newish Press
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Serving Nebraska and Iowa Since 1920
Vol. LXX No. 9 Omaha
By Morris Malliie
24CHESHVAW.5753 Friday. November
Israeli diplomat forecasts copies of FDR's job effort
The newly appointed Consul General of Israel to Chicago has predicted that Israel's job creation pio^m foi^ its expanding population will consist of ' large-scale national programs. "In essence, we will be copying the types of programs instituted by FDR in the 1930a to pull America out of the depression, said Arthur Avnon in Omaha last week. Consul Avnon's com Arthur Avnon ment on jobs came during He explained during a question and answer period following a press con- the press conference that ference at the Jewish Israel will finance these Community Center. Dur- mjyor job-producing proing his visit. Consul Av- grams by loans from the non also talked with World Bank with the help Jewish community lead- of guarantees provided by ers and participated in a the United States. The. national projects, conference at the UniV'^rsity of Nebraska at described as road building, trve planting and deOtnaha. •
velopment in the Negev among others, are measures that are necessary to provide work for the 400,000 immigrants and Israelis needing jobs. He indicated that a major project involving the building of a canal to connect the Red Sea with the Dead Sea could very well move ahead before the signing of a peace treaty with Jordan. Consul Avnon pointed out that accelerating the peace talks with Arab neighbors is a top agenda item with the new Labor government in Israel. The other high priority item is the absorption of new immigrants. "Jewish refugees are coming into Israel on a daily basis from all parts of the former Soviet Union and that within
Author addressi women's issue
By Susan Paley, Library publicity the past week or so severCritically-acclaimed aual hundred children ar- thor Gloria Goldreich will rived from Yugoslavia." speak on "Changes in the He said their fathers Women's Liberation Movehad been drafted by the ment: Jewish style" at the various factions in the annual community lunfighting and the families cheon on Dec. 2 at noon at sought a safe haven for theJCC. the children. Sponsored jointly by Consul Avnon also pre- the Omaha Jewish Wodicted that Iran would men's organizations, the prove to be the "biggest luncheon marks.the beheadache" not only for ginning of Jewish Book Israel, but for the United Month activities sponStates as well. sored by the Federation He said Iran's arms libr8U7. buildup and support of Mrs. Goldreich is the Islamic fundamentalism author of "Leah's' Journcontribute to instability ey,"' which won the Nain the Gulf area. tional Book Award for ficIn a reference to the tion, 1979; "Four Days," University of Nebraska, given the Federation of Consul Avnon suggested Arts and Letters Award that preliminary contacts in 1981; "Leah's Childcould develop into a bilat- ren;" "West to Eden;" and eral exchange of informa- "Mothers." Her most retion and agricultural ex- cent book, "Years pertise. of Dreams," has been described by Elie Weisel as "her best and most penetrating novel." Mrs. Goldreich's critical essays have appeared in "Commentary," "Moment." "Hadassah," "Ms ,' and other magazines. In addition, she has written a series of. books "" women in professior "What cm she be?" and i ^ the editor of the prize-
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Gloria Goktreich winning anthology "A Treasury of Jewish Literature." According to Dorothy Kaplan, assistant federation librarian. Mrs. Goldreich writes "knowingly about women." "Her characters have sensitivity and depth." she said. "Her books parallel the way in which the woman's place in our society has evolved. Also, her books always present Judaism in a very positive way:' Mrs. GoMreich's books will be sold at the cheon Cost for the luncheoQ in iy R^^^,-^.,.t,.>n^ ipu^t be e throuj^h '.I1..---I.
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Jewish Press
Planhed Parenthood Award
Murray and Sharee Newman were honored by Planned Parenthood of Omaha-Council Bluffs last week for more than 50 years of Newman family involvement in reproductive freedom and family planning. Members of the Newman family have been volunteers, board members, trustees, donors and fundraisers for Planned Parenthood since 1937/Mr. Newman's mother, the late Esther K. Newman, was an organizer of a maternal-health committee that preceded Planned Parenthood in Omaha. Pictitfed are (from left) Murray Newman, Sl;iaree Newman, and Dr. Leon S. McGoogan, for whom the award is named.
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MARY LEVAR ServiceiB were held Oct. 11 at Beth El Cemetery for Mary Rosenbloont Levar, who died at the age of 90.
By Alexander Lesser
• Conventions • Weddings
144th & Pacific
ALBERT M. NIPOMHICK Services were held Nov. 6 at Temple Israel for Albert M. Nepomnick. He died at the age of 67. Mr. Nepomnick's survivors include his wife, Jeanette; daughters Ronna Zien of Mil\yBukee and Diane Nepomnick of Dallas; son, Steve Nepomnick of Dallas; sisters Ruth Wolpa of Houston and Harriet Marko; and four grandchildren. The family requests that memorials be made to the Albert Nepomnick Scholarship Fund, in care of the Jewish Federation ofOmaha,333S.132St.
Jews increase requests for Visas
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MOSCOW (JTA> — The emigration ot Jews from the former Soviet Union has increased in the last two months due to political instability here and fading hopes for the eventual stabilization of the economy, according to an Israeli Embassy ofTicial here who is responsible for emigration matters. Around 6.000 Israeli immigrant visas were issued in September and October, said Alexander Libin, the einba«dy ofiicial. up'from an average of a little more than 4.000 a month during the Rummer months. The number of visas issued is an indicator of unmigration trends, because prospective immigrants usually arrive in Israel three or four months after getting the vita Libin attributed the increaiie to regional political instability in the non-Slavic areaa of the former union, such as Ti^ikLstan, Georgia and the Osisetia region of the northern Caucasus in Rus.sia In Tnjik'^tan. for example, several hundred Jews have left in recent weeks by direct flights to Israel to dpe clan warfare there. \t ih« Mme time, said Libin. 'people in Rus^ itself . hopeful about the future' in bght of ^ntinued v...«« and economic uncertainty. \.dded uncertainty surrounds the fate of economic reibnn, which may be slowed or stopped altogether by ama*rv«Uv« fofcw in the Ruuian psirliament, whose " nfrcsji of Ptopk's Deputie* is set to meet. Other (actoo ar« also at work." said Libm The ptacMs of pcivatising apartowots has bacn proceeding in a numbar of Rttsaiah OUM. and that can play a role in ptopilM' dsciaians to amigral*,* be saidOne* priva>"»^ >n«rtm«Bts can be sold to raise mooaytoitilatsiaUraal In the larger cutr* m IIM EunfMB part of the (brWM onion, soch M MMCOW. St. I^tonbiurg and Kiev. aparUnwta ars ttmuatis mM fcr U & dollars. A twoor thfM-rgcm apartsMUt in omlnJ MoMOMr can fMch batwMn 136.000 and $60,000. wluk atirtisnts m pe jipi^al locaUoM mmr b* aaU fv tl6.0QO 10 iao.00a S«lkraha«UKl fcr Isnwl ImpMBtty wqant that ttw pufttMfM prk» U paid I* Uwlad r«ktivw «r frimib ainwtir <• Israsi so that Kiuaiaa rMtnctuos oa tb* oyait (• CHffMcy m
Mrs. Leva^was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Levar, and earlier by her husband, Jake Rosenbloom. She is survived, by nieces and nephews. Memorials may be sent to a favorite charity.
SUSAN ZELDIN Services were held Wednesday at Temple Israel for Susan Elizabeth Zeldin of Encinitas, Calif. She died at the age of 51. Her survivors ipclude her son, Steven Jay of Encinitas, and her mother, Beatrice Wolfson Marcus of Omaha. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. •
Religious-school teachers from Temple Israel, the United Talmud Torah of Omaha, the JCC's Child Development Cen-\ ter and the Bureau of Jewish Education practiced teaching techniques at a training program Nov. 1 at Beth El- Synagogue: The program was the final teacher-training session in a series of four sponsored by the Bureau of Jewish Education.
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Beth Israel Synagogue 1502 No. 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288 Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday fwhen Bchool is insesBion), 9 to 11a.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Mark Urkowitz and Cantor David Taub. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service is at 4:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning service is at 8:45 a.m. in the Sanctuary and Goldstein Chapel. A Kiddush Lunch follows services, hosted by Sisterhood. Class with Rabbi on this week's Torah portion follows Kiddush in the Goldstein Chapel. Mincha is at 4:40 p.m., followed by Talmud Class with Rabbi at 4:55 p.m Ma'ariv. and Havdalah conclude services. SUNDAY: . Service is at 9 a m WEEKDAYS: Services are at 7 a.m. and 4:45 p.m. Each weekday evening between' Mincha and ' Ma'ariv, we study Mishnayes. The study sessions are led by Rabbi Urkowitz JEWISH STUDIES ' Supplementary classes m Jewish studies are at 6 '-• p.m. Wednesdays at the JCC. Program includes : tapper and Mishna studies with Rabbi Urkowitz BREAKFAST CLUB ' Breakfast ' at 9am Sur, . ening, bre^klast, (JhummYi dnd Rashi TOPICS
Candlellghtlng for Friday, Nov. 20,4:43 p.m.
