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Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service
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No. 28
Omaha, NE
by Carol Katzman From time to time, readers have inquired about our writers. They've asked if we have a 'stable' of writers at our disposal to cover events in Omaha. And some people have wondered about the backgrounds of the people whose bylines appear in this newspaper. The full-time staff of the Jewish Press consists of Maureen LaPour, Managing Editor; Larry Axelrod, Advertising Manager; and Sheryl Friedman, Bookkeeper. Morris Maline, Editor Emeritus, works part-time since he stepped down last June and I took over as full-time Editor. In addition, three outside salespeople work on commission for this paper: Barbara Frankel, Dora Shefren and Rocky Stern. '.'•_•• We are also fortunate to have ihe services of a 'permanent parktime' volunteer, George Schapiro, who faithfully comes in each week to deliver and sort our mail,' file photos and assist with various othertasks. ^ Danny Cohn, a sophomore at the University of Kansas, also works part-time during winter and spring break. He has assisted our advertising salespeople in preparation for the Passover issue and in verifying our subscription lists.
Scientists bring message about diversity to Friedel by Diane Axler Baum I
12 Adar n, 5757
March 21,1997
: Wl&ry Fellman chosen --'Merit Mother'' Mary Arbitman Fellman of Omaha is one of four Nebraska mothers selected as exemplary models of motherhood to represent the State's association of American Mothers, Inc., for 1997. She was chosen a Merit Mother. A native of Omaha, Mrs. Fellman served as the first woman editor for the Jewish Press and continued in this position until her marriage and the subsequent births of three children. She has served as President of Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood, the Midwest Branch of National Women's League of the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah, and was elected first woman president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. -She helped found and has been Executive Director of Diane Asler Baum^is a free-lance writer the Nebraska Jewish Historical: Society. • whose work often appears in this paper. She has been the recipient of many awards And Caren Friedman, a junior at Washington including B'nai B'rith Citizenship, the Jewish' University, will assist Mr. Maline with the annual Federation of Omaha and AMIT Women's updating of the index to the Jewish Press when Humanitarian Awards, the KETV Jefferson, the she returns from a semester at Hebrew University in Israel. Though she is a psychology major, she (Continued on page 6)
Temple Israel embarks on 'Synagogue 2000' journey by Michael Walts Temple Israel has recently begun participating in a new, nationwide effort to explore the state of American Jewish congregational life today. Entitled "Synagogue 2000," the program is designed to study the current state of synagogue life; to develop a visionary process that will provide ways to enrich our synagogue experience, make it Mary Fellman more meaningful and relevant; and to foster, indiNational Council of Jewish Women'B Hannah G. vidually and collectively, a more spiritual environment. We desire to make the synagogue a place Solomon; the Earl Siegal Award from Beth El where people feel more welcome, more important, Synagogue, and the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah intellectually challenged, and more committed to Lifetime of Service. A quote from Mrs, Fellman regarding her being the improvement of our community and our world: chosen as a Merit Mother: "The most gratifying Sixteen congregations representing both Reform and Conservative movements are participating in and spiritual blessing of my life has been and continues to be my role as a mother and grandmother. the initial stages of the Synagogue 2000 project. I thank G-d for allowing me the privilege The transdenominational concept was developed Everyday and experience." . ; by Rabbi Lawrence Hoffman, Professor at Hebrew Mrs. Fellnian's children are: Marsha Zimmerman, Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in New York and Dr." R6n Wolfson of the Whizin Center, a registered nurse, in St. Paul, MN, who has three University of Judaism in Los Angeles. They aspire children; Mark in Mendota Heights, MN, an attorto see congregations expand their spirituality, ney, who with his wife, Robin Caplar" has two chilchart a course consonant with Jewish tradition, dren; and Ronald, an attorney living in Newton and be responsive to contemporary socioeconomic Highlands, MA, who with his wife, Debbie, has challenges. They envision religious life that is alive three children. In a joint statement, the children had this to say and vital for all Jews, in institutions that facilitate spiritual fulfillment, appreciate individual diversi- about their mother: "Through the manner in which she has lived her ty, and sharpen social conscience. Why has such an effort begun? We are all too life and the philosophy she has conveyed during aware of the glaring statistics that reveal discon- the never-endiiig parenting process, our mother tent'and dissatisfaction among American Jews has instilled in each of us a sense of obligation for with congregational institutions today. contributing to the many 'communities' in which Unaffiliation rates remain high; too many of bur we live and has fostered the development by each pews are empty on Shabbat; active participation in of us of the.skills which are required to make those synagogue life Beems to occur among the same contributions in a meaningful manner. "When we were growing up, our home was a comsmall number of congregants. bination' of a loving, warm, safe and supportive What is the problem? What should a synagogue look like (and more importantly, feel like) in the family enclave and 'organization central' as our 21st century that will draw large numbers of Jews mother participated in a wide variety of organizato participate? Feel welcome and important? tions in every conceivable position. "Whatever her role, whether as a participant in a Renew their spirituality? Find God in their lives. program, a committee person, a chairperson or an Synagogue 2000 re-envisions the potential of synagogues to embody the core values of a gen- officer, pur mother always has strived to make uinely Jewish message for the 21st century, defin- • improved the activity or organization so that its goals .were expanded and then achieved to the ing the path toward Jewish spiritual wholeness. The structure of Synagogue 2000 is represented fullest degree. She always has been able to analyze by a wheel with six specific areas as "spokes" to a situation, to identify a need, to determine how help focus our growth and road to spiritualization. best to address the need, and then to obtain the re(Continued on page 2) (Continued on page 15) • % .
A team of TJNMC scientists talk to students about their struggles to complete their training and their belief in the value of multi-cultural diversity (from left): Dr. Howard Gendelma/}; Dr. Jialin Zheng of China; Dr. Aniij a Ghorpade of India, Dr. Adeline Nukuna of Cameroon, and Dr. Myltanh Che of Vietnam. ' Friedel Jewish Academy has raised the concepts of cultural diversity and curriculum integration to - a new level. ' A multi-national team of scientists recently came to the Academy to present a powerful program. They told their individual stories of tenacity and perseverance; they discussed the mutual admiration that allows them to work together productively in spite of cultural differences; and they emphasized a shared belief that education holds the key to achievement. The four senior scientists are: * Dr. Myltanh Che, -who escaped from Vietnam over a storm-tossed ocean and endured 13 months in refugee camps before reaching the United States. * Dr. Anuja Ghorpade, who competed with over 3,000 applicants for one of 12 spots in a Ph.D. program at India's National Institute of Immunology; . * Dr. Yuri Persidsky, whose research career was threatened by the disruption of the former Soviet Union. . * Dr. Adeline Nukuna, who determined to continue her studies after a diagnosis of cancer and the loss of a government-sponsored scholarship when Cameroon suffered financial disaster. * Dr. Jialin Zheng, who competed with thousands of other students in pursuing a medical career that (Continued on page 15)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 21,1997
Mary Fellman (Continued from page 1) sources and to motivate the individuals in order to achieve the desired result. She is truly a person of vision. c "We grew up witnessing her involvement and dedication. Moreover, she had the good sense to share with us her thoughts, concerns and the ratiohales for her actions, and to make us.part of many of her experiences. As a result, not only has our mother's work impacted the lives of her many 'communities,' but also has significantly and positively impacted each of us and the choices we have made throughout our lives. . . "The roots for all of our involvement can be found in our mother's life of which we^are^extremelyproud.". •••:.
by Rabbi Elisheva Sachs, Guest Columnist
This week, we begin reading the book of Leviticus, which details'the service in the tabernacle and later in the Temple, and outlines the appropriate sacrifices for various circumstances. It also contains many of the praoftexts on .which halachq is based. :.: ' . • •••;•-. A proportion of six-hundred-and-thirteen commandments listed by our sages are -connected to the Temple and so can.no longer,be-performed today. It is important to remember; the extent of the trauma of the destruction of the Tempie upon our ancestors. If G-d dwelt in the;Temple in some way, or a part of G-d, or the Holy of Holies was G-d's footstool, then the destruction was evidence On Friday, April 4, Mrs. Fellman will be honored that G-d had deserted Israel. at ceremonies in Lincoln. These include a service in This could mean that G-d had lost power (an the East Chamber of the capitol building, tea at the inconceivable idea) or that G-d, somehow, wanted Governor's Mansion, and a luncheon at the to leave. The fact that G-d allowed the Temple to Cornhusker Hotel. Selections for the State and be destroyed meant that G-d was no longer present National Mothers are based on how the candidates in any tangible way with Israel and that caused a have influenced, their children, and the examples reaction for the Jews, that, at the time was probathey have set through involvement in religious and bly as traumatic as the Holocaust is for us today. community activities. The rabbis, whom we collectively call chazal (an
CHARLES A. SHERMAN
Services for Charles Sherman were held March 12 at Butherus, Maser & Love Chapel. Rabbi Hayim Herring officiated. Burial was at Mt. Carmel Cemetery. He was 87. Survivors include his wife, Gertrude of Omaha; daughters and son-in-law, Helen and Norman Krivosha of Lincoln .and Sandra Schwartz of Atlanta; son, Pro Sherman of New York; seven grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; brother, Max Sherman of San, Antonio, TX; sister, Frieda Bleicher of Council Bluffs. Mr. Sherman was a member of Tifereth Israel and Beth El Synagogue and B'nai Frith. Memorials to charity or synagogue of choice. ABEHERMANSON Services were held March 6 for former Qmahan Abe Hermanson. He was 79. , Survivors include his wife, Gertrude of Monrovia, CA; two daughters and sons-in-law, Nancy and Bob Grossman and Barbara and Norm Friedlander, all of Anaheim, CA; a sister, Julia Schere of Kansas City; and five grandchildren.
acronym for chakhameinu gichronam livracha, meaning 'our sages, may their memory be a blessCALL FLOYD'S 2 4 HRS. EVERY DAY OR NIGHT ing), and who composed the Talmud were faced Free Estimates on a New Rsnace or Central Air with the tremendous challenge of recreating Judaism in the aftermath of the destruction of the Temple by the Romans. In order to preserve the memory and structure of the Temple, Chazal chose to use some of the symbolism and ritual from foe Temple in the structure of our daily lives as observant Jews to maintain BAR & BAT MITZVAH continuity with the past/to reconstruct in the face of change through the reality of G-d's continuing ENTERTAINMENT presence with the Jewish people. Since performed COMPLETE JMUSIC* offers the in the Temple as rituals for the table, some of the halaeha of sacrifices is still relevant to us today. The second chapter of our parasha deals with the Entertainment Package featuring the meal offering, which should be flour of unleavened, PARTY MOTIVATOR unsweetened cakes mixed-withoil;Verse 13 states: with more lights, more give-aways and more music. 'and your very meal offering shall you seasoniwith salt of the covenant of your G-d to be lacking from .... ,339r-3535 ,,,-'. " " your meal offering. With all your offerings, you CUP & SAVE shall offer salt.' : This sacrifice could be offered be anyone - all you C needed was a handful of flour and today, we all FRIDAY, MARCH 21 L recapitulate the sacrifice when we eat bread. This Visions Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m., I at Venice Inn ' •• P is why we salt our challah after saying motzi on Friday nights-to remember the Temple sacrifices. SATURDAY, MARCH 22 & But I would like to suggest that we are doing Temple Israel Pvirim Family Dinner & something even more important when we do this. S •' Service, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel S A Beth El Congregational Megillah Reading/Social, A Note the words used, melach brit, the salt of the V: 7:30 p.m., at Beth E r '..;'.•' V covenant. In salting our bread, we are hot just E Beth Israel Congregational Megillah Reading, E adding flavor, or reminding ourselves of the pres7:30 p.m. ence of G-d, or even invoking the sanctity of cultic rite; we are actually re-entering into covenant with SUNDAY, MARCH 23 Resettlement Citizenship Class, 3:30 p.m. G-d, a covenant of offering arid acceptance. Beth El USY/Kadimah Purim Extravaganza, We offer our thanks and praise and receive suste11:15 am., a t Beth El nance. We reaffirm our connection with G-d and Temple Israel Purim Carnival, noon, at Temple with G-d's commandments. So in salting our bread, Beth Israel Megillah Reading, 9:30 a.m.; Spaghetti we bring into play many levels of meaning and Dinner, 5:30 p.m. help ourselves to reconnect to the Source of Life.
NEW '& SUPERIOR ULTIMATE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
MONDAY, MARCH 24 YES Meeting, 9:30 a.m.
