December 20, 1996

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Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service

VoLLXXrV No. IS Omaha, NE

10 Tevet, 5767

Part I of a two-part series on Studying in Israel

,

What to do after high school...the Israel alternative

by Carol Katzman While some Jewish teens are rushing to complete Today, she lives in Skokie, IL, where she studies college applications, others are researching schools full-time in the women's program of Hebrew in Israel. There's a growing trend for high school Theological Seminary and XX College. She plans to seniors to take a year off, between graduation and {ii)ish in 1998 with dual degrees in Jewish educaI their freshman year in college, to attend year-long tion and occupational therapy. programs in Israel.

Why would American high schools seniors take a Admittedly, the m^ority of these programs are run by Orthodox institutions. Both the National year off to study in Israel? Some programs do offer Conference of Synagogue Youth and B'nei Akiva credits which transfer to schools like Yeshiva .youth programs urge their members to spend a University, Stern College for Women, Touro year in Israel. And many Israeli roshei yeshivot College, Brooklyn College and Queens College. But (yeshiva directors) actually recruit in large many American teens go knowing that none of American cities during the fall in winter. their classes in Israel will count towards their NCSY estimates there are close to 5,000 recent American university degrees. high school graduates studying full-time in Israel A year off this year. Some stay a second year to obtain teach"When else would I get a chance to do this?" ing certificates in Jewish studies.

That was the case with Shifra Shrago who asked Evan Saltzman, son of Errol and Lynne attended B'not Chayil in Har Nof between 1994-96. Saltzman. "This is the perfect time in my life, Fewer than 30 young women lived and studied in a before marriage and children, before my career renovated house southwest of Jerusalem. plans are finalized, to learn more about.Judaism and being Jewish."

Currently, Omaha has four recent high school graduates studying in Israel and two former Omahans are there as well. In addition to Evan, Dan DePorte and Josh Gonsher are in Shana Bet (Second Year) yeshiva programs; Melissa Katzman is in a first-year program, and former Omahans Nathaniel Marmon and Simone Milner are studying in Israel, too.

Evan is a student at Shaarei Yerushalyim Yeshiva in Har Nof, a suburb of Jerusalem. He will attend Yeshiva University next fall and 'probably m^or in a computer-related field.

"Last year I didn't learn everything I wanted," he said in a recent interview, "so I came back to expand my Jewish knowledge.

"It's easier to study Jewish subjects here because we're surrounded by Torah.

"When we study Chumash (the Five Books of Omaha students take a break from learning. Moses), I can go to the places and see where these From left: Dan DePorte, Evan Saltzman, events actually took place," he added.

Nathaniel Marmon and Josh Gonsher.

(Continued on patge 8)

December 20,1996

Conservative rabbis form commission responding to intermarriage

Rabbi Alan Silverstein (right), eligns copies of his book for Dr. Harvey and Marilyn Konigsbereg (left), as Stanley Mitchell assists. The Rabbi's appearance was sponsored by the Jewish Federatit^n Library as part of its annual Jewish Book Fair.

The Rabbinical Assembly grid the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism announced the formation of a Joint Commission on Intermarriage.

The purpose is to promote marri;|jge within the Jewish community. When intermarriage does occur, the Commission is committed to encouraging and facilitating the conversion of the non-Jewish spouse in the interfaith marriage a4d to promoting the children of an intermarriage as Jews.

According to the organization's Statement on Intermarriage, "Some 33-50% of f^orth American Jews are intermarrying. The data also show that once they find themselves in that relationship, the majority of the Jewish partners c^^e to practice Jewish traditions and often do not provide their children with a Jewish education or experience."

The Commission is co-chaired fey Rabbi Alan Silverstein, author of/< all Begins with a Date and Preserving Jeivishness in Your Family.

The Rabbinical Assembly also est||ibli8hed a ho^ line last year, 1-800-275-6532, which provided callers with information about conversion to Judaism or programs for the intermarried who wish to raise their children in the Jewish faith.

(For more on intermarriage, iiee editorials on page 4).

YJO Holiday Project brings joy to Boys' and Girls' Club

by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

Jay Gordman, Tim Kushner and Jordana Glazer help a Girls' Club member find a gift

Robyn Belgrade shows a child a popular T-shirt for family gift-giving.

Scott HobinHun "makes a Hat an(l checks it twice" for a Boys* Club member.

Over 276 Omaha Boys' and Girls' Club members and their families were on hand Sunday for the Young Jewish Omaha Holiday Project: The Joy of Giving, held at the Carter Lake facility of the Club.

The children "shopped" through new, donated items for their families so they could experience the joy of giving. Individuals and area companies donated all the goods for the YJO prtiject.

Corporate sponsors included Bakers, Bergman's, 1/2 Price Store, Homer's, Mangelson's, Mid-City Distributing, Nobbies and Nogg Paper.

Approximately 25 YJO members were on hand to help the children select a gift, wrap it and make a card for family members.

Federation President Tom Fellman said, "1 am BO proud of the YJO group and all the members ofthe group who volunteered their

time so that the Boys' and Girls' Cliilb members could experience the joy of giving."

Young Jewish Omaha, sponso,|-ed by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, is a iwcial, educational and social action group for [lews 20-40 years of age.

For more information, contai:t Sharon Kirshenbaum, Young Leadership Coordinator, at 334-6485.

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Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

^1

December 20,1996

focus on Federation

, FEREP Offers Post-Gt^aduate Education arid Career in Jewish Communal Service Through CJF

New York, NY--What do more than 1500 Jewish professionals have in common? They are individuals who have combined their talents and skills with their commitment to furthering the goals and values of the Jewish people. They are colleagues who have consciously chosen an exciting and challenging career path within the 200 Federations thioughout North America. i Many of today's Federation professionals have entered the field through the highly acclaimed Federation Executive Recruitment and Education Program (FEREP) offered through the Council of Jewish Federations. FERERa career track program which begins with a two year course of study provides Federations with well educated, highly trained people who can assume leadership positions within the Jewish Federation' field. Campaign, planning and skaf associates are just a few of the entry level positions available to FEREP smdents upon satisfactory completion of the Master's degree program.

"FEREPis ideal for people who pos.sess leadership ability excellent oral, written and organizational skills, and have demonsuiiied their strong commitment to the creative survival of the Jewish community and to a better .sixriety for all people," said Pani Miinsky. Communications Director and FEREP Coordinator for the Jewish Federation of Omalia.

FEREP offers full and piuiial tuition grants and stipends leading to Master's Degrees in Social Work, Public Administration and/or Jewish Communal Service. FEREP also provides ongoing career counseling and guidance in the job search process, as well as an opportunity to keep professionally up lo date about tlie Federation Held, through specially developed programs and seminars. In return.

FEREP grant recipients make a commitment to work in a Jewish Federation in North America for a minimum of 3 years.

Howard Bloom. Executive Director of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, said, "Ut kxik to die FEREPpriigram as an invaluable resource for hiring individuals with exceptional qualities. FEREP graduates have proven to be outstanding Federation leaders who exemplify true professionals." .SchiHils at which Mudems may receive Uicir training .ire: L'nivcrsityof Maryland. Baliimore Hebrew University Case Western. Cleveland College of Jewish Studies, Brandeis University. Veshiva University, Hebrew Union College.

Columbia University, University of Toronto. University of Pennsylvania and University of Michigan.

The deadline for FEREPapplication is Febmary 1st of the academic year lor which you are applying. For more information, please contact Pam .VIonsky .B4-f)4.') I. CLIP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 20 Temple Israel NFTY Winter Conclave, Dec. 20-23, in Denver Beth El Kids Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m„ at Beth El

i

MONDAY, DECEMBER 23 YES Program, 10 a.m.

Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts, 6 p.m.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 BBYO Night, 6:15 p.m.

Temple Israel "Torah on Wheels," noon, at Temple Israel THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26 Walk-in Drop-in. 10 a,m.

Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a,m., at Temple

All ev«nl> hald at the JCC unlatt oltiarwisa indicatad. The Jev/ish Prsss is not responsible (or itie accuracy ol Ihe above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hart at 334.6437

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CENTRAL PARK PHARMACY #5

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307 North 114th St. Phone 333-5100

Deaths '

IDA POTASH Services for Ida Potash were held Dec. 12 at Ml. Sinai Cemetery. She died Dec. 10 at the age of 93.

She was preceded in death by her hijsband, David, and a son, Yale Lawrence.

Survivors include two sons, Merle Potash and Dr. Gordon Cherwitz; a daughter, Phyllis Wassri-man; a brother, Jacque Dolgoff; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grpndchildren.

Memorials may be made to charity of your choice.

SHIRLEY KLEIN GROLLMAN Shirley Klein Grollman, 70, a former resident of Omaha and Lincoln, died Dec. 2 in Overland Park, KS. Burial took place at Mount Carmel Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband, Paul; sons, Mark of Slidell, LA, and Edward of Kansas City; and four grandchildren.

Mrs. Grollmaii had been co-owner with her first husband, Delmer Klein, of Group Adjuster's in Omaha. A past president of B'nai B'rith in Omaha, she also was a life member of Hadassah.

Memorials may be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue, 9400 Wornall Road, Kansas City, MO 64114.

MOLLIE SWARTZ FOGEL Services for Mollie Fogel were held December 17 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. She was 88.

Survivors include a daiighter, DeDe Hurwitz; a son, Larry Fogel; six grandchildren; and two greatgrandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Hospice.

HAROLD FISHEB i Services for Harold (Skee) Fisher, 73, were helfl Dec. 16 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife. Dee; two daughters, Jiulie Widman of Minot, N.D., and Suzanne Horwich of Israel; a son, Mark Horwich; two brothers, Morton and Henry Fisher, all of Omaha.

Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Assoc. or American Cqpcer Society. ^ JEROME J. BELZER ' *Jerry Belzer of Los Angeles, formerly of Omaha, died Nov. 24 at the age of 62.

Survivors include his parents, Rutl^ and Oscar Belzer, former Omahans; and aunts, lincles and cousins.

Memorials may be made to the Oscar S. Belzer Endowment Fund of Creighton Dental School.

NOAH L. MEDLOV Services for Noah L. Medlov of Kansas City, MO, were held Dec. 9 at Golden Hill Cemetery in Omaha. He died Dec. 8 at the age of 100.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Fannie.

Survivors include a daughter, Rae Coren of Omaha; a son. Rabbi Hillel 'Medlov of Jerusalem, Israel; a sister, Dorothy Blonsky of Kansas City; eight grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

Memorials may be made to Beth Israel Synagogue in Omaha, Kehilath Israel Synagogue in Overland Park, KS, or charity of your choice.

