January 17, 1997

ilewishPres

Ht. Hlhr SOCIETV ibi'in k ST

Calebratlng Mora Than 75 Yaars ofSorvlca

Vol. LXXIV

No. 19

Omaha, NE

9Shevat,6757

YJO Education Committee generates ideas by Pam Monsky Federation Commimications Director The first meeting of the Young Jewish Omaha (YJO) Education and Religious Committee met recently to brainstorm programming ideas for 1997. This is the third component of YJO which also includes the Social committee and Tikkun Oiam social action committee. Lisa Platt and Sandy and John Lehr are co-chairmen of the Education and Religious Committee, whose membership includes Andrea Grossman, Linda Lachin, Scott Meyerson, Julie Phillips, Mike and Shelly Pilchik and Jeff Zacharia. David Goldberg and Trenton Magid are co-chairmen. The committee hopes to schedule four programs for 1997, begrinning in February. Some of the ideas include informal panel discussions with local Jewish leaders and rabbis on a variety of current topics, such as parenting, women's issues, and political themes; Yom Ha'atzmaut programming with Jewish Cultural Arts Council; and a YJO mission to Israel in February or March, 1998. Sharon Kirshenbaum, Federation Young Leadership Coordinator, said, "this is a terrific way to provide educational and religious experiences for YJO members. Since the program is new and innovative, the content and ideas we are generating are really wide open."

Front row, from left: David Goldberg, John Lehr and Sandy Lehr. Back row: Linda Lachin, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Shelly Pilchik, Jeff Zacharia, Lisa Platt and Trenton Magid. Not pictured: Andrea Grossman, Scott Meyerson, Mike Pilchik and Julie Phillips. Young Jewish Omaha, sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, provides individuals, single and married, ages 20-40, with new and exciting ways to expand personal and professional contacts while learning about contemporary Jewish issues and Jewish community involvement. For more information, please contact Ms. Kirshenbaum at 334-6485.

Super Sunday reaches goal!

iary Javitob, a pait UJA/Federation Campaign, was among the 60 volunteers Sunday who phoned members of the Jewish Community for their "97 pledges.

ilanuary if, iM7

The mitzvah of leading services at the RBJH by Caren Friedman, Jewish Pnesa Intern, Washington University

m From left: Steve Riekes, Harold Gottlieb and Alan Shulewitz prepare for services.

From left: Albert Friedman, Phyllis Hoffinan, Harry Noodell, Rabbi Maximo Shechet and Yale Halperin lead services at the RBJH on a regular basis. Not pictured: Merle Potash and Miles Remer, who have recently retired; Don Schwartz, who leads holiday services; David Perilo, a teen escort of residents to and from services; and Mark Levy.

Rose Blumkin Jewish Home residents enjoy weekly Shabbat services, thanks to the commitment of a group of volunteer service leaders. Approximately 10 members of the community lead service on a rotating basis, according to Lois Wine, Volunteer Coordinator for the Home. The program has become a very important one; the residents look forward to the services, as religion plays an important role in their lives, said Mrs.- Wine. Yale Halperin has been conducting services ever since the old Philip Sher Home relocated and became the Rose Blumkin Home in 1982. He and the late Charlie Guss led traditional services for 10 years, until Guss passed away. At that time, Halperin felt that the job was too large to handle nione. That is when Wine stepped in to recruit volunteers to lead Shabbat services. Harry Noodell, a volunteer since 1991, the year his wife became a resident, says that he "spent more time there [RBJH] than at home." Each leader conducts the service in his or her own way, however, the traditional service has been found to be too lengthy for the residents. In order to allow residents to follow along and participate, the Shema Kolenu prayer book has replaced the longer service. Halperin continues to include parts of the traditional service he and Guss used to do. He sees his volunteer work as "a form of a mitzvah, bringing a flavor of Jewish services to them." The rotation of leaders is for Saturday morning services, which last about one hour. Services include weekly yarzeit services and monthly memorial services for those residents who passed away during that month. Nancy and Sheldon Rips act as a cantor and rabbi pair for monthly Friday night services. "It is a great pleasure to see these people remember younger, happier times as they sing old familiar melodies witli Nancy; read English Psalms and (Continued on page 9)

UJA/ Federation Campaign helps ADL-CRC remain current on issues Get more from your Anti-Defamation League by Shana Novak, Jewish Press Intern Syracuse University When the world-wide web is exposed to antiSemitic material, the Anti-Defamation League is there. When a skinhead tells his friends the Holocaust really didn't happen, the AntiDefamation League is there. But it does more for the world than combat anti-Semitic skin-heqds. Combating anti-Semitisim is, in fact, a big task for the Anti-Defamation League-Community Relations Committee (ADL-CRC). Tracking Neo Nazis, reporting synagogue vandalism, and monitoring militia activity are all important tasks. Thanks to funding from the UJA/Jewish campaign and other sources, this community has its own ADL-CRC, an important place for us, as well as those in Kansas, Iowa and parts of Missouri. *We're a place people turn to in dealing with this complex world,' said Larry Raful, President. "We're a resource," Bob Wotfson said. Wolfson is head of the Omaha Regional Office and Executive Director of the Omaha Fedenilion's CKC. He looks at the ADL as an organization focused on civil rights and education, but most importantly, a place used by everyone tu learn understanding and acceptance. Wolfson explained the two different types of action in which the ADL ii involved: "reactive," taking care of pressing isiuei-a swastika painted on a local synagogue or hate mail sent to the (Continued on page 9)

FOCUS ON ISSUES

Christian ad on 'shared' Jerusalem sparks Jewish anger, not surprise by Debra Nussbaum Cohen NEW YORK (JTA) - A recent ChrisUan-sponsored advertisement in The New York Times calling for Jews to share control over Jerusalem and for readers to lobby the U.S. Congress has left Jewish officials wincing in anger-but not surprised. Representatives of Jewish groups, many of which condemned the ad, say the intent of the campaign by Churches for Middle East Peace, which includes leaders of America's largest mainline Protestant denominations, is to erode U.S. government support for the Jewish state. Tliey say the effort is most troubling because of its potential influence over U.S. foreign policy toward Israel, and the possibility that it could contribute to disrupting the delicate political balance in Israel over Jerusalem. It is not surprising, Jews say, because sponsors of the campaign have a long history of criticizing Israel even as they work closely with Jewish groups on domestic issues of common concern. In addition to ttie ad, the group is also circulating to its member churches materials decidedly slanted against Israel, including a prayer and sample letters addressed to the chaimmn of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and to newspaper editors. Among other tilings, the material encourages (Continued on page 5)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 17, 1997

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Israel (liimp Weekend .Jan. 17-19 Luncheon MeeliuR, 12:1(0 p.tn.. Venice Irni Lunch & U^iirn, 12.15 p.m., al Belh Kl Kellow.ship Shabbat, 7 p.m ,at Reth Kl SATURDAY. JANUARY 18 Thoatri' I'crformance "Parallel Uvea." 8 prn. OHT "W.nes of the ORT World," 6:30 p.m., al Spirit World SUNDAY, JANUARY 19 lemplo Israel Religious School ,'Jrd (iradc Tu'H Shevat Seder, 10:30 am., at the l<ose Hlumkin -lewish Home N.lIiS Board MeelinR, 1 p m. JKS Dreams & Kealitifa Meeting, 2 p.m Theatre Perforni.'tnce "Parallel Lives," 2 p.m. CampiU'C Open Mouse, 2 p.m. Boy ScoDtA Pinewood IVrby, 4 p.m. MONDAY, JANUARY 20 YES Meeting, 10 am Boy Scouts/t'uh .Scouts, (> p m TUESDAY. JANUARY 21