TUESDAY, MARCH 25 Foundation Board Meeting, 4 p.m., RBJH Conference Room Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. . . WEDNESDAY, MARCH 26 Breadbreakers, noon, Highland Country Club Hadassah Education Meeting, 7 p.m., at the home of Sherry Taxman. Call Bonnie, 393-2327 THURSDAY, MARCH 27 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. / Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Jewish Press Board Meeting, noon All events hold at tha JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press is not responsible (or the accuracy of the above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Mariano Hert at334-6437. ,. •
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What's new in the stacks? New talking books in the Jewish Federation Library
GORDON LAZERSON Services for Gordon Lazerson were held March 19. He was 52. Survivors include h i s wife, Kathleen Cunningham Lazerson of Dale City, VA; sons and daughters-in-law, Scott and Heidi of Provo, UT, and Eric and Amy of Arlington, TX; son, Brent of Dale City, VA; brother, Lynn Lazerson of Normal, IL; sisters and brothers-in-law, Sheila and Barrie Sale of Newport Beach, CA, and Rochelle and Steve Hockensmith of Schaumburg, IL; and two grandchildren, London'and Zoe.
Gendler Foundation announces winners Four Omaha students were selected as winners by. the iMarilyni.W.hite, Gjendlsr; Memorial Scholarship Foundation recently. They are: Sarah Stick, $500; Madan Ramakrishnan, $500; Niokia Toussaint, $500; and Alexander Gaines, $2500. Since 1989, the Foundation has awarded $32,000 in scholarships in memory of Marilyn White Gendler, a teacher at Lothrop Elementary School.' The scholarships were announced at the Caring and Concerned Education Banquet by Larry Gendler, Foundation President; To donate to the foundation, contact Lothrop School, 459-5704.
'Concerned parents' to meet In an attempt to gather together parents concerned about risk-taking behavior by teens, community volunteer Joe Ginsburg is spear-heading a meeting on Tuesday, March 25, at 7 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. According to Ginsburg, a general discussion with fellow parents of the impact ofrisk-takingbehavior among Jewish' teens is so important he has sent a mailing out to this group. "Tears won't help; action will," is the headline on the short flyer. For more information, parents or teens should call Ginsberg at 345-9699.
How Good Do We Have to Be? Written and . read by Rabbi Harold Kushner, this abridged cassette of the bestseller which puts human feeh'ngs of BERGMAN'S PAINTING guilt and inadequacy in perspective, teaches us DECORATING how we can learn to accept ourselves and others, Interior&/ exterior palming, woodwork rollnlshlng, enameling, walleven when we are less than perfect. paper removal, drywall repair. m m To Life is another bestseller written and read by Free Estimates, Insuranco, 20 tfi2 f years expertsneo, references. Rabbi Harold Kushner. This abridged cassette 345-5490 makes a passionate and practical case for the relevance of Judaism today. For those who want to know more about Jews and Judaism, this tape conINVITATION tains precise explanations, sound wisdom and Friends of Suzy Rubin invite you to join them for humorous anecdotes. an Orieg Shabbat in celebration of her Gimple the Fool by Isaac Bashevis Singer is 60th birthday... read by Theodore Bikel, along with Esther MARCH 21,8:15 p.m. Keindel the Second, The Spinoza of Market Temple Israel Street and The Black Wedding. These classic stories never lose then-appeal, wit of imagination. Bikel reads these wise and funny tales in classic jj SINGERS WANTED Yiddish storyteller cadence, injecting: warmth into Singer's words. ' ;. ^ Must read music. ^ r Two other books on tape are Our Crowd and For more information, call Cantor Berkovits The Grandees, both written by Stephen Birmingham and read by Jonathan Reese. 492-8550
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March 21, 1997
TEMPLE ISRAEL
foeg o the Xfatw* of Anter Hebrew Con(jregations 7023 Cnes Street, Omaha, N E 68132 FHroAY: Shabbat service, 8:15 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Rabbi Azriel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by friends of Suzy Rubin in honor of her 60th birthday. "Shabbat Comes To You," 3:45 p.m.-Rabbi Stiel and the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat service at Remington Heights. 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. Erev Purim service--Megillah Reading, 7 p.m. Special Oneg sponsored by Temple Sisterhood. SUNDAY: 10 ajn.-P.E.P. (Parallel Education for Parents). Noon-2 p.m.: Purim Carnival—food, games and • prizes for the whole family. Tickets will be sold at the door, good for both food' and games. The carnival, sponsored by the Temple Israel Youth Group, is open to the entire community. ADULT EDUCATION March 27-Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:3010:30 a.m.., Hazzan Erik Contzius will continue to lead a study of the old Union Prayer Book and the new Gates of Prayer as well as other liturgical publications. lO&O-ll&O aan.-Rabbi Debbie Stiel will continue the study of selected Torah portions. '-7:30-8:80 p.m., "Beyond Midrash,"led by Don Schwartz. • ••
BEYT SHALOM ;. , An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstractioniat Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 . • ."'-•;••.
.708-9233
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member o f t h e Union of Orthodox Jewish CongK-egfttions of America 1602 No. 82nd St., Oraaho, NE 68104 6508288 ' ' Services 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, 6:20 p.m.; SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; J r . Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Willis Ann and Al Ross in honor of Jean Epstein's 'special' birthday! "Parsha of the Week," 4 ^ 0 pan., at the home of the Herzigs; Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 5:40 p . m . a t t h e synagogue; Mincha, 6:10 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, sponsored by Maggie and Donald Gerber in honor of their anniversary, Ma'ariv, Havdalah and Megillah Reading, followed by Ice Cream Social. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 ajn., followed by Megillah reading, 9:30 a . m . Purim Seudah— spaghetti dinner, 5 p.m.; Mincha, 6:20 p.m. WEDNESDAY: 7:30 p.m.- A four-part series of Passover workshops begins with Rabbi Kutner. This week's topic is "The Music of the Seder." 8:30 p.m.-Synagogue Skills I, Torah reading.'
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of t h e United Synagogue of Conservative J u d a i s m 3219 Sheridan Blvd., l i n c o l n , NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Joint services, 7:45 p.m. Abbie Ben Ari is the featured speaker. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m. Purim: Erev Purim service, 7 p.m.; Megillah reading, 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Megillah reading, 10 a.m. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHUHUN ' SOOTH STREET TEMPUE • ', Member of t h e Union of American Hebrew Congtcgfttions 2081S. 20th &t» l i n e o l n , NE 68502-2797
Services are officiated by Cantor Michael FRIDAY: Kabbalat S h a b b a t services every Weisser. Friday night a t 7:30 p.m. a t 3012 S. 119th St., TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. Omaha. This evening's services led by Rabbi THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7:30 p.m. Elisheya Sachs. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY, 9 a.m.-Service leader training SATURDAY: Torah study and service, 10 a.m. with Rabbi S a c h s ; 10 a.m.—Torah service; SUNDAY: Hebrew school, 9 a.m.; Religious 3:30-5 p.m.-Adult education a t the Rose Blumkin school, 10 a.m. Jewish Home (note t h e change); 7 p . m . - B e y t Shalom joins the residents of the Blumkin Home B'NAi ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE for a Purim celebration and Megillah reading a t GlSMysterSt*, the Home. ' Council BIw£fs, Iowa 51003 SUNDAY: Religipus School a t W e s t s i d e 322-4705 Community Education Center, 108th and Grover E-MAEL5 doejeb@juno.com in Omaha. Contact Dr. Marty Rosenberg for placement at 390-9062. FRIDAY: Services will be conducted by Chaim Weizmann AZA #1510 at 7:30 p.m. An Oneg Shabbat follows GHABAD HOUSE services. . An Affiliate of the Worldwide. PASSOVER SEDER Chaba<i-L«bavit«« Movement , April 25, 6:30 p.m.-Catered Passover Seder 1322 So. 119th St., Omaha, ME 68154 and Sabbath service a t the synagogue. Dr. Michael Yablonski will officiate. Cost is $10 for WEB'.www.metawire.oomfahabadneb adults; children are free. E-MAIL--Shlinch@aol.com Reservations may be made by calling Sandra SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9:30 a.m., fol- Kurland, 323-8885. lowed by Kiddish. * SUNDAY: ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Purim Seudah, deli-lunch, 1 p.m.at the JCC SATURDAY: WEDNESDAYS: Talmud classes, 9:30 a.m. Services, led by Scott Bresler and assisted by THURSDAYS: Advanced Talmud, noon Albert Friedman, start at 9 a.m. Members of the Yiddish "Hooked on Yiddish lessons, Wednesdays, 7 p.m. community are invited to join residents for the service and the. Kiddish. Members of Bey t Shalom Congregation will join residents at 7 p.m. for the OFFUTT Megillah reading and costume parade. 25th a n d Capehari, Omaha, N'E SUNDAY: FRIDAY: Cantor Leo Fettman will read the Megillah at Services start at 8 p.m. . 9 a.m. in the Goldsten Chapel.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 1430S California, Omaha, NE 68154 482-8S50 W E B f a / f / b h 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 services; 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'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:30 p:m. : P u r i m : Minha, 5:30 p.m.; Seudah Shlishit, 6 p.m.; Ma'ariv/Havdallah, 7 p.m.; Megilah reading, 7:30p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; USY/Kadimah Purim Extravaganza, 11:15 a.m. ' WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Celebrate Purim Wisely "Until You Don't Know the Difference Between 'Blessed be Mordecai' and 'Cursed beHaman.'" Some people quote that statement from the Talmud as permission to drink to excess on Purim--it's a celebration. They even-say it's a mitzvahl But, that quotation is not to be taken literally. We discourage intoxication at any time, including Purim. For many Jews, alcohol and drug abuse is a curse which must be confronted each and every day. If drinking or using drugs is a part of your life, Omaha's pulpit rabbis urge you to get help. Make this Purim a time of return: return to synagogue; return to sobriety. F r o m Omaha's p u l p i t rabbis: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi P a u l Drazen, Rabbi Howard K u t n e r and Rabbi Debbie Stiel
Andrew J o h n Weinberg, son of Babs and Mike "•"~^ jWeinberg, will be called to t h e Torah as a Bar Mitzvah March 29 at Temple Israel. A seventh-grade stu; dent at Beveridge Middle School, he was selected to participate in the Duke University Talent Identification Program. 'He enjoys playing hockey, aggressive in-line skating, art and design and computers. Andy has a sister, Lindsey. . Grandparents are the late Dora and David D. Weinberg and the late Jane and George Hansen. Leah Raful, daughter of Larry and Dinah Raful, will become a • B a t Mitzvah March 28 and 29 a t Beth El Synagogue. She will symbolically share this day in honor of t h e children who died in the Terezin concentration camp. A seventh-grade honors student at Beveridge Middle School, s h e enjoys dancing, piano, trumpet and acting. She is one of the Beveridge BUGS and participates in the Leadership Program. Leah has two sisters, Sarah and Anna. Grandparents are Abe and Roz Maurer of Los Angeles and Bob and Susy Raful of Santa Rosa, CA •
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 21,1997
Editorial A deserted hilltop sparks political controversy A few miles south of Jerusalem, atop a barren, rocky hilltop, bulldozers arrived this week to prepare the ground for a new housing development. It's called Har Homa and its 460 acres were sold to the Israeli government by mostly Jewish landowners. What should have been an ordinary expansion of housing for Jerusalem's crowded population, now surging over one million residents, has now become a political hot-potato, even at the U.N. Arafat has called for President Bill Clinton to pressure Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to halt the construction. Netanyahu has responded by ordering the Israeli Defense Force to send extra troops to guard construction workers and beef up patrols on the West Bank. All sides predict violence whether construction stops or continues. So what should Bibi have done? Should he have bowed to Arab pressure the minute protests were lodged about this development? Should he have slowed down the construction, process or hastened the proposed housing plans promised in Palestinian areas? Housing is at a premium in Jerusalem, both for Jews and Arabs. Legitimate development of the infrastructure and housing for all the city's residents would go a long way to benefit the peace process.
Our man in Israel HAIFA-Last year, the real estate market in Israel reached the peak of a boom in which prices more than doubled. Today there is a reaction and buyers are in a position almost to dictate prices. By next year, a shortage of homes will again be evident and prices will zoom once again. The message is obvious. These are the views expressed to us by Jim Bennett, prominent Haifa real estate broker, and his sentiments are echoed by all informed observers. The massive Russian immigration of the past decade fueled an enormous chain reaction demand for homes. With the help of government grants and mortgages, and their own slowly accumulating savings, the new immigrants were able to purchase old and, in many cases, rundown flats cheaply. The occupants of these were thus enabled to improve their status and move into more desirable neighborhoods, with a consequent upward shift from there. With minimum unemployment, the population move continued and the constant demand had its effect on prices. Building contractors recognized the opportunities, borrowed money and began construction on tens of thousands of homes and apartment houses which can be seen today sprouting all over the country. Potential supply soon exceeded .demand, with inevitable results. Furthermore, fearful of inflation, the Bank of Israel kept interest rates high and contractors ran out of operating capital. That is the situation we are in now. There have been relatively few hew' building starts in recent months, as the builders seek to unload the surplus on their hands. There are thousands of apartments on the market now, awaiting buyers. Modi'in, a new community located halfway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, is due to become a majdr metropolis, but, at the moment, there is little movement there and new homes stand empty. Bennett, a former American who is at home in English and Hebrew, has words of advice for potential buyers.