Sparks from The Word Parashat VaYiggash Jacob and Poti-phera Talk about serendipity! A friend of mine who lives in Sun City, AZ, sent me a tape he found in an old house be bad bought and was about to demolish in order to build a new home.

The title on the tape was in hieroglyphics, which he could not read. Nor could I. But I asked a university professor who specializes in ancient languages to read it for me, and he came up with YakehEl and Putiphira.

Wonderful! 1 had been intrigued by the cut-off conversation between Jacob and Pharaoh in our Sidrah. But I always wondered if Jacob had not met his niehutan, Potiphera, Priest of On. And here was a taped conversation, apparently kicking around for all these centuries becaue the process laboratory lost the address of Sun City, Egypt, and it finally made its way to Sun City, AZ. (And if you believe any of this, I have a nice bridge t« sell you.)

Well, the professor translated the tape-and here is the conversation between our Father Jacob and his meiutan: Jacob: Good day, Your Reverence. 1 appreciate your invitation to come to see you.

Poti-phera: Good day, to you, Your Honor. I appreciate your willingness to come to see me. My religion forbids me to leave the holy city.

Otherwise I would certainly have come to see you.

Jacob: I have seen her only once, but I already love your daughter, Asenath, wife of my son, Joseph, the Vice-Roy. Poti-phera: And 1 love your son, Joseph, even though he is still a heretic.

Jacob: A heretic! What do you mean? Do you call everyone who doesn't revere Ra a heretic?

Poti-phera: Please don't be offended. It is only that since Ra, or AmonRa as we call him, is the chief deity of Egypt, anyone who doesn't worship him is outside our holy church.

Jacob: But surely you recognize that others, who worship other gods, or we Israelites, who worship the one true Ood of ticiivpii iind ciirth, arc not heretics?

Poti-phera: One momeiil! One moniciil! You say that you laraelitcB worship the one true God of heaven and earth! How can you utter such blasphemy, when here in Sun City everyone knows that Amon-Ra, the sun-god, is the one true god of heaven and earth?! And why do you call our holy city On?

by Rabbi S. Kripke Jacob: Well, I have heard it called On, I apologize if that is offensive. But don't you find it strange to think that the sun is god of heaven and earth? Obviously, its whole purpose is to give light and warmth to the earth. And then nothing can stop it from disappearing every night, as though it has to get some sleep. Is that a great god?

Poti-phera: Do you have a greater one? You Israelites are late-comers to the whole business of religion. You don't even haire a temple. You don't even have a priest to function in one. And you lecture me? Everyone knows that Egypt is the center of the world and Amon-Ra it is who gives life to Egypt. He has graciously accepted the obelisks we have erected to him. Surely Amon-Ra is god of heaven and earth.

Jacob: But you haven't answered my question.

You've only repeated yourself, Wny does he flee every night? And if he's so powerful, why didn't he tell your pharaoh that seven years and seven years were coming? Why did it take your son-inlaw, at that time a prison inmate, to tell the pharaoh the truth, as my God revealed it to him?

Poti-phera: You're an old man and father of the heretic whom' Pharaoh chose for my daughter, I don't think we'll get anywhere debating religion.

Let's let it rest. Only explain to me some day-not now-how you can believe in a God Whom you can't see, or hear or feel.

Jacob: All right. Not now. But just this: We can't see Him because He is too great. But we hear and feel His presence every moment. He leads us.

He tenches us. He cherishes us as we cherish Him. And your sun-god is one of his servants.

Poti-phera: All right, you old fool. You insist on having the last word. All right. I give no answer, even though you have insulted Amon-Ra, god of heaven and earth. Servant, indeed! One day, Amon-Ra willing, we'll discuss these matters again, what is religion and whether there's any point whatever in your heresy.

Jacob: Very well, Your Reverence. God willing, your pagan ways can be discussed again, and God will tell us whether or not there's any place for paganism in the scheme of things.

Author's Note: On, or Sun City, waa later to be called Heliopolis by the Greeks. And Amon-Ra was later reduced to one of the gods in Egyptian polytheiom.

CUP & SAVE

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December 20, 1996

WNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAQOGUE I Member of the Union of Orthodox JewUh Congregations of America 1S02 No. (Bind SL. Oaulm, NE 68104 5564288 Services are conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

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

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 4:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m.

This Shabbos, we are celebrating the Bat Mitzvah of Sarah Grossman, daughter of Mary and Alex Grossman; and Tamara Schneiderman, daughter of Sue and Martin Schneiderman.

Kiddish luncheon is sponsored by the Grossmans and Schneidermans.

"Parsha of the Week," a course led by Yakova Herzig, 4 p.m., at the home of the Herzigs; • Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4 p.m., at the synagogue; Mincha at 4:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah.

SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and a class with Rabbi Kutner at 9:45 a.m., on The Siddur: A study of the background and meaning oftlie Prayer Book.

Mincha, 4:40 p.m.

WEDNESDAY: 7:30 p.m. -'Basic Jewish Thought," a class with Rabbi Kutner, will explore the moral, ethical and philosophical issues facing Jews today. 8:30 p.m. - Synagogue Skills I, Torah Reading. Rabbi Kutner will teach how to read the Torah with traditional' trope.

WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 4:40 p.m.

TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Uncoin, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Early Kabbalat Shabbat services, 6:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Naming of the Hoffman baby. Kiddush and luncheon.

J

SATURDAY: ^ Services, led by Steve Riekes and assisted by Mbert Friedman, start at 9 a.m. : Members of the community are invited to join residents for the service and the Kiddish following.

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionlst Federation P.O. Box 24H30, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233

CONGREGATION B'NAt JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St, Uncoln, NE 88602-2797

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 7:30 p.m., at the synIgogue. Rabbi Sachs will lead services.

Services are officiated by Cantor Michael SATURDAY: Weissfer.

9 a.m.-Service leader training; 10 a-m.-Torah FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a.m, ervice and discussion (both events with Rabbi SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious iachs at the synagogue); 4:30 p.m.-Adult study rith Rabbi Sachs, 6 p.m.-Pof-luck dairy-vegetari- school, 10 a.m. n dinner and havdalah (both held at 1709 N. 50th t, Omaha).

B'NAI ISI^AEL SYNAGOGUE SUNDAY: eiSMynsterSt. Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 0 a.m.--Board'meeting at 3516 S. 104th St., Inaha.

322-4705 Religious School: FRIDAY: No classes Dec. 20 and Dec. 29 (winter Shabbat evening services, 7:30 p.m. reaic). Classes are held every Sunday at 10 a.m.

Oliver PoUak, Professor of History at UNO, will t Westside Community Education Center, 108th be the guest speaker with an audio-visiinl intro)d Grover. Call Dr. Marty Rosenberg, 390-9062, duction to Yiddish Theater. placement.

FRIDAY, Dec. 27: CHABAD HOUSE Special Shabbat in the home. No services at the 1322 So. noth St, Omaha, NE 68154 nagogue.

697-1124 Please check the Beyt Shalom information line WEB-www.metawire.com/chabadneb ; 758-9233 for last minute weather-related schedE-MAlL~Shliach«aoLcom • changes.

OFFUn 28th and Capehart, Omaha, NE DAY: 4ee8 start at 8 p.m.

T_-;i7_fii^>4^^3rv ^^ij'xi-iL'*??;^^^^;.

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candlelighting: 4:39 p.m.

M«inb«r of the Union of Antericiua Hebrew Congregatioiu 7028 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 8564536 FRroAY: Shabbat evening service, 8:15 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate.

'Rabbi Stiel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the The Temple Sisterhood.

Sitter Service ' Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening service and the Saturday morning Shabbat service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah. Please make a reservation. There are no facilities for infants.

SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 11:15 a.m. . Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts.

The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Sanctuary.

Bar Mitzvah David Patton, son of Linda and Joel Patton, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah at the Shabbat morning service.

Adult Education December 26--Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:30-11 a.m., Rabbi Azriel will continue teaching from the Pulitzer prize winning book, God, A Biography by Jack Miles.

7:30-8:30 p.m., "Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz.

COLLEGE STUDENTS All college students are invited to come meet old friends and visit with Rabbi Azriel Dec. 30, 7:30 p.m., at the Upstream Brewery, 514 So. 11th $t. Phone the Temple office at 556-6536 to make a reservation. There is no charge.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME

Jewiali Prera , Omaha, NE

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

by Kiddish.

SUNDAY: Davening is at 9:30 a.m.

T(ilmud Classes Wednesdays, 9:30 a.m.

Advanced Talmud, Thursdays at noon.

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

S:-\* i^ i-J 'T^-r ii'

•:j^-emKiumm^^e!^Maimff!g&si!ij/UfAijii

BETH EL SYNAQOGUE Member of United Synagogue of Conservative Judaini 14506 California, Omaha, NE681S4 483-8660 WEB-htt^y/omahafreenetorg/bethel Office Hours: Monday througl^ Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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. Kiddish following.

Sitter service starts at 10 a.m.

TSS (Torah Siddvjr Skills), 10 a.m.

Shabbat story time, first and third Sat, 11 a.m.; K'tantan, second and fourth Saturday, 11 a.m.

Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

WANTED Children's Hebrew books or other easy-to-read Hebrew material for Sunday School class.

Call Holly at 330-6780 CAREGIVER/COMPANION If you can provide the name of a really great inhome caregiver/companlon for my mom, I'll buy you a dinner!! Call any time.

Sissy Silber

292-8062

NEEDED IMMEDIATELY Euenlng and uieekend receptionists at the Rose Biumkin Jeiuish Home.

Competitiue mages.

To set up an appointment please call Lenora Lancaster

334-6511 PERSONALS I would like to thank all the people who have worked so hard on putting together a fine program lor us. Thanks to the sponsors of the brunch, Henry Monsky Lodge, BBYO Advancement Board, and all the BBYO'ers and friends who attended the event.

The hvo of us will miss you all. Lehltraot.

Alon and Rikkl Mor The family of Marilyn WJntroub Pred extends their warm and heartfelt appreciation to relatives and friends for their condolences, and to the community for its tremendous show of support.

A special thank you to Rabbi Drazen, Cantor Berkovits and the staffs al Beth El Synagogue, the Jewish Press and the Jewish Community Center.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20, 1996 ' FOCUS ON ISSUER

Editorial Once intlermarriage 0ccur8, then what?

With an intermarriage rate of 52%, according to the 1994 Council of Je\l'ish Federation's demo, graphic study, it may be too late to stem the tide.

