Jewish identity. The online survey was Continued on page 2

Temple Israel Plans College Dinner and January Shabbat Speaker Series

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator Last summer, members of Temple Israel shared their personal stories during Friday night Shabbat worship services. They talked about “The American Shtetl,” partisan politics from a Jewish point of view, adoption, conversion, and surviving the Holocaust among other topics. The series of speakers was part of the year-long adult education theme, “Shema Temple Israel, Many Stories….One Congregation” “Summer services in the chapel were packed! People seemed to love hearing each other’s stories. Many Friday nights, we had to add seating, sometimes spilling into the foyer,” said Rosie Zweiback, Temple’s program director.

Starting on Friday, Jan. 5, 6 p.m., the speaker series will resume when Jeff Gates, a student at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, talks about being “Raised in the ‘Bayit’ (home) of Temple Israel.”

Gates grew up at Temple and currently co-teaches a middle/high Jeff Gates school class on the

This Week: Monthly Calendar for January, Pages 8-9 See Front Page Stories & More at: www.jewishomaha.org, click on ‘Jewish Press’

Five Winners This Year in B’nai B’rith Bible Quiz: Page 2

Holocaust at the synagogue and also works with Temple’s kindergarten class.

The service will be followed by a dinner for college students hosted by Temple. Collegians at local schools and those home on break are welcome to attend the traditional Shabbat dinner to reconnect with friends from high school and youth group. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Rabbi Eric Linder plan to join the students for dinner.

Please make reservations by calling Temple at 556.6536. There is no charge.

On Friday, Jan. 12, Sandy Nogg, who has managed Temple’s Gift Shop for 14 years, will share her secrets at the worship service when “Gift Shop Lady Tells All” about her journey to Judaism from Palmer, Nebraska, to the Temple Gift Shop. Following the service, a no-host group dinner is planned at Pasta Amore at 11027 Prairie Brook Road in Rockbrook Village. Please let Zweiback know if you’ll be attending by calling her at 556.6536, or via email at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.

Bob Cohen will take “A Personal Journey into Jewish History--with No Ending in Sight” on Friday, Jan. 19.

His is the story of a small town, multi-generational Midwestern Jewish family through which he’ll weave his own experience in intense reading of Jewish history.

Wrapping up the series on Friday, Jan. 26, Mary-Beth Muskin will give her view “On Being Jewish.” She will describe how “being Jewish manifests itself into my life personally and professionally.” She said she doesn’t separate being Jewish--“my beliefs, my values, and my ethics”--from anything in her life.

All Friday Shabbat night services in January begin at 6 p.m.

Coming Next Month: Tax & Financial Planning, Jan. 12 Michael Fox Reviews Top Jewish Movies for 2006: Page 5

A Hanukkah Miracle on 132nd Street: Page 16

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

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Accept No Umitations Experience the Future of Nutrition

Jewish Kids Can Negotiate Christmas cent are raising Jewish children when a tree is present.

Continued from page 1 healthy ways you can do these things, and it’s not going But when no tree is present, the Jewish child-rearing to affect the kids’ Jewish identities.” The key, says shoots up to a very respectable 73 percent,” he says.

InterfaithFamily.com President Ed Case, is keeping “The moral is clear: For intermarried Jews to raise Christmas celebrations secular, which 79 percent of Jewish children, they need to celebrate Jewish holidays and avoid such symbols in the home as Christmas trees, respondents say they do.

Don’t sweat the Christmas tree, he says. Times have even if they are interpreted neutrally.”

InterfaithFamily.com doesn’t advocate that interchanged. “When I was growing up, Jewish identity was formed in opposition to Christmas. You don’t see that married families put up a Christmas tree, but says it’s anymore,” he notes, adding that 75 percent of survey simply reality. “Twenty years from now, there will be an respondents believe their Christmas celebrations do not awful lot of Jews who grew up having a Christmas tree affect their children’s Jewish in the home,” Case says. identity. Case’s analysis of That’s something the organhis survey runs counter to ized Jewish community what other key Jewish edumight just have to get used cation experts say. “The fact to, some intermarried families suggest. that more than half” of respondents “have ChristCheryl Hemley, who is Catholic, and her husband mas-related activities in the Larry, who is Jewish, are home is significant,” says raising their two young chilSylvia Barack Fishman, a dren in Thousand Oaks, Jewish studies professor at Calif., as Jews. They belong Brandeis University. She to a synagogue and only celpoints to one result showing ebrate Hanukkah at home. that a third of the Jewish But the children receive parents who put up trees Christmas gifts from her parfeel comfortable with it, ents, “and we explain to our while another third feel Many interfaith families face the ‘December dilemma.’ son, who is 6, as much as he uncomfortable.

Credit: JTA Graphic can understand, that we “There are competing narratives in the home,” Fishman says. Parents can raise honor Christmas” because of his grandparents, Cheryl their children as Jews despite such practices, she says, Hemley says.

Kids get it, Hemley insists, and experts who worry that but “The question is, is this an effective strategy for creating Jewish adults who will create their own Jewish such practices will confuse children “don’t know what households?” Sociologist Steven Cohen of Hebrew they’re talking about,” unless they themselves are Union College, author of several studies on intermarried involved in an interfaith marriage. “As long as you’re families, says those who minimize the impact of symbols honest with your children, and you explain things,’’ she like Christmas trees are deluding themselves. “In inter- says, it doesn’t have to be confusing. married homes that light Hanukkah candles, just 32 per-

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A fourth place tie between Lev Nachman and David Trubnikov meant five winners in the Edward Zorinksy Annual Bible Quiz earlier this month. The two each received $125. Sponsored by the Henry Monsky Lodge of B’nai Brith, Tali Levin came in first and won $600; Nimrod Ginsburg placed second and received $350 and Effie Tsabari was

third with a prize of $250. Photos from left: Lodge President Gary Javitch, left, Nimrod Ginsburg, Tali Levin, David Trubnikov, Effie Tsabari, Lev Nachman, Steve Riekes, one of the founders of the annual quiz. Judges were: Rabbi Seth Nadel, Cantor Gaston Bogolomni, Rabbi Jonathan Gross, Prof. Leonard Greenspoon, and Rabbi Eric Linder.

Networking Site Changing Face of Jewish Campus Life

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Continued from page 1 than any standard declaration. Several groups are titled “I don’t roll on Shabbos,” after a line in the cult movie “The Big Lebowski.” Hundreds of students belong to these groups, and most of them belong to hundreds of other groups that express their Jewish identities.

While statistics are not available for the site, an informal survey of multiple campuses has shown consistently that most Jewish students will call themselves “Jewish” or some manifestation thereof in the “Religious Views” box only about 10 percent of the time.

At Indiana University, even the Hillel president, Joanna Blotner, doesn’t call herself “Jewish” on her profile. “It’s because you don’t want to actively make yourself part of the minority,” she explained. “It’s probably the same reason a lot of gays and lesbians don’t identify themselves.” It’s a trend that Jewish officials can’t explain. “Of any place, being on Facebook is one of the most safe places to identify as Jewish,” Amiel said.

At the same time, traditional Jewish institutions have employed the site as well, finding Facebook to be far more effective than e-mail in getting students to attend their events. “People, in my experience, are more likely to attend an event if they are personally invited,” said

Alex Freedman, president of the Jewish Student Union at Washington University. “The group and event invitation serves that function on a grand scale -- it allows the word to be spread better among a target audience quicker than any other medium.”

Meanwhile, Facebook’s implementation of a new feature called “News Feeds” allows students to see the groups or events their friends are joining. “All of a sudden, people no longer had to be individually invited to a group or to an event, they could see what their friends were doing,” said Andy Ratto, Washington University Hillel’s JCSC fellow. “This has been extremely useful because people might be rather unlikely to go to an event where they didn’t know anyone who would be there, but all of a sudden people would find out about an event because their friends were going to it, and then they would want to come, too.”

While those results aren’t the expectation for Hillel events at a given campus, the function still makes a difference, Freedman said. It “saves us a lot of phone calls, a lot of fliers and a lot of time,’’ he said.

Reporting for CampusJ.com are Sam Guzik, Ben Greenberg, Jordan Magaziner, Valerie Saturen, Daniel Smajovits and Steven I. Weiss.

December 29, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Orthodox Community Outraged as Group Embraces Holocaust Deniers

by JACOB BERKMAN NEW YORK (JTA) -- “When you’re at a Holocaustdeniers convention, you don’t want to be the guy ordering the kosher meal,” host Jon Stewart joked on his “Daily Show.” But the Orthodox world is hardly laughing at the participation of a fringe Chasidic group, the Neturei Karta, in a Holocaust-denial convention in Tehran last week. The group drew immediate censure when video footage from the conference showed several members of the group in fervently Orthodox garb, long beards and side-locks embracing and kissing the conference’s host, Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

The Orthodox Union and Agudath Israel of America, two Orthodox groups, both distanced themselves from the Neturei Karta, emphasizing that Orthodox Judaism in no way condones Holocaust denial or the political stance of Ahmadinejad, who has called repeatedly for the destruction of Israel. “They are not on our radar screen, not any part of our constituency or the constituency of any Orthodox organization, including Agudath Israel to our right,” the O.U.’s executive vice president, Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, told JTA. “They are a small group that is often very vocal. They are embarrassing.”

The Neturei Karta, Hebrew for “guardians of the city,” believe that a Jewish state should be formed only when the messianic age arrives. Thus they consider the Israeli government heretical and believe the Israeli rabbinateis used only to “ornament their state with a clerical image,” according to the Neturei Karta’s Web site. The group has no official central office and no supreme leader. But it has synagogues and yeshivas in Jerusalem, Brooklyn, England and upstate New York, spokesman Chaim Soffer told JTA. Soffer said the Neturei Karta understand that there was a “euphoria” after the creation of the State of Israel, but “political sovereignty has been a disaster. The wars didn’t end. The bloodshed didn’t end.” According to Neturei Karta philosophy, after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem two millennia ago, Jews lived well under Arab and Muslim rule. The creation of the State of Israel created an anti-Semitic movement within the Arab and Muslim world because Jews became oppressors of the Palestinians, Soffer said.