. Services are officiated by Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Fink and Cantor WebberGilat. FRIDAY: Tonight is Public School Shabbat. Teachers and principals of our religious-school students are invited to join our worship service, Services are at 7:30 p.m. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Parents Association and the Temple Sisterhood. SATURDAY: Shabbat service is at 11:15 a.m. in the sanctuary. Simcah B'Shabbat, an alternative Torahatudy service, will be held in the Chapel. BAT MITZVAH Jessica Anna Krieger will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah tomorrow morning. OPEN HOUSE All new members of Temple Israel are invited to a reception in their honor at the home of Rabbi Aryeh and Elyce Azriel on Sunday evening. L'CHAIM...TO LIFE Dick Garner of Seven Can Help will speak at the support group for the widowed at 1 p.m. Sunday. Brown-bag lunch is. it 12:30 p m. For m6re inlorniation, call Marcy Gallner (393-6775).The ['•f-t-'inp i-i open to an>."n>-
iijpiva of. Intc'i'v.jfc , OUTREACH • Growing Young Je«i 10 a.m. Sunday, disLadies" mtets at .) p m Sundays at the JCC. Instructor i» Devora ' will, SCHOLAR pertinenl to inlerf^ith Dr. Fred Ko^ner will families during the holispeak on Jewi'sh ethics day teason. Topics in:<and-medical -'''^ >> ' •.^i• dealing with ex weekend. :<d families, deciding During Dr nofi.ir » between trees and meno vi«ii, the Shabbal sched rahs and helping children ule will b«. cope Toalglit: ADULT IDUCATION Shi^t aerncet at 4:40 Introduction to Juda^un. dianef »t ^ ^0 o m i«m CUM is at ' "*" •• "> ^^Eeirtare, Tueeday TOW flRlAwrwV' •" • (•'" ToaMnrow: Torah on Wheeli will Morning servicet at be at 12 pm on Tueeday 8:4S t-m . lecture, 'Evolu- •I All Make* OfTice tion end Creation* at 11 Equipownl, 2ftU Faniam am. St For raaonraUooa. call PATIIIII-SON the-Temple ofnce (S66 FlOber-eoa mmyan and 66aex breakiut» Tbankaciving Of, Nefv 3& ScnricM art Dr. Fred Roener will at A am., to be followed 'ditcu** The Jewuh by btviJi&M Breakfait ia EthkalVtewefCeeteBpfree, but reiervetion> onwy Medical and Sotul •aet be Mede at lAa aya- Ueeee* M 10 auft- 8iw*^ ifgCoeoAcebgrNo* 33 . at TmtfkOr Roeaer i* a^kuat dean and yrofe**er ef Akdhserwe aedkiae at Albert Emciata OaU^p ef Medkiae Immiy-omed atYeeitmUaieeniMy. He took^ora loaki/ha* errtttea Arc boektoa
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Beth El Synagogue 14506 California Omaha, NE 68154 492-a550 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: ? a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovitfi. FRIDAY: Services are at 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services are at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following ' services will be given by Gary, Jane and Gordon Fellman in honor of their father, Charles Fellman, on hjs 90th birthday. tSS (Torah §iddur Skills) begins at 10:15 a.m. Sitter service starts at lOa.m. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services are at 4:45 p.m. SUNDAY: Services are at 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services are at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p m THANKSGIVING DAY: Services are^at 9 a,m and 5:30 p.m. JUDAICA SHOP: Op,: Tuesday through Thur= day, 10:30 a.m. to 2 pm and Sunday, 10 a.m. to noon. BAIf MITZVAH Michael Cohn, son of Pam ^nd Jeff Cohn, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Friday evening, Nov 27, .-"nd Saturday morning, •v. 28, ' KIDS'SHABBAT Kids' Kabbalat Shab bat, a service for families with children gradeschool age and younger, will be at 7 pm today fhe short informal service of singing and stories will be followed by ;in Oneg Shabbat
By Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
B'nai Israel 618 Mynater Street Council Bluffs, Iowa 51603 322-4706 Services are officiated by congregation members. For information, leave a message on the synagogue answering machine (322-4705). FRIDAY: Services are at 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services begin at 9:30 a.m. Junior Congregation begins at 10:15 a.m. Chabad House 1322 So. 119th Street Omaha, NE 68144 687-1124 SATURDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. SUNDAY: Davening is at 930 a.m. WEDNESDAY: Talmud class is at 9:30 a.m. Chumash for adults u at 10:30 a.m. THURSDAY: Advanced Talmud is at noon Offutt Capehart Chapel 25th Street and Capehart Omaha, NE 66123 294-6051 FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m. Blumkin Home SATURDAY: Services are held in the Goldstein ri,a„..i ... f| i| in Memliers oi u,c i i.mmunity are invited to join residents for the service and the kiddush following. ^ Special memorial service* are held on the last SatuH"^ "f'•'" h tnfinth
THefelh Israel 321« Sheridan Blvd. Uocoti>,NB 18002
Personals:
•• Service* are ofTicialed by Rabbi Eliahu Milder FRIDAY: Service* are at 8 pjn
I would liK« to thank all my friends and family for the hospital wisi]s. prayers and OttMf acts of kiryyiess during my recent hospital stay
a/rruRDAY: Service* are st 9:80 em Junior Can|r*gation b at 10 IS am. will aad South Sueeu ,NB< Senrkes are iiffkiated ^ Caalar Michaal Weie^
nUDAV: Babbalh eveninf; t»r vice « at 7 4A p n> SATUEDAYi Morning eerrice sad Toreb •liidjr are at 10 am. TVBUUY: AdttIt education u el 730pm
TimdauV:
ihis shahbat
Page 3
Sparlcs from Tlie Word
Synagogue Activities Temple Israel 7023 Caas Street Omaha, NE 68132 556-6536
Jewish Press
^a«faal.la.«t
Paraahat Haye Sarah To Be Human In To... Among the questions that followed a lecture I gave at Creighton University was one that has intrigued me. A young student asked, "What do Jews think about suffering?" Christianity has given various answers to that question. Judaism has also touched on it, both in Biblical and rabbinic (pre-philosophical) times and later. The thought is advanced in Second Isaiah that suffering may be vicarious, on the behalf of others. In Job it is suggested by one of Job's "comforters," that suffering may be for learning purposes, that one sees things in a new perspective after suffering. In Rabbinic Judaism the suggestion is made that suffering is for testing and toughening an individual; or it is the payment in this world for the modest sins of the righteous, so that they will have nothing but bliss in the world-to-come. Philosophers later offer different answers, of a wide variety. To many people, including me, there is no remotely satisfactory answer. Nonetheless I do not conclude that the world is an enemy of human life and is nqjit place for man to live. I am led to this discussion by our Sidrah, which tells us that Sarah died "and Abraham proceeded to mourn for Sarah and to bewail her." A long passage then describes Abraham's purchase of land, so that he might bury Sarah. Did Sarah die young? No. Did she have an unusually painful death? Tlie Bible text does not suggest this either. But Abraham mourns for her—for the pain of. bereavement is all but universal. There is other suffering, both physical and mental, also all but universal. Why is so much of humar) suffering apparently meaningless?,Hiia is the question thiat gnaws away at our rninds. We are read^, on the basis of experience, to accept bereavement—though full of grief—\«hen it occurs in "natural." sequence, the aged before the young. But we rebel against the idea, and the fact, that the young sometimes die before their parents. The larger pain of witnessing war and otfier massive disasters caused by humans, and of suffering the catastrophes caused by Nature, embitters us all about lif'Mow is any of this to be. understood? I had to answer llie student who asked the question, at last, that suffering is part of life. To be human means to have suffering and to have suffering means tobehurnan The Book of Job leaves us marveling at its poetic | beauty and the profundities of its probing But it leaves us with the answer that there is' no.^an8werJ that there is jio rationality to human suffering We Wi cannot explain it We can oftly trj to relieve it, and Ui prevent)^. ^ Abraham mourned for Sarah He Was left witheut ^ id his lifetime Companion, lover, and partner But he did not rail against God. The very next chiiut.r ULII.-, it, "The Ijord had blessed Abraham in all 11 Abraham had suffered deeply Yet il.t ,.., ...,. ...it say that Abraham was blessed, "blessed in all thing*."j
1
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60 Years Experience
MONCIMENT CO
I ettering and Memorials
Frank L. CIciulla, Jr.
1439S0.13Ui 341-2452
With Jewish
Berak 'Ben" WIsnia Thar>ks 10 our family and friends for their conliuout support. conotm. and thcughlfulnets. Your cards and visits ware • graM oorrdofl to ut.
