January 5, 1996

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CONGRRTULRTIONS TO THE NEBRRSKR CORNHUSKERS

Jewish Press Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service

VoL LXXni No. !• Onmha

Books on tape: Library's new service

By Martin P. Wolf Hbve you *heard" any good books lately?

The Federation Library has begun adding books on audio tapes to its Judaica collection.

Originally developed for the visually impaired, audio-taped books have become popular in recent years. Those who vacation by automobile or whose work requires considerable time in their cars are quickly becoming users of the books on tape approach.

With so many people walking or jogging, a small audio cassette player and earphones brings literature to the sidewalk or track.

Through the generosity of Pennle Z. Davis, Henry and Dorothy Riekes and an anonymous donor, the library has begun the development of a books on tape collection with the purchase of "EKodus" and "QBVn" by Leon Uris, "This Is' My God" by Herman Wouk, Chaim Potok's "The Chosen," Bernard Malamud's "The Fixer," as well as Harold Kushner's "When Bad.Things Happen To Good People." An Isaac Bashevis Singer anthology has also been acquired.

Included in the new acquisitions is a set of nine cassettes consisting of 31 "Jewish Short Stories From Eastern Europe and Beyond." Originally presented on National Public Radio, many of the stories were selected by the National Yiddish Book Center.

The talking books are currently available for two-week loan.

A sampling of books available at the Federation Library are: "Mazel" by Rebecca Goldstein is the story of fiesty Sasha Saunders, a rabbi's daughter who leaves ber family's rural Polish Shtetl for the excitement of pre-war Warsaw. There she joins a troupe of brilliant young Yiddish actors. Sasha's life covers almost 80 years and brings her from the old world to the new.

"Due Diligence" by Pearl Abrahm invites you to enter the Hasidic world through the eyes of a young girl on the brink of adulthood. Seemingly protected from the freedoms and temptations the moder world offers, she escapes through the romance novels she reads under her blanket at night—a world of damsels in distress and handsome heroes. She is torn between being a 'good daughter' and her desire for independence.

"Mr*. Ted Bliss" by Stanley Elkin is a hilarious moving novel about a widow who. has lived on her own in a Miami condominium since the death of her husband. All her life defined by her family, she is "stepping out* and her family worries about her new friends foreign and domestic, and recommends a therapist. Mrs. Bliss learns at last to come to terms with her past and the vagaries of her new life.

Israelis upbeat on talks

By Naomi Segal ' JERUSALEM rcoi (JTA) — Israeli officials were upbeat this week after a first round of peace talks were held with Syrian ofRdals at a Maryland conference center.

But at the same time, the officials called on Syria to restrain the activities of the Islamic fundantentalist Hezbollah movement, which launched a weekend Katyusha rocket attack on northern Israel, causing property damage and light injuries.

At Sunday's weekly Cabinet meeting, Prime , Minister Shimon Peres said the peace talks with Syria had been conducted in a good atmosphere and that the two sides had reached some understandings "on a number of points."

Positive statements also came from the Syrian •ide, with Ambassador Walid Muallem characterizIblBthe talks ns useful nnd sorious

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Marshall and Barbara Kushner to chair Federation's summer mission to Israel

By Barbara Chandler, Federation communications director The Jewish Federation of Omaha has announced that a community mission to Israel, scheduled for July 28 through Aug. 7, will be chaired by Marshall and Barbara Kushner.

Honorary chairmen are| Cantor Emil and Lil Berkovits. Omaha partici pants will join several othei communities on the UJ Midwest Regional Homecoming Mission.

Alet Fleischer, the Israelil guide who will lead the mission, will be in Omaha Cantor Emil and Lili Berkovits for an information night on Barbara and Marshall Kushner honorary Mission chairmen Mission chairmen Monday, Jan. 15 at the home of Marshall and According to Jan Perelm^n, Federation Missions Barbara Kushner at 7:30 p.m.

Director, this mission represents a new kind of Mr. and Mrs. Kushner emphasized that attend- Israel experience. ing the information meeting does not require a "Our missions program has developed to a point commitment to go on the mission. where we can offer a very meaningful, exciting, "This meeting is for anyone who has any interest unique 10-day mission experience, and also offer a in going to Israel at any time," explained Mr. number of choices for pre-missions and extensions Kushner. for those who want to spend additional time in "It is an opportunity to hear, first-hand from an Israel."

Israeh guide, what kinds of experiences a mission One option is the Cantor's pre-mission, Thosp offers. Hell also answer questions about security issues and about the current political climate in who choose this option will spend 6 days with Cantor and Lili Berkovits prior to the arrival of the Israel." ^ Those who plan to attend the meeting are asked Homecoming Mission.

Also unique to this mission is the opportunity to to R.S.V.P. to the Federation office at 334-6430.

This Homecoming Mission will be Mrs. Kushner's spend Shabbat in Jerusalem with the Omaha teens first trip to Israel. Mr. Kushner went on the who will be in Israel on the J.C.C.-sponsored Artza Teen Trip to Israel.

President's Mission in 1981.

Participants who wish to extend their mission "^I have heard so much about Israel and look forward to the trip, but it's hard to know what to experience can choose a post-mission trip to expect," commented Mrs. Kushner. "I know that Jordan, or spend a few more days in Jerusalem, Tel everyone is moved by Israel in some way. For me, Aviv or Eilat.

"Whatever package you choose," said Ms. it will be a wonderful, but personal, private experiPerelman, "We'll be able to help you with ail the ence.

"We are delighted to be going on this mission arrangements to ensure that your entire mission is with Cantor and Lili Berkovits," she continued, the experience of a lifetime."

Cost of the 10-day Homecoming Mission, which "and we are so pleased that Rabbi Azriel, who will be in Israel this summer, will be joining us for includes round trip air fare from Omaha to Tel Aviv, most meals and all hotels, is $1,550 for firstShabbat during the mission."

Mr. Kushner recalls his first mission, which took time mission participants with a minimum gifl of place during the time when Israel returned the $750 to the 1997 UJA/Federation Annual Campaign.

Sinai to Egypt as part of their peace agreement.

For those who have gone on a Federation-sponIsrael is constantly changing, and I am excited to see how the country has developed since then. I sored mission during the past five years, cost for remember how angry people were who lived in the this mission is $1,750 with a minimum gift of Sinai. They had worked the land and now were $1,500 to the 1997 Campaign. Costs for pre-misbeing told to leave there. We are seeing the same sion and post-mission options vary.

For more information, contact Jan Perelman, situation today, only in a different part of the counFederation missions director, at 334-6427. try."

Scholarships available for Jewish summer camps

By Susan A. Drazen, executive director Bureau of Jewish Education

Burton L. Robinson Student Athletic Scholarship Fund Murray H. and Sharee C. Newman Grants Herbert Goldsten Scholarships

The Bureau of Jewish Education, a beneficiary of the annual UJA/Federation campaign and endowments, announces the availability of scholarships for Jewish camps for the summer of 1996.

These scholarships are made possible through the following endowment funds administered by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha:

Scholarships are awarded on the basis of demonstrable financial need. Applications may be obtained by calling the Bureau of Jewish Education, 334-6445.

Livingston Scholarships Esther K. Newman Memorial Fund Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund

Correction Eugene Brandt, executive director. Bureau for the Aging, is scheduled to retire^June 30. This date was reported incorrectly in a previous story.

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ParashatVaYehi Thanatopisis We are not su^ised to have a fleeting thought about death as'the Midrash comments on the death of Aaron's sons in Ahare Mot, in Leviticus; but the only two Sidrot that are entitled "Life" are in Genesis. This last Sidrah of Genesis, VaYehi, "and he lived," speaks of the death of Jacob, not his life.

So t«o Haye Sarahy earlier, speaks not of the life of Sarah, but of her death.

The Midrash hastens to note that the language used in the Hebrew hiiits that Jacob's life (147 years) was shorter than the life of Isaac and shorter than the life of Abraham. Similar language is used about the death of David, and the Midrash goes to some length to suggest that the same idea is hinted at. And the same with Moses and his

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Deaths

It is true that Joseph was Viceroy of Egypt and Jacob lived on Joseph's largesse. But to entreat Joseph for a favor? No! The Midrash sees this as an erosion of status for Jacob. His impending death reduced his stature, and he acknowledges Joseph as his superior.