EAST JERUSALEM JEWISH BUILDING COMPANY
Carl Alpert Shop around and don't hesitate to bargain. As much as 10 or 15 percent may be knocked off asking prices in the present market. Values are also based on location. The most expensive flats are in Jerusalem and North Tel Aviv, with Herzaliya and Netanya close behind. All this is due to change in the next year or so. As the surplus on hand is disposed of, as immigration, continues and there is naturalincrease in population, demand will again propel prices upward. Such'' demand comes not only from Israelis seeking homes, but from Jews abroad as well, many of whom seek to acquire a flat in Israel, either for sentimental reasons or as an investment. Rental apartments? The rent that people are willing to pay is so low that it would return barely 3% on an investment. Banks pay more on savings accounts, And so, no one builds for rental. A native of San Francisco, Bennett came here in 1967 with his wife, Myrna, in the immediate aftermath of the Six Day War. They went first to a kibbutz, but quickly decided that was not the life for them. He was employed in public relations of the Technion, was a shaliach overseas and during a stint in the aliyah office in New York, where he advised olitn on the problems and opportunities in housing, he decided to enter that field professionally. A good real estate agent in Israel hot only serves as the broker to bring buyer and seller together, but is also the source of information and', advice on technical, legal and financial aspects. We return to the cost. Why are homes so expensive in Israel? , For one thing, the government controls most of the land. If more land were released for construction, it could bring prices down. But basically, this is the economic law of supply and demand. So long as there is demand, prices will remain high.
COMMENTARY
The battle for Jerusalem by Rabbi David Eliezrie The battle for Jerusalem is on. In Gaza, debates in the General Assembly, the chambers of the United Nations statements by world leaders have all Security Council and on the hillsides allowed him the thought that he can of the Holy City, Arabs and Jews are retake Jerusalem, and why not; he sucbeginning the next and perhaps ceeded in using international pressure to most crucial phase of the Oslo gain control of all the cities on the West Bank. Even Hebron, the second only to Accords. For Jews there was never really Jerusalem in Jewish history and sanctiany question about Jerusalem. In ty, minus the Jewish enclave, is finally statement after statement, Israeli his. Now that Arafat's appetite has been leaders said clearly that "it is the whetted, he is making his move for the >. eternal capital of the Jewish people." main course - Jerusalem. As the Association of Arab-Americans For Arabs, it was their dream; now organizes "Teach-ins about Arab rights they see it as an attainable goal. The new Har Home housing pro- in Jerusalem" in a hundred cities, the ject is but the last of numerous organized Jewish community has neighborhoods built in all parts of responded with feeble statements of'conthe city. Thousands of homes were cern.' The battle for Jerusalem is on and created without much controversy in the time has come for the Jewish comthe last twenty years. In the past, munity to wake up and realize that the these developments met with little Oslo Accords have moved. Arafat from or ineffective Arab protests. Har Tunis to the outskirts of Jerusalem. The time has come for a full-force Homa has unleashed a political firestorm from across the globe. Jewish communal response. Jews must Everyone from the Pope on down translate this awareness into political has protested Israel's construction of action. The American political leadermore homes for Jews in Jerusalem. ship understands that if they continue to The political atmosphere changed pressure Israel on Jerusalem, they will as a direct result of Rabin allowing pay a price. If Clinton knows that he will Jerusalem to be considered as part receive heavy domestic criticism, he will of the Oslo Accords. By including it be more hesitant in supporting Arafat. There is strong communal support on in the negotiations, he raised Arab hopes and weakened Israel's politi- this issue. Jews, from Left to Right, feel cal position. In the past, Arabs strongly that Jerusalem is the capital of protested settlements on desolate the Jewish people, and should not be • hilltops overlooking Arab towns; divided again. If Jewish determination is today, they are challenging Jewish strong, Arafafs challenges can be met. neighborhood in the. city that has' ,. Arafat sees Jerusalem as the Arabs did been the centerpiece of the Jewish after, the Crusader's conquered it in people for 'more than 3000 years.. •: 1066. They-were'determined to toss out '. Israel's position has been further the outsider. In 1187, Saladin succeeded, weakened by some of Israel's Left leaving them in control until the British who have said-we need to think took it over this century. Sitting in about the' timing of the new Har Ramlah, not 10 miles from Jerusalem, Homa development. The Left, wor- Arafat dreams of doing as Saladin did ried more about Arab sensibilities, is centuries ago. The Jewish people were given a Divine playing into Arafat's hands. For Arafat, concern over Arab feelings is gift in 1967; we have an obligation to but a disintegration of Jewish preserve that gift. Jerusalem is the resolve and a political opportunity heart of the Jewish people; it is not up for negotiation. that must be seized. Rabbi David Eliezrie lives in Yorba Taking the political initiative, Arafat has orchestrated an impres- Linda, CA. His columns have appeared in the Los Angeles Times and regularly in the sive international protest. Summits Jewish Journal.
THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. . Agencies of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education, Jewish Press, Jewish Family Service, Library and Bureau for the Aging. The Jewish Press (USPS 276620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail •qBhpress@aol.com>
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March 21,1997 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5
The many masks of Purim b y Ozzie N o g g
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(Editor's note: this column was originally pubPrecious Purim! How can we help but love it? longer distinguish between the good guys and the lished in the Jewish Press, Feb. 22, 1991. It is After all, it asks so little of us. Only that we hear bad guys. So, there you have the Purim observance reprinted here with permission from the author). the Megillah, bring gifts to one another, send, pre- requirements — hear the Megillah, bring gifts to It happened fifty years ago, but I can still feel my sents to the poor and feast in gladness. your friends, give charity to the poor and enjoy a profound shock and outrage when Sylvia Purim! Unlike solemn Yom Kippur, this festival festive meal. Simple, right? But look deeper. Do Grossman was crowned Talmud Torah Purim does not demand that we fast or repent or hear the observances.like Esther herself, hide their nature? Queen — an honor for which I considered myself a awesome sound of the shofar that shakes our Take the Seudah. On the surface, it's just a meal shoo-in. I pretended I didn't care. I stood with the souls. No. Purim happily invites us to hear the with the family. But these days, family dinners are other ladies-in-waiting, offered over-hearty Megillah read! Purim gives us permission to have rarely "family" dinners. They're often eaten in applause and hid my disappointment behind a fun, act foolish and make.triumphant tumult at shifts with one or another parent driving one or • wide smile. In retrospect, one could say my cover- the mention of Haman (boo! hiss!), twirling our another kid to Talmud Torah or Boy Scouts - to up - my masquerade — was appropriate. It was gragers until his name is blotted out forever. this lesson or that activity. So, if we can gather Purim, after all. Purim! Unlike Hanukkah - which, it seems, has the whole family around the table at Purim to celePurim! Oh, Purim! Oh, Purim full of joy! How become a week-long celebration of conspicuous con- brate our history, to relax and have fun together, this story wound up in the Bible - the laBt of the sumption rather than a celebration of religious the simple Seudah becomes a meal of significance. five Megillot in the Book of Writings - is a story in freedom — Purim does not intimidate us into a And giving to the poor? That, too, seems ordiitself. Some scholars claimed the tale was stolen frenzy of gift-buying. No. All Purim asks is that nary enough. But Maimonides, when commenting (whole hog...) from the Babylonian New Year. on this one day we give simple gifts to our friends. on the nature of Purim tzedakah, said, "He who Mordecai is a stand-in for the god, Marduk. Shlach mones. A plate of cookies. Some candy or brings happiness to the poor, the homeless and the Esther is the goddess, Ishtar, and together they fruit, perhaps. And, of course, the ubiquitous needy is imitating God," which raises the simple cast lots (pur) to decide the fate of the people. Hamantash. Simple is the operative word. act of giving a notch or two above the ordinary, Others argued that The Book of Esther was a fic; Purim, bless its heart. While it suggests we send don't you think? tionalized retelling of a plot to annihilate the Jews gifts tofriends, it insists we send presents to the And what is more pedestrian than a plate of of ancient Persia, laced liberally with Assyrian leg- poor. According to the Talmud, on Purim even the Hamantashen? Yet, if a friend comes to your door end and Mesopotamian myth. needy must give to someone less fortunate than this Purim and gives you a hug and a Hamantash, Fact or fiction — borrowed or stolen — our ances- they. Give money. Give clothing. Give food. But look again. You'll discover that true, honest caring tors didn't give a fig about where the Purim story when you give, remember that Purim tzedakah often masquerades as a simple act:. originated. Downtrodden and oppressed in Exile, falls in the "above and beyond" category and does And to hear the Megillah is also simple. But it they found hope in both the.festival's message of not in any way relieve you of other charitable^ was considered a mitzvah of such magnitude that" deliverance and in Esther, the:beautiful Jewish o b l i g a t i o n s . • .. • . , ' '••: even the High. Priests had to stop their work and maiden who saved her people from death. Purim! Like Passover, it gathers the family at come listen to the message. A message symboliz-.. The rabbis, however, were troubled by the Purim the table, and — as meals go — the Purim Seudah ing the Continued survival of the Jewish people;- ') •tale. How did the Jews of Shushan outwit their is considered second only to the Passover Seder in The rabbis say that other holidays may, in time, enemies without, apparently, any help from God? importance. But at Purim; we need not turn our be forgotten. But Purim will always remain. Could this secular scenario be kosher when, in houses upside-down or our pockets inside-out, Why? Because to observe and enjoy Purim, we fact, God isn't mentioned once in the entire text! searching for chometz. We need not schlepp dishes need not be Bible scholars. We need not even be So, the rabbis took the Purim story and turned the and pots from cellar to kitchen. No. Unlike the well-versed in ritual or prayer. Purim can be celewords over and Over. They searched under them. Passover Seder, the Purim Seudah - the feast that brated by ordinary people through the^ierforLooked hard between the lines. Then, some said finishes the festival — has no ritual. Its purpose is mance of ordinary, common acts. "aHA!" and pointed to the premise of hester panim strictly fun, food and wine!. In fact, the Talmud, Acts that, when unmasked, are recognized as — God hiding himself -- and the theory that wher- "orders" us to drink Purim wine until we can no uncommonly meaningful. ever Jews are, God's presence is hidden" among them. (Things were looking up!) The Kabbalists managed to "see" the name of God in the Hebrew word melech which is found in the Megillah 184 times. So, finally, armed with inference (if not actual evidence) of God working behind the scenes, the rabbis gave the Book of Esther their blessing and included the Megillah in the Bible.