Even' a two-Jewish parent home is no guarantee against intermarriage in the future since it already happened to the Jewish parents of the 52%, Rabbi Alan Silverstein, a Conservative rabbi and past president of the 1400-member Rabbinical Assembly, was here recently thanksj to the Jewish Federation Library's Book Fair. i He suggested that while the community may be speaking about intermarriage, individuals and families are not. If we don't, "the answers will come from popular culture, riot always the best way to deal with these substantive issues."

He also offered some concrete suggestions to families involved in an interfaith relationship: open the door to discussion and let the non-Jewish partner know that the Jewish family would welcome conversion; be prepared to set an example and understand that more Jewish observance may be asked of the entire family; nuture the new Jewish member of the family ilfter conversion occurs and, as Rabbi Silverstein said, "don't leave them drip-

Rabbi Avi Weiss: Assimilation is greatest threat to U.S. Jews

by Lesley Pearl, Staff Writer, The Jewish Bulletin of Northern California SAN FRANSISCO (JTA)-Orthodox Rabbi Avi The scheduled 50-minute talk lasted two hours.

Weiss is best known for jumping the fence at The rabbi talked of Pollard, Auschwitz, Farrakhan, Auschwitz and insisting nuns leave the convent and intermarriage, all under the rubric of spiritual tliere; for'calling the Nation of Islam leader Louis activism.

Farrakhan as "anti-Semitic racist bigot," and for These external buttles pale in comparison to the serving as Jonathan Pollard's spiritual advisor. fight for continuity, he noted. , But neither the Vatican, black anti-Seiiiitism, Ultimately, "we're dropping out, dropping off and nor supporters of keeping the Israeli spy in prison forgetting who we are. for life are the bigge.^t threats to American Jewry, "Look in the mirror tonight and ask yourself why he said. Freedom is. you are Jewish," he said to the students, "If it's "Anti-Semitism isn't our greatest challenge.

When there is anti-Semitism, there is no intermar- Ijecause your parents are, or because you're fightriage," he said during a recent lecture at San' ing some simook, your grandchildren aren't going Fraiisisco Slate University. "In Amerira, we arc so to bo Jewish.

"This isn't an Orthodox pitch," he added, "but a loved, we're being married in droves.

"We're so free, we're assimilating. The bodies of pitch to feel positive sparks. The key is knowing what it's.all about...and acting on it."

Jews are okay; the .souls aren't."

Letters to the Editor To the Editor: Our community has five groups for elderly people, both married and single. These are: Y.E.S., Oldtiniers, Walk-in-Drop-in, Visions and T.I.G.G.S. But, for single people over the age of 35, there is nothing. They are the forgotten people of this community.

A planning nu-eting was held several months ago.

Representing the community were three married women on the staff: from a synagogue, the Federation and one of its agencies. There were also 10 singles. The reults? The needs and concerns of the singles were largely ignored.

Most married couples do not seem to be able to relate to the feelings and needs of the 'semi-hidden' singles. Although this community espouses concern about intermarriage, they seem not to care whether this age group (and their children) stay Jewish.

The Jewish community complains after the fact of interfaith dating instead of helping prevent it by having programs for single people of all ages.

Programs from the Federation and synagogues managed by married couples have not worked.

Programs with input from singles have worked.

Unfortunately, they do not now exist. Suzy Rubin • Editor's note: A single's party is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 24. from 8-12 p.m., at the Scorccard for anyone 18 or older.

1

Outreach program c|uenches real 'thirst' for Jewish life

ping wet at the mikveh." ; j What happens'if the couple proclaim a two-faith household? Rabbi Silverstein noted that the child is expected to choose Judaism or Christianity, but in reality, the Choice comes down to "Mommy's side or Daddy's side and that's suicicide."

"Judaism ahd Christianity are two separate theological systems; it's disengenuous to each to try to practice both with substance," he added. "Statistics point out that this doesn't work; parents have to make a choice."

This community has been made richer with the influx of converts; every synagogue and organization has benefitted from their talent and energy.

We sihould heed Rabbi Silverstein's advice and become more active players in making potential converts aware that we would welcome them and , support their choice to become Jewish.

But we should also recognize that the more positive Jewish experiences (from camping to trips to Israel, from lighting the candles on Shaljbat to building a sukkah) we offer our children, the more likely they will want those experiences for their . children as well.

We may not be able to afford to be just cultural or gastromic Jews; if we want to prevent intermarriage, we may have to start living as Jews.

To the Kditor: Last night I had the pleasure of attending Friedel Jewish Academy's Hanukkah program at the Jewish Community Center. The talented studen exuded sensitivity and brought tears to my eyes during the finale of Peter Yarrow's "Don't Let the Light Go Out." It was especially meaningful because Hazzan Erik Contzius accompanied the children with his guitar and opened the program leading us in Hatikvah and our National Anthem. The children responded happily to his cues and his presence was much appreciated.

The Friedel Jewish Academy staff are to be commended for organizing this special night and a special thanks goes out to the cantor for his contribution to this event. Witnessing the teamwork between our dedicated and talented Jewish communal professionals is extremely uplifting to me.

It makes me very proud to be a member of the Omaha Jewish community and a parent of a Friedel student.

Barbara K. Gottlieb, Executive Director

by Debra Nussbaum Cohen NEW YORK, (JTA)-In times as polarized as these, it is rare to find a religious program involving Jews across the denominational spectrum. ' But the National Jewish Outreach Program manages to do it, and do it successfully. , Through Friday-night programs and brief, introductory courses on Hebrew and Judaism, the National Jewish Outreach Program has brought 165,000 Jews, most of them otherwise unaflihated,' through the doors of more than 1,300 synagogues of every stripe, according to Ephraim Buchwald, the program's founder and director.

When the outreach program first began in 1988, nearly all the participating synagogues were Orthodox. Now two-thirds of them are Conservative, Reconstructionist and Reform.

The synagogues that participate in the outreach, which includes a "Turn Friday Night into Shabbos" program, along with a two-part crash course in Hebrew reading and a crash course in basic Judaism, can be found across the country.

"People are thirsting, fainting for Jewish life," he said in an interview. "Most Jews want to be touched. . "They're really waiting for it, and the tragedy is that we're not getting them fast enough while everyone else, like the Messianic missionaries, is working hard to do it," he said.

Rabbi Buchwald's goal is to get 500,000 unaffiliated Jews involved in courses during the next 10 years, along with 150,000 volunteers, already-committed Jews, teaching in the classrooms.

His 20-member staff includes Orthodox and Reform rabbis, along with other professionals across the religious spectrum.

April 4 has been slated as the first nationwide "Turn Friday Night Into Shabbos" and the organization hopes to have 300 congregations from all denominations offer Shabbat dinners for their entire communities. ' The first time he offered the Hebrew reading crash course, in 1988, "we hoped to reach 800 people and 5,000 responded," he said of the program's appeal.

Two decades ago Buchwald virtually created the idea of outreach to the unaffiliated by developing a synagogue service tailored to the needs of uneducated Jews.

The beginner's service he led at Manhattan's Lincoln Square Synagogue, then the flagship modern Orthodox congregation, was an instant success.

He built on the same concepts he used then, making sure liturgy and customs were accessible and non-intimidating, when he founded the outreach program nearly 10 years ago.

His center offers materials, curricula and training to synagogues who offer the programs.

His ultimate goal, the rabbi said, is not only to bring people closer to their Jewish identity, but to coax them into greater Jewish observance.

"Hopefully, we'll be able to inspire them to go much further" than learning basic Hebrew or celebrating one Shabbat, he said.

•^e have 3,300 years of empirical evidencis proving that only maintaining the rituals of Judaism maintains Jewishness," he said. "After three or four generations secular Judaism doesn't work.

"No more than 10 percent of the peopM we reach become very traditionally observant, but virtually everybody we touch grows."

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^p Our Man in Israel CwlAlpwt Xmas and New Year's Eve in Israel ,Haifa--With Hanukkah now safely qut of the way, after all the parties and the candle lighting ceremonies and school celebrations, Israel can turn its attention to Xmas and New Year's Eve. There was once a time when the occurrence of these days went practically unnoticed. In recent years they have gradually been receiving increased exposure, though the vast m^'ority of Israelis remain unaf-, fected. There are several reasons for the new look.

For one thing, cable television has brought socalled Western culture into almost every home here. The holiday spirit which is so pervasive in the U.S. now resounds on TV screens here.

Another reason for the increased visibility of Xmas is the Russian immigration. Back in the old country the day was a national holiday, with no rehgious connotations, perhaps like Thanksgiving for the Americans. Many of the new immigrants observe the day, in all innocence.

But the maior reason is the presence in Israel of an estimated quarter of a million foreign workers from Europe, Africa and Asia. Away from home, they sfeek to observe the holiday with even more enthusiasm. Stores in all the major cities feature Xmas novelties in their windows, accompanied by blaring of Xmas carols. Chocolate Santa Clauses and tree decorations are much in demand, to be sent from the Holy Land to the families back home.

In Haifa, Christian Arabs, who constitute 7% of the population, make a big thing of Xmas in the Wadi Nisnas area, where the streets are gaily decorated witli festive lights. The Rambam Hospital, which caters to large numbers of Cliristinn Arabs, ; is again this year arranging a traditionally garbed Santa Claus to make the rounds of the children's wards, handing out gifts to the Christian patients.

Last year the Jewish National Fund distributed about 3,000 Xmas trees, culled from its forests, to • churches, UN soldiers and members of the diplomatic corps.

The celebration in Bethlehem usually makes all the world TV networks. It was here, last year, that Arafat claimed Jesus as a Palestinian. And diplomats recall the misplaced commentary Warren Austin, then American representative to the Security Council, who one year observed that in the Holy Land the time had come for Jews and '.Muslims to behave like good Christians.

Tlie Greek Orthodox and Russian Churches, it .'should be noted, mark Xmas two weeks later, in January.

New Year's Eve is known here as Sylvester, a name carried over from Central Europe. It is popular in the Jewish community. Hotels advertise midnight Sylvester parties and they are usually sellouts.

• Periodically, when New Year's Eve falls on a Friday night, the Orthodox community raises a protest, and rabbis threaten to remove the kashrut certificate from hotels which advertise and host such parties.

The most unusual observance of Sylvester is here in Haifa, in Wadi Nisnas. For some dozens of years the young people of the area have marked the mid'night hour with what was supposed to be the smashing of glasses to emphasize the passage from the curses of the past year to the anticipated bless-' JngB of the next.