The commentators make much of Jacob's favorto be buried in the Cave of Makpela in Canaan (Israel) where Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebecca, and Leah had been buried. What difference would it make if Jacob were buried in Egyptwhere his whole family was? Even Sinai was not in the Land of Israel!

THRF.F OMAHA L'OCATIONS A 45th b Mililan/ A 62nd b Center A 132nd b Dodge

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 5 p Visions Meeting, 9:30 a.m. y Betti Ei Kids Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m. Bsth El '' SUNDAY, JANUARY 7 4 Camp JCC Reunion & Swim Party, 3:30 p.m.

S MONDAY, JANUARY 8 A YES Program. 10 a.m.

V Merit Scholarship Program Committee Meeting, ^ 7:30 pm., Beth El

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TUESDAY. JANUARY 8 Oldtimers, 10 a.m.

BBYO Night. 6:15 p.m.

CDCC Meeting, 7:15 p.m.

Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting, 10 a.m., Beth Israel Temple Israel Torah on Wheels,' noon, Temple Israel Bath El Executive Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.. Beth El Friedel Jewish Academy Board of Directors Meeting, 7: 30 pm., at the school WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 10 JCAC Hebrew Classes, 7 p.m.

JCC "Perspecitves" Young Leadership program, TBA

Ofakim officials may strike

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But some of the commentators attributes to Jacob a deeply perceptive understanding of the human psyche. Were not his children and grandchildren at home in Egypt? The Family had become a People in Egypt and were thoroughly assimilated to life there. Had not the great Nile made them forget the little winding stream that was the Jordan?

How long would it be, Jacob, thought, till the mighty gods of Egypt would make them forget the God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob? What would be:ome of the grand vision of a humanity open to understanding about God and Mankind? About truth and freedom and morality?

Jacob used the only power left to him in his failing moments: Bury me not in the land of Egypt. My home, Jacob implied, and your home, is not here but there. The time will come for you all to return.

The moral-intellectual history of mankind depends on it.

If I cannot assure it with my teaching, Jacob thought, let my lifeless body prove it: Egypt may have its pyramids and grand, monuments-but the grand Ideas of Mankind are to come from little Israel, from the People of hrael in the Land of Israel.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11 Nebraska Council ol Jewish Educators, 12:30 p m Walk-in Drop-in Program, 10 a.m.

Bear Scouts Meeting, 7 p.m.

Boy Scouts Meeting, 7 p.m.

Federation Budget & Allocations Meeting, 7 p.m.

USY Night, 6:30 p.m., Beth El Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m..

Temple Israel

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A most interesting coriimcnl that the Midrash makes is this:' Shortly before death, one's status declines markedly.

With David (see our Haftarah), it is not said that •"the days of,KING David drew near to die," but "the Days of David." His monarchical qualities had vanished! He was simply David!

But the Midrash finds it much more obvious in the case of Jacob. He is the old and honored patriarch. The sons, including Joseph, show him full loyalty, Nonetheless, when he feels the burdens of old age and senses that he has not long to live, he begs Joseph for a last favor. Not "commands;" "begs!" "If 1 have pleased you, if I have found favor in your eyes. . ." . .

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — Municipal ofTicials were considering going on strike in the southern Israeli town of Ofakim in an attempt to raise awareness of the fact that the town hoi the highest unemployment rate in the country. The town's unemployment rate now stands at 20 percent.

Schools and businesses were closed as hundreds of residents joined laid-off workers in demonstrations at the entrance to the town.

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mvm SINGER Grayeside services for Irvin Singer, who had been associated with All Makes Office Equipment Co. for more than 50 years, were held last Friday at Beth El Cemet«ry. He was 68.

He is survived by his wife, Suzanne; son, Scott; daughters, Margie Singer and Carolyn Zastera; step-children, Debra, Dan and Ken Somberg; brother. Lazier; sisters, Floraine Rice and Mildred Goodbinder, and grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association, 7101 Newport, Omaha, NE 68152 to further research into ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) or to Temple Israel, 7023 Cass St., Omaha, NE 68131.

ISADORE (W.) KRAFT Services for Isadore Kraft were held Wednesday at Golden Hill Cemetery. He was 78.

Survivors include his wife, Charlotte; a son, Robert of Burr, NE; daughters, Charlene Lewis of Rapid City, S.D., and Jeannine Goldberg of Omaha; two brothers, Al of San Antonio, Texas, and Nate of Omaha; 12 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue.

SHIRLEY KRANTZ Services for Shirley Krantz, 88, were held Wednesday at Temple Israel Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Harrj'.

Survivors include a daughter, Renee Kasner; two grandchildren; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Hospice House, 6901 No. 72nd St., Omaha, NE 68122; Rose Blumkin Jewish Home; or Temple Israel.

focus on Federation Mr. Howard Bloom, Executive Director Ms. Barbara Chandler, Communications Director Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 So. 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154 Dear Mr. Bloom and Ms. Chandler.

On behalf of the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. (JDC), we wish to gratefully acknowledge the receipt of the Jewish Federation of Omaha's contribution of 700 coats, scarves, hats and gloves collected as a result of Project Warm-Up. JDC will distribute these winter items to assistees in the former Soviet Union (FSU).

As you know, for over 80 years, JDC has been working to meet the needs of people around the globe, sponsoring programs of rescue, relief and reconstruction.

Your community-wide project sets a true example of Tzedaka and Chesed and has enabled JDC to honor its commitment to preserving the quality of life of individuals in the FSU. In addition, your gifts, so desperately needed, give hope to Jews living under most difficult economic conditions, Once again, thank you for putting forth such a special effort to bring warmth to JDC's assistees overseas, and best wishes for a Happy Chanukah.

Sincerely, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc. AmbMsador Milton A. Wolf president Lynn Schustermwi, ehalr Resources Development committee

Janoary S, 1^ *

Synagogues

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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 ' 492-8560 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.

Candleli^tinK 4:51 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. , Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and TEMPLE ISRAEL Cantor Emil perkovits.

7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 FRIDAY: SS6-6S36 , Services start at 6 p.m.

FRTOAY: SATURDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8:15 p.m.

Services at 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services.

Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Contzius will officiate.

Sitter service starts at 10 a.m. i Rabbi Azriel will speak.

TSS (Torah Siddur Skills) will meet at 10 a.m.

The Oneg Sliabbat will, be sponsored by the Shabbat story time, the first and third Saturday Temple Sisterhood. at 11a.m.

Sitter Service ICtantan meets the second and fourth Saturday Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service. Please make a reservation so we may plan at 11 a.m.

Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:55 p.m. accordingly. There are no facilities for infants.

SUNDAY: ' SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, 11:16 a.m.

Services start at 9 a.m.

P-EJ*.

WEEKDAYS: Parallel Education for Parents will meet Sunday Services at 6:65 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at 10 a.m. The focusiof this year's classes is Judaica Shop 'Holiness in Time."

Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to "TOW" 2 p.m.; Sundays, 10 a.m. to noon; or by appointTorah on Wheels (TOW) will be held Tuesday ment. from noon to 1:15 p.m. at Industrial Label, 4130 So. Children's Havdalah Celebration 94th St. Mike Erman is host. Reservations are Havdalah program for children age six and required. Call the Temple office at 556-6536. under, with their families, will be Saturday from Adult Education 6 to 7:15 p.m. There will be a service, craft project Tuesday: Post Adult B'nai Mitzvah, 7:30 to 9:30 and pizza dinner. p.m.

Men's Club Breakfast Thursday: Sisterhood AdultEducation. 9:30 to Men's Club will host a breakfast Sunday at 10:30 a.m..-- "Taking a New Look at the Jewish 10 a.m. Governor Ben Nelson will speak.

Holidays," using Arthur Waskow's book. Seasons of USY Shabbat Our Joy, led by Hazzan Contzius; 10:30 to 11:30 Members of United Synagogue Youth will partici;a.m. -- 'Modern Jewish Thought," led by Rabbi pate in the Shabbat mbrning services January 13.

