December 30, 2005

Vol. LXXXV No. 16 Omaha, NE

Celebrating 84 Years of Service to Nebraska and Western Iowa

29 Kislev, 5766 December 30, 2005

With its Educational System Slipping, Israel Moves to Test School Reform Program

by DINA KRAFT Part I of a three-part series TEL AVIV (JTA)--The environmentalstudies teacher kneels with a group of second-graders in a garden patch as together they plant a row of cabbage seeds, digging just deeply enough to protect the plants they will become.

The seemingly ordinary activity is a first for the Gderot School in central Israel.

The money to hire Gderot’s first environmental studies teacher is one of the benefits of being among 200 schools participating in the government’s pilot program that aims to revitalize Israel’s muchmaligned school system.

“It’s the beginning of a change,” said Niza Vider, principal of the Gderot elementary school, which serves a cluster of moshavim near Rehovot.

The pilot program was launched this year. It comes as Israel’s schools are considered to be in dire straits. Students place near the bottom on international tests compared to their Western counterparts. Students have to scramble for attention in large and crowded classes, and rates of school violence--mostly in the form of severe bullying--are high.

Teachers are underpaid and, in some cases, considered underqualified.

“The kids from Israel, for them school is like camp. There is no discipline or regulations. You do what you want,” says Eitan

Stoller, 30, a civics and history teacher at Lady Davis Amal High School who was voted best teacher in Tel Aviv last year in a local magazine poll. He has enforced a strict code of conduct in his that classes has proven successful.

But in many Israel’s of classrooms, an atmosphere of chaos reigns.

Israeli children walk to school in Jerusalem, Sept. 5, 2005.

Teachers Credit: Brian Hendler/JTA to struggle control classes with as many as 40 students. study that found Israeli teachers to be Both parents and students complain that among the least demanding in the develthe school system has become a place less of oped world.

“It’s amazing how little we demand,” intellectual stimulation than of boredom.

In what may be a case of self-fulfilling Mevarech said of teachers’ expectations prophecy, low teacher expectations con- for students. Trying to ensure that students pass matriculation exams at the end tribute to the downward spiral.

Zemira Mevarech, an education profes- of high school, teachers tend to spoonsor and vice rector of Bar Ilan University, feed information rather than challenge and two colleagues recently completed a their students to think creatively and crit-

Brisket Maven

by CAROL KATZMAN Editor of the Jewish Press Some years ago, Diane Zipay was out to dinner when Merilee Katzman ran up to her table. “Are you Lucille Epstein’s daughter?” she asked Zipay. “She has the BEST brisket recipe!” And she raved about it for 20 minutes.

Today, Zipay is the Director of Nutrition Services for the Westside School District #66. She wondered how to incorporate Hanukkah into the school lunch menu and thought, “Why can’t my mom teach our chef at the high school how to do this?”

The result? Brisket lunch for 5,000!

It started Dec. 12, when Zipay recruited her mother to teach the staff how to make her famous brisket.

Epstein’s recipe (found at the end of this article) was actually featured in “Balebusta of the Month,” once a regular Baker’s Supermarkets ad in the Jewish Press.

Continued on page 4

Lucille Epstein prepares a Hanukkah menu, including brisket--for 5000--at Westside Community Schools.

Inside Opinion Page see page 8

Project Dreidel Chronicles

Stepping out of the Dark

by SHARON BARGAS for Jewish Family Service Welcome to the third and last installment of The Project Dreidel Chronicles. Since the inception of the Project Dreidel Chronicle series, maintaining the privacy and integrity of the people who receive services from Jewish Family Service has been paramount. We have respected their wishes by changing their names. Over the last several years, JFS has seen an increase in the number of local Jewish families and individuals who are in crisis or faced with overwhelming challenges. All participants in the series are survivors and these individuals are no different.

For richer or poorer; in sickness and in health --these vows are taken seriously between couples. Married for eleven years, Alan and Rachel Persky understand the significance of love and devotion.

Rachel Persky has traveled a long road emotionally and physically over time with her husband. Looking forward to a long, happy life together, she couldn’t foresee her future.

Shortly into their marriage, Alan was diagnosed with severe heart trouble and began suffering from Alzheimer’s disease by the time he reached his early 50s.

As a result, Rachel tends to ignore her own health issues to care for her husband.

A laundry list of medical complications have made it

This Week: Monthly Calendar: Pages 6-7 Rock of Ages: A Tribute to Karin Levine: Page 3

ically, she said.

Given the failure to push students, perhaps it’s not surprising that an international survey in 2003 ranked Israel 33rd out of the top 41 developed countries in science, 31st in math and 30th in reading.

“It’s really low. We were shocked to see it,” Mevarech said.

Israel’s academic elite warn that if the education system doesn’t improve, it could have catastrophic consequences for the country’s ability to compete internationally.

Technion professor Aaron Ciechanover, who shared the 2004 Nobel Prize in chemistry with an Israeli and an American colleague, said the educational system is plunging Israel into a “quiet crisis” that doesn’t receive the attention it deserves.

“Unless rapidly corrected, this choking of brain power will soon erase the admirable progress Israel has made in joining the First World. It will destroy the opportunities and the future that Israel’s people deserve. It will also decimate the great source of pride Israel has bestowed on Jewish communities around the world,” Ciechanover wrote in a recent essay.

“At this dangerous juncture, the government must make education a high national priority. Earmarked support from Jewish communities world-wide is now more crucial than ever,” he continued. “Only if Israel will be able to supply Continued on page 2

difficult for Rachel to maintain employment. She has suffered through several back surgeries, as well as hip and knee replacements. Her on-going physical pain and lack of mobility caused her to spiral into a deep depression, which she continues to battle today.

There were times when they couldn’t pay for their gas or electrical bills. Had it not been for JFS stepping in to provide the couple emergency financial assistance, the Perskys would have lost everything.

More important than the financial assistance was the invaluable financial counseling they received, according to Mrs. Persky. JFS counseled the couple on how to resolve their medical debt. Astounded by the services provided by JFS, the couple isn’t afraid to sit in the dark anymore.

Not just a shoulder to cry on, JFS really became active in the Persky’s lives. According to Rachel, the couple felt comfortable knowing they were not subject to gossip.

JFS taught her that it was okay to ask for help and how to become self reliant in order to gain a sense of self respect.

Continued on page 4

Coming Next Month: Tax & Financial Planning Issue on Jan. 13

Center for Jewish Education Offers News Classes: Page 4

Person of the Year and Media’s Failure in Darfur: Page 9

Hanukkah Celebrations Around the Heartland: Page 12

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

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Continued from page 1 ly in poorer parts of the country. The schools are to folthe world’s best-trained, most creative and knowledge- low the recommendations of the Dovrat committee, able workers will the nation’s economic independence which was charged with addressing the decline in Israeli and social progress be assured.” schools, specifically low achievement in math, science Some educators say the Israeli school system has been and literacy on international tests. on a downward slide for two decades, attributable to a At the Gderot School--where students come from a range of factors from shrinking budgets to the chal- relatively high socio-economic background compared to lenges of teaching an especially diverse student body. other schools participating in the pilot program--the Low salaries make it increasingly difficult to recruit reforms have been welcomed by most. and retain qualified teachers. Furthermore, the structure One reason for the decline in education is the inabiliof the Education Ministry--which oversees several dis- ty to attract enough top young people to the teaching tinct bureaucracies because of divisions among secular, profession. Though salaries for teachers have never been religious, Arab and alternative schools--has made it dif- high in Israel, the profession used to attract some of the ficult to streamline educational management. brightest and most dynamic people. Especially during Compounding the problems, Israel has one of the the early years of the state, there was an ideological focus largest gaps in the Western world between wealthy and on creating a well-educated younger generation. In poor students. Poorer students consistently perform addition, salaries in other fields were low then as well. below those who come from wealthier homes, and the Now, however, bright university graduates have promisgap between what rich and poor students achieve in ing horizons in high-tech and other industries, and relaschool is greater in Israel than almost anywhere else in tively few choose to go into teaching. Starting teachers the world, researchers said. receive about $666 a month. The “Poverty is linked with almost Dovrat Committee recommended raiseverything bad in education,” said ing starting salaries to $1,000 a month.

Tom Gumpel, an education professor The committee on reforms was at Hebrew University in Jerusalem headed by Shlomo Dovrat, a millionand Virginia Commonwealth aire who made his fortune in highUniversity whose expertise is school tech. violence and special education. The He and his committee members single biggest predictor of whether a consulted with hundreds of experts student will need special education is over 15 months, but they drew fire family income, he said. from teachers’ organizations for not Poverty is at its most intense including teachers on the committee. among Israeli Arabs, who make up The Dovrat report is similar in some about one-quarter of Israeli students ways to President Bush’s “No Child but whose educational levels remain Left Behind” plan from 2001. That consistently below those of their plan also tried to bring a business-like Jewish counterparts. The Arab sector approach to the classroom, holding has higher drop-out rates, and fewer teachers and principals accountable Arab students complete matriculation for students’ success and making the exams. entire educational system more Israel spends as much on education results-oriented. as many of developed countries do-In addition to seeking a raise in about 8.6 percent of GDP--but salaries to attract and retain quality results continue to fall short. teachers, the Dovrat reforms recomStudent performance in the major mend extending the school day, a cities is considered better than in towns controversial issue in Israel. They recand villages. Experts say that may have ommend changing the school week more to do with the higher socioecofrom its current six-day week of five nomic level of the urban students’ par- Statistics for 15-year-olds; from the hours per day to a five-day week of ents than with the schools themselves. Organization for Economic Cooperation eight-hour days, arguing that a In addition, teachers in urban areas and Development’s Program for longer school day produces more Student Assessment focused and intensive learning. often are wealthier and better educat- International ed than their counterparts in the research project.

