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Celebrating More Than 75 Years VoLLJQOV
No. 29
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Beth El dedicates new wing with original musical In response to an announcement by the Union of Orthodox Rabbis of the United States and Canada (UOR) that "Reform and Conservative are not Judaism," the rabbinical leaders of Omaha's congregations issued their own denouncements, along with one from the Federation. "The statement by a group of Orthodox rabbis, as seen in the Los Angeles Times is, unfortunately, nothing new," said Rabbi Paul Drazen, of the Conservative Beth El Synagogue. "It is neither newsjnor newsworthy to read of the dismissal of non-orthodox-Jews by segments of. the Orthodox world. That there are those who wish us ill should come asno surprise, sad as that is. The Conservative Movement, and Beth El, will continue to work towards cooperation and unity among Jews," Rabbi Drazen emphasized, "We hope others will do so as well.". • The announcement by the Union, also known as the Agudath HaRabonim, was in advance of a statement to be issued on Monday declaring, "in their opinion, the theology of the Conservative and Reform movements do not represent the truth of Judaism." Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Ginsberg, executive Vice-president of the organization told Rabbi Howard Kutner, spiritual leader of Beth Israel that they "never said Jews who belong to (those) movements are not Jewish." But Rabbi Kutner, who belongs to the more moderate Rabbinical Council of America
Peace process and politics are topics for Israel Bonds Chaim Shacham, Midwest Deputy Counsel General for Israel, will speak on the current situation in Israel at a reception Thursday, April 3, 4 p.m. The event is being hosted at the offices of Marks, Clare and Richards, 11605 Miracle Hills Dr. Shacham will share his insights and explore the implications of the Peace Process for now and for the future. "I am excited to be involved with this event which will provide firsthand information from Israel," said Truman Clare, who is hosting the event. His co-host, Yale Richards, added, "Mr. Shacham has been involved in many aspects of the delicate and often difficult negotiations, which should make for an exciting _afternoon." Shacham, a native of Chicago, made aliyah in 1978 following high . school. He served as an officer in the Israel Defense Force. As a member of the Israeli (Continued on page 15)
(RCA), issued his own response, stating, "I join together with the RCA and the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America (of which" Beth Israel Synagogue is a member) jn condemning this statement as being harmful and deepening the rift between our movements. It does not represent the sentiments of mainstream orthodoxy. "We need to put this episode behind us," added Rabbi Kutner, "and not let irresponsible declarations of a minority within the Orthodox Rabbinate to further divide us or cause friction." The RCA went further in repudiating the divisive pronouncements, saying./We consider (this) particularly painful in light of the current dangers facing the Jews of Israel which cry out for Jewish unity even in diversity. Despite divisions on core theological issues, they are'stiil to be considered disagreements within the family.' : • "We must never lose sight of our unity as Jews. To recklessly emphasize the issues that divide and thus delegitimatize large numbers of Jews harms the efforts of all who seek resolution to the difficult issues facing world Jewry," the RCA continuned. Considered by mainstream Jewry to be a small, ultra-Orthodox association, the UOR does not represent any congregation in Nebraska. Howard Bloom, Executive Director of the Jewish Federation, noted that "the role of all Federations is to encourage Jews, regardless of politics or thec(Continued on page 8)
. by Jill Belmont Drive by Beth El Synagogue, on Sunday, April 13, and hear the sounds of singing from some 150 congregants. That evening, the synagogue's new addition, the H. Lee and Carol Gendler Family Center will be formally dedicated with a musical celebration at 7 p.m. "Beth El in all its Glory" promises to be an entertaining and unique production, according to the show's director, Joanie Jacobson. "This is a wonderful way to dedicate this facility," she said, "The entire congregation can come together, celebrate and feel the same sense of' accomplishment and pride." •'•."'..'. Adding that the effort put in by so many people; is "truly the work of community," Jacobson stated that, "Rabbi-(Harold) Kushner has said that there is strength in collective prayer; well, here we have the strength of collective energy. "There is a spirit people have brought to rehearsals - they're ready to sing and dance, ready, to help the next guy out - there is such a sense of joy involved in this production," she noted. In addition to performers and crew, Jacobson expressed her gratitude to the following people for their "invaluable work and creativity, " Beth Friedman, production assistant; Lisa Epstein, set designer; Cheryl Lerner, choreographer; Carole Greenberg, costumes and propr coordinator, Chuck Pennington, musical director and arranger; and (Continued on page 15)
Hearflanders celebrate Purim
at H/laimonides and Cardozo-event by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director The father of Alisa Flatow, an American student killed in last April's bus bombings in Israel, will be the featured speaker at the Maimonides and Cardozo Societies' event on May 21 at the Westin Aquila Court. Stephen Flatow, an attorney, is the father of five, whose daughter Gail recently returned from studying in Israel. He also has a third daughter presently living there.
Stephen M. Flatow His message is one of unity of the Jewish people, of Jewish identity and continuity and support for the Israel experience. While in Omaha, Flatow will discuss the difficult decision he and his wife made to donate Alisa's organs. He will also relate the legal and ethical issues surrounding that decision. The Maimonides and Cardozo Societies are affinity groups, sponsored by the Jewish Federation, for Jewish doctors and attorneys and provides educational, professional
and social programming for its members. Chairpeople for the event are Cheryl Cooper and Shari Langnas for Maimonides and Stephanie Grossman and Phyllis Zabin for Cardozo. Maimonides steering committee members are Ron Cooper, Chairman; Harris Frankel, David- Hoffman, Alan Langnas, Michael Levine, Harold Maurer, Joel Schlessinger, Gerald Simons and Eugene 'Speedy' Zweiback." . The Cardozo steering committee includes: Sara Juster and Harold Zabin, co-chairs; Truman Clare, Bob Freeman, Suzanna Glover-Ettrich, Barry Grossmanm Robert Lepp, Deborah Pred, Kevin Saltzman and David Weill. .: "We are pleased to be able to provide a speaker of Mr. Flatow's caliber to the members of Maimonides and Cardozo," said Howard Bloom, Federation Executive Director. "This will indeed be a memorable evening." Maimonides and Cardozo have featured such speakers as Dr. Robert Gale, an American doctor who flew to Chernobyl immediately after their nuclear meltdown to assist the rescue efforts. In addition, the groups provide their members with information about health and legal issues in Israel and those related to the Jewish community, like organ transplants and genetic diseases common to Jews.' For more information about the event or membership in either of the two Societies, please contact Sue Finkle, Federation Staff Associate at 334-6428.
Under this bunch of balloons (or are they grapes?) is Chelsea Taxman, daughter of Jeff and Sherri Taxman, celebrating Purim at Temple Israel. For more holiday photos, turn to pages 12 and 13.
Temple announces Cantors' Concert Cantor-in-residence, Faith Steinsnyder Gurney, and her fiancee, Cantor David Perper, will join with Hazzan Erik F. Contzius in a concert at Temple Israel on Sunday, April 13 at 7 p.m. Cantor Gurney is the first woman appointed to teach hazzdriut (traditional cantorial style and repetoire) by the Jewish Institute of Religion's School of Sacred. Music in New York. She has served congregations iri the Northeast and currently officiates at Beth Shalom in Taylorsville, MD. : Cantor Perper began his career while attending Montgomery Community College. His search for spirituality led him to Hebrew Union College where he was invested as a cantor in 1996. . Tickets are $12 for adults and $7 for children under age 12 and may be purchased in advance by calling Temple Israel, 556-6536. TicketB are also available at the door.