Azriel; 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. -- "Beyond Midrash," led

by Don Schwartz.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Bat Mitzvah 1502 No. 52nd Street, Omaha, NE 68104 Tamara Nicole Meyers, daughter of Berta and 556-6288 Jon Meyers, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Services are conducted by Cantor Leo Fettman.

Shabbat morning service Saturday, Jan. 13.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; CHABAD HOUSE Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

1322 So. 119th Street, Omaha, NE 68144 FRIDAY: 697-1124 Kabbalat Shabbat service at 4:55 p.m.

SATURDAY: SATURDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush.

Morning services are at 8:45 a.m. in the SUNDAY: Sanctuary and Goldstein Chapel.

Davening is at 9:30 a.m.

Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m.

Talmud Classes Babysitting service provided by Sisterhood.

Talmud class, 9:30 a.m. Wednesday. Advanced Kiddush sponsored Sisterhood.

Talmud, 12 p.m. Thursday.

Mincha at 4:55 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Chumash Class Ma'Ariv and Havdalah.

Chumash class for adults, 7 p.m. Tuesdays.

SUNDAY: Yiddish Morning services at 9 a.m.

'Hooked on Yiddish" lessons Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

Talmud Shiur with Rabbi Kaye at 10 a.m.

Evening services at 4:55 p.m.

English WEEKDAYS: "Think Jewish and speak English' classes on Services at 7 a.m. and 4:55 p.m.

Jewish topics for new Americans, Tuesdays and Lunch & Learn Thursdays at 10:30 a.m. at Chabad House.

Wednesday at 11:45 a.m. with Rabbi Kaye at the home of Eve and Ben Heisler, 5841 Hamilton.

Practical Judaism ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME A class with Rabbi Kaye Wednesday at 7:30 p.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Nancy and Sheldon Rips. at the synagogue.

SATURDAY: Gemorah Class Services, led by Don Schwartz and Albert Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the home of Rabbi and Friedman, start at 9 a.m. in the Goldsten Chapel.

Mrs. David Kaye, 12237 Turner Cir., Bellevue.

Members of the community are invited to join Cookbook residents for the service and the kiddush following.

"Happiness is Still Good Food," available at the Memorial services are held on the last Saturday gift shop, or call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5668. of each month.

Sisterhood Gift Shop Sisterhood gift shop is open by appointment. Call Leah Siegel at 666-5466.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE RECONSTRUCTIONIST CONGREGATION 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705-Synagogue 697-1660-Rabbi Ehrenstein B'NAI JESHURUN t FRIDAY: 20th and South Streets Shabbat services are held every Friday night at Lincoln, NE 68502 7:30 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi 435-8004 Ehrenstein and lay leaders. Oneg Shabbat follows.

Services are officiated by Cantor Michael SUNDAY: B'nai Israel participates in the River Cities Weisser.

FRIDAY: Reconstructionist Religious School. Classes are Shabbat evening service at 7:46 p.m. held every Sunday at the West Side Community SATURDAY: Education Cantar, 108th and Grover, from 10 a.m.

Torah study and service at 10 a.m. to noon. The community may attend.

SUNDAY: Call Rabbi Ehrenstein or Dr. Martin Rosenburg, Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m. :tor of education, for an appointment.

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TIFERETH ISRAEL 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 , Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. ' Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m.

Oneg Shabbat hosted by Karen and Steven Sommer, SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m.

BEYT SHALOM RECONSTRUCTIONIST SYNAGOGUE P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124 For information, contact Mike Salmi at 291-3469, or Rabbi Ruth Ehrenstein at 697-1660.

Services: Every Friday at 7:30 p.m. at the Second Unitarian Church, 3012 So. 119th St., Omaha.

Religious School: Beyt Shalom co-sponsors the Reconstructionist Cooperative Rehgious School.

Classes, are held each Sunday at the West Side Community Education Center, 108th and Grover, from 10 a.m. to noon. (Use the read parking lot).

FRIDAY: Monthly family service, 7:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: Religious School

Bat Mitzvah Tamara Nicole Meyers, daughter of Jon and Berta Meyers, will] become a Bat Mitzvahl Saturday, Jan. 13, at| Temple Israel.

A seventh-grade student at Westside Middle!

School, she enjoys musici of all types, talking on the] phone and socializing! with her friends. She has ] been a volunteer at thel Rose Blumkin Jewish' Home and at Hattie B. Monroe's after-school camps for the mentally and physically challenged.

Tamara has a brother, James, and a sister, Shaina.

Grandparents are David and Sue Meyers and Barbara Ackerson of Omaha, and Ltc. Robert Ackerson (ret.) of Honolulu, Hawaii.

Great-grandmothers are Ida Gassner and Evelyn Johnson of Council Bluffs.

Beth Israel schedules Lunch 'n Learn

By Carol Katzman Rabbi David Kaye, chaplain of Offutt Air Force Base, will again lead a discussion on the weekly parsha on Wednesdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The classes are free and open to the Jewish community. To order lunch, call Bagel Bin by 10 a.m.

Hosts for January are: Jan. 10, Ben and Eve Heisler, 5841 Hamilton; Jan. 17, Paul and Susie Shyken, 601 Ridgewood; Jan. 24, Al and Willis Ann Ross, 676 No. 56th; Jan. 31, Romer and Lourdes Ocanto, 1114 So. 94th.

Attention Readers!

If any photos that have appeared in the Jewish Press belong to you, please stop by the office and pick them up.

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Letter from Israel

By Harry Allen The announcement created barely a ripple. King Hussein's coming to Tel Aviv only made the inside pages of the local papers. It is merely one more straw in the changing winds of IsraeltArab relations. , The king will participate in the dedication of a trauma uilit at Icholov Hospital namedi after ^tzhak Rabin, and will stop at Rabin Square—the place where the late prime minister was murdered.

He will then journey by helicopter to Beit Gavriel OB the shores of the Kinneret to participate in a cwremony hoDoring Elyakim Rubenstein and the 'M'danian ambassador to the United States for t|iliir lead rolM in negotiating the Israel-Jordan P^iace treaty. The king and queen may even do a bit <Kf^hopping 111 Tel Aviv's upscale Gan Hai mall, tk|High this ha* not been announced. What is so imarkable about all of thla is that it now seems so vny unremarkable.

The milleninm has not yet come (it's at least four jfiVB distant by actual count) nor has the region suddenly become a middle-Eastern *love in."

Beneath the surface calm which has settled over brael, the violent currents remain. Not every Arab leader is King Hussein. Despite the optimism, there are many obstacles in the path of both a Syrian deal and a final deal with the Palestinians.

With the Palestinians, the final borders, the status of Jerusalem, the return of refugees are all on the table and resolution of these issues will be much tougher than the issues so far faced.

The Syrian problems are also huge and Peres faces considerable Israeli opposition to giving up the Golan—even though the most recent polls show Peres with a 62% approval rating—better than Clinton's. And despite the greatly diminished level of protest against the peace process since Rabin's death, the opposition could flare again with the smallest spark to ignite it.

Yet with all the potential problems which lie ahead, the visit of the king may well be taken as yet one more mile post on the road to normalization.

Happy 1996.

Letter to the Editor To the Editon Our son, Shmuel Cytryn, an American citizen living in Israel, has been placed under administrative detention in Sharon prison. No reasons have been given for his incarceration. He has been in solitary confinement in a maximum security cell since Dec. 4. Last "week, the supreme court of Israel ordered that his sentence be shortened and that he be allowed to partake in rehgious services with other [people. The authorities have ignored the supreme «ourt.

We fear that the solitary confinement will be extended indefinitely without reason being given.

His attorney has not been able to find out the reason for his detention. He is the father of Jive small children. His family depends on him to provide for them. One of his daughters was burned over half her body in an accident and depends on him to change her dressings and give her physical therai>y.

• Shmuel has gone on a hunger strike because he is in solitary confinement in very unstable and cruel conditions without even having been told why, and because he cannot take care of his family.

We are asking the American people to immediately request that Israel either charge Shmuel with having committed a criminal act or set him free.

We fear for Shmgel's life.

Please help us.

