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Henry Monsky Lodge to host annual meeting Omaha's Henry Monsky Lodge will host the 120th annual meeting of B'nai B'rith District 6 Saturday through Monday. The event will be held at the Marriott Hotel. Mike Abramson, a trustee of Henry Monsky Lodge and a vice-president of B'nai B'rith District 6, is chairman. The official program starts Saturday evening at 7 p.m. A journalist and specialist on terrorism will speak. Also, there will be a video presentation of the award-winning film "Jihad in America." Other weekend programming includes presentations by Dr. Richard Freund, the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, and a visit>to Boys Town to view the Henry Monsky exhibit. Sunday evening, Alvin Abramson will be honored at a tribute dinner for his many years of service and devotion to B'nai B'rith. Mr. Abramson has served in leadership positions at the local, district and international levels of B'nai B'rith. On the local level, he is a trustee of Henry Monsky Lodge; internationally, he serves as a member of the Community and Volunteer Commission. In 1993, he was chosen as one of the 150 outstanding volunteers world-wide in celebration of B'nai B'rith's ISOth anniversary. Mr. Abramson has also served on the board of directors for Metro Area Transit-City of Omaha, Dr. Phillip Sher Home for the agiiig, and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He is a past board member and past chairman of the Jewish Federation annual fund drive. Currently, he is director of the Nebraska Department of Motor Vehicles. Tommy Baer, International president of B'nai B'rith, will speak. For information, call Lois Epstein at the B'nai B'rith office, 334-6443.
Federation leaders elected
Federation leaders elected at the annual meeting June 14 include, from left, Sherman Neff, director, Howard Kooper, vice president; Bobbie Epstein, secretary; Ann Goldstein, director; Marie Sanford, director; Tom Fellman, president; Steve Nogg, director; Darlynn Fellman; Forrest Knitter, vice president; Margo Riekes, director, Carol Katzman, vice president.
Omaha militia organizing:
ADL survey shows national rise of militias
By Morris Midine A new national survey by the Anti-Defamation League of B'nai B'rith shows that the militia movement has continued to grow since the Oklahoma City bombing. In announcing the survey results at a press conference Tuesday morning at the Jewish Community Center, I Robert Wolfson, ADL regional director, said that an Omaha-based militia has been organizing since January. He said the group has used several names including the Constitutional Reinstatement Group and the Nebraska Militia. HP pointed out that the militia meets bi-weekly The Jewish National Fund will bestow its high- and that anti-Semitic literature has been offered est honor, the Tree of Life Award, to Milton R. for sale. The group, however, does not appear to Abrahams and Dr. Del D. Weber on June 27 at a engage in paramilitary training, he added. luncheon at the Highland Country Club. The pattern of militia growth, the survey pointed The award will be given to Mr. Abrahams, an out, is not uniform, but militia gains appear to out• attorney noted for his work on behalf of the weigh losses - contrary to the widespread expectaOmaha Public Library, the United Way, and count- tion that public shock and revulsion at the bombing less other organizations, and to Dr. Weber, might have prompted the miUtias to disband. Chancellor of the University of Nebraska, in recogThe ADL survey also found that many nition of their humanitarian commitment and ser- hard-core militiamen believe that the United vice to the community. States Government itself conducted the The 93 year-old Jewish National Fund is the bombing to create an excuse for further organization responsible for afforestation and land depriving citiiens of their constitutional reclamation in Israel, turning a once-barren land rights." into a nation of thriving forests, farm communities, In October, 1994, the ADL issued a fact-finding parks, and industrial areas. report titled, "Armed & Dangerous: Militias Mr. Abrahams, an alumnus of Creighton Take Aim at the Federal Government," detailUniversity, has served as president of the board of ing militia activity in 13 states. "The report sought trustees of the Omaha Public Library, president of to alert the American public and the law enforcethe United Way, the Omaha Bar Association, and ment to the danger posed by these extremists, the Jewish Federation of Omaha. many of whom were engaging in paramilitary Also, he was a member of the Omaha Board of training while spreading an incendiary anti-federal Ekiucation, chairman of the board of trustees of government message laced with conspiracy theoJoalyn Art Museum, and a director of the Omaha ries and, in some places, anti-Semitism.' Chamber of Commerce. In this new survey, conducted through ADL's Currently, he MTVM OD the boards of Nebraaka regional offices and completed six weeks after the Methodist Hospital, Nebraska Methodist Hospital Oklahoma City bombing, miUtias have been found Foundation, Msthodist College of Nursing and to be operating in at least 40 states, with memberAllied Health, Methodist Richard Young Hospital, ship reaching an estimated 16,000. Joslyn Art Museum, and the Omaha Public The most ominous aspect of the militias' proLibrary Foundation. Mr. Abrahams' legal afBlia- gram, the report said, ik the convicUon, openly tions include the Omaha, Nebraska State, and expressed by many of them, that an impendidg American Bar Associations., and the American Bar armed conflict with the federal government necesFoundation of which he is currently a Fellow. sitates paramilitary training and the stockpiUng of (ContinuMl OB pH* ') weapons in preparatioa for that day of reckoning.
JNF to honor Abrahams and Weber
According to the militias' conspiracy view, the' federal authorities are enacting gun control legisla^ tion in order to make it impossible for the people to resist the imposition of a tyrannical regime or a 'one-world" dictatorship. Many militia supporters, it was said, believe that the conspiracy involves not only federal authorities, but also the United Nations, foreign troops and other 'sinister forces." Sometimes mentioned among these *^iniBter forces" are Jews. ADL's first report on militias noted that a number of militia figures have histories of bigotry. The current survey confirms that some miUtia propaganda continues to exhibit an anti-Semitic strain that could well become more pervasive as a result of the movement's 'obsessive conspiracy-monger-; ing." The militia movement's continued growth is due, in part, to an effective communications network, the report stated, adding that militia organizers have promoted their ideology not only at militia meetings, but also at gun shows, 'patriot* rallies and gatherings of various groups with anti-government 'grievances." Some militias reach their audience through mailorder videotapes and through computer bulletin ' boards and the Internet. Exploiting yet another medium, the pro-militia American Patriot Fax Network disseminates material from well-known hate group figures and conspiracy theorists, including some who proclaim that the government orchestrated the Oklahoma City bombing, the report stated. Mr. Wolfson pointed out that the ADL urges the 'vigorous" enforcement by the states of existing statutes ouUawing specific types of paramilitary training. Many of these measures, aurenUy on the books of 24 states, were patterned after a model bill formulated by ADL. In a separate law report titled, "Hlse ADL AmAParamUltaDT Training Statato: A InniMHe te Domestie Terroriam," the ADL lists the indiTidual state statutes. The Nebraska Revised SUtutes of 1M3 relata t» dvil disorders involving ezplosiveo or fireama and state that any person violating section 28-14B1 shall be guilty of* Class IV fetooy. For information, call ADL at 994HH,7Q.
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Sparks from The Word
A PIANO LESSONS Piano lessons for children and adults. Have a masters degree in music from the University of Pittsburgh. Call Barbara Halstein, Livingston Plaza 601-8541
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CLIP* SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS C L
FRIDAY, JUNE 23 Russian Club, 10 a.m.