Before the last--and most dreadful-of the plagues visited on Egypt, Moses is told to direct the people to borrow precious and sehii-precious jewels and gold and silver objects from their neighbors. The modern reader understands this as an explanation of the possession of all these precious items when latenthe Israelites use them as they build the tabernacle in the wilderness. In the text itself, it seems to be, a kind of payment for the unpaid servitude of tlie Israelites for so long a time. Baliya (14th c. Spain) offers an astounding interpretation at this point, based on the meaning of the word "re-a," Our translations generally use the word "neighbor." The text has, "Tell the people to borrow, each man from hiS'neighbor and each woman from hers..." But Bahya understands the word to mean "friend," which the Hebrew supports. And now he interprets, astonishingly: Before all the nations refused the Torah and Israel accepted it, all people, nations and societies were friends. But now that Israel is bound by Torah, and thus teaches a different kind of life-purpose from the other nations, that friendship has vanished. Something of the kind, perhaps you remember, is involved in the incident later on in the war of the Israelites against the Midianites (Numbers 31). What was first referred to as "for the Israelite honor" is changed to "for the honor of the Lord." That is to say, it was not that the Midianites hated Israelites as such. What they hated was the way of life of the Israelites. They could not stomach a way of life which gave prominence to values they did not share. Earlier in our own century, Maurice Samuel and others interpreted the Nazis' seething hatred of Jews as stemming from their hatred of the restraining values of Christianity (to which Jews had given birth!) on the blood and fire morality of the Teutonic, bellicose, aggressive "ethic." All of this breaks down, of course, when one considers Jewish-Christian relations over the ages. Logically, Christianity should have given all honor to Judaism, to which it owed its most cherished ideas and values (with certain exceptions, of course!). But psychologically, Christianity could not live with its debt to Judaism. And this resulted in the well-known unbridled Christian calumnies of Jews and Judaism, which in turn resulted both in a "bottomless pool of Jewish grieP (Cynthia Ozick) and in the loss of the Christian soul to Christianity itself A Lutheran friend of mine, a thorough-going scholar and professor of theology and ancient literatures, has carefully explained all of this in his Mature Christianity,and lovingly has tried to excise all of this anti-Judaism from the Christian Scriptures or explain it. But he, like me, thinks that it may take, alas, generations to undo the anti-Jewish animus which ancient Christianity had' implanted so deeply in the Christian consciousneBB.

Deaths MILTON W. KRASNE Services for Milton M. Krasne, 84, were held Jan. 13 at West Side Chapel, Burial was in Maple Grove Cemetery in Audubon, Iowa. He wis preceded in death by his wife, Elaine (Graham) Krasne. Survivors include a daughter, Mary Ann Haug of Denver; two brothers, Lloyd of Council Bluffs and Bernard of Overland Park, KS; and one grandson. Memorials to Cardiac Company at Methodist Hospital or charity of your choice. DORA D. WEINBERG Services for Dora Weinberg, 80, were held Jan. 15 at Temple Israel. Burial was in Beth El Cemetery. She was preceded in death by her husband, David, and a brother, Herbert Dolgoff of kiami, FL. Survivors include a son, Mike of Omaha; a daughter, Helene Kaufman of Los Angeles; five grandchildren; a brother, Edward Dolgoff of Omaha; a sister, Libby Fremer of Woodland Hills, CA; and nieces and nephews. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

Beth El celebrates opening Gendier Center by Jiil Belmont After attending Hebrew School in a variety of rental facilities for more than 20 years, Beth El Synagogue's kids are "coming home." Begiilning Jan. 26, all of Beth El's children will be in Hebrew School together at the synagogue, in the building's new addition, the H. Lee and Carol Gendier Family Center. The center, made possible in part by a generous contribution by the late H. Lee Gendier and his wife, Carol, as well as Beth El's congregants, will include classrooms, a media center and community area. The existing social is being expanded, as well. To celebrate the children's "homecoming," a special ceremony, called K'vi-at Haniezuzah (affixing the mezuzah), will take place Sunday, Jan. 26, from 9:30 to 10;30, according to Ilene Klein, cochairman of the Dedication planning committee. "This will be the first Sunday all of our children will be under one roof at the same time," Klein said. "The kids will learn the blessing over the mezuzah, then will help to affix it on their classroom entrances. We'd like to extend an invitation to all BESTT (Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah) parents and Beth El congregants to attend the ceremony," she said. During the ceremony, remarks will be made by Gendier, current and former Beth El Presidents Bruce Shackman and Bruce Friedlander, respectively, and BESTT Board President Bruce Gutnik, Klein said. Gendier will also affix a hand-carved mezuzah, formerly displayed at the old Beth El and made by former Omahan David Lazarus, at the entrance of the Family Center. Following the K'viat Hamezuzah ceremony, a study session for adults will take place, with Rabbi Michael Graetz, religious leader of Magen Avraham, Beth El's sister synagogue in Israel. Rabbi Graetz will address "What-is the Ideal Jewish Society and How Far Off is Israel from It?" (Continued on page 8)

Bim> Nifihl, 6 p m Temple Israel "Food for Thought." 11 ;30 a.m., ut Tem,)le Israel Temple Isriiel Hoard Mtg , 7 .'lO p.m., atTeinpli' WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 22 IVnai B'rilh Breadiireakers, noon lliidatituih Kducation ProKrnm, 7 p.m.. lit the homi' ol'Sandy Kohll Beth Kl Board Meeting, 7,10 p.m , at Beth Kl THURSDAY, JANUARY 23 Walk-In Drop-in, 10 a m Jewish Pres,« B<iard Meeting, notin Temple Israel Sjsterh(XHt Adult Kducatiun tf:.'l() am. at Temple Israel AM svenli n«ld al the JCC unKx olhtrwKe indicaltd The Jewish Press is nol responsible loi the accuiacy ot the above ovanls To Koop calonda' accuiale or lor quesliona, call Mailane Hurt at 334 6437

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FRIDAY: Shabbat family service, 7:30 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Jerry Kaye, Director of Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute, will be the guest speaker. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by 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. Sinicha B'Shabbat--An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. SUNDAY: P.E.P.-Parallel Education for Parents will meet at 10 a.m. "Food For Thought" The next luncheon session will be Tuesday from 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. Rabbi Azriel will lead the discussion. Bring a brown b9g lunch; Temple will provide the drinks. Adult Education January 23-Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:3011 aan., 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. TU B'SHEVAT SEDER Friday, Jan. 24, 6 p.m.-Join us in the celebration of the new year of trees. Cost is $7.50 for adults, and $4 for children. Please RSVP by Monday, Jan. 20, to the Temple office at 556-6536.

