December 26, 1997

NE HIST SOCIETI 1500 R SILINCOLN NE C8508-1C51

VoLLXXV No. 14

Omaha, NE

27 Kislev, 5758 December 26,1997

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After a six-month search, the Jewish Federation of Omaha (JFO) has named Jan Perelman as its EKecutive Director. She has been serving as Interim Director since Aug. 1 when former director Howard Bloom left to become the Federation Director in New Haven, CT..

Howard Kooper, president of the JFO, said, "After interviewing candidates at the G.A., plus bringing several more to Omaha, we are convinced that we've made the right decision to name Jan Perelman as Executive Director.

"We have the greatest opportunity we've had in 25 years with the high caliber of staff and the prospect of remodeling this building," he added.

This decision will propel us into the 21st century."

Perelman's first job with the Federation was as Women's Division Director, a position she held from 1990 until the present. But, she is no stranger to working in the Jewish community.

Nearly 23 years ago, Mark Zalkin, Cultural Arts Director of the Jewish Community Center hired Perelman as his assistant. She was named as Cultural Arts Director in 1976 and also was assistant director to Dr. Joe Seger of UNO for the Biblical Art and Archeology exhibit. It spanned three weeks, attracted more than 50,000 people and won the Federation's

Jan Perelman

JELS offers scholarships, loans to college students

Bronfman Youth Fellowships open to high school juniors

Jewish Educational and library Services (JELS), a beneficiary of the annual UJA/Federation campaign and endowments, announces the availability of scholarships and lpanB-for university studies "through funds administered by the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. .'

Incoming and current college students may apply for financial assistance for the 1997-1998 academic year. More information will be available in the Guide to Financial Aid Programs.

Applications and accompanying forms are available from the Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational and Library Services.

The following scholarship aid is available: Undergraduate Scholarships: The Lois Jeanne Schrager Memorial Fund provides annual grants to college students who demonstrate superior academic performance, extra-curricular involvement and financial need.

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The Carl Frohm Educational Fund, the Beatrice and Nate H. Sherman Scholarship Fund, the Alan and Annie Fleishman Scholarship Fund, the Albert M. and Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education Fund, the Jerold I. and Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund, the Phil and Terri Schrager Scholarships, and the Edward Zorinsky Endowment Fund are designed to help undergraduates with financial need.

The Joe and Ruth Rice Scholarship Fund was •'• recently established to provide additional aid for college students.

Graduate and Undergraduate Loans: The David E. Beber Scholarship Fund makes low interest loans to qualified applicants of the Jewish youth of Omaha to enable them to attend the college or university of their choice.

The B'nai .B'rith Dr. Abe Greenberg Henry Monsky Lodge members in good standing of the • Henry Morisky Lodge of B'nai B'rith. Financial need is a consideration in the granting of loans from-bpth funds. Preference is given to those entering their freshman year in college, although any undergraduate student is eligible. : Scholarships for Freshman: Income from the Nancy and Don Greenberg Fund is awarded each . year to a Jewish resident of Omaha entering hi8 or her freshman year of college. Preference shall be given to candidates who have been employed during their high school years ahci have demonstrated at least a "C" average. y-$'.:?.'.'.

- Scholarships are also available to entering freshman, with demonstrable financial need, from the Edward ZdrinBky Endowment Fund.

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ALBANY, N.Y. - Applications are now available for the 1998 Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel. The Fellowships, now in their 12th year, offer an opportunity for 26 students entering 12th grade to spend fiv«i weeks in Israel this' summer.

Fellows will be chosen on the basis of character, intellectual interests, special talents and leadership qualities. In the competitive selection process, merit, not financial need, is the standard for selection to the program. .

While living in Jerusalem, the Bronfman Fellows will participate in seminars and dialogues with a diverse rabbinic faculty, representing a wide range of Jewish perspectives. Students will explore Jewish text against the background of Israel's land, culture and customs.

In addition, Fellows will meet with some of Israel's prominent political and literary figures to examine contemporary issues in light of Jewish history and tradition.

The Bronfman Youth Fellowships in Israel is a program made possible by Edgar M. Bronfman and Charles R. Bronfman through The Samuel Bronfman Foundation, Inc. In explaining the purpose of the Fellowships, Edgar Bronfman said, "Our hope is to open lines of communication among, a group of outstanding young people on the major issues confronting the Jewish people in all its diversity. In that process, we believe, they will discover that there is a common Jewish agenda that transcends the differences among them." , Rabbi Avi Weinstein, the program's executive director, leads a team of rabbis who represent various branches of Judaism and who serve as the education faculty. . .

"Although Israel provides an inspirational setting, dialogue between faculty and Fellows is the heart of the program," said Rabbi Weinstein, former Orthodox chaplain of Harvard University, In addition to Rabbi Weinstein, the Fellowship's rotating faculty have included:;Rabbi Michael Paley, Executive Director of Synagogue and Community Affairs, UJA Federation of New York, whose early research helped launch the program; Rabbi Sharon Cohen-Anisfeld, Associate Rabbi at Yale Hillel; Rabbi Dianne Cohler-Esses, Faculty, New York Kollel, Associate Faculty, the National Jewish Center for Learning and Leadership, and Educational Director, Mishpacha, A Jewish Community of Learning For more information or ah application, contact Susie Drazen, Director of Jewish Educational and Library Services, 334:6446. ^-.—.-.^.v^:........

Community Service Award. :: During her stint as Wbmen's Division Director, Perehnan created and developed an Israel Missions Program that has been touted by national leaders as a model for other Jewish communities.around the country. . j She also staffed and directed participation in the Midwest Consortium of Partnership 2000, Omaha's newly developing relationship with the Western Galilee and. started the Young Leadership Perspectives Program. That program, aimed at recruiting and educating Omaha's under-40 leadership has grown in YJO, Young Jewish Omaha, a social, educational and community action program with more than 200 young people participating.

In accepting this position, Perelman said, "When I moved to Omaha in 1970 (from California), I discovered what the concept of 'Jewish community' really meant.

"Omaha is an exceptional one," she added, "and I am honored to help lead it into the 21st century.

"My goal is to assist this community in reaching its.potential through an even greater partnership with the Federation, its Centers of Excellence, the Synagogues and the Jewish organizations.

"It is clear; that Omaha will continue to be an example of vibrant, broad-based, strong Jewish communal life," she concluded.

After a lengthy discussion, the unanimous decision'was'made. at.the Federation Board's monthly meeting lastMphday; night.