By meeting with the likes of Ahmadinejad, the Neturei Karta say they are working toward a peaceful solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict. That solution includes a nonJewish state in place of Israel, where Jews can live under Arab rule, he said. “We are trying to establish a dialogue with those who are the enemies of the Jewish people,” Soffer said. “We want to undo some of the damage that was done.” The Neturei Karta, which has a membership estimated at up to 5,000, aren’t the only religious Jews who are anti-Zionist. One of the largest Chasidic sects, the Satmar, takes that stance. Agudath Israel was against the formation of the State of Israel before 1948, accord-

ing to the group’s spokesman, Rabbi Avi Shafran, but gave up that position after the country was founded and decided to work within the political system to make it a more religious state, he said.

The Neturei Karta routinely make common cause with noted anti-Semites and anti-Zionists, and appear at proPalestinian rallies. The Israel Defense Forces found that the late PLO leader Yasser Arafat paid the group, whose support helped blunt accusations that the PLO was antiSemitic, more than $50,000. Most felt the Neturei Karta went too far in taking part in the Holocaust-denial conference.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, left, greets members of the Neturei Karta at a Holocaust denial conference in Tehran.

Credit: Neturei Karta Agudath Israel typically just ignores the group, which tends to garner press coverage because the image of Chasidic Jews embracing anti-Semites is so striking, Shafran said. But he called the Neturei Karta’s public display of affection for Ahmadinejad “graphic and disgusting.” “They have given legitimacy to Holocaust denial, and generally it is the parents and grandparents of these people who suffered the most,” he said. “They have given aid to and abetted the enemy.” The Satmars, with whom the Neturei Karta most closely associate, issued a harsh statement that didn’t name the Neturei Karta, but clearly was directed toward them. “We call and warn all to whom the honor of God and the holy Torah are precious in His eyes to distance themselves from them and to condemn their actions, and not to give them any encouragement, because by doing this you are helping desecrate the name of Heaven, and in the future will be held to account,” the Hebrew-language statement said.

Yisroel Dovid Weiss, one of five Neturei Karta rabbis who took part in the Tehran conference, said the Jewish world had misunderstood their actions. Speaking to JTA from the Iranian capital on Monday, Weiss said his grandparents had been killed in the Holocaust. He was not in Tehran to give credence to Holocaust denial, he said, but to draw a distinction between Zionists and Jews.

Prestate Zionists set themselves up as the enemies of Hitler, and in doing so helped push Hitler to kill millions of Jews, Weiss said. “If you’re going to spit at people,

what do you think is going to happen?” he asked.

Weiss said his group was trying to make sure that the same thing didn’t happen with Ahmadinejad. “He is not an enemy of the Jews. He never was,” Weiss said. “He is a God-fearing man, as far as we saw. He respects the Jewish people and he protects them in Iran.” But if the Zionists keep painting Ahmadinejad as an enemy, he warned, “eventually, God forbid, he could become an enemy.”

U.S. Jewish groups were outraged by the Neturei Karta appearing at the conference. On Wednesday, a number of Jewish groups will gather outside the Holocaust Museum and Study Center in Spring Valley, N.Y., near Monsey, to protest the Tehran conference and express their displeasure with the Neturei Karta. The militant Jewish Defense Organization called a protest outside Weiss’ Monsey home for Jan. 7.

The Neturei Karta are relatively low-key in Monsey, mostly blending in with the large fervently Orthodox population, according to Rabbi Yaakov Spivak, head of Kolel Ayshel Avraham, a fervently Orthodox yeshiva in Monsey. They occasionally boycott Jewish bookstores that sell Israeli products or Israeli history books, but most of their work is done in New York City, he said.

Now, though, the group has struck a nerve with the several hundred Holocaust survivors in town. “They are going to learn that the Jewish people and Holocaust survivors are not going to stomach this,” Mordechai Levy, national director of the Jewish Defense Organization, told JTA. “There is a real line. They crossed it a billion times.”

Kripke Library Offers Winter Story Time

by GARY KATZ Library Administrator This winter, come out of the cold and into the cozy library! Introduce your young children to the delight and wonder that reading has to offer. Visit the Kripke Jewish Federation Library on the second and fourth Monday of the month, from 11-11:45 a.m., for a lively and animated Jewish story time, refreshments, and opportunity to check out books. Upcoming dates are Jan. 8 and 22, Feb. 12 and 26. We will be reading from both old favorites and new arrivals.

Visit our updated children’s section with its newly renovated interactive play area. Story times are a fun way to introduce children to develop an interest in books. Story time is offered for children ages one through five, and adult supervision is required.

For more information please contact me at 334.6462 or gkatz@jewishomaha.org

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

Beth Israel Rabbi Earns Certification as Organ Donation Consultant

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Associate Rabbi Seth Nadel has earned certification as a rabbinic consultant by two national organ donation societies.

In November, Rabbi Nadel participated in a two day conference for Rabbis and Health Care Professionals at Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York. The conference, hosted by the Rabbi Seth Nadel H a l a c h i c Organ Donors Society, was on the topics of brain stem death, organ donation and Jewish law. As a participant, Rabbi Nadel heard from leading experts in medicine and Jewish law.

“The training at the three-day conference was intense,” he noted. “There were distinguished physicians who provided training, such as neurologists from leading medical schools. We delved into both the medical aspects of organ donation, including protocol and procedure, as well as the Halachic component.” Nadel is now certified as a rabbinic consultant on organ donation.

Nadel has been interested in issues surrounding medical ethics for a number of years. “My teacher in rabbinical school is a medical ethicist and very involved with topics where medical issues interface with Jewish law,” said Nadel. “I studied with him for six years and developed a strong

interest.” Nadel has attended many conferences that pertain to medical ethics, such as organ donation, hospice care, infertility and stem cell research.

In regard to organ donation, Nadel describes a tension between values. “With organ donation, there are two values that come in to conflict,” he explained. “First, we have our laws that say we must prepare the deceased for burial with respect, perform tahara and bury the deceased whole. Yet we also must put life above everything; we want to preserve life. This tension causes conflict for us when trying to make a decision about organ donation.

Ultimately, many authorities on Jewish law encourage organ donation.”

At a recent lecture, Nadel spoke to the community about “End of Life Issues: Organ Donation and Jewish Law.” “I explained how we live according to Jewish values and we die according to Jewish values,” he said. “Throughout life, we’re making medical decisions. We must ask ourselves how Jewish tradition and Jewish law inform us as we make these decisions.” explained Nadel. As a consultant, he can help guide people through these complexities when making a decision about organ donation.

To learn more about organ donation and Jewish law, please contact Rabbi Nadel at 556.6288.

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE The Jewish Press office will be closed Monday, Jan. 1. Please send all articles, photos and ads to the Press by Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all regular issues.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Candles Burn Bright at Yachad’s Hanukkah Event Jewish history but everyone in Yachad

by DUANE J. PIEPER Yachad’s annual Hanukkah party was a knew this event was important and to be joyful and dynamic event, hosted by celebrated. And celebrated it was.

This was the Festival of Lights.

Debbie Salomon on the second night of Everyone gathered close Hanukkah. With tradifor the lighting of the tional holiday music, Menorah and participatsoft burning candles, ed in the blessing of the thematic decor and candles as they sang inviting aromas from Baruch ata Hashem. An the kitchen, the stage exchange of gifts was folwas set for an evening lowed by a good of celebration. Lots of natured, but competitive Latkes may be a popugame of dreidel. lar holiday song but it Having overcome was Georgia Ann who another year of chalSteinberg, brought “lots of Elaine Marcus and her family along lenges and having prelatkes” to the party, with Michael Parsow participate in vailed by the hesed of and was a hit with the the Yachad ‘Feast of Lights’ blessing God, it was only fitting to come together and dinner guests. And of the candles. celebrate life’s blessings in the spirit of they ate every last one of them.

Out of a backdrop of suffering and Hanukkah. God has been faithful, prooppression comes the encouraging story viding enough oil to keep the fire in our of Hanukkah filled with light, miracles hearts and souls burning. The Yachad and hope. Not everyone could recall all members look forward in hope and anticthe details of this pivotal episode in ipation to the blessing of the new year.

BIRTHS Jodi and Yoav Gershoni of Rockville, MD announce the Dec. 14 birth of their daughter, Amanda Jayne.

She has two sisters, Jordyn and Carly Grandparents are Harriet Fishel of Bethesda, MD, and Jerry and Janet Slusky, and Denise and Amnon Gershoni of North Miami, FL. Great-grandmother is Esther Dolgoff.

Stacy and Lorin Hochstein of Lincoln announce the Dec. 16 birth of their son, Benjamin Joseph.

Grandparents are Joseph Calo of Celebration, FL, and Joan Calo of Ft. Myers, FL., and Alan & Debby Hochstein of Montreal, Canada.

Great-grandparents are Elaine Calo of Wakefield, RI, and Frances Green of Montreal, Canada.

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Borat Edges Gibson for Top Movie Story of ’06 Portman demonstrated the greatest range by shaving her head for the epic V for Vendetta and contributing an emoFILM REVIEW tional, almost wordless cameo to Israeli director Amos

by MICHAEL FOX Film Critic

For the second time in three years, Mel Gibson positioned himself perfectly to be the major Jewish movie story of the year. Then another actor spouting antiSemitic slurs came along to pinch the crown.

Gibson, as everybody with electricity knows, reacted to being arrested for drunk driving near his Malibu home in July by blaming all the wars in the world (past and present, presumably) on “the Jews.� Although the movies typically take priority over offscreen activities, the multimillionaire religious scholar who made The Passion of the Christ will always warrant our close attention.

Mel must be sobbing in his ginger ale because he was outwitted and outby maneuvered Sacha Baron Cohen. With Borat: Cultural Learnings of America For Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, the British Jewish comic transposed his fictional Slavic character from HBO to the multiplexes of America and scored the biggest comedy hit of the year.

Whether Cohen’s broad satire provoked more or less reflection on antiSemitism in our than culture Gibson’s ignorant tirade is an open question. As is usually the case, one had to look to European filmmakers for a serious historical perspective.

Cinematographer Lajos Koltai made a spectacular directorial debut with Fateless, a stunning portrait of a Hungarian boy’s odyssey through the camps that deserves a place among the great Holocaust films.