Arnold and Marilyn Cytryn

THOUGH THERE'S NO CLEAR VCOnhAHPMENr TO PO 50^

'Focus on the Family' series

Court rejects Vanunu petition

By Alice A. Weiss, Jewish Family Service

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — The High Court of Justice has recently rejected two petitionB submitted by former nuclear technician Mordecai Vanunu, who asked that he be released from prison and allowed to return to Italy. Vanunu, once a technician employed at Israel's nuclear facility at Dimona in southern Israel, is serving an 18-year sentence for disclosing Israel's nuclear weapons capabilities to The Times of London.

In 1986, he was lured from London to Rome, where he was kidnapped by Israeli agents, who brought him to Israel. He was tried there in secret and convicted of treason in March 1988.

The content of the petitions filed this week was classified, but it was reported that he challenged the circumstances under which be was brought to Israel to stand trial.

Jewish Family Service will present a three-part series addressing different aspects of family life.

This second "Focus on the Family" series will consist of informal, one-evening presentations by the agencys clinical staff.

The presentations will be free of charge as part of the Jewish Family Life Education program.

The schedule for the series is : Tuesday, Jan. IS-^Children and Self-Esteem."

Presenter: Glen Fineman, L.M.H.P., C.M.^.W., executive director, Jewish Family Service Tuesday, Jan. 23-"How to Talk So Your Spouse Will Listen: Improving Communication in Marriage." Presenter: Alice A. Weiss, L.M.H.P, C.M.S.W., therapist.

Tuesday, Jan. 30-"Taking the Pressure Off: Stress Management Techniques." Presenter: Cindy Ridgway, L.M.H.P., C.M.S.W., therapist.

All programs will start at 7:30 p.m. in tho adult lounge at the Jewish Community Center.

Telephone registration is requested. Participants may sign up for one, two, or all three programs.

For information and registration, call 330-2024.

IRS?I$ IRS?I$ IRS?I$ IRS7I$ IRS?I$ IRS?I$-

Confused by Tax Laws?

Most of us are. As a servKe to our readers, we will publish a Special Tax Time Supplement on Februarys, 1996.

We will offer Information and instructions from the Internal Revenue Serves to help students and senksrs, employees and entrepreneurs get through the filing process and to help our readers plan their tax strategy for tfie coming year Advertisers We invite the following businesses to participate in this tax supplement.

Accounting Services Banks Savings & Loans Insurance Agencies Computer Sales & Service Financial Planners Investment Sen/ices

Lawyers Mortgage Connpanies Slock Brokers Offk;e Supply Car Leasing Copier Sales & Servfce

For space reservations and details call Larry at 334-6451.

Deadline Is January 18,1096.

The Jewish Press

RobaH Eleanbarg Pretidenl, Board of Dtncton

(Founded In 1920) thi roU of th« J«wi»h Federation of Omaha it to jnvolv* Jaws in matting Jtwiih communal Itaada locally, nationally and in Iirael.

Iganciaa of tht Fadaratlon ara: Community Rtlatlona, Jawiih Community Cantar, Jawiih EducatioHt Jawith Praai, Jawiah Family Sarvica, Library and Bureau for thaAtiing.

Fha Jawiah Praai (U8PS 276620) la publiihad weakly on Friday for |2S per calendar year IJ.S., $28 foreign, by the Jewieh Federation of Omaha, 333 South 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 18164. Second claai poetaga paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Sand addreai changea to Fha Jawlih Praia, 333 aouth 132nd Street, Omaha, NE 08164, Telephone 402-334-8200. ;--<e.t;c^^-rars'^'--;i.?JiM^:"f-.".j-i5f:gii.-ie--:':;--S7,',7-.y---'fa,.L--i,'. •

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Marrit MaUna Editorin-Chier Mauraan LaPour Mantfing Editor Larry Aaalrod Advartiaing Managvr Sharyl Frlattnan Bookkaapar Oaerga Behapln Volunlaar

Board of Directors Sylvia Wagner, Vice Praaident; Suva Lavinger, Traaiurar, Lao Maytnon, Secretary; Cynthia EpaUin; State Danon; Marci Gallnar, Howard Kaplan; Sharyl Laa; Jane Rlpa; Lloyd RoiUtain; Alvln Roaa; Roae Schupack; Fred Tlchauor; Ban Wiatman.

Editorlala eiprata Ihe »lew of the writer and ara not necesaerily rapreeenlatlv. of tha viewa of the Jewiah Proaa Board, lh» Jawiah Fbdarttton of Omaha or the Omaha Jewiah Community aa a whole.

The Jewiah Preaa la not raaponalble for tha Kaahnith of any product or eatahliahmant.

January B,1WS

Births

ert's Eye View

By Bert Lewia Did you ever wonder how things get certain namw? I mean such things as jars, which have always been known (to me, anyway) as MASON jars. Who the heck was Mason, and how come jars are nam^ for him?

Then there's that funny screwdriver with the pointy end which is called a PHILLIPS screwdriver. Was there somebody named Phillips who perfected that tool or is there another amswer?

Tree specialists could probably clear up the' Douglas in a DOUGLAS fir....my guess would be that whoever grafted this twig to that and perfected a new species happened to be named Douglas.

Sounds reasonable, doesn't it?

Certain items of clothing also have particular names that make me wonder. For example, way back in Victorian days, the ladies wore dress with something called LEG-OF-MUTTON sleeves. To me, those were just big, balloon-shaped at the top and close fitting at the lower end, but they were identified as leg-of-mutton.

For as long as I can remember, the 8ofty'''""i<'6d Collar found on women's and childrens dresses or blouses have been called PETER PAN collars.

That one challenges my imagination....was that the Peter Pan from the children's story or some other character? Beats me.

I guess the CHESTERFIELD coat isn't too hard to figure out. I seem to recall a Lord Chesterfield from some place in my reading vocabulary. But what about the TRENCH COAT? Was that really taken from the coats soldiers wore in the trenches?

None of this is of miyor importance. It's just that I happened to pick up a nice, clear glass quart jar in my kitchen the other day and noticed the word MASON stamped right into the glass, kind of like a copyright. That's what made me start to wonder just who this Mason was.

O.K., if you're so smart, tell me. And if it's an interesting story, I'll pass it on to everybody else...

Meantime, I'll just think of that container as a glass jar without a proper name.

Rabbi Debbie aikd Steve Stiei announce the Dec. 12 birth of a son, Micah Jonathan, i Grandparents are MoUie and Philip Shelton of Dallas and Ed and Jean Stiel of Benson, Minn.

Jewi«bP|PM«

Omaha-area Jewish youth groups unite for comirion cause

Three Omaha-area Jewish youth groups, B'nai B'ritb Youth Organization, Beth El United Synagogue Youth and Omaha Temple Youth Dara and Dan Redler of Atlanta, Oa., Group, are working to help alleviate the hunger problem in Omaha. announce the Dec. 26 birth of a son, Alec Brent Ilie morfhoUanuary has been designated as Grandparents are Dodi and Steve Redler of Omaha and Jerry and Leila Grosiinger of 'Souper BJBr'm^Rh, a hunger action drive to hdp benefit the mnaha area Food Bank.

Allentown, Pa. > Each youth group will be collecting at their Great-grandmothers are Sylvia Shapiro pf respective locations throu^out January. EveryoQe Omaha and Fran Grossinger of Scranton, Pa. associated with these groups and their host organiAndrea and Richard Konz of Milwaukee zations is urged to donate a minimum of $1 per announce the Dec. 29 birth of a son, Zachary person (or more).

There will be booths set up the weekend of Jan. Martin, named in memory of great-grandparents Zelda and Max Lerer. They also have a son, 26-28 at the three locations for collection, or a check can be sent directly to the organizations at Matthew, 3.

Grandparents are Harriet and Irving Marcus of any time: Omaha and Marianne and Gerald iKonz of Racine, BBYO and General donations: Wis. "Souper Bowl Fund" c/o BBYO, Alon Mor 333 So. 132nd St. Omaha, NE 68154

In the News

Mark J. Eveloff, a Council Bluffs attorney, was recently selected as 4th Judicial District associate judge. He was among 19 people who applied for the judgeship.

Mr. Eveloff, a Council Bluffs native and a 1966 graduate of Abraham Lincoln High School, has been in private practice since 1982.