SATURDAY, JUNE 24 & B'nai B'rith District Convention, through the 26th S Annelise Ocanto Bat Mitzvah, 9:30 a.m., Beth El E
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SUNDAY, JUNE 25 NJHS New York Trip, through June 28 MONDAY., JUNE 26 YES Program, 10 a.m. JFS Board Meeting, 7 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 2B Breadbreakers, Noon, Regency West THURSDAY, JUNE 29 Walk-in, Drop-in, 10:00 a.m. 'AI«vtrtlh(Uilth(XCur*«a«wiwiMMeMd Th* ./mfWi ^M* hnK rapcnstilf Ibr Ih* tKumcfollhubmiimit. TobtpMiindtrtccuntiorkirquMtloiMantdlvMM, c*IMiitMMHMtil]M«M,ExL»L
CENTRAL PARK PHARMACY #5 307 NORTH 114th St. PHONE 333-5100 I. I ! ~
CUP*8AVE
I BETTY A. SLOAN Services for Betty A. Sloan of Omaha were held Parashat Shelah Lekha Monday at Beth El Cemetery. She was 67. The Self-fulfUiinK Prophecy i She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert. The Midrash (Lekah Tov and loc) afford^ us an Survivors include a daughtei', Renee of Omaha; ; interesting diBCUSgion about the scouting-out of the three sons, Leon of West Yellowstone, Mont., and land-a discussion which turns outXo be about our- Scott and Michael, both of Omat^a; a sister, Sally selves and all human beings. Pobanz of Los Angeles; and one grandson. How do you plan a new endeavor? The Midrash Mrs. Sloan's father, Leon Greenberg, founded quotes Proverbs 11:27: "He who earnestly seeks Omaha Jewelry Manufacturing Co., which was what is good, pursues what is pleasing; he who is later led by Walter Greenberg, Mrs. Sloan's brothbent on evil, on him shall it come." er, until his death. The Hebrew says it more clearly, but in the Memorials may be made to the American Cancer English it is clear enough: The Midrash is suggest- Society. , ing that your expectations of how your new endeavor will turn out is a strong factor in the way it will ROSE KONECKY turn out! Services for Rose Konecky of Omaha were held What do you expect? Are you optimistic about the Monday at Pleasant Hill Cemetery. results or pessimistic? Your expectation may well She was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. determine the result! Thus the youngster facing an exam with confiSurvivors include a son, Alan, and a daughter, dence, or the job applicant going to an interview Beverly Zike, both of San Diego; four grandchilwith his hopes high, may find that his attitude has dren; fouf great-grandchildren; and 13 nieces and very much to do with the results! nephews. ' The Midrash then muses about the men who Memorials may be made to charity of your choice. went to spy out the land. It cannot suggest that these were evil men or incompetent persons. In fact it states the contrary, that these were respectable and able members of the community. But they By Michelle Lee, Millard North played the fool and went on their mission with Jewish Press intern trepidation and deep misgivings. The result? The (WARNING TO READERS: This article is result was their declaration that although the land is good and we deserve it, it cannot be taken. We rife with much bias, admiration auid love for will never be able to invade it. Only disaster awaits Omaha USY). Kicking off their 1995-96 year, BILU (Beth Bl).; us. USY recently spent three sun-filled days on the*"; The 10 of the merafelimwho gave that report were, the Midrash assumes, "bent on evil," to use shores of Lake Okoboji for the second year in a row. the phrase from Proverbs. Their expectation deter- Candidate Membership Training (CMT) was an informal retreat to welcome the new freshmen, bid fnined the result: They gave an evil report. The implication for our own lives is obvious. "I farewell to the outgoing seniors, and spend time as have a dream," Martin Luther King, Jr. g^id. "I a chapter before going separate ways for the sumhave a dream!" Had he lived, he would have spent mer. his whole allotted life pursuing the dream. Had he lived it, the dream may have been closer to realization than it is now. When Theodor Herzl's "Altneuland" appeared in 1896, few people thought it was anything more than a dream, a myth. But Herzl was adamant. "If you will it," he insisted, "it is no myth, no dream." Fifty years later the dream became reality, and now, another half century later, even with all its problems the dream is alive and well. Cherish your dreams and aspirations. They may be a closer description of reality than you suspect! Here is an intriguing aside: The rabbis Uked to determine dates if it was at all possible. By meticulous attention to some dates given at random in the Biblical text, they determined that the date the Back row, trom left: Adam Rich, Kari Epstein, scouting party left on its mission was the 29th of Aaron Shefren^ Jeff Shapiro, Jennifer Kay Sivan. The 29th of Sivan in our year will be next and Gila Drazen. Middle row, from left: Lisa Wednesday! Pitlor, Shoshana Wees, Jenny Epstein, Rachel How appropriate that we should read of that fate- Katskee, Seth Silberstein and Jon Collis. ful expedition on this Shabbat! Front row: Adam Langdon, Dan Parsow, Adam Frank and Ruvane Kurland.
Letter to the Editor
TUESDAY, JUNE 27 Oldtimers, 10:30 a.m. BBYO Night, 6:15 p.m. Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. Foundation Board Meeting, 4 p.m., Blumkin Home Jewish National Fund Luncheon, Highland Country Club, 11:30 a.m.
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Upon arrival, USYers had a few hours of free time before going to Arnold's Park, the ever-exdting amusement park. (Luckily, on the wild rides, everyone's barbeque dinner stayed where it belonged). The waterfront awaited BILU, where a large part of the day was spent dn two rented waverunners. Getting tipped off the fast-moving vehicles into the water, though a bit annoying, was a necessary and fun part of this long-awaited event, not to mention a relief from the scorching sun. (Sun? What's that?) After a long afternoon tanning and tipping, we headed to Boji Bay, Okoboji's famed water park and home of the wave pool with 7-ft. waves. Movies watched that evening rested USYers and geared them up for the extremely cold following day. Services were attended in several layers of clothing topped with blanketsi After it warmed up a degree or two, we packed and cleaned, hit the outlet mall and then were on the road home. Three days in Okoboji not only wrapped up an award-winning year for BILU, *it was also a great way to start off the new year with USY. We all bonded and got to know each other better,' said Shoshana Wees, memberahip/kadimah vice preai-
To the Editor In your last issue, an ad was run criticizing my vote on foreign aid. The ad asserted that I voted to reduce foreign aid for every country but Egypt and Israel. While its numbers were wildly off the mark, it was absolutely accurate in its claim that I support reductions in the most wasteful areas of foreign aid. However, I did want to underscore my unwavering and outspoken support of aid to Israel. I am an active member of the Is'rael Caucus in the House. In accord with the leadership of both parties, I have stated many times that I understand how important it is to defend our clooeat ally in the chaotic Middle East. During the Persian Gulf War, we were rewarded for supporting the only true democracy in a region so fertile for political extremism. 1 will continue to Tight for Israel's interests, as I feel that's in Nebraska's interest. Any implication to the contrary is simply and patently false. Jon Cbristensen VA CongreM, 2nd DisL Neb, dwlMd Caatnl •tudMi.
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PifaS JawiskPlFMa BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 1602 No. 52nd Street Omaha, NE 68104 ' 556-6288 OfGce hours: ' Monday through Thurs^day, 8 a.m. to 4: p.m Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Joseph Friedman. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service at 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services are at 8':4S a.m. in the Sanctuary and Goldstein Chapel. Babysitting service provided by Sisterhood. Beginners Minyan, 9:30 a.m. Super Shabbo8~For children of all ages, starts at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Lesson with the rabbi, 7:45 p.m. Mincha at 8:45 p.m. Shalosh Seudot, Ma'Ariv and Havdalah conclude the services. SUNDAY: Morning services at 9 a.m. Breakfast and a study session with Rabbi Friedman follow the service, while Rabbi Kaye leads a study session for the youth group. Evening services at 8:45 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 8:45 p.m. Lunch "n Learn Lunch 'n Learn will be held Tuesday at noon at the home of Marybeth Tober, 5564 Mayberry. Call the office by 10 a.m. to order lunch. Practical Judaism A class with Rabbi Kaye, Wednesday, 7:30 p.m., at the synagogue. Cookbook "Happiness is Still Good Food," aivdilable at the gift shop, or call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. Sisterhood Gift Shop Sisterhood gift shop is open by appointment. Call Leah Siegel at 556-5455.
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Synagogues Candleligfating 8:42 p jn.
TEMPLE ISRAEL 7023 Cau Street Omaha, NE 68132 566-6536
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE 14806 California -^ 4, Omaha, NE 68164 492-8550 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. i Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services start at 6 p:m. SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services. Sitter service starts at 10 a.m. Shabbat story time, the first and third Saturday at 11 a.m. ICtantan meets the first and third Saturday at 11 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services start at 8:55 p.m. Bat Mitzvah Annelise Ocanto, daughter of Lourdes and Romer Ocanto, will become a Bat Mitzvah Friday evening and Saturday morning. SUNDAY: Services start at 9 a.m. WEEMQAYS: Services at 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Judaica Shop Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., or by appointment.
FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service at 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate. The High School graduates will be honored. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the parents of the graduates. Sitter Service Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service. Please make a reservation so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service at 11:15 a.m. Simcha B'shabbat~The congregation will study the Torah portion for the week. B-NAI ISRAEL Adult Ekiucation The RECONSTRUCTIONIST Tuesday: Beyond Midrash, 7 to 8:15 p.m., led by CONGREGATION Don Schwartz. 322-4705 "TOW" Services are led by Rabbi Ruth Ehrenstein and Torah on Wheels (TOW) will be held Wednesday from noon to 1:15 p.m. at the home of Susan congregants. Budwig (host), 2512 So. 98th Ave. Reservations are NOTE: Services on the first and third Fridays of required. Call the Temple office at 556-6536. each month are held in Omaha. All other Friday Summer Schedule night services are held in Council Bluffs. June 30 through Aug. 26~Shabbat evening serFor information on any activities, call 322-4705. vices will be held at 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat morning services on Saturday will start Kabbalat Shabbat service, B'nai Israel East, 618 at the earlier hour of 10:15. Mynster, Council Bluffs. SATURDAY: Study session, "40 Things You Can Do To Save fc,. CHABAD HOUSE the Jewish People, 5:30 p.m.; Dairy-vegetanan potIJK 1322 So. 119th Street luck dinner and Havdalah will follow at 6:30 p.m. IB Omaha, NE 68144 687-1124 The event will take place at the home of Rod and SATURDAY: Linda Sadofsky, 9265 Pine St., Omaha, 398-1595. Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. SUNDAY: SUNDAY: Service leader training, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., B'nai Davening is at 9:30 a.m. Israel East. I Talmud Classes Talmud class, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Advanced Talmud, 12 p.m. Thursday. ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Chumash Class SATURDAY: Chumash class for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesdays. ' Services, led by Miles Remer, will be held in the YiddUh Goldsten Chapel at 9 a.m. *Hooked on Yiddish* lessons Wednecfdays, 7 p.m. Members of the community are invited to join English residents for the service and the kiddush following. 'Think Jewish and speak English" classes on Special memorial services are held on the last Jewish topics for new Americans, Tuesdays and Saturday of each month. 'Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House. TIFERETH ISRAEL 3219 Sheridan Blvd. Lincohi, NE 68602 423-8669 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays at 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Light candles no later than 8:44 p.m. Services start at 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m.
OFFUTT Capehart Chapel 26th Street and Capehart Omaha, I<(E 68123 294-6061 DAY: lltarlfAkAjMA. L..
B'NAIJESHURUN 20th and South Streets Uncoln, NE 68502
Temple Israel to host convention "The Brotherhood's Role—Is It Temporal?... or Is It Timelesa?" Temple Israel will host the re^onai meeting of the National Federation of Temple Brotherhoods (NFTB) July 21, 22 and 23. Jews from congregations throughout the Midwest vill come together and discuss provocative and timely subjects. Also, Sen. Robert Kerry, United States Senator, will attend. .: ' Steven Danon, coordinator for the event, said, "This convention will bring Jews together from throughout the Heartland in a significant weekend of sharing, discovery and fellowship." Workshop seminars include: Role of the Jewish Man at the Dawn of the 21st Century; Growth of Hasidic Judaism in America; We are What We Read and Watch; Spiritual Shabbat Evening and Morning Service; Militia's and Other Anti-Stmitic Groups active in the Midwest. The community may attend. For information, contact Steven Danon at 8941737; Harry Gates at dBO-^3483; or the Temple office at 556-6536.
Bar Mitzvah
Andy Misle, son of Laurie and Biyan Misle, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah Friday, June 30, and 436-8004 Saturday, July 1, at Services are officiated by Cantor Michael Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln. Weisser. A seventh-grade honor FRIDAY: student at Lincoln East Shabbat evening service at 7:30 p.m. Middle School, he ei^joys SATURDAY: computers, electronics, Torah study and service at 10 a.m. singing, playing piano, SUNDAY: and surfing the Internet. Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m. He also has been selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. In addition, he teaches LEOO/logo robotics PERSONAL through the Bright Lights Summer enrichment A huge thank you to all my lamily, relatives and program and Lincoln Public Schools. friends for all the gifts, donations and cards durAndy has a sister, Amy, 9. ing my recent surgery. Grandparents are Esther and Henry Misle of Ida Mann Ifiproln n»>d ^4fl^n«J^pj^ MilU?n •'^^"'I'Fif 'if Omatu.
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Is there hope for Hatikvah?
Editorial By Morris Maline This editorial is one of a §eries being introduced to put religious pluralism in Israel on the discussion agenda for American Jewry. ' I
The problem of marriage
The issue of marriage in Israel is but one of many ithat must be addressed before the promises made in the Declaration of Independence are realized. The problems faced by new immigrants are bringing the existing crisis surrounding mairiage and divorce (o a head. Currently, veteran Israelis who either prefer not to be married in an Orthodox ceremony or who are simply refused by the Orthodox authorities based on halakhic reasons (the marriage of a cohen to a divorcee or the marriage of a mamzer to a nonmamzer), are forced to travel abroad in order to be married. Since there is no civil divorce in Israel, Israeli women cannot remarry because their husbands refuse to grant them a get, a religious divorce. Now, in addition, tens of thousands of olim are being denied their right to marry. The issue in essence is the denial, for a number of olim, of the basic human right to marry. These olim are considered to be Jewish, so they enter the country and become Israeli citizens. They are not, however, considered Jewish according to the criteria utilized by the Rabbinate. These olim fall into three categories: •children of mixed marriages whose mothers are not Jewish; ' * those who cannot prove their Jewish identity to the satisfaction of the Orthodox Rabbinate; •Jews-by-choice converted by non^Orthodox rabbis. The Orthodox Rabbinate will not marry them, and there exists no civil marriage or any legally recognized non-Orthodox alternative. Thus, the only way these olim. can marry is to leave the country or undergo an Orthodox conversion. • Jews from diaspora communities must lend their support to help olim and other Israelis overcome this obstacle. American and Canadian Jews have been in the forefront of the struggle to bring these olim to Israel. They should continue to be involved. Aren't these people entitled to enjoy the same basic right—the right to marry—that Jews in the West, without exception, enjoy?
Letter to the Editor To the Editon On June 14, the Jewish Federation of Omaha presented me with a beautiful plaque in "Recognition Of Outgoing President of the Jewish Press." This plaque should have been presented to the small but dedicated staff of the Press, who make things run smoothly and get the paper out on time; to the volunteers who contribute in many untold ways; to the members of the board of the Jewish Press; to Howard Kaplan, immediate past president, for his good counsel; and to the many advertisers who made possible the best year financially in Jewish Press history. Also, especially to our many dedicated readers who called or sent notes regarding the stories and special editions (Passover, New Year's, Young Adult Leadership, Teen Age Section; Hanukkah, "The B'nai Mitzvah Class of 2(X>1,'' and the Holocaust) which appeared during this past year. I have enjoyed serving as president of the Jewish Press, and thank all of you who gave us this most successful year. Benjamin D. Wiesman, president, Jeuiah Pre»»
By Carl Alpert I , the name of Naphtali Herz hhber, that the, text was What is the legal national anthem of Israel? If you replied, spontaneously, Hatikvah, you are offensive to the' Arab citizens, and even that the wrong, Israel has no national anthem legally spirit was Afihkenazi, and hence foreign to the spirapproved as such. When the state came into being it of the Sephardi citizens of the state. Note was taken of the hymns of other nations, in in 1948, the anthem of the Zionist movement was carried over and purely by default became tlje which the words had little significance. "'I*he Star anthem of the State. It eryoys no legal status what- Spangled Banner" could have been cited. The studio jury voted to retain Hatikvah in its present ever. In contrast, it should be noted that both the status. In 1984, a Likud Knesset member submitted ^ national flag apd the official seal of the state' have resolution to formalize the status of the anthem, been officially desigi^ated by the Knesset. ' At one time, the Orthodox suggested that the but it ran into many objections. For one thing, the Arabs protested that a text State's anthem should be SJiir Ha-Maalot, the 126th Psalm, one of those sung-by pilgrims in the which speaks of 'thei Jewish soul" and the 2,000days pf old when they went up to Jerusalem to cele- year longing of the, Jews to be a free people in Zion, does not represent the views of Arabs who constibratethe festivals. Attempts to give legal status to Hatikvah have tute 18% of the population. Leftists agreed, and never succeeded, buf now, in the present Knesset, a decided to combat the proposed legislation with ridicule. fresh effort is being made. Some suggested that one day perhaps two comThere have long been objections to Hatikvah on many grounds. In 1967, Uri Avneri, then a member" posers, a Jew and an Arab working together, would of the Knesset, introduced a bill seeking to estab-' create a truly national anthem which all could sing lish the song "Jerusalem of Gold" as the nation's without reservation. And so, in 1995, a Knesset member has once official anthem, but the proposal made no headway. I The question was raised again in 1975, when an again brought forward a proposal that would estabenterprising radio program set up a panel of lead- lish the traditional hymn as legal canon, and those ing personalities to debate the status of the hymn. showing disrespect for it would be liable to punishThe objections to Hatikvah were primarily that ment. There is no indication, yet, how the Knesset will the melody is not Jewish, the author of the words was a disreputable, and not always sober, poet by react'.