Topsy-turvy political scene in Israel perfect for Adar by Herb Keinon, The Jerusalem Post The Hebrew month of Adar II is the month of Purim, a month that has as its theme the idea that. "everything is turned on its head." The current political situation seems tailor-made for Adar. Consider the following: • -..'.",' ..'.-,' ' "-Ariel Sharon and Shimon Peres, the most "unlikely of bedfellows, are pushing for a national unity government. , ; •^Moiedet's Bennv Elbni aniri Mefretz's Yossi Sarid, two.men; who 'rarely see eye;tp-eye, will most likely both Vdte to bring1 down the government when tfre no-cpnfidehc6 v ^ submitted to the Knesset. ' ' • ' ; : ' , : ' ! i, ' i ' ' •••Netanyahu, the "National Camp's prime minister," finds himself under'fire more from the 1 Right than from the Left. ' •tThe prime minister increasingly isolated in his own cabinet, now counts his old nemesis David r Levy among his supporters. ; "•The Council of Jewish Communities in Judea, Samaria and Gaza, which worked day and night to ensure the victory of a candidate "who would be good for the Jews," calls for coalition partners to leave the government and bringdown Netanyahu. "•The justice minister is under police investigation. "•The American ambassador, who proudly and openly identifies as a Jew, is called a "Jew-boy" in Israel. -,. "Venahafoch hu!" Thousands of grade-school children will begin singing in Israel in preparation for Purim, "Everything is turned upside down." Their teachers need not point them in the direction of the political machinations in ancient Persia; a look at the day's headlines proves the point just fine. ; Herb Keinon is a contributing columnist to the Jerusalem Post. He lives in Israel.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 21,1997
Who writes for the JewishPress? (Continued from page 1) also is one of ourfree-lancewriters. Another of our free-lancers is Shana Novak, a sophomore, majoring in communications at Syracuse University. While in high school, she wrote about BBYO activities and has continued her involvement with this paper. This summer, she'll intern at Donna Karan in New York City before returning to Omaha where she'll again assist us with the New Year's issue. Diane Axler Baum once worked here as an ad salesperson. Now she has her own firm, Diane Axler Baum Communications. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, Baum was assistant editor of the Philadelphia Jewish Times, worked for a public relations firm in that city and was the assistant director of p.r. for the Philadelphia Bar Association. She provides us with stories from her local clients and also free-lances for the Jewish Joan K. Marcus (left), and Jill Belmont subPress on special issues. Jill Belmont's stories have often appeared on mit their storiesv for the Passover issue, due these pages. She is a free-lance writer who gradu- out April 18. ated from the University of Colorado and once of Boston, lives in Haifa. His world-syndicated colworked for the Papillion Times and the Omaha umn has appeared in these pages since 1961. World-Herald. As a volunteer, she has also edited Mr. Allen, formerly of Lincoln, spends most of the NCJW, Omaha Section, Bulletin and continues the year in Jerusalem and is a brother-in-law of to serve as a publicist for them, as well as for Beth Mary Fellman, a writer (among her many other El Synagogue. accomplishments), whose articles also appear in Bert Lewis' column, Bert's Eye View, has been this paper. She was editor of the Jewish Press published in this paper for some 16 years. She also from 1946-47 and recently edited the Passover writes for our special issues and local Jewish orga- 1996 special issue on Omaha Jewish Life from nizations use her services, as well. Lewis has had a 1950-1996. ; long association with the Jewish Press and has The Jewish Press uses several wire services (so served on its board of directors. named because the stories used to be transmitted The bylines of three former Press Board chair- via teletype wire; now we receive them electronimen often appear on these pages: Ozzie Nogg,' cally via e-mail). Readers should note that JTA Oliver Pollak and Silvia Rofftnan. Nogg was chair- (Jewish Telegraphic Agency) is credited when we man from 1981-83. She has also written a syndicat- use stories from their writers and that stories ed column on Jewish holidays which has appeared reprinted from other sources will credit a particuin many Jewish newspapers around the country. lar newspaper or publication. Pollak is a practicing attorney and professor of We also receive news from Shomron News history at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Service in Israel (SNS), Mideast Dispatch (MED) He chaired the Press Board-from 1989^91 and occa- and Lubaviteh News' Service (LNS),-among othsionally writes book reviews for us. ers. Every day, a stack of mail several inches thick Roffman chaired the Jewish Press Committee arrives here. We receive press releases from every from 1979-81 and was editor of several special Israeli university and some American ones, many issues, including the 1994 New Year's edition dedi- Jewish non-profit organizations and religious insticated to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Her co- tutions, locally and nationally. editor was Mrs. Lewis. Another of our regular columnists is Rabbi Myer Two international columnists appear regularly in Kripke, rabbi emeritus of Beth El Synagogue. Not these pages: Carl Alpert and Harry Allen. They only do his insights on the weekly parasha appear both live in Israel and write about all facets of in these pages, but he's compiled them into a book Israeli life, from politics to business to human entitled Sparks from the Word. It's available at the Jewish Federation Library. interest stories. Mr. Alpert, former Editor of the Jewish Advocate All area rabbis have been asked to write as guest
Residents of the
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In the News Jenny Patton, daughter of Linda and Joel Patton, has been named winner of the Harry Trustin Memorial Award as Outstanding High School Jewish Athlete of the Year. She has also qualified to compete in four events in the Junior National Swim Meet to he held at Texas A&M this month.
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In addition, she is an Academic Ail-American, and is testing to earn a spot at the Maccabi games to be held in Israel this summer. Jennyisajunior atWestside High School.
498-8708
Shifra Shrago, daughter of Leon and Dani Shrago, has been named to the 1996 fall semester dean's list and honors list at Rosary College in River ForeBt, IL. \ She is the granddaughter of Helen Schwartz.
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Laurie Epstein, daughter of Steve and JudyEpstein, was awarded Dean's List honors at the University of Florida, where she is a freshman.
Reservations by April 11. Call 330-4272 or mall coupon below. Please accept the following reservations for Sedarim:
commentators for Rabbi Kripke'a column so occasionally readers will see by-lines from other spiritual leaders in Omaha and Lincoln. Many organizations have' dedicated volunteers who provide this paper with news, as well. Our readers are familiar with the names of Dr. Jerome Bleicher, Eliane Freund, Janet Kohll, Judy Marburg, Lynda Mirvish, Susan Paley, Martin Rosenberg, Helen Schwartz, Mike Salmi and Lesli Shrago, among others. Not only are they competent writers, they care deeply about the programs, projects and events of the religious institution or Jewish organization with which they are associated. We wouldn't be able to inform our readers about these local groups without their help. Chuck Kuba is responsible for Lincoln Center and has also written reviews for this paper. Before returning to Lincoln, he spent 15 years in arts management in Texas and Florida and was publisher of Performing Arts Magazine. Readers will see more of his stories in the Passover issue. . We're always looking for additional writers and found Linda Lachin this year. She's a graduate of Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism and works for the Scott Anderson Group as Public Relations Director. She's also a member of the Jewish Press Policy Committee. A long-time member of the Jewish community who's again writing for this paper is Joan Marcus. A prolific writer, she is writing close to one-third of the Passover stories on individuals and families who've made an impact on our synagogues. Al Crounse is another local writer who's making his 'reappearance' in the Passover issue. The Jewish Press-sometimes receives articles from people who've traveled in Israel or other locales of Jewish interest. One of those is Eunie Denenberg who spent a month in Oxford, England, studying Yiddish and then travelled to Costa Rica with her friend, Bella Eisenberg, this winter. Stories; about .bpth^haye >appej»r«d in these pages. Other travelogues have been written by Ruth Goldenberg and Steve Riekes. Bob Eisenberg, current president of this paper's board of directors and Bella's son, sometimes writes about the colorful characters he's met. Well probably see some of them show up in the sequel to Boychiks in the Hood. No doubt, we've left some names out of this article about our 'stable' of writers. For that, we apologize and hope that those mentioned and those not will continue sharing their observations and insights with the Jewish community of Omaha and the readers of the Jewish Press.
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Rick Fox has been named as one of the local coordinators for' this year's Taste of the Nation, an annual fund-raiser for the hunger relief organization, Share our Strength. The event will be Sunday, April 20, at Regency Court. ' Tickets are $50 and may be obtained at Julio's . West or Enterprise Bank or by calling 330-1360.
March 21,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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YES/OLDTTMERS Both groups will meet Monday at the JCC. English class for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. Earlybird and "YES Talk" discussion groups will meet at 11 a.m., or join the YES choral group at rehearsal at 11 a.m. At noon, we will celebrate Purim with a feast, and musical entertainment by Tufiy Epstein Duo. For transportation, call330-4272. JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Join us for a Passover luncheon Thursday, April 24 at noon at Beth El Synagogue. Open to all seniors age 62 and over. Cost is $7 per person. Round-trip transportation is available for an additional $3. Reservations and payments are due by April 10. Call Reva Oruch at 391-8344. For more information, call 334-6521. WALK-IN DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Exercise and English class both stact^at 10 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30 a.m. At noon, come enjoy the movie "Searching for Bobby Fischer," in the auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Home. Popcorn will be served. For transportation, call 330-4272. RUSSIAN CLUB Russian Club will meet March 28. Exercise with Larisa starts at 10 a.m.; lunch is at 11 a.m. At 11:45 a.m., Frieda Krizelman from Jewish Women International will give an informative lecture on "Dolls for Democracy." For transportation, call Lydia Iinde at 697-9169. VISIONS Reservation deadline is March 28 for the trip to the Western Heritage Museum, scheduled for Sunday, April 6. Cost is $12.50 per person and includes admission to the museum, dinner, tax and tip. For those with a membership to the museum, cost is $10.50. Send reservation form to Harry Alloy, 5811 Nicholas St., Omaha, NE 68132. AAUWand ••'•• NATIONAL COUNCIL of JEWISH WOMEN ; The Omaha Section of NCJW invites its members to a program sponsored by the American Association of University Women, Wednesday, April 16,7-10 p.m., at the JCC. Featured speakers will'be Nebraska State "Legislators Deb Suttle and Shelley Kiel, who will relate their experiences as first-time members of the Unicameral. Co-chairs for the event are Mary Jean Lyon and Nancy Wolf, AAUW. NEBRASKA CHILDREN'S CHORUS NCC will present its winter concert March 22 at Joslyn Witherspoon Hall at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Stephen Lercher, son of David'Lercher and Minnie Abromowitch, will perform as part of the Bel Canto Choirs. The theme is East meets West, a multi-cultural concert with songs from many nations. HADASSAH Members, Associates and friends of the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah are invited to the Education program Wednesday, March 26, 7 p.m.; at the home of Sherry Taxman, Local Services Vice-president, 1810 So. 108 St. Gloriann Levy, JCAC Director, will lead a discussion on arts at the JCC. Reservations may be made by calling 'Bonnie Colcher, Education Chairman, 393-2327.
BREADBREAKERS ,Hal Daub, Mayor of the city of Omaha, will be '. the guest speaker Wednesday, March 26 at noon at.. Highland Country Club, according to Adam Jacobs, co-chairman for March.The program is open to the community., , . ; JEWISH HERITAGE FOR THE BLIND The Jewish Heritage for^he Blind will make available a large print Haggadah to those who have difficulty reading regular print . Forward your request, along with a copy of a letter from your eye care specialist indicating your condition,'to: The Jewish Heritage for the Blind, Department of Large Print Publications, 1655 E. 24th St., Brooklyn, N.Y. 11229. AL2aHEIMERIS ASSOCIATION The Alzheimer's Association Omaha and Eastern Nebraska Chapter announces the availability of funds. For more information, contact the Chapter office at 572-3(310, or call 1-800-309-2112, or write: 7101 Newport Ave., Suite 305, Omaha, NE 68152.
There's an old adage which says *he who doesn't learn from past mistakes is condemned to repeat them." You know what? That's absolutely true, and in case you don't believe me, FU fill you in on why I say that. Years ago, many as far back as 20, my room mate and I decided to update our kitchen. We made careful plans, hired the right people, and proceeded to gutthekitcherisv - .* f Gut is a hatshword, but apt in this case. We had all the original cabinets removed, pulled out the sink and stove, tore-out the counter tops--the kitchen was rendered an empty shell. Of course, all the contents of those cabinets had to be stored someplace, which in itself created havoc. I can recall the dining room table was used to hold as much as possible but I don't remember what we did with the rest of all that stuff. It was all a nightmare and I remember distinctly swearing I would never, ever, under any circumstances, put myself through such chaos again. Yeah. Right. Guess who's in the beginning stages of the same masochism festival? You already know I must have put it in the same category as childbirth....forget the pain, hve.ll with the end result. Theoretically.. I really can hardly believe I'm doing this, since I've said for years that IF I ever was nuts enough to do it again, I'd find a way to do it under a general anesthetic. And I can't find a doctor who will agree to my request, so here I am, about to embark on the second most disastrous mess (the first being a tornado) I can think^f. . , Why am I such a glutton for punishment? Well, not because 111 do anything to avoid major spring cleaning (as a former friend accused). No, the truth is, the kitchen really needs a facelift and while ifs true I do too, in spite of the cost, I feel doing the kitchen will be less painful.. I know I'm going to hate myself for a while, but I really do think it will all be worth the mess when it's finished.l know I'll really enjoy the finished product,'provided I haven't been taken awayfor a rest cure someplace. % • ;l ' * ,: ; .-.,•••. The last time we did this, the poor dog sniffed too many strong chemical odors and wasn't really her old self ever again. She apparently saw flies as large as eagles and would be frantic until she could hide.
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Well, the good news is we don't- have a dog anymore and in addition, the smelly chemicals won't be used in the house this time. So well take our chances and pray for the best. And if you run into me someplace and I don't seem myself, try to make allowances. Have some rachmones and remember, it could be worse. It could be YOU with an upside-down kitchen.
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PULVER/BLOCH Dr. Melissa Pulver and Dr. Michael J. Bloch, both of New York City, have announced their engagement. Dr. Pulver, a cum laude graduate of Georgetown University and a graduate of Georgetown University Medical School, is a neurology resident physician at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. She is the daughter of Dr. Steven Pulver of Midland MI, and Suzanne Adams of Marion, AL. Her grandparents are Curtis Pulver and the late Paula Pulver, and Dorothy Mabon and the late Lloyd Mabon. Dr. Bloch, a graduate Of Princeton University, magna cum laude, and of Georgetown University Medical School, magna cum laude, is an internal medicine resident physician, also at New York Hospital/Cornell Medical Center. He is the son of Steven and Carol Bloch of Omaha, and the grandson of Lucille and Sam Gelenter and the late Lottie and Harold Bloch. An Aug. 31 wedding in Princeton, N.J., is planned.
Howard Zindell and Stephanie Saferstein share a laugh at last week's beer tasting party at the JCC. Sponsored by the Jewish Family Service, the event is one of several planned for the Jewish Singles 35+ group. For more information about future events, call 330-2024.