And German director Marc Rothemund explicitly made the point in Sophie Scholl -The Last Days, his heart-stopping study of the White Rose student resistance group in Munich, that it required a willful act on the part of German citizens to remain ignorant of the mass exterminations that the Nazis were carrying out.

On a lighter note, Go for Zucker! marked the first German-Jewish comedy in decades. The only other foreign film with a Jewish theme to make a splash on these shores was Only Human, an amusing interfaith romantic comedy from Spain.

If you wanted to see Jewish characters in American films this year, you were pretty much limited to independent films with a comedic slant. Albert Brooks’ Looking for Comedy in the Muslim World and Christopher Guest and Eugene Levy’s For Your Consideration were the high-profile titles, though they were outpolled in some precincts by the grass-roots hits Keeping Up With the Steins and Boynton Beach Club.

Woody Allen returned with two films he shot in London with Scarlett Johansson, the solid Match Point and the slight Scoop, in which the Woodman co-starred as an avuncular Jewish magician.

Among the Jewish actors gracing the screen, Alan Arkin did splendid work in Little Miss Sunshine while a nearly unrecognizable Winona Ryder continued her slow comeback in A Scanner Darkly. Israeli-born actress Natalie

Gitai’s Free Zone.

Zach Braff ’s bid to transform himself into a comedic/romantic/dramatic leading man got off to a rocky start, as The Last Kiss tanked and Fast Track is destined to open shortly to a similarly indifferent response.

Adam Sandler (Click) and Ben Stiller (Night at the Museum) continued to meet the expectations of their fans and studio shareholders, which is not necessarily cause for celebration.

For those keeping a comprehensive tally of Jewish cameos, the Israeli Air Force turned up off-camera at the end of Last King of Scotland to spirit away the hostages flown to Idi Amin’s Uganda. And Steven Soderbergh’s loathsome misfire, The Good German, historical used details such as Nazi rocket scientists, slave labor and Jewish collaborators for dramatic heft.

On the documentary side, it was an unusual year in that films about Israel were elbowed aside by a plethora of prosaic portraits of Jewish men. The catalog of so-so efforts consisted of Sidney Pollack’s Sketches of Frank Gehry, the concert film Leonard Cohen: I’m Your Man, Al Franken: God Spoke, HBO’s wretched The Journalist and the Jihadi: The Murder of Daniel Pearl, and Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner. The best reviews accrued to 51 Birch Street, in which filmmaker Doug Block delved into his parents’ marriage.

After a couple of years of minimal losses, the number of Jewish performers who died in 2006 was substantial. Topping the list is Shelley Winters, born Shirley Schrift, who will always be remembered for her Academy Award-winning turn as Peter van Daan’s mother in The Diary of Anne Frank, as well as her archetypal portrayal of a domineering Jewish mother in Next Stop, Greenwich Village.

We mourn the passing of Yiddish leprechaun Red Buttons, comedian and TV host Jan Murray, versatile actor Jack Warden (The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz) and Richard Fleischer, director of the 1980 remake of The Jazz Singer.

Let’s also remember non-Jewish actresses Jane Wyattt, who spoke out at the height of the Holocaust against the Allies’ failure to help European Jews, and Maureen Stapleton, whose portrayal of activist and author Emma Goldman in Reds garnered the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress in 1981.

Polish novelist Stanislaw Lem, whose science-fiction novel Solaris was adapted twice by filmmakers, also passed away.

As for what lies in store for 2007, another Sacha Baron Cohen movie is in the works and, hopefully, a few documentaries about Jewish women. Barbra Streisand, anyone?

As for Mel Gibson, the Holocaust-related miniseries he once proposed isn’t going to happen and Jeffrey Katzenberg may not have him on speed-dial anymore, but his career is far from over. Not when Jay Leno welcomes him on “The Tonight Show� with a standing ovation and a hug.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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December 29, 2006

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Since its founding 25 years ago, the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts has been supporting the exceptional talent of artists from all over the world. Close to 700 artists have come to Omaha to experiment, innovate and create, and in celebration of this long-standing achievement, Creighton University’s Lied Art Gallery is showcasing “The Bemis Center: Building a Legacy 1985-2007,” on view Jan. 6-Feb. 4, 2007. An opening Reception takes place Saturday, Jan. 6, 6-9 p.m. and is free. This exhibition provides an historical survey of some of the Bemis’ most significant Artists-in-Residency by featuring a wide-range of the different works created in the Center’s studios and facilities since 1985.

Tamara Saj, professional flamenco dancer and artist, will be returning to perform by special engagement only at Omaha’s tapas bar and Spanish restaurant, Espana Tapas Bar, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, Jan. 12-14, 6:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. She will also be showing her art pieces at Espana’s exclusive art gallery. Reservations can be made by calling 402.505.9917.

Saj has 32 years of dance experience. She is the founder of the Cape Fear Arte Flamenco of North Carolina and the Prairie Flamenco Company of Nebraska. In January 2006, she was selected to open the regional show for UPN’s America’s Top Model. She produced and performed in Beth El Synagogue’s production of “An Exploration of Jewish Roots in Flamenco,” collaborating with Omaha artists such as Gaston and Lena Bogomolni, Joanie Jacobson, Ozzie Nogg, and Ophir Palmon.

For two years, Saj performed at Espana Tapas Bar, before her move to North Carolina. Since then, she was invited by national flamenco site www.flamencobuzz.com to publicize her performances nationally.

This year she performed at the 2006 U.S. Kids World Golf Championship at Pinehurst. Saj is returning to her background in the visual arts to explore that side of the art of flamenco. She has shown her work in Florence, Italy, Boston, and in the Louisville Art Gallery. Her work reflects her background and cultural heritage, exploring Judaic influences in the art of flamenco.

For more info on Saj and The Cape Fear Arte Flamenco, please visit www.saytr.com/flamen co.htm.

From fashion to photography, from Colts to cartography, from independence in America to terror in America --a full line-up of traveling exhibits is scheduled for the Durham Western Heritage Museum in 2007.

The season opens with Fashion in Film: Period

Costumes for the Screen (Jan. 25-March 25), featuring 36 costumes prepared for major releases such as Titanic, Dangerous Liaisons, Evita, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom and Out of Africa.

Pressing Matters: 500 Years of Wine in Art (Jan. 28March 18) comes from the Sterling Vineyards Print Portfolio and shows the many ways in which artists have used wine as a subject matter.

Omaha: A City with Style (Feb. 2-April 8), created from the Durham’s photographic and artifact collections, presents a cross-section of the style, fashion trends and everyday dress from early days through the mid 20th century.

The Signers (April 28-Sept. 2), drawn from the museum’s Byron Reed Collection, examines the lives of the signers and the events surrounding the Declaration of Independence.

Window on the West: Views from the American Frontier (May 3-July 15) presents 60 paintings from the Arthur J. Phelan Collection, selected to give an historically accurate cross-section of what really happened in the expansion of the West as seen by the artists who explored it and visually documented what they discovered.

Samuel Colt: Arms, Art and Invention (May 12-Aug. 12) is the main exhibit for the summer season and highlights the remarkable life of the American inventor whom many say altered the course of history.

In Focus: National Geographic Greatest Portraits (Aug. 11-Oct. 7), created by the noted magazine and the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History, presents a series of unforgettable portraits taken from all corners of the globe and demonstrating that it is possible to portray the essence of people and places in two dimensions.

The Enemy Within: Terror in America--1776 to Today (Sept. 8-Jan. 6) uncovers the forgotten stories of domestic terrorists and foreign agents, militant radicals and saboteurs, who have threatened America’s sense of security over the past 200 years.

Maps in Our Lives (opening Nov. 2007), from the Library of Congress, covers the many forms and uses taken by maps, through original artifacts such as an historic survey maps of George Washington’s Mount Vernon farm, a route map for New York helicopters, a Central Intelligence Agency map of foreign nations, and even a map for children used on a “Carmen Sandiego” game board.

To enjoy the full year of these exhibits, contact the Durham for a membership by calling 402.444.5071.

IN THE NEWS Do you have a professional skill you could share with an organization in a developing country? Do you sometimes daydream about joining the Peace Corps but can’t commit two years? Then American Jewish World Service’s Volunteer Corps can help you make this dream a reality.

The AJWS Volunteer Corps places Jewish professionalsworking or retired-with community-based social change organizations in developing countries in Africa, Asia and the Americas. While immersed in another culture, volunteers share and transfer their professional skills during placements that last from three to 12 months. Two-month assignments are available for senior professionals and retirees. Couples are welcome and may choose to work at the same or different organizations.

The kinds of organizations where people volunteer are diverse, encompassing areas such as health, education, human rights advocacy, and microfinance. What they all have in common is the opportunity for volunteers to do innovative life-changing work with marginalized communities. AJWS will work with you to find the best match in terms of need and duration.

Among the many assignments where AJWS volunteers are currently sharing their expertise and making a difference are: Thailand, where a couple from Warwick, NY with backgrounds in organizational development and strategic planning is providing management training during a two-month assignment at a youth services organization that offers HIV prevention programs; Ghana, where a fifth grade teacher from Philadelphia is developing educational materials during a six-month stint with an organization that helps refugees; and Nicaragua, where a social worker from Chicago is providing training in social work practices, computers and English during an eight-month placement at a public health group in an impoverished neighborhood.

Volunteer Corps is one of several service programs offered by AJWS, an international development organiza-

tion motivated by Judaism’s imperative to pursue justice.

Based in New York, AJWS is dedicated to alleviating poverty, hunger and disease among the people of the developing world regardless of race, religion or nationality.

The upcoming application deadlines for Volunteer Corps are Jan. 10, 2007 (for placements beginning from May 1 to Aug. 31, 2007) and May 2, 2007 (for placements beginning from Sept. 1 to Dec.31, 2007).

For more information, please visit www.ajws.org or call 1.212.792.2888.

Las Vegas, Nevada, teacher Judy Epstein earned the teaching profession’s top credential by achieving National Board Certification in 2006, according to the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards(NBPTS). It is a voluntary process established by the NBPTS, National Board Certification is achieved through a rigorous, performance-based assessment providing an advanced certificate. Former Omahans Judy and Steve Epstein have lived in Las Vegas for the past 10 years. She teaches eighth grade World Geography for the Clark County School District.

