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Omaha, Ne
Swiss court rules in struggle over use of Anne Frank's name by FredyRom
20 Tammuz, 5757
American Correctional Association receives Holocaust Memorial
July 25,1997
Chicago Midwest Women's Conference is 'inspiring1 by Pam Monsky ., Federation Communications Director
Four community leaders and two Federation staff LINCOLN, NE-The American Correctional Association, which represents thousands of prison members attended the 1997 UJA Midwest Region workers, non-governmental organizations, educa- Women's Campaign Leadership Conference in tional institutions and nearly 100 professional Chicago recently. The conference, titled "Lighting associations, has placed a Holocaust Memorial in the Way: Our Legacy, Our Challenge," was three its headquarters in Lanham, MD, donated by the days of seminars, speakers and the chance to exchange ideas. Nebraska Survivors of the Holocaust. •• Jim Gondles, Executive Director of the multination Association, told Joe Boin of the Nebraska Survivors of the Holocaust organization that they would place "the Memorial in a public place where, years from now, the public will see it and as a result be stimulated to seek more information or education on what happened." Gondles further stated that "as the representaZURICH (JTA) - One of the most noted names of tives of those responsible for the care of prisoners, the Holocaust stands at the center of a protracted it is important for the Association to take the lead legal dispute here. Switzerland's highest court in making its members aware of how the Holocaust i ruled last week that an Amsterdam-based Anne could have been a 'legal' function of any governBobbie Epstein Frank Foundation holds the commercial rights in ment." . Switzerland to use the name of Anne Frank. The memorial, designed in bronze by PhiladelIn its ruling, the court rejected the request of the phia artist Frank Bender, is a result of more than Anne F r a n k Fund of Basel, saying t h a t the five years work by the artist. The Nebraska Society Amsterdam group's trademark registration appli- of Survivors of the Holocaust has been working for cation had been made first. The Basel fund owns several years to have Holocaust memorials and the copyright to The Diary of Anne Frank, which educational material placed in public facilities. has sold more than 25 million copies in 60 lanAs a result of the placement of the Memorial guages, and to film and theatrical productions with the American Correctional Association, the based on the diary. The Amsterdam-based foundation operates a, headquarters of Prison/Correctional Services of museum i n t h e home where the Frank family hid. other nations have requested information on how for two years before they were betrayed — and sub- to obtain similar memorials. Memorials have been placed in the Lincolnsequently rounded up from their attic hiding place Barbara Platt by the Nazis. The foundation has held the rights to Lancaster County Building and Tifereth Israel Attending from the Omaha Jewish Community her name in other parts of Europe since the 1980s. Synagogue in Lincoln and the Frank Lloyd Wright were Bobbie Epstein, National and Midwest Both groups were created with the support of designed synagogue just outside of Philadelphia; a Women's Campaign Board member; Barbara Platt, Anne's father, Otto, who survived the war and number of universities and junior colleges are cur- 1998 Women's Campaign Co-Chair; and Karin rently looking at the placement of Holocaust Levine and Vicki Sanford, Young Women's moved to Basel. He died in 1980. Anne and her sister, Margo, died at Bergen- Memorials. Division. Federation staff attending were Sharon Belsen in 1945 shortly before the death camp was According to Joe Boin, President of the Society of Kirshenbaum, Young Jewish Omaha Coordinator liberated by British Forces. Their mother, Edith, Survivors of the Holocaust, other memorials will be and Young Women's Division Director; and Pam died at Auschwitz. offered for placement in public buildings and edu- .Monsky, Federation Communications Director. Reacting to last week's court decision, the only cational facilities around the states and, in the "The workshops were wonderful," said Ms. surviving member of the family charged that the case of organizations such as the American Epstein, who was asked to present Partnership Amsterdam-based foundation plans to exploit the Correctional Association, around the world. 2000 at a seminar about new and innovative ideas Anne Frank name commercially. "We will never' He emphasized that the group has always hoped in Midwest communities. "Every time I go to the allow that Anne Frank's name is used as a market- the placement of this or other types of memorials UJA Conference I learn something. It's a continual ing brand," Bernhard "Buddy" Elias, a first cousin will help move future generations to seek informa- learning experience," she added. of Anne Frank who serves as a director of the Basel tion on what happened and how it can be preventBarbara Platt said, "The sessions were informa- • fund, said in an interview. Officials from the ed from happening in the future. tive and meaningful, and we came away with a lot Amsterdam foundation denied the charge. of new ideas. It's amazing how alike the Midwest Jewish communities are." Karin Levine, attending the conference for the by Tom Tugend first time, said, "It was powerful to be with that 7 "LOS ANGELES (JTA) -- A Club Med resort in 199l;; when over 14,000 were airlifted during a . many women throughout the region who are committed to Tikkun 01am, making the world a better served as a base for airlifting Ethiopian Jews to 24-hour period in Operation Solomon. '. Israel? That's the incredible story line of a proThe pitch, which will be expanded into a book by place. It was also fascinating to hear the personal stories of need and to see how much our dollars' posed Hollywood film, titled "Falasha." the stockbroker, hit pay dirt immediately; • ; In the "fact-based" movie, the hero is a New York • Both Universal Studios and 20th Century Fox accomplish." Vicki Sanford was asked to present information stockbroker who says he was approached by the bid for the rights, but were beaten out by Jerry •Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, while vaca- Bruckheimer, an independent production company on the successful Young Woir>en's Retreat last year (This year's Young Women's etreat will be held tioning in Israel and asked to set up a Club Med associated with the Walt Disney Studio. resort in the Sudan. The purpose: transporting The price tag for the transaction was in the k>w- Oct. 19). "I've gained a lot )f valuable information that will help me with Federation work in the Ethiopian Jews to the Holy Land. to-mid six figures. The stockbroker, whose name is being kept : "Falasha" has been dubbed a contemporary future. It provided an opportunity to network with secret "for fear of reprisals," said he complied. "Schindler's List," but in a phone interview Chad other young women and discuss speriic programs While his resort catered to tourists during the day, Oman, the Bruckheimer executive vice president like our Young Women's Retreat." The Midwest Region Women's Campaign at night his employees infiltrated an internment in charge of the project, denied that he was influConference is held annually to discuss specific concamp for Ethiopian Jews and whisked them away. enced by the success of the Steven Spielberg film; The stockbroker outlined his adventures in a 15-. "There are many stories of people who suffer and cerns of Jewish Women and Campaign giving. This page pitch, which concluded with the claim that are helped by others willing to risk their lives," year's speakers included Rabbi Shira Milgrom from his Club Med served as the conduit for 10,000 said Oman. "What attracted us to 'Falasha' WBB a White Plains, N.Y.; Rebecca Newman, National. UJA Women's Campaign chairman; and Becca Ethiopian Jews on their way to Israel strong story lino with a strong hero." In fact, more than 20,000 Ethiopian Jews were Oman said that he was at least a year away from Lazarova from Bulgaria and Franca Oprescu from airlifted to Israel during that time. The vast major- filming. Ho added that he hopes to shoot the film lossy', Moldavia, who spoke of how they were helped by JDC dollars. , ity came in 1984*1986 during Operation Moses and as closetothe picture's actual locale as possible, •uia.tii
Hollywood movie to highlight Club Meti's 'role' in Ethiopian lift
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25,1997
Program for women promotes co-existence An innovative Joint Distribution Committee program aiming to raise the status of women in Israel's Arab sector has helped promote co-existence between Arabs and Jews in Jerusalem. As members of both a minority community and a traditional patriarchal society, Arab women in Israel are doubly disadvantage^ As part of its commitment to help the weakest sections of society, JDC Israel has developed a leadership development project for Jerusalem's Beit Safafa neighborhood as one of several programs to empower Arab women and promote the development of women's leader- ship in the Arab sector. Twelve women, who will serve as a leadership nucleus for the wider community, attend weekly workshops on self-empowerment, women's status in Arab society, women's rights and planning community projects. The group's first project was a joint effort with a similar leadership group for women in the adjacent Jewish neighborhood of Gilo to help strengthen the connection between the two communities. Together, the two groups organized a series of lectures on women's health issues. The lectures, attended by 50 to 70 women, are given in both Hebrew and Arabic and held every three weeks. For their second project, the Beit Safafa women will work with the pupils of their local elementary school, teaching about environmental issues.