Perelman attended the University of Iowa and graduated rfjagna cum laude from the University of California at Los Angeles, with a Bachelor's of Fine Arts degree. She was tapped for the Phi Beta Kappa and Golden Key honor societies.

She is married to Sheldon Perelman; the couple have three children: Jason, 25, a rabbinical student at the University of Judaisni; Becky, 21, a junior at the University of Florida; and Zachary, 15, a sophomore at Burke High School. Her parents, Florence and Jack Brody, also live in Omaha.

A centennial anniversary

Fanny Green and Jake Bernstein would have been married 1OO years on Jan. 1.

Daughter Sylvia Ross is the one remaining child of the Bernstein's six children. The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society is looking for more family photos, including wedding photos. For more information, contact archivist-Barbara MorriGon-Bressler at the

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26,1897 Parshat Wllketz

JENNIFER SOSHNIK Jennifer Soshnik died Nov. 28 at the age of 22 in an explosion at a-gas station in west St. Louis when a car spun out of control and crashed into the pump from which she was filling her car.

Graveside services were held in St. Louis.

She was a recent graduate of the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana where she was chairman of the campus UJA campaign which riased $16,000 and an active member of AJpha Epsilon Phi sorority and Hillel. She was recognized as one of the top 100 graduates of her class.

Soshnik worked for Junior Achievement in Chicago and was planning a June, 1998, wedding to Andy Rachmiel.

Survivors include her parents, David Soshnik and Marsha Soshnik, sister and brother-in-law, Mindy and Brad Horowitz, and brother, Danny Soahnik, all of St. Louis, and grandparents, Joe and Miriam Soshnik of Omaha.

A Jennifer Soshnik Memorial Day Camp Scholarship Fund has been established at B'nai Amoona, 324 So. Mason, St. Louis, MO 63141, and the Jennifer Soshnik Memorial Fund at Temple Israel in Omaha.

TOBY ZOORWHJL HENIS Toby Henis of Philadelphia, formerly of Council Bluffs, died Dec. 10 at the age of 82.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Louis, and brother, Ben Zoorwill.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Howard and Sharon Henis, and daughter and sonin-law, Sharon and Harold Riffkin, all of Philadelphia; grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; sisters, Mollie Greenberg of Escondido, CA, Frieda Krizelman of Omaha, Bessie Strelsin of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Esther Swerdlow of Philadelphia; and 12 nieces and nephews.

by Rabbi Gayriel Herzig, Headmaster, Friedel Academy Guest Columnist

vclunteesv ^ • • - > -• - IPleaseghro ' > generously when Jt call

• •. Disguised as .the Viceroy of Egypt, Yosef treated ; his brothers harshly, accusing them of espionage.

They were forced to eventually return with " Bihyamin their youngest brother. Without revealing his true identity, the Viceroy (Yosef) invites them to join him at a feast.

During this meal, Yosef sent portions to each of ,., jonesy's the brothers and the verse mentions that they Bartending Service drank and became inebriated. (Breishit43:34) • Excadcnt Ralwwncas CALL FLOYD'S 24 HRS. Rashi, the foremost commentator on the Torah, Previously employed by: EVERY DAYor NIGHT Highland Country Club explains that at that meal they drank; however, : free Estimate on a The Aquarium from the time they had misjudged Yosef and Now Furnace w Central Air CallS72-532B caused him to be sold into slavery, they had not drunk any wine. The obvious question is if they had been filled with such regret over their past actions to avoid drinking wine for over 20 years, why did they drink now? Yosef had not yet revealed his true identity. What could they possiMONUMENT CO. bly be celebrating ?

Lynne M. Popp, • The Kav HaChaim explains that the answer is Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. found in the very same verse. The brothers noticed 60 Years Experience that Binyamin received a portion FIVE times With Jewish Learning Disability greater than their gift, yet they did not feel envy.

Lettering and Memorials Specialist They realized that they had corrected their main character flaw which led to the tragic loss of their 1439 So. 13th brother.

They had been envious of Yosef, and this EDUCATIONAL 341-2452 led to their hating him.

THERAPY Because they had overcome the trait of envy, 498-8708 they were able to drink wine again. Rabbi Pliskin • Haircuts V highlights this lesson for personal development in • Styling a wonderful work entitled "Growth Through •'Perms Torah." He writes that one should feel great joy when one sees any improvement in their character • Color leoif|j|u;|e|| traits. Celebrating and recognizing this growth will • Scalp act as a catalyst for further development'and Massage achievement.

Auditions announced After this meal, they are sent on their way but a Save $$$ trap has been set.

The special goblet Yosef used to The Omaha Community Playhouse will hold on Pentium and "magically" know details about the family was auditions for The Heiress on Sunday arid Monday, II Between Us Salon Macintosh Computers ^ 1 1 4 0 8 Davenport stolen and discovered in the sack of Binyamin. Jan. 11 and 12, both at 7 p.m. The production is This pretext allowed Yosef to test his brothers fur- under the direction of Susan Baer. ther: Would they allow Binyamin to remain in Needed are three men and six women, ages 20Egypt as a slave? Would they once again cause 60. Those auditioning will be asked to read from their father the terrible grief of losing his only sur- the script. viving son from Rachel? Surprisingly the parsha The play opens March 6 on the Omaha ends in a cliffhanger. We have to wait for next Community Playhouse mainstage. Auditioners All Ages week's Torah reading for the conclusion of this should enter the Playhouse via the west stage door.

II you're sitting in tront ol your, Local Caring Counselors saga. We can then askRivkah Lefs question: Why cbmputer'wtiori these words Simple membership ~* come out of. your mouth, did the sages who divided the Torah portions of Auditions for the second semester Nebraska Process bring i t ' into Computer Friendly Professional each week leave us in suspense?

Renaissance and we'll say, Children's Chorus will be held Thursday, Jan. 8, Service -stop-crying, here's a tissue, . In life, many occasions arise that test a person's starting at 5:30 p.m., at UNO/Strauss Performing let's see what the problem Is." Money-Back Guarantee faith. Challenging events can lead to difficult ques- -Arts Center. The auditions are children in grades 2 If It's small, we'll fix it, (I It's big, we'll fix it, if it's Impossitions. The brothers of Yosef were bewildered and through 10. ble to fix, you couldn't bo In d amazed until they heard^two words: "Ani Yosef-I For appointment and more information, call 342better ploco wtion you'nood another*computer. U3e<J.or. am Yosef." Then everything was crystal clear.