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MISSION Exploring the Golan Heights by Pam and Dennis DePorte As our jeeps ascended the slopes of the Golan Heights, we felt as if we were reliving parts of the 1967 war. Seeing the former Syrian bunkers and the toppled homes of the Syrian officers enabled us to imagine some of the feelings of the soldiers in Israel's army 30 years ago. We soon began to realize the strategic importance of the Golan Heights and that they are a crucial vantage point for security on the northern border. The view from the top of the Golan was breath- Pam and Dennis DePorte, Chairmen of the taking. We could see from the lush Hula Valley recent Outreach Mission, view the strategic below with its green fields and settlements to snow importance of the Golan. capped Mount Hermon. As we listened to the for- determination the people of Israel have for their mer soldier describe the history and the battles, we country. This was just one of many experiences we began to absorb the tremendous feeling of pride and will remember on pur first trip to Israel. • . 'The Magnet in the Wall' by Michael Linn I had the unique experience of traveling through group. For some unexplained reason, something Israel on the UJA Outreach Mission. All voyages to caused me to stop, and slowly return to the wall. I Israel reach Jerusalem. We spent three rain- noticed my two new friends also walking back to soaked days touching, tasting, visiting and wan- the wall. Not one word was exchanged, and I wondering through this magnificent city before we der if we realized what we had done. I found a different spot at the wall this time. The went to the "wall." Traveling through underground ruins, running stone was still wet, cold and smooth. I was able to after our tour guide, we finally found ourselves reach up and touch something growing in the wall. Something green was once again, outside. The growing in the cracks rain had stopped, we were amidst the myriad of breathing clean air, and notes. I placed my face unexpectedly, standing against the wall and felt silently, majestically, was £ the tears on my cheek the Western and mingle with the fallen Southern outer wall. The droplets of rain still glissun highlighted the tening on the stone. soaked courtyard, and only a handful of people I cannot explain my feelwere standing about. ings, the exhibition of emotion or the pull emaThere were three men, nating from the wall. davening at,the wall. I ( Maybe my .soul, my being, walked with members ofr was, responding to an our group towards the ancient call. I cannot nor wall, placing donations Jerusalem's Western Wall that had been given to me in the metal tzedakah will I attempt to answer my own questions. But I box. For some reason, my progress slowed as I did move slowly away, as did my friends. We moved as one northward into the building, looked up at the wall, watched the backs of others not speaking while moving as far north aB possible. and stared at the stone. • I finally touched the wall. I saw all the tiny Then we silently turned, around and moved past pieces of paper shoved into every crack and crevice those praying and those seeking whatever it was and noted that some of the ink was crying. I felt they sought, until we were again outside in the the stones, smoothed by thousands of caressing courtyard. TJie sun was again hiding and the rain hands. I don't know what I had expected, but the was about to return to the wall. I don't believe we stone had a rose hue and was hand polished and so said anything until back with the group and we embraced our wives. cool. Something lives within the wall. It is an undeniI was not sure of what I should do. So, in English I said some prayers, asked for assistance for oth- able part of us. It is something that will keep ers, for the protection and help of others, and then pulling at us through all eternity. It was an experirecited Hebrew prayers learned so many years ago, ence that has left me at peace with myself. A peace now fresh in my mind, that I knew were appropri- that I believe I have been searching for for years. A ate for the moment. I stood there, almost a part of peace that would never have been discovered as a youth. I don't know if I will become more obserthe wall itself. I slowly turned away and started walking back to vant, but I do know who I am and I do know that rejoin our group. I noticed two other members who this experience has' caused a change and left more had walked near me—not with me, as we all than just an indelible impression. I am not who I seemed to walk alone-start. t<£-walk toward the was when I left Omaha. I am myself, yet different.
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by.Bert Lewis Recently, a group of people came together to hear There are already plans in the works for this plans for the formation of an auxiliary. Executive newest of Jewish organizations, so the time it takes Director Barbara Gottlieb, Board President Robert to become operational is vital. The membership will Lepp and Volunteer Coordinator Lois Wine each be comprised of women, men, young, older...every spoke; explaining the purpose and the goals of such age. Those who become active will soon understand an organization. * 1-it.—•—"--'-•—" '—-*"• others. -*1- — how much their efforts will benefit Because the Blumkin Home, which operates When deciding whether or not this is of interest, under the auspices of Jewish Senior Services, is an please remember everyone has had, will have or integral part of our community, the professionals does have a connection to the RBJH. We have more who oversee daily operations stress the need for than a passing interest in its continued success. LOVE, the first organization to form as a Volunpublic awareness. Fund raising is a necessary top priority, since the Home is a non-profit organiza- tary assistance league, is phasing out and will tion. This is where an entity such aB an auxiliary merge with this new. auxiliary.:-Helen Shukert, past president of LOVE said, "We've worked for more becomes not only a useful tool, but imperative. Wine announced there will be a series of meet- than 25 years for the old Home as well as Blumkin. ings in the near future, to define the purpose of an Now it's time for others to step in and carry on the auxiliary. The next will be a wine and cheese tast- work." She announced the former group would doing April 2 at the JCC. Interested folks in the 30- nate funds from its treasury to provide seed money. and 40-Bomething category are invited. Please Mrs. Wine added, "We can do this; our Jewish community will come through-we always do." '- • RSVP to 330-4272.
March 21,1997 by Jennifer Meyerson, M.S.W., C.S.W. Part II of a two-part series " Social workers in your Omaha community at Jewish Family Service are involved in the following activities: • Individual, couple and marital therapy • Teen programs; providing discussions around ' issues facing Jewish teens. • Linkages; intergenerational activities where Jewish families are "matched" with isolated seniors. • Single programming for Jewish singles age 35 and up. • Exploring a Big/Brother-Big/Sister program and an interfaith couples' support group • Support services for adult children of aging • parents. • Adoption; placing children in adoptive homes, counseling around infertility issues, home studies, pregnancy counseling, post-adoption counseling andsearches. • Tzedakah services to needy Jewish families. • Presenting to other agencies on issues facing the community; such as grief and loss, teen issues, drugs and alcohol, etc. Jewish Family Service (and its social workers) also provides several support groups to the community, including: •Stars of David for prospective and adoptive families. • Grief and Loss Support Group; day and evening groups. • Survivors of Suicide Support Group. • Women of Divorce Support Group. The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) initiated National Professional Social Work Month in 1962, as a time to honor social workers and raise the public's awareness of the important work that social workers do. In 1984, President Reagan officially designated March as Scicml Worker Month. Every year since then, NASW begins a year-long national public ser- ' vice campaign/beginning in March. The purpose of the^campaign is to increase the publics understanding of social issues. This year the theme is "Racial and Ethnic Harmony." , For more information on these and other services, please call JFS at 330-2024. :
by Al Crounse support for those who are feeling the stresses and pressures of today's world or the challenges of any stages of life." Kaslow and Glen Fineman, JFS Executive Director, point to a new direction that the agency is taking to be able to service even more people in the community. , Resettlement is an area where there is continued strength in the commitment to meet the community's responsibilities. JFS plans stronger partnerships with synagogues in an effort to bring its expertise closer to those who need it. Jewish Family Service will continue its center of excellence in service to Jewish families and children, and will continue to be an advocate for tzedakah, giving people the tools they need to become self-sufficient. The agency plans to become a gatekeeper for human services through associaSeth and Molly Kudym become the charter tions with service providers. "Friends" of Jewish Family Service by donatJFS has recently launched a number of support ing their personal contributions from their groups for the Jewish community. Among those Tzedakah boxes. issues being addressed are divorce, depression, suiThis year marks 85 years of service to the cide, eating disorders, grief and loss, teen issues, Omaha Jewish community by Jewish Family interfaith outreaches, alcohol and drug use and Service. JFS is also marking this year with its first adults with aging parents. "Friends" Campaign-making "Mitzvah Magic." Anyone interested in becoming a "Friend" of Jewish Family Service President Gloria Kaslow, Jewish Family Service and helping make "Mitzvah in making the announcement, noted that "JFS Magic," is urged to contact the JFS office by calling wants to be able to provide the needed services and 330-2024.
Hiddush Levanah hosts New SVioon celebration
by Eliane Freund Hiddush Levanah, the Omaha Jewish Women's Spirituality and,New Moon Network, recently hosted a New Moon celebration to usher in Adar II. Participants explored themes of Purim, contained in the month of Adar, through prayer, music, discussion and food. Among those attending were, from left: Kathryn Johnson, Faye Evans, Gilda Pieck, Deirdre Evans (as Queen Esther), Dr. Lourdes Secola-Ocanto, Nurit Kalfer, Colleen Kenn'ealy and Marilyn Herman. The event was co-sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. For information, call 551-9005 or 556-7065.
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The Jewish side of Latln America
by Steve Riekes J Vacations can become all the more interesting cupied by the Dutch, who allowed the Jews living 1 Maria and Bob Cohen announce the Feb. 27 and pleasurable by adding some Jewish experi- there, who had pretended to be Catholic, to pracbirth of their daughter, Sara Frances. Sara has a ences. Our cruise in the Caribbean this winter was tice their religion. no exception. However, when the Spanish and Portuguese brother, Joshua, 3, and a sister, Zoe, 21 months. Through the help of former Omahan Steven Rod, recaptured Northern Brazil, the Inquisition Grandparents are Manny and Carol Goldberg who is now with the JCC Association of North returned. Jews fled for their lives, some to the and the late Elaine Goldberg, and Elberta Cohen America, we were able to visit the Hebraica Centra Caribbean and others to New Amsterdam (Newand the late Harry B. Cohen. Social Deportivo in Caracas, Venezuela. The York City). The synagogue is a very beautiful Greatrgrandmother is Fannie Winther. Hebraica is roughly equivalent to a'JCC. building and has a most interesting history. While located in a nice part of Caracas, it is not The economy began to deteriorate in the late 19th an easy place to get into. like many other places in Century, so that by the 1920's, only two Jewish Caracas, it is surrounded by high walls and has families remained in Barbados. They shipped the armed guards at the gate. (Tourists should bring Sefer Torahs to London and sold the synagogue to plenty of identification, including passports.) a lawyer who was going to convert it into on office building. Shortly after the new owner began work, he had a heart attack and died. The natives were Call 393-7800 or visit 7511 Dodge certain that his death had occurred because he was violating a holy place. Thus, the building remained empty, but untouched for decades. 3706 S. 132nd Street In the 1930's, the Jewish community of Barbados Phone (402) 330-5050 was revived by Jews fleeing from Germany. Since ^(402)330-0789 they didn't, then, own the synagogue, they bought DEADLINES HAVE NO MERCY a house which became, for maffy years, the community's headquarters. In the 1980's, when the Rernenber 2 tMngs: government realized that the old synagogue, if Our Bulletin Board Service is open 24 hours, 7 days a week restored, could be a tourist attraction, it was Free BBS Software/ - BBS: 330-3900 returned to the Jewish community. Graveyards near the synagogue were also interesting. In one corner, several grave stones had COMPLETE PLUMBING SERVICE skulls and crossbones, leaving some to say that Margo and Steve Riekes with Uri Ben these may have been Jewish pirates. 24 HOUR SERVICE Hamron, Assistant Director of the Hebraica Lie. # 12200 Many of the grave stones in the 17th Century in. Caracas, Venzuela. were written in Ladino, the language of Sephardic Jews. In the 18th Century, the English language Inside the Hebraica are gorgeous grounds. took over. Since it was a small community, memThere was an olympic-size outdoor, pool surround- bers had to fulfill various functions. On one 18th 800-774-4208 __. . _ - _ l - . _ _ • _ _ _ TOLL-FREE OLL-hHtfc BOO-774-4ZOE ed by trees and tropical flowers. We saw a gigantic Century grave stone, among other things, it was 1451-420011393=4800] Me mber P.H.C.C. gym in which Jewish teenagers were playing bas- said ". . .and he performed the office of circumciketball. The recreational complex included a state- sion with great applause and dexterity..." of-the-art fitness center and a beauty salon. In another part of the complex, workmen were renovating some rather large rooms to accommoExcellent Quality Construction date the 800 people who, weekly, participate in Residential And Commercial Israeli dancing. , • ; ; J,L, • r/.^ In the youth section, each age level had its own room, in which the children decorate the walls as they wish. Signs indicated a celebration of Tu .' ! $ f » I ; CONTRACTOR B'Shvat. Attached to the Hebraica were a number of 402-331-0888 schools. There were two nursery schools, an ele11045 "O" St. Omaha, NE 68137 mentary school and a high school. The schools have enrollments of more than 3,000. Almost all the Jewish children of Caracas attend these Jewish schools.