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, 5:05 p.m.; SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Cwgregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddish sponsored by Dr. Paul and Susie Shyken in honor of the Bar Mitzvah anniversary of their son, Jeffrey. "Parsha of the Week," a course led by Yakova Herzig, 4 p.m., at the home of the Herzigs; Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:25 p.m. at the synagogue; Mincha at 4:55 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariy and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 a.m., followed by breakfast and .class with Rabbi Kutner at 9:45 a.m., on The Siddiir: A Mudy of the background and meanin/; of the Prayer Book. Mincha, 5:05 p.m. WEDNESDAY: 7:30 p.m.-5a.sic Jeioish Thought, this week's topic is "The Significance of Tu B'Shevat." 8:30 p.m.-Synagogue Skills I, Torah reading. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 5:05 p.m. SISTERHOOD GIFT SHOP Open by appointment. Call Leah Siegel at 5565455.

Office Hours: Monday through 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 Siddur 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'nriv and Havdalah services, 5:10 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ADULT EDUCATION MINI COURSE, A course discussing questions of Jewish belief will be held Monday evenings, Jan. 20 and 27, 7:30-9 p.m., or Sunday, Feb. 2, 9 and 16 from 10a.m,-ll:30a.m. SISTERHOOD SHABBAT Members of Beth El Sisterhood will participate in Shabbat morning service on Jan. 25. Kiddish will follow, sponsoreoDy Sisterhood. KVIAT HA MEZUZAH Sunday, Jan. 26--To celebrate the completion of the newly-built Gendler Family Center, students will participate in a special ceremony, along with their teachers, in placing a mezuzah at the entry and at each classroom. The congregation is invited to attend this celebration.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, led by Steve Riekes and assisted by Albert Friedman, start at 9 a.m. . Members of the community are invited to join residents for the service and the ICiddish that follows.

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124 5130 758-9233 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., 3012 S. 119th St., Omaha. ' Religious School: Classes are held every Sunday at 10 a.m. at Westside Community Education Center, I08th and Grover. Call Dr. Marty Rosenberg, 390-9062, for placement. Jewish Book Club Jan. 23, 7:30 p.m., 3101 Leawood Dr., Bellevue, review the book From Jerusalem to the Edge of Heaven, by Rabbi An Elon. For details, contact Jeff Ferber at 455-8645. Please check the Beyt Shalom information line at 758-9233 for last minute weather-related schedule changes. Special Spirituality Shabbat Weekend, Jan. 24-25, with Rabbis Elisheva Sachs and Myriam Klotz from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College. Special Shabbat service Friday night; : Torah service Saturday and workshops; Tu B'Shevat seder, dinner and havdalah Saturday. Call the information line for details. Reservations required for the dinner.

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TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. • Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Early Kabbalat Shabbat services, 6:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat hosted by Julie and David Brockman. SATURDAY: Services start at 9:30 a.m.

OFFUTT 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE FRIDAY: Services start at 8 p.m.

The Jewish Press is looking tor individuals and families active in Omaha, Lincoln and Council Bluffs synagogues. If you would like to be interviewed for the Passover edition or if you have photos showing your activity in synagogue life, please call: the Jewish Press office, 334-6450

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th SL, Uncoln, NE 68502-2797 Services are officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious school, 10 a.m.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1322 So. 119th St, Omaha, NE 68154 607-1124 WKB~www.metawire.com/chabadneb E-MAIL~ShliachOaol.com SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., fallowed by Kiddish. SUNDAY; Davening starts at 9:30 a.m. WEDNESDAYS: Talmud classes, 9:30 a.m. THURSDAYS: Advanced Talmud, noon Yiddiah 'Hooked on Yiddish lessons, Wednesdays, 7 p.m.

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January 17,1997

fc

NEWS ANALYSIS

Editorial

Partisan wrangling threatens Jewish legislative strategies

Reforming welfare reform Last week, this paper highlighted the urgency of assisting elderly Jews from the former Soviet Union pass the United States citizenship exam. The need is real and so are the people behind that need. So far, Jewish Family Service has verified that 13 members of this community must become ', citizens by August of this year or lose all federal benefits. And there are more names on the list who 'will lose benefits later in 1997 or early 1998. For those readers who feel that the immediate family has the responsibility to support these elderly Jewish men and women, please remember this: this community not only voted to participate in the biggest exodus of our people since the days of Moses, but,opened its pockets and generously supported that exodus with enough funding to reunify families here and in Israel. We have a responsibility, too. There are no easy answers. But JFS is working overtime to find solutions. As reported, their first series of citizenship classes will start early next month. Staff members of both JFS and Jewish Senior Services are coordinating their efforts to identify those refugees most at risk. But the Jewish community should also consider ;, lobbying members of Congress and the Unicameral on this issue. While we all agree that welfare reform was necessary, some changes must be made to the bill passed last August. States do have the discretion to continue Mcdicaid payments to • refugees, should Gov. Nelson and the legislature choose to do so. America has, until recently, opened its arms to immigrants. Now that they're here, we have an obligation to those least able to care for themselves. Surely there are some exceptions that can be made for the elderly or infirm who do not have the ability to learn English or pass a difficult exam. L^'s make the reform of welfare reform a priority.

It's not over 'til... As we go to press, the Israeli Cabinet and members of the Palestinian National Council are debating the agreement initialed in the early hours of Wednesday morning by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Chairman Yasser-Arafat. We await the decisions of the two governmental bodies which then bear the responsibility of upholding this latest pact on Hebron. In exchange for the pullout of troops, we also await peace.