Who is the most impressive woman you know? Do you know a local leader who keeps her community strong, safe and healthy? Nominate her today for the League of Women Voters “Making Democracy Work Award”.

The League of Women Voters is honoring women who have improved Omaha through their leadership on civic issues. Nominations are open to any woman between the ages of 50 and 65 who has contributed to our community in a meaningful way. An application form can be downloaded from the League’s web site at www.omahalwv.org. All applications must be received by Jan. 20, 2007. Nominate your choice for the LWV’s Making Democracy Work Award. The League of Women Voters is where leaders volunteer to make democracy work.

December 29, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Lincoln Knows How to Party!

by JENNIFER ROSENBLATT The Lincoln Jewish Community School held its first Annual Hanukkah Party earlier this month at Tifereth Israel Synagogue.

“It was a huge success,” exclaimed Shoshanna Schechter-Shaffin, programming director of LJCS. “All of our teachers and students worked very hard to prepare songs, skits, and costumes for our production.”

More than 50 parents, grandparents, and community members turned out to enjoy the event.

“This was very well organized,” commented Nanci Hamicksburg, the mother of first grade triplets.

Rabbi Royi Shaffin, left, and Rabbi Ilan Emanuel lead t’fillah.

The morning began with an invitation to join in singing “Shehecheyanu” let by Schechter-Shaffin. The program opened with the kindergarten and first grade class singing the candle blessings while holding cardboard flames they made. The second and third grade class, after becoming animated by the “Hanukkah Fairy,” sang “Sevivon, Sov, Sov, Sov” while twirling.

The fourth and fifth grade class gave a lively, klezmer performance to “Al Hanissim” with a choreographed dance number during the bridge. The sixth and seventh graders sang a beautiful rendition of “Banu Choshet.”

Not to be outdone, Hallah High students surprised and delighted the crowd with their version of “I have a little dreidel,” complete with poster board dreidels draped over themselves. The concert ended with all LJCS students singing “Maoz Tzur.” Hallah High student, Zach Knecht, enhanced the program by accompa-

nying on piano. Children were treated to Hanukkah goody bags and all enjoyed the jelly doughnuts, or sufganiyot.

Another 100 people turned out for Tifereth Israel’s annual family Hanukkah party. The men’s group has

had been the chairman for this event for the past 33 years. Coren took over in 1973 from Julius Misle, Max Nieden, and Sheldon Kushner.

“When it started, we used to grate the potatoes by hand. Then someone had the idea to buy them pre-grated. This was a tremendous help,” explained Coren. He noted that each year the amount of potatoes need increased. “We started with 40 pounds of potatoes, then 50, and then 60.”

This year Coren handed off the “latke spatula” to Bob Hutkins, who aptly carried off the event without a hitch.

Hutkins has been Coren’s apprentice for 12 years. Hutkins made a special presentation of Dawn degreaser to Coren in recognition of his years of service.

“After frying latkes for four hours, the permeates everything.” smell Explained Hutkins. “The only way to get rid of it is to degrease yourself and Hallah High students entertain congregants with their rendition of “I have a little dreidel.” your clothes.”

Hutkins also recognized the newest member of their team, Mike Pred. Lou Halpern took on a lead role in the kitchen. Other thanks went to Mike Eppel, Marlon Weiss, Gary Hochman, Don Earl, and David Brockman.

“It takes about four hours, but everyone in the kitchen has a lot of fun,” said Coren. Hochman actually called Hutkins from Los Angeles, on his way back from Antarctica, to assure Hutkins that he would be there by 10 a.m.

USYers also had a hand in the party. They helped set tables, sold raffle tickets, and cleaned up. “It is encouraging to see the youth pitch in and help even without being told,” remarked Lori Feldman, Youth Director at Bob Hutkins, left, Gary Hochman, and Don Earl serve latkes Tifereth Israel. The youth held a fund raising raffle in and trimmings to congregants. addition to selling t-shirts and sweatpants designed by sponsored the event for as long as anyone can remem- the group. The clothing will continue to be on sale Sunday mornings. ber.

“Every year, someone says ‘These are the best latkes “The latkes are better this year than ever before,” remarked Charlie Coren. A veteran latke fryer, Coren ever’,” said Hutkins. Sure enough, they were.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

December 29, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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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.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 30 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel

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SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 Class with Rabbi Seth Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El Break-the-Fast & Game Night, 6 p.m. at Beth Israel New Years Eve Overnight, 6:30 p.m. at JCC MONDAY, JANUARY 1 JCC Closed TUESDAY, JANUARY 2 JCC 5-8TH Grade Ski Trip to Mt. Crescent, 9 a.m.

Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Mah Jongg Players, 12:30 p.m. at Blumkin Home BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

College Ice Cream with Rabbi Azriel, 8 p.m. at Ted & Wallys WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 Abba, Eema and ME, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Marian High School Senior Class Movie Viewing Schindler’s List, 11:30 a.m. at JCC Theater THURSDAY, JANUARY 4 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel JSS Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddush Group, 1 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross

SATURDAY, JANUARY 6 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel Shabbat Tunes and Tales, 11:15 a.m. at Beth El Hazak Lunch and Learn, noon at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m. and Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El 4B’s, 10:30 a.m. at Temple Israel Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Rosh Hodesh: It’s a Girl Thing, 12:30 p.m.

JSS Dancing Show, 1:30 p.m.

Omaha Artists Incorporated Reception, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 8 Friedel Jewish Academy Classes Resume JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El “Biblical Archeology,” 7 p.m. at Beth El NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. at JCC TUESDAY, JANUARY 9 ADL/CRC Executive Committee Meeting, noon Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Exec. Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

“Intro to Jewish Ethics,” 6 p.m. at JCC Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel The Mothers’ Circle, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beginning Hebrew Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 AIPAC Council Meeting Lunch, 11:45 a.m. at Ironwood Country Club BESTT Hebrew High Classes Resume, 7 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Tot Shabbat and Dinner, 6 p.m. at Temple Israel College Dinner, 6:45 p.m. at Temple Israel

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel JFS Programming Committee Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Center for Jewish Education Board Meeting, noon Torah on Wheels, noon at All Makes Office Equipment Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddush Group, 1 p.m.

Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross FRIDAY, JANUARY 12 Friedel Jewish Academy No School/ Teacher In Service Temple Israel Shabbat Comes To You, 4 p.m. at Remington Heights SATURDAY, JANUARY 13 Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15 a.m. at Temple Israel SUNDAY, JANUARY 14 Class with Rabbi Nadel, 9:45 a.m. at Beth Israel Adult Education, 10 a.m.-noon at Beth El BESTT Primary Grades Havdalah Program, 10 a.m.

Nashir Community Jewish Choir, 11 a.m. at Beth El Yachad, 1 p.m. at the Omaha Symphony Family Event Tribute to the Rescuers Lecture, 2 p.m.

Tribute to Rescuers Reception, 3:30 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 15 Women’s Book Group, 1 p.m. at Beth El Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

“Biblical Archeology” Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Film Festival, 7 p.m. at Beth El Family Mission Information and Recruitment, 7 p.m. Derech Torah: Judaism 101, 7:30 p.m. at JCC

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 16 Eye on Israel, noon at Kripke Library Mah Jongg Players, 12:30 p.m. at Blumkin Home BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

“Intro to Jewish Ethics,” 6 p.m. at JCC BESTT Board Meeting, 7 p.m. at Beth El Beginning Hebrew Class, 7 p.m. at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 17 Abba, Eema and ME, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El Rabbis & Presidents Meeting, 11:30 a.m. at JCC THURSDAY, JANUARY 18 Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m. at Beth Israel JSS Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Adult Study with the Clergy, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Getting More Out of Prayer, noon at Beth El Jewish Thought, 12:45 p.m. at Chabad House Yiddush Group, 1 p.m.

Kripke Library Book Discussion Group view the film Prime, noon NCJW Board Meeting, 7 p.m.

Coffee and Conversation with Rabbi Azriel, 7 p.m. at Barnes and Noble Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m. with Rabbi Gross FRIDAY, JANUARY 19 Visions Luncheon, 12:30 p.m. at Venice Inn BBYO Kallah Weekend, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY, JANUARY 20 BBYO Kallah Weekend, 9 a.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

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ten documents and literature, and the other is through

by JILL BELMONT the study of material culture. Each has its pluses and Beth El Publicity Coordinator The entire Jewish community will have an opportuni- minuses and both are equally important. Together they ty to take an intriguing journey through biblical archae- provide a better understanding of the past. Dealing with only one is like walking on one leg. In order to walk ology during an upcoming mini-course at Beth El. properly, one should aspire The course will be led by to walk on both legs.”

Dr. Rami Arav, professor at Dr. Arav says his fascinathe University of Nebraskation with archaeology was Omaha and director of the nurtured during his childConsortium of the hood.

Bethsaida Excavations “Growing up in Galilee on Projects in Israel, will be a farm, working in the field I held on the following encountered, almost daily, Mondays, Jan. 8, 15, 22 artifacts in the ground,” he and 29, 7-8:30 p.m. recalled. “My grandfather Dr. Arav received BA and and then my father actually MA degrees from Tel Aviv drew my attention to this University, as well as a Ph.D. and started a small collecin Near Eastern Languages tion. I was curious to know and Literature from New York University. In addition Sen. Ben Nelson (then governor of Nebraska) greets Dr. the story behind the artifacts, to the Bethsaida project, he Richard Freund, center, and Dr. Rami Ariv in 1993 at the and naturally turned to study archaeology. By the time I is the director of the John Bethsaida Excavation site in Galilee. and Carol Merrill Expedition to the Cave of Letters. At received my Ph.D., it was too late to start a ‘real world’ UNO, he teaches in the Department of Philosophy and career.

“During the years, I developed the excavations at Religion and the Department of History.

Each session of the mini-course will be devoted to dif- Bethsaida to be a major site,” he continued. “I have disferent topics, including “Why Biblical Archaeology? covered that Bethsaida was a capital of a forgotten bibliWhat Biblical Archaeology Can and Cannot Do”; cal kingdom. Now, how many forgotten biblical king“Where in the Bible Does History Begin? The doms are there to let a thing like that go? So again, it is Forgotten Kingdom of Geshur”, and “The Temple of another mission to retrieve a forgotten biblical kingdom that I undertook.”