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Sparks from The Word
by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
Parashat Pinhas On Pluralism in Judaism I have been in touch with a friend of longstanding, who lives now in Jerusalem after a distinguished career as an American rabbi. I have long considered Rabbi Jack Cohen to be one of the brightest men and most thoughtful on the American Jewish scene. He has just published a philosophical work, in Hebrew. (How do you spell "transcendental" and "immanent" in Hebrew?) His professional work is at the Hillel Foundation at the Hebrew University. But his interests, in addition, are with the Kehillat Mevakshei Derech (Seekers of the Way) and the College for Pluralistic Judaism. Important here are these two facts: These are indigenous to Israel and are not American imports, which many Israeli resent. And by pluralism they mean to reach out to secularists, as well as to all religious trends, in the hope of alleviating the distressful problem we face now in the antagonisms between the haredim (vigorous Orthodox) and all who are not haredim. In the United States, except for the largest communities, the problem is not severe. In communities like our own, a modus vivendi has been reached so that whatever our religious differences, we get along without rancor. In Israel, however, the opposition is deep, sometimes reaching to actual violence. Haredim are accustomed to use repugnant language in their disdain for others not like themselves. It seems to me that they are simply wrong. Not their interpretation of Judaism, which is obviously legitimate, but then- insistence that any opinion not like their own is not to be countenanced. This is plainly wrong. This is not the place for a history of Judaism to show that it was never monolithic. But varying interpretations in Judaism were always accepted. Indeed, every student of the Talmud knows of its adversarial method. In search of the truth, opinion is weighed against opinion, interpretation weighed against interpretation. In contemporary Israel, the right wing of the Orthodox, which has control, has simply failed miserably. It has made the Jewish religion a laughingstock to a large majority of Israeli. What a disgrace! What a disgrace that precisely in Israel Judaism is so ignored. I close with a midrash from our very own Sidrah. (My loose translation) Moses, knowing death is close, asks the Lord to appoint a successor to him. He uses the unusual name, in addressing God, Elohe haruhot I'khol basar (God of the spirits of all humanity (literally "flesh"). And now the comment of the Midrash: "Just as in appearance, people differ from each other, so too do their opinions differ. Indeed, every one has an opinion of his/her own....I entreat You, choose a successor to me who will be understanding of the opinions of all of them..." I do not for a moment suggest that the Midrash was addressing our problem. But should we not strive for something like the breadth of understanding which this ancient opinion displays? Courtesy and collegiality, willingness to entertain differences of opinion, are indispensable in our day. CORRECTIONS In the July 4 issue, the article on volunteers to Jewish Senior Services, Jewish Women International was incorrectly identified under their previous name of B'nai B'rith Women. The information was incorrectly submitted. In the July 18 issue under the engagement announcement, Mr. Leopold's occupation was incorrect. He is employed by Iowa Beef Processors. The Jewish Press regrets the error.
AUDITION NOTICE : - The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold auditions for Sylvia, which will run ThursdaySunday, Sept. 19-Oct. 19. Audition dates are Mon., Aug. 4, and Tues., Aug. 5, both at 7 p.m., at the Playhouse. Needed are two men, approximately 25-50 years of age; and two women, approximately 20-50 years of age. Auditioners will be asked to read from the script. They ore also QBked to enter the Playhouse via the ; west stage door.
Deaths SAMUEL RUBENS Services for Samuel Rubens were held July 14 at Forest lawn Cemetery. He was 81. He was preceded in death by his wife, Jacquelyn. Survivors include a son, Thomas; five grandchildren, Jill Jacquelyn, Aaron Thomas, Jacob William, Kathryn Ann and Zachary Samuel, all of Omaha; brother and sister-in-law, Hyriam and Jeanette Rubens; niece, Averine Anderson; nephew, Hyriam Rubens, all of Hawaiian Gardens, CA. Memorials to the Jewish Community Center. WILLIAM FREIDEN Services for William Freiden of Overland Park, KS, were held July 23 at Beth El Cemetery in Omaha. He died July 21 at the age of 84. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Sibyl. Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Floyd J. and Ban Freiden of Prairie Village, KS; stepsons, Paul and Allen Cinnamon of. Overland Park, KS, and Kenneth Cinnamon of Sherman Oaks, CA; stepdaughter, Marilyn Miller, also of Overland Park; grandsons, Jonathan and Seth Freiden; nine step-grandchildren and one step-great-grandson. Mr. Freiden was owner of Central States Engineering and Sales in Omaha for over 40 years. Contributions to charity of choice. MILDRED MEYERSON FRANKEL Mildred Frankel of Media, PA, died July 18. Survivors include her husband, Leon of Media, formerly of Omaha; daughter, Barbara Ann (Marty) Wald; son, Steven R. (Mickey) Frankel; sister, Elorence Frischer; grandchildren, Leah Wald Zollman, Marcie and Adam Wald, Jill Elbaum, Pamela Stein and Wendy Frankel. Memorials to Martin's Run Residents Assistance Fund, Media, PA.
Troop and Pack 218 host picnic
"''•'!'''».— -*', J The m e e t i n g w a s o p e n e d by Daniel Davidson, Trevor Gerson, Aron Neesman and Matthew Uehling. Food, fun and friendship were shared by all who gathered for the Troop and Pack 218 recruiting picnic recently. Following the opening ceremony, several members were recognized for rank advancement as follows: .' . Cub Scouts Justin Stutzky, Austin Davidson, Rafi Bloom, Josh Pilley, Seth Rich, Holdin Richbell, Ben Saltzman, Zev Eisenberg, Nathaniel Joseph, Jon Lerner, Alex Wolf and Oren Varkoney all received silver arrows. Aron Neesman advanced to Tenderfoot Scout; Daniel Davidson and Trevor Gerson are now Second Class Scouts; Matthew Ueling and Ian Gerson moved up to Star Scout; and Bradley Lerner has achieved the rank of Life Scout. Aaron Pilley has completed the requirements for the rank of Eagle Scout. Several hardy scouts earned their Polar Bear Award in the last year by camping out in temper; atures lower than 0. They are; Josh and Aaron Pilley, Aron Neesman, Daniel Davidson and Jeremy Chesen. Scoutmaster Mark Pilley was presented with a plaque that read: To the only physician we know of who makes tent calk. Dr. Pilley in turn recognized the following supporters of Troop and Pack 218 for adult leadership: Yolanda Koval, Joe Ginsberg, James Myers, Joel and Mary Rich, Ann and.Ed Joseph, Robyn Richbell, Lynn Saltzman and Douglas Davidson, ^
July 26, 1097
TEMPLE ISRAEL
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Mesafoer of the Union of American, gg 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NEC8182 556-6536 FRTOAY: Shabbat service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Dr. Michael Walts will officiate. The summer theme, "The State of Israel," will continue. The topic will be "The Writings of Samuel Yosef Agnon," Nobel Laureate in Literature.