We cordially Invite the community to our family oneg Stuibttat celebration honoring our children and the naming of our grandson. Jason. Friday. November 27. Temple Israel. Services 8:15 p.m. Reception to follow,
Jerry and janey Dann
TtMlamHyot Monte BMlsfTnan I «vd to thank al our Inands lor.(heir cards, donations, gifts. ai(¥l good wishes II has helped speed my recu0eralion Irom my recent s**rga»y
ay
Rini and Allen Qonsher invite you to share tlieir joy as their son, Benjamin Ell, becorDes a Bar-Mitzvah, Saturday. November 27,9:00 a.m. at Beth . Israel Synagogue. Kiddush •^ Luncheon will follow serv
i
November 20,1992
Jewiati Press I
^B —fl'j
Editorial
Our Man In Israel
By Morris Maline
By Carl Alpert
h
Jewish education
E
Class Of 2001
Yes, there is universal agreement among Jews that Jewish education is important — perhaps the most important agenda item for any Jewish community. TTiuB, it was not surprising recently when the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha gave unanimous approval to proceed with the design and construction of the Gordman Educational Center. When completed, the building will house classrooms for United Talmiid Torah, Temple Israel and the Friedel Jewish Academy. The building, to be located on the Jewish Community Campus, also will provide space for the Federation Library and the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, both of which now have space in the Jewish Community Center. As the community looks forward to the opening of the Gordman Educational Center, the Jewish Press would like to focus on Jewish education for an upcom. ing special issue. This editorial space, therefore, serves as an announcement to the community that Jewish education will be on our minds during the next few months. We hope that rabbis, teachers, studenU, parents, and others involved in Jewish education take note of the fact that this special issue is brewing. . Over tlie next few months, we will be soliciting stories, essays, photos, drawings, opinion pieces, and other material appropriate to an issue on education. Synagogue programs, activities at the Friedel Jewish Academy, the College of Family Learning, and the universities in our readership area are all invited to participate. This is an opportunity for educators, parents, and yes, students, to let the community know how they feel about Jewish education, what they are doing about it, and what needs to be done.
Enough parents have responded to our previous edirial to warrant our continuing coverage of the Class 8001. TTiis class is composed of children who will become a uarorBatMitzvah in the year 2001 More information will be offered to parentb in the next few weeks. Meanwhile, it wouldn't hurt to cull those thousands of photos and select one for publication in the Jewish Prew And, you might be thinking about writing a short message (some four orTive paragraphs) about your, youngster's progress to date. You know, his or her favorite toys, foods, and oh, yes, what are tlie plans for college?
HAIFA—While many Russian immigrants are engaged in scientific work looking to Israel's fiiture, a group of more than 70 recent arrivals are immersed in archaeological excavations exploring the Jewish past at Sepphoris (Zippori) up in the Galilee hills. Their efforts have already revealed what is undoubtedly the richest field of colorful mosaics at any dig thus far found in Israel. There is a dramatic element of Jewish continuity here in that these immigrants, who had long been cut off from their people.are the ones carrying out the work at the site of what was once a m^jor metropolis, where the Sanhedrin was located in the third century. The ' diggers were not professional archaeologists in the country from which they came; neither were they ordinary laborers. Among them are economists, accountants, engineers, doctors, teachers — temporarily unable to find employment in their fields, but engaged instead in uncovering the historic past. This site, just a few miles outside Nazareth, was where the now-famous mosaic of a beauty queen of old was uncovered a few years ago. It was called the Mona Lisa of the Galilee because of the suppressed mystical smile of the unknown woman, whose face adorned a luxurious mansion in days of old. Shown at the Israel Museum for some time, the precious mosaic, more than 1,500 years old, is now back in its original location in a partial restoration of the old villa. Zippori has just been opened to the public as the newest of Israel's national parks. Visitors have before them the remains of a once-vast city, featuring what is undoubtedly the largest collection of colorful mosaics found anywhere in Israel, and still the work continues. The dig is being carried out under the auspices of the Hebrew University Institute of Archaeology, in cooperation with the Israel National Parks Authority, the Israel exploration Society and the Galilee Foundation. Initial excavations were promising, but a large por' 'tion of the more than 250 acres was covered by a J.N.F. forest. Little did the foresters realize that beneath their trees lay the remains of homes and public buildings, mikvehs and a network of roads which give evidence of a well-planned city. Thai traffic was heavy on these roads is revealed by
the deep ruts.in the stone pavement caused by the wagon wheels. Ihe roads are broad, laid out in parallel lines and precisely perpendicular to cross roads. The paving blocks are skillfiiliy hewn, but at one point the builders reached bedrock and here they chipped away at the natoral stone to make it match the pattern of the rocks they had laid down. One considers: Was the contractor paid according to the number of stones he had put in place? Business must have been good in the shops along Main Street, for at onejstage the sidewalks were newly paved and an elaborate mosaic inscription was located there, paying tribute to the man who had presumably paid for the work. Whatever the size of his contribution, Marianus certainly obtained near immortality for himself Whereas most old mosaics found in Israel contain messages, geometric patterns, or animals in static positions, the Zippori floors are characterized by mobility and action. An elaborate hunting scene depicts dashing horses, spears poised aloft by the riders, and a barking dog following along. A lineup of topless Amazon warriors, in miniskirts, conveys i sense of lively movement. Most of the mosaics are in an amazing state of preservation. Indeed, some of them are entire floors, without blemish. Our guided tour of the grounds was conducted by Dr. Ehud Netzer and Zeev Weiss, in charge of the dig for the Hebrew University. But the area has progressed beyond historical inquiry. It has quickly been transformed into a national park, with Binyamin Shalev, of nearby Hoshaya, as project director. The excavations are expected to continue for many more seasons, in the hope of finding the Sanhedrin building. Alas, some of the J.N.F. trees may have to be sacrificed to bring to light more of the treasures of the past from Talmudic times. For the Russian workers tliis is only a preliminary phase in their integration into Israel. Many of them work half day and study Hebrew the rest of the time. They are aware of the significance of what they are doing, .and besides the immediate income which the work brings them, it also makes them feel already like Israelis, from the rock bottom.
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: The gift of tv*o "resident lifts' to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home from the Omaha Section of the National Council of Jewish Women was a donation worth $l6,222. As co-chairmen of the NCJW project fund, we are grateful to the many people who contribute to the fund so that NCJE can help meet the needs ufliiu Blumkin Home. Rae Brodkey and^ Lola Friedman
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) Ian 'in.vti»n
Boird Memben: Itck E. Cntten. iteiiurcr, Rntc Schupick, iKcrcury, Piul Ciounvc. Sieve Dinon. Sioii FricJmsn, Debbie Jotcphson, Sheiyl Lee. Sieve Levinter, litlhcr Mcichci, Jsne Ript, Bonnie Schweid, Sieve Skidind Sylvia Wijincr.
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Salet Repreu^nialivet: Diane Baum, Molline Cassnuin,
' ira Frankel, Rcnce Kazor,
Thanksgiving: an 'honorary' Jewish holiday By KabbI Jerona Epatein ExecuUva Vice Praatdent United Synaffofue of Conaervatlve JudaUun J«wt ara no strangers to the notion of giving titanku We ^clutowladlga the Divine three times a day in our prayera, an<i our Sltabbat and Yom Tnv liturgy ia filled with praiMi n( (^xl Wlillo Tliankigivlng (with a capital hrrt it V, Mt
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our religious identity, practice our unique rituals, buU<j day schools for our young, open summer camps for chit dren of all Jewish denominations, and support.| plethora of community oruanlxalions We noedn't' fearful lo apeak <>i .<>rt of Israel. W. c«at to lagiilators, press *nd all n s| of government. We have a home whara we tan fully livr as .Ipwn Id give thankt baeauae we hsvp stii AV hiivi' K'liiiill iiiir linnicland, Erot
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November 20,1992 '
Mary Fisher 'Walks for Life'
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By Cheryl Rosamond, special correspondent Miami Jewish Tribune WEST PALM BEACH — When Mary Fisher discov' ered she was HIV- positive, ^he was devastated. She didn't want to tallc about AIDS, much less face the fact that she could have the disease one day. That was a year ago. Now, Fisher has become educated about the disease and wants to make sure everyone else is enlightened as well. The Boca Raton mother of two little boys, ages three and five, has become a leading force in the country in helping to dispel what she calls the myths of AIDS. She helped lead Sunday's "Walk for Life" through downtown West Palm Beach to raise money for five Palm Beach County AIDS social service agencies. The 3.1-mile walk along Flagler Drive raised $75,000, according to Positive Link, the agency sponsoring the walk. "We will march toward justice and compassion and hope, knowing that where we find these, we find healing," Fiacher said as the Walk For Life got under way in Trinity Park. Fisher addressed the Republican National Convention in August about AIDS and is a member of the AIDS Task Force of the Jewish Federation of South Palm Beach County. She is the daughter of millionaire and Republican activist Max Fischer and was recently named to the President's Commission on AIDS. "We are writing a manual and now we are discussing how we are going to implement the things they have come up with," she said. "I have been a consultant to the commission since February, when I went public. I was named to the commisswn because of my willingness to be involved and my wanting to see some things jppen." _^>Fi8her replaced basketball superstar Earvin 'Magic' Johnson on the commission. "I think Magic Johnson \yas a wonderful commissioner and he made his own decision that he wanted to do something else," she said. "My feeling is that this is a place that I would like to take a chance." Fisher said she hopes to continue raising the awareness of people in the community about AIDS and HIV disease. "With who I know in Washington, I will be able to help implement some of the recommendations of the commission," she said. "We haven't had the first meet-
•
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ing yet so. I have to wait and see some of the thmgs. they want me to do." Fisher said that the 'Walk for Life' means "walking for hope." "It means that we as a community have joined together in solidarity as one family," she said. . "W& can show that we have love and compassion in our hearts as a community. It shows that we care and that we will not stop at anything to find a cure and to make people realize how important HIV and AIDS is." Fisher said she thought long and hard before she decided to go public about her condition. ' "I realized that if I could tell my story and help other people, I could help other people to be able to talk about it, to breathe not in silence, but out in the open," she said. "I thought I could help break down the walls of discrimination and stigma." She said she feels strongly that the disease belongs to everyone.