The reform program also seeks to Credit: JTA Graphic develop a core curriculum, requires periphery.

Israel maintains its image as a country of innovators thanks in part to its universities, all of which are research institutions. The research focus drives much of the innovation emerging from Israel, as the universities push students to excel academically.

The army also is a major factor in Israel’s status as a force in fields like high-tech. Many of the country’s top technology entrepreneurs served in army units that focus on high-tech research and development.

The challenge facing the educational system today is to lay the necessary groundwork earlier, during the years of every child’s regular schooling, experts say.

“In the classroom, what helps most is if the student is motivated and positive. When they have this spark in their eyes, we can really help them excel,” said Hagit Gal, a science teacher at the Gderot School. Additional personal attention to students and a new range of subject matter, which the school is enjoying thanks to the pilot reform program, have helped engage students, she said.

Education Minister Limor Livnat began implementing the program in the autumn at dozens of schools, most-

closer surveillance of student performance and aims to reduce bureaucracy by giving schools and principals more autonomy in budget and personnel decisions.

Shmuel Har-Noy, the Education Ministry coordinator in charge of implementing the Dovrat recommendations, said he’s optimistic that gradual improvement is possible. The reform program “gives answers to main problems,” he said.

The government refuses to reduce class size--it could cost millions of dollars--frustrating education experts who see large classes as a barrier to quality education. Hebrew University’s Gumpel, however, says the beneficial effect of smaller classes has yet to be proven by research.

Meanwhile, in Gderot, where some of the reforms are being piloted, the principal is heartened to see students coming to school more motivated than ever.

“Our goal is to make school an attractive place to be, not a boring place but somewhere pupils can say, ‘I come because people care about me here, because it’s interesting here,’” Principal Vider said.

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by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator OJCSU, the Omaha Jewish College Students Union, is making the rounds. The group enjoyed its first event in early December at Beth El. On Friday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m., the college group will gather again for Shabbat worship services at Temple Israel, followed by dinner “on the house.”

Spearheaded by Robert Mosenkis, a sophomore at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, OJCSU drew about 30 students from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, Creighton University, UNO, Metropolitan Community College, and the College of St. Mary. “It went great!” said Jeff Gates who attended.

Lynne Jensen, Temple’s director of youth and informal education, was delighted that “the college crowd is getting together at various synagogues. I think it’s fantastic! And I hope it’s a big success!” she said.

Gates looks forward to students from Bellevue University and Iowa Western Community College joining the group too. He mentioned that other social and educational events are in the planning stages.

To make a reservation for Jan. 6 or for more information, please contact Gates at 680.7326 or at jg15G@yahoo.com, Mosenkis at 968.7013 or at rmosenkis@hotmail.com, or Trevor Gerson at 301.5312 or at eliezer1510@yahoo.com.

December 30, 2005

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

Rock of Ages

by JOANIE JACOBSON (Editor’s note: Sadly, after a 15-year battle with cancer, Karin Levine died on Dec. 5 of this year. The writer interviewed Ms. Levine last summer and the article was scheduled to run during Hanukkah. With the permission of Karin’s husband, Michael, we have chosen to run the story as it was originally written and intended -- to honor this remarkable and engaging young woman.)

As we recall the story of those brave Maccabees and celebrate together the miracle of the light, it reminds me of a light among us that shines brighter than the rest--a woman whose courage could give ol’ Judah a run for his money and whose very presence is as warm and radiant as the festival lights themselves.

You might say, “A great miracle happened here.”

I’d known her for years, but it wasn’t until last summer that I finally got up the nerve to ask.

“Have you ever given a personal interview?”

She laughed. “Nooo.”

“Would you ... ever consider it?”

“Sure,” she shot back.

This was my chance.

“Could I?” “Of course,” she answered. “But, why me?”

Now if you know anything about Karin Levine -- loving wife of Michael and adoring mother of Arielle -- you gotta be shakin’ your head, saying, “How could she possibly ask that?!”

I mean, who would ever want to read about some Jewish girl from Louisville whose dad left home when she was three, was raised in her great-grandmother’s house, dropped out of high school because it wasn’t challenging enough, went on to

Harvard and earned a Certificate of Advanced Studies, and, having suffered from a serious childhood illness for many years, looked death straight in the face long before she ever went 15 rounds with cancer? She was 34. Cancer that began in the breast and made return visits to her spine, lungs, liver, and just in the last few weeks, to her brain. So what if she’s lived with years of radiation and chemotherapy, rolling the dice with each new drug and daring the odds to catch up with her? So what? Why her?!

Because she’s an irresistible combination of ferocious and charming. Because she roars back, time after time, orchestrating and willing her way to recovery while doctors and nurses, colleagues, and everyday people like you and me fall in love with her. Michael and Karin Levine Because she Arielle, left. defines persistence, insistence and guts; can “accentuate the positive” like nobody’s business, and has a captivating spirit, extraordinary outlook, and magnetic personality. Because she’s a character, her own person, and a remarkable one-of-a-kind ... that’s why!

But don’t take my word for it. Karin can speak for herself.

“I was first diagnosed in 1991. I had complained for nine months, but no one heard me. The doctors thought I was being hysterical. ‘Take two Advil and stop feeling

the lump because you’re making it hurt,’ one of them said.

“By the time I had my second mammogram, the cancer had spread to all but three nodes and the tumor was seven centimeters. That left me with a 37% chance of surviving.

“I was hoping for ‘divine retribution,’ but in Minnesota, the law said you had to prove you were ‘harmed by the delay.’

Since I lived, I had no suit!

“In 1992, I had the second breast removed, chemo and more chemo, followed by 12 reconstructive surgeries.

“Since 1993, I’ve had one continual round of all kinds of chemos ... a couple of them almost killed me. Veins from my chest had collapsed and they took veins from my legs.

“In 1995, I had a 12hour reconstructive surgery.

“In 1996, we moved to Omaha. (That was a good thing).

“In 1999, a reoccurrence in my spine, lungs and liver ... six months of chemotherand daughter, apy ... remission ... stem cell transplant ... isolated for 28 days. That’s the year I watched the New Year arrive in every time zone!

“In 2001, they removed one third of my liver ... more chemo ... the closest I’ve come to dying.”

But with every year, Karin exudes this unwavering, boundless, energy and a larger-than-life spirit she so willingly shares with others, along with a belief system that just won’t quit.

“There was a time I was sure there wasn’t a G-d. My ‘little girl’ years weren’t easy, but I came to learn I was ‘a precious child

of G-d.’ That means I am worth being loved. I learned that from Rabbi Kling, my rabbi when I was growing up. He was the best teacher I ever had. He made me feel important--like I had something to give.

“In those days, Jews didn’t talk easily about G-d. They were so freaked out about the Holocaust, they couldn’t talk about it.

Today, talking about G-d sounds ‘Christian’ to us (but I always try to slip it in when I’m talking to Arielle -- that connection to G-d).

As you might have noticed, Levine is a lover of metaphors, made-up proper nouns, quips, stingers, slogans ... and thought.

“I hate the ‘personal bellhop’ theory.

Prayer, for instance, is not meant for asking, it’s a time to examine oneself. ‘How can I make myself better through the teachings of G-d?’ What each of us brings to the text is different every year, so it only makes sense that we can get something different from the text.

She’s the universal poster child for Positive Thinking.

“Everything that’s given to us is given for a lesson.

“We are so blessed to live when we live.

“Do your best. Do something for someone else. Do mitzvot.

“Our job is to make the world better.

I’m always asking myself, ‘What can I do that will make a difference in the grand scheme of things?’”

She wrote the book on Patient Advocacy.

“You’re expected to make 1000 decisions and you know nothing--there’s no way to take in everything they tell you. It took me a year to decide what I was going to do.

“When you know something is wrong, Continued on page 5

The Orthodox Union

Grants totaling up to $100,000 will be awarded to these congregations:

Congratulates the

Beth Israel Synagogue, Omaha, NE Jonathan Gross, Rabbi

•

Bonnie Bloch, President

Six Recipients Congregation Rodfei Sholom, San Antonio, TX

of its 5766

Arnold Scheinberg, Rabbi

•

Peter Price, President

Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, Bronx, NY

National Program

Avraham Weiss, Rabbi

•

Daniel Perla, President

Initiative Awards Kesher Israel Congregation, Harrisburg, PA Chaim E. Schertz, Rabbi

•

Norman Gras, President

Lincoln Square Synagogue, New York, NY Shaul Robinson, Rabbi

•

Paul Freilich, President

Pacific Jewish Center, Venice, CA Benjamin Geiger, Rabbi

•

Judd Magilnick, President

For details of the winning programs please visit www.ou.org, or contact the individual congregations.

