dewish Press Calebnting More Than 75 Years of Service VoLIJDaVNo.e Omaha, NE
Be prepared to use the "g" word by Gloriann Levy, JCAC Director At the advent of the 20th century, most Jews in America spoke Yiddish regardless of their religious observance. Nearly a century later, there is no language in use par ticular to the Jews in this country. Increasingly, the Jewish people are becoming indistinuish able from their non Jewish neighbors. Even the definition of Who is a Jew? is hotly debated Dr. Scott Bresler across the spectrum. Some feel reassured that, at the very least, we all worship the same God. But, do we? One class of the College for Jewish Learning will explore this issue. Taught by Dr. Scott Bresler, the class is entitled "Talking to God in the 21st Century." Dr. Bresler received his master's and doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Georgia State University. He also holds a master's degree from Teacher's College of Columbia University in sports psychology, as well as an undergraduate degree from Columbia in psychology and a B.A. in Hebrew Literature from the Jewish Theological Seminary. Dr. Bresler has a long history of teaching Jewish subjects and was also a counselor for several Jewish camps. The classes, which run on six consecutive Monday evenings, starts this Monday, Nov. 11 and conclude Dec. 16. The courses include Dr. Bresler's class; and Yiddish Language and Literature," taught by Dr Richard Freund during the first session, from 7-7:50 p.m.; "It Takes a Shtetl to Raise a Child," with Dr. Oliver Pollak; and "The Modern Chassidic World," with Joseph Weiss, from 8:10-9 p.m. Cost of the CJL classes is $25 for one person and $40 for a couple. For more information, call the JCAC ofHce, 3346403.
Young Women's Retreat a bonding experience by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Kim Noddle, Ellen Platt, Jill Sideris, Keri Workman and Wendy Croldberg ei^oy getting to know everyone at the Young Women'a Retreat More than 30 women recently look part in the Young Women's Retreat held at Cow Patty's in Council Bluff*. Activities included speakers, a hayrack ride, dinner, a bonfire and Bongi. Participant! were asked to bring a backpack filled with items they would take if they were forced to leave their home, generating small and large group discussions centered on the meaning of these items. Many brought precious photoi, heirlooms , and emergency provisions. Almoat every woman
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26 Heshvan, 57S7
Nov. K,
Joint U.S.-lsraeli Hanukkah stantp unveiled at JCC Employees of the United States Postal Service joined leaders from Omnh.i's .Jewish comiiiunity last week to officially dedicate the first U.S. postage stamp to honor Hanukkah, the festival of lights. The stamp is the first joint issue between the U.S., priced at 32 cents, and Israel, priced at 2.50 shekels. The dedication was held in conjunction with Jewish Family Service's kick-off of "Project Dreidel," a gift-giving program designed to assist needy families in the Omaha area. , Women's,American CRT is a co-sponsor of Project Dreidel. Cash donations are encouraged and the money will then be used for gifts, food, clothing or even utility bills when needed. Gift certificates to malls, supermarkets, discount department stores and recreational events would be wcl-, corned, as well as books for children and adults. Coupons can be purchased througli both Beth Kl and Temple Israel Synagogues, as well. Gifts and donations should be dclivereci to JKS by Nov. 27. For more information about Project Dreidel or to refer a local Jewish family facing financial difficulties who could benefit from this program, please call 330-2024.
"Everyone of our stamps has a powerful story tell," said Omaha Postmaster EvaJon Sperling "For almost three millenia, the menorah depicted on this liny piece of paper has been a symbol of the triumph over adversity. Through the issue of this stamp, it is a pleasure to help tell this story of perserverance." The stamp features a contemporary image of a menorah and nine brightly colored candles. It is the first in a series of stamps honoring diverse cultural qi_ ethnic celebrations. Postmaster General Marvin Runyon dedicated tH stamp nationally in Washington, D.C. The Israeli version was then dedicated by Dr. Eliahu Ben-Elissa^ Ambassador of Israel and Amos Mar-Haim of tij Israel Postal Authority. In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Ezer Weizman introduced the Israeli stamp at a ceremony at the Knesset. "The joint issue of this stump with Israel allows us to deliver the Hanukkah message across geographic and cultural borders," said Postmaster Runyon, "and reminds us, as Americans, that at the heart of our diversity, we are joined together by a network of common needs and values."
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Left photo: Joye Wees (left), chairman of made by the youth department, to EvaJon Project Dreidel, and JFS President Gloria Sperling, Postmaster'of Omaha. Above: the new Kaslow present a poster of the new stamp, Hanulikah stamps issued by the State of Israel.
Panel of 'star bubbes' set for book discussion by Diane Axler Baum, Book Fair publicist Six grandmothers active in the Jewish community Mrs. Rips, a bookwill join Nancy Rips, Library Board President, in seller since 1976, is leading a book discussion on the new memoir by Joy employed at Read All Horowitz, Tessie and Peartie: A Granddaughter's About It. She broadStory, Thursday, Nov. 21, 1 p.m., at the Jewish casts weekly book Community Center. segments on KKAR The book discussion will be tjie first mnjor event Radio and KMTVin this year's Jewish Book Fair, scheduled for Channel 3 and is ediSunday, Nov. 17, through Tuesday^ Dec. 10. tor of the 'Read All, On Wednesday, Dec. 4, the community luncheon About It' employee will feature Ms. Horowitz. Copies of her book are newsletter. available for purchase at the Federation Library. A member of the The library is proud to introduce the coimnunily Federation Library to Joy Horowitz, whose Tesme and I'earlie is a rich Board since 1988, she tapestry of Jewish experience across generations," was vice-president Mrs. Rips said. "We are so excited," she added, "that from 1993-94 and I our book discussion will be enhanced by our own currently is serving! panel of 'star bubbeg,' who will offer their personal her second term as | viewpoints on the changing role of grandmothers, president. She perand grandchildren, over the past decades." forms as a storyteller ' The 'star bubbes' are Dina Bloom, PhyMis Glazer, in the book fair's stoPauline Cuss, Willis Ann Ross, Doris Shukert and rytelling festival and Sally Venger. in sessions sponsored by the Parent Connection, , According to Mrs. Rips, Tiiiie and Pearlit, which joint undertaking of the library and the Bureau of tells of the author's attachment to her two Jewish Jewish Education. grandmothers, both in tlieir 90'B, is filled with their The book fair, a celebration of Jewish Book knowledge, opinions, experiences and favorite Month, is made poasible by the library in cooperarecipes, while it explores a wide range of subjects: tion with Jewish organiEations, according to Edythe sexuality, motherhood, growing old, intermarriage Wolf, library director. The fair features a sale of ond Jewish matriarchy. books of Jewish significance, for readers of all ages, *I loved it!* she said. and gomes and videos for children.
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