6753. 'nmi'-yov/lX' j e t a waainly, Place your baby The Chafetz Chaim explained that people imagwe'll even install it for you, and Jf you havo another *Uhon his back ine it will take Moshiach weeks to explain the CORRECTION h ^ k i t to sleep... many tragedies of Jewish history. Yet this is not so.

In the Dec. 19 edition, the chapter mascot for Just as all their questions were cleared up with USY (Woody) should have been identified as those two words, when Hashem reveals himself and Aaron Rich. the complete picture of the Divine Plan becomes Incorrect information waB given to the Jewish ,,;..7Z3N.,114lhSt. . .;• known, only two words "Ani Hashem-I am G-d" Press.

MIRACLE HILLS SQUARE will be necessary to answer all our questions.

(4Q2)'445-2200 '.

Some questions are answered within our lifetime M-F 10-7'SAT 10-5 • SUN 12-5 even before the arrival of Moshiach. Some quesReduce tions will await that day for an answer. We often the risk of SIDS recognize the answers at a later stage in life. Our sages in their wisdom, built in this lesson in the arrjngement of the weekly parsha. For our own PLEASE... ultimate good there are times when we have to ' TELL OUR ADVERTISERS wait until "next week's Sedrah" before we can appreciate and understand the reasons for our life YOU SAW IT experiences.

IN THE JEWISH PRESS

Pulverente

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LYNHS&LXfflX, SUPERSUNDAY volunteer.

Please give generously vtrhea I call on January U.

Sal jijsta Ssfrjowifever||ji i.np?m 0 stfgo

December 28,1907

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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CANDLEUGHTING: 4:42 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congeogatioas 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6533 FRIDAY: Shabbat Evening Service, 7:30 p.m.

Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate at this Hanukkah Family Service. The Temple Tones, M'shor'rim and Kol Rina Choirs will participate. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Temple Sisterhood.

"Shabbat Comes To You," 3:45 p.m.: Rabbi Azriel and the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat service at Remington. Heights.

SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, lfeSO ajn.

Simcha B'Shabbat--An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts.

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 so we may plan accordingly. There are no facilities for infants.

TOT SHABBAT SERVICE Friday, Jan. 2, 7 p.m.--A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will be held for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families. .

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd Sfc, Omaha, NE 68104 559-6288 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, 4:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People's Service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Maggie and Donald Gerber in honor of Audr/s eighth birthday.

Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:05 p.m.; Mincha, 4:35 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. Shalosh Seudos sponsored

by Harry Noodell in memory of Sam Noodell, Lillian Noodell and Rose Schwartz.

SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 4:45 p.m.

Traditional Hanukkah dinner, musical entertainment and prizes for children, 5:30 p.m. Cost is $9.50 for adults, $6.50 for children ages 2-12.

THURSDAY, Jan. 1: Services, 9 ajn.

WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 ajn. and 4:40 pan.

ADULT EDUCATION Monday, Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m.: Introduction to the TALMUD with Rabbi Kutner.

Wednesday, Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m.: Jewish Thoughts and Practice - "A Time to Mourn," a class with Rabbi Kutner; this week's topic is The Jewish Funeral.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE;:;;, -' ' Member of United Synagogues'* of Conservative Judaimn*;14503 California, Omaha, NE 88154 492-8550 " f:.- ,. :_ WEB-http^/omaha£reenet.org/bDthel Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. >• >"- r_ -* Services are conducted by Rabbi Patd Draien and Cantor Emil Berkovits. ~^-""' *~FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. ' ' • ••' SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 ajn^TSSCTorab, Siddur Skills), 10 ajn.; Shabbat Story Time.lfirst and third Saturday at 11 a.m.; K'tantan, second and fourth Saturday at 11 aan.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 4:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m.

Focus is on books at Hanukkah party

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL; docjeb@juno.com FRIDAY: _ Hanukkah dinner in conjunction with services, 7:30 p.m. Reservations to Sandy Kurland at 3238885. Topic for services will be "Who were the Macabees and how did they get mixed up with the Jerusalem Temple?"

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 75S-9233 http://pwl.netcom.com/~salmim FRIDAY: There will be no Kabbalat Shabbat services. Please celebrate a special Shabbat-in-theHome. ' SUNDAY: Religious School is on winter break.

Classes resume Sunday, Jan. 4,' 10 a.m., at the JCC.

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ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, led by Alan Shulewitz, start at 9 a.m.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN .

SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union ' of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser.

FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m.

SATURDAY: Hanukkah dinner, 6:30 p.m.

SUNDAY: No Hebrew or Religious School.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 697-1124 E-MAIL-chabad@aoI.com SATURDAY: Davening starts at 9&0 a.m., followed, by Kiddish. Shabbat program, which includes lunch for Mommy & Me kids and Kiddie Kollege families, 11:45 ajn. Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 p.m.

Jenny Ferber reads a book to her daughter, Lila, and Rebecca Lite, students at Temple Israel's Parent/Toddler classes. A new or used book will be the only admission fee to a Tot Tfnn"*r'rflK party for 2-5-year-olds and then* families on Sunday, Dec 28,10-11 a.mi Grandparents are especially encouraged to participate in the fun, game's, stories* music, dance and refreshments. The entire family is welcome. Books,collected will be sent to a kibbutz in Israel. RSVP Ttei Israel at 556-6536. ,.

Jewish Chronicles ?.v™ '• highlighted on ODSSEY (ODSY)' The topic for Jewish] Chronicles, -which:airs Sunday, Jan. 4, 4-5 p.m. (ET), is The Sabbath Bride. Mixing myth, music' and menidries.rtKis documentary follows the Sabbath through: the eyea of rabbis as well as members of several different Jewish, communities. Jewish Chronicles 'features documentaries and dramas that explore the life and traditions of faith of the Jewish people;:: • •••• Check local listings for channel selection. -:—. •;

Hadassah to sponsor Oneg Shabbat The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will sponsor the monthly Oneg Shabbat on Saturday at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at the Rose Blumkin Home. Eva Meyerson Handleman. will entertain on the piano.

A tea will follow in the main dining room..

Those planning to help are asked to come at 1:30.

Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Roseribaum.

• Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 ajn.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; College Student/Young Adult Homecoming-Dairy Lunch.

Tm OFFUTT SOPHS SUtSD&'S

25th and Cnpehart, Omaha, NE 294-6051 ' Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax.