In recent years, not content with breaking drinking glasses, the exuberant young people have begun throwing bottles into the streets below.

Then came electric light bulbs, dishes and the winJowB themselves.

Glass panels in bus stops were the next objects of joisy destruction. The idea has caught on, and is low observed by the youth in a number of Arab vilages and towns in the Galilee. Perhaps it's their vay of letting off steam. A local priest has justified 'he custom as imparting an air of festivity to the welcoming of the New Year.

In every case, the local sanitation departments ire on the alert, and emergency crews are on hand 0 move in quickly after the excitement to sweep he streets clean of the shattered glass.

Of course, outside Israel, December 25 sometimes IBS a problematic meaning in the Jewish commujty. Last year The Jerusalem Report quoted the Irincipal of a reform religious school in New Jersey f saying: "Sometimes if I ask 'What is the next iwish holiday?' the child replies, "Xmas."

FOCUS ON ISSUES

December 20,1996

Jewi§h Press, Omaha, NE , -,

Pace 8 -«c»

Pondering U.S. Jewry's future: How will the community look?

Dy Debra Nussbaum Coif en NEW YORK (JTA) - What will America's Jewish in the Jewish community seem all too willingi to community look like two generations from now? sacrifice distinctive Judaic values and teachings," Will the group of people calling themselves Jews they wrote in their "Statement on Jewish be spaller, more cohesive and intensively engaged Continuity." in observance and learning than it is now? Or will "American Jews, integrated into American society it be broad and inclusive of a wide range of prac- and full participants in its activities, are increastices, policies and subpopujlations, perhaps even ingly not a people apart. some not considered Jewish by others? Or will the "As boundaries blur, inclusivity runs the risk of Jewish community consist of combinations of both? .degenerating into a vague universalism that is In the midst of an exciting, creative period, the Jewishly incoherent; for example, non-Jews receivAmerican Jewish community is also at a threshold ing aliyot," that is, being called upon to bless the , as the results of the seminal 1990 National Jewish Torah as it is read, Some Reform and Population Study begin to sink in. The study found Reconstructionist congregations allow non-Jewish a 52 percent rate of intermarriage and low levels of spouses or relqtives this honor.

Jewish observance and affiliation.

The statement's signatories urge the adoption of Trepidation about the future was clear at a five values termed "fundamental" to the future of recent daylong symposium where 120 of the Jewish the Jewish community: community's most influential opinion- and policy* Torah, meaning shared commitments to Jewish makers argued the merits and flaws of two diver- learning and obligations; gent approaches to the crises of intermarriage and * Am Yisrael, meaning a commitment to the disengagement from Jewish life. notion of Jewish peoplehood; At issue are the millions of dollars, no one knows * Klal Yisrael, meaning a community of Jews how many, that Jewish federations across the con- committed to a pluralism of religious expressions; tinent are now devoting to "Jewish continuity," and * Covenant, meaning "strong, visible religiousi. how that money will continue to be spent. boundaries between Jews and non-Jews;" In the view of some, the right approach is to focus " Outreach to moderately affiliated Jews rather on "in-reach" to Jews to draw them in to stimulat- than to "those who have strayed furthest from ing, challenging synagogues and schools that have Judaism" for fear of "siplioning off funds urgently clear rules for membership, or expectations of needed to strengthen Jewish life at its core." behavior, and help them become more literate, pasSeveral participants said the focus of the entire sionate Jews. In the view of others, it is equally as discussion was wrong: "We have spent all day in important to focus on "outreach."

Recognizing that more than half of Jews marry- the heart of the periphery," said Leonard Fein, ing today have non-Jewish partners, this group Director of Social Action at the Reform movement's emphasizes the importance of creating welcoming Union of American Hebrew Congregations. conmiunilies whose doors are wide open, with the . "I don't think iiitennarriage is the principal reahope these Jews will walk through and bring with son," Fein said. "It's boredom." them their non-Jewish spouses and children, with The critical issue we should be asking ourselves, llie goal of helping them become engaged Jews. one participant added, is what do we have to offer "In a well-intentioned effort at inclusivity, some people that they will find valuable?

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20, 1996

Bert's Eye Vfew

by Bert Lewi* YES YES will nit-et Monday at the JCC. English class isiofTered to newf Americans at 10 a.m. Exercise and bingo both start at 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to join the YES choral group at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Bob Wolfson.ADL Director, will speak. For transportation, call 330-4272, ' WALK-IN DROP-IN i Walk-In Drop-In will meet Thursday at the JCC. Eitercise starts at 10 a.m., and bingo starts at 10:30.

Bring a dairy sack Ivinch to eat at 11:30. At noon, the movie "The Nutty Professor," will be shown in the auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. i VISIONS , Final deadline is Jan. 1 for 1997 dues ($5 per person). Send check to Gerald and Lois Bernstein 14810 Cass Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

RUSSIAN CLUB , Russian Club will meet Friday, Dec. 27. Exercise with Larisa starts at 10 a.m. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. Join us on an excursion to Joslyn Art Museum. For reservations, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169.

Juiat a sliort time ago we discussed gifl giving and giff occasions in this space. . .remember? I should have saved the^ topic because the other day a friend of mine told me the most charming story about a gift. I couldn't wait to tell you her idea of a unique gift. i ' She told me that she and her husband were having an awful time trying to think of something for her father-in-law for Hanukkah this year--someUiing he'd really enjoy more than the usual shirt or sweater. They pondered the question long aiid hard and suddenly came up with a fresh idea.

I should preface the rest of the story by telling ibiTHiiija 27 jPKaiip?}.. 1906 you that Dad is 95 years old, full of pep, interested 10(1(1 • il'ii iKvit.rvpiii.io vnpa;KHPUiia in everything around him and physically able to lino .laiiM get around very nicely. OK, back to the gift. They I I jO .liMHL. IIOiMJKII decided to take him acrbss the river and let him llpiifDCJi.imilTi^ci. K nailjnii Hirkypciiii n iipi'KpaMii.iii >l\(( iiiii My :en. see for himself what the newest form of entertain:)Ki K;'p((itio:i iiponi'ijPT iiai- no IKCMO niiiiiii .Apxednoriui iiH.iycTpiia.TbHorn ment is in Council Bluffs. iiiM<a ilKiToipactuiii Oi'fiarTi.HHa Ca.nra.io Mi.i raKiKf VEUi.aiiM BHcraBKy Yep-they took him to the place where people lIvTiMiiciTHiiH II yniLiPHiioi' - BiiPMaricniiH oBpnnf^nilPB |9 ueKa or TppjuiTo can eat until they're ready to drop, then where HcrroKa CioiiMiHTi. .^KcKvpi nil 2 ;ii)i,iapa oapi^ipptnipynTP Merro nc«noHiiB they tuirn their attention to gambling. Well, .Iii.iiiii according to my friend, the idea was a sensational success. Dad enjoyed a marvelous dinner (declared it the best he'd ever had!), then had the time of his hfe seated before a colorful, noisy machine which ate quarters and kept promising untold wealth.

American Red Cross Don't you love this story? Whether or not you Kevin and Shea Pritchard of Lawrence, KS, believe that gambling is a good idea, whether or needs your blood announce the Dec. 3 birth of a daughter, Kendall. not you approve or disapprove of the entire conby Cindy Cook They also have a son, K.J! cept, don't you wish you could have been there to JCC Fitness/Aerobics Director Grandparents are Mark and Linda Rimmerman. watch this dear man having a ball? Let's f^ce itGreat-grandparents are AI and Reva Oruch.

The American Red Cross is accepting blood the most excitement he usually enjoys has to do donations Jan. 1.3, 1-5 p.m. Health Quesl iiiren with playing bingo or watching TV or listening to Gale and Dan I.«vitan announce the Nov. 12 tive program participants will receive 100 Bonus somebody trying to be entertaining. birth of their son, Robert Joseph. miles.

This, however, was the frosting on the cake. He Grandparents are David Chorney of Omaha and For an appointment, call tlie Fitness Center at talked about it for days after, re-living the entire the late Ruth Chorney and Dr. and Mrs. Richard 334-6423. experience by telling others every detail. So let Levitan of Dripping Springs, Texas.

The Health Quest incentive program was made me ask you something: When was the last time possible by a donation from the Alan and Marcia Rick and Karen Greenberg of New York YOU presented anyone with a gifl which gave so Baer Foundation. announce the Nov. 11 birth of their son, Austin much pleasure? I've thought and thought but can't Call the Fitness Center for more information, or come up with anything to equal this.

John. sign up at the Member Services desk.

When you analyze it all, it's really very simple.

Grandparents arc Pinky and Cole Greenberg of This couple didn't just 'arrange" for their Dad to Omaha.

Great-grandparents are Mildred Greenberg, go have a night on the town. They took him out and were part of this fantastic event, so I guess it also of Omaha, and the late Sam Greenberg. comes down to that old "giving of yourself stuff.

Well, this wasn't meant to be a story with a EARLY DEADLINES moral. . .it <vas just what it seems to be. A great Due to the upcoming holidays, deadline (or idea which brought an enormous amount of pleathe Jan. 3 issue of the Jewish Press is sure to both the givers and the receiver.

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JFS Corner by den Fbtenuui, Executive Oir«ctor The Board and Staff of Jewish Family Service would like to take this opportunity to thank the numerous individuals and organizatidns that have contributed to our recent Hanukkah food distribution program and the Project Dreidel gift program for local Jewish families in need.

Close to 50 Jewish families benefited becalise of the generosity of the Jewish community.

Some of the organizations that have donated monetarily, have provided in-kind services, or have given gifts include: Henry Monsky B'nai B'rith, Charles Schneider Family Foundation, JCC Child Development Center, NCJW, Midwest Box Company, Beth El Women's League, Beth El Talmud Torah-Julie Durmaskin's 5th grade classes. Bagel Bin, JCC Boy Scout Troop #218, Epstein-Morgan Post No. 260, Temple Israel Caring Committee, Baker's Super Market, Friedel Jewish Academy.

In additidn, several individuals have given generously towards the purchase of Hanukkah gifts or gift certificates, or have purchased children's gifts on their own and donated them to the agency.

Through tzedakah, individuals and Jewish organizations alike, made the Festival of Lights so much brighter for many of our Omaha Jewish children and families in need.