Stephen J. Savitsky, President; Harvey Blitz, Chairman of the Board; Emanuel Adler, Chairman, Community and Synagogue Services Commission; Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President; Rabbi Moshe D. Krupka, National Executive Director

Orthodox Union. Doing More for You & Your Community E L E V E N

B RO A D WAY

•

N E W

Y O R K ,

N Y

1 0 0 0 4

•

2 1 2 . 6 1 3 . 8 3 0 0

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

CJE to Offer New Line-up of Classes

by MARY SUE GROSSMAN Center for Jewish Education Administrator The Center for Jewish Education will present the following classes during the 2006 spring semester.

“The Guy & Bob Show” resumes on Tuesday, Jan. 3, noon-1 p.m., in the Kripke Jewish Federation Library.

Led by Guy Matalon, Executive Director of the Center for Jewish Education and Bob Wolfson, Director of the ADL, discussions focus on happenings in Israel and the Middle East in addition to events around the world.

The “The Guy & Bob Show” will meet in Jan., Feb., April and May. Additionally, a special evening edition of the Guy & Bob Show will also be held on Wednesday, March 1, from 7-8 p.m. “ A d v a n c e d Conversational Hebrew” will run on Mondays, starting Jan. 9, 16, 23, 30, Feb 13 and 20. This course is designed for those who have the ability to follow a Hebrew conversation comfortably and wish to improve their speaking skills. The course will be taught

by Rachel Ochana, Shlicha for The Center for Jewish Education. Sessions will be held in the agency classroom from 7–8:15 p.m. Cost is $30 plus materials.

Ochana, a native of Israel, has a master’s degree in education and a bachelor’s degree in educational counseling. She has worked as a counselor and teacher for more than 10 years and most recently as vice principal, classroom teacher, and parent instructor of Mamad Torani at Ramat Beit Shemesh.

“American Jewish Writers” will be taught by Gary Katz, Library Administrator and former Adjunct Professor at Creighton University and Metropolitan Community College on Thursdays, Jan.11, 18, 25, and Feb. 1, 11 a.m.-noon in the Kripke Library.

The class will consider the contributions of Jewish novelists, short story writers, and poets to the American literary scene. From the immigrant generation of Abraham Cahan, Anzia Yezierska, and Henry Roth to the “golden age” of Bernard Malamud, Philip Roth, and Saul Bellow, to the new generation of Allegra Goodman and Nathan Englander. Jewish writers have recorded and imagined the experiences of immigration, assimilation, and cultural and political marginality. Cost is $18.

Storytime at Kripke Library

Classes from the CDC preschool visited the Kripke Jewish Federation Library for a special Hanukkah Story Time last Thursday. Gary Katz, Library Administrator and Maggie Gerber, Program Coordinator, read Hanukkah stories and talked about the upcoming holiday.

Stepping Out of the Dark Continued from page 1 Now, she is eager to regain a normal life by utilizing her college education she earned at an international university and search for a job. Her newly found confidence has her hoping to become a Bat Mitzvah by the time she turns 60.

Through Project Dreidel, JFS provides Hanukkah gifts and Jewish holiday meals to families in our area who cannot afford them. But sometimes, families and individuals have unexpected emergencies that require immediate intervention. JFS is there to provide the financial and emotional support needed to get back to normal, and that support costs money year-round.

Your gifts to the JFS Friends Campaign and the Jewish Federation Campaign are what allow us to take care of each other. Despite our best efforts, our community’s needs continue to outpace the increase in gifts to the Annual Campaign. Your increased gift ensures that every Omaha Jewish community member will have access to professional and compassionate help in a Jewish environment.

To find out how you can help make a difference in the lives of others, please contact JFS at 330.2024.

“The Top 100 Words of the Parsha” will meet every Friday, Jan. 13, 20, 27, Feb. 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, 11 a.m.-noon in the CJE classroom. You read and listen to the weekly parsha but do you truly understand the key words? Rachel Ochana will present a unique Hebrew class focusing on the understanding of key words and phrases for the weekly parsha section. Cost is $36.

“Bad Girls of the Bible” meets Wednesdays, Feb. 1, 8, 15, 22, 7-8 p.m. at Temple Israel, and “Bad Boys of the Bible” will meet at Beth El on Wednesdays, March 8, 15, 22, 29, 7-8 p.m.

Guy Matalon will present a two-part series, focusing on some of the more colorful personalities in the Jewish history. The first of the series, “Bad Girls of the Bible”, will focus on Eve, Rebecca, Tamar, Yael, and Shoshana from the Song of Songs. “Bad Boys of the Bible” will center on learning more about Samson, Korah, Pinhas, David, and Jonah. The cost of each class is $18.

A class on “Rashi” will begin Wednesday, Feb. 8, 15, 22, March 1, 8, 11 a.m.-noon, in the CJE classroom.

Rashi’s commentary on the Torah has been recognized as the Torah commentary par excellence since it was written over 900 years ago. It is believed that without Rashi, study of the Torah would not be possible.

Rashi is known as a commentator who focuses on p’shat, the plain sense of the text, which is built on a “question and answer” principle. Rachel Ochana will help guide participants in learning the “Rashi” method of exploring the traditional texts. Cost is $18.

“A History of Israel” meets Mondays, March 6, 20, 27, and April 10, 7-8 p.m., in the CJE classroom.

Israel was established less than 60 years ago and the history that has evolved since May of 1948 has been intense, varied, and always fascinating. Join Dr. Moshe Gershovich in learning--or refreshing--your knowledge of Israel’s history and gain a better insight of the changes in Israel today. Dr. Gershovich is Associate Professor of Middle East History at the University of Nebraska Omaha. Cost is $18.

Registration for all classes--with the exception of the Guy & Bob Show--is required. To register or for any questions, please contact me at 334.6445 or e-mail mgrossman@jewishomaha.org.

Beth El’s Fun-Filled Kadima Shabbaton Promises a Memorable Weekend

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator After last year’s wildly successful Shabbaton for Beth El’s sixth, seventh and eighth graders’ Kadima youth group, the synagogue’s weekend retreat will be reprised from Jan. 27-29, at the 4-H Campsite in Gretna.

This year’s theme, “Jewish Super Heroes: Bringing Their History to Your Future,” will highlight the many Jewish figures throughout history who have impacted Judaism.

Throughout the weekend, the children will be introduced to these renowned heroes through a variety of engaging and educational activities and games. Attendees will also be treated to a brand-new alternative Shabbat experience, featuring a progressive, interactive service, as well as a bonfire and special Havdalah service.

Kadima Shabbaton promises friendship and togetherness, rest and renewal – reservations are being accepted now for this memorable experience. Cost is $85 (financial assistance is available through BESTT); registration forms have been mailed to BESTT families and are also available in the synagogue office and the BESTT office.

For more information about the retreat, contact Education Director Judy Rubin at 498.0904, or eddir@bethel-omaha.org, or Youth Director Jamie Skog at 492.8550, or youthdir@bethel-omaha.org.

Brisket Maven Continued from page 1 According to Zipay, “In to order introduce all students to different culand tures customs, a Hanukkah menu was planned for about 5,000 Lucille Epstein, center, demonstrated to students.

Caeser Hernandez, chef at Westside High The menu School, while Tracy Watsabaugh, Westside consisted of Nutritionist, carefully measured every ingreLucille’s dient to calculate its nutritional value. famous Hanukkah Brisket, potato latkes, applesauce with blueberries and a sugar cookie with blue sprinkles.”

So what does brisket for 5,000 look like?

Zipay answered with a smile, “The result was fabulous. The Hanukkah meal was served on Dec. 20 at 20 different locations. One-hundred sixty-seven briskets were seasoned, roasted and sliced. With only two or three briskets per pan, it took several days to complete.”

Zipay calls her mother, “a true maven. It makes me proud to have such a wonderful mother, teacher, and friend.”

LUCILLE’S BRISKET One beef brisket flat 1 tbsp. soy sauce One package of onion soup mix 1/2 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. pepper Use a well trimmed brisket flat. Place fat side down and sprinkle 1/2 tbsp. soy sauce over the brisket. Season with half the garlic, pepper and package onion soup mix. Turn brisket over to fat side up and repeat. Add 1/4 cup water to pan. COVER TIGHTLY WITH FOIL. Bake at 350º for 2 hours. Make sure pan (glass preferred) is tightly covered. Let cool. Slice brisket across the grain in thin strips. Lay strips in juice and return to oven at 300º until very tender.

Add sliced mushrooms (optional). Freezes beautifully.

ORGANIZATIONS LOMIR REDN YIDDISH Come to the Yiddish meeting at the JCC on Thursdays, 1-3 p.m. Call Anne Skolkin at 343-1638.