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Three Jewish organizations plan to conduct a political awareness and advocacy forum on Dec. 17 at 7 p.m. at the JCC. According to the announcement, NCJW, ADL, and AIPAC are joining forces to expand the ranks of individual Jewish involvement in the American political and advocacy process. . Greater Jewish participation is needed on school boards, planning boards, city councils, state commissions, in local and state political parties and conventions, as well as on the boards of public, cultural and m^or non-profit institutions, it was said. This seminar will address tlie organized political activity of the religious right, and a panel will provide updates on: reproductive rights, children's issues, Israel, hate crimes and other domestic issues. Also, State Sen. Jessie Rasmussen will discuss tools needed for effective advocacy and action. For reservations or information, call the AntiDefamation League office, 333-1303.
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Thanksgiving: an 'honorary' Jewish holiday
(amiinued from page 4)
"teach our children." What better, less painful way to do this than over a sumptuous meal, discussing the underlying reason for the gathering. Whether we Instruct our children in their obligations to God or their responsibilities toward their fellow man, or toward the environment, the holiday "a^ra" seta just the right mood for discussions of this kind. Fourth, even witlt the recent presidential election, it is virtually certain that the American economy will take some time to restore to the position where all families have homes, jobs and the wherewithal to ei\joy large turkey dinners. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to realize that we should not lake these giiU for granted. It is also a time to give "tzedakah," to share our bounty with others. We make tlie holiday ours, render it more "Jewish," by remembering that since our good fortune
WAREHOUSE SALE
ultimately comes from God, we are obligated to share it with others. When stopping to consider those gifts for which we must be grateful, the proper kavanah, or motivation, can elicit surprisingly deep responses. Like everything else in life, what we ultimately gain from the hohday will depend on what we bring to it. . Ixit us each bring a keen appreciation' of our good fortune, as well as our unique Jewish sensibilities, to the Thanksgiving table this year, enhancing the experience for ourselves and our loved ones and raising the event from the status of a dinner to the heights of a spiritual celebration. Let us thank God for our blessings, share them with others, and leach the •• '•-••—•• to our children. Tlien, truly, tlie day shall assume the honorary aui tus of a Jewish holiday.
November 21 - 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 3501 South 61st Ave. Circle (the corner of 6l8t and Grower) B, Ruben Qo., a 40-year-old leader in the fashion accessory industry, will open its warehouse to the public for one day only. On sale will be earrings, necklaces, pins, rings, rhinestones, bells, scarves, and children's jewelry. Most Items will sell tor 50c-$6.00, great for gitt-givingll Cash or checks only, no credit cards accepted.
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November 20,1992
Jewish Press
FBge6
Births
Engaged now living in Chesterfield, Mo. He is a grandson of David and Jeanne Dvorkin of Omaha and the late Benjamin and Lillian Warren. Ms. Kriz is the daughter of John and Oriel Kriz of Palisades, N.Y. „ She is the granddaughter of Miroslav and Suzanne Kriz and Margaret Hamilton Eaton and Joseph Oriel Eaton.
WARREN/KRIZ
Mitchell Joaeph Warren and Alice Margaret Kriz, both of Washington, D.C., will be married May 30,1993, in New York. Mr. Warren, former president of the North American Federation of Temple Youth, is a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Wisconsin at Madison. He is associate director of Medical Education for South African Blacks in WARREN/ Washington, D.C. BENENSON Ms. Kriz, a graduate of Omaha native Marc Georgetown University, is executive director of the Jeffrey Warren and French-American Barbara Benensun, both Chamber of Commerce in of New York, will be married in spring, 1993, in Washington, D.C' Mr. Warren is a son of New York. Mr. Warren, a graduate Martin and Marilyn Warren, former Omahajis of the University of
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Wisconsin at Madison, is vice president of Heller Financial in New York. Ms*. Benenson, a graduate of George Washington University, is a national sales manager at Jeffrey Price, International. Mr. Warren is a son of Martin and Marilyn Warren, former Omahans now living in Chesterfield, Mo.' He is a grandson of David and Jeanne Dvorkin of Omaha and the late Beruamin and Lillian Warren. Ms. Benenson is the daughter of Alvin and Madeleine Benenson of Short Hills, N.J. She is the granddaughter of Prances Schwartz.
Paula and Norman Feldman of Dallas announce the birth of a daughter, Diane Renee. They also havea daughter, Hannah. 'Grandparents are Loia and Gerald Bernstein of Omaha and Ida Feldman of Buffalo, N.Y. _ Great-grandmother is Anita Wintroub of Omaha. Bruce and Patti Bernstein of Dallas announce the birth of a son, William David. Grandparents are Lois and Gerald Bernstein of Omaha and Jack and Jeanette Cooper of-Dallas. Great-grandmothers are Anita Wintroub of Omaha and Rose Cooper of Dallas.
First Israeli WASHINGTON (JTA) — Mordechai Bar-On, a historian and research fellow at Ben Gurion University and" a former member of Knesset, has become the first Israeli president of the New Israel Fund.
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Bei\|ainin Gonsher Benjamin Eli Gonsher will become a Bar Mitzvah Nov. 28 at Beth Israel Synagogue. He is the son of Rmi and Allan Gonsher; Ben is a seventh-grade honor student at Beveridge Junior High. He was named student of the month in September. His other interests include Jewish Boy Scouts, magic, super Nintendo, football and NOSY. Ben has two brothers; Josh and Zack. His grandparents are Nita and Harvey Egherman of Cincinnati, Ohio; Dorothy and Sol Furman of Phoenix; and the late Charles Gonsher.
Michael Cohn Michael Joseph Cohn will become a Bar Mitzvah Nov. 27 and 28 at Beth El Synagogue. He is a son of Pam ^nd Jeff Cohn. Michael is a seventhgrade honors student at Beveridge Junior High, where he also serves on Student Council. His hobbies include playing saxophone, baseball and basketball. He has a brother, Daniel. Michael is a grandson of Norman and Julie Anon of Cheyenne, Wyo., Rose Perelman of Omaha and the late Lyman Cohn.