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by Matthew Dorf WASHINGTON (JTA) - Partisan wrangling over Although the numbers did not change that much, the re-election of Speaker of the House Newt the personalities did, forcing "some profound stratGingrich (R-Ga.) emerged as a key threat to one of egy differences" in the Jewish comn^unity, the'Jewish community's central strategies for the Saperstein said. , "In the last Congress, we used the Senate as a 105th Congress. Concerned by the conservative legislative direc- more moderate block against the excesses of the tion of the last Congress, Jewish activists had House," Saperstein said. "This Congress is very difhoped to advance their own political agenda this ferent. The House is Slightly mor? moderate, but time by helping to cultivate a moderate center of the Senate is arguably one of the 'most politically conservative of the century." House Democrats and Republicans. Specifically, Jews had hoped to work together With this in mind, many activists are cautioning with other religious and ethnic groups to encourage against being "lulled into a false sense of security," congressional moderates to oppose some budget said Reva Price, associate director of the B'nai cuts and to resist expected legislative initiatives on B'rith Center for Public Policy. "Last Congress we certain social issues many Jews view as regressive. thought: 'Let the House be as crazy as they want. But Gingrich's ethical troubles, which triggered We'll stop it when it gets to the Senate.' This bitter battles as Congress opened last week, threat- Senate won't be there for us," she said. ened the pledge of good relations between the parFor months, representatives of Jewish groups ties that had followed the November elections. have been meeting to strategize on how to cultivate Gingrich narrowly won re-election to his post, but a crafting a moderate core of Democrats and the political bickering is likely to continue as the Republicans in both the House and Senate. House Ethics Committee begins consideration of What emerged is a religiously diverse coahtion, what measures to take against him. including virtually all Jewish groups, that came togpther to urge passage of one piece of legislation, Without bipartisanship, many the Workplace Religious Freedom Act, which affords greater protection against discrimination Jewish activists fear that the against religiously observant employees.' Republican majorities in Activists say they hope that a cooperative and Congress will face off against bipartisan push for this measure will lead to future the White House and congresvictories after developing early relations with sional Democrats instead of members of Congress and their senior aides. They cooperating on policy issues. also hope is will lead to the emergence of new lead"A whole slew of social-welfare and social-justice ers of a moderate center. programs will face a tougher time in a more partiEqually important, some activists say, is a san atmosphere," said Jason Isaacson, Washington defense against the expected push for school prayer director of the American Jewish Committee. "It cer- and other initiatives that would erode the separatainly does seem to be shaping up as a mean sea- tion between church and state. These activists son." hope that passage of the workplace legislation will Among the issues of most pressing concern in the serve to dissuade lawmakers from pushing for organized Jewish community are restoring welfa e other measures on religious issues. cuts to legal immigrants and defeating a series of "Many people will want to demonstrate religious expected constitutional amendments. bonafides and that they can deliver to religiously The last Congress, in passingjnajor welfare- observant constituents," said Michael Lieberman, reform legislalion,eliminated federal benefits to Washington counsel for the Anti-Defamation legal imqiigrai^fi an^^olish^^e federal guaran- League. "If we have this in our arsenal, we stand a tee of social serw*s to Aiheric^lpoor. better chance to stop other measures." In this period of uncertainty, "the key is to forge As strategies turn into action, Jewish groups enough of a centrist block, it will have to be reck- plan to increase their reliance on grass-roots oned with," said Rabbi David Saperstein, director activism to persuade lawmakers on both sides of of the Religious Action Center of Reform Judaism. the aisle. When the November votes were tallied. "Over the last 20 years there has not been a sinRepublicans had maintained control of the House gle major political initiative from the Jewish comand extended their majority in the Senate. munity" that has not had bipartisan support, Republicans won a slimmer mjyority, 227-207, in Saperstein said. He cited Soviet Jewish rescue the House, which now also has one Independent. In efforts, support for Israel, the separation of church the Senate, the GOP extended its majority, now and state as well as civil and women's rights initiaoperating with a 55-45 advantage. tives.

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The role of ihe Jewiali Federation orOmiilin is lo invnivi- .li'w.i m imriiiii' .liwi.:!, r.>j.iiininiil needs locally, nationally and in laraol Agenctcii of the Federalion are: Comniuniiy Kcliilions, .Jewish i oniiiiuniii' ( inter, .Irwmti Education, Jcwiah Prc«», Jewish Family Service. Uhrary and Bureau for the Aging, Tha Jcwiah Praaa (USPS 275620) is published v.eckly on Friday fo- «;2fi per calendar year U.S., 130 foreign, by the Jcvtiih Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68I&4. PerieJical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMA.STKR: Send address change* to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NB 68IS4, Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-S422; B-oail <jshpfsa»>Bol.coiii> ' i1,

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Stcvo Lcvinger, Vice President; Lloyd Roitstcin, Treanurer, .lane Kips, .Secretary; Cynthia Gpatein; Sieve Dannn, Marci Gallner, Joanie Jacobson; Sheryl Lee; Fred Mogul; George Schapiro; Fred Tichauer; Sylvia Wagner. Kdiloriali express the view of the writer and are not necessarily reprer.entiitivp of the views of the Jewish Presa Board, the JI'WIHII Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community iis a whole. The Jewish Prasa reaerva* the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Presa is not responsible for the Kashnilh of any product or establishment.

January 17,1997

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageS

Jewish Community reacts to Christian ad (Continued from page 1) members to urg^ the U.S. government to press negotiators to "^ove beyond exclusivists' claims" to Jerusalem. i The Dec. 21 ad also included a coupon addressed i to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee urging the committee's members "to raise and recommend the concept of a shared Jerusalem" in the confirmation hearings for the next U.S. Secretary of State, to which Madeleine Albright has been nominated. Corinne Whitlatch, director of Churches for Middle East Peace, denied that her group wants to influence U.S. foreign policy toward Israel. In a telephone interview, she said the disposition of Jerusalem's status is up to the Israelis and Palestinians, and that "our ultimate goal is to open up the debate a bit. In many people's minds there are only two options for Jerusalem: Greater Jerusalem under the sole sovereignty of Israel or a divided Jerusalem. "The discussion of other options can bring about a different future for the peoples," she said. "The .(|efinition of a shared Jerusalem is more a construct of the mind and the attitude" than a politi«al construct, she added. Leaders of some of America's largest Protestant denominations, including the United Methodist Church, Episcopal Churchy Presbyterian Church (USA), United Church of Christ, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and the Disciples of Christ, signed onto the ad. So did leaders of smallel- denominations and religious orders, including the Unitarians, Quakers, Mennonites, Maryknoll Sisters, and MaryknoU Fathers and Brothers, as well as the head of the group that oversee^, all Catholic orders of nuns and monks.

Several major Jew^ish groups ' raced to issue press releases ' condemning the group's effort. Many said the 12-year-old Washington-based group has always lobbied against Israeli interests and on behalf of what it perceives to be Palestinian concerns. Churches for Middle East Peace "has had a long record" of opposition to Israeli interests, said Rabbi A. James Rudin, director of interreligious affairs at the American Jewish Committee. Rabbi Leon Klenicki, director of interfaith affairs for the Anti-Defamation League, agreed. Their "constant criticism of the State of Israel is the new way of theological anti-Judaism, of the teaching of contempt," he said. "Before, they denied us a role in God's plan and now they want to deny us a place in history," he added. ' The Churches' campaign,.kicked off by the ad headlined "Christians Call for a Shared Jerusalem," comes after a brief hiatus from what one Jewish interreligious affairs professional called the group's "history of bashing Israel." The group has, in the past, lobbied against U.S. military and economic aid to Israel, and against legislation requiring the U.S. Embassy to move from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. That hiatus coincided with a Middle East peace process that was headed in a direction that the

Christian signatories apparently liked. One example is the recent effort by Jewish groups to aid black churches destroyed by arson. Jewish groups have also worked with the National Council and its members to prevent erosion of the constitutional wall separating church and state, and on public policy issues such as abortion la\y. The campaign will not prevent the AJ,C and other groups from continuing a relationship with its backers where there are concerns of mutual interest, said Rudin of the AJC. Meanwhile, how-

Despite their sense of the group's anti-Israel positions, Jews have often worked closely with organizations included in the Christian umbrella group. ever, Jewish groups hope to counter the Jerusalem campaign, alid prevent similar future efforts, by discussing their concerns with its signatories now. Jewish statements condemning the Churches for Middle East peace were also issued by the American Jewish Congress, the Orthodox Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union's Institute for Public Affairs. In addition, some long-time prominent Christian friends of Israel rose to challenge the group's premise in as-yet unpublished letters to the editor of The New York Times.