Steven Danon of Omnha has taken a position with Liberty Mutual Insurance as a senior loss prevention representative. In this capacity, he will work with employers throughout Nebraska to enhance their workplace safety and health programs.

Mr, Danon is also on the boards of Temple Israel, Jewish Press and Jewish Family Service.

Beth El Synagogue/USY: "Souper Bowl Fund" c/o USY, Michael Levine 14506 California St. Omaha, NE 68154 (Orem^le Israel/OTYG: V'Spuper Bowl Fund" c/o OTYG, Keith Singer 7023 Cass St. Omaha, NE 68132 A check will be presented to the Omaha Food Bank by the presidents of the chapters Monday, Jan. 29, at the JCG. For more information, call Michael Levine at Beth El Synagogue, 492-8550.

GOODBYE To OUR FRIEND. Those of us who had the pleasure and honor to work with Irv Singer will forever miss him.

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Irv started at All flakes in June of 1943. He was sixteen. For the next fifty-three years he displayed unwavering loyalty and devotion to his customers and to All Makes.

The business and work ethic that Irv displayed every day will never be forgotten by those he touched.

He will be an example of bravery spoken of for many generations.

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Tte'fiose'BkTmkTn Jewish Home

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Free eye care offered for low income families

A proeram to provide.free eye examinations to low-income worlcera and their families in Nebraska (A column of information and comment) j gets under way in January.

Part of a nationwide program callea VISION

By Debbi Brown USA, the effort is being sponsored in Nebraska by I over 100 members of the Nebraska Optometric •"He i» happiest who pnda pecfce in hia home." I Association who are donating their services to help I , I those in need.

I I was reminded of the above quote when I inter-' , According to the announcement, to quahfy , per•viewed Shelley Cash, RN, director of nursing atj sons must: have a job or live in a household where •the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

I there is one working member; have no health j Shelley helps residents in the Home be happy, insurance of any kind, have income below an estabIby being a people person. She is skilled in heri lished level based on household size; and have had •profession of nursing and she possesses the knowl-j no eye examination within two years.

•edge that a team is gnly as good as the sum of| The comprehensive eye exams will be given in. jits players. | optometrists' oHlcefe in March, coinciding with the I She does not like to talk about herself She is| celebration of Save Your Vision Week, March 3 - 9. jquick to answer questions and she is direct, how-l Applicants can be screened for eligibility until lever she seemed most comfortable talking abouti Jan. 31, by calling 1-800-766 4466.

Ithe staff and the resident.^.

I Phone lines will be open weekdays from 7a.m. to I She can discuss policy like a chef can call out a' 9 p.m. (C.S.T.). It is possible also to apply by mail.

I recipe. Her heart is ii^ her job and her job is part" Applications forms are available from VISION of her heart. She is serious, kind, and professional USA, 243 N'. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63141. [ "Three years ago, I was hired as the director of! Completed forms must be postmarked by Jan. 26. „ [nursing." After visiting the facility she recalledi .thinking to herself how lucky she'd be to get thcj iposition. The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home has thej Volunteers sought jfinest reputation around. She says she thought to| (herself "I'd love to work there!" | The Senior Companion Program is currently j "The thing that is nice about the Blumkin Homel lis that because it serves just one community orl seeking volunteers to provide person-to-person serlethnir background there is a lot of family involve! vices for older adults who have exceptional needs, Inieiit here." ' developmental disabilities, Alzheimer's disease or ' She said there are more visitors than at any' other needs for companionship.

Volunteers meet these needs through regularly 'ntherHome in town. Not only do family members' I,.;...'! ^^ «Ur, »nc-:#Jnntn Un.in tmmmm nit' visit, 1butt /*-: friends the residents have known all scheduled visits, where they offer intellectual stimulation, recreation, emotional security and friendtheir lives come as well.

I "11 can can'tI think uiiiiK of 01 a resident resiaeni who wiio doesn't aoesti i have uuvei ship.

According to the announcement, senior companion •someone who comes and spends time," Shelley] [said happily . (Currently there are 110 residents| volunteers should meet income guidelines and will |in the Home.) | receive the following benefits: i • Without this family involvement it would be dif-| • A stipend of $2.45 per hour; Ificult for the residents to adjust to all one musti • Transportation and mileage reimbursement; Iwhen communal living is the plan, I • A $2 per meal reimbursement; and I The ratio of staff to residents is high. There is al • An annual physical. 'sense of caring and concern among the staff' •Quality of life is the goal. Shelley's voice tells me' Those who are interested in becoming senior __...^ ^ I more than her words.

Companions should be age 60 or older and be willI I am hearing the voice of compassion and. ing to serve 20 hours per week. .reminded of the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson: • For more information, call the Senior Companion I ' Program at 444-6593. ['"Go forth into the busy world and love it.\ [Interest yourself in its life, mingle kindly\ [with itsjitys and norrows."

I

United Way of the Midlands

Gendler establishes fund. for prescriptions H, Lee Gendler, an Omaha real estate developer who died in September of prostate cancer, has established an emergency fund for low-income individuals and families who live in North Omaha. , Mr. Gendler and his wife, Carol, have donated ^100,000 to endow GEMS, the Gendler Emergency Medication Service, which will provide prescriptions virtually free of charge to individuals who require medication they cannot afford.

Mr. Gendler, who was founder and president of Marathon Realty, organized a medical committee to encourage pharmaceutical manufacturers to offer medication at cost.

Walgreen Drug at 7202 North 30th Street in North Omaha will dispense the prescriptions in cooperation with Family Service North Emergency Services.

Applications available for fellowships in Israel ALBANY, N.Y. - Applications are now available for the 1996 Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel.

•The Fellowships, now in their 10th year, offer an opportunity for 26 students entering the 12tH grade to spend five weeks in Israel'this summer.

Fellows will be chosen on the basis of character, intellectual interests, special talents and leadership, the announcement stated., In the competitive selection process, merit, not financial need, is the standard for selection.

While living in Jerusalem, the Bronfman Fellows participate in seminars and dialogues with a diverse rabbinic faculty, representing a wide range of Jewish perspectives.

They explore Jewish text against the background of Israel's land, culture and customs.

In addition. Fellows will meet With some of Israel's prominent political and literary figures to examine contemporary issues in light of Jewish history and tradition.

The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel is a program of The Samuel Bronfman Foundation, Inc. of which Edgar M. Bronfman is chairman.

The program begins on July 8 with a two-day seminar in New York City. The students return from Israel on Aug. 14.

Application forms and information may be obtained from: The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel, 17 Wilbur St., Albany, NY, 12202, by telephone: 518-465-6575, or by fax: 518-432-8984.

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BBYO's CLTC experience

YES will meet Monday at the JCC. "YES talk" discussion group will meet in the adult lounge at ,10:30 a.m. Bingo also starts at 10:30 in room 10.

YES choral group will rehearse at 11 in the auditorium. , I Following lunch at noon, Mapr Fellman will give members a tour of the "new" Henry and Dorothy Riekes Museum. For transportation, call 330-4272.

YES/OLDTIMERS A trip to Winnavegas Casino is planned for : Thursday, Jan. 25. Cost is $5 and includes coach transportation, buffet liinch, coupon book and $5 rebate if $20 in chips and coins is purchased.

Transportation will leave the JCC at 9 a.m..and return at approximately 4:30 p.m.

Make reservations by Jan. 15 with Margai'et Conti at 334-6521. , Reservations are due by Jan. 8 for the four-week ;creative writing workslfop starting Jan. 15. The class will be held in the conference room at the JCC, and Susan Aizenberg will be the instructor.

For reservations, call Margaret.

OLOTIMERS Oldtimers will meet Tuesday at the JCC. Earlybird discussion group will meet at 11 a.m. in room 10. Following lunch at noon, members will watch a documentary on Itzhak Perlman titled "In the Fiddlers House."

WALK-IN DROPIN • Walk-In Drop-In will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise starts at 10 a.m., and bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30. At noon, the movie "Apollo 13" will be shown in the Blumkin Home auditorium. Popcorn will be served.