Letter from Israel iBumper stickers and a plethora of signs around the country proudly proclaim, "The people are with the Golan." At a dinner party a few days ago, the wife of Israel's former ambassador to Sweden commented that the slogan was really an expression of popular sentiment but would be quite untrue for the settlers on the West Bank. As the negotiations to implement stage two of the Oslo accords with the Palestinians near a climax and agreements with Syria on the Golan seem to be very probable, populap, perceptions will be crucial as to the general acceptance of these two mtuor policy decisions: re-deploying the Israeli army out of Palestinian population centers and beginning a staged withdrawal from the Golan. A subsequent column will deal with the arguments in favor and against both policies, but for now, one must concern oneself with how the public perceives the issue. The Golan occupies a special place in Israeli memory quite different from the West Bank. (I am not including Jerusalem in any of its parts in the West Bank.) The Golan involves a m^or military and economic power. Syria has 5,000 tanks, 12 divisions of well-equipped infantry, 600 combat aircraft, an arsenal of missiles and more. Israelis remember the shelling of the Gallil before 1967, and the Syrian onslaught in the Yom Kippur war which almost reached the Kinneret and would have reached Haifa but for the incredible tank battle at Oz 77, where 100 Israeli tanks destroyed 5,00 Syrian tanks and stopped the advance. There is no similar military memory about the West Bank. There the memory is one of terrorism and intifada, but these, as difficult as they were and are and may continue to be do not pose the same kind of existential threat to Israel as does Syria. The Palestinians do not and will not have the military capacity of the Syrians. Size alone precludes it. But beyond the question of the security differences, many Israehs feel more affinity for the residents of the Golan than for the settlers on the West Bank. Residents of the West Bank, rightly or wrongly, are perceived as either religious fanatics
The Jewish Press (Founded in 1920) T^t rol* of tht Jewish Federation of Omaha ii to involve Jewe in meeting Jewieh communal necdi locally, nationally and in lirael. Agenciee of the Ftdaratlon are: Community Relationa, Jewiih Community Center, Jewieh Education, Jewiih Prate, Jewiih Family Service, Library and Bureau for the Aging. The Jewieh Preee (USPS 37&620) ii publiehtd weekly on Friday for 124 per calendar year MA., t27 foreign, by the Jewiih Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE M154. Saeond claM postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send addreta changee to llie Jewieh Frees, 383 south 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 681H Telephone 402-334-8200.
B«n Wleemaa PraiiiUnl, Bcird of Dinctorf Morrie MaUne Editor-ln-Ch!«r Bheryl Friedman Bookkeeper Maureen LaPour Production Larry Aselrod Adnrtialng Mtneger George Behaplr« VnhlntMir
By Harry Allen or people who went there for cheap housing. The secular right wing of course views the issue in security terms as well, but there seems little real warmth for the residents of Shilo and Ophra and Tekoah and the rest of the settlements. The Gush Etzion bloc is not included in this calculus nor are the towns of Efrat or Maale Adumim. But the residents of the (3olan are seen much differently. They went there, established kibbutzim and mosahvim, cleared the land, made the heights into a productive agriculture area and were not interested in community to Haifa in contrast to the West bankers, most of whom work in Tel Aviv or Jerusalem. The Golan settlers are somehow seen as inheritors of what is left of the pioneering Israeli ethic. So aside from security arguments, aside from reUgious arguments, aside from all else, it is quite likely that Rabin will have a tougher time selling a deal with the Syrians than finishing the deal with the Palestinians. Neither will be wildly popular, but there will be a referendum on the Golan—there' will not be one on the West Bank-so perceptions will play a larger role in the one rather than the other. My next column will deal with the arguments for and against a Golan withdrawal.
Georgian republic to open Jerusalem embassy By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — The former Soviet republic of Georgia will open an embassy in Jerusalem, according to the country's president, Eduard Shevardnadze. He made the announcement Monday at the Prime Minister's office in Jerusalem, where he and IVime Minister Yitzhak Rabin signed a cooperation agreement covering culture, communications and agriculture. Earlier in the day, the visiting leader toured Jerusalem's Old City and the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial. Only a few countries maintain an embassy in Jerusalem. Most prefer maintaining diplomatic headquarters in Tel Aviv.
Board of Directors Sylvia Wagner, Vice Preeidant; Stere Uringar, Treeaurar, Cynthia EpaUin, Secretaryi Bobby Eiaanberg, Stere Dinon, Marci Gallnar, Howard Kaplan, Sharyl Ue, Leo Mayereon, Jane Ripe, Alvln Roaa, Roe* Schupuk, Audrey Shapiro. Editoriala aipnai tha view of the writer and an not naeeaaerlly repraaanUUn of the riewa of the Jewiah Preaa BoanI, the Jawiah Federation of Omaha or tha Omaha Jewiah Community ea e whole. The Jewiah Preee ia not niponalble for the Kaehrath of any pndud or eetabUahmenl.
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By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — With less than two weeks to go before a July 1 target date for reaching agreeBy Claudia Sherman ment on the next, phase of Palestinian self-rule. Foundation public relations director Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin has warned that FVom preschool throughout the senior years, the Israel would only be able to reach a partial accord Jewish Commuiiity Center has "a good deal' to by then. offer its members. There's a good deal to do at the Israel is only willing to negotiate a partial redeCenter including BBYO activities, cultural arts ployment of Israeli tfoops in the West Bank prior such as theatre and Hebrew classes, swimming, : tennis, and a myriad of other on-going and commuto the holding of Palestinian elections, Rabin told a nitywide special events. It's also 'a good deal," ^aid joint session of the Knesset Finance Committee Jfeff Aizenberg, JCC executive director, "because and the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense our membership fees are priced competitively and Committee on Monday. fairly." He said Israel's stance was well within the terms One of th^usiest places at the JCC is the of the Palestinian self-rule accord, which calls for Fitness Center which was totally remodeled eight an Israeli troo^ redeployment in two stages. years ago. Mr. Aizenberg estimates that 375 i>eople "If we are asked to reach agreement [now) on from the ages of 13 to 90 use the Fitness Center on a daily basis. Joe Ginsberg, named Humanitarian of the both stages, it is very doubtful if we will be ^ble to Year by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, dis- reach agreement at all on July 1," he said. Tlie Palestinians have called on Israel to complays two plaques-one froln the Federation, and the second from Mad Dads, which also plete its redeployment before elections are held. designated him as Humanitarian of the Year. According to recent news reports, Israel is willing to carry out an initial redeployment from four towns in the West Bank before elections: Jenin,' 'Ostriches' BySethSomstein Nablus, Tulkarm and Kalkilya. A play review by Oliver B. Pollak A redeployment from areas that create more What happens when parents unconditionally sup- problematic security concerns —- Ramallah, port their alleged gay son, form the local chapter of Bethlehem and Hebron — would be worked out parents of gay children and find out their son is later, according to the reports. heterosexual. Rabin also complained to the Knesset committees The parents committed 10 years of their social of the high cost of the redeployment plan. consciousness evangelizing in behalf of their gay He said the estimated cost of redeploying bases, son, and now, the mother at least, is disappointed. headquarters and troops, as well as building Disappointment turns to horror when the girl- bypass roads, has been put at $333 million. friend, a fiery-mouthed granddaughter of a Rabin was quoted as telling the joint committee articipanta in the Benior fitness program Klansman, has had an abortion. session that he could save millions of dollars by eigoy the convenience of the JCC Fitness This is the not so unlikely story line of Seth uprooting Jewish settlements in problematic areas Center. Three members of the program are, Bornstein's award-winning, one-act play ofthe West Bank. from left, Abe Kukawka, Sophie Kats "Ostriches." But he said he would stick to his promise not to Schulman, and Saul Davis, chairman of the Farce imitates life. Last week saw a gay pride dismantle any ofthe settlements in the West Bank senior fitness committee. march in Omaha. The cover story of the May 1995 and Gaza Strip during the interim period. As each generation grows older, the emphasis on issue of B'nai B'rith's Jewish Monthly featured 'A physical fitness continues to grow. There are 35 to Gay in the Family." "Ostriches," written in 1987, had its first perfor40 men and women (aged 60 or more) who use the TUNE UP & CLEAN JCC Fitness Center regularly as part of the senior mance in New York. It is one of half a dozen oneDO: fitness program overseen by Nancy Leutzinger, act plays about family conflict presented in a I* HEnrsWHATWE * Clack nknttoli *HooliHipliMngiiqM hmiMnlin (Stonnc* JCC Health and Fitness supervisor, and Cindy comedic vein written between 1978 and 1988. It |0 *Clnntln|)KlaHi<linMr ** Miuin TM tiMmoiul opwtllon • ^ itClHn dram pan kw Cook, fitness/aerobics director. * Many oUw ctMda imwConad had a four-day, woefully under-publicized run at IQ * TMI ofMrilbig pfwwjrai * (EMOR CmZEm «MJO „ *TMlalM/lc<lc»iMi Financiedly, the physical facilities of the Fitness The Diner Theatre in Benson. AFrataidOpMon I AOimilonklwHingi Center are totally supported by the JCC Fitness Intimacy and blood kin relationship may confuse Center Fund, a custodial fund managed by The gender identity, self image, projected image, and FLOYDS FURNACE & AIR Foundation of the Jewish Federation. The fund's others' perception. :eii<.iMlBiin<ii-(l CC^ O^rtiL. Jer 24 lus (l.iilv JJO— y# VO Ih" growth depends on dollars allocated to it from the Karen Cordes as Claire, the mother; Keith JCC budget and from individual contributors. Mr. Aizenberg recognizes that the Fitness Allerton as Milt, the father; Randy Stevens as the Center's equipment must be up-to-date to be com- ^misconceived son, Andy; and Tern Fender as Sam petitive. That can be expensive, "but we can't afford (antha) the girlfriend, did an admirable job presenting the twists and turns of misperception. to let any of the equipment deteriorate either." Congratulations to the playwright, Seth It would be nice to have a fund especially for Benior fitness, Mr. Aizenberg suggested. Until then, Bornstein, the cast and its director, Lorie be welcomes calls from anyone wishing to con- Obradovich, and Doug Marr of The Diner Theatre. tribute to the existing Fitness Center Fund and is Should this play appear again in Omaha, and "Very pleased' to direct financial gifts in the direc- your mind is open to some good laughs tinged with 2818 S.I 071hAvs.j Laurie (Rosenstsin) Clark tion of a donor's special interests. Specific contribu- ambiguity, "Ostriches" is sure to jostle settled Omaha, NE 68124 i (402) 392-4651 tions and general donations are appreciated, he •• liabits of mind. confirmed.