Herod in Jerusalem: In Context.”

Dr. Arav’s class costs $18. To register or for more Making a connection with these ancient artifacts is important for Jews, Dr. Arav said. “There are two ways information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik to know about our past,” he said. “One is through writ- at 492.8550, or programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Spend the “Night Out” with Beth Israel’s Travelin’ Toddlers

by MARY BORT for Beth Israel Synagogue Beth Israel Synagogue’s Travelin’ Toddlers will start out the new year with the Travelin’ Toddlers Night Out at My Gym on Saturday, Jan. 6 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Travelin’ Toddlers is for children under the age of five and their families. The group goes on excursions, such as the upcoming visit to My Gym. According to Beth Israel’s Youth Director, Brooke Shrago, “We went to My Gym last year and the event was led by their very enthusiastic staff. A lot of parents hadn’t been there before and were impressed with how the program was run. They could watch their kids learning and doing new gymnastic moves and the kids had a great time.

Since it was such a successful program, we decided to make it an annual event for Travelin’ Toddlers.”

Children will experience a structured program that lasts 90 minutes, with circle-time games and gymnastics.

All children must be accompanied by a parent or grand-

parent, and if the child is age three or younger, then the adult should plan on being with the child on the tumbling mat.

“Kids should be dressed to play, tumble and flip,” noted Shrago. “I’d recommend pants for girls; dresses will make it hard to do the moves.” Kids will need to remove their shoes and socks, while parents on the mat should plan on removing just their shoes.

“After the activity, the children will have fun making a creative, healthful snack,” continued Shrago. “This is such a fun event for parents and kids. It’s a great way to enjoy a wintry night out together as a family, while also giving the kids a chance to play with other toddlers.”

The cost is $5 per child. Snacks and beverages are provided by Beth Israel. My Gym is located at 13038 West Center in Orchard Plaza near Target.

For planning purposes, reservations are being taken for the event at 556.6288.

ORGANIZATIONS WALK-IN; DROP-IN For members going on the Bunch to Lunch to the Cheesecake Factory on Thursday, meet at the JCC by 11 a.m. For reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334.6521.

LOMIR REDN YIDDISH The Yiddish Group is now officially a zamler (collector) for the National Yiddish Book Center in Amherst, MA. If you have any Yiddish books you would like to donate, please call Anne Skolkin at 343.1638. Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.

VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, Jan. 5, 9:30 a.m. in the conference room of the Blumkin Home.

Luncheon Meeting is on Friday, Jan. 19, 12:30 p.m., at the Venice Inn. Celebrate the Installation of New Officers for the year 2007. Our guest speaker, Mike Silverman, Executive Director of the Jewish Senior Services, will give a power point presentation on the rebuilding project for the Blumkin Home. Send reservations to Tootie Simon at 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114.

Join Visions for Urinetown--the Musical at the Omaha Community Playhouse (Howard Drew Theatre) on Sunday, Feb. 11, 2 p.m. Please meet in the lobby at 1:30 p.m. to pick up tickets. Cost is $28 per person.

Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza, #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 22. For information, call Rose Pitlor at 558.5144 or Goldston at 393.7358. Make checks payable to Visions.

Membership dues to Visions for 2007 are due. Please mail your check payable to Visions for $7.50 to: Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 68154.

JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Feel the passion with Middle Eastern dancers, the Arabian Delights, on Sunday, Jan. 7, 1:30 p.m., at the JCC auditorium. There is no admission fee. Enjoy the beautiful costumes, ethnic music and the art of sword dancing. For information, call Colleen Busk, Activities Director at 334.6520.

B’NAI B’RITH BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Jonathan Gross will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan. 3, noon at the Regency Lodge, according to Gary Javitch, chairman. Rabbi Gross recently attended a meeting on “Palestinian Perspectives” and heard a speaker from the Islam Solidarity Movement, an organization that calls for the destruction of Israel. He will share his views about that meeting. Call Rabbi Gross at 556.6288 or Gary Javitch at 496.2021 by Jan. 2, 5 p.m., if you need a kosher meal. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only.

December 29, 2006

Beth El’s Annual Hazak Shabbat to Feature ADL Director Potash during Lunch ’n Learn

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s Hazak group (for congregants ages 55 and older), is planning a special morning for its annual Hazak Shabbat on Saturday, Jan. 6.

Coordinated by Buddy Goodman, Shabbat services led by Hazak members will begin at 9:30 a.m., followed by an informative Lunch ’n Learn. Alan Potash, Director of the Plains States Region of the Anti-Defamation League, will address “Extremism: What We Need to Know and Do.” Alan Potash The entire community is invited to attend; cost of the luncheon is $8.50 for adults and $5.50 for children 12 and under; children five and younger are free. Reservations are needed by Dec. 31, and may be made by sending a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 So. 138 Ave. Cir., Omaha NE 68144.

For more information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

Nashir Choir Entertains at Hadassah Hanukkah Party

by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES Hadassah Publicity Coordinator It was beginning to look a lot like Hanukkah in the Community Room of the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, Dec. 10. The tables covered in blue were scattered with gold chocolate coins and Hershey kisses.

It sounded like Hanukkah also, when the Nashir Choir, conducted by Emily Meyer, treated the party goers to seasonal selections, including “Hanerot Halalu”, “Hanukkah Shalom”, “Hanukkah Madrigal” and “Havenu Shalom Aleichem”.

Choir members, accompanied by Yulia on the piano, included Nancy Wolf, Maxine Noodell, Gabe Meyer, Kathy Weiner, Dave Lercher, Donald Gerber and Audrey Wiener. Refreshments were served throughout the afternoon. Everyone agreed that the gathering was fun, and helped set the stage for the festive week of Hanukkah.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Staying Fit the Focus for Seniors

by ANDREA BARTMAN tion on proper stretching for JSS/RBJH and toning and ways that Members of Visions came seniors can exercise in a seattogether at the JCC earlier ed position. this month to hear about The Dancing Grannies folways they can remain active lowed the presentation by showing the crowd the and vital. Ellen Jackson of rewards of remaining active. the JCC Physical Education According to Pat Leitch, Department made a presentheir current leader, the tation to the group that was followed with a performance Grannies are a not for profit

by The Dancing Grannies. group made up of around Visions is an outreach group twenty women ranging in offered by Jewish Senior Members of the Dancing Grannies, including Rocky Stern, age from their early ’60s to Services for active retirees to second from right, kick up their heels to “One” from A early ’90s. They do two to three performances a month whom age is just a number Chorus Line. consisting of music ranging and who are vigorous and eager to pursue new adventures. Members enjoy many from the 1920s to the 1980s. All members are granddiverse programs with cultural and social events planned mothers or great-grandmothers. throughout the year. Luncheon meetings with guest speakVisions is currently taking memberships for 2007. If ers and entertainment are held every other month. you’re interested or need more information, please conThis month, Jackson’s presentation included informa- tact Maggie Conti at 330.4272.

Perfect Pairings

by Evan and Joyce Goldstein (University of California Press)

READ IT AND E AT Reviewed by LOIS FRIEDMAN Meet Joyce Goldstein, chef and restauranteer especial and her son, Evan, Master Sommelier. The talented duo guides you through the user friendly exploration of 12 grape varietals, sparkling wines and dessert wines available around the world, paired with 58 recipes. The book is designed “to be a practical and easy-to-use guide for learning about wines and their styles and how to pair them with food.”

Throw in some coaching, directions for sampling with all your senses and keys to understanding wine and food.

Following the introduction is Part I, The Journey, and begins with details (Wine-growing Areas, Vintner Choices, Flavors, Wine and Food Pairing, Methods of Cooking and Pairing Pointers), about the sparkling, bubbly category (“like Rodney Dangerfield”) and includes cream colored pages with four recipes with clear detailed instructions, comments by Joyce and Evan and recommendations to pair wine for Everyday, Permium and Splurge matching. Parts II, III and IV all follow the same format. “Chardonnay is the darling of white wines

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BAKED RICOTTA WITH TOAST 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil, or as needed 1 pound fresh soft ricotta cheese salt and freshly ground black pepper 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (optional) 12 slices grilled or toasted bread Preheat the oven to 300º. Lightly oil a 4-cup ceramic crock or souffle dish. Stir the ricotta cheese with a fork and add salt and pepper to taste. Stir in the herbs, if desired.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

This Was the Year That...

In Omaha, Jewish Senior Services and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home leadership unveiled its plan to rebuild and enlarge the current facility, creating a state-of-the-art nursing home with separate wings for short-stay rehab patients and for residents with dementia. Like the expansion and remodeling of the Jewish Community Center, this latest multi-million dollar project will, no doubt, be the envy of Jewish communities across the country.

Two of Omaha’s synagogues announced the hiring of assistant rabbis: Rabbi Eric Linder has joined the staff at Temple Israel, while Beth Israel welcomed Rabbi Seth Nadel.

Speaking of Temple Israel, its board announced that not only will plans proceed to build a new synagogue in West Omaha, but they will engage in discussions with a newlyformed Muslim group and the Episcopal diocese about sharing land and possibly facilities at the new location. This is a first for Omaha--and the country--and the Jewish community looks with great interest as to how this develops.

In response to Israel’s summer war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, the Jewish Federation announced a campaign to raise two million dollars towards a national goal of $320 million. To date, more than $1,350,000 has been raised-that’s in addition to more than $600,000 pledged for Operation Promise, which will assist in the immigration of the remaining Falash Mura to Israel and their resettlement, as

well as help support lifesaving activities for the Jewish elderly in the former Soviet Union. All this, on top of ongoing Annual Campaigns, which continue to remain robust.

Speaking of Israel, the country faced a battle not only with Hezbollah to its north, but with Hamas in Gaza--despite the fact that the State evacuated all its Jewish residents from Gaza a year earlier. Residents in the northern and western Galilee are still suffering from the barrage of rocket attacks--and three soldiers: Gilad Shalit, Udi Goldwasser and Eldad Regev are still being held captive by Hamas and Hezbollah (and we fervently hope they are still alive).