We also want to recognize the Omaha Jayceos [who were most generous in providing our families with a kosher turkey or chicken, as well as other food items, which their volunteers delivered. The Omaha Jaycees were very accommodating to the needs of our families. i Last but not least, we want to thank the women of ORT who, for the past decade, have provided us :with a steady stream of loyal, dedicated and comjnitted volunteers who have been the foundation of :our successful tzedakah services. The community helps us make the Jewish Family Service mission a reality, "... to strengthen and preserve sound Jewish family life in the Omaha metropolitan area."

in the News Greg Grcenberg, son of Carole and Andrew iGreenberg of Omaha, recently received l>is stockbroker license and is a registered representative with the Olde Discount Stockbrokers in Overiand Park, KS. Josh Cohen, son of Cari and Isabel Cohen, and i senior at Central High School, has been named by the Metro Conference Football coaches to the (MI-Academic football team. He was also named to the Lincoln Journal Star All-State Football \cademic Team; received Honorable Mention to he All-Metro Division Football Team; and received he award for the "most improved football player" »n the 1996 Central High team. In addition, Josh naintains over a 4.0 grade point average and js a. dember of the National Honor Society. He is the !urrent editor of the school newspaper.

December 20,1906

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Pafe?

Introductipn to Judaism Classes to be held at the JCC

by Gloriann Levy, Jewish Cultural Arts Director Scott Bresler has been I points of view. The class discusses Jewish history, appointed, by the College theology, ethics, Jewish Holidays, prayer, dietary of Jewish Learning! laws, life cyole, events, the Jewish people, Israel Committee of tlie Jewish and other topics.

Cultural Arts Council to Participants receive four books: Jewish Literacy teach the "Introduction I

by J. Telushkin; Tanach, JPS Translation; Jewish to Judaism" course. The I Holidays by M. Strassfeld; and To Life! by Rabbi course will run for 20 Harold Kushner. weeks on Wednesdays, Mr. Bresler received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in • Jan. 8-May 21, from Hebrew Literature from the Jewish Theological 7:30-9:30 p.m.

Seminary of America and graduated cum laude The 20-week "Derekh with an award in Talmudic Studies. He received a Torah"—Introduction to Master's and Doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Scott Bresler Judaism course--is for Georgia State University. those who wish to explore Judaism and define its Dr. Bresler has taught Jewish subjects to adults place in their lives. and youth in Prairie Village, KS, and in Atlanta, It is for Jews who wish to seek a deeper connec- GA. He served as Program Director at Camp tion to their heritage and for non-Jews who are Solomon Schechter in 'Tumwater, WA, and was considering conversion to Judaism or who wish to Coordinator of the BfiYO Leadership Training understand it more fully while remaining within Conference in Sherman, Texas. their own faiths.

Cost of the class is $225 for singles, and $350 for The course explores Judaism through Reform, couples. Scholarships are available.

Conservative, Orthodox and Reconstructionist For further information, call .334-6403.

A ncestors to a\r on Nebraska ETV A new public television series about genealogy and family history will begin soon on the Nebraska ETV Network.

It's called Anccstnrn, and will air Sunday afternoons at 12:30 p.m. beginning Jan. 5.

Each episode will repeat on EduCable, Nebraska ETV's cable television service, the following Saturday at 7:30 p.ni. CST (6:30 p.m. MT).

The 10 half-hour programs tell powerful stories of people whose lives have been changed through family history research, followed by experts who give practical instruction on how viewers can begin searching for their own roots. ' The why and how of family history come together in Ancestors to create a program that speaks to both the heart and the mind.

A limited number of 16-page, four-color viewer's guides are available by sending $2 to cover shipping and handling to: ANCESTORS, Nebraska ETV, P.O. Box 83111, Lincoln, NE 68501-3111.

Limit two guides per request. Make checks out to Nebraska ETV. For more information, call 402-472-9333, ext.

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Jewish Press^ Omaha, NE

Decembei^ 20,1996

The Israel alternative (Continued ftrom page 1) Nathaniel, son of former Offutt Air Force Base Chaplain Rabbi Elliott and Elana Marmoi^. deliayed college to study at Belt Midrash HaTorah (BMT) in Bayit Vegan, also in the Jerusalem suburbs. His family relocated to Norfolk, VA, three years ago, and he turned down his acceptance at the University of Pennsylvania so that he could attend Yeshiva University next fall.

"Kids really get started on their learning here in December," he said, "That's when the weather turns cold and rainy and the social scene on Ben Yehbdah Street slows down.

"The difference between the first and second year is that now I'm developing my skills;'! don't want to waste any time this year. I want to be serious abolit my learning."

Josh Gonsher agreed, "I didn't think my learning was strong enough last year to help me survive back in the States. There are alot of distractions on an American college ciunpus, like football, fraternities, papers and exams, that we don't have here.

"The credits will transfer, but my 'tests' are all oral and depend more on my rosh yeshiva hearing my questions, more than my answers," he added.

"Being in the Old City, at Reishit Yerushalayim is also special," he concluded. "Shabbat is different here and it's added a spiritual dimension to my learning that I didn't realize I would have."

Josh is the son of Rabbi Allan and Rini Gonsher who met in Israel while they were studying there some 2!) years ago. He will enter Queens College in New York next fall.

Dan DePorte, grandson of Leonard and Esther DePorte, attends Ohr Samayacli Yeshiva in Geula, a ten minute walk from 'downtown'Jerusalem.

While in Israel last spring at a combination yeshiva/vocational program, Dan convinced the rabbis at Ohr Samayach that he was a serious student and wanted to return for the 1996-97 year.

The head of the yeshiva responded by offering Mr. DePorte a full scholarship for tuition.

"The learning is hard," he said, "but it's made easier by studying with cheuriisas, study partners.

"I've made lots of new friends here; they're like my family," he added.

As to the environment of living in Jerusalem, they all agreed with Dan, "After a while you don't notice that you're not watching television or talking on the phone a.s much as we did in high school. Our conversations are different, too."

There is a lot of political discussion among the teens studying in Israel. The Orthodox world is not monolithic and the opinions on the current government, redeployment in Hebron and the Peace Process, are as varied as the number of polticial parties.

Not all yeshiva students lead a 'black hat' lifestyle either. Thursday nights, after classes are over, and Saturday nights, after Shabbat, are social events on Ben Yehudah Street and at the Jerusalem Mall. The Omaha kids have met other teens they've known through NCSY and summer

Melissa Katzman (right), and her new friends relax at a cafe in Jerusalem. camp, as well as BBYO and March of the Living.

Our daughter, Mehssa, graduated from Westside High School last June and now attends Midreshet HaRova, a girls' school in the Old City. We found this school when she accompanied me on the Omaha UJA/Federation Women's Mission last October. Not listed in any of the U.S. guides, Midreshet HaRova is a B'nei Akiva program that recruits girls from its youth groups in Great Britain, Scandinavia, Holland, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and South America.

"I'll miss the Australians when fhey leave this month for their summer vacation, though we'll get a new group of'southern hemisphere' girls in February," she said. "The learning is good here; we're one of the few schools where ulpan (Hebrew language class) is part of the program and where girls study A'cmarra (Talmud)."

Midreshet HaRova students also spend part of the year at Kibbutz Tirat Tzvi in the Eastern Galilee, working, studying and relaxing.

"I can tell you when dates are ripe and how te pick them," she laughed, "Though we work very hard in the date fields, it's a nice break at the kibbutz; they have a beautiful swimming pool and the food is great!"

Ms. Katzman will attend Boston University next yertr unless she, too, chooses to stgy a second year for a Shana Bet program.

Simone Milner, or Sarah, as she now calls herself, is a former Omahan who met up with the Omaha kids in Israel. Her parents. Dr. Lawrence and Roz Milner, moved to Omaha from South Africa in the late 1980s. They live in Newton, MA.

"Coming from Maimonides High School, a traditional day school, gave me alot of options when I had to choose a school for my year in Israel," she said, "I love the life here; there are so many young people studying in Israel and it's so different from coming here on g four or six-week summer program."

Ms. Milner attends Machon Gold and will enter Stern College in New York City next fall as a sophomore.

For those Omaha teens who do not attend a Hebrew high school, the options may be more limited. Classes are rigorous, scheduled from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sundays and 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Many programs, including the ones attended by these Omahans, do accept nonyeshiva high school graduates.

University programs and other options What of those high school students who would like to take a year off before college, but are looking for a different kind of program? There are two options here: university programs and those run by other streams of Judaism or Jewish organizations, such as Hillel and Young Judea.

Many American Jews are familiar with the semester or junior year abroad programs, but these Israeli university programs are designed for those students not yet in college.

All five of the m^or Israeli Universities offer oneyear programs to American high school graduates.

Bar-Uan, Ben-Gurion, Haifa, Hebrew, and Tel Aviv Universities have one or two semester programs, (Continued on page 9)

n .^.,

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Super Sunday, January 12 Take a moment to touch more lives

Volunteers are needed to make phone calls to Super Sunday Division donors.

We will be calling from Omaha Steaks, 10909 John Gait Blvd. Please return this card or call Lana at 334-6430 to indicate when you would like to help.

Sign me up for the Bagel Brigade from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m.

Sign me up for the Pizza Patrol from 6:00 to 8:30 p.m.

Name Address

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^(y^nP" The Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 South 132 Street â&#x20AC;˘ Omaha,. NE 66154* (402) 334-6200

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December 20,1996

• The Israel alternative

Page 9

Lincoln Center

f^f' (Continued from page 8) some which require a summer session of Hebreyt^ ulpan prior to the start of the regular program.

The application process is as stringent as many American schools; full credit is granted through most American colleges and universities and financial aid is available.

Other alternatives include the Reform movement's National Federation of Temple Youth College and Kibbutz program at Hebrew Union College in Jerusalem; Young Judea Year-long Course, a program of the Jewish women's organization/Hadassah; HilleiyMasa program, sponsored by Hillel International; and NA'TIV College/ Leadership Program, sponsored by United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, all at Hebrew University.

New Lincoln High facility named for Harry Kuklin A very familiar name in swimming and the Jewish Community is attached to the new Lin(ioIn High School aquatics center, Harry Kuklin. Ah open house to dedicate the new facility, along with a new fitness center, was held recently in coi^unction with winter sports kickoff ceremonies and a celebration of Lincoln High's 125th anniversary.

Reba Kuklin, Harry's widow,'was asked to handle the pool opening and ribbon cutting.

Mr. Kuklin was a former University of Nebraska diving champion and Lincoln High athlete and

coach. He was a high school diving champion for two years and a conference diving camp at NU when it wa? part of the Big Six in 1934 and 1935.

Mr. Kukjin also coached Lincoln high to five swimming championships in the 1940's and '50s, along with a state tennis title, two sand green crowns and three golf championships.