Boxer, Feinstein wins make Jewish liistory By Garth Wolkoff Northern California Jewish Bulletin SAN FRANCISCO — What does the election of Dianne Feinstein and Barbara Boxer to the U.S. Senate mean to Jewish wumen? One answer came from a 17-year-old rabbi's daughter, who cheered wildly for her "role models" amid thousands of frenzied DemocraUi election night at San Francisco's Fairmont Hotel. "Their election makbs me realize there are no Umits for mo as a Jewish woman, there are no limits on what 1 can accomplish," said I>laomi Barenbaum, who stood alongside her father, Rabbi Michael Barenbaum, in the Fairmont's Grand Ballroom where the senators-elect delivered ajoint acceptance speech. * "1 have the same struggle as they do," said the high school senior, whose father leads Congregation Rodef Sholom — the synagogue Boxer attends. "They have to go above and beyond what most people would have to do to gel where they are. The\ ~' "" role models for mcLto keep pursuing my goalt. Feinstein, the'former San Francisco mayor, uiuj Boxer, who represented the city and Marin County in the House of Reprfcsentalivus, became the first Jewish women ever t« be elected U) the U.S. Senate. However, their victory also signified somutliing else — that their religion was not an apparent factor in how the electorate voted, compared iu the rules played bygend •• ••••'• afRliation, and the politic^: ••' '•>'•'•!sion. In fail, ub I'ciiuiteiri prepared to deUvor hei Mwy tunce apoeeh in the hotel's Gold Room, a rousing gospel choir from San Francisco's.Glide Memorial Church belt*!d out hymiw, to Jeaua as thousands of supporlera rocked buck and furtli. And as a disproportionate number of Jews joined Feinstein onstage — including a young boy wearing a yarmulke — and hundreds more cheered her and Boxer on, the feeling was that the Bay Area's Jewish
Let's give Thanks, GARY L. KIDYM, Agent
BarMitzvah
...for eveiythlng we have been jiven. Here's wishing you and your family a sale and luppy Ihankjgiving holiday frorfi everyone at,
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presence in politics is strong, indelible, and without > question. "These are strong women, proud to be Jewish," exclaimed Jevmh S.F. Supervisor Carol Migden, chair of the Democratic Party of San Francisco. More important, this campaign 8ignifie8'"we have turned the comer" on anti-Semitism in California because their Jewishness "clearly wasn't an issue during the campaign," Migden said. San Francisco political analyst John Rothmann agreed: "It shows that whether one is a Jew or a gentile is not a factor in a m^jor statewide rac-e," he said. "That's a wonderful commentary on the society we live in, that anti-Semitism or anti-Jewish feeling was not a factor in this cAmpuign." Although foreign policy never emerged as a m^or issue in their campaigns, both Feinstein and Boxer are < 'usidered reliable friends of Israel. ! luring the campaign. Boxer's oppon(jnt, Jewish TV commentator Bruce Herschensohu, attacked her for ^ her negative votes on some foreign and military assis' H tance bills containing large sums for Israel. Still, those' • charges did little to dimmish Boxer's lopsided support among Jewish voters. "She's a woman of principles and a true friend of Israel." said Rabbi Barenbaum, who at the beginning |ffi of Boxer's campaign apgke wiUi her about Israel und^ her involvement in the Jewish community. "Eight years ago she came to Israel on a congresslon-^ al visit and we had breakfast together," he recalled "She was so luoveti and so loiichwl by the people \ the land. Her principles make her u better friend." Feinstein, meanwhile, hailwd the "year of thi woman" to the thiongs at the Fuiruiunt Hotel, which i|| owned by the Swigs, « prominsnt San Francisa Jewish family.
Class of 2001 Parerits: If your cfiild will become a Bar or Bat f\/litzvah in the year 2001 Tfie Jewisfi Press would like to hear from youT Please call 334-8200. x 239 and let us know if we can include your youngster in forthcoming publicity.
November 20j 1992
^ Mayors retiring By Gil Sedan JERUSALEM (JTA)— The charismatic mayors of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv both say they are stepping down. Teddy Kollek, 81, and Shlomo ("Cheech") Lahat, 65, said they will not seek re-election next year. Kollek has been in offlce 27 years and Lahat 19. The Jerusalem mayor, however, has agreed to postpone his ofTicial announcement for two month? to allow the Labor Party to choose a candidate, as his successor in the high-visibility post. Kollek backs his deputy, Amos Mar-Haim, for the j6b, which involves sensitive relations with the Arab population of 'East Jerusalem and administration of a city sacred to three religions.
JCC dance shows to air on Cox Cox Cable Channel 2 will air two JCC dance productions in December. "Festival of Lights," a production of Theatre at, the J, will be broadcast Dec. 20, the first day of Hanukkah, at 6:30 p.m. "Festival of Lights" was created and directed by M. Michele Phillips and Kate Schrader. It features a cast of 35 children. The show's theme is Hanukkah and includes adaptations of popular children's stories about tlie holiday. Another JCC dance production, "The JCC Dance Celebration," will also be broadcast Dec. 20. "It will be fun for the children to see their work on television," said'Cheryl Lerner, director of the JCC's performing arts department. "But it will also give wider exposure of our culture to the general community and will offer Jewish families television programming they can identify with."
Israel takes steps to boost economy By Gil Sedan JERUSALEM (JTA) — In measures designed to stabilize the economy and create new jobs, the Israeli government devalued the shekel slightly and ordered a 1 percent decrease in the value-added tax. A gradual four-year reduction in the tax oh corporations was also announced by Finance Minister Avraham Shohat and Bank of Israel Governor Jacob Frenkel. The value-added tax was cut from 18 to 17 percent. The measures represent what economists believe to be a sounder response, to growing unemployment than the large-scale public works programs urged even from inside the government.
ook review:
Abba Eban looks back By Oliver B. Pollak Abba Eban's voice sends shivers down my spine. This book, full of reminiscences, is a valuable sequel to Eban's 1977 autobiography. Eban was bom in Cape Town in 1915. Several months later, his father died and his widowed mother took him to live in London. There, Eban's grandfather filled his heart and soul with a love for Zionism and Hebrew. His multi-lingiial mother worked for. the Zionist office in London. In November, 1917, she translated into French and Russian the historymaking Balfotjr Declaration, Britain's announcement of support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine. By the 193()'8, Abba Eban became active in Jewish causes. He studied oriental languages at Cambridge University and made his first journey to Palestine during World War 11 with the tish Anny. Eban became familiar to Americans In 1949 as
Ablut Eban Israel's am.bassador to the United States and the United Nations. After a decade of ambassadorship, he returned to Israel and was elected to the Knesset. As a member of the Knesset, he served as minis|er of education and culture, deputy prime minister, and minister of foreign affairs. A polymath, multilingual academic, diplomat, politician, writer and educational-television personality, Eban is driven by pragmatism in his political philosophy and in his conmiitment to reconciliation.
Jewish Education lire you interested? .
His exceptional longevity has allowed him to influence American presidents from Truman to Carter. As Israel's voice in the United States, E!ban was in contact with American officials including John Foster Dulles, Dean Rusk, Eleanor Roosevelt, Henry Kissinger and George Schultz. He has an insider's knowledge of notable Israeli personalities such as Chaim Weizmann, David BenGurion, Golda Meir, Moshe Dayan, Menachim Begin, Shimon Peres, Ariel Sharon and Yitzhak Rabin. Eban recalls his more than five ^ecades of international public life, identifying Israel's friends and adversaries in revela-, tory anec(rotes and reminiscences. Momenta of crisis crystallize in the 'memory. A crises he remembers clearly is a scene during the Suei Crisis (1956). He and Golda Meir, Israel's foreign minister, ntet with Dag Hammarsk'jotd, se-
Organizations SURVIVORS The Society of Survivors of the Holocaust will meet on Nov. 22 at 2 p.m. at the community roomof the Livingston Plaza Apartments to discuss a Holocaust memorial. YES YES will meet Nov. 23 at the JCC. "YES Talk" discussion group, bingo and English class all begin at 10:30 a.m. A harvest-Thanksgiving buffet luncheon will be served at noon..Speaker is Berne Houle, a hearing specialist, who will discuss "coping with hearing loss." For transportation, call 330-4272. WALK.IN DROP-IN No program on Nov. 26 because of Thanksgiving. On Dec, 3, Walk-in Dropin meets at Beth El Synagogue. Exercise class begins at 10:30 a.m. Part two- of the seminar, "Preserving your personal autonomy" will be at 11 a.m. Hot lunch will be served at noon. After lunch, Omaha international Folk Dancers will perform. Cost is $4. Transportation is available. For reservations, call Toby Kagan by Nov. 27 at 397-1037. cretery general of the United Nations, who generally disliked confrontation. Meir's directness clashed, excrutiatingly with Hammarskjold's subtlety. Eban called it a "worst moment" and wrote that he had never been in a room with two people whose aversion to each other was more intense. In the book's final chapter, "Retrospect and Prospect," Eban sagely concludes that tlie Soviet Empire's collapse changes the central theme of the i990s to the interplay of nationalities and the structure of states, rather than nuclear war. If Israel holds out a.-> a democratic nation, it must face the issue of the I'aU'Slinian people. This may be possible considering the June, 1992, vicio ry by Rabin's Ijibor Party over the intransigi-ni Likud led by Shamir
Please call 334-8200, x 239 to place your input on the agenda.
Mrs. Josephson elected to post Debbie Josephson is the new administrative vice president of the National Federation of Temple Sisterhoods' 20th district. The district includes reform sisterhoods in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and South Dakota. Other Omahans named to office at the district convention last month in Des Moines were Lois Epstein, new membership committee chairman; and Sandy Passer, outreach committee chairman..
Debbie Joaephaon Former Omaha resident Marilyn Warren, now of Chesterfield, Mo., was elected secretary.
Keicst Honored NEW YORK (JTA) Gershon Kekst, president of the corporate communications firm, Kekst & Co., was honored by the American Committee for the Weizmann Institute of
Science for his longtime support of the institute and for his service as a member of its board of governors and as chairman emeritus of the American Committee.
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SOMETHING SPECIAL HAS ARRIVED!