Office hours: Monday-ThurBday, 7:30 a.m.

4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Preschoolers and their families enjoyed a Hanukkah program at the JCC, led by teachers Patty Nogg, left, and Nancy Carlson.

volunteer.

Please give

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE December 20, Looking forward to 1998

Letter from Israel

Editorial

Though the Jewish people start the new year with Rosh Hashonah, it's difficult to ignore the hoopla that surrounds the change in the secular calendar. And it does look as though 1998 will be a good tyear for the Jewish community of Omaha. l?o? yielirst time ever, a woman,. Jan Perelman, has'Been chosen to lead the Jewish Federation of Omaha as its Executive Director. She becomes only the seventh woman exec among the 58 staff leaders in the Large Intermediate!"CitieB Division of UJA. Probably, more important is/.the fact that Jan has used hec-yolunteer experience, as well as her track record 5s Women's Campaign Director and Missions Director, to propel her to the top.

We know you join us in wishing her - and the community - continued success in the future.

Other bright spots on; the horizon include the good working relationship between the Federation, the Centers of Excellence and the Synagogues.

Three rabbis and their spoused will be joining participants on both the YJO Mission in February and the Poland to Israel Mission in March.

In addition, the annual UJAVFederation Campaign is running smoothly and on schedule.

Credit for this, too, belongs to both the Federation staff and its loyal caring volunteer. Yasher Koach!

by Harry Allen

Brev Shabbat has taken on a whole new cast at Beit Knesset Moreshet Israel, the Masorti movement's flagship congregation.

Located on Agron Street and King George, the busiest and most visible corner-in Jerusalem, the synagogue is taken over "every other Shabbat eve by the students from the Conservative YeshiVa. The 30-plus Masorti yeshiva men and women are joined by an increasing number of college-age students from America, young couples from the neighborhood, a few curious onlookers and, of course, the regular Moreshet Yisroel erev Shabbat minyan.

But, this is no ordinary Friday evening.

Erev Shabbat at our shul is now taking place in the "Shlomo Carlebach" mode. Tepid reading of the service has given way to congregational singing with all 200 or so attendees joining in.

Of course, at certain times there are those who cannot resist a short exhibition of'yeshiva style' dancing around the bima. It is a lively and heartwarming experience.

The participation of so many young people in traditional prayers in this untraditional way gives one great hope for the future as they return from their study in Israel to universities and careers in America and participation in synagogue life.

Hopefully, the Conservative congregations in America will be open to this newfound enthusiasm and not stifle it as so many Bhuls once did for Camp Ramah alumni.

The young people studying here, including Bill Shackman of Omaha, and filling the shul on Erev Shabbat are an engaging, intelligent group. Most are college graduates, many from prestigious universities, like Harvard, Berkely, Yale, Radcliffe, Wisconsin and Michigan. " ^ , These are not luftmenschen trying to 'find themselves.' They are serious and simply want to know more about their Jewish traditions before starting graduate study or careers. These kids will not assimilate. .

• We hosted five of them last Shabbat at our dinner table along with two German professors of ttieology. It was a great evening, some of it serious, some funfilled, some informative, some simply small talk of subjects like the beer drinking habits of Jewish men on campus in America. * • If one occasionally despairs about the future of Judaism in American, he or she should spend,a Shabbat at the Beit Knesset Moreshet Yisroel here or the handful of similar congregations in America where the same spirit prevails.

There are more things that unite us than divide us

COMMENTARY by Rabbi Alan Silverstein, Special to the NJ Jewish News Controversy emanating from the Israeli Knesjfet'9 proposed "conversion law" has stirred passions throughout the Diaspora.

Coinpelled to reaffirm public support for affiliates inside the Jewish state, religious movements havebe'eri pitted against one another. Amid resultant tensions, it is therapeutic to remind ourselves of our multitude of shared concerns. ? ThiStSynagogue is the primary gateway into JewisK'life. The 1990 National Jewish Population Survey revealed that whereas less than 40 percent of Uj&A Jews are synagogue, affiliates at any one point of time, well above 80 percent do join a congregation at some point during their adult years.

There,is no other institution'nor cause in American Jewish;life that retains such loyalty. } • Moreover, synagogal Jews are by far most likely tg make, donations to Jewish community tzedaka campaigns, to join Jewish community centers, to be active in .federated agencies, to provide their children with a Jewish education, to-visit Israel, to be religiouslyobservant and so forth. Significantly^ 85 percent of those who cast ballots in the recent Zjonjat Congress elections were supporters of synagbguelbase,d slates.

While it is true that secular Jews are welcome in all aspects of Jewish life, their ability to transmit Jewish identity and commitment to their children and grandchildren must be called into question.

Thus, all American Jewish religious movements are advocates of the new awareness that synagogues' are the primary gateways into American Jewjishlife and continuity. . , • . , .

• -Federations ought to make Jewish education , their highest priority. Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative and Orthodox leaders all concur that UJA/federation must.be supported and represents the primary address for Jewish communal philan-.

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thropy. The 1990 NJPS data and subsequent studies have reinforced the notion that warding off assimilation by our youngest generation can best be achieved by Judaism being both "taught" (through Jewish learning) and "caught" (through experiencing Jewish living).

Consequently, all of us advocate greater Bubsidies for Jewish day schools, Jewish camping, Jewish family education, teen Israel experiences and Jewish youth groups. We support the upgrading of the quality of synagogue-based religious schools, confirmation programs, Hebrew high schools, Jewish preschools as well as intensified efforts to erigage^Jewish a'dults in Torah'study.

While other, priorities (notably combating antiSemitism) may have dominated the Jewish allocation agenda of the past, all our religious movements now place as the highest priority efforts to target Jewish youngsters with building Jewish living skills, Jewish memories, Jewish behavior patterns and Jewish religious commitments.

In an era of expanding Jewish communal needs, yet more limited dollars, we share a view that the paramount priority for American Jewish subsidies in the 21st century ought to be both Jewish formal and informal education for all ages and stages.

The state, land and people of Israel are indispensable to the Jewish future. Demographic trends, since 1967 indicate that by the year 2010, more Jews will live in Israel than anywhere else.

By 2050, more Jews will reside in the Jewish state t h a n i n all other places around the world combined. Future American Jewish senior adults will make retirement choices not only in Florida or Arizona, but also in Netanya and Ashkelon. • Ifpeace, God willing, COmes to Israel and its Arab neighbors, future,-Ainei-jcan' Jewish teens and young adults not only .will'tour Israel, but will

but will grapple ever more seriously with aliya.