In addition, Mr. Kuklin was a teacher fand counselor at Lincoln High and worked as an assistant principal before he retired in 1977. He died in, 1994 at the age of 80.

Literary magazine to publish Jewish-American writing This spring. Prairie Schooner, one of the country's oldest and most respected literary magazines, will publish a special issue devoted to Jewish-American writing.

The 312-page issue will feature writing by the best of contemporary American Jewish poets, novelists, essayists and short-story writers.

Among others, it will include fiction writers Robin Henry, Rebecca Goldstein and Daniel Stern; poets Marilyn Hacker, David Ignatow, Cynthia Macdonald, Alicia Ostriker, Linda Pastan and Mark Rudman; and essays by poet Robin

Besides traditional college-level classes, all these programs offer time for travel and meeting students from other countries as well as Israelis.

All these institutions and more were listed in the American Zionist Youth Foundation Guide to the Israel Experience. While the organization is now defunct, the book is still available in the Bureau of Jewish Education office Orthodox institutions are listed separtely in the NCSY Yeshiva guide, available from Rabbi Allan Gonsher or by calling the Torah Education Department, 1-212-339-6080.

Other programs can be reached throUgh the local rabbis of each synagogue, through youth group advisers or through Susie Drazen, BJE Director, 334-6445.

Scholarships may be available, depending on the institution and the need.

Next week in the special issue on education in the Jewish Prenn: College Life in Israel and Life After college.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Becker and noted critic Sanford Pihsker.

The special issue of Prairie Schooner will be funded in part through grants from the Lucius N. Littauer Foundation of New York City and the Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

It promises to be the most comprehensive and distinguished one-volume compilation of JewishAmerican literature to appear in 20 years.

For special order information, contact the Prairie Schooner office at 402-472-0911 before Jan. 15.

Koslier meals to go

CORRECTION

All you have to do for dinner on Dec. 26 is make reservations! If you call Jewish Senior Services by Dec. 24, you will be able to pick up your dinners at 5 p.m. on the 26th.

The menu for the evening is: chicken and dumplings, vegetables, dinner roll and cherry pie.

Two dinners for only $12-enough ^) feed two adults and one small child.

Hang up your apron and pick up your phone to call Lenora Lancaster at 334-6511.

Lenora Lancaster, Administrative Assistant of Jewish Senior Services, was incorrectly listed as JCC Administrative Assistant in the Dec. 13 editorial on switch day.

For Safety's Sake

So, You THINK You KNOW ISRAEL.

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Project Pantry Please bring your non-perishable food items to the blue Omaha Food Bank containers at your synagogue or the JCC by January 12.

Our goal for the community is 2,000 pounds of food!

THANK YOU! Sheri and Mike Abramson Bonnie and Steve Le'vanger Super Sunday Co-chairmen 1997 UJA/FEDERATION CAMPAIGN

MISSIO Did you know that...

•the 1997 Family Mission to Israel leaves July 13?

•we arrive in Tel Aiiv in time lor the opening ceremonies of the Maccabiah Cames?

• your Bar or Bat Mitzvah age child travels free?

• a £amily mission is an affordable way to see Israel?

•you can float on an inner tube on the Jordan River?

•there are secrets of the past to discover on an archcological dig?

•you can't sink In the Dead Sea? • you're ^firanted in Israel?

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20,1996

IBJH resident profile demonstrates changes

by Barbara K. Gottlieb, Executive'Director The multi-discipliftary health care team of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home met with 'residents and families recently to discuss the health status of those currently entering the Home.

The impact on admissions has forced the staff to take a serious look at the types, of programs and services being provided in relationship to the outcomes we all would like to have occur.

Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach, opened the program by discussing the fact that individuals seeking admission to the Home fall within one of two categories.

The first group are in need of a short-term admission, 'for example, broken hips that will heal with extensive physical therapy within a 6-8 week period. The second group are the frail elderly who are suffering from not only chronic ailments that prohibit them from caring for themselves, but, most often, there is .some form of dementia or confusion that compounds the need for more supervision Bert Benson, Director of Social Services, explained that the residents are assessed by the health care team on a quarterly basis. The residents' goals aiKJ objectives are set forth in a "care plan" with the input of the individual and often the family, If a resident is not iible to reacli the set goals, specific reasons are docuinonted and new goals are set.

Shelly Cash, Director of Nursing, discussed the capabilities and responsibilities of the nursing department. The licensed nurses have a wide range of capabilities that allow the residents to becared for in the Rose BUiinkin Jewish Home and not need to be transferred to a hospital.

'We work closely with our contractual therapy company. Kebab Vision.s, and together we watch our sbort-terni residents leave our premises as they return to their homes or other lionie like environments," she Siiid.

Stacia Jones aiwi Valerie Bohrer, our two restorative nursing n.^sistants, are responsible for the daily walking and exercise programs that keep everyone moving. These two women iiotici'd llial the majority of residents were requiring more and morea.ssistance dnriiig nieallinies. ' This led to a nianagenient meeting where n decision was made to "switch" the dining rooms so that those individuals who needed the most help .would now be utilizing the main dining room and residents who were able to dine indepelidenlly could do so in a quiet diniiigroom, cafe-type setting. This was a big change for the Home and a difficult one for the residents and fanjilies to become accustomed to seeing.

Patricia Morgan, Director of Dietary Services, displayed the types of adaptive equipment the

International athletes named to Jewish Sports Hall of Fame

by Tom Tugend

Don Gerber (left), and Howard Gendleman entertained residents recently during a Beth Israel-sponsored event at the Blumkin Home.

Home utilizes so that individuals can maintain their independence. The facility urges residents to wbrk with plate guards, speciality silverware and large-handled glasses. She is excited about changing the dining rooms and explained that she has acquired a steamtable so that none of the residents will be eating on trayp, but instead enjoying a delightful dining experience.

Sharon Conlon, Director of Therapeutic Recreation, explained to the group that she has developed a group activity geared for those individuals with cognitive impairments. The nurses named the program the "B-Z" group or the Bubbe and Zaide Group.

Two mornings a week, Ms. Conlon and Ann Joseph organize "hands-on" sensory stimulation iutivities, i.e., molding cookie dough and finger painting that maintains environmental awareness. ,She sees a need for tile organization to meet the needs of individuals who are more introverted and, therefore, would like to develop programs that would be more one-on-one. ; There was an active question-and-answer period where families and residents had the opportunity to discuss their concerns. They realized that this was a new approach for the Home, but expressed conlidence in the staff and complimented them on their compassion and professionalism.

The Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will continue to admit more residents who either need only a shortterm stay, or who are just no longer able to function on their own. On the up side, new types of housing environments are opening up in the market place and giving Jewish seniors more choices.

LOS ANGPLES (JTA) - Fourteen former athletes from six nations have been elected to the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.

They will be officially recognized in July at the organization's museum, housed in the Wingate Institute in Netariya, Israel.

The five American athletes are: Arthur Bluethenthal, Princeton University Ail-American in football, 1911-12; Milton Green, Harvard's world record-setting high hurdler, 1935-36; Solly Krieger, world middleweight boxing champion, 1938-39; Mort Lindsay, tenpin bowling pioneer champion, 1912-34; and Sid Tannenbaum, New York University's Ail-American in basketball, 1946-47.

Also named were Johan Harmenberg, Swedish world champion and Olympic gold medalist in epee fencing, 1980; Hans Haas of Austria, Olympic weightlifting gold medalist in 1928 and silver medalist in 1932; Pierre Darmon, France's No. 1 seed tennis player in the late 1950s and 1960s; and Sandor Gombos, Olympic and World Championship gold medalist in fencing from 1926-28.

To be honored with the Sports Hall's Pillar of Achievement'Award are Margalit Sonnenfeld of Israel, the coach of 76 medal winners in the Paralympics, for handicapped athletes, 1962-92;...

American William Lippy, founder and chairman of; the Israel Tennis Centers; and Murray Olderman, American sports writer and cartoonist.

Fricdc'l Jewish Academy Kindergarten students Brianne Brazzle (left), and Sarah Truesdele were among the performers in last week's Hanukkah program in the JCC Theatre. Nearly 150 attended the annual event.

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BEHIND THE HEADLINES

Pro-Israel activists hail new national security adviser

by Daniel WASHINGTON (JTA) - Pro-Israel activists are hailing President Clinton's newly named national security adviser Samuel 'Sandy" Berger as a sound choice who will be an important asset as the administration works to push the Middle East peace process forward.

'He has been fully supportive of a set of values, rinciples and priorities that the pro-Israel comunity has a deep interest in," said Steve rrossman, chairman of the board of the American srael Public Affairs Committee.

Mr. Berger, a 51-year-old Jew who has served as ieputy national security adviser the last four rears, was part of the new foreign policy team lamed last week.

Although not much is known about his Jewish )rganizational affiliations, he is known to be a iiember of a synagogue in Washington where his wo daughters and son had their B'nai Mitzvot.

In 1991, Mr. Berger gave a contribution to the eft-wing Americans for Peace Now, a donation hat Gail Pressberg, the group's Washington direcor, characterized as "small."

Ms. Pressberg said there is enthusiasm among ^eace Now members about Clinton's entire new

Kurtzman policy team, but stressed that her organization does not take positions on specific appointments.

She added that she did not think that any personal views Mr. Berger holds with respect to the Middle East would be relevant in his n^w post.

"His views about foreign policy issues have been complicated by the fact that he's been in the White House," Ms. Pressberg said. "He's looking out for American interests first and foremost."

She added, "He's alivays been^^ middle-of-theroad Democrat, not oun>n th^^ft orTisrael oAanythingelse." '' ^ Tom Neumann, executive director of the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs, a conservative pro-Israel think tank, said his organization would "wait and see" how Sandy Berger approaches the new position.

For now, Neumann said, "we have good feelings about him. We think he'll be fine."

Mr. Berger, a friend of Clinton's from McGovem campaign days, is known in particular for his ability to straddle the intersection of politics and foreign affairs.

He does not require Senate confirmation.

Page 11

Beth Israel installs Rabbi Kutner

New U.S. foreign policy team liltely to stay the Mideast course

by Matthew Dorf ' i WASHINGTON (JTA) -- President Bill Clinton's Sen. Cohen no longer considers himself Jewish. ireghuining of his foreign policy team has prompted But that experience "has not impacted on his rela^confidence that U.S. peacemaking in the Middle tions with the Jewish community or his support for East will remain on course.