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We went through a portion of the high school during a "break" to see the movie theater. The stuAlan H. Friedman dents looked and acted like any typical American President group of teenagers, the only difference being the Graduate Gemologist language and kipot on a number of the boys. As we walked through the milling teenagers, our' 9107 Wilshire Boulevard. Suite 320 guide, Uri Ben-Hamron, Assistant Director of the Beverly Hills, California 90210 Hebraica, was hugged by many of the girls. He 310»278»4944 • Fax310»278»5449 explained his popularity by telling us that the comMember of West Coast Diamond Club munity sends the entire 10th Grade to Israel every Estate Jewelers Association of America summer and this past summer he was one of the American Gem Trade Association chaperons. Mr. Hamron was then our host at a lunch in one r W ^ i l l H HOME APPLIANCE of the three kosher restaurants that are located on IfliliillH . SERVICE the Hebraica campus. The Hebraica has a milk restaurant and a meat restaurant. I didn'tfindout "Serving Omaha Since 1946" whether the third one was pareva. • Tile Hebraica has 5,000 members out of a Jewish SERVICE PARTS population of about 30,000. Obviously, from the PROMPT AND DEPENDABLE size and beauty of the Hebraica, the Jewish comONE COMPANY REPAIRS ALL YOUR munity seems a successful and vibrant one. Yet, MAJOR APPLIANCES there is insecurity, both physical and economic. 8827 Maple 391-4287 This is not because of anti-Semitism, but rather, the quality of l}fe in Venezuela seems to be erodTHANK YOU FOR YOUR BUSINESS ing. The walls and guards at the Hebraica ore protection for crime prevalent-in Caracas. We got the sense that the country is ripe with corruption and • mismanagement. Nevertheless, my wife, Margo, Steve and .Nancy-Skid, a couple from New York, Jay and Jill Eisner, and I, thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the Hebraica. Another Jewish .experience was in Bridgetown, DESIGNER capital of the Island of Barbados. There, our group, CONSULTATION I too.ooo FABRICS WEODINGS including Larry and Barbara Zacharia, went to an , „ ; „ „ , . „ , „ , * .,• 1.DRAPERY-UPHOLSTERY -' BAflMITZVAHS WAIORWHOLEWLE \ SHUTTERS-BLINDS THEME PARTIES old synagogue located on, of course, Synagogue WALLPAPER LINENS PARTY RENTAL DISCOUNTS APPLY Lane. It was established by Sephardic Jews in the 17th Century. For a while, Northern Brazil was ocTEXTILES, INC. 740 SOUTH 75TH ST. 399-8764
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From left; Steve and Nancy Skid, Larry and Barb Zacharia and Margo and Steve Riekes in the synagogue on the island of Barbados. Our final experience began with Shabbat services on Friday evening^board ship. Since I had experience doing this before, I volunteered to lead the services, with the help of ourgroup, including Nate and Hannah Schwalb, and the ship's security officer, a young Israeli from Haifa. The ship furnished prayer books, wine, challah, and candles. Approximately 80 to 100 people attended. However, I was unprepared to learn that half the people were French-speaking Sephardic Jews from Paris. They were all former inhabitants, or descendants of inhabitants, from a small town in Algeria. The community later moved to France. Every year they travel as a group of about 60 strong. (Continued on page 11)
March 21,1997
The Jewish side of Latin America (Continued from page 10) I was in somewhat of a panic. The French Jews asked if they could'recite Mincha. I knew that it would be rather quick, so I told them to go ahead. While Sephardic Jews sing every word, they do move the service along. The American Jews, while unfamiliar with the melodies and style, were patient. I made a speech to the effect that, while we were all from different places in the world, and all accustomed to different languages and melodies, nevertheless, we were all children of Israel, we were all on the same boat, and we would manage. We then went forward with a more traditional American-type service, including some English passages. The French Jews remained quiet, shushing those that didn't understand, although, there was some participation during the Hebrew parts. After Kiddish, most of the Americans left. The French Jews, however, who had been waiting patiently, then did the entire service all over again, but in their style and with their melodies. They invited us to stay. Those that did, were treated to a very interesting and delightful experience. While their melodies were quite different,' and style of prayer was somewhat different, and we could not speak French, and they could not speak English, we all had a marvelous time celebrating
High school seniors to participate in Interfaith Conference Organizations representing the Jewish, Catholic, and Protestant communities are planning a summer conference at Washington, D.C.-based American University June 29-July 20, for 60 leading high school seniors. The E Pluribus Unum Conference (EPU) partici; pants will explore the impact of their religious values on their role as citizens. Students will examine their own tradition's values and the shared values of their respective religions in order to understand how to work together to build a better society. ' 'The conference s"ponsoif, The Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values, and its cooperating partners, the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry and the National Council: of Churches hope to draw a student body reflective of the diversity present in the participating U.S. religious communities. Applications are welcome through the Spring of 1997. First round of admission reviews begin on March 15 and will continue until all spaces in the 1997 EPU class are filled. "We want the students at EPU to learn that their religions each have wisdom that can help them to change our society for the better," said Rabbi Sid Schwarz, Director of the conference. "Too often, religions are used as wedges to divide societies. We want the students to learn how to build coalitions with other groups and how to learn from and gain from different perspectives." All students who are accepted to the program will receive full scholarships. EPU is underwritten by the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, Inc., a national foundation supporting the causes of religion, education, and community development. The three-week conference will include academic seminars, art, worship and community service components. Interested high school seniors should contact Mary Beth Campbell at 301-770-6070 (voice), 301770-6365 (fax) or epul997@aol.com.
Book
Review-
by Oliver Pollak University of Nebraska at Omaha In Memory's Kitchen, A Legacy from the Women Of Terezin, edited by Cara De Silva, translated by Bianca Steiner Brown (Northvale, N.J.; Jason Aronson, 112 pages. Food, tastes and feasts, evoke memory. Pesach and Thanksgiving are legion for planning, presentation, participation, gustation and remembering. In Memories Kitchen reminds us simultaneously of traditional family recipes passed from mother . to daughter, gnawing hunger and hope. The creation, of this hand-written cookbook by Mina Pachter, under direst of conditions, and its circuitous and delayed delivery to Anny Stern, her daughter, is a marvel of the written word. The foreword by Michael Berenbaum, Director of the United States Holocaust Research Institute, describes Terezin's peculiar position as "Hitler's Gift to the Jews," a show city to which Hitler invited the Red Cross. But "gift" in German means poison. The numbers are stark. A garrison that had housed 7,000 Czechs contained as many as 53,000 Jews. 144,000 were deported to Terezin and 33,000 died there; 88,000 were deported to Auschwitz and at liberation there were 19,000 survivors. Of the 15,000 children, only 100 were alive at liberation, one-half of one percent. Cara De Silva, a food and" culture columnist, writes a moving introduction about the relationship between food, culture, nutrition and health. Your reviewer's maternal grandfather, Felix Bachmann, M.D., survived Terezin, his paternal grandmother, Agnes Pollak, did not. Felix's medical history of the camp contains frequent reference to food, a diet of prisoner's bread, potato and soup. Malnutrition and vitamin deficiency could make small illnesses fatal. Caloric intake was at one-third of normal requirements. He wrote, "many great eaters gathered the shells . of potatoes very often out of the. fallings off and tried to make fried potatoes or bo cook a potato-' soup out ofit-it is sorry bufc true; >>' ' "' "Hunger made us inventive, and bread with mustard or sugar was a fine sandwich in Theresienstadt. Poor diet led to tuberculosis and a great deal of the inmates of the concentration camp Terezin died of starvation. "Food was always the same, a'thin water porridge, peeledbarley and no vegetables." The S.S. withheld the gifts of the International Red Cross. After liberation by the Russians, the Portuguese sardines, the salad and rhubarb from the surroundings along with gifts from relatives abroad diminished the torturing backache and helped a good deal in strengthening the weak spine. The illustrations by inmate Norbert Troller, and reproductions of manuscripts pages-written by Mina Pachter, bring the reader face to face with the experience and the creativity. This book is available at the Jewish Federation Library.
• LOWER TAXES I will continue to work hard to keep the costs of city government under control and down. I have demonstrated my ability to do this on the Millard School Board and I HAVE THE VOTING RECORD TO PROVE IT.
FOR CITY COUNCIL DISTRICT 5 • PUBLIC SAFETY I pledge to do all I can to support the public servants who lay their lives
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Beth El USY/Kadimah Purim extravaganza It is time, once again, to celebrate Purim, the holiday remembering the saving of the Jews in Persia. The story of Purim is told in the book of Esther. It has four main characters: Queen Esther, King Ahasverous, Mordechi and Haman, all of whom will be on parade Saturday evening, March 22, at the annual Beth El Megillah Beading and Social. The following morning is the event all of Omaha has been waiting for. . .the USY Carnival.New games, new prizes, great food and fun for the entire family. It all starts at 11:15 a.m. in Beth El's new west court, social hall and community court! Advance tickets are available through the Beth El Youth Department, any member of Beth El USY, Beth El Kadimah or Michael Levine. Tickets are less expensive if purchased before the event.
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• ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Omaha has a robust economy, yet there are pockets of high unemployment in our city. It must be one of our goals to connect those people who want to work with those who need to hire people. IT IS TIME TO PUT ASIDE THE BOUNDARIES OF DISTRICTS AND WORKTOWARDSTHE BETTERMENT OF OUR ENTIRE COMMUNITY. • FAIR GOVERNMENT Government must be accountable to the people and work for the people. I AM COMMITTED TO THAT.
CUFF HHIDTORCITY COUNCIL 16332 Sprinfl Circle • Omnha,NE 68130 PAID KW BY THE COMMITTEE TO ELECT CUFF HERO (402) 689-4778 PHONE (402) 898-8397 FAX htrpy/www.coci.conVdcrp/herd.htm
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March 21,1997
Kosher cooking
ARTISAMSALEi
(for when you need help designing your Purim baskets)
Our 52-Week Sale continues...
by Judith Bolinger
(Sale applies to in-stock items only)
I quickly wrote down the wording and put it on a "Where did it all begin?" I asked myself. computer disk. No way was I going to risk losing Then, I remembered. It all began one night when my frustration level this perfect wording once Martha's plans arrived. I for the 11 p.m. news had reached an all-time high'. couldn't decide whether the card should be on colI was sick of what the local TV stations called ored stock or on a creamy vellum. Should it have" a news—an endless list of kittens stuck in trees, border, raised or flat letters? Should it be strung by a ribbon from the basket or should it fit into it's wind-chill factors and who signed for free agency. Bored and restless, I flipped through the chan- own small envelope tucked among the contents of nels and discovered Martha Stewart. Curious, I the basket? So many pleasant, decisions to be made watched. The show was so much fun that I was and so much time to make them in. Time has a way offiying by when you are busy, amazed when I realized it was 11:30 p.m. That same half hour took at least 90 minutes when I and suddenly, one day I looked at the calendar in utter disbelief! Five weeks until Purim watched the news. and Martha had never answered my letA few days later, my husband pointed ter! out her column to me in the Sunday paper. I became depressed when I thought of I read every word and made a note of her all the clever and creative themes that e-mail address that appeared at the end. people had used for their Purim packages Martha and her staff were welcoming [in the past. I would never enter the questions from readers. "You never know," "Halls of Clever and Creative" because I said as I carefully entered the informaMartha had not risen to the occasion. I had been tion in my e-mail address book. I still wouldn't conignored. My Purim baskets would be "ho-hum and sider myself a fan. Not yet. I had merely reached it's Martha Stewart's fault! the point of defending her when people started •My fantasy was over, cold reality set in. I would cracking the usual Martha Stewart jokes. be doing my own shalaeh manot basket this year Everything changed the day I received my sweepas in every other year. It wouldn't be clever. It stakes letter. You know the one. It states that you wouldn't be creative. But it would be guaranteed (and everybody's .brother) is eligible to win delicious. .'.•'-• , •;. $11,000,000! I never take those things seriously Everything would be based on chocolate and and seldom even open them. would center around a recently-acquired recipe for But, this day was different; I opened my sweepchocolate hamentashen (3-cornered filled pastries stakes letter. Inside, among all the stamps that that represent the 3-cornered hat worn by the vilrepresented the myriad of magazines one could lain, Hamen). order, I discovered a stamp for Martha Stewart. CHQCOIATE HAMENTASHEN Not only could I win $11,000,000, but I could also 3 sticks margarine 2 teaspoons baking powder order Martha's over-priced magazine. VA cups sugar 1 teaspoon salt Feeling expansive, I went for expensive and did 2 eggs, well beaten 2 teaspoon vanilla it. I ordered the Martha Stewart magazine and 3Y* cups flour 2 oz. unsweetened entered the sweepstakes. I didn't win the chocolate, melted $11,000,000, but I did reach a final level.. .the fan Cream margarine with sugar until light. Add level. I had become a genuine, card-carrying eggs and melted chocolate and beat well. Sift flour, Martha Stewart fan. baking powder and salt together. Add to margarine I read every word she and her staff wrote, took mixture and blend well. Add vanilla. notes on the TV show and even started keeping Gather dough into ball. Divide into four parts. files. I did everything but try any of the 3,000 ideas Chill for at least one hour. Roll out, a quarter at a that I had filed away so efficiently. Then, like a time, on a floured board. Using a cookie cutter or a flash out of the blue, I had an idea. Purim was four glass, cut large circles. months away and I was going to e-mail Martha for FELLING some fresh, new ideas for this year's shalaeh 24-oz. package parve 6 tablespoons water manot-traditional gifts of goodies that we deliver chocolate chips sugar for sprinkling to our friends on Purim. 2 tablespoons margarine Boy, was I excited! The next few weeks I spent Make chocolate paste: Dissolve chocolate chips in dreaming about the card that I would enclose in microwave with margarine and water, mix well. the basket. I worked on the wording. Then I re- Cool slightly. Cover each circle of dough with a litworded the wording. Then I re-worded the re-word- tle chocolate paste. Top with some unmelted chocoed wording. Finally, I came up with this; late chips. Pinch corners together to form a triangular shape. .Place on cookie sheet. Brush with oil or melted margarine. Sprinkle sugar on [top. Bake at This shalaeh manot basket 350° until golden brown.-.) .. ...