The intensity of the battle over Jewish religious pluralism inside Israel reflects the recognition by all Jewish religious movements of a shift in the goals of world Zionism. During its first 50 years, Israel built the infrastructure for statehood and rescued millions.

The'challenge of the next 50 years will be to inspire spiritual renewal among Jews inside and outside the Jewish state. . ; ..

The children of unaffiliated Jews in America, England and elsewhere are.assimilating at a frightening pace. Reporting upon a recent study.by^ the Wilstein Institute and the American Jewish Committee, Dr. David Gordis told the Rabbinical Assembly Convention last year that whereas intermarriage rates among synagogue members in most large urban areas was below 30 percent, for nonmembers, the rate climbs to two-and-a-half times higher than that.

Moreover, the children of the religiously unconnected inside Israel, in ever greater numbers, are turning away from Judaism as a basis of their identity. Half of Israeli adults polled recently by the Zionist Council in Israel "believe that many young Israelis today have almost no connection to their traditions or Jewish identity."

All of our Jewish religious movements offer Diaspora alternatives to assimilation and Israeli alternatives to secularism.

While, understandably, we differ on specific solutions to these challenges, all of us agree that in the future these battles! will b e w o n or lost to the degree that we can connect young Jews to Jewish r e l i g i o n .

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December 26,1097 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

The de-Christmasification of Hanukkah

P«a

by Yosef I. Abramowitz

** Tzedakah. Bring your children to a toy store, and give them a budget to buy 2 toys for a children's shelter. Also give your children money for Please gitra : tzedakah and help them pick appropriate By helpg^neroasl? wi&en I can ing the less fortunate, children better understand the many blessings in their lives. ** Enjoy the lights. Our daughters love the galaxies of colorful lights that appear in the INSTEAD OF JUST evening. Appreciate beauty where ever you see it, whether in a pine tree or in a snow-covered field.

TALKING ABOUT Just because the lights are not Jewish lights does THE WEATHER, PLAN not mean they pose a spiritual threat. ** Blackout. During the month of December, we FOR IT WITH 24-HOUR' limit more than usual the amount of television we INFORMATION allow our children to watch because of the endless Christmas commercials, references and shows.

FROMQPPD'S December is the month when we introduce more, WEATHERLINE. Jewish videos (check out the Alef, Bet. Blastoff! series) and audio tapes (David Paskin is hot right now) and keep the TV and radio off. ** Food. Yes, latkes and many creative recipes are available from www.JEood.com But the Maccabees did not eat latkes; they only celebrated the miracle of the oil burning eight days. The wok A Community Service of could be a new symbol of Hanukkah and Jews should innovate far more with cooking with oil.

Most importantly, celebrating Hanukkah should The danger to both Judaism and , not be done in a spiritual vacuum.

Christianity comes from the rabid Omaha Public Power District.

When I ask Aliza, my eldest; if she would like to materialism of the United States, Updated by WOW - The Radio Ranch celebrate Christinas, she answers very proudly where the commercialization of "no." And then she sometimes gives me a lecture our winter holidays has transabout those poor Christians who only have one or two big holidays while Jews are blessed to have so formed and bastardized both. mUny holidays and Shabbat!

Unlike many religious Christians who have The new American Jewish miracle during our HEATING a COOLING thrown their hands up and accepted that the grow- festival of lights is that we can observe and appreing commercialization is inevitable, Jews know ciate other lights without being a nervous minority • Since. 1932 • that a small group of zealots with a worthy mission or feeling spiritually inadequate.

"Over Sixty Five Year? of Cool Friends" can miraculously overcome great odds. This is,' And we can be a light to others by reversing the after all, what the Hanukkah story is about.

STATIC?.JPJRY;.SKIN? ,' commercialization that has also corrupted the Now Disney has launched Mickey Mouse dreidels birthday of a Jewish boy., who radically preached WE "HAVE T H E C U RE and Winnie the Pooh Hanukkah menorahs. My the need to return to spirituality. ,; A General 1042 Wholehouse Humid Pack' first reaction is to roll my eyes and point to this as Yosef I. Abramowitz is... editor of evidence that American Judaism is going down the www.Jewishfamily.com and.co-author with Rabbi tubes. But upon further reflection, there may be a Susan Silverman of 'Jewish' Family & Life: brighter side to all the public recognition that Traditions, Holidays and Values for Today's Parents and Children (Golden Books).

Hanukkah is receiving.'

If we can embrace the image of Mickey spinning the dreidel without spending hundreds of dollars, on Disney gifts perhaps we can truly balance the normalization of public Judaism with our own To the Editor: jilbdel 1042 Rarely has an editorial cartoon hit the nail on meaningful values. .... , Free Estimates on , the head as the one published on Dec 12. It depicts All Now Furnaces Here are some tips to help: ** Double Chai: The average U.S. family will Bill Clinton attempting to push a recalcitrant ^341-3949 spend $813 on gifts this winter. By.capping our Israel off a cliff, instead of occupying himself with 5 3 *dn most furnaces G own spending at $36 per person, we can both the crises of Islamic extremist terror, Iraq, and Syria's occupation of Lebanon. .:..-, .••v acknowledge the gift-giving season without going In recent weeks, America's anti-Saddam Arab too commercial. It will also model for your children coalition vanished into1 the Mideast sands. restraint and financial planning. ** Love, Love, Love. What our children really Washington's erstwhile allies as' Saudi Arabia and want, especially if they are young, is more fun fam- Egypt joined the anti-US bash in Teheran. Israel, ily time. We need to weaken the societal linkage America's true friend in the Middle'East and only between love and big presents. Since we love our democracy, is treated as a pariah.

It's time to let the President and Congress know: families, try to come home early every night of Hanukkah for candle lighting, cooking, stories and how we feel.

Glenn Richter games.

New York City, NY

(JFL)—This year, the second day of Hanukkah falls on Christmas, which will undoubtably lead to many feel-good articles and sermons about the similarities in spirit between Judaism and Christianity. Interfaith families, especially those with children, will celebrate both as a way of bringing their families together. And the marketing, sales and merchandising will further solidify the linking of these two holidays in the American popular consciousness.

The American Jewish community, a mere 2.7 percent of the U.S. population, has watched with amusement as our minor festival has increasingly been elevated to near-equal status as Christmas.