Sitter Service Sitter service is available during the Shabbat evening service. Please make a reservation so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants. SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 10:30 aon. Simcha B'Shabbat—an informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. ADULT EDUCATION July 29-7:30-8:30 p.m., "Beyond Midrash," led by Don Schwartz.
T1FERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism ; 82X9 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8560 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyans on Mondays and Thursdays, 7:15 a.m. FRBDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.
BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish ReconStructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9283 http://www.araahafreenet.org/heytshal Kabbalat Shabbat services every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. at 3012 S. 119th St., Omaha. FRTOAY.Aug. 1: No services at the synagogue. We invite everyone to spend a special Shabbat in the home. Religious School is taking pre-registration for the next term, which will start around Labor Day. Contact Dr. Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062 for placement. Reminder: On Aug. 1, our Internet Web address changes to: www.omaha.org/beytshal
ROSE BLUMKiN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services led by Mark Levy start at 9 a.m. Members of the community are invited to join residents for services and Kiddish. '
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Poge3
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of . Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 92nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 556-0288
Member of United Synagogues , of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492^8550 WEB--http://omabafreenet.orgybethel.
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, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services start at 8:45 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m.; Kiddush sponsored by Bebe Marcus in memory of her husband, Nathan. Pirkei Avos class with Rabbi Kutner, 7:55 p.m. at the synagogue. Mincha, 8:25 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Morning service, 9 a.m.; Mincha, 8:25 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 a.m. and 8:30 p.m.
CONGREGATION B'NAi JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union , of American Hebrew Congregations 2081S. 20UlSt. Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004
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Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir practice, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat services at 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: . Torah study and service, 10 a.m.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618MynsterSt, Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjcb@3uno.coin FRIDAY: Services: 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic is "Does Judaic Teaching Support Abortion?"
OFFUTT 25th and Capehart. Omaha, NE 294-6051 FRDDAY: Services, 8 p.m.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 . 6974124 E-MAIL-cliabad@aoI.coin SATURDAY: Dayening starts at 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddish. WEDNESDAYS: Talmud classes, 9:30 a.m.; "Hooked on Yiddish" lessons, 7 p.m. THURSDAYS: Advanced Talmud, noon In honor of the July 21 birth of their, son, Rabbi Mendel and Shani Katzman will host a Shalom Zachar on Friday evening, 9 p.m., at their home, 640 So. 124th Ave. Children are Invited to participate in the traditional reciting of P'suklm on Sunday evening, July 27 at 7 p.m., also at the Katzman home. The Brit Milan will be held on Monday, July 28 at noon in the Jewish Community Center auditorium and the community Is welcome to attend.
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. FRHJAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddish following services. Devar Torah given by Stephen Rabb. Sitter service, 10 a.m. Shabbat Story Time-first and third Saturday at 11 a.m.; ICtantan—second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.; Miriha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:40 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Group to host event in honor of new Jewish Month Hiddush Levanah, t h e ' O m a h a Jewish Women's Spirituality and New Moon Network, will host a Jewish New Moon "Chai Tea", fundraising celebration in honor of the upcoming: Hebrew month of Av. The event will be held, at the home of Deirdre Evans, 418 N. 38th St^oiT Sunday, Aug. 3, 5-7 p.m. Light refreshments' will be served. Cost for the program is a suggested $18 donation to ensure funding for future New Moon programming throughout the coming year. According to Eliane Freund, event co-ordinator, "Susan Aizenberg, writer, poet and instructor of writing and literature at UNO, will facilitate a creative writing activity which will hopefully yield material that will be incorporated into the celebration of future New Moon events." The Hebrew month of Av is characterized by intense communal mourning in memory of tragedies which befell the Jewish people throughout our history during this period of the year. Tisha B'Av or the Fast of Av marks the most dramatic of these tragedies which was the destruction of both the First and Second Temples which stood in Jerusalem thousands of years ago. Dierdre Evans, event co-ordinator, points out, "Through prayer, meditation, song and a group creative writing activity, Jewish women in our community will have, an opportunity to address the juxtaposed themes of mourning and renewal which permeate the Hebrew month of Av." The event is co-sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. For more information, contact Deirdre Evans at 551-9005, or Eliane Freund at 556-7065.
PERSONAL Thank you to our family and friends for their cards, visits, donations and prayers during my stay in the hospital. Special thanks to Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius. Harold Oruch
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25,1997
Who are religious? Who are the religious among us? Is it the person who insists she cannot attend an event because there is no kosher food available...or the one who freely mixes with other guests while nursing a glass of water? Is a religious person one who refuses to send his children to BBYO programs due to fear of 'bad influences' or the one who urges his children to participate and serve as role models? Are religious people those who tell everyone they encounter of the time-consuming mitzvot (commandments) they perform which prevent them from volunteering for worthwhile organizations...or those who quietly give manicures at the Rose Blumkin Home? Are those who make up a daily or Shabbat minyan more religious than those who contribute to tzedakah? Do some mitzvot count for more than others? And who decides? Poet, author and tzedakah-guru Danny Siegel has written and spoken of hundreds of mitzvah heroes in the United States, Israel and around the world. Every summer, he rents an apartment in Jerusalem and, weekly, invites his favorite mitzuafc-heroes to speak to those in attendance - visiting tourists, rabbinic and cantorial students from Hebrew Union College, the Jewish Theological Seminary and local yeshivot. One Thursday afternoon, he invited the head of a halfway house to tell the stories of troubled young men and women, desperately trying to make their way back from mental illness to productive lives. When the director spoke, his face glowed; there was a sense of peace and serenity that literally emanated from his being. This man, dressed in a long black coat (at the height of summer's heat), full beard, black hat, tzitzit and payos, never once mentioned his personal level of observance, the number (and kind) of mitzvot he had performed that day, where he went to synagogue and what rabbi he followed. It was obvious to all in attendance, that this humble rabbi was totally dedicated to mending the torn souls in his care. His actions spoke volumes and it was apparent that he was the religious one among us that day. Actions dj> speakjouder than words. Those who proclaim that their religious observance is 'better than yours' are usually not the real religious ones among us. So who are some of the religious people in our midst? Here in Omaha, you'll find: the young men of AZA#1 who have conducted services at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, and Chaim Weizmann, who did the same for B'nai Israel, "the little shul off Broadway," in Council Bluffs; the women of all the Sisterhoods who regularly bake delicious goodies for Kiddush and Oneg Shabbat at their synagogues; the business travellers who donate frequent-flyer miles to send Jewish kids to Jewish camps; the families who open their homes for dinner every Shabbat to young Jewish singles; and the list continues. . ' Though there are 613 mitzvot delineated in the Torah, more than half either can only be performed in Israel or relate to service to the Temple (which was destroyed in 70 C.E.). Some rabbis have stated that a Jew who performs fewer than 100 mitzvot would be considered extraordinarily religious. Rich or poor, famous or not, wise or simple, religious or secular, we all end up the same place. When we meet our Creator, we will not be asked if we were the best Avraham or Sarah or Einstein or Moshe Rabbeinu; well be asked if we were the best we could be—and, if we are that now, then && will be the real religious among us.