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Community organizations seek nominations

Grief and Loss support group

ewish Family Service will ofTer a support Rroiip, free of charge, for individuals who have experijenced the death of a loved one. I The group will run for 12 consecutive weeks, starting Jan. 29, on'Wednesdays, 7-8:30 p.n). (room TBA), at tlie JCC. It will focus on personal grief and loss issues, and educational materials will be provided. JFS recognizes that grief is a healing process without boundaries or timelines. However, this group is not recommended for those who have experienced a loss through suicide or violent death. For more information, please contact Jennifer Meyerson at Jewish Family Service. ,'t.30-2024. Preregistratiop is requested.

Omaha Theater Company presents Rebel Without a Cause The Omaha Theater Company for Young I'eople at the Rose will present Rebel Without a Cause as •the next production in the teen theater program. The all-teen production features Rachel Shukert as the female lead. David Ciutman is also in the cast. The play will be presented Jan. 2.3, 25 and 26 ''at 7 p.m. Call 345-4H'li) hir infiirmatinn and resen'ations.

YWCA

The YWCA's annual 'Tribute to Women' luncheon, to be held May 20, honors outstanding Omaha-area womenfor their achievement in eight categories. Nominations are due by noon Friday, Feb. 7, according to Joanne R. Harrell, Vice president-Nebraska for US WEST Communications, Inc., and chair of the i997 'Tribute to Women' selection committee. The eight categories for awards include: arts/ humanities, business, communications, education, entrepreneur, human services/community advocate, professions and professional volunteer. Volunteers and paid staff are eligible in most categories. In addition to being honored at the luncheon, the eight women will be featured on KMTV-3 in Women of Mid-America vignettes during the summer. For a nomination form with more information, call the YWCA at 345-6555. Nominators may also update nominations submitted in the past. UNITED WAY OF THE MIDLANDS United Way of the Midlands Volunteer Resource Center is accepting nominations for outstanding volunteer awards. For npmination forms, call 5227930 or 522-7931. Deadline is Feb. 7. Winners, including the Volunteer of the Year and the Volunteen of the Year, will be recognized at the annual lunchc'on to be held April 15 at noon in Ak-Kar-Iien Hall. Cost is $80 per table of eight, or .$10 per person.

Auditions announced THEATRE AT THE J The Theatre at the J has announced auditions for •the Youth Theatre production o{Anne Frank and Me by Cherie Bennett. All roles available for girls ages 12-18; and boys 14-18. Audition dates are Tues., Jan. 28, and Thursday, Jan. 30, 4:30-0:30 p.m. for both days. No appointments necessary, and no preparation required. Rehearsal will be held Feb. 3-March 17. Performances are March 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23.

Camp JCC to hold open house

OMAHA COMMUNITY PIAYHOUSE The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold auditions for its mainstage production of To Kill a Mockin/ibird. Dales and times are: Jan. 21 -children ages 9-12 at 4 p.m., adults of all ages at 7 p.m. Jan. 22-adults of all ages, 7 p.m. Those auditioning are asked to read from the script. The production will run Feb. 28-March 23. For more information, call the Playhouse at 5534890.

1996 campers eivjoy cooking chug (one of the daily activities): Jessica Hasslinger, Justin Drucker, Arieh Bloom, Rini Gonsher (Camp cook), Nathan Fineman, Daniel Ocanto, Gal Tsabari and Bei^i Friedman, The Jewish Community Center of Omaha will hold an Open House for Camp Jay-C-C Sunday, Jan. 19, 2-3 p.m., in room 10 at the Jewish Community Center. Camp Jay-C-C is a two-week overnight camp run by the JCC of Omaha for campers entering third through eighth grade in the Fall of 1997. This year, it will run from July 21 through Aug. 3. At Camp Jay-C-C, held in Fremont, NE, campers enjoy the closeness of a 1:4 slalT-to-camper ratio while engaging in a variety of activities, such as horseback riding, tennis, tye-dying, sports, leather craft, Israeli dancing, and swimming. The importance and uniqueness of each camper's Jewish observance is also recognized, according to Camp Jay-C-C Director Beth Cohen. In addition. Camp celebrates Shabbat each week as a community, and operates a VAAD supervised kosher kitchen. The Open House will give parents and campers the opportunity to get more information. Camp Jay-C-C is open to JCC members and nonmembers.

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Margo Parsow Claire Passer FeFe Passer Ellie Penner Mike Pichik ' Shelly Pichik Jako Pilloy Rose Pillor Bart) Platt Lisa Platt Enid Pollack Gwen Pred Nancy Rech Dodi Redler Sieve Redler Barbara Rennard Esther Rice Kimberly Robinson Dick Rochman Judy Roffman Phyllis Roffman Sl^ta Roffman Margo Rosen Ann Rosenblatt Dottie Rosenblum Carin Rosmsky Charney Rosmsky Bunny Hothenberg Phil Hothholz Susan Rolhholz Bony Rubin Jayne Ruback Marcy Ruback Bridget Ryalls U,.,. IK, .11^

, tn ;..:;, .....,;.,id Vicki Santord Jan Schneidorman Betty Segon Dora Shofren Su/y Sheldon Alison Sherman Claudia Sherman Debra Shernfwn Patty Sherman Debbie Shonfeld Ken Shonfold Ariel Shukort AvevB ShuHen Marty Schukert

Cindy Shulewitz Jackie Siegel Richard Sieget Sissy Sitber Susan Silver Susie Silverman Joie Simon Kim Simon Judy Sinx)ns Suzanne Singer Ellen Slosburg Chartotle Slulzky Audrey Sophir Merrian Speigal Dorothy Spizman Char Stella Megan Stenner Rocky Slern Shelley Slern Denlse Sloney Loun Sullivan Barbara Taxman Paige Tompsott Selma Tretiak Litzie Trustin Eadie Tsabah Betsy Tully Deanna Tully Gloria Vann Judy Vann Joodi Veitzer Mary Lou Walker Esther Wax Joyo Wees Ann Woitz Angie Wheeler Barb WIdman Janol Wintroub Blanche Wise Nancy Wolf Selh Woodke Ken Workman Barb Zachana Amee Zetzman Linda Zirrvnerman Diane Zipay Charlotte Zipursky Sally 2»pursky Bev Zuber Hermene Zweiback Judy Zweiback

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ThG Spice in our Sacred Seasons

Jewiah Press, Omaha, NE

A look at the sijeclal day$

l>age 7

of the Jewish year...