VISIONS Reminder: Board meeting is Friday, Jan. 6, 9:30 a.m. in the conference room at the Blumkin Home.

The Luncheon Meeting is on Friday, Jan. 20, 12:30 p.m. at the Venice Inn with ragtime piano player Marty Mincer. The cost is $9.50 per person. Send reservations to Tootie Simon, 8725 Izard St., Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 13. For information, call Harry Alloy at 697.8709.

Join Visions as we travel to Chanticleer Community Theater in Council Bluffs to see the musical Oliver on Sunday, Jan. 29. Cost is $38. Send reservations to Ethel Goldston, 1108 No. 92 Plaza #101, Omaha, NE 68114 by Jan. 16. For information, call Jean Elkon at 551.6656.

Membership dues of $7.50 are due. Please mail check to Visions, c/o Beverly Gilinsky, 1406 No. 126 St., Omaha, NE 69154. Make all checks payable to Visions.

BREADBREAKERS Tommie Wilson, President of the NAACP will be the guest speaker at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, Jan. 4, noon, at the Regency Lodge, 107th and Pacific Streets every Wednesday at noon. Cost is $11 for a complete lunch and $3 for beverage service only. All men and women in the community are invited to attend.

BIRTH

Beth El’s sixth-through-eighth-graders converged on Gretna's 4-H Camp last January for the synagogue’s funfilled Kadima Shabbaton. This year’s retreat is Jan. 27-29.

Julie and Peter Jazayeri of Los Angeles, CA announce the Nov. 6 birth of their son, Liam Apollo Matthew.

He has a three year brother, Parker James.

Grandparents are Dr. Robert and Marjie Gross, and Jill Gross of Los Angeles, CA, and Farrah and Jay Jazayeri of Palos Verdes Estates, CA. Great-grandparents are Pearl and Gerald Gross.

Out

Dining

December 30, 2005

Rock of Ages Continued from page 3 speak up. Keep fighting. Don’t be afraid to question the doctors. Follow your gut.

“Most people who go through this expect to die. It fits their assumptions of their life.

“Everybody has been wonderful to me because I demand that of them. I say, ‘Either work with me or I’ll find other doctors.’

“Don’t live like you are dying. I have no desire to upend things, and I assume I’ll survive for another 30 years. We have to find purpose in everyday life. For me, it’s sewing pleats, grading papers, developing a class, playing with the cat, baking challah, making honey, reading a book or just being.

Sense of humor? She wouldn’t leave home without it.

“To my students who smoke, I say, ‘You have to quit that--you don’t know what chemo’s like.’ And then I’m always tempted to pull my wig off for those who are visual learners.

“I enjoy a good laugh from wherever. I can always count on Arielle and Alan Parsow.

“I tell the doctors, ‘I want a new set of side effects.’

“My students ask how this has changed me. I tell them, ‘It hasn’t. I’ve always been this obnoxious! I mean ‘driven.’

“I’m just so ornery. (That’s such a Kentucky word).”

While Mike and Arielle are the most important people in Karin’s life, her students are a close second.

“I never planned to go into education. I really wanted to be a rabbi, but I was female, and back then, it wasn’t a match. So, I went off to college with no high school diploma (how’s that for guts?) and majored in any number of subjects until I fell in love with teaching. Today, my job at Creighton is the best job in the world. I teach the teachers of tomorrow.

“My goal is always to teach about cultures--ours is not the only vision of reality. My greatest reward? Seeing my students excited about what they’re learning and coming back as teachers and telling me stories about their classrooms.

“There are always a few who have no concept of boundaries. I’ve had students call me at 8 o’clock in the morning on Rosh Hashanah. I’ve learned to politely get them out of my life. They’re on the ‘emotional take,’ and fortunately I’ve developed a sense of what is not my problem!”

Karin is a master at surrounding herself with good people. She’s assembled her own team of medical and professionals and designed her own game plan for healing. She remains the team’s owner, manager, coach and “Most Valuable Player.”

“What would I do without hypnotherapy and Eva Goldman?!” as her smile beams across the room.

Goldman is a licensed mental health practitioner and certified professional counselor who defines mind-body hypnotherapy as “a way the mind heals the body. From the womb, human beings are programmed with erroneous beliefs about our lives and ourselves,” she explains, “our self-worth or lack of it; our capabilities or incapabilities; strengths and weaknesses; whether or not we are accepted, good enough, wanted or even loved.

“Very often, these unconscious, negative messages we acquire from the people in our lives or our environment remain in the non-conscious mind and eventually wear the body down, manifesting themselves in physical illness. An enormous amount of scientific evidence corroborates this.

“With specialized hypnotherapy, these negative beliefs and early-life wounds are uncovered and healed; if we’re willing to face them, we can heal,” Goldman concludes.

“But make no mistake, it takes courage to look at the

shadows--the darkest corner--the skeletons in our closet.

Indeed, it is the better part of valor to be willing to actually look at yourself and have the courage to heal.”

Karin sums it up this way: “The sessions are an hour and a half long but it feels like two minutes. You’re in a state of deep relaxation.

Eva asks me a question from another part of my consciousness and I answer ‘yes’ or ‘no’ with my fingers.

It’s true you discover some things you’d rather not know about yourself, but mostly, it’s about how to keep the good stuff and get rid of the bad.”

There’s more.

“I also listen to visualization tapes--I really believe in the power of positive thinking. For instance, I can visualize the medicine going into my body, attacking the abnormal cells and being supportive of the good cells. It works.

“And what would I do without Ardene (Solomon), who is amazing, intuitive and healing; the chiropractor; yoga; craniosacral therapy, reiki ...? These are the things I’ve decided are right for me. It has to feel right or I won’t do it.”

I couldn’t wait for the answer to this one: “What has surprised you about you?”

Silence. Quizzical look.Nothing. She couldn’t think of a thing. Oh, well ... next question.

“What inspires you?”

Didn’t hesitate a second on this one: “Thinking of ways to make the world a better place.”

“Karin, you’ve met hundreds of people under extraordinary circumstances. Who’s been the most memorable?”

“Rabbi Kling, and my plastic surgeon’s nurse who was always so kind and so responsive. If I would’ve had another sister, it would have been her.”

“But I was taught to be strong by the females in my family.”

Her mother ... physically disabled ... on the road a lot selling ads for the Yellow Pages. Her great-grandmother ... ruler of the roost ... a true matriarch who took in Karin’s mother and little Karin when they were alone and needed a place to live. A mother who managed birth defects, multiple surgeries and working full time; and a great-grandmother who managed everything (and everyone) else ... a tremendous influence in Karin’s life.

Indeed, the women were excellent teachers and little Karin was a quick study.

“When I’m home and awake, I so much want to be with Mike and Arielle ... to focus on them. When I’m sick, it’s harder for them than for me. My job is to get well. Their job is more emotionally difficult. So, I try to schedule chemo when people don’t need me.

“When I’m down, I snuggle into my bed and work on my ‘pile.’ It’s so big, it has its own zip code! Sometimes I’ll listen to my tape--that energizes me and I have a lot less pain.

“What can I say? I’m good. I’m not amazing.”

Well, Karin Levine--wife, mother, teacher, child of Gd, quilter, advocate, community volunteer, leader-byexample, light of lights and all-around-good-person, there are hundreds of us who would disagree. So, in this season of rededication and joy, and on behalf of those of us who are lucky enough to be your friend, thank you for sharing some of the essence of yourself in public.

You are most definitely “amazing”--a “wonder of wonder/miracle of miracles” and one of the most important and inspiring teachers I’ve ever known, in and out of the classroom!

In closing, ... I’ll let Karin.

“I remember one day, this nurse was leaving my room, and she looked back at me and said, ‘You’ll be fine.

You’re a warrior.’ I love that image of me.”

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 5

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Tot Shabbat Families Celebrate with Happiness and Enthusiasm at Temple Israel

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator If you enjoy “excitement and unbridled joy!” you’ll love Tot Shabbat at Temple Israel, according to Rabbi Craig Marantz. “The kids love it!” added Rabbi Marantz who will start 2006 with a Tot Shabbat worship service on Friday, Jan. 6, 6 p.m., in the Livingston Chapel at Temple. The 25-30 minute worship service will be followed by “a kid friendly” dinner.

Tot Shabbat is a once-a-month “fun, joyful Shabbat” prayer service for families with children up to five years old, explained Rabbi Marantz. Older siblings and grandparents are most welcome.

Alexander Kraft, three and a half, “absolutely loves Tot Shabbat!” emphasized his mother Natasha. “Bim Bam” is his favorite song,” added Natasha who described Tot Shabbat as “kid crazy and totally geared for children which is perfect. Alexander wants to go pray. He can

understand this service. He can participate.” She explained that she marks Tot Shabbat on her calendar with candles so Alexander will know when he can go to Temple to pray.

“I know we’re accomplishing our goal at Tot Shabbat,” said Rabbi Marantz, “because the chapel is consistently filled with enthusiasm and happiness, because the children show real commitment to tzedakah when they come to the service, because the older ones can answer questions that show they’re learning. The kids become more comfortable saying the prayers -- some in Hebrew.