Despite the war, billionaire financier Warren Buffett invested in Israel, purchasing not one, but two companies--Iscar, a machine tool company that sells its products to 60 countries worldwide, and Agrologic, a computerized wireless sensor alarm company. During his 36-hour stay in Israel in September, the Oracle of Omaha was firm in his declaration of support for Israel and its culture of research and development in the area of technology, medical breakthroughs and agribusiness.

While the Jewish world is moving toward the future, Israel’s neighbors (and some radical Islamic countries in Africa and the Near East) continue to deny the Holocaust, threaten

total destruction of Israel, and intend to overthrow Europe and the West. In the meantime, Hamas and Fatah are close to civil war in Gaza, while Muslims torture and kill fellow Muslims in places like Iraq, Sudan, Somalia, Chad and now the Central African Republic.

Regardless of the good news out of Omaha or even Israel, for some 2006 seems a lot like 1938. Images of Nazi stormtroopers have been reawakened by the high kicks of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards. And appeasers in the Iraq Study Group are signaling this latest incarnation of Nazi horror with promises of “discussions,” while appearing to betray the only democracy in the Middle East -- Israel.

What will 2007 bring? G-d only knows!

Rabbis Try Reaching Out to Carter, but Say Damage from Book Remains

BEHIND THE HEADLINES

by BEN HARRIS NEW YORK (JTA)--For Jimmy Carter, a meeting with a group of Phoenix-area rabbis was the high point of his tour to promote Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid, a new book in which the former U.S. president blames Israel for the absence of Mideast peace.

For members of the Phoenix Board of Rabbis’ executive committee, who hoped a face-to-face meeting could help repair Carter’s relationship with the Jewish community, the Dec. 12 encounter was a disappointment.

“As a Jewish community, we have had a great deal of respect over the years for the human-rights work you have done and your commitment to the peace process,” Rabbi Andrew Straus told JTA, describing the group’s message to Carter. “But your new book has hurt our relationship with you and hurt our understanding of who you are and what you’re trying to do.”

The meeting, which lasted more than an hour, was described as cordial and respectful, but the rabbis left disheartened.

Carter claimed to be unaware of significant political differences within the American Jewish community with regard to Israel, and refused to speak out on behalf of Israeli soldiers being held captive in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon.

He also told the rabbis that his use of the incendiary term “apartheid” was meant to apply only to the West Bank and Gaza and not to Israel itself, which he described as a vibrant democracy.

The rabbis professed to be “shocked” by the revelation, noting that the book did not convey any sense of admiration for Israel. Carter promised he would be more explicit in drawing that distinction in subsequent media interviews.

Carter also expressed his willingness to condemn Palestinian terrorism more vociferously and to consider traveling to Israel with the rabbis, provided they also agreed to visit locations he deemed significant for his under-

standing of the conflict. The meeting concluded with participants joining hands in prayer.

In a subsequent phone call with Carter, Straus asked the former president if he saw the Palestinians as bearing any measure of culpability for the breakdown in the peace process.

“He couldn’t see any failures,” Straus said.

“Somehow or another, he has accepted the Palestinian vision and understanding of the Israeli-Arab dialogue, and is not able to be critical of the Palestinian community,” said Straus, of Temple Emanuel of Tempe, AZ. “You read through the book and there’s almost no criticism of Palestinians, almost no mention of terrorism.”

Pro-Israel protesters gather outside of the plaza where former president Jimmy Carter held a book signing at the Changing Hands Bookstore on Dec. 12 in Tempe, Ariz.

Photo by Deanna Dent Released last month, Carter’s book has come under intense criticism from Jewish organizations who have blasted everything from its title --which evokes comparisons to apartheid South Africa--to its scholarship, which has been described as shoddy and riddled with errors.

The Anti-Defamation League, in particular, has taken Carter to task, sponsoring an ad campaign in major American publications and devoting a section of its Web site to criticizing the book.

Abraham Foxman, the ADL’s national director, told JTA that Carter is “engaging in antiSemitism” by suggesting that his book is a reaction to stifled debate on Israel.

Criticism of Carter has not been restricted to Jewish organizations.

Writing in the Washington Post, Michael Kinsley called the apartheid analogy ``a foolish

and unfair comparison, unworthy of the man who won--and deserved--the Nobel Peace Prize.”

The chorus of outrage was heightened by the resignation earlier this month of Kenneth Stein from his post as a fellow of the Carter Center, the former president’s human rights foundation based at Emory University in Atlanta.

In his letter, which ended a 23-year association with the center, Stein claims the book is “replete with factual errors, copied materials not cited, superficialities, glaring omissions, and simply invented segments.”

Carter has stood his ground, as he did in the Phoenix meeting. In interviews he has said that in some instances, Israeli conduct is ``even worse” than South Africa’s. And in a recent Op-Ed in the Los Angeles Times, he said there are “severe restraints” imposed on any discussion of the issue.

On Dec. 15, Carter released a letter to “Jewish citizens of America,” denying that he had ever claimed that U.S. Jews control the media and clarifying that what he sees as “overwhelming bias for Israel” comes from the Christian community. He also acknowledged that the American Israel Public Affairs Committee’s efforts to build support for Israel in Washington are legitimate, but lamented what he called the absence of countervailing voices.

Many have noted the irony that it was during Carter’s presidency that Israel achieved its most significant breakthrough in relations with its Arab neighbors: the 1979 peace treaty signed by Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin and Egyptian President Anwar Sadat.

Carter presided over the negotiations at the presidential retreat at Camp David.

But that history only further saddens those who would look to Carter as a peacemaker.

Noting the coincidence of the Iranian conference on the Holocaust and the Carter meeting, Rabbi Bonnie Koppel, who serves three congregations in the Phoenix area, told JTA she was saddened by the experience.

“I can’t say that I came away from the meeting feeling satisfied,” Koppel said. “I just came away feeling that this has been a very hard week to be a Jew.”

(Founded in 1920) Howard K. Marcus Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Terri Greenwood Advertising Executive Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Anne Muskin Editorial Intern Jewish Press Committee Bobbi Leibowitz, Vice-Chairman; Stan Mitchell, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Treasurer; Michael Siegel, Finance Chairman; Joanie Jacobson, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Susan Lehr; Jamie Meyerson; George Quittner; Melissa Schop; Michael Sigmond; 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. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Center for Jewish Education, Jewish Family Service, and Jewish Senior Services.

The Jewish Press is a constitutional committee of the Jewish Federation.

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December 29, 2006

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Bush Appropriates Hanukkah Moral in Depicting Current Threat from Iran

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by RON KAMPEAS WASHINGTON, Dec. 19 (JTA) -- The White House Christmas tree is up, the Christmas cards have been sent, but when it comes to policy, it’s beginning to sound a lot like Hanukkah.

President Bush and his Cabinet have seized upon the Maccabean message of refusing to give in to tyranny to reinforce Bush’s refusal to deal with Iran as a means of resolving Iraq’s burgeoning crisis. In at least one closed meeting, Bush made the connection explicitly.

The message is consistent with Bush’s resistance to recommendations earlier this month by the congressionally mandated Iraq Study Group that the United States engage with Iran.

Bush and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice have rejected the study group’s calls to bring Iran and Syria into regional talks on Iraq as long as those nations continue to back terrorism and Iran does not comply with international demands to stop a program that could culminate in nuclear weapons.

The tone was set with Bush’s annual Hanukkah message, released Dec. 8, hours before the holiday began.

“After Jerusalem was conquered by an oppressive king and the Jews lost their right to worship in freedom, Judah Maccabee and his followers courageously set out to reclaim Jerusalem from foreign rule,” Bush said. “Though their numbers were small, the Maccabees’ dedication to their faith was strong, and they emerged victorious.”

It was a contrast with Bush’s Christmas message, which was focused on compassion. “In this season of giving, we also remember the universal call to love our neighbors,” Bush said. “Millions of compassionate souls take time during the holidays to help people who are hurt, feed those who are hungry and shelter those who need homes.”

The tough message re-emerged two days later at the Chabad-Lubavitch-spon-

sored “national menorah lighting” on the ellipse in front of the White House.

“This menorah is a beacon that guides us away from the forces of darkness,” said U.S. Trade Representative Susan Schwab, referring to the Holocaust-denial conference in Tehran.

Schwab, the daughter of Holocaust survivors, said she was delivering the message on Bush’s behalf before she ascended in a scissors lift to light the menorah’s massive oil lamps.

On Dec. 11, Bush presided over the

by his Jewish Cabinet members: Schwab, White House Chief of Staff Josh Bolten and Homeland Security Secretary Michael Chertoff.

Bush’s linkage of the Hanukkah message and Iran was explicit earlier that day at a meeting that was expected to focus on Jewish higher education. White House Hanukkah meetings change in theme from year to year; previous years have featured day school educators and rabbis.

This year, participants said, Bush

President Bush and Laura Bush watch as Ariel Cohen, 14, lights the menorah during the annual White House Hanukkah reception, Dec. 11, 2006. Pictured at right are Ariel’s parents, Dan and Rachel Cohen, and sister Alison, 11. The White House menorah lighting was a wish come true for Ariel, who met Laura Bush while recovering from a stroke. Laura Bush was touring the Washington Children’s Hospital last year when she met Ariel, then 13, and recovering from a pediatric stroke. According to a spokeswoman for Laura Bush, Ariel asked the First Lady if she celebrated Hanukkah at the White House, and also asked if she could have a Hanukkah party at the White House. Laura Bush said she could if she worked hard on her recovery. Ariel recited the blessing and lit the candles for the fourth night of Hanukkah. “I want to thank Ariel Cohen and her family for being here,” President Bush said afterward. “Ariel, you did a wonderful job of saying the Hanukkah blessings and lighting the Credit: Shealah Craighead/White House candles.” menorah lighting inside the White House.

“We pray that those who still live in the darkness of tyranny will someday see the light of freedom,” he said, accompanied

seemed more interested in discussing Iran.

“A lot of the conversation centered on Iran and on the President’s conviction that they not be allowed to pick up a

nuclear weapon,” said Avi Mayer, a University of Maryland undergraduate who was one of four students representing Hillel: The Foundation for Jewish Campus Life. “He said there’s no use in propping up despots, they have to be confronted and brought to task for their actions.”