The Jewish Press is planning to produce a special issue using Jewish education as the theme. We invite all interested profeissionals, lay people and students to consider particif>ating. Our needs include essays, editorials, photographs, drawings - literally anything that will help our readership understand what is t)eing accomplished in the field of Jewish education and • what is needed for the future.
Page?
Jewish Press
...SOMCTWING
How can you Know that you gava th« right gift lor that Bar or Bat Mitvah? It* not an )May thing, picking out a gift lor thaaa Kida, nght?
OlFFKNENT.
SOMCTHINO UNUSUAL. SOMCTHINQ EXTRAOHOINAHY!
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Haras an idaa thal't aura to ptataa: agUt oailtlioala Irom Homar'a lor Iha muaic thay'ra aN dancing to thaH day* It's what Ihay raally wartt anyway arxJ basxtos. it's aasy to wrap. Just kK thaanysk>pa Thla oKar la so good wa gua'«'<<•« in<i<« wm o« no kvakMrtg about Ihia gM or your monay back. And that's an idaa thai only Homar's would undaraiand.
^ge8
Jewish Press
November 20,1992
Opinion: Federation help Jews worldwide
Academics speak on Zionism
By Stephen D. Solender Executive Vice President , New York's UJA-Federation NOTE: The following is ports small agencies a response from New whose services may lack York's UJA-Federation to broad appeal, but which a column by Gary Rosen- remain crucial to their blatt published in this clients. In Brooklyn, for examnewspaper recently. ple, Mishkon, a residenNEW YORK — Gary tial treatment center for Rosenblatt's October arti- retarded and multiplecle "Can federations sur- disabled orthodox chilvive" raises serious ques- dren, would be hard pressed to secure adeThe history of Zionism and its current role in the state of Israel were' tions about federated giving and its positive role in quate funding on its own. topics addressed last week at the Ethics of Zionism conference at the Where would these chilworld Jewish life. University of Nebraska at Omaha. Speakers represented UNO's departWhile no one doubts dren go? The question all ments of philosophy and religion and international studies, Ohio State that these questions are but answers itself University's department of history, and the Israeli Consulate in Chicago. in his article, Mr. valid, and in fact; demand Pictured are (from left) Richard Freund, Thomas Gouttiere, Israeli Rosenblatt asserts that high priority on the Consul General Arthur Avnon, William Blizek and Michael Berkowitz. Jewish communal agen- federations face "a crisis da, his analysis, unfortu- of personnel and leadernately, lacks perspective ship," that they represent "a Jewish community and accuracy. Let's set the record adrift and devoid of common purpose." Again, the straight. argument lacks substance To be sure, federations Those participating will hours), refreshments will Henry Monsky Lodge and perspective. nationwide face serious B'nai B'rith is sponsoring meet at the Jewish Com- be served. .Mr. Rosenblatt should fiscal challenges. GenerMr. Kutler said the its third annual Hanuk- munity Center acknowledge that in really, annual campaign toat 9 a.m. Participants event is "very special." kah torch run Dec.' 20 at cent years federations tals in recent years have There is 'no other such will be transported in 9 a.m. remained flat, resulting have evolved into major The theme of this year's vans supplied by Body activity like it during the from the nation's long re- problem-solving enterevent is "A Run from Basics to the start at winter. Because of its cession and greater com- prises, whose expertise, uniqueness, the Lodge is Freedom of Prejudice." Beth Israel Synagogue. petition among many resources, and talent enRunners will follow a able to use it to highlight According to Howard able them to respond more charities. the importance of peace route from Beth Israel to Kutler, chairman, the run quickly and decisively to But I take issue with celebrates the festival of Temple Israel, then past and freedom as symbolMr. Rosenblatt's con- Jewish'emergencies worldized by the holiday of the Friedel Jewish freedom. tention that federated wide. Does he think any"It is a group activity Academy and will Tmish Hanukkah." giving is waning. One body" else but the Jewish Adults may register for at the Jewish Community for fun and to draw attenneed only read the recent federation network (worktion to the need for the Center. This route is a fee of $12. Forms are survey by the Chronicle of ing with the Council of available by calling the eight miles. Vans will folelimination of prejudice. Jewish Federatibns, the low behind the group. B'nai B'rith Ofllce at 334- Philanthropy ranking the It is not a ra(;e," he said. United Jewish Appeal United Jewish Appeal, Any participant who feels 8200. For information, call number one among na- the United Israel Appeal, tired, or is unable to run the whole route at a mod- Howard Kutler at Body tional charities in dona- the American Jewish Joint Distribution Comerate pace may elect to Basics, 334-2233 or the tions. Is this a system that is mittee, the Jewish AgenB'nai B'rith Office. ride in a van. At the JCC, at the con- Entries must be received obsolete? Equally impres- cy, and the Israel governsive is that when combin- ment) cbuld have brought clusion of the nm, (which no later than Dec. 14. ing Operation Exodus about Operations Exodus takes slightly under two with federated annual and Solomon? Other examples abound and capital campaigns, money for Israel has actu- as well. When Israel's ally increased over the emergency absorption 1 J^'i needs demanded bold acpast three years. We could have achieved tion, federations throughnone of this without a out North America joined highly talented and dedi- together with the Keren cated core of lay leader- Hayesod countries to iniAdd » spark of Fashion tiate quickly an historic ship and professionals. FACittmenl wtthoHtfoinji ovcrMr. Rosenblatt must re- $900 million loan guaranhotrrd member that federations, tee program for Soviet unlike single-purpose emigres. Silks - tlhiti'on - Satins Both the lo^n guarancharities, address the full tee program and federagamut of'Jewish needs, TtWmXT A .\IK1 much - much more! both on a global and local tion efforts at collective scale. Most coritributors responsibility reflected an know that their dollars unprecedented pooling of directly impact such Tinancial resources and pressing concerns as (Coordination that immiJewish education and gration experts continue continuity, youth earn to praise, llmt same coopand enrichment, senior eration resulted in helpcare, and immigrant re- ing Albania's 370 member Jewish community emisettlement. Also, they know that grate, and continues to centralized giving sup- help bring freedom to
I
B'nai B'rith plans 3rd IHanukkali run
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391-4326 120 Regency Court
Jews in countries of distress. All federations recognized what was at stake, and there was no paralysis of consensus. The result was a greater sense of unity and duty in absorbing these refugees, whether in Israel or in this country. Is there any better example of collective responsibility than when the. small Jewish community of Allentown, Pa.—acting in a continental effort—raises money to help New York and Chicago resettle Russian Jews? Mr! Rosenblatt paints a picture of a federation system teetering on the brink of economic collapse. Nothing could be further from the truth. In New York, an area particularly hard hit by the nation's recession, our community raised $333 million last year from various campaigns and other income initiatives. This included $175 million from our annual and Exodus campaigns alone. I consider that impressive for an so^a in which some 400,000 Jews live in or near poverty. Our overseas legacy program in New York continues to fmance innovative projects in Israel— including science research centers, an academy for gifted children, and dental clinic^. Additionally, our Capital Campaign, even during tough economic times, has raised $700 million since 1988, impressive by any standard. 1 differ sharply with Mr. Rosenblatt's contention th^V federations lack the bold leadership to address assimilation, Jewish education, ahd other problems. I challenge him to find another organizational network with a more dedicated and committed core of lay leaders. These are highly talented and busy peopi who devote enormous time, energy, and money to a cause they believe in. These are meii and women, young and old, who of'ten travel to and from Israel, at their own expense, to ensure tha campaign funds make
1
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November 20,1992
Living in poverty
By GU Sedan JERUSALEM (JTA) — One in 10 Israelis lives below the poverty level and half of them are children, according to neWly released government statistics. Among recent immigrants, the poverty rate soars to a record 34 percent, the National Insurance Institute says in a just-published survey of 1991 figures involved in social security programs. Poverty-level incomes were the lot of 562,000 Israelis in 1991, a 4 percent rise over 1990. Of this number, 234,000 were children. But the rise was lower than the year before, when poverty level incomes registered a 14.6 increase over 1989. Government allocations warded off an increase to as much as 20 percent in the number of those living below the poverty line. A fourfold rise occurred in this category over the past decade, making the rate in Israel the highest among Western countries.
I
Lubavitcti doctor uses Toraii for drug addicts
By Leslie Katz Northern California Jewish Bulletin SAN FRANCISCO (JTA) — The average American Jewish drug addict is a perfectionist male from a family that revers achievement. Most likely, his drug of choice is cocaine or heroin. So says Dr. Jay Holder, a 45-year-old Lubavitch doctor who heads one of the world's only drug treatment centers offering Torah-based rehabilitation, located in Miami. Yes, he said, there are plenty of Jewish drug addicts. He himself has dealt with hundreds. "It's the denial within the Jewish community that fans the flames of the problem," he said.