We have a lot of people who come consistently--25 to 50 each month. And I know there are families getting together on their own who connected at Tot Shabbat.”

Reservations can be made by calling the office at 556.6536 or by sending an email to mkube@templeisraelomaha.com. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel will lead Tot Shabbat on Friday, Feb. 3.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

December 30, 2005

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 8 “Living Hebrew” Class, and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Prayer Class, Jewish Potpouri and Torah Training, 11 a.m. at Beth El Stillwell Art Reception, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 2 Friedel Jewish Academy Classes Resumes, 8 a.m.

JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Beth El Rosh Chodesh, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 9 CJE Advanced Conversational Hebrew Class, 7 p.m.

NCJW Book Club, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 3 The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 10 The Guy & Bob Show, noon ADL Manhigim Institute, 4 p.m.

Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at Friedel BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

Adult Education, 6:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 4 PATTER, 10:30 am at Beth El Beth Israel Business Ethics Lunch & Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum Temple Israel College Connection, 7 p.m. at Crane Coffee THURSDAY, JANUARY 5 Adult Education, 10 am at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 11 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El American Jewish Writers, 11 a.m.

Rabbis and Presidents Meeting, 11:30 am Executive Board Meeting, 5:30 pm at Friedel BESTT High School Dinner, 6 p.m.

Board of Directors Meeting, 7 p.m. at Friedel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel THURSDAY, JANUARY 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 10 a.m.

Chabad Tiny Treasures Group, 10 a..m.

Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

FRIDAY, JANUARY 13 OTYG Winter Chavurah, Jan. 13-15 Top 100 Words of the Parsha, 11 a.m.

Temple Israel “Shabbat Comes to You”, 4 p.m. at Remington SATURDAY, JANUARY 14 HAZAK Shabbat, 9:30 a.m. at Beth El HAZAK Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El Travlin’ Toddlers Go to My Gym, 6 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18 PATTER, 10:30 a.m. at Beth El American Jewish Writers, 11 a.m.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 19 Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Rabbi Levin Study Class, noon at Beth El Yiddish Group, 1 p.m.

Book Club, 7:30 p.m. at Beth Israel

MONDAY, JANUARY 16 JSS Senior Luncheon, 10 a.m.

Hadassah Board Meeting, 1 p.m.

Advanced Conversational Hebrew Class, 7 p.m.

BEAM, 7 p.m. at Beth El Youth Commission Meeting, 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Jewish Press Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 17 The Guy & Bob Show, noon BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

A History of Israel, 7 p.m.

Board of Trustees, 7:30 p.m. at Temple Israel

TUESDAY, JANUARY 24 The Guy & Bob Show, noon Federation Executive Committee Meeting, 5:30 p.m .

BBYO Night, 6 p.m.

A History of Israel, 7 p.m.

Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

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SUNDAY, JANUARY 29 Living Hebrew Class and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Torah Training and Jewish Potpouri, 11 a.m. at Beth El Visions Dinner & Show at the Chanticleer Theatre and Pizza King, noon Kripke Library Sunday Story Time, 2 p.m.

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FRIDAY, JAN 20 Midwest Association of Reform Rabbi, Jan. 20-25 at Temple Israel Top 100 Words of the Parsha, 11 a.m.

Visions Luncheon Meeting at Venice Inn, 12:30 p.m.

Tot Shabbat, 6 p.m. at Beth El

SUNDAY, JAN 15 Living Hebrew and Bible Study, 10 a.m. at Beth El Nashir Choir, 10 a.m. at Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel WRJ-O Board Meeting, 10 a.m. at Temple Israel Prayer Class, Jewish Potpouri, and Torah Training, 11 a.m. at Beth El BESTT Chaverim, 12:30 p.m. at Beth El

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

What Will 2006 Bring?

Like any year, the Jewish community--here in Omaha and worldwide--have both exciting news and challenges to face in the year ahead.

Here at home, we can look forward to several major building campaigns: one for Temple Israel’s new building out west and another for the rebuilding of the nearly 25-year-old Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

While the leaders of both these campaigns have been quietly raising large (unannounced) sums of money, they face the loss of a great community leader, Harlan Noddle. He was often at the forefront of major campaigns not only within the Jewish community, but in greater Omaha. We hope Noddle’s death will not deter the campaigns from continuing--and wish them much hatzlacha (success) in meeting their goals.

It has been a year of losses for Omaha. Just since Nov. 11, this newspaper has been forced to redo its front page to accommodate the obituaries of Frances Batt, Maury Udes, Karin Levine and Harlan Noddle. While for the staff of the Press, this is an inconvenience, for the families of the deceased it’s life changing. We sincerely hope we never have a six-week period like this one again (and not just for our sake, but for the families’--and the community’s).

On the national scene, we look forward to the elections of 2006 and hope the Jewish community gets involved on both sides of the aisle. Issues of concern, according to the Reform movement, include: the war in Iraq, appointment of judges, women’s reproductive rights and domestic spying.

We’d like to add other issues ahead of those: • The state of America’s health care indus-

try, an issue which affects all Americans, has particular impact on small businesses and charitable institutions that cover part of their employees’ health benefits and on the Blumkin Home, which receives Medicare and Medicaid payments from the state. We must do something to bring health care costs under control.

• The crisis among our young people consists of two parts--one is the rising age at which young Jews marry and the increasing number of Jewish singles, both of which have an impact on the declining birth rate among Jews. Down the road this will make drastic changes in our Jewish communities as fewer people are forced to support more Jewish elderly. We need to do our share--in Omaha and nationally--to get young Jewish adults involved, mainstream “under-the-radar” groups of young Jews into our “establishment” and, play matchmaker, by introducing singles to one another.

• Speaking of radar, we must keep an eye on both Iran and Syria.

These two countries are headed by renegade dictators, bent on the destruction of the State of Israel and the Jewish people. Further complicating the situation is the incomprehensible attitude of the European Union, lap dog of Middle East dictators,

who continue to sell components of nuclear technology to these rabid anti-Semites.

(Recall, of course, that it was the French who sold nuclear capabilities to Iraq so Saddam Hussein and his henchmen could build the reactors at Osirik; thank G-d the Israelis had the foresight to bomb the facility into oblivion! If they hadn’t, however, President Bush surely would have had his “WMD”, but it might have been too late.) Let’s vote in politicians who are as concerned as we are about this threat to mankind.

In the end, what 2006 brings is mostly not in our control. All we can do (really) is try to stay healthy, be kind to our family and friends, learn something new, stay connected to the Jewish community, and hope for the best. The rest, as they say, is in G-d’s hands.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish community as a whole.

The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit signed letters and articles for space and content.

The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashrut of any product or establishment.

Shedding Light on Anti-Semitism

FOCUS ON ISSUES

by RABBI AVI SHAFRAN Recent events--like the president of Iran’s call for Israel’s destruction (and then, apparently in a more kindly mood, for its relocation to Europe); the United Nations secretary-general’s participation in a UN-sponsored “Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People” next to a map showing “Palestine” in place of Israel; the sudden appearance of antiSemitism in one country (Peru) and the refusal of another (Syria) to permit a Jewish journalist (WorldNetDaily’s Aaron Klein) entry because of his ethnicity--are timely things to ponder as we celebrate Hanukkah.

Nor should we leave out the ugly underbelly of even some recent “good news,” the International Red Cross’s vote (after years of haggling, and with only 27 nays and 10 abstentions) to add a new official symbol to the cross and the crescent, entitling Israel’s volunteer emergency services to be protected from attack outside the borders of the Jewish State.

Good news, yes. But the new symbol is not the all-too-familiar-to-Israelis “Red Magen David” but rather a red square standing on one corner. A star may be added to the square, but so can a unicorn or a turnip; the stand-alone star of Israel’s emergency responders will continue to afford no international protection to vehicles or personnel displaying it. Even, it seems, when Jews are let in the club, they must check their identities at the door.

To understand what all the above “spirit of the season” has to do with the Jewish time of year, one has to move beyond bemoaning antiSemitism, toward understanding it.

It’s not an easy task. Irrational Jew-hatred’s astounding resiliency and its purveyors’ impressive creativity are baffling. And antiSemitism has been around for centuries,

indeed millennia. So, too, though, has been Jewish tradition’s take on the matter.

Classical Jewish thought’s approach to the question of anti-Semitism may have been most pithily rendered by the renowned Rabbi Yosef Ber Soloveitchik of Brisk (1820-1892), who wrote: “Know that the more that Jews minimize the ‘apartness’ that the Torah mandates through Torah study and the observance of the commandments, the more G-d allows hatred [within others] to bring about the necessary outcome--that the Jewish people remain a people apart.”

It says much about how far we Jews have drifted from the fundamentals of our spiritual heritage that such a thought strikes so many as outrageous. How, they ask, could our attempt to blend harmoniously into larger society and to jettison religious observances increase antiSemitism?

The battle of Hanukkah was, in its essence, a spiritual one. Light represents Torah. And Torah--its study and its observance--is the essence of the Jewish people.