Jews hail law against genetic BEHIND fHBHBADLIHBS by Daniel Kurtzman WASHINGTON (JTA) - Jewish health care advocates are praising President Clinton's decision to endorse legislation that would bar health insurance companies from discriminating against people on the basis of their genetic backgrounds. With the advent of genetic testing, health insurance companies have begun to deny coverage to — or impose higher premiums on — those who show a genetic disposition to diseases such as breast cancer. The legislation would put an end to the practice by barring health providers from disclosing such information. The issue strikes close to home for many in the Jewish community in light of recent research showing that Ashkenazi Jewish women have a hereditary susceptibility to breast and ovarian ' cancers. Fearing that genetic screening information could jeopardize their access to health care, Jewish women and others who believe they may have a heightened risk of developing cancer have simply opted not to be tested. "Americans should never have to choose between saving their health insurance and taking a test that could save their life," Clinton said during a ceremony at the White House. "It's wrong when someone avoids taking a test that could save a life just because they're so afraid the genetic information will be used against them, and too many women today fear that that will happen when they decide to test or not to test to see if they carry the gene for breast cancer." Clinton's announcement provides a shot in the arm to women's health-care advocates who have been leading a charge in recent months to address the problem of genetic discrimination.
COMMENTARY
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Hadassah and the American Jewish Congress' Commission on Women's Equality, together with other Jewish groups, have been at the forefront of the effort. Amy Rutkin, director of American affairs at Hadassah, praised Clinton's announcement, saying the legislation "would end the shameful practice of health insurance discrimination based on genetic information and it will allay the real fear in our community that obtaining one's own genetic information or participating in genetic research could result in the loss of access to health care." Recent studies have confirmed that certain mutations of the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2.breast cancer genes occur with higher-than-expected frequency in Ashkenazi Jewish women than in other population groups. Scientists estimate that about 1 in 40 Jewish women carry one of these BRCA mutations. The presence of one of these mutations means that an individual has a 50 percent likelihood of developing breast cancer. However, since most cases of breast cancer are not inherited, Ashkenazi Jewish women only have a slightly increased risk — 1 to 2 percent — of developing breast cancer over their lifetime than does the general population. The administration's decision to push for heightened protection followed the recommendations of a task force report from Donna Shalala, secretary of Health and Human Services. Addressing Hadassah's national convention in Chicago last week, Shalala praised Hadassah's efforts to end genetic discrimination by promoting legislation "that gives Americans the protection and peace of mind they deserve."
RFRA - the law of unintended consequenses by Oliver B. Pollak
There has been a lot of gnashing of teeth, posturing and hyperbolic apocalyptic rhetoric over the Supreme Court decision finding the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA) unconstitutional. The fact that RFRA was sponsored by Edward Kennedy and Orrin Hatch, a pair that doesn't agree on much, and that apparently the entire spectrum of America's religious denominations appears outraged, comprises unusual unanimity. If RFRA is so popular, why has. the Supreme Court gone out oh such a limb? What seems to be lost in this hot wind of passionate prose, is that the Republic has gotten along fairly well for over 200 years without RFRA. Granted, that the 1990 Smith case about peyote and unemployment benefits is an awkward decision, was RFRA necessary to legislatively override the judiciary? Is this a story of a confrontation between the legislative and the judicial branches, the separation of powers doctrine, and the federal-state balance, hearkening back to .high school civics? Justice Stevens, in a concurring opinion, felt RFRA violated the First Amendment of t h e Constitution as RFRA was a "law respecting an establishment of religion." Is this a response to the proverbial floodgates of litigation being opened to jailhouse lawyers? Or, waB RFRA just an ill-conceived legislation? ' As prayer in schools, creches and using school property for religious clubs cases indicate (the Mergens case from Westside High School) hard and fast rules or black-letter law is illusive and perhaps mercurial. Other than the offensive Smith case,- the
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Supreme Court's case-by-case handling has been neither disastrous nor unworkable. In 1993, a Minneapolis couple declared Chapter 7 Bankruptcy. During the previous year, they had tithed $13,450 to the Crystal Evangelical Free Church. The bankruptcy code provides that any gifts or charitable donations, made in the year prior to filing bankruptcy, where the debtor does not receive reasonably equivalent value, is a fraudulent transfer. As a fraudulent transfer, the Chapter 7 Trustee, Julia Christians, asked Crystal Evangelical Free Church to turn over the tithe to the Trustee who would then distribute it to unsecured creditors. The Church resisted, but the Bankruptcy Court and the Federal District Court held that the money should be turned over for distribution.. . ' Between the decision of the District Court and the appeal to the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals, RFRA was passed. The result was the Eighth Circuit, on the authority of RFRA, reversed the lower court finding and the church did not have to disgorge its tithe. The Trustee appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Court declared RFRA unconstitutional in City of Boerne v. Flores on June 25 of this year. . Two days later, the Minneapolis tithing case was granted certiorari, vacated, and remanded to the Eighth Circuit to be dealt with in light of the Boerne decision. Who would dissent from paying the legitimately contracted doctor bills, trade merchants, and credit cards, before making donations to religious charities and honoring the admonition, to be just before you are generous?
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice C h a i r m a n ; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Bob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Sheryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment. -
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July 25,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
'Vanishing' Jews are still here by. Gary Rosenblatt, Editor, The New York Jewish Week
The general media has discovered the decade-old Jewish Continuity Crisis - with a vengeance. New York magazine's July 14 cover story, "Are American Jews Disappearing?" comes on the heels of a Sunday New York Times Magazine article (June 8) called "Vanishing," and a National Review piece (May 19) by Elliott Abrams, entitled "Can Jews Survive?" The upshot of each is that, with increasing social acceptance of Jews by Christian America, the American Jewish community is assimilating itself out of existence. Anyone who has read a Jewish newspaper since the unveiling of the 1990 population study that found a national intermarriage rate of 52 percent knows the story, but the impact is multiplied when it appears in major outlets of the secular press. That's because we have this love-hate relationship with the media, complaining bitterly when it focuses on Israel or Jewish issues in a critical light, but also feeling a secret thrill of importance that, good or bad, hey, we're being taken seriously. And there are those who feel that it's alright if American Jews feel uncomfortable about this glut of stories on the threat of increasing assimilation because it's a topic worth worrying about. But why now? Perhaps because Alan Dershowitz and Elliott Abrams have books out on the subject, taking different points of view. Dershowitz's The Vanishing American Jew calls for "a Judaism that transcends the religious, that makes room for the secular." Abrams, in his Faith Or Fear: How Jews Can Survive In A Christian America, insists that if American Jews abandon religion for culture, they will disappear. On an emotional level, I tend toward Abrams' assessment that Jews will survive "if they cling to their faith, to their Torah," because that is what makes us Jews and has sustained us for centuries.
