NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 6 8 5 0 8 - l b 5 1
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No. 4
Omaha, NE
lCTishri, 5788
Beth Israel sponsors founder of National Jewish Outreach
Olympic silver-medalist to speak on drunk driving by Jennifer Meyerson, Jewish Family Service
Olympic silver-medalist Dennis Hall Dennis Hall is the 1997 United States National Champion, the 1996 Olympic silver-medalist and 1995 world champion in his Greco-Roman wrestling weight class. • Outsidethe ring, however, he fights an even more challenging foe—drunk driving. Hall will speak to Jewish teenagers and their parents on the dangers of irresponsible use of alco-
by Susan Paley
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hol at the Jewish Community Center, Tuesday, Oct. 28 at 6 p.m. In 1988, Hall's brother, Dan, died in a crash associated with drunk driving. Since then, Hall has become an active crusader against drunk driving. He has made many personal appearances at schools and before community groups where he talks about the impact of his brother's death on his family and community. Hall was named the Outstanding Wrestler at the U.S. national competition in 1993, '95 and '96. In 1994 and '95, he was selected as the U.S. GrecoRoman Athlete of the Year. •::.'._ '•_.:':• "By sharing my story, I hope I can make people stop and think about the terrible consequences before they get in a car when they've been drinking," said Hall. . The event is co-sponsored by Jewish Family Service and the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization, along with Sentry Insurance. Hall serves as a spokesman for the company in anti-drunk driving presentations. He is also a Sentry Payback autopolicyholder which rewards good drivers by returning half their premium for claim-free driving. Spokespersons for JFS, BBYO and Sentry all noted that bringing in someone like Dennis Hall could have a strong impact on teens' attitudes and behavior. Pre-registration is requested. For more information, contact JFS at 330-2024!
Excitement builds for annual UJA Young Leadership Conference "~~
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. by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Once every two years, the UJA Young Leadership Cabinet holds its Washington Conference. This conference is the largest gathering of young American Jewish leaders^ drawing 3,000 participants to Washington, B.C. It is one of the most dynamic events to take place in the organized Jewish world, and has a huge impact on decision makers in Washington, . . .: Susie Noddle has attended the conference twice before. "Legislators pay attention when 3,000 young Jewish leaders come en masse to Washington and to Capital Hill.The goal of the conference is to motivate, educate, empower and engage participants. I guarantee you will not forget this event," she said. Noddle also added that the Conference sells out every year. An informational meeting for interested participants will be held Monday, Oct. 27 at 7:30 p.m. at die home of Murray and Sharee Newman.
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While political issues are an important focus of the conference, other key areas are explored in a variety of sessions. Some of the programming offered include the American Jewish community, Jewish living and spirituality, the Mideast peace process and the changing global environment. Past speakers have included some of the biggest names in politics and Jewish issues; Presidents Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, Ronald Reagan and George Bush; Vice-president Al Gore; Senators Barbara Boxer, Ted Kennedy and Jack Kemp;. members of the McLaughlin Group, Larry King arid Marlee Matlin; Prime Ministers Shamir, Rabin and Netanyahu. Other speakers have included Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, Elie Wiesel and Henry Winkler. For more information or to reserve a space for the meeting, contact Sharon Kirshenbaum, YJO Director, 334-6485.
NJHS to honor Vera Lewis, Javitchs The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society will present the "Shirley Berman Recognition Award" to community volunteer Vera Lewis on Sunday at its annual meeting. The organization will also honor Karen arid Gary Javitch for sponsoring a performance of From Generation to Generation as a benefit. ' The meeting is from 24 p.m. in the JCC Auditorium.
(October 17,1997
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A former kindergarten teacher herself, Dr. Ruth Westheimer visits to "Preparing for First Grade," in Gedern. It is one of 45 summer education programs for Ethiopian children held throughout Israel by the JDC-lcd Coalition for Ethiopian Education.
Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald, director and founder of the National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP), will speak at Beth Israel Synagogue on Friday, Oct. 31 and Saturday, Nov. 1
i, It *9>'ii I •tliiiiiin ltuilivald NJOP's focus is making Judaism accessible to all Jews, regardless pf affiliation, knowledge or background, through programs like "Turn Friday Night into Shabbos" and "Crash Course in Hebrew Reading and Basic Judaism," Accordingto a recent article in the New York Times, Rabbi Buchwald has earned national recognition for his non denominational approach across Reform, Conservative and Orthodox boundaries. "We're not an Orthodox organization," he stated, "I don't care where you are (Jewishly) as long as. you're on the way up." NJOP has been introduced at more than 1800 locations across the United States, in 27 countries and has reached more than 250,000 Jews. Omaha's "Turn Friday Night into Shabbos" begins at Beth Israel oh Friday, Oct. 31 at 6:15 p.m. with Rabbi Buchwald's Beginner's Service. "Rabbi Buchwald teaches the basics of how to participate in services," said Julee Katzman, a sponsor of the weekend, along with her husband, Richard, and son, Jacob. The family is honoring the memory of Richard's parents, Julius and Ann "Jan" Katzman. ."You need no background for this," Mrs. Katzman continued. "Everyone is enveloped by his warmth and inclusiveness. A Shabbos celebration will follow, complete with a dinner and singing." Rabbi Buchwald's topic during Shabbos morning services is "Finding Joy in your Judaism." During lunch, lie will speak about the "Movement of Jewish Return, a Revolution Gaining Momentum." Saturday night at 8 p.m., Beth Israel will host a Melava Malka (after-Shabbos party). "This will be a relaxed, heimimhe evening," said Rick Katzman, president of the synagogue. "Rabbi Howard Kutner will entertain us and there will also be singing and dancing." Rabbi Buchwald's topic for Saturday evening is "Who is a Good Jew?" "I think people will be pleased to hear his message," Mr. Katzman noted. "Rabbi Buchwald is passionate, dynamic speaker." Cost for the Friday night dinner is $9.50 for adults and $6.50 for children; lunch is $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children. For both dinner and lunch, cost iB $15 for adults and $9 for children. Reservations may be made by calling the synagogue office, 556-6288.