by Ozzie Nogg (reprinted from the Feb. 1, 1991, iitue ofth^ Jewish Press; A legend to kart with.. . On the Third Day, after uod created the plants, He asked them where they wanted to grow and blossom. The haughty replied, "On top.ofa great mountain, so all must look up to us." The lazy said, "Plant us wliere the air is pleasant and rain is plentiful so we may grow in ease and comfort." But the hlive, pg and date trees, the pomegranate, barley and wheai asked to be planted in a land that was small and dry. "Why do you make this odd request?" asked God. And they answered. "One day You will give the land iof Israel to the Jewish people. Let us help them make the desert bloom. Let us grow green on the rocky hill sides and flower in the valleys and fields. Let us prouide Your people with shelter in our shade and nourishment from our fruit so they may dwell in a good land. A land of plenty and of peace." This answer pleased God very much, and He did as they asked. Perhaps this gentle story, set in the very Beginning, can help us better understand the nature, as it were, of Tu B'Shevat (this year celebrated on Jan. 23). The day each spring that emphasises the primordial connection between the People Israel and the land of Israel. The day when Jews throughout the ages have celebrated the renewal of the trees which feed our bodies with their fruit and feed our spirits with their beauty. The day we call the New Year of the Trees. Just as the fate of man is decided on Hosh Ilashanah-accArding to the rabbis-is the fate of the trees decided oh 15 Shcvat. Rosh Ilashanah L'llanot. On that day it is determined which trees will flourish and which will wither and suffer. , Trees sufTer? Did the rabbis think trees had feelings, just as humans do? Next thing you know, someone will suggest (and then put in writing) that our unsophisticated fortbears went even further. That they watched the trees "die" in winter— watched them, miraculously, come "alive" again in spring and were then led to say, "What's this? Where a man dies he stays dead. But trees are reborn! Trees are more powerful than man! Trees

musi, be GODS!" Well, if our ancestors did, indtH>d, consider trees divine (pilui, pitui) tlhey were not alone. Many early peoples worshipped in sacred groves, heard oracles speak from tret^s and believed that when a tree was chopped down its soul shrieked and groaned and hn who cut down the tree would surely die.'On the spot. Now, before you argue that only pagans went for such "narishkite," let us look to the Talmud. Right there it is written that the son of Rabbi IlaiUnah died. And why? Because he cut down a fig tree! As for oracles—many rabbis thought that trees had a special language. And God spoke to Moses from a thorn-bush, did He not? And how about Abraham? Yes, on his journey towards monotheism hn smashed his father's idols, but when the three angels paid him their' famous visit he relied on the magical movements of the oak tree growing near his tent to determine whether the visitors were idolaters or pious believers in God. Now, even with these examples of "precedence," I'm not giving up my synagogue membership and running to the forest to worship trees. Still, on those days when the prayer book and ritual doesn't (luile "do it" for me, I wonder if getting closer, literally, to the earth from which (according to the The Story) we were made would lift my spirits. No, I'll not paint myself blue like a Druid and dance around a sacred oak, uttering incantations. (My Celtic is sketchy and besides, what would the neighbors think?) But 1 might go out in my yard and hug a tree. Don't snicker. Some say that if we hold on tight enough, we can fee! the vibrations running through the.se amazing creations of (Jod. The Kabbalists of old Snfed would probably applaud if they saw us embracing a tree, ('siM^cially on Tu B'Shevat. Much of their phiUxsophy is based on the Tree of Life, growing (in their description) upside down, its roots in heaven with God—its branches reaching down to bring us the flow of divine energy which continually recreates (Ireation, renews the world and gives sparks of life to every-

THANK YOU for supporting the Jewish Federation's 1997 Tzedakah Project! PAUL EPSTEIN AND STEVE SIMON General Campaign Co-chairmen

LINDA MANN

AND

BARBARA PLATT

Women's Campaign Co-chairmen

TOM FELLMAN

thing. These sages, revived the observance of Tu B'Shevat so that the people could Express joy and thankfulness for the trees which God created. To acknowledge the renewal of the world of nature. The Tree of Life (right-side up in another version) stands in the middle of Paradise. It would take a man 500 years to walk around its trunk. From its roots flow streams of milk, honey, wine and oil that nourish the world. Under the shade of its branches, groujw of pious men study Torah. From its branches, it is said, Moses cut his staff and the writing-reed with which he inscribed the Torah. The Tree of Life is more beautiful and fragrant than any other created thing. And when God visits Paradise it is there, in the Tree of Life, that I le rests. Sounds good to me. So how can we bring a bit of this luminous Tree of IJfe to our little patches of earthly paradise? How can we test observe Tu B'Shevat? *Givc charity. On Rosh Ilashanah, charity averts the severity of the decree. Likewise, charity will help lh(! trees on Tu B'Shevat. *l'lant some |)ots of parsley and romaine and.put them in a sunny window. With luck and TLC they'll IM! ready for your I'lussovcr Seder. *Plant a tree, of course. At home or in Israel. Or, if your weather [Kirmits, plant a garden. According to the Talmud, it is forbidden to live in a city that has no garden. A tetiend to cud willi. . .When God created the plants, each one brought forth 926 different kinds of fruit, all of which lasted sweet as the fruit of I'orndise. lint then, one day, Cain killed his brother Abel. The plants and trees went into mourning. They grieved over Abel's death. Abel's blood soaked the ground and the fruits of the earth became nothing hut thorns and thistles. Eventually, with the birth of Seth, the trees began to bloom again, but never as splendidly as before. They could not forget that brother had murdered brother. In their sorrow, each tree bore only one kind of fruit. And so it will remain until the Messiah ushers in the World to Come.

Super Sunday '97

Project Pantry

Thanks to Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Bcyt Shalom Synagogue, B'nai Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel, Friedel Jewish Academy, Rose Bluinkin Jewish Home and the Omaha Jewish Community, we have reached our goal of 2,000 pounds of rood fur (he Omaha Food Itank! THANK YOU! Slicri & Mike Abranison Bonnie & Steve Levingc Siiiu'i Siiiiihy ('i)-tli(iiivu

Federation President 1997 UJA/Federalion Campaign ampaign

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HOWARD BLOOM Federation Executive Director

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 17,1997

Beth El celebrates (Continued (rom page 2) Rifbbi Graetz's presentation will kick off a four-part adult education mini course, to be held Feb. 2, 9 and 16, from 10 to 11;30 a.m., according to Rabbi Paul Drazen. Rabbi Drazen will lead the sessions, which will deal with "Finding a Personal Theology." "We're pleased that for the first four weeks the Family Center is open, there will be an opportunity for families to study together," he said, "The start of 1997 marks a new chapter for our synagogue," dedication planning committee cochairman Vicki Sanford said. "With this beautiful new addition, Beth El will see generations of families coming together to study and share Jewish education for years to come." Sanford noted that the Jan. 26 ceremony will be the first to dedicate the syjiagoguc's new addition; a more formal ceremony will take place April 13. She also expressed gratitude to the entire dedication planning committee, which includes HoUie Fineman, Bruce Shackman, Andrea Grossman, Susie Silverman, Judi Moore, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Bert Lewis, Jill Belmont, Joye Wees, Carol Gendler, Dinah Raful and Joanie Jacobson.

Original play to appear at the Omaha Magic Theatre Star Path Miuiii SID/I by Megan Terry, just back from Asia and U.S. lours, is the Theiitre's rniL'^t recent large touring production. The play is about moving from one place to ' another either by choice or force. The production will appear at the Omaha Mngic Theatre Friday, .Jan. 24 and Saturday, Jan. 2h at 7;30 p.m., and : Sunday, Jan. 20, at a 3 p.m. Call 346-1227.

Pillsbury to open subsidiary in Israel

It's a wrap!

National Council of Jewish Women volunteers completed their third annual holiday gift wrap fund-raiser in December. In addition to chairwomen Sue Meyers (pictured) and Joanie Lehr and 325 volunteers worked 1,155 hours and raised nearly $10,000. The funds will be used for Omaha Section projects. Day chairwomen included Audrey Cohen, Marlene Dandy, Judy Farber, Beth Friedman, Barbara Frohman, Cindy Goldberg, Debbie Joscphson, Kate Kirshenbaum, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Margaret Linden, Fefe Passer, Ellie Penner, Judy Roffman, Charney Kosinsky, Joie Simon, Rocky Stern, Shelley Stern and llermenc Zweibadk.