Yet that is precisely what the Torah itself repeatedly and explicitly predicts (as in Leviticus 26 and Deuteronomy 28), what authentic Jewish religious leaders have always maintained, and what alone explains the reality around us. Once our initial umbrage at the idea subsides, what remains are the troubling but telling facts: Despite the Holocaust, and compulsory education in liberal values, and interfaith efforts, and Jews’ hearty embrace of the cultures in which they live--we are as hated as ever. Perhaps more than ever.

That is the point. Much as we may squirm, we Jews are meant to be “a people apart.”

And if we try to be “just like all the nations,” in the Torah’s disapproving words, G-d allows others to remind us of our role.

(Founded in 1920) Joanie Jacobson Chairman Carol Katzman Editor Richard Busse Managing Editor Allan Handleman Advertising Manager Lori Kooper-Schwarz Assistant Managing Editor Barbara Kirkpatrick Bookkeeper Jason Rich Sales & Marketing Intern Jewish Press Committee Howard K. Marcus, Vice-Chairman; Bobbi Leibowitz, Secretary; Scott Meyerson, Finance Chairman; Steve Simon, Treasurer; Fred Tichauer, Immediate Past-chairman; David Herzog; Jamie Meyerson; Stanley Mitchell; George Quittner; Linda Saltzman; Joe Shyken; Michael Siegal; Nancy Skid; Dorothy Spizman; and Melany Weinstine.

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

Which brings us to Hanukkah.

Some contemporary Jewish writers--even, sadly, some clergy--seem intent on minimizing the significance of the Jewish holiday of lights, claiming it is but a minor affair, artificially magnified by its proximity in the calendar to non-Jewish celebratory days. Nothing could be more misleading. Hanukkah, to be sure, is not a Biblical holiday; it is based on an historical occurrence that took place after Biblical times. But it is the focus of a substantial amount of Jewish thought and lore, particularly in the mystical tradition.

What motivates the would-be Hanukkahdiminishers, I suspect, is their discomfort with Hanukkah’s elemental message.

Because according to Jewish tradition, the victory celebrated on Hanukkah was only superficially about the routing of the GreekSyrian Seleucid Empire’s forces from Judea.

More essentially, it was about the routing of the Greek assimilationist inroads into Jewish life. To the rabbis who established the holiday, a greater enemy than the flesh-and-blood forces that had defiled the Holy Temple was the adoption by Jews of Hellenistic ideals.

For the Seleucids not only forbade observance of the Sabbath, circumcision, Jewish modesty and the study of Torah, they convinced some Jews to embrace their world-view.

They installed not only a statue of Zeus in the Temple, but an assimilationist attitude in Jewish hearts. And Hanukkah stands for the uprooting of that attitude, for the recognition that Jews are, and must be, different.

Which is why Hanukkah’s observance does not involve a special feast--as does Purim’s, when the threat against us was physical--but rather only the lighting, and gazing at, the ethereal light of candles. The battle of Hanukkah was, in its essence, a spiritual one.

Light represents Torah. And Torah--its study and its observance--is the essence of the Jewish people. “A bit of light,” as the rabbis of the Talmud put it, “banishes much darkness.”

Continued on page 9

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

The Person of the Year and Media’s Failure in Darfur BEHIND THE H EADLINES

by RABBI CHAIM STEINMETZ An EDAH Resource They are crowd-pleasing choices for Persons of the Year. The three people, Irish Rocker Bono, and the world’s richest couple, Bill and Melinda Gates, are not only famous and fabulously wealthy, they are also compassionate people who dedicate an enormous amount of time to philanthropy and social action. These are good people deserving of genuine respect and honor.

However, I have a problem with Time’s choices for Persons of the Year.

While Bono and the Gateses will leave their marks on history, there is no question that their choice as Persons of the Year is due more to their celebrity than to their accomplishments. And that alone is reason enough to consider them inadequate choices. The media has forgotten how to distinguish between a celebrity and a statesman, and so have we.

Indeed, the confusion between celebrity and statesman teaches us a lot about what is wrong with the media. Television news now dominates what is on the media’s agenda. And due to fierce competition, Television news is all about what makes good video. Even the print media is increasingly image driven; if it’s not on the T.V. news, the print media ignores it as well.

A video driven media follows the cameraman. Supporters of Israel have always wondered: Why do the smallest events in Israel get a disproportionate amount of coverage? Amotz Asa-El, a senior colum-

nist for the Jerusalem Post, con- supplant the spiritual and moral as the tends that Israel receives excep- primary purpose in life. As result, they tional attention in the media lost sight of life’s deeper values.

A similar process is taking hold in conbecause it is a place where television reporters can cover terrorism temporary news coverage. Compelling and military actions with ease, images are more influential than sober from comfy hotels in Tel Aviv, analysis. Indeed, news with a powerful unlike the conflicts in Congo, video and a good story line will be Kashmir and Chechnya. snapped up, even if the story is far from Consider the virtual true.

Why was it so easy to media blackout about The death of Mohamed Darfur.

Al-Dura, assume the Israelis had boy killed ina a12-year-old Sudanese President confrontaOmar al-Bashir, the vil- killed Al-Dura? Because, tion between Israelis and lain of Darfur, should be inflamed by a painful quickly Palestinians, considered a serious canbecame a cause celebre. didate for “Person of the sight, it is much easier to Because of a heart wrenchYear” (in the negative look for the convenient ing video of his death, it sense). Yet, despite the was immediately assumed fact that the Darfur scapegoat rather than that this young Palestinian genocide is a catastrophe search for the truth. boy was shot by heartless that has claimed 400,000 Israeli troops. Only years lives, and displaced nearly three million later, after intense investigation, we now people, no one notices. know that he was probably shot by The same media that lavished attention Palestinians. Why was it so easy to assume on the Asian Tsunami and Katrina con- the Israelis had killed Al-Dura? Because, tinues to ignore Sudan. Why? inflamed by a painful sight, it is much easBecause the Sudanese government has ier to look for the convenient scapegoat succeeded in keeping television cameras rather than search for the truth. Dramatic away from Darfur. As a consequence, video can distort our judgment.

Darfur is ignored because there is no The power of video is why covering video footage for the evening news. celebrities is now news. www.beawitAn image driven media not only omits ness.org notes that in June, TV news critical stories, it distorts our perception spent 50 times more coverage on the of events. Images are inherently superfi- Michael Jackson molestation trial than it cial, and distort our judgment. The did on the Darfur tragedy, and it devoted Hasidic commentator Sefat Emet explains 12 times the coverage to the tomfoolery that the Hanukkah story is about the of Tom Cruise than it did to Sudanese struggle of the Macabees against a oppression. For similar reasons Americans Hellenistic culture that valued beauty too have heard more “news” about the much. The dazzling and entertaining breakup of Nick and Jessica than they became paramount. These Hellenists had have about Iranian president Mahmoud allowed the superficial, the aesthetic, to Ahmadenijad and his push for nuclear

C o m i n g

S p e c i a l

Publishes » February10 Addeadline » January 26

S e c t i o n s

weapons.

This would not have shocked the Sefat Emet; the inherently superficial nature of television has turned the news into an extension of entertainment. News is now news in name only. Which is why in June, the major networks devoted no less than 183 “news” segments about “the runaway bride”. News programs are now about entertainment.

Choosing a couple of celebrities as Persons of the Year seems innocuous. Yet to me, it is a reminder of the forgotten stories. Unfortunately, Darfur fails in the media because it is not a TV ready story.

It is a victim of an entertainment driven media that relies too much on the superficial and too little on the truth. And sadly, because of this failure, people will continue to die, and no one will notice.

Rabbi Chaim Steinmetz is the spiritual leader of Tifereth Beth David Jerusalem in Montreal, Quebec, and is a member of Edah’s editorial board.

Light on Anti-Semitism Continued from page 8 And so, as we light the Hanukkah candles, watch their flames and consider events both ancient and current--“in those days, at this time”--we might give some thought, too, to both the spiritual state of the Jewish world today and to how widely, insanely we are hated.

And ponder the message of the lights that flicker before us.

Rabbi Shafran is director of public affairs for Agudath Israel of America.

This op-ed is courtesy of Am Echad Resources; Rabbi Shafran can be reached at: shafran@agudathisrael.org.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

Candlelighting Friday, Dec. 30, 4:46 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: Hanukkah Services followed by Potluck, 7:30 p.m.

Bring your own Menorah for the lighting ceremony.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE 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

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

YOUR AD CAN GO HERE...

to reserve space, call Allan Handleman, 334.6451.

FRIDAY: Musical Kabbalat Shabbat Service, 6 p.m. in the chapel.

SATURDAY: Morning Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by the family of Sanford Friedman, in honor of his birthday; Evening Service, 4:50 p.m.

SUNDAY: Bible Study Discussion Group, Living Hebrew, Adult B’nai Mitzvah class, Jewish Pot Pourri Class, and From Your Heart to God’s Ears will not be offered Jan. 1; classes resume Jan. 8.

WEEKDAY SERVICES: Sunday, 9 a.m./5:30 p.m.; Weekdays, 6:55 a.m./5:30 p.m.