We have seen this trend as a validation of not only our buying power, but of our political and social standing in society.

As generation after generation of American Jews watched America convince itself of our growing social importance, however, we failed to understand the dangers inherent in our tacit approval of the Christmasification of Hanukkah.

For the sake of both Judaism and Christianity, American Jews must draw a line in the spiritual snow.

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THURSDAY, JANUARY 22 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

JCAC Lifelong Jewish Learning Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

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Beth El BESTT 2/3 Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m.,at Beth El SATURDAY, JANUARY 24 Women's League Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El Beth El Men's Club Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 25 Beth El Club 56 Program, 12:15 p.m., at Beth El

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26,1997 Debbie Josephson is among those who were recently elected to the executive committee of the Women of Reform Judaism-Federation of Temple Sisterhoods (WRJ).

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Paramount to the Dec. 15 Earlybird discussion was Rabbi Myer S. Kripke's Dec. 5 Jewish Press "Parshat VayYetze," in which he speaks of the desire of haredim building a third Temple in Jerusalem and installing again the sacrificial system described in Leviticus. If this should happen, he asserts the rest of us will have to disown them.

They will have removed themselves from authentic Judaism defined as observance of mitzvot, prayer and study.

Of special note was the recent appearance of Omaha Archbishop Elden Curtiss, who addressed Steven Datum has been appointed for a threeTemple Israel's congregation during which he said year term to the State Emergency Response Christians must bear some responsibility for the Commission by Gov. Ben Nelson. A. safety consulHolocaust. In keeping with that admission, this tant for Liberty Mutual Insurance, Danon will proreporter presented a mini-review of Hitler's vide recommendations and rulemaking decisions Willing Executioners: Ordinary Germans and the related to emergency response planning specificalHolocaust by Daniel Goldhagen, an assistant ly in the area of local and Statewide hazardous Harvard University Professor. materials emergencies.

What the book most fundamentally shows is that many "ordinary" Germans were so imbued with Dr. Steve Bennett of Kearney, a member of the anti-Semitism that they could kill with a deeply Network of Independent ingrained, personal ardor and enormous gusto and Jewish Communities and cruelty far above and beyond the call of their supePodiatric Physician and riors. That ardor had been ignited by the notion Surgeon, has announced that Jews were hopelessly evil-a belief which had his bid for the Demosaturated Germany's political culture for more cratic nomination for V .rthan a century. ; governor. Dr. Bennett Talk Show co-host Toni Kutcher read letters that stressed, throughout his youngsters wrote to G-d posing many vexing quesannouncement remarks, tions that would puzzle adults, leave alone kids. his theme of "We can do Dr. Rami Arav of Israel, an associate of Rabbi better," citing the posiDr. Richard Freund, Professor of Religion at UNO, tive accomplishments of was our speaker. His family represents seven genthe past seven years Dr. Bennett erations living in Israel.

His was an enlightening talk about events going under a Democratic administration. on in Israel. He is firmly convinced peace will be established there eventually.

Forrest Rogers-Marcovitz, son of Mimi Rogers and Dr. Michael Marcovitz, danced the part of the Nutcracker Prince in the Omaha Symphony production of the Holiday Fanfare.

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People say, "Chabad reaches out to each and Every Jew who seeks help, learning, answers, participation, or an embracing welcome, BUT. People say, "Chabad is rooted in unconditional love and non-judgmental acceptance of all Jews, BUT. . ."

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YES Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; bingo starts at 10:30 in room 10. Exercise with Larisa at 10:15 a.m. in the adult lounge, and the "YES Talk" discussion group starts at 11, also in the adult lounge. Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, Mary Fellman, of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, will speak.

For transportation, call 330-4272.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN There will be no program Thursday.

VISIONS Membership dues for 1998 are now due. Please mail your check, payable to VISIONS, for $5 per person to VISIONS, c/o Lois and Gerald Bernstien, 14810 Cass Circle, Omaha NE 68164 Membership Luncheon Meeting is Friday, Jan. 16, 12;30 p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $6.75 per person. Hazzan Erik Contzius of Temple Israel will present a program of Jewish and Yiddish music. Mail reservation form by J a n . 9 to Vera Lewis, 5424 Lafayette Ave., Omaha, NE 68132.

Make checks payable to Jewish Senior Services.

Join us at the Aksarben Coliseum as the Omaha Lancers Hockey Team takes on the USA All Stars on Sunday, Feb. 15, 6:05 p.m. Cost is $6 per person. Mail registration form by Jan. 23 to Harry Alloy, 5811 Nicholas St., Omaha, NE 68132. Make checks payable to Jewish Senior Services.

EPSTEIN/SCHOP Melissa Paige Epstein and Michael Jay Schop were married Saturday, Dec. 20, a t Beth El Synagogue. Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits and Cantor Chaim Najman of Detroit officiated.

The bride, daughter of Mr. and Mr. Robert L. Epstein, is Administrative Assistant for Friends of the Israel Defense Force. She h a s a B.A. from Brandeis University and graduated cum laude from Greighton University School of Law. She is the granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Adler and the late Mr. and Mrs. Sam Epstein.

The groom, son of Edith Schop and the late Willard Schop, is Vice-president of Chronologic Corporation of Chicago. He has a B.A. degree from Rensselear Polytechnic Institute. ,. Maid of honor was Elizabeth Epstein, sister of the bride. Bridesmaids were Ellie Epstein, sisterin-law of the bride; Jill Shavers of Atlanta, Lisa Cohen and Robin Hoberman, both of Chicago, all cousins of the bride; Cari Kunz of Lincoln; Eva Lefkowitz and Andrea Jalin.

Paul Schop, brother of the groom, was best man.

Groomsmen were Chris Sciova; Todd Glick, cousin of the bride; Jeffrey Epstein, brother of the bride; Kurt Hasbrouck, James Hahm and David Walter.

Following a honeymoon to Costa Rica, the newlyweds live in Chicago.

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As I write, it is the day after Thanksgiving. This hol- is give warning, set time and place, and purchase airiday has come and gone and the only thing left is the line tickets for everybody. The message then is the . pledge to never eat that much again. Most of a turkey one that guy on television used to say- fBe There." with all the trimmings is in the fridge. The latter is a I remember arranging the family around the testament to my compulsive nature. Since we didn't table, without ever explaining the absence of somehave pur usual at-home Thanksgiving, I still cooked body who "had to work" or "couldn't make it." There food we love to see when we, open the fridge! weren't excuses-particularly for religious holidays.