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BREADBREAKERS I Congressman Jon Christensen will speak to B'nai 8'rith Breadbi'eakers Wednesdayat noon at Regency West Best Western, according to Gary Favitch, chairman of January. Congressman !3hristensen will discuss popular issues in the »untry.

Cost is $7.75 and the event is open to the commulity.

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By UM Pidor, Ediar BBG«71 0 Over six months ago, Alon Mor began to convince' me to go to this BBYO summer program called the Chapter Leadership Training Conference, or CLTC. At that time, BBYO was a big part of my life, but I really was not quite sure if I wanted to spend a part of my summer at a BBYO training conference in Mukwon^, Wis., a place which sounded more like a horrible disease than an actual town. It was definitely not the first thing on my mind, and I told Alon I would "think" about going.

For weeks, Alon and other teens who had already been to CLTC constantly pushed me to apply to go, and one day I finally did. Amazingly enough, nine other people in Omaha also decided to give CLTC a try this summer. When it was finally time to leave, we were so excited. There were nine of us going to session I! We boarded the plane, full of anxiety, for none of us knew what to expect at this place we had committed ourselves to for these next two weeks.

To be perfectly honest, when we first arrived at the camp in Mukwonago, I was not so thrilled about staying there. The only people I knew were from Omaha and everyone else seemed to have their own little clique of friends. The first full day there also made me uneasy because it was such a long day of hard work and very chaotic.

Soon, as the days went by, though, 1 started making more and more friends, and by the end of the first week, I knew that I had made a wonderful decision to come here.

The second week -was even better, 1 learned enough information about BBYO and how to. strengthen my chapter in Omaha to last me a lifelime. When it was time to leave, no one was ready to go. If I could have, I would have stayed in Wisconsin for the entire summer.

When I got home, people asked me if I eryoyed CLTC, and I said, "It was one of the best experiences of my life." i Remarkably, when someone asked me why I enjoyed it so much, it was impossible for me to answer them. There is no possible way to describe CLTC once you've been there, it's too hard to do, and I'm not about to try.

This trip has been the sole thing on my mind since I got back, and I can't wait to start putting my ideas into action through my chapter in Omaha and see my niw friends from CLTC when they come to visit in September.

If anyone ever has a chance to go to CLTC, give it a try; I can almost guarantee that you will come back feeling exactly the way I do. This is definitely an experience that no one should let slip by!

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Vigil

From Omaha to Kharkov, with love

Niki and Lauren Paley Many Kharkov Jews are enjoying traditional Shabbat meals thanks to an NCSYer from Omaha.

Niki Paley, who was NCSY's 1994-95 national vice president for social action, coordinated NCSYers from all over the country to raise thdusands of dollars for Shabbat meals for Kharkov's Jews.

"Khoupons for Kharkov" began after Niki witnessed Yael Harel, NCSY's 1993-94 national finan.cial secretary, raise funds for Pesach food for the Kharkov community. Niki's sister, Lauren, raised $700 toward that effort. Niki wondered if the program could be extended so that every Shabbat and Yom Tov could be a joyous religious experience for young Jews in that community.

Far from Kharkov in miles, yet close in spirit, Niki committed to organizing "Khoupons for Kharkov" at the NCSY National Board Shabbaton in October, 1994. Advertising "Khoupons for Kharkov" through flyers, shul bulletins and Jewish press, the program took oft amid great enthusiasm.

Niki is proud of her accomplishment, but readily points out that the idea sells itself For only $3, an NCSY coupon pays for one Shabbat meal in Kharkov; $10 pays for all Shabbat meals for one person, and $36 feeds a family for an entire Shabbat. Where else can a mitzvah be bought at such a low price?

She is also quick to point out that fellow NCSYers Jeanine Cohen from New Jersey, Joshua .

Kahane from Tennessee, Michael Winner from Illinois, and her sister, Lauren, did exceptional work to make this project a success.

'Part of being a good Jew means going out to raise tzedakah and helping fellow Jews," Niki states. "I have NCSY to thank for teaching me this," she added.

For more information about 'Khoupons for Kharkov* and other NCSY programs, call the NCSY national office at 212-563-4000.

Kazakhstan, Israel sign accords

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — The president of the former Soviet republic of Kazakhstan was in Israel recently for a three-day visit. President Nuraultan Nazarbaev was accompanied by a 110-member delegation, which included 16 ministera. During his stay, several cooperation agreements between Israel and Kazakhstan were signed.

In meetinga with Israeli officials, Nazarbaev aaked Israel for aid in developing his country's natural resources.

On the agenda for a meeting between Prime Minister Shimon Peres and Naurbaev were security iasuea, including Israel's concern about Iranianbacked lalamic fUndamentaliam.

Katakhetan, the largest Muslim republic among the former Soviet states, borders Iran on the north.

JACKIE LAW PRESIDENT Lincoln Omaha BUI. (402) 467-4161 BM. (4033 339-3707 6630 S.7aKl Ml. Omohg.Nt 66127-3974 2700 North 271h Sheet«Lincoln. NE 68621

Recycle this newspaper --t.ji'itli.iKcU

n>Ca8

January 6, ISM

JawiahPrMa

Boy Scouts of America

BBYO'sOLTC experience

Argentine Jews file suit

Historic treasures open to public in January

By Jeff Shyken, Mother Chapter AZA#1

By Sergio Kieman BUENOS AIRES (JTA) — The Argentine Jevrish umbrella organization DAIA haa filed charges against a priest for his "racist, anti-Jewish and anti-Semitic" public statements.

Manuel Quintas Barreiro, a parish priest and high school teacher, sqid in an interview for a local magazine that he admired Mussolini and thought that Hitler "was a great statesman." In the same interview, Barreiro said, "I hate Jews, I would like to see them all gone to their own country."

Barreiro said he did not believe that "there were 6 million dead in the Holocaust. Had it been that many, there would be no Jews left, and there's plenty of them around."

In papers filed before a federal court, DAIA charged that Barreiro had broken Argentina's antidiscrimination laws by uttering hate speech against a religious minority.

Earlier in December, the Argentine oftice of the Simon Wiesenthal Center publicly denounced Barreiro after he repeated his statements on national television.

Wiesenthal Center representative Sergio Widder sent a letter to Santiago Bishop Gerardo Sueldo, asking him to "reconsider Barreiro's position in the chlirch" and to make sure that the church "does not support his racist positions."

Barreiro was reportedly not disciplined in any way by his superiors for his comments.

\ (IRVING, Texas) — Tjie Boy Scouto of America :(BSA1 has announced that ^tist and illu<strBtor (Norman Rockwell's Scout paintings will be exhibited in 17 cities throughout the nation beginning in 'Orlando, Fla, The tour's isighth stop will be in Omaha at the •College of St. Mary/Hillmer Art Gallery beginning March 8, according to Scout Executive Lloyd E. • Roitstein of the Mid-America Council, BSA. "We're very excited," he said. "These paintings are national treasures."

Mid-America Council President John Gottschalk agreed, "Rockwell's paintings manifest the family values that make America and Scouting great."

After the Orlando showing, the paintings will be •on tour through May 16 in 16 other cities. The paintings then will be relumed to the Scouting Museum in Murray, Kentucky.

• Chief Soout Executive Jere B. Ratcliffe says the Rockwells are fundamental to Scouting. "We cannot separate l)i.s work from Scouting. There's a common spirit. Just as a Rockwell is more than oil and cnn:vas, so Scouting is more than camping and hiking."

Rockwell bpRan his career as nn illustrator for Boys' Life magazine in 1913. He later worked for tlip Saturday Evening Post before becoming a renowned artist. These paintings were commissioned for Use nn BSA calendars, which were proA\Kci\ by tlii> r(i|)yii(;lil linlder, Brown & BiRelow, rliif The Rockwell.s will be on display to the R(>npral public on Friday, Saturday and Sunday at the •College of St. Mar>/Hillmer Art Gallery.

The tnur also stops in Atlanta, Phoenix, Bay Area, Newport Boarli, CA., Portland, Denver, Minni'iipolis, ("liiciiRO, St. Louis, Columbus, :Pillsl)urqli, Baltimore. New York, Houston and D.lll.MS

Chapter Leadejphip Training Conference (CLTC) held at B'nai Brith Beber Camp in Mukwanago, Wis., from June 26-July 9, was one of the moat unforgettable and unique experiences of my life.