But objectively, I agree with sociologist Bgon Mayer's assessment that "we in the organized Jewish community are worried less that American Jews will disappear and more that we'll disappear." And while there is little if any growth in the American Jewish population — there are now about the_same 5.5 million Jews that there were in 1950 - and there is a decline in synagogue and Jewish organizational membership, "the Jews are still out there, in a sense thumbing their noses at us. ' "In effect," says Mayer, "they're saying, 'make me an offer I can't refuse, and tellme why I should spend Saturday mornings in the synagogue instead o'f'on fhe golf course,'" says Mayer.
',
If there is a crisis, then, it U -in, the leadership of the American Jewish- community —• its synagogues, organi* zations and federations -«• to offer a Jewish life meaningful enough to make people want tojoin up and participate, not but of guilt, . because guilt won't work anymore, but out of a sense of personal fulfillment.
grams, who say that their belief in authentic Judaism has given meaning to their Jewishness. But statistically, Orthodoxy has suffered the greatest drop-out rates throughout this century, and today represents only about 7 percent of American Jewry. , , Mayer insists that the widespread concern over Judaism dying off has been going on for centuries and that rabbis and leaders will be worrying; about Jewish extinction hundreds of years from nowt too. This point of view is based in part on the notion that intermarriage offers benefits, in,the way of active converts to Judaism, in addition to; the obvious threats. -.'•••. ,;-,|, .. . , • Mayer, who directs the Jewish Outreach Institute, sees tne glass as at least half full. He believes in the need for more widespread and aggressive outreach to intermarried couples and families as a means of strengthening the Jewish . community. ...,,.•• As for the concern about dwindling Jewish numbers, since when, Mayer wonders, have Jews been obsessed with large numbers? "True, you need 10 for a minyan," he observes, "but once you have it, there's no theological difference whether you have 11 or 100." Jewish life has long been kept alive by a small core of activists, but what is so troubling these days is that more and more Jews grow up disconnected from our synagogues and community without even knowing what they're missing. That is the challenge to those of us who want to see them inside the circle.
Not surprisingly, the three recent articles showcase the growth and appeal of Orthodoxy, with its age-old traditions, wisdom and spirituality. There are ba'al teshuvim. (returnees to the faith), brought in through outreach projects and Torah study pro-
For what we are left with, beyond the ' hype and the dramatic headlines in the media, is the fact that American Jews themselves aren't vanishing « only their reasons to be Jewish.
Letter to the Editor To the Editor: Why is the Jewish Community Center Day Camp providing nonkosher food at an overnight event? This camp has a great reputation of being one the best day camps in the city. To its credit, the JCC two-week overnight camp serves food which is certified by the Va'ad HaKashrut of Omaha. Since this day camp is part of the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, I feel t h a t in a quality Jewish establishment i t should adhere to Jewish customs. I offer suggestions: since these overnights occur on Thursday nights, why not support the Rose Blumkin Home/Jewish Senior Services by ordering food from them. (Currently, the JSS and the food services offers "meals to go" every Thursday night.)
Another suggestion: the Bagel Bin makes kosher pizza if ordered in advance. The Friedel Jewish Academy has set a good example of offering kosher lunches to its students from the Blumkin Home and the Bagel Bin. I hope this letter comes to the attention of the administration and board of directors of the camp and, in future such occasions, we should support the kosher food services offered in our community. Evan Saltzman Editor's note: According to Beth Cohen, Camp Director, the JCC follows the Va'ad HaKushrut guidelines which allow vegetarian and/or dairy meals to be brought in to the building for programs by any organization or Center of Excellence.
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Local student selectedfor International Living' experiment Travis Lewis, son of Lisa and Dennis Lewis, and a student at Westside CALENDAR OF EVENTS FOR AUGUST High School, will particiBBYO pate in the Experiment USY : ., Every Tuesday night in International Living's Sunday, Aug. 24 Summer Abroad program BBYO Night, 6 p.m. at the JCC USY Board Retreat, 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 2 in Japan this summer. Thursday, Aug. 28* AZA -#1 program (TBA) '. ' He is one of a small "Welcome Back to USY/Kadimah" barbecue, 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 ' group of students from For more information call USY adviser Mike around the United States Maccabi Delegation Ropes Course, 4-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 9 "' Levine, Derek Altman or Holly Friedman, 492-8550. who will learn the culture of Japan through EdiarBBG program (TBA) SR.NCSY Aug. 10-15 immersion. Aug. 10-18 Maccabi Games in Kansas City ..a Travis Lewis Following an orienta"SEED" Program, Individual study and classes Thursday, Aug. 14 tion program on culture and language survival Chaim Weizmann attending "Jazz on the Green" Sunday, Aug. 24 skills, students will travel to live with families, "Back to School Bash" (time and place TBA) Aug. 15-21 sharing in daily life. International Convention Every Sunday : Programs are designed specifically for high Saturday, Aug. 16 Davin, 9-9:30 a.m.; Beis Midrash, 9:45-10:45 a.m. school students. "Experiment in International MZ Yoshanah program (TBA) Living programs challenge high school students to Saturday, Aug. 23 JR.NCSY become part of another culture," said Anthony Chaim Weizmann program (TBA) Sunday, Aug. 24 Allen, Director of the program. "We call our particiTuesday, Aug. 26 "Back to School Bash" (time and place TBA) pants "Experimenters' because they learn by doing "BBYO Council Kick Off," 5:30-9 p.m., at the For more information on Sr. and Jr. NCSY, call adviser Rabbi Allan Gonsher, 330-4014 or 558and develop vital cross-cultural skills." • JCC swimming pool 2767. • • . Sunday, Aug. 31 Lewis is president of AZA #1 and went to Israel YACHAD last year on the Artza trip. He also is a member of Mother Chapter AZA #1 Annual Sweetheart Dance For more information, call BBYO adviser Lisa For more information, call adviser Linda Novak, the Westside High National Honor Society. 493-8575 For more information about the program, call Shkolnik, 334-6404. 800-345-2929.
What's n e w in t h e Stacks? New novels in the Jewish Federation Library Swimming Across the Hudson, by Joshua Henkin, is the story of Ben Suskind and the letter he receives from a woman claiming to be his birth mother. He tells his adoptive parents about the letter, and they fly him home to New York and reveal a secret about his past, one that turns Ben's whole world upside down. Narrated with honesty and wit, this book is a tale about faith and the ties that bind us even closer than blood. '. The Puttermesser Papers, by Cynthia Ozick, is a literary tour de force (those acquainted with Ms. Ozik's literary magic will not be disappointed in her continuing ability to dazzle). The novel centers around Ruth Puttermesser-her
love life is hopeless; her fantasies are more influential than pale reality; she takes Hebrew lessons from an uncle who died before she was born; she makes a golem out of the earth of her houseplants. Still, she turns out to be the best mayor New York City has ever elected! Soon enough, paradise gained becomes paradise lost, and the impact of getting exactly what you want and then losing it plays itself out in dramatic and surprising fashion. American Pastoral, by Philip Roth, takes us back to the conflicts and violent transitions of the 1960s. ...... :>;.. This book presents a vivid portrait of how the innocence of Swede Levov, a legendary high school athlete, is swept away by the times-of how everything industriously created by his family in America over three generations is left in shambles by the explosion of a bomb in his own bucolic backyard.