Israel and Jewish causes," said Abraham Foxman, ; By tapping Madeleine Albright to move from the national director of the Anti-Defamation League. top post at the United Nations to secretary of state, Said Ira Forman, who worked under Albright in President Clinton has signaled a clear desire to the early 19908 at, the Center for National Policy: maintain continuity in U.S. diplomacy. The promo- 'Madeleine's worldview was shaped very much by ition of Samuel "Sandy" Berger, who is JcWish, to the totalitarianism challenges of the 20th century." serve as national security adviser is further EviMr. Forman, who now serves as the executive dence of this. director of the National Jewish Democratic 'This signals that there will be continuity and Council, hailed Albright as "a very sharp indivitjthat the Clinton administration will maintain the ual with as sharp political skills as anyone I've approach of fostering the peace process without seen in foreign policy." His praise was echoed by imposing decisions on the parties," said Malcolm several Israeli and Jewish officials who have Hoenlein, executive vice chairman of the worked with her.

Conference of Presidents of Major American David Peleg, Israel's acting ambassador to the Jewish Organizations.

United Nations, said, "Ambassador Albright comIn other appointments, the President fulfilled a bines great professionalism and understanding of promise to name at least one Republican to the the international scene with great sympathy and Cabinet by nominating retiring Sen, William friendship with Israel and clear support for the Cohen of Maine to serve as secretary of defense. peace process."

Current National Security Adviser Anthony Lake Pending Senate confirniationj Ms. Albright has a was nominated to head the' Central Intelligence tough road ahead as she will seek to stave off furAgency. ther cuts in funding for U.S. diplomacy.

Meanwhile, Sen. Cohen, the secretary of defense- "Isolationism is seductive. It is liberating. It means designate who will replace William Perry, has you don't have to care," she said.

Jewish roots. He has spoken in the past of casting 'Too many people in too many countries cared off a Jewish star he wore as a young teen, when a too little about what went on in hard-to-find, hardMaine rabbi refused to perform a Bar Mitzvah to-spell places, places such as Manchuria, unless he formally, converted. Sen. Cohen's father Ethiopia, my native Czechoslovakia, Auschwitz, s Jewish but his mother is not.

Treblinka, Buchenwald and Dachau. We must ; Several Jewish officials familiar with his situa- never make that mistake again." tion'said he still bears the scar of a 13-year-old (JTA stafiT writer Cynthia Mann in New being denied his wish to have a Bar Mitzvah.

Yorli contributed to this report.)

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Rabbi Raphael Butler, left. Executive Director of the Orthodox Union, presents the Synagogue Achievement Award to Rabbi Howard Kunter, center, and Beth Israel President Donald Gerber. ' In town for the recent installation dinner at Beth hrael Synagogue, Rabbi Raphael Butler gave this interview to the Jewish Press.

What's the biggest challenge for the Jewish people today?

'For the synagogue, especially outside metropolitan areas, is, will our grandchildren be Jewishhow do -we deal with Jewish education and do we have the resources to offer serious programming for all ages? There are really two goals: strengthen syangogues from within and reach out to the large Jewish community, but you can't be a 'light unto the nations' if you're just a flickering flame."

How does the Orthodox Union maintain its place as a centrist organization while being pushed to the right by other Orthodox groups?

1 do work with leaders of other streams of Judiasm, in organizations like NJCRAC (National Jewish Community Relations Advisory Council) and the Conference of Presidents of M^or Jewish Organizations, and with individuals representing other Jewish insitutions. We try to work on issues that unite us, rather than those that divide us.

Within the Orthodox world there are shades of differences, but not those, G-d forbid, that would lead to separation.

We all should be concerned about putting issues before bodies like the Council of Jewish Federation; if every issue becomes a litmus test, it j will cause paralysis. The larger the umbrella in the Jewish world, the more difficult the challenges.

What advice do you have for Jews of Omaha, both members of Beth Israel or other synagogues?

"There was a desire here to find a leader the caliber and temperment of the late Rabbi Isaac Nadoff, z'l, and an honest soul-searching Appraisal of the goals of Beth Israel and its role in the larger Jewish community. That quality of open debate and discussion is what has already made Omaha such a wonderful community. The general challenge for all of us is the call to spirituality; the deeper the drive, the stronger the passion-and that's a reality across the entire Jewish spectrum.'

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JewUh Preas, Omaha, NE

December 20,1996

Jerusalem AIDS conference marks Israeli-Arab cooperation JERUSALEM (JTA) -- More than 40 Israelis, Palestinians and Jordanians convened last week in Jerusalem to establish a regional task force aimed at preventing the spread of AIDS. During the four-day conference, which was organized by the Jerusalem AIDS Project, participants discussed obstacles facing public health professionals in the Middle East, whfere religion and cultural trafiitions play a m^or role in both health and eduj cation.

In the Middle East, the number of reported carri-

by Michele Chabin ers of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, doubled in the past two years, to 192,000, said United Nations ofllcial Johannes van Dam, a conference participant.

There are as many as 10,000 HIV carriers and 1,452 reported cases of AIDS in Israel. Palestinian oflicials report 28 cases of AIDS, while Jordanian health professional^ say they have 32 cases. i Although Mr. van Dam attributed much of the increase to a greater willingness to report cases, he said the disease is spreading in the area at an

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Dr. Sana Shadid, a Palestinian physician, said, 'Educating the Palestinian public about AIDS is particularly difficult because people aren't really interested. They think, mistakenly, that we don't have AIDS. Our society is conservative, and people ' think the problem doesn't belong to them."

Despite this attitude, Dr. Shadid saM, strides are being made.

•This school year, for the first time, we celebrated AIDS Day," she said. "There is now moi'e health education in the schools and at clinics."

Wsila Nusgos, a Jordanian nurse, said that "although Jordan has very few AIDS cases to date, we have to have a joint regional effort because this disease doesn't respect borders."

"The number of cases in Jordan is small, but we still must educate our students and others who travel abroad," she said.

Inon Schenker, director of the Jerusalem AIDS project, was elated by the cooperation emerging from the conference. i "A miraclp is happening. People who really have been enemies are now united in the fight against HIV/AIDS," he said. "Although we often see this virus dividing communities--straight and gay, developed and developing coiintries-in our work.sliops we've seen AIDS actually unite people from very different reliijious and cultural backgrounds."

The conference wiis funded by the Israeli Ministry of Public Aflairs, the Palestinian Ministry of Health, the Dialogue Fund of Canada and private donations.

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Eighty local teams competed for spots in the State Finals of nSock trial. Burke High School seniors and sophomores, winners of the District trials, will participate in the State Finals in Lincoln. They are: (left photo) from left, Mr. Haar, SENIORS Lance Polikov, JefiT Shapiro, Andy Itkin, Chris

Jewish Parenting

byAu«aM.GDn«her

'I want my allowance' I Parents hear these words from their children ; every week and dole out coins and dollars for often the wrong reasons.

Many Jewish children receive an allowance for doing their Shabbot chores, because they were well behaved in Hebrew School, or because their friends ' got one. But these reasons should not be the real : purposes we want to give our children money. i The Vilna Goan, a seventeenth-century rabbi, / taught there are three uses of money: to perform acts of kindness, to provide for necessities of life, ' and tp save for expected expenses. The concept of an allowance for children allows us to practice his i teachings.

An allowance should be an act independent of the ' child's performance or behavior in school, shul, or ; at home. No strings should be attached. Handing : the money to the child should mean "I love you, unconditionally." This love means that we give our children sonietliing for them to use in a way that . they choose. We hope it is enjoyable, educational, or charitable. But whether it is or not is really the . child's choice ; In many Jewish homes, chores are the basis for ^ an allowance. If the child's room is cleaned, the Kiddish cups are set for the Shabbot meal, or the garbage is taken out, money changes hands at the end of the week.

But chores should not be the reason for getting an allowance. Chores, for both parents and children, are responsibilities of the household society.

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Everyone has them and does them. Mom and Dad do not get paid extra for cooking dinner or washing the clothes and neither should the children for doing their jobs for the family.

Some parents reward their children when their behavior has been good. Parents may give an allowance if siblings do not fight over toys, when they show courtesy toward elder members of the congregation, or when they display manners during services. ' But parents are giving the wrong message when they reward this good behavior with money. We expect our children to behave properly in most situations. We teach them to be nice, respectful, and in control of their noises around others. This should be the norm ratlier than the basis for a cash prize each week.

The "I love you" allowance will teach children financial responsibility. With no restrictions imposed, the child may spend the money as he wants. By doing so, tlic child will learn about choices and priorities, how to make them, and how to deal with them afterward.

This also includes the opportunity to make mistakes. Money spent on a toy that breaks or does not measure up to the television commercial promises is painful for the child and heartbreaking for the parent.

The experience will teach the child to be more selective when spending his precious money. Next time, he will be a wiserv less impetuous, or more cautious shopper.

The "I love you" allowance can also teach the child about charity. With parental guidance and example, children do understand the need to help others who are less fortunate.

Tzedakeh can be encouraged by having a pushke or charity box for both the whole family and one for the child. With mom and dad setting the example every week, the child will put coins in the box on his own.

God has entrusted us with the ability to use money wisely. But money has a powerful influence and can change our personalities^ motivations, and lives. Parents can teach their children how to handle this influence in a positive way for their own happiness and for the benefit of others.

So give children "I love you" money instead of an allowance. With parental love and guidance, children will do their chores, behave and be respectful of others. That, after all, is what we as parents really want of our cliildren.

Allan M. Gonsher, PresidentlFounder of Kids, Inc., in a nationally recognized educator and speaker on children's issues. An experienced social worker, he received his Master's from Columbia University; and trained at Princeton Child Guidance Center.

He is an Adjunct Professor at UNO's School of Social Work and a Graduate Lecturer at Drake University's School of Education. He is also a certified, registered play therapist and author of "Tips for Kids" and "An Allowance is Not a Bribe."

A LIST OF THE TOP 10 NURSING CENTERS IN THE AREA 1

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St. Joseph Villa Nursing and Reiiabilitation Center made tiie top ten list not only because it is a beautiful facility staffed by the finest healttncare professionals, but also because of its outstanding rehabilitative programs, recreational activities, warm, home-like environment and dedication to its residents' health, happiness, and quality of life. We invite you to visit us and see for yourself why St. Joseph Villa is in the top ten.