A groujp of 70 kids from all over the United States (nine from Omaha) came together to learn to be effective leaders in BBYO. After two weeks of programs and workshops, lifelong friendships were developed. It's great to have firiends with common interests and goals from Ohio, Pennsylvania, California and more.

CLTC was not a typical BBYO convention. It was a crucial mix of programs focused on Jewish heritage and the present situation of Jewish people today. Also, it provided programs of leadership training which focused on program development, membership recruitment, membership retention and social-action programs.

CLTC is not like a summer camp; it's a learning and training program that takes place at a camp. It is not a time to relax; it is a time to be busy with intellectual demands and challenges. No graduate of CLTC can ever return. These are two weeks that will never be relived.

The reward for such an experience is oflen rich and very significant, not only for the summer, but in the months and years to follow. I would strongly recommend that anyone in BBYO should attend CLTC. CLTC is a program sponsored by the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. To find out more information about this program or about BBYO, contact Alon Mor, BBYO regional director, at 334-640'!.

The "birds and the bees" aren't enough.

Tulk to her about drugs!

Communication can stop the problem before it starts.

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In fr-ozen land of Siberia, a 'Jewish hat' tell^ it all I

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By Seth Rolbein

YAKUTSK, Yakutia (JTA) — The temperature is well below zero, typical weather for the Siberian city of Yakutsk, reputed to be the coldest city in the world. Everyone in the crowd gathered at the bus stop is wearing round fur hats, stylish in a Russian way and certainly warm. Everyone, that is, except for Mark Mikhailovich Shats.

Shats is wearing a leather cap with ear flaps that looks. like old aviator gear. A trim, short 62-yearold man with a gray beard and piercing blue eyes, he is the chief scientiBt at the Pennairost Institute in Yakutsk — an important job because all of Yakutsk is t^t on penaafroat.

'At the institute, they call this my Jewish hat," he Says, laughing. *I don't know why it is, but for some reason Jaws all over Siberia wear this kind of hat No one talks about it, we might not know each other, but still we wear this same kind of hat" Shats' hat in many ways symbolizes the way the Jewish community identifies itself— and expresses its Jewishness — in the capital of the Republic of Yakutia, which is part of the Russian Federatioa There is pride in the distinction and not much fear of public displays of that pride. Yet years of repression and isolation have removed much of the understanding of Jewish culture and reUgion.

As proud as he is of being a Jew, Shats does not know that his cap looks much like a yarmulke adapted for cold weather. There is no rabbi to tell him, no synagogue, no Hebrew school for his daughter.

These days in Yakutsk, there are memories and there are social events. There are young people leaving for Israel almost every year. But in what many believe is the northern-most community of Jews in the world — numbering some 1,000 —

there are fewer and fewer real links to the ancient culture.

As Shats recounts the Jewish experience here, sitting over a kitchen table, his gray beard hanging over a dark suit and dark turtleneck, and sipping tea, be look^ the part of a Jewish man from anywhere in Eastern Europe, from anytime in the past century. When told this, he looks up, surprised.

"You think I look Jewish?" he says. Assured that he does, he smiles again. *I am very pleased," he says, 1)ecau8e I W|)B told that I do not" Alexanifc^ Groysman, who immigrated to Brooklyn, HX, last yaar, a year before his book, 'Jews in Yuutia," was pablished in Yakutsk, writes that tiJkere is a traditional Russian piece of advice that says: The qnieter you are, the fiirther yonll go." Qioysman turns that phrase around to describe the i«ason why Jews were sent to Siberia beginning alMiut 1828: The farther you go, the quieter you'll be.* According to Groysman, the Jews sent to Siberia for "eternal •ettlement" in the 19th century were not people wfto had committed daOgerous crimes.

By and lar^^they were packed into exile for the discovery of.iitolen articles," which usually meant that they were buying and selling merchandise.

Often the cloudy term 'faulty conduct" — which could have meant anything from being in, the wrong place at the wrong time to artistic or political activity — was the only official justification. No trial was necessary; just a religion and a suspicion.

Jewish exile to Siberia accelerated in the years leading up to the Bolshevik revolution in 1917, as political exiles mingled with traders and merchants.

'Not only here in Yakutia, but all over Siberia,

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there was an idea that Jewish people made the revolution," says Shats. "When people wanted to say bad things about the revolution, they would say, 'Jews made this.'" , Certain Jewish family names became well known in Yakutia: Kirshenglotz, Gommershtadt, Grinshtein, Mooterpearl, Mishlemovitz. They built a strong business community an^ then integrated into p^tical life in the years after Vladimir Dyich Lenin. Even when their influence grew, Qitir numbers remained small.

Census figures show that there were probably fewer than l,dOQ Jews in the jiepublic of Yakutia in the early part of this century, out of a total population of aliout 260,000. The coinmunit^t set up a succession of "houses of praytr' usually aa apartment rented for weekly meetings. 6ut as Joseph Stalin rose to power through the late 1920's and ISSO's, such public religious expressions became •Miredangennu.

Stalin's oppression was pervasive, but he saved much of his bitterest anger for QeorgiaBs — a deep irony, because he was Georgian — and for Jews.

It was a time, Shats says, when being fiir away from Moscow, six time zones to the east, was an advantage. 'In some respects it was better here in Yakutsk," he says. *We only had an echo of the horrors from the center. And with our hard, tough climate, we have to think more about surviving than being so actively involved in these kinds of things.

'But it was not a good time to say you were a Jew, or any other nationality or religion."

The Soviet regimes systematically repressed the native people who had lived in Siberia for centuries, forbidding them from speaking their own (Continued on page 12) K»«nCrov« (&«»r»iC

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Qmaha Temple Youth Group wins awards

Temple Israel Junior Youth Group

By Keith Singer, Temple Israel Youth director

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Marci Brookstein, Karen Kazor and a resident of the Rose Bliunkin Jewish Home with cards from OTYG's 'Hanukkah with the Elders' program. i

From left: Whitney Taxman, Keith Singer, David Kurs and Josh Katelman at the mall scavenger hunt.

Twenty Temple Israel OTYGers returned recently from the regional winter youth group conclave held in kansas City, with new friends, fond memories and an extra-large share of the NFTY Missouri Valley winter awards.

The honors given to the Temple Israel teens included: Largest Overall Youth Group Membership (currently at 50 members); Best Youth Service for OTYG's Rosh Hashanah family service at Temple Israel; two Muster Social Action awards for the second annual paintball extravaganza, which stressed the theme of gun control and included a presentation by a former member of OTYG now serving as an Omaha police officer; and for the 'Hanukkah with the Elders' program, where members of OTYG made Hanukkah cards and distributed them to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

OTYG also took home awards for Best Minutes taken by a secretary, and a Creative Programming iward for an annual Jr. Youth Group event that is a tightly held secret and cannot be mentioned to the general public.

This year has been very active for the Omaha Temple Youth Group. Events are held two to four times every month and the addition of a monthly OTYG Dinner Night at Temple Israel has brought us even closer.

Major upcoming events include a ski trip from Feb. 16-19; the social action weekend in Denver March 8-10; and the Big Spring Conclave in St. Louis, which will be held April 26-28.

For more information, contact Keith Singer at 556-6536.

J.Y.G. (Junior Youth Group) is the seventh and eighth grade Jr. high youth group at Temple Israel.

JYG'ers, led by high school liaison Sarah Jacobson and advisor Keith Singer, have been busy creating an active pre-teen Jewish youth program.

Temple Israel's J.Y.G. has assembled a new planning board so the students can develop leadership skills and create their own programs.

This group met for the first time before Hebrew School in November and planned that month's event, which was a mall scavenger hunt at Oak View Mall. Earlier in the fall, they went to Skateland to play lazer tag and then came back to Temple Israel for ice cream sundaes in the Succah.

More JYG programs are being planned.

The next event is scheduled for Jan. 14. Also, the annual Missouri Valley Junior Yough Group Regional Conclave will be held from Feb. 23-25 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

For more information, contact Keith Singer at 556-6536.

