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JCC campers perform Campers enroUed in the JCC Musical Theatre Camp wrapped up their performing arts experience with excerpts from "Joseph and the Amazing Techni-Colored Dreamcoat, by Andrew Uoyd Weber. The camp was taught by Kay Johnson
and Sue Gijlespie Booton. Participants were: Jennifer Cooper, ^^^ ^^ ^^^^^ ^^^ j^^^^^y B„„„^ R^b^„„^ M„„^, AUie Willensky, Lauren Feigin, Rachel Javitch and Leah RafuL
'My baby sister, Jennifer' By Michelle Lee, Jewuh Preu intern, Millard North High School omeone once told me that your Bar/Bat our great heritage. Jennifer's Bat Mitzvah boosted her self-confiMitivah day is the only day in your ENTIRE LIFE where the focus is all on you. It's true—for an dence. She now knows that good-luck charms didn't make her sing—she did it all on her own. entire weekend, you are the center of attention. In fact, several hours after the service, I found At first, my 'baby' sister, Jennifer, didn't relish that idea. However, as her Bat Mitzvah (held the pink-hand keychain ... abandoned on a table. recently at Beth El) got closer, she got more accustomed to the "all just for me" feeUng. While she was preparing herself and practicing, JCC Teen Leadership mission practicing, practicing, the rest of us were also runBy Michelle Lee, Jewinh Press intern, ning in high gear. Months and months of planning, MiUard North High School all-day errands, and frustration (stress balls were Attention all sophomores and juniors: an in high demand at the Lee house) led up to the incredible experience is open to you! For the final, culminating day. Then suddenly, it was upon first time ever, the Omaha Jewish Community us. , Center will send two delegates to the 1995 Somewhere in the backs of our minds, my family Teen Leadership Mission" in Washington, D.C. and I thought that my sister would never go through with it. I mean, how can a pigtailed, iceThe main goal of the JCC association-sponcream-slurping, tantrum-throwing little girl sudsored trip, from Nov. 8-12, is to encourage teens denly become an adult? Jenn proved us wrong. to participate and be active members of their On Friday night, she led her first prayer. The Jewish communities. tension was high, the room was silent—finally, a The mission will accomplish this by first givshaky, nervous voice broke through with the opening participants The Washington Experience," ing words to the psalm. The sigh of relief that came (a general overview of what goes on in D.C.) from my family's section rivaled Hurricane They will then focus on how they can relate Andrew. Of course, iiyhat no one noticed was Jenn's their mission experiences to local teen prowhite knuckles gripping her good-luck charm (a grams. They also will generate strategies to pink-hand keychain). more closely involve their peers with their home Saturday morning, the situation was much the JCC's. same, except more nervous family members were Along with meetings with Senators and present to hold their breath. Parents and grandparents got teary, and I even felt myself misting up a Representatives, the trip will also entail a visit bit—my baby sister was all grown up (and taller to the National Holocaust Memorial Museum; than I). hobnobbing with leaders from many Jewish organizations, including the Israel Embassy, Luckily, with the help of six months of hard AIPAC (American Israel Public Affairs work, the moral support of Cantor Berkovits and Committee), American Jewish Committee, the Rabbi Drazen, and, of course, the pink hand, Anti-Defamation League and many more. Jennifer did beautifully. She's now an adult and Also, special seasions focusing on the environcan be put of a minyan. Not only that, some very important leasons were learned from this ceremoment, subatanoe abuse, poverty, homeleMness, ny. hunger and AIDS; meeting the homeless at.a First of all, my shy, timid aister overcome her shelter; and, of course, fun, new friends, and stage fright (she talked louder than I, the loudmore fiinl mouth). She now knows that she can stand up in The Omaha JCC can send only two delegates. fitmt of a group, show her itufT, and do great at ill If you will be a sophomore or junior and are In fact, she said, *I was nervous for about the interested in partidpatiDg in this mission, call first word of the fir«t prayer, then I was fine and I Alon Moral 334-6404. I even had funl' Jenn'i love for Judaiam alao grew a ;let, (tad 1^ ii sow ulremeljr jiroud tpbe.|ttrt of
Israel Bonds reception features Barry Farber Barry Farber, national broadcaster and syndicated radio talk-show host of "Daynet," will speak at a wine and cheese reception Thursday at 7:30 p.m. The event will be hosted by Paul Epstein and Rick Katzman. The reception committee includes Steve Denenberg, Forrest Krutter, Andrew Robinson and Mike Weinberg. "Mr. Farber will provide both an entertaining and informative perspective on Israel and the current political climate in the Mideast," said Mr. Epstein. Information also will be provided on Israel Bonds, highlighting their rates of return (over 8% in some instances), increased hquidity and investment-grade rating. Of particular interest; the announcement stated, is Israel's Zero Coupon Bond, with a current effective annual yield to maturity of 7.75%. Though only guaranteed through July 17,1995, this rate is in effect through the end of July. With a unit price of $2,893, this bond will more than double in value to $6,000 in less than 10 years and may be purchased through an IRA or other retirement plan. Also, Jeff Bernstein, Israel Bonds regional representative, will hold office hours at the JCC Thursday fi^m 3 to 5 p.m., and Friday finom 9 a.m. to noon. For information, call him at the Israel Bonds office, 1-800-752-5659. On Wednesday at 6 p.m., an Israel Bonds event will be hosted by Richard Evnen in Lincoln.
Inside the paper The Jewish Federation and its agencies how have new direct-dial telephone numbers. A directory is inserted. On page 4 are two respons* es to recent editorials on religious pluralism. The Jewish Press is pleased to present them.