JERUSALEM (Yediot Ahronot), The Pillsbury management says, "Israel is a country of 5 million people but it eats like 9 million," so the company is planning to open a subsidiary called Pillsbury, Israel under the full ownership of, and with a very large investment from its American parent company. The company did a survey before,their decision and found that 54% of Israeli families have children under 15 as opposed to the U.S. with 34%; 82% of the women work outside the home as compared to 57% in the U.S., and there were 36 millik homemade cakes baked in Israel, the highest per^ capita in the world. In the U.S., 90%. of "homemade" cakes are from mixes; 77% of cakes made in Israel are made from scratch at home. In the first stage, they will "kasher" (make kosher) their European plant of the Old El Paso line of Mexican foods, and import the products into Israel.

CORRECTION

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Jonathan Salmi Andrew Novak In la.st week's edition, the photos of Jonathan Salmi and Andrew Novak were inadvertently transposed on the Teem I'age. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

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Page 9

Jhe mitzvah of leading services

Iprgarilzaflons ,

Jewish Presa, Omaha, NE

YES BREADBREAKERS YES will meet Monday at the JCC. English as a B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday second language is offered at 10 a.m. Exercise and at noon at the Jewish Community Centerj accordbingo both start at 10:30 a.m. Choral rehearsal and ing to Adam Jacobs, co-chairman for January. Len "YES Talk" start at 11. Following lunch at Schultz, who was treasurer of the Lodge for more noon, Bob Marble, candidate for City Council, will _than 10 years, will be honored. A round-table disspeak. For transportation, call 330-4272. cussion will also be held. | WALK-IN DROP-IN KIBBITZ. KVELL and COFFEE iWalk-In Drop-In will meet Thursday at the JCC. Parents of children with special needs will meet Exercise and English class both start at 10 a.m.; Wedijtesday, 7:30 p.m., at the home of Debbie and bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to Mark Salomon. For more information, call Susie eat at 11:30. The thriller movie "A Time to Kill," Drazen, BJE Director, at 334-6445. will be shown at noon. Popcorn will be served. RUSSUNCLUB HADASSAH Members will meet Friday, Jan. 24, at the JCC. Dr. Michael Yablonski will present the musical Exercise starts at 10 a.m.; lunch will be served at program for residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish 11. At 11:30 a.m., we will visit Red Square, an Home at the monthly Oneg Shabbat Saturday, Jan. import store in the Old Market. Cost is $1. Make 25, 2 p.m., in the Home's auditorium. The program reservations with Lydia Linde at 697-9169. will be followed by a tea in the main dining room. nflTHHua 2^ HHBanfl l^q" Hadassah members, associates and friends are 10 00 <l'H3Ky.ibTipHue vnpaHtKPHiiH asked to come at 1:30 to assist in bringing residents 11 on .laHM 11 30 JeHi- nne^jKM , to the auditorium. Mbi nopjPM Ha urn TfiK h ( TapnMV f'wHKV nhcMnrpPTb Ha Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will host an evening ^ :iMBirT'? nbHbiil of "talk" Wednesday, Jan. 22, 7 p.m., at the home of MarasilH liMnnpTHfclx TuBapnli KparHan riioiuaah ll nosHaKoMliTkcmMaramiHa JiiaHon M EneHon OHM VTOCTAT Hac pyrcKiiM Sandy Kohll, 1617 S. 107 St. Nancy Rampey B.iajeibuaHH HapM Mbi Bianamow, Psychotherapist, will speak on "Dealing npPKpacHo npoBPaPM BPPMB a cMoncen KvnHTt tTn-HHftfabiiHHTeperHii' ii BKvcHoe CToiiMocTb nnpsjKH I 3<)map 3app3epBt!pynTp Mprro no3BoHttB with Stress." .iHJllll

Get more from your ADL

(continued irom page D

rabbi. "Proactive" action includes community Confronting Anti-semitism." Aimed at Jewish forums and teenage discussion sessions-programs youth and families, the seminar addresses ways to to educate before about prejudices. combat anti-Semitisim in an effective and healthy Many proactive activities go on around the Way. Debbie Brown, Assistant Director of the ADLOmaha Jewish community-most focus on helping CRC, said that the program is a way to face the all people handle the pressures of prejudices and problem rather than retreat. unacceptance. These programs call for community Other programs for the Jewish Community involvement, something very valuable to the ADL- include panel discussions and group speakers. Bob CRC, since this ADL office also serves as the home Wolfson said that his is an especially good organiof the community relations responsibilities. zation in which to be involved in the Jewish com"All people have something in common," said munity because so many issues arise which raise Wolfson of the ADL's program World of Difference interesting questions. Institute. "It's a non-confrontational self-discovery For the future, Wolfson hopes the community model that encourages people to recognize their will continue to recognize the ADL-CRC as an similarities and differences." The seminars received important and helpful organization in need of comfederal funding to provide yoiing children training munity support. in facing these reahties. "Regional and local issues are becoming more The ADL-CRC reaches out to the whole communi- important. The strength of the ofBce is growing. It ty with the Prejudice Elimination Workshop- all makes the ADL-CRC a very exciting place to . aimed at 11th graders from all area high schools. be," he said. Representatives from each school meet and spend Most of all, Wolfson wants the Anti-Defamation the day together-discussing the problems and solu- League-Community Relations Committee of tions of anti-Semitisim and prejudices. Omaha to be publicly known as a resource-open to It holds seminars for the Jewish Community, like all people who are open to understanding.

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from page 1) prayers with me; and even listen to my short wor^s of Torah. For many there is great comfort and companionship lin going to a service," said Mr. Rips. Mrs. Rips said that she has always wanted to be a cantor, and that this opportunity fulfills her dream. She views the Nancy and services as "very spirituSheldon Rips al" and "walks away feeling wonderful." She and her husband have been leading Friday services for three years. Even with the dedication of the volunteers, there is still a need for more. It is hard to find people with the knowledge and the willingness to participate, according to Mrs. Wine. Everyone is welcome, including high school and college students. "It really would be a mitzvah to give to the residents," said Wine. Halperin said that he receives a sense of "satisfaction that I'm doing the Lord's work." However, he notes satisfaction as simply a bonus. "Most people do it because they want to."

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society to host reception Boys Town Executive Director Father Val J. Peter and members of the family of the late Henry Monsky will be honored at an informal reception Sunday, Jan. 19, 2:30 p.m., in the gallery of the Jewish Community Center. The opportunity for "remembering" will take place in front of the 'Men of Vision" exhibit, which was originally prepared by the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society and the Boys Town Hall of History members. A number of Boys Town staff and members of the board of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will join in the celebration of the work of both Flanagan and Monsky in starting the first Father Flanagan's home for boys in 1914.