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Jeff Nogg (lur left), BrUm Taylor and Brian Nogg (br right) ar« aoiong the daneera perform ing In The Music Man" at the Omaha Playfaonse. The Nogg twins, sons of Patty and Steve Nogg, are OMmbers of the new senior elaaa at Buriu High BefaooL
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Karen Sokoloff Javitch has recorded some music on a cassette album produced by Hil|topL Records. The album, America, is being shipped to targeted stores and radio stations nationwide.. Ajso, a music video to promote the album is now in full production. i' ,
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Deborah Greenblatt will be inducted into the "Mid-America Old Time Fiddler's Hall of Fame" at the annual Avoca, Iowa, "Old-Time Music Festival and Contest" on Labor Day weekend. The "Hall of Fame" is located at the Walnut Country Opera House, Walnut, Iowa. The award is sponsored by the Natioi^al Traditional Country Music Association, Inc.
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More than $18,700 was raised for the victims of . the Oklahoma City bombing and their families during the Hands Across the Heartland campaign sponsored by Baker's Supermarkets, according to an announcement. All the proceeds will be donated to the Governor's Victim and Family Relief Fund, established by the Oklahoma Governor's oiBce.
Children enrolled in the JCC's Summer Camp program recently got a treat when Cherie Karo Schwartz, a professional storyteller, spent the day with the children from pre-school through the fourth grade. , Ms. Schwartz, who specializes in Jewish folklore, was in Omaha for the OOPS (Omaha Organization By Sbana Novak, Syracuse University for the Purpose of Storytelling) Festival. Rachel Jewish Prets intern Hauben, theatre manager, assisted her as she told On mom's side of the family, there is Grampa stories and led the children in participatory exer- Neuswanger. On dad's side of the family, there was cises. my Zadie Novak. But somewhere in between, someMs. Schwartz also told a variety of stories, includ- where in my heart, there was Paul Morgan. ing an old Jewish folktale. In between two of the I think it all started when dad and I would take three workshops, she joined the YES group for adventures next door to see Paul and Lucille. I lunch and more stories. would ride in my red wagon and dad would pull Ms. Schwartz has been telling stories and teach- me. Paul and Lucille were only neighbors, but ing in Colorado and around the country for over 20 when I fell out of that red wagon, it sure felt like years. She is the coordinator of the Jewish they were more. Storytelling Network for the Coalition for the Soon I learned to get up on my own when I fell Advancement of Jewish Education. She knows and out of my red wagon, and soon I grew too big for it, tells over 300 stories, and has produced five cas- but all the time, the Morgans watched me grow. sette tapes. Some time later, I saw Paul and Lucille at Dairy Her first book, "My Lucky Dreidel: Hanukkah Queen. I was driving a car now, instead of my Stories, Songs, Crafts, Recipes and Fun For Kids," beloved wagon, but the kisses I got from the has just been published and is available in the Morgans felt ms^teriously familiar. Jewish Federation Library at the JCC. Recently I graduated from high school~and once again, Paul and Lucille were right there by my side. We smiled and joked about going to Dairy Queen on a warm summer night. The little girl they once babysat was moving on to By Art Grossman college and I was so proud to share my special At the recent Oldtimers meeting,the Earlybird night with them. It was then that I realized that discussion group displayed a keen knowledge of the Morgans had watched me grow up, and it was subjects currently in the news. then that I realized that no matter how grown up I Dr. Milton Margolin expounded on the proposal became, I had always had a great deal of respect of Clarkson Hospital being sold to the University of for the two of them. Nebraska Medical Center or Columbia-HCA Days after graduation, I tried to let the idea of Healthcare Corp. A lawsuit has been filed against being done with high school sink in, but all that the N.U. Board of Regents following its vote recog- seemed to be going through my head was the realnizing Uie university's right to buy Clarkson. ization that Paul and Lucille weren't just friends President Sam Kaplan posed the question as to anymore-they weren't just next door neighborswhy the local daily made no mention of the vandal- they were part of me. ism that recently took place at the vacated building I'm not sure they ever knew it, but my eyes used owned by Beth Israel Synagogue on West Pacific to glow with life when I would see them smile. Street. An estimated $20,000 damage was caused. Paul and Lucille had shared a whole lifetime with Charlie Fellman brought up Israel's negotiations me-and a whole lifetime worth of encouraging with Syria regarding surrendering the Golan smiles. Heights. . Note half of that tmile i» gone. The U.S. Supreme Court's vote on restricting affirmation engendered opinions by Sam Epstein, Eighteen years ago, he was a little girl's favorite Norm Wohlner and Jacque DolgofT. next door neighbor. One inonth ago, he was talking Dave Dvorkin led the Motzi blessing and Keith and laughing before my very eyes. Today, Paul Peltz led the benschen at the luncheon. We stood in smiles at me fi'om heaven. memory of Ray Simon. I know Paul's spirit lives on in Ludlle's smile, but The Sunshine Committee reported tliose in the part of his spirit will forever be in my smile, too. hospital are: At the Medical Center-Shoshana I never got to take Paul to Dairy Queen. I guess 1. Gigi, Solbert Wasserstrom and Jerry Cohn; at never got to tell him how important he was to me, Methodist Hospital-Rita Rosenblum, Ellen Albin either and Ida Forbes. So go tell a loved one what they mean to you right Next get-together will»be Tuesday. Rabbi David now-because in the case of Paul Morgan, I never Kaye, Offutt Air Force chaplain, will speak. got my chance.