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A music review
—
In the News
Shelley Lewis, daughter of Bert and Leonard Lewis, has recently been named deputy executive producer of ABC's Good Morning America. A former NBC News producer, she joined ABC News in 1992 as a senior producer of World News Now, and was later promoted to executive producer. Rachel Slosburg has been named as one of two Education Student Chairs of the 1997 United Way/CHAD Campaign Cabinet. She is the daughter of Richard and Ellen Slosburg. L a w r e n c e Raful, Dean of the Creighton University School of Law since 1988, will complete his term effective July 1,1998. Deans at Creighton traditionally serve 10-year terms. He will take a. one-year sabbatical and return to Creighton as professor of law. A 1975 graduate of the University of Denver College of Law, Raful was associate dean of the University of Southern California Law Center before joining Creighton. , The Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America was honored recently by the National Scouting Organization in several categories: President's Urban Emphasis Award for serving inner-city youth; Chief Scout Executive's Winners' Circle for increasing the percentage of youth served by 4.3%,-and Friends of Scouting goal achievement by June 30. The Council was also recognized as one of the top Scout councils. Among those recognized was Lloyd E. Roitstein, Scout Executive.
by Max Sparber
The Yiddish Art Song (Omega Classics) Leon Lishner and Lazar Weiner During, its massive revival of the last 15 years, leased in two volumes in 1976 and 1978) presents Klezmer music has devoured and klezmer-ized an 22 art songs, sparsely arranged and presented. Mr. amazing variety of source material: folk songs, Weiner composed approximately a third of the Hasidic nigguns, Yiddish theater music, Eastern selection, and plays the piano accompaniment. European marches, even Sephardic melodies. The songs are uniformly excellent; many act like Through all this, the Yiddish art song has little snapshots of ghetto life in Eastern Europe, remained virtually untouched, forlorn, forgotten. from In Cheyder's glimpse inside a shtetl school Perhaps-this is understandable: the art song is an ("Look into the prayer book and repeat, louder, odd beast; unique in Jewish music. Inspired by the stronger, joyfully, livelier, rascal!") toDerYid mitn Jewish Nationalist movements at the turn of this Fidl's narrative about a poor fiddler ("Life is bitcentury (particularly from declaration of Yiddish ter, arid song is sweet"). as the "national language" of the Jews at the 1908 The art song is one of the essential traditions of Yiddish Language Conference at Czernowitz), con- modern Jewish poetry, and poetry is one of the servatory-trained musicians and composers began essential traditions of Judaism-remember, when to turn to Jewish cultural sources for inspiration. tragedy strikes Jews frequently send their poets Many art songs are based on the works of along with assistance, to report on the events. Yiddish poets such as A Nissenson and M. Shalit, Hayyim Bialik after the Kishinev pogrom, for and while the songs frequently draw from folk example, and L. Weiner after the Holocaust. melodies they are more formally composed. This These witnesses to history are some of the was never music meant to be sold from Tin Pan strongest (and most heart-wrenching) testimonials Alley sheet music stores, this is music meant to be we have, and the art song is a tradition which very played in concert halls. • • desperately needs preserving. This compilation by leading opera bass Leon Available as an LP record in the Jewish Lishner and composer Lazar Weiner (originally re- Federation Library.
>
July 25,1997
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
by Bert Lewis
Mazeltov. For what, or for whom? Well, for the 50th wedding anniversary of Elizabeth and Philip, the royals of England of course. Why does that concern me, you ask? If s an old story, which you may have heard before. Liz and I actually go back a really long way. We were kids together you know. By together, I don't mean in the same place exactly, but while she was growing up in London, I was growing up here in Omaha. It was, however, at the same time. Also, as I may have told you before, many of our major life events paralleled each other, starting • with our weddings and going on with the children we each brought into the world. As the years passed and the kids grew, her kids and mine went through some of the same things (although none of mine ever played Polo) both good and bad. All in all, I've taken great pleasure in the fact that none of mine ever caused me great embarrassmentjby stories about them in the newspapers. Mine weren't perfect, mind you, but their worst involved car damage, skipping school, smoking .... you know, the same things your kids did. None of which was front-page news, for which I'm eternally grateful. Anyway, all of that is of little importance now. They're all grown up and even though I'd put mine up against hers any day, it isn't nice to compare.
What we started to talk about was 50th anniversaries. My room-mate and I had ours two years ago so I got a kick out of remembering way back to when our festivities occurred at the Fontenelle Hotel and Liz and Phil's were held at where? Westminster Abbey or some such important landmark. • Fll bet (without being able to prove it) my Mom was more involved in every tiny detail than Liz's Mom. And lean say without fear of contradiction, the other Mom didn't have to settle a problem like mine did: There was another wedding scheduled on the same day as mine, in the same place and with the same Rabbi. Nu, I ask you, was that enough to separate the strong from the weak? Of course there was compromise-something like "OK, you can have the big ballropm but well take the one o'clock." My Mom was every bit as much of a queen under those trying circumstances as the lady in London might have been. Whatever. I know the other couple was married in the stiff, formal way of royalty, while my groom and I were under a chupah surrounded by loved ones. Liz probably didn't forget her white satin pumps at home, like I did, and it's just as well since she didn't have a brother to run back and get them. And I know she and Phil didn't leave after the reception and board a train back to an Army Camp
-it was wartime, after all. I also am pretty sure their first home wasn't in an apartment over a bakery in the state of Kansas. Oy, was it hot there! Well, both of us couples have been through quite a lot over this past half century. Their problems have been mostly different from ours, but many concerning the raising of family have been similar. Liz and I seem to have one big thing in common: we lucked out in the husband department. Her Philip appears to have always been there when she needed him, and I'm happy to say the same about my Prince. No matter what else, it looks like both are the kind of guys a woman could count on. Who could ask for more than that? I don't know what the other couple will do to celebrate their anniversary, but I hope they can sit down with their children around them and kvell like we did, before leaving on an unforgettable trip. I guess they've been to enough places to be nonchalant about a gondola ride in Venice or holding hands while standing a few feet from Michelangelo's magnificent David. We loved it all and considered it a fit way to celebrate our 50 years. So mazeltov, Liz and Phil. It's been tough in many ways, but I'd say it was worth the rough spots, wouldn't you. After all, there have been so many beautiful times!
Omaha Corporate Cup Run® scheduled Registration materials are now available for the 17th annual Omaha Corporate Cup Run®, the largest road race in the. Midwest, sponsored by the American Lung Association® of Nebraska. This year's event will be Sunday, Sept. 28, 8:15 a.m., beginning near the Civic Auditorium in downtown Omaha. A street party with food and entertainment will follow the race. The Corporate Division pits companies against others of similar size in one of four groupings. Team members must be employees of registered corporations. ...The Community. Division is for clubs, organizations, religious institutions, unions, who have members and/or independent contractors who don't fit the standard definition of an employee. Individual Nebraskans, and Iowans within a 50mile radius of Omaha, may enter unattached in the Open Division. Kerry McManus, Special Campaigns Director for the Lung Association, said last year 315 companies and more than 17,000 individuals registered for the event, which raised $160,000 for programs to fight lung disease. Registration and proceeds this year are expected to top those figures. For more information or to register a team for the race, contact the American Lung Association® of Nebraska, 7101 Newport Ave., Suite 303, Omaha, NE 68152, or call 572-3030. Photos from the Passover edition of the Jewish Press and from other weekly Issues may be picked up In our office; those left behind will be donated to the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society archives.