Opinion: Federation helps (conlinued from page 8)
difference. They spend thousands of hours providing leadership to our local agencies and to our communal planning effort. Mr. Rosenblatt need only walk in any federation office and witness firsthand the close lay/ professional relationships that exist. Our leaders understand, above all, that federations must seek change and adapt to new realities. That is why we consider our Strategic Planning Committee recommendations so important. We expect this report, involving a broadbased coalition of lay and professional people, to provide a blueprint for meeting future Jewish challenges in the 2l3t Century. Looking to the future, many federations have undertaken a number of measures to improve the delivery of services. In New York, this has meant closing nine agencies in the past seven years, ineluding several Ys, (. I U 1 imps, and rehabilitative ncies, e have consolidated a ' number nutn of agencies to re-
THE PROMISE to Israel: PiDmises, promise], promisci. TT" promise of peace, the promise of freedom, the promise of a homeland, the promlie of safety from anil-Seitillism, the promise of prosperity, the promise of a bright future for the Jewish people. We made the promises to meet the needs. Now, it's lime to take a loolc at the results—the promises have turned into lealitiea.
THE REALITY; Stories vou won't see on 60 MINUTES
Only in Omaha
By Barbara Chandler Director of public relations Jewish Federation of Omaha Michael and Alia Zinkov's dreams have come true in Omaha. "We have found employment in our chosen fields, our son goes to camp at the JCC, we own our own home, knd we have made wonderful new friends. Only in Omaha would this be possible," they said. The Zinkovs came to Omaha from the Soviet Union three years ago with their son. Max. Now they consider Omaha their Motherland. "Motherland is where you are Tiappy with your friends and relatives," said Michael. "For us, that is Omaha." When the Zinkovs first arrived here, they received a helping hand from the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Jewish Family Service's Russian Resettlement volunteers had their apartment ready, complete with a full refrigerator. Jewish Family Service, which is supported through the UJA/Federation Campaign, also helped the Zinkovs make arrangements for government social services, English lessons and employment. Since then, Michael and Alia have become volunteers for Jewish Family Service, helping to get apartments ready for other families arriving from Russia. Their philosophy echoes that of the ancient rabbi and teacher, Hillel. "If we don't help each other, who will help us?" Michael said. Four months after their arrival, Michael started working as a mechanical contractor with Pitlor and Sons. "They have been wonderful to us and helped us like friends," Michael said. He said the company recognizes his skills and uses them to the best advantage;
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Page 9
The promise is one tiling... The reality is everything
duce duplication of effort. We have eliminated or reduced funding for agencies whose Jewish clientele has dwindled. We have formed new agencies like the Jewish Community Center of the Upper abroad, 1 am confident we West Side, to serve emer- will address and overging Jewish population come the emerging chalcenters. lenges. 1 am confident beAbove all, federations cause we have lay and realize they must reach professional leaders who out to a new generation of are not content with the men and women who can status quo, who see thembecome tomorrow's lead- selves and the federations ers. they lead as agents of This means under- change. standing and reacting, to That difficulties exist the historic and demo- simply reflects the fact graphic changes gripping that we face serious and our community. We know complicated problems, not from our own Jewish pop- given to simple solutions. ulation study that many We will continue to take urban Jews have left the on these challenges and Northeast for the sunbelt remain committed to our region. But we cannot be- guiding principles. Those moan this demographic principles include meetchange. All federations ing our human-service during this age of mobili- obligations both here and ty are increasingly work- abroad, helping as many ing together as one conti; Jews as possible, and nental entity, to serve working for a strong emer^ng Jewish commu- Israel. And as the Chronnities wherever they are. icle of Philanthropy surIs our work cut out for vey indicates, we remain us? You bet! But based on B Bucceatful, vibrant, and what we have faced, and forward-looking enterwhat we are currently prise. achieving, both here and
OFF
Jewish Press
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Michael and Alia Zinkov, with their son Max. Alia, who was a physician in Russia, tiiok her re.suine to every hospital in the Omaha area and is now working as a phl^tomist at Midlands Hospital. "I am glad to have fflob," she said. "Midlands is a quiet, friendly place and working there is helping me improve my English." Tliey arfe the first Russian family in their neighborhood. One neighbor showed Michael how to mow the lawn. "We had never even seen a lawn mower before!" Michael said. Max, a fifth-grader at Niehardt Elementary School, says his classmates are interested in learning about Russia. "They are amazed at what a beautiful country it is. They like to ask me what their names would be ih Russian," he said. Michael and Alia are grateful for all the help they have received. "The staff and volunteers at Jewish Family Service have helped us, but they have also become our friends," Michael said. Through continued support from American Jewish communities for Operation Exodus, Alla's family has recently arrived in Omaha, also from the Soviet Union.
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Jewish Press
Prager challenges Jewish teens
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A FAMILY TfVSDITIOM ci^ince 1*).' i')• el gat.'
By Ellen Gordman Editor'6 note: this article contains opinions bf the author. Gather 73 Jewish teenagers together in a tranquil park setting. Add Dennis Prager, one of Judaisrii's most thoughtprovoking speakers. Sprinkle with eight chaperones. Mix together for 36 liours'. According to reactions of the participants this was a successful formula for "Losing My Religion," a retreat held Nov. 6 to 8 at Mahoney State Park. Through the organizational efforts of Joel Alperson and the financial generosity of his parents, Margie and Peicy Alperspn, Jewish teenagers from Lincoln, St. Louis,,Kansas City, Sioux City and Sioux Falls joined Omaha teens at the retreat. * Beginning with the first session on Friday night, Mr. Prager emphasized that Jewish values are more important than feelings and should be the principle that guides people to lead moral lives. Mr. Prager touched on a variety of subjects including Jewish law, the importance of God, why Jews are the target of antiSemitic attacks, interdating and intermarriage. Tying all of these together was Mr. Prager's insistence thai Jewish values . and Jewish law are necessary to make the world a iKJtter place to live. Most of the teenagers didn't initially agree with Mr. Prager's assessment of the importance of values over their own feelings ill their lives. But by the end of the weekend many were beginning to understand that feelings alone can't provide the guidance people need to live^ moral lives. Some of the participuiitii indicated they were energized by the weekend and intend to make Jewish
Teens at the retreat write about their understanding of Jewish values.
Educator Dennis Prager speaks to Omuha area teens during a weekend program at Mahoney State Park. values and observances an immediate part of their lives. Others explained they were challenged to think about Judaism in their lives in a more significant way. And an overwhelming m^ority agrtjed they are looking forward lo attending more weekend retreats such as 'Ixtsirtg My Religion"..,
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Bert's Eye View By Bert Lewis I sat down at my desk a little while ago to do some light housekeeping. In other words, it's a mess and needs about flve pounds of paper removed to the round file. Some of it is really easy—notes to myself, mail, print oi^t sheets (which might as well be in Greek) could mostly be pitched without too much pre-reading. Other stuff needs more careful attention, which it should have had to begin with. I do this regularly, but from the looks of things, I'm way over-due. Ok. We've established I'm faced with a mess. Let me tell you what makes it a charming mess, to me at least. In the background of all the chazerai there are photographs. Some are on the wall, some just behind the dictionaries and other books; no matter where they are, the pictures are here. I know I've told you about them before, but since they're such an important part of my life, I'm al^'ays ready to tell you about recent additions to my gallery. For example, there's a montage of small shots of our Jacob. (His great grandmother calls him Yankeleh, but that's her privilege;) I have many others, taken in the past 11 months, but these are dear and I need them where I see them when I look up. , There's a picture clipped from the paper when our (now) 14 year old Masha was a member of Brownie Troop 31. She was a little girl, barely tall enough to be seen over a banner of some king. I can't believe that tiny thing grew into her version of a "valley girl". Another colorful photo was taken on my mom's special birthday. My brother, sister-in-law and I share the pose and by some miracle, we all look pretty good! Of course some of my really old favorites are still here ... the one of my kids when there were only three of them; the one of our six year old Julia, wearing such a beautific expression even her Mom says it's "not really Julia". There's anotlier one of her, with a spoonful of split pea soup in one hand and licking the soup off the fingers of the other. This definitely looks more like our Julia. My gallery. If you could see them you would know tJiey aren't arrahged in any specific order. I just stick them up to whatever surface will hold them, fully aware tliat while they wouldn't win the praise of an interior designer, tliey please me greatly. I look up often, when I'm working at this machine, aearcliing for a word or an idea; I'm certain that perfect order might make for better work habits* but surely not pleasanter sight. Having said all of that, it's time to clean ofi'the desk.
Photos Photographs submitted for-publictaion in the Jewish PreM may be picked up in the Press office the weelc following publication. The Jewish PreM cannot be responsible for unclaimed photos.
NOTE: Concerning the .agreement between Germany and the claims conference regarding reparationii' to Eastern European Jews, potentially eligible claimants should make their applications to the claims conference at 15 East 26th Street, New York. NY. 10010, or call 212-696-4944.