As I said, I'm compulsive. My reason for bringing it If it was the first seder, by God, you'd better be all up is not to discuss food. But, to talk about the there or answer to the scariest family authority! fact that while many of us had family around the . Maybe if somebody was in a body cast or in labor or table, there are some who didn't. So many have kids had a temperature over 104. •Wait-~a temperature living in distant places that we hardly recall what-it -wasn't a valid excuse—labor maybe, a temp; no. was like to have everyone home for Thanksgiving.

Things aren't lik'ethey used to be. So we have our When I woke up on that morning, each of my four dinners and our get-to-gethers and our family were in a different zip code! One was in Florida, events and we gather together as many as we can. one in California, one in New York and one in New We're happy for those who are present and sad for Jersey. It's not like the days when the married those wjh'o are absent. That's called making the kids were close enough for the only question to be, best of a situation we can't change, so, as the kids "Do we go to my folks or yours?" say, we "get over it." • .

I should be accustomed to it, but that hasn't hapI also can't change all that turkey waiting for a pened yet, even though ours have been away for new disguise and an appetizing presentation. I'd years. One day I'm going to figure out a way to call better think about making Thanksgiving into a family meeting and get. them all in one place at Shabbot, and save the philosophy for another time. the same time. A friend told me the way to do that

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE December 26, JS Interpreting the Free Exercise of Religion: Pluralism and the Constitution

by Bette Novit Evans (Chapel Hill: University of North Carolina Press. 1997) 292 pages.

;

Review and interview by Oliver Pollak, University of Nebraska: This book focuses on the United States Supreme •;Court's efforts to resolve conflicts which arise under the First Amendment guarantee t h a t ^Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof."

• Betty Novit, who has taught political science at Creighton University since 1975, was born in Stevensville, TX. Her grandparents entered the United States at the turn of the century through Galveston and her family settled in rural Texas.

Her parents, merchants in a mostly Baptist and "Methodist community, drove their daughters 65 miles each week to a Ft. Worth synagogue.

Growing up in the segregated South as a religious minority, Professor Evans was keenly aware of issues like equality and differences, rights and belonging. But her initial interest in constitutional rights stemmed not from religious discrimination, but from her reaction to racial segregation.

In a recent interview, Dr. Evans reflected on how being Jewish influenced the book.

"My family was always treated with respect and inclusion," she says; "we never felt that we did not belong, even when people tried time and again to 'save our souls.' For blacks, that was not true."

It was the civil rights movement which sparked Dr. Evans interest in politics. After graduating from Tulane University, she earned her doctorate in political science at the University of Pittsburgh, taking a detour from constitutional issues and writing a dissertation on revolutionary Cuba.

By then, Dr. Evans was married and the mother of two sons, Micah (now 25),, and Jeremy (now 19). In the midst of the blizzard of 1995, Evans came to Creighton University—once again in the 'role of a religious minority.

"Teaching at a Jesuit University," Dr. Evans says, "has broadened my appreciation of religious traditions-an experience which I drew on often in writing this book."

Dr. Evans, raised in what she describes as a notvery-observant conservative tradition, is now a member of Temple Israel and an associate member ; of Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation. ' When did you start this project? / had been working for a long time on constitutional issues regarding racial equality-and during the

Reagan years, the news was always bad. I had an opportunity to travel to Nashville if I could just write about Southern politics. I figured the constitutional agenda of the new religious right was close enough. After I though't about religion Dr. Bette Novit Evans and the cohstitution, I just never stopped.

How do you feel about producing a book after 15 years of work?

It wasn't work; it was fun! I'm almost disappointed to see it in print, because I'd like to keep on writing. If I had it to do over, I would have presented four or five articles along'the way, rather than clinging to the idea that it was an argument that should only stand as a whole.

Writing that way would have allowed me to enter the academic debate at an earlier stage and perhaps would have given it more credibility.

will find this vision attractive. Fundamentalists of all faiths value seamless lives, without the conflicts and jagged edges that I find both valuable and attractive. There is much to be said for their vision as well, but it is not mine.

Were there very many cases in your book involving Jews?

On the surface, only a few: Goldman v Weinberger was a conflict about the right of a Jewish Air Force officer to wear a yarmulke with his military uniform; Lee v Weisman challenged prayers at school graduation exercise, and the Kiryas Joel case concerned New York's creation of a school district for a Hasidic community.

But Jews figure much more prominently in the First Amendment law than these few illustrations might suggest. We can really be proud of the long successful work of Jewish civil rights organizations submitting amicus curiae briefs in support of any group whose religious freedom is threatened. In addition, we can be very proud of organizations like the ADL whose vigilance and political skills solved many potential problems before coming to court.

You have a chapter on various definitions of religion; did your Jewish background affect the way you thought about that problem?

Questions about how to define religion arise whenever there is a dispute about whether some belief, practice or institution is or is not a religious one, because only religious exercise receives special constitutional protection.

Tell me more about your view of religious I surveyed proposed definitions arid evaluated pluralism. them by thinkings about my family. Many think of I talk about identities and values and meanings religion as a kind of belief or as answers to 'ultias mosaics, or collages, or overlapping networks. mate questions,' or as experiences with 'the sacred.'

These are metaphors I think American Jews can All of these definitions understand religion as an easily understand. Religious identity is one of the individual spiritual experience. ways we locate ourselves in the social environment, But when I think about my family, I realize that but it is a really important one. to them, being Jewish is much more about what you I see the religion clauses of the First Amendment do and who you are than what you think or believe. as ways of fostering alternate sources of meaning So, I looked for a definition that would encompass for people in a society. What I value is a society in religion as a source of meaning and belonging and which a person might think of herself as Muslim, a doing in addition to those purely individualistic homemaker, a Midwesterner, and a woman all at expressions. the same time, and have confidence that she will be Any constitutional protection of religion has to treated as an equal citizen. start by understanding religion in multiple ways.

I find my own identity precisely in those tensions This book is available at the Jewish Federation among all of my roles and identities. Not everyone Library.

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Your TTJA/Federation Campaign gift • Rescues the Imperiled • Cares for the Vulnerable ' . • Revitalizes Jewish life Please give g@Ee?®iis!y wiieii a dampaJgn Volunteer

The Jewish Federation of Omaha 333 South 132 Street • Omaha, NE 88164* (402) 334-8800

December 26,1997

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Pag® 11

Calendar of Events for January BBYO

USY

Every Tuesday night Sunday, January 8 BBYO Night, .6-9 p.m., at the JCC • : Basketball game; 6:30 p.m. , ...