(Note: On Monday, Jan. 2, morning services will be at 9 a.m.)

PATTER: Wednesdays, 10:30 -11:45 a.m. led by Helen Epstein THURSDAY, noon: Discovering the Talmud: Lessons for Everyday Living, with Rabbi Levin.

ADULT TORAH TROPE CLASS: “Torah Training: The Ancient Art of Cantillation” begins Sunday, Jan. 8, 11 a.m.

Led by Jim Fried, this eight-week course will focus on formal trope training. This class is open to the Jewish community. Cost is $18; for more information, contact Program Director Margie Gutnik in the synagogue office or at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Space is limited for this class.

BESTT: All classes and activities resume Wednesday, Jan. 4.

SATURDAY TOT SHABBAT: This new monthly service begins on Jan. 7, from 11-11:45 a.m., led by Esther Katz. (See full story on page 11.)

PASSOVER CANDY SALES: Talmud Torah students will be selling Barton’s Passover candy.

Candy orders will be taken from Jan. 8-Feb. 19, with items priced from $2.50 to $25. Order forms will be available at the synagogue and BESTT offices, through

www.bethel-omaha.org, and through all BESTT students.

FLAMENCO PERFORMANCE: On Thursday, Jan. 12 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary, the will see “An community Exploration of Jewish Roots in Flamenco,” an evening of music and dance directed by Tamara Say. Event is free of charge; voluntary donations to the synagogue’s Music Fund will be welcome.

FRIDAY NIGHT JUNIOR CONGREGATION: There will be a Shabbat service on Jan. 13, 6 p.m. in the sanctuary. Led by Eadie Tsabari and Andy Greenberg.

HAZAK SHABBAT: Saturday, Jan. 14, 9:30 a.m., followed by an Lunch ’n Learn featuring storytellers, Marcy and Anna Cotton.

Cost for luncheon is $8 for adults, $4.50 for children 12 and under; children five and under are free.

RSVP by Jan. 9 by sending a check to Natalie Rubin, 2004 S. 138th Ave. Cir., Omaha NE 68144. For more information, contact Gloria Goodman at 333.3351.

NASHIR CHOIR: Beth El’s new choir will meet in the chapel on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., beginning Jan. 15. (See full story on this page.)

KADIMA SHABBATON: Sign up for Kadima (Sixth to Eighth grade) Shabbaton, on Jan. 27-29 at Gretna’s 4-H Camp.

(See full story on page 4.)

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Office Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Fridays, 8:30 a.m-2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Jonathan Gross.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Free Babysitting, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; A traditional Hanukkah lunch will follow Kiddush; Mincha, 12:45 p.m.; Havdalah, 5:52 p.m.; New Year’s Eve dinner, 6:30 p.m. featuring music with Rabbi Gross and Ari Dembitzer and a children’s Hanukkah activity with Rachel Ochana.

SUNDAY: Shacharit, 9 a.m.; Rabbi Gross’s Sunday Class and

Hebrew Club are on Winter Break; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Contact the office for Mincha/Ma’ariv time.

WEDNESDAY: Business Ethics Lunch and Learn, noon at the office of Joe Kirshenbaum. A Bagel Bin lunch is available for $5.

Call the synagogue office with your lunch reservation.

THURSDAY: Advanced Parshah Study, 9 p.m.

BEYT SHALOM FRIDAY: Shabbat/Hanukkah, 7:30 p.m.

CHABAD HOUSE Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Office hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Minyan, 7 a.m.

SATURDAY: Maamar class, 9 a.m.; Service, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush to follow service.

SUNDAY: Services, 8:30 a.m.; Mishne class, 9:30 a.m.; Chabad Cheder and Aleph Champions, 10 a.m.-noon.

WEEKDAYS: Minyan, 7 a.m.

MONDAY: Halacha, 7 p.m.

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

WEDNESDAY: Kabbalah Circle, 7 p.m.

THURSDAY: Torah Tots, 4:15 p.m.

For information about programs or to register for classes, call the office or visit: www.nebraska-judaism.com.

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

FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 6:15 p.m., led by Rabbi Emanuel; Hanukkah Latke Potluck Dinner, 7 p.m.

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

SUNDAY: No Classes ADULT EDUCATION SUNDAYS, 7 p.m. Intro to Judaism, led by Rabbi Emanuel

will be on break on Jan. 1.

Tuesday, 7-9 p.m. series on Jewish Social Justice 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: Shabbat Services, 9 a.m., led by Alan Shulewitz.

TEMPLE ISRAEL FRIDAY: Shabbat Family Service, 6 p.m.; Rabbi Craig Marantz will officiate.

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

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Jan. 4: College Coffee with Rabbi Azriel, 7 p.m. at Crane Coffee on 76th & Cass. Contact Lynne at ljensen@templeisraelomaha. com for details.

THURSDAY, Jan. 5: “Adult Study with the Clergy” with Rabbi Marantz, 10-11:30 a.m.

Friday, Jan. 6: Tot Shabbat Service and Dinner, 6 p.m. Call Temple at 556.6536 to make a reservation.

Friday, Jan. 6: OJCSU Service and Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m. (See full story on page 2.)

NEIGHBORHOOD MINYAN FRIDAY: Minyan, 5 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Services conducted by Rabbi Minyan, Royi Shaffin.

MONDAY & THURSDAY, 7 a.m., followed by breakfast.

FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. with a Shabbat dinner following.

SATURDAY: Parashat Hashavu’a class, 8:30 a.m.; Morning service, 9:30 a.m. followed by Shabbat lunch and Talmud class.

WEDNESDAY: Men’s Lunch Group will meet at the Knolls, 12:30 p.m. Contact Yale Gotsdiner at 423.7066.

“Beyond Aleph-Bet” Begins again at Temple Israel

If You Love to Sing, Join Beth El’s New Community-Wide Nashir Choir

by CLAUDIA SHERMAN Temple Israel Communications Coordinator If you know the Hebrew alphabet, you’re ready for “Beyond Aleph Bet,” which starts Sunday, Jan. 8, at Temple Israel and continues through Feb. 26. Class is from 10:15 a.m. to noon and will be taught by Colleen Kennealy who taught “Beginning Hebrew” in the fall at Temple.

Teresa Eirinberg, one of Kennealy’s former students, praised her as an “absolutely excellent” instructor who is “able to work with people of all different abilities and challenge them all. I loved learning Hebrew and am now able to communicate with my kids,” a third grader and a sixth grader who are learning the lan-

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator Beth El Synagogue’s Cantor Gastón Bogomolni has announced the formation of an exciting new choir n a m e d “Nashir” (“We Will Sing”), which is open to all Emily Meyer music lovers in the Omaha Jewish community ages 14 and up. Led by Beth El congregant Emily Meyer, Nashir will meet in the synagogue’s chapel on Sundays, beginning Jan. 15, 10-11 a.m.

A newcomer to the Beth El family, Meyer holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in music, and has

guage in religious school.

“I hope many of the fall students will continue with “Beyond AlephBet,” Colleen said. She added that “certainly new students who are familiar with the Hebrew alphabet are welcome” to enroll in the winter session.

“In ‘Beyond Aleph-Bet,’ we use the siddur itself as the text. Each week we will work on reading and/or singing one or two prayers or blessings from the siddur. By the end of the second series of classes, students will be able to read the common prayers at services at Temple, “assured Colleen.

To register for “Beyond AlephBet,” call or email Rosie Zweiback, Temple program director, at 556.6536 or at rzweiback@templeisraelomaha.com.

worked as a choral director and music instructor. She is a singer, flautist, pianist and composer.

“We’re so excited for Emily to lead this new musical venture at Beth El,” said Cantor Bogomolni, who will serve as a music selection consultant.

“Her expertise, her enthusiasm and her love of Jewish music make her the perfect person to lead our Nashir Choir, and I look forward to hearing some beautiful music coming from our chapel on Sunday mornings!”

Cost to join the choir is $10 (to cover materials). Cantor Bogomolni noted that the choir’s repertoire will include mainly Jewish folk music, and added that anyone interested in participating is encouraged to e-mail him at cantor@bethel-omaha.org.

December 30, 2005

The Power of Eloquence

SPARKS FROM THE WORD

by RABBI MYER S. KRIPKE Parashat Vayigash Joseph, as an Egyptian noble, is unrecognized by his brothers. He plays cat-and-mouse with them, enjoying his temporary revenge, and reveling in their discomfiture.

But now Judah, without delay and without permission, appoints himself the representative of the brothers.

He makes a simply magnificent speech to Joseph, rehearsing all that has happened before and now appealing to Joseph, suggesting that in his hands Joseph holds the life of the old father of the brothers. Judah offers himself as slave to Joseph for life.

Joseph could not restrain himself. He orders everyone out of the room so that he could be alone with his brothers. He weeps. He then declares, I am Joseph.

They do not respond. Then he says, I am Joseph, your brother. When this electrifying scene is concluded, at Joseph’s invitation the brothers send for Jacob with wagons furnished by Pharaoh himself, and the whole retinue of the people of Jacob come to Egypt and are given a private area for themselves. They live and prosper in Goshen.