Others agreed that Bush’s central message at the meeting was Iran and the global threat of terrorism.

“The tone was set by the President, who wanted to discuss what was on his mind,” said Dan Ehrenkrantz, President of the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College in suburban Philadelphia. “And what was on his mind was more international than national.”

To the extent that Bush discussed higher education, he emphasized its moral imperative against tyranny, said Julian Sandler, chairman of Hillel’s board.

“There was a common refrain of the importance of values and how values are the most valuable antidote” to despotism, Sandler said.

Bush said that despite declarations of piety from Muslim radicals now fighting the United States, he doubted that they believed in God. “‘Terrorists can’t be God-believing people,’” Richard Joel, President of Yeshiva University, quoted Bush as saying. “The impression was of a resolute president with the courage of his convictions,” Joel said. “There wasn’t any sense he was about to renounce directions he has taken.”

Participants were impressed by Bush’s commitment to Israel and his graciousness to his guests, noting that he posed with each participant for Oval Office photos after the meeting, which lasted more than an hour--double the usual time for such get-togethers.

The Jewish Press office will be closed Monday, Jan. 1, 2007, for New Year’s Day. Deadlines are back to Thursdays, 9 a.m., for all ads, articles and photos.

Questions? Call 402.334.6448.

Egyptian Demands Israel Vacate Southern Port City of Eilat

BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by DAVID BEDEIN It will be remembered that the 1967 war broke out after Egypt closed the straits of Tiran and strangled the trade from Israel’s southern port city of Eilat.

Yet it is hardly known by anyone that Egypt has staked a claim to the city of Eilat, ever since Egypt lost Eilat to the nascent state of Israel in the wake of the Israeli defeat of the Egyptian army in the 1948 war and the expulsion of the Egyptians from this southern port city on the Red Sea. Now, in wake of recent reports about plans to dig a canal linking the Red Sea on the Israeli side and the Dead Sea on its Jordanian side, a fiery argument broke out in Egypt’s parliament, with the MPs speaking out against the “Israeli plot to choke the Suez Canal to death.”

In the course of the debate, which has been going on in parliament, Abed el-Aziz Sayef a-Nasser, an aide to the Egyptian foreign minister, was called as an expert witness. A-Nasser is the director of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry’s legal department. “Eilat, or by its former name Umm Rashrash, belongs to the Palestinians,” he said, representing the opinion of the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

His predecessor, Dr. Nabil el-Arabi, was the head of the Foreign Ministry’s legal department and headed the delegation for negotiations at Taba. He also

emphatically declared: “Eilat belongs to the Palestinians.”

A-Nasser’s response was meant to calm tempers in the rowdy debate in the Egyptian parliament, after dozens of opposition representatives demanding holding negotiations to have Eilat returned to Egyptia sovereignty. Opposition MPs recruited several legal experts, international law lecturers and experts on geography and topography who showed documents and opinions that Eilat is territory that belongs to Egypt and was captured in 1949 by Israel. They contend that the Egyptian negotiating team to Taba conceded Eilat to Israel 20 years ago “in the framework of the wish to build confidence and to display Egyptian good will in the spirit of the peace agreement.”

...in wake of recent reports about plans to dig a canal linking the Red Sea on the Israeli side and the Dead Sea on its Jordanian side, a fiery argument broke out in Egypt’s parliament, with the MPs speaking out against the “Israeli plot to choke the Suez Canal to death.”

This was not the end of the matter. An Egyptian international law expert presented an intermediate position in parliament: “Eilat belongs formally to Egypt and administratively to the Palestinians.”

In the debate in parliament earlier this month, an

opposition MP, Mohammed el-Aadali, whipped out a document from 1906 which states, in the name of the Ottoman sultan: Umm Rashrash belongs to Egypt. In this spot, said the Egyptian experts on topography and geography, Egyptian pilgrims would stop and rest on their way to the holy cities in Saudi Arabia.

Another document brings testimony relating to 350 Egyptian police who were in Umm Rashrash just before it was captured in March 1949 and who were killed in battles with IDF soldiers.

Significantly, in the debate among the Egyptian MPs, the experts and the Foreign Ministry officials, no mention is made of possible legitimate Israeli sovereignty of Eilat. The debate in Cairo is between two camps: the Egyptian Foreign Ministry which claims that Eilat belongs to the Palestinians, and the opposition MPs who claim that Eilat belongs to Egypt.

The opposition Egyptian MPs threatened to relay their demand for an Israeli withdrawal from Eilat to the Arab League to handle. Despite Israel’s 1979 peace treaty with Egypt, the Arab League’s 1948 declaration of war to liquidate the state of Israel remains in force.

While Egypt was the kingpin of the Arab League from 1948 until 1977, the current dominant power in the Arab League is Saudi Arabia, which remains in a consistent state of war with the Jewish State until the present day.

To that end, Saudi Arabia finances all Islamic terror groups that fight Israel, and continues to forbid any Jew from stepping on the soil of the Saudi kingdom.

David Bedein is Bureau Chief of the Israel Resource News Agency in Jerusalem. He can be reached at: media@actcom.co.il.

Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

Candlelighting Friday, December 29, 4:47 p.m.

Synagogue Listings B’nai Israel Synagogue 618 Mynster St. Council Bluffs, IA 51503-0766 322.4705 email: CBsynagogue@hotmail.com

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

FRIDAY: Services followed by Oneg, 7:30 p.m. with guest speaker, Staff Sergeant Jay Benton.

The community is invited.

Beth El Synagogue Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154-1980 492.8550 www.bethel-omaha.org

Beth Israel Synagogue Member of Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 12604 Pacific St. Omaha, NE. 68154 556.6288 BethIsrael@OrthodoxOmaha.org

Beyt Shalom An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation 3012 S. 119 St. P.O. Box 390352 Omaha, NE 68139 660.2395 www.beytshalomomaha.org

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush is sponsored

by Beth El; Mincha/Ma’ariv, 4:50 p.m.

Sitter Service is available during Friday night and Saturday morning services, on a drop-in basis, at no charge.

W E E K D AY S E R V I C E S : Sundays, 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.; weekdays 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

HAZAK SHABBAT & LUNCH ‘N LEARN Saturday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. services. Luncheon speaker will be Alan Potash, regional director of the Plains States region of the Anti-Defamation League, who will address “Extremism: What Do We Need to Know and Do?” Cost is $8.50 for adults, $5.50 for children six-12, and free for children five and younger. For reservations, call Natalie Rubin at 334.5893.

SHABBAT TUNES & TALES Saturday, Jan. 6, 11:15-11:45 a.m., Monthly sing-along program led by Patty Nogg is open to all Jewish children (up to age five), their parents and grandparents - free of charge.

BEGINNING HEBREW CLASS: led by Susi FrydmanLevin, class starts Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7 p.m., and runs through May. Cost is $36; to register or for more information, contact Margie Gutnik in the office.

MOTHERS CIRCLE: Monthly class for non-Jewish mothers raising Jewish children, continues Tuesday, Jan. 9, 7-8:30 p.m. and is open to the community, free of charge. For information, contact Judy Rubin, 498.0904 or eddir@bethel-omaha.org.

BIBLICAL ARCHAEOLOGY MINI-COURSE Tuesdays in January, beginning Jan. 8, 7 p.m., led by UNO Professor Dr. Rami Arav. Cost is $18. Contact the synagogue office to register.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CONGREGATION Office Hours: Mon.-Thurs., B’NAI JESHURUN

8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fri., 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

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

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.

Free babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Children’s Classes, 10 a.m. (call the office for schedule); Kiddush is sponsored by Leon & Dani Shrago in honor of their 35th anniversary and the 21st birthday of their daughter, Shoshy; Mincha, 12:51 p.m.; Suedat Shlishit with Gemara class, 4:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:51 p.m.

SUNDAY-The Fast of the Tenth of Tevet: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; “Reading the Rambam” with Rabbi Nadel follows breakfast, 9:45 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Sunday morning class is on break unil Jan. 7; Break the Fast Dinner and Game Night, 6 p.m.

Babysitting available throughout the evening. Dinner is $5 (game night and babysitting are free); Ma’ariv, 8:30 p.m.

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

MONDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; The synagogue office is closed.

THURSDAY: Women of the Torah class, 9:30 a.m.; Advanced Parsha Study, 9 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat in the Home.

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

FRIDAY: Service, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush luncheon follows the service.

SUNDAY: Service, 8:30 a.m.; Living Torah, 9:30 a.m., 20minute video broadcast.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

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

TUESDAY: Women of Worth Prayer Circle Tehillim & More, 9 a.m.

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

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

Events and programs are open to the community. For information or to register, call 330.1800 or visit www. Ochabad.com.

Sounds of Klezmer at B’nai Israel If you’re looking at this space, so are others!

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call

Allan Handleman, 334.6451, or Terri Greenwood, 334.6559.

Klezmer music resounded throughout the sanctuary at B’nai Israel in Council Bluffs earlier this month when Tuffy Epstein gave a demonstration and spoke about its origins during the synagogue’s Second-Friday-of-theMonth series. Describing the history of some of the musical instruments used to bring Klezmer to the Jews throughout the world, he spoke of its relationship to classical, jazz and modern music. The Speaker Series continues on Friday evening, Jan. 12, 7:30 p.m., when Staff Sgt. Jay Benton will describe his experiences -- “A Jewish Soldier in Iraq,” during Shabbat services. Services and the speaker series are open to the Jewish community; an Oneg Shabbat follows.

Services conducted by Rabbi Ilan Emanuel.

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:45 p.m. led by Rabbi Emanuel, with oneg provided by Judy McKeighan.

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

Religious SUNDAY: No School Classes MONDAY: Temple Office Closed WEDNESDAY: Hebrew class (grades 2-7), 4-6 p.m. at Tifereth Israel.

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

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Phyllis Hoffman.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. Cantor Wendy Shermet will lead the service.

SATURDAY: Sparks Beneath the Surface, 9:15-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat Morning Service, 10:30 a.m.

SITTER SERVICE: Available each Friday evening for the 7:30 p.m. service, Saturday mornings when there is a bar or bat mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School.

Advance reservations and a $5 donation are appreciated. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants.

SUNDAY: No Religious School.