Saturday, January 3 Wednesday, January 18 Chaim Weizmann Progressive Dinner (times Kadimah prograjn-Family Pun Center, 12:15 TBA) • .. p . m . •. '• : Sunday, January 4 . .

Sunday, January 22 Volunteers needed for "Rids Super Sundae" held USY Night, 6:30 p.m. at the JCC, 12:30-2:30 p.m.

Saturday, January 28 Tuesday, January 12 Kadimah Night, 6:15 p.m.

BBYO Advancement Board Meeting, 7 p.m., at Tuesday, January 31 theJCC Kadimah Shabbat, 9:30 a.m.

Tuesday, January 18 SR. NCSY Mind, Body, Attitude's "Self Defense" Course Every Thursday: Study, 6:30 p.m. begins for all BBGs. Classes are held Tuesdays Friday & Saturday, January 9-10 . from 6:15-7:15 p.m., and Sundays from 3:30Mini-Shabbaton in Omaha with Chaim Reifman 4:30 p.m. at the JCC. Cost is $25 for 10 sessions Sunday, January 11 and a T-shirt!

Daven, Beit Midrash, lunch, community service, Saturday, January 24 9 a.m.-2 p.m. (meet at Beth Israel).

Chaim Weizmann to attend Millard North's proSunday, January 25 duction of "The Hobbit" (Starring Jeremy Ivers) Daven, Beit Midrash, lunch, snow day, 9 a.m.Saturday, January 31 2 p.m. (meet at Beth Israel).

Chaim Weizmann's Annual Sweetheart Dance, JR.NCSY "The Way Things Used to Be," 7 p.m., at the JCC. Friday and Saturday, January 9-10 SENIOR HIGH Mini-Shabbaton in Omaha with Chaim Reifman January 12 and 13 Thursday-Sunday, January 15-18 Driver's Education Class, 6-8 p.m, at the JCC. JCC Chicago winter Shabbaton (details to follow). member cost: $185; non members: $210. Contact For more information on NCSY, call adviser Member Services at 334-6426.

Rabbi Allan Gonsher, 330-4014 or 558-2767.

For more information, call Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO YACHAD Director, 334-6404, or dial the BBYO Hot-Line, For more information, call adviser Linda Novak, 334-6508.

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MAZON:-A Jewish. Response to Hunger, has awarded grants to three Nebraska hunger organizations. Among them is Lincoln Interfaith Council in Lincoln, which received $5,000 to, support its network of 12 food pantries. In addition, the American Indian Council in Alliance received a $5000 grant as did Voices for Children in Omaha.

Hanukkah dinner at B'nai Jeshuran Rumor has it that the TJreidehneister1 will make an appearance at the Saturday, Dec. 27, Hanukkah dinner, 6:30 p.m. at Congregation B'nai Jeshuran.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

December 26,1997

'Joy of Giving' brings joy to Boys and Girls Club

Scholarships available

(Continued from page 1) ~ Physical Education Scholarship^: The Burton L. Robinson Student Athletic Fund is available to undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a course of study leading to a degree in physical education, health and recreational sciences or related fields. .

Yeshiva Education: The Rebecca Friedman Scholarship Fund provides aid for students seeking a yeshiva education, on the high school or university level Graduate Level Studies: Grants for graduate studies are available through the Sandra L. Feldman Scholarship Fund, the Beatrice and Nate H. Sherman Scholarship Fund, the Livingston Scholarships, the Maxine and Joe Kirshenbaum 'Scholarship Fund, the Jerold I. and Sheila E. Rosen Endowment Fund, and the Albert M. and Jeanette T. Nepomnick Education Fund, and for, education and special education through the Ruth Sokolof Special Education Scholarship Fund.

Susie Lehr assists at the wrapping table at Jewish Professions: Aid is available through the Joy of Giving event. the David E. Beber Scholarship Fund for students pursuing careers in the rabbinate, cantorate, Jewish education or Jewish communal service.

No awards are made solely on the basis of scholastic or communal achievement. In all cases, financial need must be demonstrated. Scholastic merit is considered in most, but' not all awards.

Participation in Jewish religious, educational and communal activities is also a factor, as is a record of charitable giving to the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

A student interested in obtaining a scholarship or loan for university study from the Financial Aid Committee of Jewish Educational and Library Services (JELS) should dp the following:L Contact JELS, 334-6445, for an application. 2.

Fill out application in its entirety (including all financial information requested, transcripts, recommendations.) 3. Return completed application to: Alisha Wintroub helps a member select a gift Financial Aid Committee, JELS, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68164, no later than March 24,1998. for his family.

by Pam Monsky. Federation Communications Director

Recently, more than 260 members of the Boys and Girls Club of Omaha were treated to an opportunity to give gifts to their families, courtesy of Young Jewish Omaha (YJO). ; Volunteers assisted club members in the selection and wrapping of the gifts, which were donated by YJO members and area businesses."We had an incredible time," said YJO Director Sharon Kirshenbaum. "Not only was it fun, but we were able to teach a valuable lesson and put into practice the concept of Tikkun 01am (repairing the world). I would personally like to thank everyone who worked so hard to make the Joy of Giving a success," she added.

This is the" second year of this event, coordinated by the YJO Social Action Committee: Tom Vann, Chairman, Robyn Belgrade, Jordana Glazer, David Goldberg, Trenton Magid, Wendy Scherer and Charlie Sullivan.

Corporate donations were made by Baker's Supermarkets, 1/2 Price Store, Homers, KB Foods,, Keystone Drugs, Mangelsens, Noddle Development Co., Nogg Paper, No Frills Supermarkets, Quiznos, and Super Target.

Tun Kushner helps carry gifts for a Boys and Girls Club member.

Paul Epstein works on the Federation Campaign because he believes in the Omaha Jewish community.

Steve Simon works on the Federation Campaign because he believes that together, we will succeed.

SUNDAY 12:30 T O 2:30 P.M; J C C AUDITORIUM FREE GAMES, FOOD, AND PRIZES FOR ALL

No Gift Touches More Lives.

K i D S ' BRING YOUR TZEDAKAH BOXES THAT YOU DECORATED IN SCHOOL!

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1998 UJA/Federation Campaign ,The Jewish Federation of Omaha .

Jewish Federation of Omaha