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BBYO schedules rush events B'nai B'rith Youth Organization's; two AZA chapters and two BBG chapters have scheduled rush events for April, said BBYO adviser Lisa Shkolnick. AZA #1 and MZ Yoshanah BBG start the rush season Saturday, April 5, with a second event on Sunday, April 20. Ediar BBG and Chaim Weizmann AZA host rush events Sunday, April 6, and Saturday evening, April 19. Pledge night for all chapters will be held Tuesday, May 6, 6 p.m., at the JCC. Rush is open to all Jewish eighthgraders in the Omaha-Council Bluffs area. For more information, contact the BBYO office at 334-6443. dther events include an evening at the Playhouse, The Boyfriend, March 27, 6:30 p.m., for Ediar BBG. Dessert will be served after the show. Contact Annie Nogg at 493-3479.
'• Maccabi basketball tryouts will be held . Monday, March 24, and Thursday, March 27, 7 p.m.,, at the JCC. Jewish teens between the ages of 13-17 are encouraged to compete. The games will be held in Kansas City Aug. 10-15. For more information, call Corey Kirshenbaum at 334-6418. Future events include: AZA and BBG Council elections Tuesday, April 15, and the Ediar BBG and MZ Yoshanah BBG joint Beau Dance Saturday evening, May 10, at the Regency Marriott Hotel. Driver's Education is scheduled May 12 and May 13, 6-8 p.m. Classes are offered by Omaha Professional Driving School and held at the JCC. It is limited to 12 participants, so early registration is encouraged by^calling JCC Member Services at 334-6426.
March 21,1997
Around the Jewish World Jewish groups oppose genetic test discrimination
Business center coming to Gaza Strip by Michele Chabin JERUSALEM (JTA) -- A ground-breaking ceremony for the Gaza Strip's first business center took place last week north of Gaza City. The business center, which will include a luxury Marriott hotel and 150,000 square feet of office space, will be dedicated to U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ron Brown, who was killed in a plane crash last year. Brown, who believed that peace and economic growth go hand in hand, said during one of his trips to the Middle East, "This facility will signify that Gaza is open for business." .' The $100 million project is expected to employ 2,000 workers during the construction phase and will create up to 4^000 jobs once it is completed. A review —
by Jordana Willner, Washington Jewish Week Many Americans have faced the problem of being denied health insurance based on pre-existing medical conditions. Now, as scientists map human genes and link genetic mutations with diseases, individuals could be denied insurance or face higher premiums based on their genetic information. Proponents of the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination in Health Insurance Act, which include Hadassah and the American Jewish Congress Commission on Women's Equality, seek legislation to bar insurance companies from discriminating against individuals based on their genetic information. The act also would prohibit insurance providers from requesting or requiring an individual to disclose genetic information, nor could insurance companies disclose genetic information without prior written consent. As for-profit businesses, insurance companies want access to all medical information regarding potential customers to assess each individual's insurance risk. With the knowledge that an individual has a genetic mutation indicative of a higher likelihood of developing a disease, an insurance Company might opt not to provide coverage.
Anne Frank and Me at the JCC
by Carol Katzman This play should be required of every school child and demeanor. Rachel Shukert, Nicole's dramatic in America, from ages ten up. It's too bad it only girlfriend in America, and Nicholas Sieben, her ran for six performances at the JCC. Though" the hoped-for-boyfriend, turn up as sister and brother, play is a little too long and could have used a Resistance fighters and ultimate betrayors. They all join Edward Baye, the only Jewish strong editor, the overall effect is powerful — a typical suburban American teenager, who doubts the friend in both present day and past, and school truth about World War II, is transported through principal turned Nicole's father, Don Seaman, in time.to live as a Jewish teen,in war-torn Paris..,, , some of the most powerful scenes of the play. Rounding out the cast admirably were Meg From a selfish, spoiled teen, Deborah Radloff transforms lead character Nicole Burns into Nicole Adams, Jessica Chait, Mendel Kurland, Katie Bernhardt, a thoughful, caring, hopeful young McDonald, Beth Radloff, Anna Raful, Ariel woman. Her real-life little sister, Ruth Radloff, Shukert, and Rachel Katskee as Anne Frank. plays Nicole's sister both in suburbia and Paris, and Betty Goldstrom and Oliver Pollack joined the teen is charming. Gila Drazen in the role of the over- production as grandma and grandpa. Nicole wakes up from her nightmare, safely back bearing teacher becomes Nicole's mother in Paris of 1942, complete with convincing French accent in suburbia, wiser about the all-too-real Holocaust.
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 13
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' by AUaa WE. Gon6hcr Editor's Note: Allan Gonsher will answer give guidance and assistance when children are questions about Jewish parenting. Send ques- young to set the example and show them how to tions to him at the Jewish Press: become self-sufficient later. How can we be sure they say blessings when not Confidentiality will be respected and names done in the presence of a parent? After all, silent may be withheld if desired. •• . ' prayer leaves no visible sign of fulfilment or comMitzvot are more than commandments pletion. Some families post charts to be marked Mitzvot are the gifts of Jewish life we pass on to when the mitzvoh is done'. Others require recitaour children.; .. ' •. • . -.: tion aloud for a parent to hear. We can te,ach our . We teach our children, about Jkashrut, Shabbat, children trust, though, by just asking them if they and tzedahah. And we teach them that mitzvot are have completed their duty to Gnd.. the glue., that bind our Jewish lives together and Learning mitzvot is also the understanding that give it substance and strength. Although G-d commanded us to perform 613 dif- . these are opportunities nor restrictions. Observing ferent, mitzvot, most families do not make them Shabbat does not mean missing Friday night footpart of their daily-schedules. Too many djversionB ball games at the high school. It means spending take precedence over observing Shabbat, studying more valuable time without distractions with Torah, or helping others. Our hours are instead . brothers, sisters, and friends who share in the cele. •••'... controlled by television, basketball games, or shop- bration each week. Learning Hebrew is not more homework. It is a ping. But these priorities need to be rearranged for way to open another world with visits to other us to complete our duty to G-d. . Most mitzvot are simple enough to include in a countries or have something very exclusive in comchild's daily routine. Reciting the motzi before mon with buddies in other cities when attending every, meal takes less than a minute, to do. Placing Shabbatim. These experiences enrich a child's life, money in the pushke can be done once a week at introduce him to new friends, and become imporSunday School. Studying one section from the tant memories to pass on to their own children. Parents need to set an example for mitzvot the Torah each week requires no more time than watching a sitcom on television. Eventually, the same way they teach children to do their homemitzvot become more extensive'and the greater work or chores. Everyone has responsibilities to perform as part of the household society. In the part of the family's fabric of life. Children are also capable of performing mitzvot Jewish home, the mitzvot are the responsibilities without reminders. Just as they do their homework that come first. Allan M. Gonsher, President/Founder of before turning on the Nintendo, children will know that saying the modehani (morning prayer) should Kids, Inc., is a recognized educator and be recited before sitting at the, breakfast table in speaker on children's issues. He is a certified, the morning. Or the Shema can be recited before registered play therapist and author of 'Tips turning off the light to go to sleep. We need only to for Kids" and "An Allowance is Not a Bribe."
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Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 21,1997 by Chuck Kuha, Lincoln Correspondent
Jewish Guardsman files harassment suit An incredible story has surfaced recently regarding a former Nebraska National Guard officer, Robert J. Tobin, about an on-going struggle, now a legal one, to see justice with respect to anti-Semitic incidents that allegedly occurred while he was a Guard officer. Tobin, whose family is active at B'nai Jeshurun where he teaches in the religious school, had served 10 years in the military, seven as a commissioned officer, when he left the Guard in August, 1995. According to him, once it became known that he was Jewish (Tobin had converted to Judaism and changed from "NO PREF REC" to "JEWISH" dogtags), he began to receive some very negative comments regarding kashrut,. circumcision, kipot, and Jewish holidays. The tone and general delivery of these comments were unmistakenly hostile. He said, "These comments were made by commissioned officers in the Nebraska National Guard. I was junior in rank to these officers (I was then a 1st Lieutenant) and was subordinate in a formal military command relationship." He continued, "During this time I respectfully made it known that I did not appreciate the remarks. Apparently this was amusing. The situation escalated." According to Tobin (on a staff assignment in Germany during March of 1995) during a tour of the Nazi concentration camp Dachau, a superior officer admits to having told him that he "would like to see (him) gassed and cremated" and that he lamented the "unfortunate inefficiency" of gas chambers and crematoria. Tobin said that this occurred immediately after he and other superior officers had presented Tobin with a pair of shower shoes, a reference to the gas chambers. . Tobin said, "I was too shocked to respond. A more verbally abusive, degrading, and humiliating situation would be difficult to envision." He continued, "My. duty required me to remain properly subordinate to officers who openly expressed raw antiSemitism, or tolerate its expression from rankpeers or subordinates." Tobin says that he thoroughly documented the circumstances and transferred to the U.S. Army Reserve (Inactive), where he was immediately promoted to Captain. Apparently, the Guard twice investigated the events that he had documented; and concluded that religious discrimination had in fact occurred.
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He contends that in sworn depositions, some of the officers involved admitted to their words and actions. Several even admitted that they1 had discussed the legitimacy of his "religious preference." Tobin lamented, "The Nebraska National Guard states that they cannot reveal what disciplinary steps have been taken. One of the conclusions was simply to redistribute the standard bulletin board memo dealing with Equal Opportunity. One of the captains, who admitted to having taken a leading role in the 'shower shoe incident,' has been promoted to Major," he said. He continued, "Anti-Semitism is evident as well as tacit encouragement to such activities by failure to speak out against them, emboldening the offenders. I consider this situation to be unprofessional and unacceptable. It brings shame upon the uniform and is unworthy of the heritage of the service. "I hope the-Jewish community can appreciate the position I was in. I was willing to 'fall on my sword' over this to expose it, even though it's been quite a financial blow to our family. It seems idealism is expensive. And the lawyers say that it may take years. "On the other hand, there is one Jewish officer left in the Nebraska National Guard whom I know of; maybe this will make things better for him," he said. Eva Sartori, Co-president of Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, commented, "Rob Tobin had been repeatedly harassed by guardsmen in his unit simply because he was a Jew. Rob chose to become a Jew on religious grounds, perhaps not expecting the social and political consequences of his choice, but these could not be evaded. "It behooves us to remain vigilant both on the local and the national front. Like peddlers, whethe>we are Jews by choice or Jews by birth, we carry our history on our backs wherever we go," she concluded.