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Book Review-

People of the Book-disputations and definitions

by Oliver B. Pollali, University of Nebraska at Omaha ^y The editprs, Rubin-Dorsky and Fisl^kin, met sevPeople of the Book, Thirty Scholars Reflect on Their Jewish Identity, edited by Jeffrey eral years ago at an academic conference. Neither Rubin-Dorsliy and Shelley Fisher Fishkin. were engaged directly in Jewish studies. They Madison: University of Wisconsin Press, 1996. ' asked each other the question, how does being Jewish effect their academic work. They took pride 507 pagers. in being people of the book and the sanctification Three books have appeared this year incorporat- the expression implied for the pursuit of their choing the expression "People of tl^e Book" iri their sen profession that included writing.

They put the same question to fellow academics. title: People of the Book: Images of the Jew in South African Fiction, 1880-1992, by Marcia Their liberal arts and humanities colleagues indiLeveson, People of the Book: Christian Identity and cated that being Jewish had a direct and indirect Literary Culture, by David L. Jeffrey, and People of impact on their scholarship, even though the words the Book, Thirty Scholars Reflect on their Jewish Jew, Hebrew and Yiddish were not mentioned in the title, table of contents, body of the work, or Identity.

"People of the Book," like the term, "The Chosen index.

But the nature of the Jewish impact varied greatPeople," once an accepted trope, has entered contested territory. Gone is the prospective reader's ly between the rainbow of contributors including confidence that picking up a book with the title feminist, African-American, Israeli, lesbian, "People of the Book" will have a predictable sub- activist andsurvivors. Half the 30 contributors ject. Such assurance existed when Maurice were men, and half were women. Essayists include^ Samuel published Certain People of the Book ih white and black Jews, Orthodox, Conservative, 1955 and Rabbi Joseph H. Hertz published A Book Reform, totally secular Jews, converts, heterosexuof Jewish Thounhls containing a major section als and homosexuals.

The resulting confusion in the academy, in the entitled "The People of the Book."

What has changed is the power of English, the ivory tower, reflects the wider disarray in greatest symbol system ever created, to contribute American Jewish life where 1.35 million gentile to the discussion of diversity. What has emerged is adults live with Jews and 'core Jews' comprise 3.5 million. Fifty-two percent of Jews marry out of the a continuous questioning of hitherto accepted faith. a.ssumption's.

F''or instance, a search for the origins of the These eclectic essays contribute to the debate, through articulate vignettes, of whether moderniexpression, "The People of the Book" The Harpers Cciilins Dictionary of Reliqion (1995) and The ty's enduring legacy contributes to Jewish decline Concise Encyclopedia of Islam (1989) reveals that through autonomous existence, or reinvigoration of it is from the Koran, where the Arabic expression vital and cohesive communities. They confront, the "Alil nl-Kilab" referred to Jews and Christians reli- not altogether new question, whether ritual and affiliation sapi)ed of values, beliefs and ideas, progious communities with scriptures.

Only later, according to The Universal Jewish vide a viable foundation.

The essays, each about 15 pages long, are a mix Encyclopedia (1942) did the expression accommodate itself as Jewish self identification as "the of nostalgia and anger and are frequently conflictauthority in Judaism rests not upon a hierarchy ed as the scholars search their pasts to reveal how being Jewish interacted and intersected with secubut upon literature." The Encyclopedia Judaica and the Jewish Encyclopedia did not have an entry lar education. They reveal how the Jewish component suffered or benefited from the experience. under the expression.

Fishkin is a professor of American Studies and "Thirty Scholars" appears in the University of English nt the University of Texas at Austin and Wisconsin Press series "Wisconsin Studies in the editor of the monumental multi-volume series American Autobiography."

The Oxford Mark Twain published this year by Autobiography by its nature is ego centered, narcissistic, pretentious, ruminating and self-indul- Oxford University Press.

Jtubin-Dorsky leaches English and American gent. Despite these negative-sounding words, this inquiry can help us understand the subjects of the Studies at the University of Colorado, Colorado story, the human condition, the Jewish condition, Springs.

Book available at the Jewish Federation Library. and perhaps ourselves as well.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 15

Israel's S&P rating remains unchianged

AROQND THE JEWISH WORLD Israel and Jordan sign accord

by Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA)--Standard & Poor's has Standard & Poor's said that among the reasons JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Israel and Jordan have announced jt is maintaining Israel's A- credit rat- for leaving Israel's rating unchanged was the signed an agreement to enable the direct transport ing. The announcement recently froni the interna- Israeli government's plans to decrease its budget of goods between the two countries. tional credit rating firm came prior to Israel's deficit. The rating is significant) because interest Until now, commercial goods had to be trans- planned offering of approximately $200 million on payments on bonds would rise with a lower credit ferred between trucks at border crossings. the Eurobonds market, a move expected to take rating, which would increase the cost of borrowing The accord, signed in the Jordanian capital of| place next week. funds.

Amman, came after months of negotiations. .It does not include provisions for goods shipped between Jordan and the Palestinian Authority.'

Israeli Cabinet approves more cuts in 1997 budget

by Naomi Segal JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The Israeli ICabinet has approved additional budget cuts of about $550 million. The government already had approved a total of $1.6 bilHon in cuts from the $64 hillion 1997 budget. The Knesset must approve the budget by the end of the month.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the additional cuts were essential to reduce the deficit 9nd get the economy back on track.

'If we don't cut, let there be no doubt that we will pay with a deterioration in our standing in the financial markets and in our credit rating," the prime minister was quoted as telling the Cabinet before the vote.

Many of the additional cuts will come in the areas df education, social welfare and housing.

A compromise was reached to lessen the cuts in (education to only 0.6 percent, after Trade and Industry Minister Natan Sharansky offered to shoulder some of the burden.

When it was clear to us that many ministers jvere asking to lessen the cuts in education.

Minister Sharansky offered to give more from his lininistry, so we could take less from education," Finance Minister Dan Meridor told reporters.

Opposition parties sharply criticized the Cabinet decision. Labor party officials said they doubted the approved cuts would be implemented. l31JBJaJaJBJBJBJaJBJB-BJBJBJBJBJBJBJa.iaJa

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 20,1996

FACES OP FEDERATION

Sue Finkle appointed Federation Staff Associate

"/ work on the Federation Campaign because I love giving^my time to the cqmmunity. It's the best thing I can do with my time!"

by Pam Monsky Federation Communications Director Sue Finkle has been _,. ^^ named Federatioln Staff Associate, and will be )L responsible primarily for •• directing the Men's Campaign, Super Sunday, Maimonides and Cardozo, according to Federation Executive Directorfioward Bloom.

Mrs. Finkle has extensive experience with non-profit organizations.

Over the past several '"' years, she has organized and implemented an annual Multiple Sclerosis Society fund-raiser as a volunteer.

Currently, she is a member of the Temple Israel Religious School board of directors and is the Religious School Parent-Teacher Coordinator.

As a member of the Freidel Jewish Academy's board of directors, she

serves as Recruitment Committee Co-chair.

Mrs. Finkle holds a B.A. degree in Business Administration and Human Resources from Arizona State University and a B.S. degree in Biology and Chemistry from UNO. "I am looking forward to working with the agencies and all our dedicated volunteers. It is my , director of the Men's Campaign, to build upon the success of this great community," said Mrs. Finkle.

Mr. Bloom noted, "Sue is a great asset to our professional staff. Her energetic approach td the challenges ahead is an enhancement for our Federation."

MarkSanford

„OINING VISIONS HELPED HER SEE THAT LIFE COULD BE GOOD AGAIN.

Project Pantry update 100

1 100

* POUNDS POUNDS i 100 100 ' 100 POUNDS I! POUNDS POUNDS I

To date, 500 pounds of food has been colIcclfd through Project Pantry, the tzodakah project for Super Sunday '^7. Project Pantry benefits the Oinaha Food Bank, and collection bins are located at the JCC, the Rose Bluinkin Jewish Home, Friedel Jewish Academy and all area synagogues.

We are still far from our goal of 2,000 pounds of food. Please bring your non-perishable food items to the collection sites through Jan. 12.

FOCUS ON ISSUES

Israeli teen-agers agonize as military service beckons

by Michel e Chabin • JERUSALEM (JTA) - Abigail one felt the way I do, it would be very dangerous for the country."

Hoffman, a student at Jerusalem's High School of the Arts, is feeling a According to opinion polls, the IDF lot of pressure these days. has ample reason to worry. Although By the end of the school year, the percentage of Israelis who actualHoffman, a high school senior with ly serve-82 percent-has not dropped dreams of becoming a professional significantly during the past five dancer, will be drafted into the Israel decades, the number of young men Defense Force. wishing to serve in combat units-the heart and soul of the IDF-has "This generation isn't the dropped significantly. generation of the Yam In the most comprehensive survey Kippur War," Ms. on motivation to date, the Carnicl Hoffman said. "We appreInstitute of Social Research reported that only 52'percent of Jewish high ciate our quality of life. I school students would opt for combat •_ want freedom." assignments, compared with 63 percent in 1988. ' Hoffman admits that she is dreadWhile 67 percent of religious stuing military life. "I'm a dancer and I dents, as compared with 68 percent dance most of the week," she says.

'Dancing once a week, when I have a in 1988, would serve in combat units, break from the army, won't be only 48 percent of the secular respon.enough." dents said they wanted to go into Even beyond her professional combat, compared with 60 percent in goals, Hoffman does not want to 1988. On the other hand, the survey spend the next two years in khaki, found that most young Israelis accept which is one year less than her male the need to do military service. counterparts, for an additional reaShmuel Grcenberg, who describes son. "I grew up around people who himself as Orthodox and politically believe in doing what they want to. left-wing, said, "Many people feel the Torn between her personal desires jobs they do in the army are a waste land her legal responsibilities as an of time. If they're not motivated, they Israeli citizen, she says, "I'm not certainly won't be prepared to die for motivated to serve. There was a time the country." when I definitely didn't want to go, Sounding a bit wistful, he adds, "In but now I think maybe I will. I'm not most other countries, people our age •ure what to do." are thinking about choosing a univerThere is only one thing in this matsity, not an army unit. You cnn't ter that HofTman is sure of: "If everyblame people for wanting a life."

atiUiaasut; »tk.

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Aft'T l-.nr hiif.ti.iiifl 1 1 unbearable. Visions, .i Jewish Senior Services group lor aciive seniors, gave her a new outlook on life. Your gift helps thousands of seniors Just like her. The UJA/Fedaratlon Campaign Is at the heart of a sacred Jewish trust to buUd, strengthen and care for our community around the world. Keep that trust. Make your Increased gift today. At home, In Israel, and In B8 countries, no gift touches more lives.

^ 1997 FOR OURSELVES.

UJA/FEDERATION CAMPAIGN

FOR OUR CHILDREN.

FOR ISRAEL.

FOREVER.