My life with Paul
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'he normalization of the Jewish community By Howard Bloom Editor's Note: tioh of the J«wiah eommimity as evidenced by its Howard Bloom, executive director, Jewish inability to reproduce itself is the recognition of Federation of Omalia, delivered the following what I would call an 'Agenda of Qontinuity. *' report at the Federation's annual meeting June 14 at the Jewish Community Center. (E) Agenda of Continuity The 'Agenda of Continuity" on the national level (A) The Continuation of the Peace Process If the peace process continues, its success, no has meant tifat Federations have shifted resources, matter how tentative, will represent the true nor- as they have become aware of the need for malization of the Israeli. External pressure which increased support for the following programs, serhas forced Israelis for the past 40 years to sacrifice vices and alliances: •- for nation building and to diminish the natural * Partnership with the Synagogues inclination of people to satisfy individual needs will * Increasing Partnership with Israel be reduced. This may lead to some interesting dis* Day School and Afternoon School support ' ctissions dbout Jewish identity in the State of * Investment in the teaching of Hebrew I Israel. * Family Life Education (B) The Extraordinary Success of the North In the main, we mean the Federation movement ' American Jewish Community Despite anxiety, the success of North American must be creating a broad,central, choice oriented, Jews in every field of endeavor open to Americans and non-sanctimonious public Judaism. Where the is nothing short of astounding. Suffice it to give but Federation can partner with the Synagogues on one example: In the 1990'8 Jews were elected to this basis, the Synagogues and the Federation will Congress by their fellow Americans in numbers be successful in having Jewish families opt in. more than 3 times their proportion in the popula- Where Synagogues and Federations can take advantage together of Jewish families' need for tion. Nevertheless, in spite of our being enormously rites of passage, for a secure environment for their successful in the North American context, more children, for a hospitable place for socialization and successful perhaps than our wildest dreams, and in for social development for youth and for seniors, spite of the prospect of seeing some approximation our Continuity Agenda will become a potent force of peace in the Middle East, we feel an extraordi- in federated communal Ufe. nary anxiety. This anxiety is being acted out in Israel and here in our local federated communities. (F) The JFO and The Agenda of Continuity How can it be when, as Isaiah said, the "proverbial This brings me to my third point, which discusses . lion will be lying down with the lamb" that we how the "Agenda of Continuity" has been addressed maintain a lingering sense of foreboding and anxi- so far in the Omaha Jewish Federation: ety? L We have invested over $25, 000 a year towards (C) Source of Anxiety adolescent trips. We have invested a similar In my view, the main answer to this question is amount for mission programs for current donors. again related to the 1990 Council of Jewish We have also been able to enlist the support of priFederation's population study. Over the past 4 or 5 vate foundations to support 'taking individuals years a number of monographs related to this study where they are" in trying to move them. We have havie come out in an attempt to interpret its implemented a strategy of summer camperships. results. We are now asking to subvent a renewed Hillel It seems pretty clear from the results of these program for college students and while we have studies that the Jews of North America have been only allocated a modest amount of money for this f. one of the foremost, if not the foremost, proponents worthy goal it is a necessary first step. of Americanism. And by Americanism, I mean that they have taken to heart the issues of individualTo conclude, we ought not to be lurching back and ism, egalitarianism, merit, and mobility. In fact, we forth from our.'Agenda of Caring" to our "Agenda have been the very model of the intemalization of of Continuity." We need to keep, our hands firmly these norms. on the rudder and that rudder must embrace mainTo underscore this point, Jews are the only ethnic taining our traditional agenda as well as looking group which has not yet attained the pre-war num- for genuine two-sided opportunities to simultanebers. The current American Jewish population is ously engage in a real continuity effort. In order to about 5.5 million and this represents just over 2% do this and in order to reconcile these two agendas, I of the U.S. population. we need to re-energize ourselves and that brings us Before the first World War, the Jewish popula- to our current Strategic Planning Process. tion was about 6 million which represented approximately 5% of the country's population . (G) Strategic Planning This demographic time bomb has caught our We have staked our energy and effort on this attention. We have not succeeded iq reproducing ourselves. In spite of our feeling of *at homeness" in process because we need to respond to the anxietythe North American environment, we are facing that I have described. We need to develop a the prospect of very rapid assimilation. I would like response which doesn't throw the baby out with the to discuss what the role of the Federation is in bath water. We have a legitimate human service responding to these opportunities. agenda that has to be met. In addition, we need to find ways that are effi^ Who are the main constituent groups that make up the Jewish audience that is receptive to our cient, measurable, and effective in dealing with message? concerns of continuity. This will increase our capacity to deal with the broad center of Judaism by What has been our traditional agenda? Where is the emphasis shifting and how can we including all those who believe that public identifireconcile what appears to be two separate agendas? cation with things Jewish remains appealing. We have now embarked on an inclusive and an open path through our Strategic Planning Process (D) Agenda for Caring First, let's take a look at what I would like to call to meet these objectives and we will need your help our traditional 'Agenda of Caring." ' and understanding to follow this through to logical I would like to mention a few of the items that conclusion. have been the traditional mainstay of the Federation and Agency agendas in this community and throughout North America over the past 90 years. We can look at issues like summer camps, day camps, residential camps.preschool, day care, family life educational programs, support services, Tzedakah, Yom Atxmaut, Yom Ha Shoa, and migor xommunsl efforts to retain the commitment and loyalty of a community. NsvertheleM, this 'Agenda of Caring" is in itself necessary but not sufficient. In reaction to this feeling of anxiety which is provoked by the assimila-
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Canada orders deportation of former Arafat bodyguard ByGUKeswer TORONTO (JTA) — After a brief immigraUon hearing, Canadian officials have ordered the deportation of a former bodyguard of Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat But lawyers for Walid Khalil Bfuroud said they would appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court of Canada. Royal Canadian Mounted Police and Canadian immigration officials arrested the 45-year-old Palestinian one year ago, when he was picked up at his home in Mississauga, Ontario, just west of Toronto. Immigration official Kevin Sack said at the time that Baroud posed a national security threat. New & Used Furniture AntiquoB, Collectiblea and Object* of Art
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The above photos represent just a sampluii; of the education, excitement and emotion of the 20*8 and SO's Mission to Israel. Since their return, participants have spolcen to a group of Jewish community leaders, have given a
mission report to the Federation board of directors, made a presentation at the Federation Annual Meeting, and will join in a discussion with Perspectives members about the Middle East They are also sharing their stories in the JewUh Preu and will have a
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From Russia to Omaha to lsrael--a dream fulfilled By Barban^ Chandler Federation commiuiicationa diiiector In 1991, Anna, and Igor Mosenkis came to Omaha with their children, Fiorina and Robert, and Anna's mother as part of Operation Exodus. ^ They left their home, their jobs, their lives in Russia and came to the United States for the sake of their future as Jews. But they made themselves one promise, "When we havti jobs and a house and '{ save some money, the first trip we take will be to
; Israel. Incredible to believe — it happened just as we t planned!" The Mosenkis' were participants of the 20's and 30's Mission to Israel in May. Igor was captivated by what he saw and felt upon his arrival. "This was like my second visit to Israel," said Igor. 'The first time was in my imagi•, nation. When I arrived in Israel, it was like walk, ing from a dream into reality. When you see this small land of Israel, you see all of God's work. Tou really have a stronger awareness as a Jew when you come to Israel," he added. "This is our history. The Russians wouldn't let Russia be my history. I am a Jew and Israel is my history." Having lived in Russia, the Mosenkis' had a unique view of kibbutz life in Israel. "I'm not sure how the others on the mission saw the kibbutz, but coming from Russia, we understand what they are trying to achieve," said Anna. "In Russia it's called a collective farm, in Israel it's a kibbutz," Igor added. "The difference is that in Russia, they never worked for an ideal." Anna acknowledged that although Israel's kib: butz lifestyle is more successful than Russian socialism, "they have a problem because they are surrounded by another way of life." Igor expressed strong feelings about the issue of . the Golan Heights. "I read the newspapers and watch the news—it's another thing to go there and see how important this piece of land is for Israel. When you stand on this place then you understand." Igor and Anna take great pride in the success of their fellowHusslans who emigrated to Israel. "In every city you hear Russian," Igor noted. He . added that the Jewish people emigrating to Israel firom the former Soviet Union represent "a different ' kind of immigration. Before World War II, highly : educated Polish and German Jews came to the area ; and made Palestine into Israel. Their scientific background pushed the country to a new technological level. Today's immigrants from Russia are also highly educated professionals who are pushing Israel to a new level."