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Page 10
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25,1997
JCC Camp highlights How can Shabbat dinner be more enjoyable for our children? Keep in mind that late Friday afternoon is a difficult time for most families. Parents are home from their jobs; children are out of school; evejyone is exhausted after a full week, of car pool, meetings and extracurricular activities. In many homes, it is probably the only time of the week when everyone is finally together in one place. But instead of preparing for another destination or deadline, the family must work together to prepare for Shabbat. Even preparation for Shabbat can be a time for learning. The younger children can set the table with the challah and the Shabbat candles. Gldor children can help with the cooking of the meal. Working together, this is a good time for mom and dad to talk to the children about a commandment and how it relates to something they may have done during the week. Just before saving the blessings together as a family, is the moment when everyone can let out a silent sigh of relief. Finally, the week is over and it is the time to relax with those we love most. Lighting the Shabbat candles will create the atmosphere of transition from the regular week to a spiritual time of enjoyment. If you have young children, begin Shabbat with about 10 minutes of wie basic blessings and teachings. '_" preschoolers can learn some ver::\ of the Motzi to sing at the table. .0; ';. overload a 4-year-old mind ••:.': Talmudic translations that •• undow hia enjoyment of the ''.)'•.'-: the years, more tradition can • --Vied to welcome Shabbat when r.'. •• c! J d is better prepared to partic-
ipate in more parts of the service. Gradually increase the length and depth of the dinner service. Abbreviated blessings and explanations at the age of five are fine, but children should be able to recite the entire Kiddush by the time they are near Bar and Bat Mitzvah age. The child will also have a greater capacity to understand ritual discussions as his religious school training continues. Keep the atmosphere casual. Although decorum is required during some important blessings, nothing in the Torah prohibits the discussion of light subjects or t h e telling of appropriate jokes. Neither does the Torah require coats and ties at the dinner table. It is best to instill a relaxed feeling that does not make kids feel they have to be on their restaurant behavior. Invite other families to share Shabbat with your family. It will help your child feel grownup if he is allowed to select the guests. He may choose a friend from Hebrew School whose parents you do not know very well. This is an opportunity for you, also, to meet new friends. More than anything, it is important to establish your own family Shabbat traditions. The greatest nochos of all will be years ahead when you see your son or daughter do their own Shabbat meal in their homes with your family traditions. Allan M. Gonsher, President/ Founder of Kids, Inc., is a nationally recognized educator and speaker on children's issues. He is an Adjunct Professor at UNO's School of Social Work and a Graduate Lecturer at Drake University's School of Education.
First-grade JCC campers performed There's a Hole in My Bucket at their recent talent show.
•3?<dL& Jeff Shyken, standing, returned from Israel in time to be a camp counselor with his brother, Gary, Assistant Director.
Child Development Center Art instructor Carole Greenberg helped these day-campers make paper mache~ hats: From left, Jessica Danon, Ali Holtquist and Carolyn Ware.
T'ai Chi Ch'uan returns to Omaha by Cindy Cook, JCC Fitness/Aerobic Director
With overwhelming response to the Tai Chi Ch'uan workshops held in April this year, David-Dorian Ross and C.J. McPhee are coming back for more on August 9 and 10. Tai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient form of physical activity that helps improve coordination, balance, flexibility, concentration and respiration, as well as decrease tension and stress. David-Dorian Ross is a world-class T'ai Chi Silver Medalist and Integr;;f"ive Exercise expert. C.J. Mc-
Phee is Executive Director for T'ai Chi Video Productions and The Honolulu and Portland T'ai Chi Academies. They produce and host the national PBS TV series "Tai Chi in Paradise." They were voted #1 Presenters at the 1996 IDEA World Fitness Conference, and their teacher training program is approved by the American Council on Exercise. For more information and registration, call the JCC Fitness Center at 334-6423. First-time campers Abby Ginsburg (left), and Lindsay Belmont couldn't wait for their bus ride to the two-week overnight Camp JCC in Fremont. Abby is the daughter of Beth and Bill Ginsburg; Lindsay is the daughter of Jill and Mark Belmont. '
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Oldtimers/YES In one of his early movies, "The Graduate," Dustin Hoffman portrayed a college graduate. A background musical piece entitled "Where Have You Been, Joe DiMaggio?" was played intermittently. Similarly, this correspondent has been asked, "Where have you been, Art, and what happened to the review for so many months?" Well, kinderlach, last December my marvelous medical mechanics decided—if I was to match Moses's 'biz a hoondred uti tvunsik yuran in leben,' I needed a tune-up. One of the ponderous decisions was grounding my privilege of driving my car. There is no greater dastardly decision than taking away a senior's independent mobility of getting from here to there than compelling one to cease driving. Of course, there is a time caused by diminishing reflexes and a myriad of other physical ravWALK-IN, DROP-IN ages of time. However, I expect to be given an OK There will be no meeting on Thursday. Those attending the day trip to Boys Town soon to resume using my wheels. In the meantime, feeling spry, on July 14 I took should meet in the JCC lobby by 9:45 a.m.- Cost is $3. For reservations, call Maggie Conti at 334- advantage of the senior service bus and was transported to the "J" for a joint regular session of the 6521. Oldtimers and YES. Words are difficult to come by to express my JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Deadline is Aug. 1 for reservations with full reception, particularly from those offering congratpayment for tickets to the Itzhak Perlman concert ulations on my being named the Federation's on Sept. 13 a t 8 p.m.(sponsored by the Omaha "Humanitarian of the Year." I was wiping lipstick Symphony). Cost for section A tickets is $50; with off my cheeks several times. transportation, cost is $54. For balcony seats, tickOn to activities of the session. At 10:30 a.m., ets are $24, and with transportation, $28. Make both bingo and "kvetch & stretch" occurred under check payable-to Jewish Senior Services and send the supervision of our magnificent director, Maggi to 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 (attention Conti. Maggie Conti). For information, call 334-6521. At 11 a.m., the discussion group, under the Jewish Senior Services will host a Summer leadership of Toni Kutcher, tackled some vexing Luncheon at Beth El Synagogue on Thursday, Aug. problems. The split in Israel between Orthodox 21, at noon. All seniors are welcome. Special guest versus Conservative and Reform, bodes no good. is Susie Drazen; musical guests are Anna MosenMs On Shavuot, Conservative Jews were attacked while praying at the Western Wall. and Lev Shekhtman. Cost is $5. A mini-review of Rabbi Harold Kushner's recent For reservations, call Reva Oruch at 391-8344. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services and book, How Good Do We Have To Be, was a highsend to Reva at 9324 Cuming Plaza, #5C, Omaha, light. Rabbi Kushner writes that an exercise in self-help is a challenge to right whatever wrong NE 68114. Deadline is Aug. 14. you've done. Balance a bad deed with a good deed. We even discussed the problem of Canada with VISIONS Reminder: Board Meeting is Friday, Aug. 1, its French/English confrontation of splitting the country into two nations. 9:30 a.m. at the JCC. Following a cool, cold-plate, summer-type lunch, Let's go swimming with the Whales, showing at the IMAX theater at the Henry Doorly Zoo on Aug. we were addressed by Becky Noble, owner of the 27 at 2 p.m. Cost is $ 5.50; for members with a zoo Dundee Dinner Theatre, who presented a list of pass, cost is $4.50. Then off to the Garden Cafe forthcoming productions. (1212 Harney) for dessert and coffee. Transportation, dessert and coffee are on your own. For reservations, send form to Jean Elkon, 1005 N. 63rd St., Omaha, NE 68132. Deadline is Aug. 20. YES Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; bingo and exercise both start at 10:30 a.m. Bring current event articles to share at the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 a.m. Come join us for an indoor picnic with grilled chicken and all the trimmings. Following lunch at noon, Barbara Bresler from the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will speak. For transportation call 330-4272. The "Lost City of Bethsaida" exhibit showing at the University of Nebraska-Omaha on Thursday, Aug. 14. Cost is $3. Dr. Freund will give an exclusive and personal look at the relics discovered in this biblical city in Israel. Then dine at Merry Occasions. Lunch will be on your own. Make reservations with Maggie Conti at 334-6521.