Purim and the whole Megillah Both the South Street Temple and Tifereth Israel Synagogue will celebrate Purim in grand tradition. The Megillah reading at B'nai Jeshurun will begin at 6 p.m. Saturday, March 22, with refreshments following. The Temple Youth Group will sponsor the annual Purim Carnival Sunday at noon. Games and activities are scheduled and lunch will be available! Tifereth Israel's celebration starts Saturday, March 22 at 7 p.m., with the Eriv Purim service immediately followed by the Megillah Reading. The Megillah will again be read Sunday at 10 a.m., culminating with the annual USY Purim Carnival at 12:30 p.m. USY promises great fun and good food.
the sanctuary Congregation Tifereth Israel will host a reception for the community to display and describe prominent works of art which adorn the sanctuary. The event, co-chaired by Yale Gotsdiner and Leo Hill, will be held Sunday, April 6, 2-4:30 p.m., and will feature the Door of the Ark, the Lincoln Holocaust Memorial, Megillah Lincoln, and an untitled fiber art piece by Ohio-based artist Jodi Kanter. The Door to the Ark is a feature of the Synagogue and was a focal point to the festivities of the dedication of the building in 1954. Crafted of handcarved mahogany, it took artist Albert Wood and his five sons six months to complete. Eight panels adorn the doors. They represent Shabbat, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Hanukkah, Purim, Pesach and Shavuot, intricately detailing the major Jewish holidays. The Lincoln Holocaust Memorial is a cast bronze obelisk designed by Philadelphia forensic sculptor Frank Bender and is the result of more than five years of work. Commissioned in part by the Society of Survivors of the Holocaust, its "sister memorial" is displayed in the current county-city building and will be moved to a permanent location when the new building is completed. The obelisk is viewed from the front of the sculpture, the back being flanked by three rough mirrors. According to the sculptor, this idea of reflective viewing is meant to save people from being forced to see the atrocity directly. ' Lincoln Megillah is a rather new installation, as is the fibre art piece. The former was commissioned to reflect the history of. Jews in Lincoln. The cast stone sculpture by brothers Dean and Jay Tschetter depicts an unwinding scroll which shows not only the history of Lincoln Jews but also their ancestral roots, Highlightedarethe^centyal parts of Jewish life: the family, the Sabbath, and the education of the young. The future of the community Has yet to be unrolled and remains in the scroll. The untitled, 6'xl4' tapestry by Jodi Kanter was a major commission by the congregation. The artist selected wool as the primary medium but also included metallic threads in the menorah to pick up light. During its six-hour installation she said, "The imagery in this fibre art mural combines symbols that are universal to Judaism and which also have particular meaning to Tifereth Israel. The primary image is that of. the menorah. I was told that the menorah is the symbol of Tifereth Israel. "In Jewish tradition, the shape of the menorah is derived from the shape of the tree. And so, the tree imagery in this mural symbolizes Judaism taking root in the heartland of the country* growing and flourishing. It suggests the congregation's roots in Jewish tradition and commitment to its future," she added. The Jewish communities of Nebraska are invited to this historic event as is the general public. For more information, call the Synagogue office.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 15
SYNAGOGUEZOOO A Trans-Denominational Project for the Synagogue of the 21st Century
Ann Kibel Schwartz (left), Gloria Bassik and Anne Broder are three of the 30 committee members of Synagogue 2000. Four are matters of content: Prayers, Study, Good Deeds, and Healing. Two are matters of process: Institutional Change and Ambiance. These six areas, Prayer, Institutional Change, Study, Good Deeds, Ambiance and Healing form the acronym pisgah, meaning summit, a term used in Torah for the summit from which Moses saw the Promised Land. The initial work of Synagogue 2000 is focusing on just two of these areas, Healing and Prayer. Temple Israel is working with the Healing "track." The Synagogue 2000 Committee is composed of 30 congregants and professional staff who are not only learning how to deal with those who are ill or are otherwise in need of healing, but are looking within themselves to find peace, wholeness, and self fulfillment. The committee is meeting bi-weekly. As the group studies and prays together, members are redefining their own commitment, finding renewed spiritual growth, and at the same time
(Continued from page 1) are beginning to develop a vision for the congregation as a whole. Although the process may initially appear a bit overwhelming, we realize that such an effort will take time. We anticipate at least a two-year time frame to study the issues, determine the best means of transforming our present institution, and effect change where needed; This undertaking certainly represents a significant challenge-but also a great opportunity-not only for our congregation, but as the efforts and spirit of Synagogue 2000 expand across the nation, for all American Judaism. We are extremely excited and enthusiastic about the process of changing our focus to bring a better
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Message about diversity io ,.,..-. t (Contiriuedfrompage 1) ' • would fulfill the expectations of his parents and grandfather, an acclaimed physician. Joining them was team assistant Laura Heavey, who returned to school later in life and how recognizes the value of education. •"•••'• The five scientists are researchers in the Laboratory of Viral Pathogenesis at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Laboratory Chief Dr. Howard Gendelman is world-renowned for his discoveries and ongoing work in AIDS research. He is a Professor in the Department of Pathology and Microbiology. To prepare for the visit, Friedel students read and discussed the researchers' biographies. In addition, teacher Denise Bennett prepared special geography and social studies lessons to acquaint, them with each scientist's country of origin. "The discovery of these exceptional men and women, and the chance to talk with them in an intimate setting, gave our students a learning experience, of great richness. We are fortunate to be the first school in southeastern Nebraska to have received this wonderful opportunity," said Rabbi Gavriel Herzig, Headmaster. "Such an experience exemplifies the depth of curriculum integration and the variety of learning experiences that we provide at Friedel," he said. Rabbi Herzig. described each guest as inspirational. "The struggles they endured in order to complete their extensive training gave our students motivation to have high aspirations for their own future achievements. They recognized what a special gift it is to receive an education." He expressed gratitude to Dr. Gendelman for "motivating the members of his'staff to appreciate their ethnic diversity and to become excited about sharing their unique message with Friedel students." - ../.'• *. Rabbi Herzig and Dr. Gendelman hope to continue, an ongoing relationship that will benefit Friedel students in many ways. Already they are planning a field trip to the research laboratory, where the students will have a hands-on science lesson. This week, ttie UNMC team gave a presentation to students and teachers in western Nebraska. The Board of Counselors/Regents of UNMC supports, their message about multi-cultural diversity, perseverance, and the importance of education.
sense of warmth, contentment, meaning, community and spirituality to all our congregants. We also feel honored, yet humbly challenged, to develop'a path for other congregations which mightfindour efforts and those of other synagogues helpful in enriching synagogue life for their, congregants. This project will help redefine the American Jewish congregational experience for the next century-an experience that will hopefully be meaningful and relevant for every Jew, an experience that renews, the sense of spirituality, which can invigorate, enlighten, and motivate us to make this a better world. And most significantly, to ease our journey, point the way, and light our path to fihdGod in our lives.
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Page 16 Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne March 21,1997
Thirteen women who have been friends since childhood traveled to Las Vegas recently to share their 50th birthdays. From Los Angeles to Charlotte, North Carolina, they flew, bringing memories of growing up together in Omaha. What started out as a small birthday celebration snow-balled into a group event when Aileen Rimmerman Kaye, Turner, OR; Carol Altsuler Cohen, Dallas; Judy Nogg, Boulder; Ellen Bank Levitch, Charlotte; Gloria Raznick Decker, Denver; Jaynie Smeerin, Los Angeles; Izobel Hurwitz, San Diego, Francie Hornstein, Oakland, CA; and Harriet Dolgoff Slusky, Frankie Harding Kasin, Penny Krase Endleman, Jane Feintech Batt and Rocky Lipp Lewis, all of Omaha, arrived in Las Vegas one weekend in February. The 'girls' as they sometimes call themselves, reminisced about elementary school days at Washington, Harrison, Western Hills or Dundee. From there the talk turned to Lewis and Clark Junior High and the 'good times' and 'safe times' of life at Central High School. Those days included memories of 'mothers home at lunchtime' and 'dads- involved in rehearsals for Red Stockings.' That production was sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, in 1957 and 1959. The Jewish Community Center, formerly located on 20th and Dodge Streets, was the after-school meeting place for teens. And membership in Ediar BBG brought back memories of conventions, pictures, beau dances and visits to the Dr. Sher Jewish Home for the Aged for community service. A column which appeared in the Jewish Press in the 60s, entitled "Taggin' the Teens," evoked tears and laughter. Mentioning Camp Herzl, Highland Country Club summers, the old Blackstone Hotel coffee shop, Todd's and Tiner's Drive-in led the conversation to birthday and slumber parties, dates and boyfriends. Many of the women recalled when they each became a Bat Mitzvah, attended confirmation classes at Temple Israel with Rabbi Sidney Brooks or Hebrew School at Beth El Synagogue with Rabbi Myer Kripke. From memories of the past, the women turned their discussions to life after high school to college, marriage and significant others, careers and family. Their lives today are as diverse as any group of women, fifty-years-'young.' Jane Batt, the former Assistant Director of the Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Council, has moved on to become the Executive Director of the Midlands Region, Omaha office of the National Conference (of Christians and Jews). She is the mother of two grown sons. Carol Altsuler Cohen lives in Dallas with husband, Gary, and three children who keep her busy, along with her involvement in community organizations. Married to her college beau, Glen, Gloria Raznick Decker, is chairing the Hadassah donor campaign in her hometown of Denver, CO. She and her husband, parents of a grown son and a daughter, will be biking through Italy this summer. Penny Krasne Endelman is the media director of an ad agency in Omaha. She married her high school beau, Randy. They're the parents of a daughter, Jamie, 20 and in college, and eighthgrade son, Tony. Oakland, CA, is home-base for Francie Hornstein, who's a medical social worker. She has two grown sons, Jesse and Sam. • Another West-coast participant in the festivities was Aileen Rimmerman Kaye, from Turner, OR. She works for the state as a trainer and is married to her high school beau, Roger. Izobel Hurwitz Leverant lives in San Diego with husband, Mark, a son and a daughter. She's active •in their school district and president of the PTA. Vice-president of the CIT Group, a commercial finance company, Ellen Bank Levitch, lives in Charlotte, NC, with her 13-year-old son, David. • Rocky Lipp Lewis is another birthday attendee who married her high school beau, Marshall. They are the parents of two sons, Brian and Jay, and make their home in Omaha, where she is an active community volunteer.
The 'girls' celebrated their 'special' birthday recently in Las Vegas. Front row, from left: Jane Feintech Batt, Rocky Lipp Lewis, Jaynie Smeerin, Isobel Hurwitz Leverant, Francie Hornstein; back row: Aileen Rimmerman Kaye, Carol Altsuler Cohen, Judy Nogg, Ellen Bank Levitch, Harriet Dolgoff Slusky, Frankie Harding Kasin, Gloria Raznick Decker and Penny Krasne Endleman. While several members of the group have seen Judy Nogg has recent- "One'of the women corly written a script about nered a very attractive one another since high school graduation, many Ethiopian Jews and young man and persuad- hadn't. As the stories poured out of the women preresources in Israel. She ed him to take a group sent, they did find one common bond-the nurturing environment of Omaha. No one wished to is a story analyst for shot of all 13 of us. "We didn't know that return to the '50s and '60s, but they all were wistMGM/United Artists and lives in Boulder, "he was going to be the ful about the safety and innocence of days long ago. photographer, however, CO. The short weekend, long on laughs and shorter Harriet Dolgoff Slusky as he was introduced to on sleep, proved to be more than a memorable lives in Omaha and is us as the 'male stripper.' moment for the 13 women. They've,promised to the mother of a grown "Luckily, he took it all stay in touch with other friends from the class of son and daughter. She in stride," she added, '65. Ifs still three years 'til their 35th high school has an 'electic' career "and we have a terrific reunion, though, and as one of the group said, "Las that covers teaching, souvenir photo of a Vegas was the perfect site for this birthday celebration; we all returned home winners!" apartment manage- memorable weekend." ment, bible classes and ballroom dancing. Frankie Harding Kasin and husband, Sandy, are the parents of two grown children. She's the director of sales for the ClubHouse Inn of Omaha and the Investing In Israel bonds for your IRA only member of the represents more than adding an attrac'group' who's a grandtive security to your retirement portfolio. mother. It's also a significant means of providing Jaynie Smeerin enjoys Israel with development capital for a new the California lifestyle era of economic opportunity. in her hometown of Los Angeles. She's the executive assistant for a 'well-established' producer in Hollywood. By purchasing Israel bonds for your Smeerin isn't the only IRA, you can make a simultaneous Hollywood connection ]"• Investment In two futures—Israel's and for this group. While your own. . 'whooping it up' at Spago's restaurant in To learn more about Instruments that Las Vegas, an indepenbuild both your retirement fund and dent producer apIsrael's economy, contact your local proached the women to Israel Bonds office. ask about their reunion. She's called several of them since their birthFifth Individual Variable m day, gala about future Rate Issue (IVffl) Bond i movie possibilities (not Current annual Interest rate for bonds purchased through April, 1997. for the women themselves, but for the story Matures: 12 years from issue date. of their childhood and Minimum Subscription: $5,000 ($2,500 or $2,000 for IRAs only). teen years in Omaha and their reunion 32 Fourth Zero Coupon Bond ' years later). Effective yield to maturity and current price of $2,844 for bonds purchased through Gambling played a April 24,1997' small Vole' in this birthMatures: At $6,000, ten years from Issue date (last day of Sales Period In which day weekend, but one subscription Is accepted by Fiscal Agent). member of the group did win at the slot machines with a royal flush. They This Is not an ottering, which can bo made only by prospectus from: also 'made a lot of noise Development Corporation for Israel/State of Israel Bonds in the hallway trying to Regional Office * 331 Second Avenue South • Suite 898 take their group picMinneapolis, MN 55401 ture.' 612-338-8475 o 800-752-5653 • According to one member of the group,