Jewish refugees worry about community in Sarajevo
<X>
By Mlchele Chabin NOTE: JTA correspondent Michele Chabin is currently traveling in Croatia and parts of Bosnia-Herzegovina that are not qccessible by telephone. Additional reports are expected once communication is re-established. ZAGREB, Croatia (JTA) — Sondra R&guz, 22, is one of the lucky ones. Five months ago, she and her mother fled warracked Sarajevo with little more than the clothes on their'backs. Today, having found refuge in the peaceful capital of Croatia, their thoughts are with the loved ones they left behind. This weekend, for the first time in a year, the refugees were able to establish radio contact with the 200 to 500 Jews believed to remain in the capital of Bosnia-Herzegovina. The feat was accomplished after a (earn of experts from the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee flew to Sarajevo as part of a U.N. relief operation and erected a radio transmitter, under heavy ^niper fire. Radio contact was established with the Jewish community center in Zagreb, and loved ones here were patclied through by telephone to family members in Sartoevo. The head of the Jewish community there, Ivica Ceresivjes, even managed to speak, via a telephone hookup, to the JDC's executive vice president, Michael Schneider, in New York. But highlighting the precarious situation that all residents of the Bosnian capital face, the broadcast was cut short . when the community received an word of an imminent bombardment. While the restored communications are undoubt-
edly of some comfort to the Jewish refugees here, they remain deeply concerned about the fate of the community in Sarajevo, particularly as winter sends temperatures plunging. "The Zagreb Jevvish community has been wonderful to us, but we are still •worrie4 sick about my father and brother," said Raguz, sitting in the Zagreb Jewish Community Center. "My mother takes sedatives to help her sleep. My father is caught in the Serb-occupied part ofthe city, and my brother, who 'is serving in the Bosnian army, is in an even more dangerous situation. "There is no heat in Sar^evo, and all the windows have been bombed out," she continued, her eyes wide with fear. "How are they going to survive this winter?" This concern is shared 'by Iso Papo,"70, who escaped from Sarajevo in early September. "The temperature there is below freezing, and there are no windows left to keep out tlie cold. Tliere is no coal, no oil, no wood to burn." Papo recalled that city residents began gathering firewood in August! "People stripped the forests of every tree and branch, and now they are pulling up the wood from
Page 11
Jewish Press
DM'tAZyl
their floors," he said. "They are burning everything they cari get their hands on, including books and furniture. Tlie situation is getting desperate." While the JDC and othor relief organizations are trying to alleviate the situation, getting food, medicine and supplies through military roadblocks has been a diflicult and dangerous affair. Tlie JDC has purchased 120,00() sq. feet of Israehmade plastic sheeting designed to replace shattered windows and keep out the cold. . "We need to send it to a secure place so that it will reach the people who need it," said a JDC official in Zagreb. He added that the sheeting, which was shipped from Israel, will be distributed on a non-sectarian basis.
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November 20,1992
Jewish-Press
The Quarrel — a film review
By Winston Plckett The Long Island Jewish World Two men. A parlt.. A shattered friendship, Tiie Holocaust. Faitb^inGod. Existential doubt. Rosh Hashanah. Not exactly the perfect ingredients for a gripping film. Unless, of course, they have been woven together in a production that taps the searing insights of a master Yiddlshist and portrays them with the loving care of one of Israel's most lyrical directors. The film is The Quarrel, based on a short story by Chaim Grade and produced by Eli Cohen, who last mesmerized audiences with his Summer of Avia, a story about coming of age in Israel in the 19508. Lyrical? The Holocaust? Is this another setup for Hollywood superficiality? First, a few claimers and disclaimers. One: this is a Jewish film. Not just a film with Jewish themes but a film that is totally Jewish in its outlook, style, mannerisms, emotions and theological framework. Two: The Quarrel is not a grand-scale production. No quadraphonic stereo. No wraparound screen. Just an hour-and-a- half of agile and evocative cinematography combined with subtle and nuanced acting. Three: The film does not release./ts viewer easily. Once pulled in, moviegoers may find themselves as glued to their seats as if they were watching Terminator 2. Well, almost. "Consider the plot, whicJi unfolds through the eyes of the narrator, a certain Chaim Kovler. Kovler, an urbane Yiddish writer from New York, finds himself in Montreal one sunny Rosh Hashanah day in 1948 while on a lecture tour. A former Yeshiva student from Bialystock who survived the Holocaust in Siberia, Kovlcr's personal tastes now include bacon and eggs, one night stands and unfiltered cigarettes. His unlikely antagonist is Hersh Rasseyner, fellow Holocaust survivor, erstwhile best friend, and now a blackcaflaned Hasidic rabbi who has opened a yeshiva in Montreal. The two meet by chance in a leafy park, where, with the Rosh Hashanah themes of giiilt, forgiveness and tshuvah (reconciliation) hovering in the air, memories How, and sparks begin to fly. Kovler is an avowed humanist, skeptic and disbeliever. His night from the Nazis and the loss'of his wife
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and children to the crematoria have only strengthened his. conviction that Godmust be either capricious, cruel or missing in action. If there is any transcendence in life, it resides in the rare acts of human goodness or unselfconscious acts of kindness. Rasseyner, on the other hand', states that "my faith in God was strengthend in the camps." A survivor of Auschwitz, he too watched as his wife and children were selected for the gas chambers. Unlike Kovler, he cannot relinquish his belief in Providence. He comes perilously close to saying the Holocaust was God's punishment for assimilation, but not without'an explosive retort from his former yeshiva companion. In fact. Quarrel is a dispute on two levels — at least. One is the theological, which cannot be reconciled. The other is the personal, which yearns to be. Each chips away at the other during the course of their extended peripatetic conversation during that warm Canadian Rosh Hashanah afternoon. Beneath each argument lies exquisite pain which both friends reluctantly, but courageously, agree to confront. Neither character is one-dimensional. We learn that Rasseyner the believer, for example, spent years of doubt and loss after his best friend left the yeshiva world. Yet during the nightmare of the death camps he carried on theological-disputes with him in absentia. His wit and pharm are infectious and his humanity, as portrayed masterfully by Saul Rubinek, shines through every turn in the dialogue. Kovler, too, portrayed by R.H. Thomson, displays such a beguiling admixture of love, resentment, exasperation and righteous anger in all its ethnic hues that one marvels at how much Jewishness this non-Jewish actor has been able to assimilate, right down to the hunched shouldered, semi-gawky yeshiva gait that has left its indelible mark on his character's body language. That the film works so forcefully is due, in part, to the material producer David Brandes had to work with. The Quarrel is based on a screenplay adaptation by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin (Nine Questions People ask about Judaism and Jewish Literacy) of Chaim Grade's
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short story. My Quarrel with Hersch Rasseyner (as translated from by the late Rabbi Wolfe Kellman). Grade (1910-1982) is considered one of the giants of Yiddish literature, whose portraits of rabbinic culture in his native Poland between the World Wars depict a Jewish world caught in the conflicting forces of traditional and modernity, faith and skepticism. His short story contains all the elements of the quintessentially modern Jewish dilemma. But for Brandes, it was the universalism of those themes, wrapped in a particular, Jewish message, that drew him to making the film and to the belief in its mass appeal. "My favorite line is the one in which Rasseyner says to Kovler, 'I want us to be friends,' says the .Torontoborn Brandes, who has produced more Uian 30 documentaries and several cable television series. "So what is his answer? 'No. It's easier to be enemies.' " "There is a real profundity there," continues Brandes, "because in fighting you never have to deal with your emotions....in order to be friends they have to cry, and crying is painful. "As Jews, for example, I don't feel it's the issues that .divide us-as it is the anger and the hurt that lay at the bottom. Both anger and righteous indignation — no matter howjustified - are self serving. Instead, we should be committed to the principle habeit labrit ^ to look at our overriding commitment to each other," So far, Braiides' quest for authenticity may be paying off in general appeal. Since it came out earlier this year. The Quarrel has wdn several awards including a grand jury prize by the Santa Barbara International Film Festival, and the Crystal Heart Award at the 'Heartland Festival, which is sponsored by a cross section of Christian groups. If the film continues to chalk up awards like that, of course, Brandes's thesis may be proved correct after all: that by hewing close to its Jewish context, the universal comes shining through. It's a message other filmmakers, and perhaps Jews themselves, might take note of
News and Views By Bernie Mosow A few weeks ago, several members of the Lincoln Jewish Federation had an opportunity to meet Meseret Shibru. Tliis lovely young woman, brought to Nebraska by the Federation, is an Israeli citizen and a social worker. But she was born in Etiiiopia. At age 16, having never before left home, she and a sister fled to Israel for a new life. l.ivc-ln, Mature Woman needed to carc lor Iwalthy. elderly woman. Housekeeping. Reply to Jewish Press, yn S. I.^2st., ()iiuiha,NE6KI24,Bo!i^.
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