YES celebrates summer with a barbecue
HADASSAH Three college students home for the summer will entertain residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at the monthly Oneg Shabbat, Saturday, July 26, a t 2 p.m., sponsored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah. Jeff and~Brian Nogg will be joined at the piano by Jimmy Friedlander for a program of popular songs. Atea will follow the program, where'the special birthday of Sara Saltzman (a resident of the Home) will be celebrated. Hadassah members and friends who wish to assist are asked to come to the Home's auditorium at 1:30 p.m. THIRTY-NINE FOREVER A melodrama a t Mahoney State Park is the August activity for Thirty-Nine Forever. The event will be held Sunday, Aug. 17, at 3 p.m. An optional buffet dinner will follow, also at the park. Reservations are needed. For information, call Maxine Noodell at 4937483.
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Master grillers Sol nnd Ida Mann and Charlotte Kaplan grill hamburgers for a Monday meeting. The next indoor picnic'is July 28.
Class of 1925 to host reunion The Omaha Tech High School Class of 1925 will host a two-day reunion for all alumni on Aug. 8-9. A pre-banquet gathering on Aug. 8, from 1-3 p.m., will be at Tech High School (Omaha Public Schools), 3215 Cuming St., room 5062.
The banquet is Aug. 9, from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m., at Regency West Best Western, 909 S. 107th Ave. Esther Pilster will give the program. For information and reservations, call Florence Young at 571-3486, or Marie Terry at 572-6002]
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
July 25,1007
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nijj a him ul my own thoughts duwn pathways was worth the wait." And now to sculpting which Dr. Wintroub began some two years ago, after a 55-year hiatus from summer art classes at Joslyn while he was a pupil \ at Beals Elementary School. „ "The first day I plunged my hands into wet clay and began to shape and carve the mass intoa representation of the nude model before me, I was hooked. "My hands move, almost driven over and through the clay, in a process so absorbing that thought is From left: Former Omahans Lillian and impossible and time does not exist. "And the resulting series of figures and heads : Robert Wintroub visit with their daughter and torsos express power and emotion I probably Alisha and her fiancee, Steven Zuber. did not possess in younger years so while not If, by chance, you might meet Alisha Wintroub, a Rodin, the wait here too has been worthwhile ... student at Creighton University, you'll have some probably a one-man show in another year or two." Dr. Wintroub's parting comments pointed to a interesting things to talk about. Start by asking some questions: Isn't your father a Professor of Medicine at UCLA? Or, is he a budding poet? Or possibly a sculptor? If she answers yes to all three, don't be surprised And this is before you get to questions about her mother, Lillian. Much of the background will unfold in this article, but let's start in 1963 when Robert Wintroub completed medical school at the University of Nebraska and moved to California to complete his medical training at UCLA where he has remained, and is indeed, Professor of Medicine In 1965, the Wintroubs began the first of their now 32 years of marriage. Their daughter, Alisha, earned her B.A. from the University of Rochester in New York, and is now studying for her masters at Creighton in molecular biology, as a prelude to entering medical school next year. Her fiancee, Steven Zuber, a graduate of Tulane Medical School, plans to serve his internship at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Daughter, Andrea, 29, earned a law degree from Loyola and is now studying for her masters in public policy at USC and hopes to continue working for her present employer, a consulting firm that specializes in special projects for state and local governments. Her current focus is space allocation problems and demographic changes in the Santa Ana Bchool district. Although the accomplishments of their daughters were high priority items in this interview with the Jewish Press, some quite amazing details were forthcoming about the parents. ?Mi RED'CROSS' For the sake of excitement, one can easily begin YOUH HI&P. with Lillian, originally from Chicago, and previousEach day, the American Red Gross ly an elementary school teacher, both public and receives more than 25 calls from private. needy families and individuals seeking She is now active in UCLA's adult education proemergency help with energy-related gram called PLATO, and busy with innumerable tasks "she is volunteered for." expenses through OPPD's Energy PLATO has led her on intellectual searches for Assistance Program. Unfortunately, the papers she must present, including synagogue there simply isn't enough money to architecture in Europe, the travels of a medieval meet this growing need, so OPPD and traveler named Raban Sama, and the early days of the Red Cross are asking for your the New York theater. continued support. Most likely her most memorable claim to fame, according to her husband, was the discovery severHOW TO COillUIBUIE al years ago that she has an older brother whose If you're already a regular contributor, existence had never been disclosed and who she thank you. You're making a found after an intriguing genetic search... he turned out to be a Yale lawyer, working for NASA difference. If you'd like to become a in Washington, D.C. contributor, here's how: Saving his personal comments for last, Dr. Wintroub, nevertheless captivated this writer with • Add an extra $1 or $5 to your a most interesting commentary. Lets start with the monthly electric bill payment, and fact that in recent years he began writing poetry, check the appropriate box. "quite by accident," and has been published in Onthebus. "Had I known at Central High years ago that poetry need be neither rhymed, replete with occult metaphors and similes, or be obscure, I might have stumbled earlier on the vibrant world of modern poetry." He noted, however, that poetry in his high school days and at the University of Michigan, was the "obligate domain" of Yeats, Chaucer and Keats, none of whom can hold a candle to Allen Ginsberg Omaha Public Power District, and Raymond Cjarver.
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"May it remain so for all.of us and for our friends j and family in Omaha and beyond. I recall those days with enormofls pride and affection, as I do during our now increasingly frequent return trips to Omaha, now that Alisha has completed the circle by her decision to live and study in Omaha. The warmth she has found with all of you is only hinted at in my memories and poetry." With relish, Dr. Wintroub related Alisha's initial contact with Omaha hospitality: "When she arrived for an interview and asked direction to Creighton at the United ticket counter, she was shocked and delighted when the agent said he was about to get off work and would be happy to drop her off at Creighton. "If that offer were to be made here in Los . Angeles, pur first impulse would be to call the police!"
• Use a pledge card to indicate the amount you'd like to contribute monthly. To receive a pledge card, call OPPD's Consumer Relations Department, 636-3747. If you're in the Automatic Bill Payment program, your contribution can be deducted along with your monthly payment. • Make a contribution directly to die Red Cross. For more information, call OPPD's Consumer.Relations Department at 636-3747, Red Cross Emergency Seivices at 343-7700 in Omaha, or your local Red Cross office.
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