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Jennings' Jerusalem jihad

, by Andrea Levin, National President, ON CAMERA i Sayilds for Peter Jennings—he's unabashed in Olives, digging a road there and using Jewish placing ABC at the disposal of the Arab agenda, tombstones as a pathway to an army latrine. Thoug|h the network has been embarrassed by the There is not a word of this from Jennings, though need for repeated on-air corrections of inaccuracies he repeatedly points out how "very modern" the about Israel, the recent 'Jerusalem Stories" (Dec. Jewish Quarter is today. Why? Because the Arabs destroyed Jerusalem in 19, 1996), is testimony that t|ie anchorihan's aniI nius toward Israel is undiminished. • 194& and when the jews united the city, they had> The hour-long program offered a propagandist's tp rebuild it. Again, the half-truth amounts to a He,, view of Jerusalem in which aggressive and appar- with images of new construction reinforcing the ently fanatical newcomer Jews dispossess moderate rhetoric of interloper Jews encroaching on the terand humane Arabs of their property and heritage. rain of authentic, native Arabs. Christians suffered too at the hands of the Arab However crude, the segment undoubtedly persuaded many viewers that the Jews are an unreason- regime from 1948 to 1967. In the face of these repressive policies, the Christian population able lot and Arabs the victims in this dispute. Underscoring the theme of Jewish intrusion, declined from 25,000 in 1948 to less than 11,000 in ABC notably presented only foreign-born Jews to 1967. Only under Israeli control did the Old City's embody the views of inhabitants of the ancient Christian population begin to recover, reaching Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem, while viewers were 14,000 as of 1991, Israel is to blame for the repeatedly reminded of the long lineage of the Christians' decline, says Jennings. Censored for millions is not only the history of Arabs. This was the case even though Jews have lived almost continuously in the city for millennia, Jewish persecution at the hands of the Arabs, but and Jerusalem has had a Jewish majority for more also Israel's policies toward its former enemies. than a century. Jewish Jerusalemites with long Despite the history of Muslim intolerance, when family ties to the city were rendered invisible and Israel reunited Jerusalem in 196'(, religious freepopulation figures underscoring the Jews' historic dom and access to holy sites was mandated. Indeed, in an act of conciliation, Israeli Defense numerical preeminence were omitted. A European-born Jew described his feelings of Minister Moshe Dayan promptly certified the consolemn connection to the Jewish people and to tinuation of the 'status quo' on the Temple Mount. Jewish history, explaining the nrcheological project That meant Muslim officials would continue to he'd undertaken. Though his story is touching, have authority over the holiest site in Judaism— Jennings' responses are perfunctory, and, in a which is not, in fact, the Western Wall, although nasty bit of editing, the ABC anchorman returns to the Wall is mischaracterized as such by Jennings, who calls it "absolutely the most important place in the man's home near the close of the program, A partygocr there, apparently an affluent all of Judaism." The Temple Mount, where the American Jew, is heard declaring that Arabs ought First and Second Temples stood, is the holiest site. Jennings is ignores the fact that when the to feel "lucky" that now, under Jewish sovereignty, they have "respectable health care" and get their Muslims conquered Jerusalem they constructed "garbage cleaned up." The man's point, that Arabs their mosques atop the Mount precisely because it enjoy a much higher standard of living than previ- was Judaism's holy site. But, in a pglicy of national ously thanks to the Israeli administration, is valid forbearance, Jews have accepted that only Muslims and important and totally ignored in the program, pray on the Mount while Jews conduct their own but Jpnniiigs has turned the moment into an ugly devotions at the Western Wall. Not one word of any of this appears in the ABC documentary. 1111(1 fjlse caricature of Jewish highhandedness. In fact, none of the quartets of the Old City are Again, in contrast, Arabs are shown in such modest and friendly activities as making Easter cookies rigidly segregated. Muslims have moved into the and serving coffee. They weep on camera when Christian Quarter and Arabs live without incident they recount the Jewish encroachment in their in the Jewish Quarter. Needless to say, Jews are neigliborlioods and of neighbors allegedly being not wringing their hands and weeping on American forced to leave Jeru.salem. television at Arabs moving next door to them. Jenninns turns truth exactly on itn head. In "Jerusalem Stories" is an abuse of power. It is an fad, sincf Israel gained control of Jerusalem effort to denigrate Jewish attachment to in 1967, Arab population of the city has grown Jerusalem, to paint Jews even as unworthy of sovat a greater rate than Jewish population. It is ereignty, to caricature and demean them. It does so the Arabs who have historically sought to by distortion, innuendo, omission and sneer; this drive out the Jewish presence and the Jews from the supposedly responsible lead newscaster of who have opened the city to all religions. a supposedly responsible network. For centuries Ihe Muslim domination of the Concerned viewers can contact Roone Arledge, region meant inferior status for Jews and President of ABC News, 47 West 66th St., New York, NY 10023, Telephone: 212-456-4000. Christians, and subject to discriminatory laws. In 1948 when Jordan captured the Old City, the Andrea Levin is National President of the Arabs killed or expelled every Jew in eastern Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Jerusalem, destroyed every one of 58 synagogues in Reporting in America, a non-profit media the ancient Jewish quarter, and desecrated the organization dedicated to countering biated 2,500-year-old Jewish cemetery on the Mount of coverge of Israel and the Middle Ea»t.

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Book review-

Essays depict Jews in literature

by Oliver B. PoUali University of Nebraska at Omaha The Jew in the Text: Modernity and the Construction of Identity by Linda Nochlin and Tamar Garb. London: Thames and Hudson, 1995,335 pages. This book is a compilation of 18 articles by as 'many authors and is availably at the Federation Library. Ms. Nochlin at New York University is a most provocative art historian. She and Ms. Garb of University College London have solicited essays from their colleagues in England and America on how Jews have been depicted in literature and art. The result is an exciting, if sometimes technical, collection of ideas and illustrations. The 18 essays are not coordinated or synthesized. The multiplicity of voices indicates how rich a field this is. Charles Dickens and Marcel Proust, John Singer Sargent and Toulousse-Lautrec are samples of the biographical treatments as the Jew intersect with culture. Judith Glatzer Wechsler fuses Hterature and art as she discusses El Lissitzk/s calligraphic imagery of Hebrew and Yiddish script Sander Oilman, who advises the University of Nebraska Press, contributes a piece from his long standing research on Jews, body parts and sexuality, "Salome, Syphilis, Sarah Bernhard, and the Modern Jewess." The politics of museums and galleries include the extremes the establishment of museums in France with a mission to' record the alleged decadence of Jews and the creation of the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum. Reading Jean Paul Sartre's Anti-semite and Jew a long time ago left unarticulated misgivings. Susan Rubin Suleiman reading Sartre in the midnineties writes: 'The Jew in Sartre's Reflexions sur la question juive: An Exercise in Historical Reading" and unravels and explains Sartre's conflicted position. WHY NOT DO IT THE EASY WAY?

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Page 11

Biith Burton and Beth Zwick of Omaha announce the Jan. 3 birth of their daughter, Sarah Hart Zwick. Grandparents are Suzi and Paul Kaiman of Sioux City, Iowa, and Malcolm and Carol Zwick of Herrin, IL.

Great-grandparents are Harold and Jean Goldstein of Boca Raton, FL, the late Bernice Goldstein, Dora Kaiman, also of Sioux City, and the late Joe Kaiman, Julius and Henrietta Frank of Bay Harbor Island, FL, Lillie Zwick of Herrin, IL, and the late Leon Zwick.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 17i 1997

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