A touching scene is the presentation by Joseph to Pharaoh. He brings his old father. “How old are you?” asks Pharaoh. “Few and evil,” said Jacob, “have been the years of my life.”

From the time I first encountered these words and ever after to the present time, these words, “Few and evil,” have impressed me. One understands that Jacob has had many difficulties in life, beginning with his encounters with Esau, and a long string after that. And yet we wonder that he is describing his life in those terms, “few and evil.” At one time, I tried to develop a conversation between Jacob and Pharaoh. The Bible simply has Jacob greet Pharaoh or bless him. But did they say nothing to each other?

The rest of the Sidra is a lesson in economics. For food and seed in the years of famine, all of the Egyptians cede their livestock, their land, and themselves as Pharaoh’s possessions. Pharaoh becomes, with Joseph as his representative, master of everything in the entire land.

There is a footnote: living in Goshen (Israel, i.e.

Jacob) increases greatly in Egypt.

Southwestern Menorah

by Jewish News of Greater Phoenix Menorahs are available in many different designs and sizes, but Mel and Ellen Bett Kline didn’t expect to grow one when they planted a 15-foot saguaro cactus in the front yard of their North Phoenix home 27 years ago. At that time, the cactus had two arms, and “each year I was watching it grow more and more,” Mel Kline says. Today, the approximately 135-yearold saguaro is 30 feet tall and has eight extended arms reaching toward the sky. “To our delight, it appeared that we had a living Hanukkah menorah right here in our own front yard,” says Kline.

This year, for the first time, the Klines contracted with Goodman’s Landscape Maintenance to install lights on the tips of the saguaro. Each arm is wired to light up individually, so the Klines plan to traditionally “light” Mel and Ellen Bett Kline their menorah each demonstrate “light up” their evening at sunset: one arm saguaro Hanukkah menorah.

Photo courtesy of Mel Kline the first night, then adding another arm on consecutive evenings until they’re all lit on the eighth night. The stem serves as the shamash.

“I think this is one of a kind,” Kline says. He sees the cactus as a symbol of peace, and dubs the “natural living Hanukkah menorah” as “a lasting symbol of freedom in today’s world.”

Beth El Announces Plans for New Saturday Morning Tot Shabbat Program

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator On the heels of Beth El’s very successful Friday night Tot Shabbat celebrations, the synagogue will offer an additional monthly Tot Shabbat program, to be held on Saturday mornings, 11-11:45 a.m., beginning Jan. 7.

These 45-minute sessions, led by congregant Esther Katz, will be geared to the littlest members of the Jewish community, with each program tying into a different Jewish holiday. The initial program will focus on the celebration of Shabbat. All Tot Shabbat services are open to Jewish families throughout the entire community.

During the morning, children will enjoy interactive storytelling, singing, creative movement and a snack, Katz said. In addition, a pizza lunch will be served to all attendees following the service. (Cost of the lunch is $5 for adults, free for children six and younger. To make meal reservations, please contact the synagogue office at 492.8550.)

Leading this new program is “right up my alley,” said Katz, a special education teacher and ballet instructor, who formerly taught religious school for pre-kindergarten and kindergarten students. “Synagogue and Judaism have always been a big part of my life, and Shabbat has always been a very special time for my family, as it is now for me and my husband, Philip,” she said.

“It is a great time for family bonding, and I hope that I can help families in our community find that special time during Shabbat. “We want to create a time when parents and children can be involved in learning and fun together, to make Shabbat a special time that they can share,” Katz added, noting that each family will be given a CD of the songs sung in Tot Shabbat, as well as a packet with lyrics. “Our hope is through our Tot Shabbat celebrations, families will be able to take what we do and either create their own new family traditions or build on old family customs.”

If you’d like more information about Tot Shabbat or wish to be added to the mailing list to receive details about future Tot Shabbat programs, contact Beth El Program Director Margie Gutnik at 492.8550, or via email at programming@bethel-omaha.org.

Betty Dineen Schrier Featured Speaker at B’nai Israel

by ALLEN KURLAND Betty Dineen Schrier, author and historian, will be the featured speaker at B’nai Israel Synagogue on Friday, Jan. 13, 7:30 p.m. She has planned a presentation on the origins of B’nai Israel, its key members, the fire, rebuilding and growth of the congregation. Also included will be a brief history of the memorable Hadassah organization and its contributions to the medical community in Israel. Many of the Jewish merchants in Council Bluffs were key players in the sustained growth if the city and they will be included as well. People still talk about shopping in these wonderful stores.

If time permits, Schrier will share ideas about the thriving Jewish business community around 1950 and the positions held by many professionals. The military service of the Jewish men is impressive and excerpts from her book will be read about Lieutenant Irving Cohen and his parents‚ furnishing a lodge room at B’nai Israel, now the chapel where the lectures are held.

The entire Jewish community is encouraged to attend; Schrier will make her presentation during services.

CORRECTION An error recently was made on the front page the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society newsletter identifying the woman with Harry Wolfson as his wife. The Historical Society apologizes to Mr. Wolfson for any inconvenience this may have caused.

To Submit an Obituary Notice: Send full name, age, date of death, location of service and burial site, as well as other pertinent information to the Jewish Press via e-mail: ckatzman@jewishomaha.org; fax, 402.4.5422; or mail, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE 68114.

Obituaries--as well as engagements, marriages, commitment ceremonies, and births--also can be submitted at the Jewish Federation’s website. Just go to: www.jewishomaha.org, click on Jewish Press and click on “Submit Announcements.”

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 30, 2005

Jonathan Rathsam Entertains at Hadassah Hanukkah Party Audience participation was evident in

by GLORIA SHUKERT JONES for Hadassah the toe-tapping, hand-clapping and rolGuests at Hadassah’s Hanukkah Party licking encore number, “Sholom at the Jewish Community Center on Dec. Aleichem”.

Rathsam encouraged sing-a-longs in 18 were treated to a songfest of Jewish Melodies, performed by Jonathan many of his sparkling renditions. There Rathsam, accompanied by pianist Julie was a moment or two when the Sandene. She is a music teacher for the Terpsichorean muse overtook him, and he performed a solo dance. Later, he ranMillard School District.

Rathsam’s phenomenal singing voice domly chose unsuspecting guest, Nancy and varied repertoire delighted the audi- Wolf, as a dancing partner for a few ence with selections for every taste in “Astaire and Rogers”-type routines.

Rathsam, originally from San Diego, Jewish music, from the new and enchanting, to the beloved and familiar, some CA, attended college in Grinnell, Iowa, IA, serving as cansung in English, tor to Grinnel’s some in Hebrew, Jewish community and others in at Shabbat and fesYiddish. services. tival The first presenDuring study in tation was the Berlin, Germany, poignant “Light he interned with One Candle”, folthree cantors from lowed by “Ocho Berlin’s Liberal Candelitas” (Eight Jewish Community.

Little Candles) a Rathsam is now Hebraic melody through with Ladino lyrics, John Rathsam sang to the accompaniment of halfway popular among Julie Sandene at Hadassah’s Hanukkah party. achieving his engiJews of Sephardic origin. Next was a neering Ph.D in architectural acoustics. medley of well-known Hanukkah He is also a member of the Highfavorites, including the Dreidel song and Holiday Octet at Temple Israel, and substitutes for Cantor Wendy Shermet when “Ma’oz Tzur”.

While it is most appropriate to cele- she is away.

Though his experience and backbrate the Festival of Lights with a festival of song, Rathsam did not limit his pro- ground has been primarily in liturgical gram to Hanukkah songs. The second music, this talented young performer half charmed the eager listeners with the also has demonstrated audience rapport beautiful, “Standing on the Shoulders” and showmanship that will no doubt (of those who have gone before me), and keep him in demand for future musical the ever-popular, “Bei Mir Bist Du entertainment events during his residence in Omaha.

Shayn”.

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Families Congregate at Beth El for Annual Hanukkah Program

by JILL BELMONT Beth El Publicity Coordinator The halls of Beth El were packed several weeks ago with more than 200 parents, grandparents and children as BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah) celebrated its second annual Family Hanukkah Program. BESTT Sixth-graders Alex Kirshenbaum, left, Max SafersteinThroughout the Hansen, Bradley Kutler, Daniel Schlessinger, Elizabeth Salkin, morning, volunteers Sophie Cemaj, Ze’ev Lailari and Hal Emas display the Hanukkah the children pictures they created with sand art kits funded by the Riekes led through a variety of Family Foundation. games, plus arts and crafts activity sta- Latke Cafe to enjoy Hanukkah treats tions, and families congregated in the and refreshments.

Temple Families Start Hanukkah a Little Early Parents and children alike at Temple Israel’s Religious School celebrated Hanukkah, albeit a little early, on Dec. 18 by making menorahs, playing Hanukkah, bingo, and just enjoying some family fun.

Left photo, Samantha Sullivan and her mom, Louri; right: Bennett Ginsberg, and his d a u g h t e r, Eden.