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If you are a merchant or a professional, sell some of your merchandise or give some of your services at a discount, asking the "discountee" to give the difference to Tzedakah. Set reasonable limits on how much you can handle, pick which friends you think will respond, and encourage them to support your favorite projects,

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bok reviewBy Oliver B. PoUak, Uaiyers^ty of Nebraska at Omaha (Theo Richmond, 'Konin, A Quest," New York: Pantheon Books, 1995, 543 pages, $27.50).

In 1913, The Ryczke family left th^ shtetl bf Konin in Poland on the Warta River near the German border. They went to London and changed their name to Richmond, but they did not forget Konin, which was never far from their minds or conversations.

Theo Richmond, born in England, was fascinated by the old stories. In 1987, he started a six-month project to write a book on the gown he had heard about all his life. Eight years later, at the end of 1994, the book went to the publisher. Its brilUance is dulled only by the somberness of its topic.

Richmond writes longingly and lovingly. His sensitivity and perception are unclouded by nostalgia And romanticism. This book is history of a community and about how history is written.

Richmond searches for illusive documents and personalizes the story through first-hand interviews, in English, Yiddish, Hebrew and Polish.

Some chapters end with a Postscript reporting the passing of the.informant between the time they met with Richmond and the publication of the book. . Jews had been in Konin since the fourteenth century. By 1939, Jews comprised 3000 of Konin's 13,000 inhabitants. We learn that Konin had one of the best Jewish libraries in Poland, out-distanced only by Bialystock, Mir and Warsaw, which were large cities. He asks questions about outside plumbing and the water supply. He provides insight into class consciousness, Polish Jewish relations, wealthy Jewish land owners, Chasids, assimilationists and Bundists and much more.

The Shoah virtually annihilated Konin's Jews and scattered the remnants to England, Israel and America.

Richmond's odyssey includes Brooklyn, Florida, Texas, Minnesota, Nebraska, Israel and finally Konin. One of the longer chapters is the story of a Konin survivor who resides in Omaha, Miriam Grossman.

"Konin" breathes life into dry bones and ashes, and is available at the Jewish Federation Library.

Oldtimers Review

By Art Grossman 4040 N. 132 St On certain occasions I wear a self-created lapel Ea^e Run badge at Oldtimers meetings. It reads: "One Man Shopping Center Band-Aid.' I cover and aid in the club's functions wherever V ' can. On a regular basis, I direct t|>e Earlybird disHoun: Hon-Sa 11:00 Ml -10:00 (» CtoMdSinlay^ cussion and compose this column. Whenever our president is unable to attend, I conduct the general meeting. And that was the situation on Dec, 26.

Hence, the wearing of the badge.

At the Earlybird, and in keeping with the spirit of Yontiff, I read a parody of poet Clement Moore's Twas the night before ..."

This version began 'Twas the night before Chanuka, boichicks and maidels-not a sound could be heard, not even the dreidels." Tis much too long to include the parody in its entirety in the column.

Needless to say the fellows "plotst" at the adaptation.

On to serious matters: Crime in Omaha. A teen's violent death and an accomplice wounded following a theft at a convenience store. The clerk involved is being charged with second-degree murder. Was he justified in his act? The perpetrators did not display weapons. They snatched and walked. He followed outdoors and shot. This is a case calling for the wisdom of a Solomon.

We debated the feasibility of Israel and Syria meeting in a new phase of arriving at a peace settlement. Previous negotiations have promptly foundered. The issue of the Golan Heights appears intractable.

Israel's hunt, underway currently in Qumram, in the West Bank,for unearthing more Dead Sea Scrolls brought forth a belief we may see history in the making again. There is a sense of urgency in the digging, for the fate of Qumrum is to be determined in talks with the Palestinians, scheduled for May. Our guest speaker, following lunch, was Thomas Lusby, special agent in charge of the Omaha Division of the FBI. Mr. Lusby said there are 56 FBI Field Divisions in the U.S. and less than 10,000 agents to cope with unlawful activities.

Next meeting is Jan. 9. Eeu'lybird meets at 11 a.m. Lunch is served at noon. The program will feature a video of Itzhak Perlman.

'Mr. Basketball' to hang up jersey

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — An Israeli human rights group has claimed that under the direction of the Palestinian security chief, Palestinian prisoners tortured other inmates at an Israeli jail.

The group BTselem also said jail wardens were .'aware of the torture, but did not intervene.

BTselem charged that during the period of August to October, two prisoners at the Ketziot prison died after being interrogated and tortured by fellow Palestinian inmates, who suspected the two of cooperating with Israel.

The human rights group said the interrogators were acting under orders from the Palestinian security chief, Jibril Rajoub, who rejected the claims, saying that they were put forward by people on both sides who opposed the peace process.

BTselem apparently sent urgent messages to Palestine Liberation Organization leader Yasser Arafat and Prime Minister Shimon Peres to address the matter. The Israel Defense Force said in response that it was investigating the increased kriolence at the prison.

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — Mickey Berkowitz, Israel's basketball legend, was to hang up his jersey recently after a final exhibition game with Maccabi Tel Aviv. The Tel Aviv team was scheduled to play against a European all-star team.

Berkowitz, 44, known locally as "Mr. Basketball," was on the Maccabi Tel Aviv team that won the 1977 European Cup championship game,

By Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) — About 100 children from the southern Lebanese town of Marjayoun were the guests recently of the town of Metulla in northern Israel. During the visit, the youths were entertained at a local community center with Israeli and Lebanese bands, Israel Radio reported.

Similar visits have taken place in previous years.

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Women's Mission Reunion

(Continued from page 9) language in school and from practicing their customs.

This helped foster a kinship between Jews and the Yakuts, who are also known as the Sakha. In the Sakha language, there is a nickname for Jews in Yakutia that roughly translates as "our brothers." The Yakuts, known for their rich culture and trading prowess, were sometimes called "the Jews of Siberia."

Beginning in 1986, perestroika blew down many of the barriers that had existed for most of this century. But it took until 1992 for the remaining Jewish community in Yakutsk to feel confident enough to go public and establish a Society of Jewish Culture.

"A m^ority of the Jewish people in Yakutsk gathered, and registered," says Shats. He estimates that of the entire community of about 1,000, some 30 to 50 families are involved in the group. The society celebrates four or five holidays a year, meeting in a rented hall, cafeteria or restaurant.

Usually between 50 and 100 people attend these social events.

"In the beginning, it was mostly old people, older than 60," Shats says. "Slowly, this proportion has changed. Now, a younger generation is involved."

Does Shats believe that a Jewish identity in Yakutsk will survive? "If all the young people don't leave, yes," he says. Then he laughs again and says: "And one thing I know: After all these years, those who stay won't get frozen." '

Participants of the Federation's Women's Mission to Israel eqjoyed sharing photos and memories at the home of Betty Rubin.

Standing, from left: Gloria Kaslow, Melissa Katzman, Lynn Saltzman, Joanie Kaiman and Mariana Nanu, UJA Missions Manager in Israel. Seated, from left: Carol Katzman, Marty Rosen-Atherton, Harriet Slusky, Anne Cohen, Ruth Erman, Carol Brodkey, Jan Perelman, Betty Rubin, Maggie Gerber, Marilyn Ginsburg and Carol Bloch. As a result of this mission experience, the group is starting a study group and meeting with Glen Fincman, Jewish Family Service director, to learn more about the agency's programs and services.

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By Michael Fineman Last week, "Teen Connection" had a fun program.

Rachel Eshelman, Naomi Katskee, Aaron Rich, Andy Spiegal and I went to an Omaha Racers game. The Racers were playing the San Diego Wildcards.

"The game started out to be real boring, so we spent our time snacking. Even though the game was boring, we were having fun talking and joking around with friends.

Then suddenly, in the fourth quarter, after being behind by 15 points most of the game, the Racers actually started to win. The excitement caught everyone's attention, and now all eyes were glued to the game. Luckily, the Racers ended up winning 127 to 115.

The next program is Cinema Sunday, so watch your mail for more details.

"Teen Connection" is a program for Jewish seventh and eighth graders.

For more information, contact Rachel Shkolnick, Teen Connection director, at 334-6404.

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