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ilewish Pressi Serving Nebraska and Iowa Since 1920
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VoLLXXn No. 31 Omaha
29 Adar II, O/bo, marcn oi, mip
Author of The Doctor' to speak here, April 11
Gordman Center dedication, May 21
By Barbara Chandler, Federation public relations director Dr. Edwiard Rosenbaum, author of the book "A Taste of My Own Medicine," which was adapted for the film "The Doctor," will be the guest speaker at the annual Maimonides Society dinner on Tuesday, April 11 at the Omaha Marriott. In addition, new members of the Maimonides Society will be honored. Born in Omaha, Dr. Rosenbaum studied at Creighton University and received his M.D. Degree from the University of Nebraska. After serving his internship at the Jewish Medical Hospital of St. Louis, Dr. Rosenbaum became a resident in metabolic diseases at the Michael Reese Hospital in Chicago. He pursued his postgraduate training at the Mayo Clinic. In 1948, he began a private practice in Portland, Oregon. Serving on the faculty of the University of Oregon Health Science Center, Dr. Rosenbaum founded its Rheumatology Clinic in the early 1960's. Dr. Rosenbaum is the author of scientific articles and three books. The Maimonides Society, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is an aftlliation of Jewish physicians and dentists seeking to strengthen the bonds between themselves, the Jewish community and Israel through educational, social and philanthropic activities. The membership dinner is open to all Jewish physicians and dentists. Cocktails will be served at 6 p.m. followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. The cost is $25 for Maimonides Society members and $30 for non-members. To make reservations for the dinner, call the Federation office at 334-8200, ext. 210.
Gerhard Lauck arrested (The following is excerpted &om a report by Robert Wolf son, director, ADL/CRC) Gerhard Rex Lauck, labeled by ADL the Farmbelt Fuhrer, was arrested last week in Denmark on a German warrant. Lauck, the world's largest writer and distributor of neo-nazi propaganda, ran his operation out of Lincoln while living in Syracuse, NE with his wife. German authorities, recognizing the damage Lauck was causing in their country and the continued violations of German law, had sought Lauck's arrest for years. Lauck's activities in the US were the focus of frequent discussion between US and German investigators. German authorities have been frustrated by Lauck's ability to use his U.S. First Amendment freedoms to conduct his campaign in support of resurgent neo-nazism in Europe, speciflcaHy within Germany. Lauck first came onto ADL's radar in 1972 and has remained a focus of our attention continually .since then. ADL monitors extremist group activity and uses all of the tools at our disposed to counteract and expose such groups. Lauck is a classic example where we have monitored his work since the early 70*8. We determined that a special report on his increasingly significant interaction role was appropriate and have given it wide distribution. We have participated in hundreds of interviews and provided volumes of infonnation to reporters, scholars and •tudents, as well as to our own community. In Lauck's caae, we have a large library of materials he produces, including Naxi lUckera, memorabilia, newsletters, newipapera and videos. We •hare this information *ft«r we analyze it with thoM who need this information, including, where appropriate, law enforcement offidais. (eontlnuad on pmgt t)
By Mary Fellman Dedication ceremonies for the new Dan and Esther Gordman Center for Jewish Learning will be held Sunday, May 21 at 12:30 p.m. This newest building on the Jewish Federation campus was made possible by an initial gilt of one million dollars by the late Gordmans^Further announcements about additional gifts and endowments by individuals, families and foundations will be made in future issues of the Jewish Press. On April 5, the Friedel Jewish Academy will become the first occupants to move into the building to occupy classrooms, offices, the Commons area, library, arts and sciences and the music rooms. Other later occupants will be the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society Henry and Dorothy Riekes Synagogue Historical Museum and the Jewish Federation Bureau of Jewish Education offices. According to Marty Shukert, project designer, "We wanted the building to be a learning experience in itself, providing some of the patterns of Jerusalem. On the outside the use of masonry and
bright blue tiles recalls the colors and materials of the Old City. The blending of those materials with the brick of the Jewish Community Center expresses a harmony between Jewish life in our own community and bur historic and emotional roots." The Gene and Charlotte Rich central Commons is the focus for the building according to Shukert. It is constructed like a town square with upper story windows and a multi-colored tile floor that recalls the ancient floors of the Middle Eastern architecture. Under either side of the Commons arches colonades lead to the buildings classrooms. Hawkins Construction Company is the builder of the Center. R.D.G. Schutte Wilscam Birge are architects working with Shukert. Individuals, families, groups or foundations interested in gifts or endowments for the yet unnamed classrooms, deck-Succah are asked to contact Mary Fellman, fund-raising chairman for the Jewish Federation Planning Committee.
Coach Javitch and team to sing at Odyssey world finals term problem competition. This was the first of three phases of the world-wide problem solving challenge for elementary through college age students. Divided into four age-group divisions, over 150 teams, composed of nearly 1,100 students, clashed wits to produce"a creative solution to their choice of five problems. In the three-part scoring, the fifth grade which is being used Qdyssey of the Mind team merited another to describe the ^ ^ ^ essence of the JP"*" '^^ "'•CK row, Karen Javitch, Sandy Parker, first place in the style Odyssey program. Abby Greck«I, Todd Carver, Sarah Carver. Front portion and garnered a Present and past *****' •'"••* Edwarde, Michaela Cawley, Rachel third place in the spontaneous problem members of the''•^'*'''*» ^'••*"''''*>''*••'••**" ^*''***''"" solving category. local team helped! Overall, Swanson record the music. "O.M. ofTers limitless possibilities for children, I bested 18 other teams qualifying the group for the wanted them to have a fun, creative song that Nebraska championship match, the second phase of the competition to be held this weekend in they could sing,* Mrs. Javitch said. Professor Emeritus Sam Micklus, founder of Kearney. Assisting Mrs. Javitch were Sandy Parker and the Odyasey contest, selected the song, purchased the copyright from Mrs. Javitch and invited her Sarah Carver, whose children also were on the and the Swanaon team to perform the song at the team. Judy Simons, a coach in five world competiopening ceremonies at the University of tions, served as an adviaor. Tenneaaee'a Thompaon-Boling Arena, before an eatintated crowd of 14,000 students, coaches and guaata. At the recent competition at Dana College in Blair, the aeven person Swanion team, led by Rachel Javitch, daughter of Karen and Gary When the 16th Odyssey of the Mind competition opens its world finals in Knoxville, TN, May 24-27, the theme song will not be a mystery to the S w a n B 0 n Elementary School team and their coach, Karen ^ Javitch. Mrs. Javitch composed the lyrics and music to the song
Interview with Senator Bob Kerrey on page 11
Javitch, aamad a tint place poaition in the long-
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