Igor and'Anna Mosenkis (left) and David and Janet Kolili plant trees in Israel side by side in lionor of their children. Anna added, "The only way for Jews to become doctors or highly educated professionals in Russia was to work harder than everyone else. They bring this ability to Israel. Israel will grow quickly because of the Russian Jews. Their only barrier is the language, so Israel teaches them Hebrew and the country grows." During the mission they met with friends who went to Israel. Like Anna and Igor, they try to acijust to their new lives. "It's not just their skills but also their adaptability," explained Igor. "One friend' has an engineering position at the Dead Sea working with the mining of strategic metals. Another is responsible for quality control for all new construction in Jerusalem." The Mosenkis' related a unique and memorable moment during the mission on Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. They were in the military cemetery in Jerusalem and had some flowers to place on a grave. As they walked, they came upon a monument to Russian Jewish soldiers who had died during 1941-45. Anna and Igor, laid their flowers there. No such monument exists in Russia, they explained. Only in Israel would such a monument have been erected. Having realized their dream of visiting Israel, Anna and Igor fulfilled another dream there—to reestablish a family tradition. Anna's family had a silver kiddush cup set that had been handed down from generation to generation. It consisted of a large silver cup for Elijah, and each family member
had a small matching cup. Her grahdmother had rescued the set during pogroms and World War 11 in Russia, and'when Anna and Igor left there to come to the United States, Anna carried the set in her hand luggage. At the airport, Soviet officials took the set of kiddush cups away from them'. 'It was so very painful," explained Anna. "These kiddush cups had been part of our family for generations. In Israel, we went to a little shop in Mea Shearim and found a set very similar to the ones that were taken from us. We bought a large one for Elijah, two smajl ones for us, two for our children and two to represent our parents. They may be a little different fi^m the original cups, but the tradition lives on for our family." Janet Kohll found that being with the Mosenkis' added a special dimension to the mission experience. "They've had a different life," remarked Mrs. Kohll. "They have experienced socialism and you could tell that when Beth Seldin Dotan spoke about, kibbutz life, it was making a real impression on them. "They helped us realize how difficult life is for those people who still can't practice their religion in freedom and how American Jewish support has benefited other Jews around the world. "This Israel experience touched their hearts and it touched our hearts."
JNF honors Abrahams, Weber (Continued firom page 1) Dr. Weber has been Chancellor of the University of Nebraska at Omaha for 17 years. Also, he sits on the boards of the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, the National Conference of Christians and Jews, the Urban League, Omaha Community Playhouse, Norwest Bank and the Omaha Home for Boys. Dr. Weber has served the United Way of the Midlcmds and the United Advisory Board. He has been honored as Man of the Year by the Omaha Club and Merrymakers. Dr. Weber has served on the boards of several professional organizations, and currently sits on several committees of the National AssodaUon of State Universities and Land Grant Colleges. "We are very proud to honor these two exceptional men who give and have given so generously of their time and talents," said event co-chairs, 'Tom Fellman and Murray Newman. 'Mr. Abrahams and Dr. Weber are dynamic and selfless leaders."
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Bert's Eye View By Bert Lewis Did you ever see one of those children's books which are filled with answers to typical kid questions? They can be a great gift for a child, or better yet, for a parent who hears a lot of Vhy?". I think they should have such books for adults too; books which would answer the 'I wonder" questions grown-oips might ask. Personally, I have any number of questions that have always stumped me. One of my earliest (in memory) quandaries had to do with the radio. I well remember being intrigued by this new piece of furniture which somehow seemed to be inhabited by people. I never understood how it was possible for voices or music to come out of an inanimate object. To be perfectly honest, I still don't comprehend the concept of sound and airwaves. I would add to my wonder list, the question of how in the name of anything sane, does something as huge and heavy as an airplane ever get off the ground and into the air? And don't tell me to study the field of aerodsmaunics or whatever...! still won't really know what keeps that thing from just falling out of the sky! Then there's the business of microwaves-do YOU know how they work? I've been using a microwave since they were first on the market, but I still don't know how come I can bake two potatoes in nine minutes when it takes an hour in the oven. Nor do I understand how I can put a frozen lump of split pea soup in the microwave, adjust a few settings, and in a short time have it thawed AND heated. Come into the laundry room with me a minute and watch as I open the washer and take out the freshly laundered clothes. Pay close attention to those p^jama bottoms and tell me how they got turned completely inside out. And, while you're at it, explain how the carefully buttoned shirt also was turned inside out That's always a mystery to me...the inside out clothes. Back during World War II, we used to blame "gremlins" for mysterious happenings which couldn't be accounted for; maybe we need to find a modern version of that cop-out Maybe it's OK to maintain a child-like curiosity about a few things, even though roost adults always like to feel right on top of whatever we're supposed to know. Still, when you can ask somebody "how did that happen?" or "why does that do thus-and-such?" you might just find out! And besides, you make the person asked feel good. Whenever somebody gives an answer which begins with Veil, I'm no maven, but...", you better believe hWshe really thinks of himself as a maven. And feels good about being consulted. I still wish somebody would write a "why book" for adults. I'd consider the project myself, but where the heck would I find the answers to all those mysterious questions?
Field of Dreams ^^_ By Shana Novak, Syracuse University ^H| Jewuh PreBi intern ^^•Bottom of the ninth, two outs, bases loaded. I Strike one, strike two, HOME RUN! For local college baseball player Jay Rubin, these words were heard often during his championship season with the Bellevue University Bruins. Jay and his team had an incredible year for the University, finishing with a record of 57-13. The team's wins included district and regional tournaments and fhe most important part of the year, taking the NAIA National title. "Our main goal was to get to the NAIA tournament and win the whole thing," said Jay Jay plays left field for the Bruins, and admitted that being a part of a winning team was hard work. The team practiced every day for three or four hours. Jay was used to the hard work and long hours-he has been playing baseball since he was five years old! Jay felt the spirit of his school also helped make the hard work a little easier. Jay has been working hard all of his life to achieve such accomplishments in college baseball. *1 have been waiting 20 years and working hard for 16 years to be a part of this, and it finally happened.* Jay said. Congratulations, Bellevue Bruins-and Jay, you'll never strike out with the Omaha Jewish Community-we are so proud of you.
'Togetherness'
50th anniversary
' By Michelle Lee, MiUard North Jewuh Preat intern With a rapidly growing Jewish community and five sepEU'ate youth groups for teenagers, it is diffi•cult, if not impossible, for an Omaha teen to be acquainted with every Jewish high-schooler in the metro area. However, this summer, action can b^ taken to break the ice between Omaha's Jewish youth. Togetherness (in the form of social events) is the way for teens to get to know other area high-schoolers. (They would also learn that the RIVAL youth groups don't breed weird, terrible monsters.) Youths from different synagogues and youth groups had many similar ideas for bonding programs. A scavenger hunt was the most popular option, Lee and Jay Siref recently celebrated their since breaking up into intermixed groups and 60th wedding anniversary at the Venice Inn working as a team with "strangers" would give par- Restaurant. The dinner was hosted by their children. ticipants the chance to get to know new people. Since Israel is a common interest shared by all Jews, "a program with an Israeli theme would bring a lot of people together," Westside student Melissa Katzman suggested. "A campout (Shabbaton) and an informal dance Dr. Leonard and Cindy Kaufimann announce would be great programs, but anything that gets everyone together would be good," Burke student the May 10 birth of a son, Mitchell Jeffrey. Grandparents are Mr. and Mrs. Roger Cohen of Aaron Shefren said. Burke student Allison Gordon agreed that a non- Mission Hills, Kan., the late Marilyn Schnider dressy dance would get teens to meet new people Cohen, and Mr. and Mrs. Jacobo Kaufmann of and also stated that "a casino night (not real Miami Beach, Fla. Great-grandparents are Mr. and Mrs; William money, of course) would be really fun. Schnider of Kansas City, Mo., and Mrs. Joseph Summer-oriented ideas, such as a pool party and Cohen of Overland Park, Kan. a trip to Funplex, were suggested by many, includMaria and Bob Cohen announce the June 7 ing Central student Jason Hoberman. Sports and team activities, especially a big bas- birth of a daughter, Zoe Elaine. They also have a ketball game, were the programs of choice for son. Josh, 18 months. Grandparents are Manny and Carol Goldberg, Westside student Andy Halperin. Millard North student Russell Bennett also the late Elaine (^Idberg, Elberta Cohen and the favored sports activities such as a baseball game. late Harry B. Cohen, all of Omaha. Great-grandparents are Fannie Wintner and "A huge picnic would be really fun, too. Basically, Sarah and Irving Becker, all of Hollywood, Fla. activities to do outside that are fun and involve a lot of people are the best," he said. Other proposed program plans included a barbecue, putt-putt golf, a cocktail mixer, and a volleyball game. Creighton University is looking for host families This is only a small sample of ice-breaking profor men and women students from Tokoha gram ideas; there are hundreds of others to try out. University in Shizuoka, Japan. Almost any idea would work well, since when it The students will be in Omaha from Aug. 12 to comes to meeting new people, "anything that we'd Sept, 15, do together would be really interesting," said For information, call Beverly F. Di Mauro, culturBenson student Katie Kaplan. al coordinator, Creighton, 280-2310.