TUESDAY: College Ice Cream Night with Rabbi Azriel, 8 p.m. at Ted and Wally’s (1120 Jackson Street). College age and beyond join Rabbi Aryeh Azriel for some shmoozing and ice cream.

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

FRIDAY, JAN 5.: College Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. Jeff Gates will give the D’var

Torah on “Raised in the ‘Bayit’ of Temple Israel” when Temple hosts dinner for all college students (see article on page 1); Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead the service. Cost is $5 for adults and children eat for free. Call the office to reserve.

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Royi Shaffin.

Minyan, MONDAY and THURSDAY, 9 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. followed by a light oneg.

SATURDAY: Weekly Parashah class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m.

Religious SUNDAY: No School Classes WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group meets at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Call Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

The office will be closed next week.

MISSION TO ISRAEL Sign up for this amazing, once in a lifetime opportunity. The trip is March 8-18 (coinciding with UNL/LPS Spring Break) and will include visits to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, the Galilee, Masada and the Dead Sea. See biblical sights as well as modern Israel, shop and spend time having fun and enjoying Israel, at 3 and 4 star hotels.

Cost is $3,000 per person and financial assistance is available through the Lincoln Federation; all information will be kept confidential. Please call Federation President Marcia Kushner at 402.423.5959 to apply. To sign up, send a non-refundable $250 deposit made out to Rabbi’s Discretionary Fund to Tifereth Israel by Jan. 3. Send with name, address, phone number, e-mail, number participating ($250 deposit needed for each participant), passport number(s), medical condition(s), dietary needs, and amount enclosed. Space is limited; sign up this week!

BAR MITZVAH David M. Siref, son of Kathy and Larry Siref, will become Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Jan. 6, at Temple Israel.

David is a seventh-grade student at Kiewit Middle School.

His interests include music, playing the guitar, Nintendo, Wii, science and reading.

For his mitzvah project, David volunteers at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

He has a brother, Andy.

Grandparents are Marsha and Philip Cofman, and Esther Siref and the late William (Bill) Siref.

To Submit B’nai Mitzvah Announcements Announcements may be e-mailed to the Press with attached photos in .jpg or .tif files to jpress@jewishomaha.org; faxed to 402.334.5422, or mailed to 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68154. Forms are available through Omaha and Lincoln synagogues, by contacting The Jewish Press at 402.334.6448, or by e-mailing the Editor at: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org.

You can also submit 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.

December 29, 2006

Joseph the Prognosticator

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat VaYiggash The Bible has many interesting characters. One of the most fascinating is Joseph.

He is a man of complex character, indeed, since we first learn of him as an arrogant young snip, and we leave him as a seasoned, mature man, a help to his brothers whom he had alienated, and the lifesaver to them, to all Egypt and to the whole world that relied on Egypt.

His career involves the question of dreams and their meaning. He, himself, was a dreamer, and in his dreams, he saw himself not merely as the head of his family, but as the head of a whole section of mankind.

There is some thought that a dreamer actually influences the history of the times that pass by his dreaming

mind. This was true of Joseph, for he interpreted correctly the dreams of Pharaoh’s servants, and then the dreams of Pharaoh himself.

Did his interpretations result in the actual completion in reality of the dreams themselves? If he dreamed of periods of plenty, did that mean that Pharaoh brought on the years of plenty? And if he dreamed of famine, did that in itself bring on the years of famine?

We will have to leave the answers to these questions to the students of Sigmund Freud. In the meantime, we will read of Joseph the prognosticator, Joseph the manager, Joseph the provider, Joseph the manipulator, Joseph the forgiver, Joseph the man of many parts.

Every year when we read of him, we find new and fascinating aspects of Joseph’s character. His mind processes unfold themselves before us, each year anew. And now Judah approaches him, approaches Joseph the Man, apprehensive, worried, desperate--and yet, hopeful. Each year, the reader awaits Joseph’s decision.

(Editor’s note: this column originally appeared in the Dec. 21, 2001, Jewish Press.)

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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DEATHS MARGIE ALPERSON Margie Alperson, the mother of Joel Alperson, Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first ever National Campaign Chairman for United Jewish Communities, died Dec. 23 at the age of 73. Services were held Dec. 26 at Beth Israel Synagogue.

Margie Alperson was chairman of the Lion of Judah division of Omahaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Campaign and has served in a fundraising capacity for a number of organizations, including Beth Israel Synagogueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s building campaign.

In 1992, she and her husband Paul â&#x20AC;&#x153;Peicyâ&#x20AC;? Alperson (who died in 1993), personally underwrote an appearance in Omaha by well known author and radio host, Dennis Prager.

She was also preceded in death by her brothers, Chuck and Irving Gendler.

In addition to Joel Alperson and wife Dr. Daphna Pollak, New York City; she is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Dr. Carol and David Porter of Overland Park, KS; Dr. Amie Wolf-Mehlman and Dr. Todd Mehlman of Passaic, New Jersey; and sisters, Jean Gendler and Sally Wintroub and her husband Leon Wintroub; brothers, Norman, Sam and Hymie Gendler;

and grandchildren Sophia and Joseph Porter, and Ester, Gavriel and Elianna Wolf.

Memorials to the Margie Alperson Memorial Fund at Beth Israel Synagogue or Chabad.

JULIUS BERNSTEIN Julius Bernstein died December 22 at the age of 95.

Graveside services were held Dec. 24 at Fisher Farm.

He is survived by his wife Vera Bernstein; son and daughter-in-law, Richard Bernstein and Julie Donahue; grandchildren Alli and Kate Donahue, and Mark Donahue of Kansas City and Kevin Donahue; sister Merrian Spiegal; and many nieces and nephews.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Beth Israel Synagogue.

SYLVIA FRIEDEL GOLDBERG Sylvia Goldberg died December 23 at the age of 99.

She is survived by daughters and son-in-law, Leanne and Frank Goldberg and Judi Biniamow; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Beth El Synagogue.

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Initiated by the Israeli Embassy in Madrid, the plan for the dedication was announced during a visit by Israeli President Moshe Katsav to Madrid last September. Also present at the ceremony were local authorities, ambassadors and students from the Madrid Jewish day school.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 29, 2006

A Hanukkah Miracle on 132nd Street

by ANNETTE VAN DE KAMP-WRIGHT were in the story of Judah the Maccabee. for Friedel Jewish Academy Community member Alan Potash, who Hanukkah season is a busy time for all, attended the play, was “very impressed so let’s add something else into the equa- with the level of knowledge and comfort tion. Take 34 children, ranging in age with the Hebrew language which the from five to 12, and teach them how to children displayed.” He also stated that perform the Hanukkah story in front of “this was a beautiful and powerful statean audience, and entirely in Hebrew. Last ment for the Jewish Community in week, the teachers and students of Friedel Omaha as a whole.”

Music teacher Tuffy Jewish Academy were not only up to the challenge, Epstein started the night they made it into a huge off with a bang as the success.

Friedel Band showcased its musical talents. After With the help of Ariot the audience that, the Lion (who also watched as Antiochus was moonlights as the cardefeated once again, and toon character that helps this time the Maccabees the students learn their did it with a soundtrack.

Hebrew lessons) the students told the audience Julie Philips, who all about Greeks, idols, designed the sets and and, above all, brave props, did a fabulous job Maccabees and oily mirabringing the characters and ancient artifacts to cles. life. With only cardboard Parents and community members watched as the Sarah Kutler plays the role of King and some paint she children sang, danced and Antiochus in Friedel’s Hanukkah worked a Hanukkah miracle of her own. acted their hearts out at program.

The real stars of the the JCC auditorium. evening, however, Jewish Studies teachwere the children. ers Na’ama Arzi and They showed enthuEadie Tsabari led the siasm, focus, and a children through great command of many weeks of pracHebrew. They were tice, practice, and then able to make the some more practice.

Students even were story their own and sent home with a CD this can only that held all the songs, strengthen their so they could practice sense of Jewish idenat home. One would tity more. They obvibe hard pressed to find ously worked a single Friedel parent, Friedel teacher Eadie Tsabari helps Sam extremely hard to brother, or sister, who Kricsfeld with his costume while Naomi make it all happen, and they certainly does not by now know Teetzel assists Samantha Wiener. earned their applause. every single song by heart.

As Cookie Katskee put it at the end of It all paid off. On the “Big Night”, everybody in the audience could share in the night: “They’re pretty darn great, the enthusiasm with which the children aren’t they?”

And they were. stood on stage, and how involved they

Omaha Artists Group to Return to Jewish Community Center Gallery

by SHARON CLAWSON Omaha Artist, Inc. Exhibit Chairperson The Omaha Artists, Inc. will display their exhibit in the JCC Gallery from Jan. 3-29, 2007. Omaha Artists, Inc. was organized to promote the appreciation and development of fine art in and around the Omaha Metro area.

Membership is composed of various artist types: active artists who show and sell their works in galleries, and those who are more leisurely in their art pursuits.

Nontheless, we are all artists who have a passion to create. The group was organized in February of 1946 with 30 members, and has grown in size and scope over the years.

As a club, we have three art shows each year. Monthly workshops are held in which members learn new methods and media to create their art. Two scholarships are given each year for two artists to further their skills by attending a workshop of each artist’s choice. One of our extensive outreach programs, created in the fall of 2000, provides art supplies donated to child-related organizations such as Ronald McDonald House, Lied Transplant Center and the Child Saving Institute.

In 2002, the Sudanese Art Project was born. Several of our members volunteer to give art instruction to Sudanese and other non-English speaking adults at Calvary Baptist Church, once a week from September through May with supplies donated by Omaha Artists members.

One of our three annual shows at the Jewish Community Center Gallery runs from Jan. 3-29, and will feature all types of art ranging from paintings and three-dimensional works to photographs. Judge for this show is the well known Omaha area artist Hal Haloun. He paints in oil, mainly landscapes and figurative subjects.

After many years of showing and teaching, Haloun uses much of his time now to focus on what he enjoys the most, painting. He has sold his paintings to private and public entities all over the country. Locally, his artwork may be seen at Anderson O’Brien Gallery.

An opening reception will be held at the JCC on Sunday, Jan. 7, 2-4 p.m.

For more information about the exhibit, contact Rachel Blum, JCC Program Director at 334.6404.

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