Births
hiost families needed
Organizations YES YES will meet Monday at the JCC. English classes, bingo and the discussion group will all meet at 10:30 a.m. The YES choral group will rehearse at 11 in the auditorium. Following lunch at noon, Lois Wine will demonstrate how to tie scarves (for men and women). For transportation, call 330-4a<»2. OLDTIMERS Oldtimers will meet Tuesday at the JCC. The Earlybird discussion group will meet at 11 a.m. in room 10. Following lunch at noon. Rabbi Kaye from Offutt Air Force Base will speak. WALK-IN DROP-IN The trip to Grandpa's Farm has been canceled, due to lack of participants. Exercise with Larisa starts at 10:15 a.m. Bingo starts at 10:30. At 12:45 p.m., a video will be shown in room 10. VISIONS Deadline ia July 1 for the remaining balance for the Black Hills trip Aug.-15-18. Amount due is $299 per person double occupancy; and $379 for single occupancy. Make checks payable to Visions and mail to Betty Sanford, 9205 Western Ave., #127, Omaha, NE6R114.
BREADBREAKER8 Dr. Farouk Horani will speak to B'nai E^rith Breadbreakers Wednesday at noon at Regency West Beet Western, according to Paul Davies, chairman for the month of June. Dr. Horani will speak on "An Optimistic View of the Middle East. Cost is $7.60 and the public may attend.
Russian Club members visit Boys Town
Fifteen members of the Russian Club recently took a guided tour of Boys Town. Back row, from left: Lidiya Linde, Marksina Levit, Petr Ginsburg and Ida Grinshpon. Front row: Ida Bronsteyn, Julia Nakhimovich, Mariya Fridman, Margaret Conti, Faima Putennan, Olga Sitnyakovskaya, Lina Levit and Mikhail Zevakin.
JbwidiPraM
More than 65 attend Discovery seminar I By Carol Katsoum [n the August 1994 issue of Statistical Science, a review journal of the institute of mathematical statistics, an article appeared, entitled, "Equidistant Letter Sequences in the Book of Genesis.* 1}ie editors of the journal commented on the article with the following statement: "Our referees were baffled: their prior beliefs made them think the Q. o«_i n e^\ js^t. n ..t. Book of Genesis could °**^" RiekeB (left) discusses, with Rabbi ' «„t nn.oiki.. -„-4.„:„ Yerachmiel Milstein, one of two Discovery not ,='i^. ""ffi" P-esenters, on th^e meaningful references to —i, _. . , .hie presentation , ,
(Mo^s Maimonides), but also the name of his book on the 613 mitzvot, Mishneh Torah (found 613 letters apart) and the Rambam's birth date. This was but one of dozens of examples of names 'and dates of people who lived long after the Torah Was written. Other examples included information on The Holocaust, Hitler's henchmen, the names of concentration camps, and even information about
^^^^ Rabbi Bergstein continI modem-day individuals, '''''""^ ^^P'" "'' "* «**"«* '^P'" ued, after a break for yet when the authors carried out additional analy- lunch, with examples of scientific knowledge in the sis and checks, the effect persisted. The paper is Torah, concerning the laws of kashrut and the thus offered to Statistical Science readers as a lunar calendar. challenging puzzle.' "NASA will be happy to know that they're only off Excerpts from these experiments were presented a few nanoseconds fi-om the rabbinical calculation to more than 65 people who gathered on a recent of a lunar year," he Stated. Sunda/ at the JCC at the day-long Discovery Rabbi Milstein concluded the two afternoon sesSeminar. ' sions with G-d's Role in History and the Jewish Using the methods of the Israeli intelligence ser- and non-Jewish view of the longevity of the Jewish vice-, the Mossad, the Discovery presenters used the people. 1981 bombing of the Iraqi nuclear reactor as an "We don't ask that you accept everything we've example of how codes are used to read intelligence presented here today," said Rabbi Milstein," only reports and make decisions. ' that you give the Torah a look. Rabbi Eliyahu Bergstein, a systems analyst for "Everyone is looking for spirituality today," he the New York Stock Exchange, and Rabbi concluded, "and we're offering a rational approach Yerachmiel Milstein, executive vice-president of to Torah that today's Jew doesn't have to accept the Friends of Sanz Medical Center of Netanya, just on faith alone." held the audience's attention for more than six Both presenters are rabbis who hold jobs in the hours with their analysis of the Torah. secular world as well. They volunteer their time Starting with the definitions of knowledge and making presentations for Discovery Seminar. This, faith. Rabbi Bergstein took the group into a scien- was their first presentation in Omaha, sponsored : tific examination of the Torah. Using the method by Jack Levey in memory of his wife, Gertrude ' described in Statistical Science, he explained the Levey. EDJ (equidistant jump) between letters in the A video tape of the day's presentation is available Torah and how statisticians used computers to find for viewing through Rabbi Joseph Friedman, and '• the shortest distance which revealed hidden mes- other Discovery materials, including the full mono; sages. "• graph in Statistical Science, can be ordered from : In one section reviewing the laws of Pesach, Rabbi the Beth Israel Synagogue office, 556-6288. Bergstein pointed out not only the name Rambam
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Israel's trade pact with E.U. By Joseph Kopel BRUSSELS (JTA) — A long-awaited trade pact between Israel and the European Union has hit some last-minute snags. Israel approved a draft of the trade accord on June 7, but it nonetheless called on E.U. officials : to incorporate some changes into the agreement. According to sources within the European Executive Commission, the E.U.'s principal decision-making body, the unresolved problems are linked to Israel's demand for free access to European markets for its agricultural exports, especially for its oranges. Israel is also seeking to continue negodations 'about Israeli companies tendering for European Union telecommunications contracts. Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres visited Spain earher this month to seek agreement with Spanish leaders on issues blocking the conclusion :of an Israeli-E.U. accord. Some E.U. countries — including Spain — are eager to protect their agricultural markets from Israeli imports.
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David Levy enters race
Darlene Ciolbitz received a President's Award at a recent meeting of the Federation's Board of Directors. Mrs. Golbitz is a nurse in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, but as a volunteer, she' researched funding sources and wrote grant requests for the Bureau for the Aging's Russian Club.
By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM JTA) — In a widely anticipated move, Likud KnesBet member ai\d former Foreign Minister David Levy has announced that he wps founding a new political moveinent and would run for prime I^nister in the country's 1996 elections. But he stopped short of declaring the formation of a new political party. In a meeting recently with MoAhe Katsav, the leader of the Likud faction, Levy stressed that he still belonged to the party's parliamentary faction and would vote with it. ' Katsav said he was glad that Levy wanted to remain in the Likud opposition, but added that he would have to check the legal implications of Levy's decision to form a new movement. At a rally of some 4,000 supporters in Givatayim, Levy announced that he was setting up a "new political framework, a new movement that would organize into a party." He said the new movement would focus on social and economic issues. He also lashed out at the Rabin government for what he called its "so-called peace policy." He placed himself in the political center, saying he would "not be dragged to extremes which imperil national unity."
Mission participants attended a recent Federation board meeting to show support for the mission program. From left, Tom Vann, Jeff Kirshenbaum, J.D. Gordman, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Frances Nefsky, Susie Norton, Jenny Meyerson, Scott Schneiderman, Anne Broder, Mike Abramson, Scott Meyerson, Ed Fried, Trenton Magid, Lisa Platt, and Heidi Schneiderman.
WZO chairman outlines new proposals By Uriel Masad JERUSALEM (JTA) — Avraham Burg his been officially elected chairman of the World Zionist Organization. The election came at Monday's opening session of the Zionist General Council. The council is the supreme legislative body of the Zionist Congress, which convenes every four years. The 192 delegates of the Zionist General Council voted unanimously for Burg, who has served as acting chairman of the WZO/Jewish Agency for Israel since February. Burg is expected to be ratified as chairman of the (Jewish Agency when the Agency Assembly con-
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venes here beginning on Sunday. Once ratified, Burg is expected to resign from his Labor Knesset seat. In his inauguration speech, Burg called for the reorganization and restructuring of the two bodies that have been the central vehicles for IsraelDiaspora relations. In mapping out his plans, Burg repeated his slogan, 'One People — One Body" in connection with the Jewish Agency and the WZO. Although he did not detail speciflcs in his opening speech. Burg left little doubt that he was referring to a much talked about merger between the organizations.
Such a plan would effectively close the WZO down as an independent organization. Today, the WZO, which promotes, aliyah and. Zionist activities, acts as an equal partner in the Jewish Agency, which spends more than $400 milhon annually on bringing immigrants to Israel and resettling them and on other social services in Israel. The Jewish Agency's money comes from the United Jewish Appeal and the Keren Hayesod. The WZO receives its budget of roughly $30 milhon from an , arrangement reached with the Jewish Agency. Burg said any changes would come as a result of discussions, debate, and compromise.
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