January 9, 1998

NE ' i n ' S T

SOCIETY

"Jr>uo r< :rr IJJ.'COLK HE . 63JW

VoLLXXV

No. 16

11 Tevet, 5768 \'0 January 9,1998

Omaha, NE

Kansas City Federation and Harry S. Truman Library plan Israel anniversary celebrations by Michael A. Levine, Kansas City Jewish Chronicle

INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the'Jewish Federation of Greater Kansas City will jointly commemorate the 50th anniversary of the founding of the modern state of Israel next year. , The Truman Library plans a year-long variety of events, programs and exhibitions to commemorate the anniversary. The golden anniversary celebration plans were announced Tuesday at a ceremony at the Truman Library and Museum. The announcement was timed to coincide with the international .kickqff of Israel's. 50th anniversary events on^the first night of Hanukkah, Dec. 23,1997. It was on May 14, 1948, that President Truman's announcement made, the United States the first country to recognize the new nation — • within minutes of its proclamation. • • . . • • • ' "Truman's recognition of Israel was by no means an easy decision for him to make," said library director Larry Hackman. "The Department of State, including highly respected Secretary of State George Marshall, advised against it, as did much of his cabinet. But by May 14 he had decided it was the right thing to do, and so he did it." In April, the Truman Library will open a major exhibition highlighting some of the landmark events and decisions that happened in 1948, including the recognition of Israel. "1948: Year of Turmoil and Triumph" will recall the Berlin airlift, the desegregation of U.S. armed forces, and Truman's famous "whistle stop" campaign against Thomas Dewey. The display also includes a small group of artifacts relating to. Harry Truman and the Jewish community of Greater Kansas City, including Truman's friend and former business partner Eddie Jacobson, who is said to have been the main influence behind Truman's decision to recognize Israel. Abba Eban here On April 19,1998: Abba Eban, Israel's first ambassador to the United States, and later ambassador to the United Nations, will speak at the Truman Library. He will- share his recollections of President Truman. Also in April, an exhibition on the United States' recognition of Israel will open at the Skirbalt Cultural Center in Los Angeles, drawing on important artifacts and

Zionists adopt 'unity' resolution without Orthodox support by Naorpi Segal

JERUSALEM (JTA) -- Efforts at the 33rd Zionist Congress to achieve a unified position on religious pluralism failed here last weekj^ and the worldwide gathering ended/with the adoption of a resolution that Orthodox delegates could not support. The battle was a defeat for Jewish unity but a victory for delegates representing the Reform and Conservative movements, which have been trying i to win official status and recognition in Israel. The congress also ended with no resolution on two contested Jewish Agency posts: treasurer and chairman of the newly, created Education Department. Candidates for'those posts were not officially put forward. Under the Jewish Agency bylaws, Diaspora Jewish leaders have the power to veto the Zionist Congress' choices for Jewish-Agency chairman and treasurer, and they have the right to "consult" on those selected for the department chairmanships. These consultations, involving leaders of the United Israel Appeal, Keren Hayesod and the Jewish Agency Board of Governors, are now expected to take place during the next few weeks. (Continued on page 2)

Omahans are famil-1 iar with. President I Harry S. Truman,I honored by Beth 1 Israel Synagogue! in in ' . « • ' , " . ^ - *" . 1957 at their Citation ion ''*•**" - \ Y Dinner. The laic Harry Sidman was "as! • ; K 't,'' , \ ^-'^ synagogue president, ;nt,|j -.»... ^ - 5 , ' \ / | P / u the late Dan Gorilr«l-t »• • -*,* - , ' V JfV*-**1 man was chairman»of «f . V f **, f ^ V *f «* ^. the event, which ich i ' -'U^'y'J frM'u attracted more than ian '' - t<r. »\Sl"L 700 guests. At right President Truman, center, signs program books for toastmastt • Maiiry Katzman, left, and the late Max Fromkin, a Beth Israel past-president < '

,.1

documents loaned to the new museum of Jewish culture by the Truman Library. Of special note is the Torah, Torah case and silver yad (pointer) given to President Truman by Dr. Chaiin Weizmann, Israel's first president. * The Skirbali exhibition, "Truman and Israel" runs April 20 through Aug. 30. In September, the Truman Library will bring several additional speakers to the Kansas City area as part of the anniversary. Joseph Persico, author of "Nuremberg: Infamy on Trial," will speak on Sept. 3 about the trials of Nazi war criminals. On Sept. 10, Greg Bradsher, an expert on documentation related to the Nazi gold claims issue, will speak on that subject. Then on Sept. 17, Dr. Michael T. Benson, author of the new book Harry S. Truman and the Founding of Israel, will present his new interpretation of Truman's decision. The Truman Library is ,also expanding its Web site, at http://www.Ibjlib.utexns.edu/truinan, to include a special new section relating to the recognition of Israel. Visitors to the site will have access to photo-

graphs, background information, a chronology and bibliography, as well as a link to "Project 'Whistle Stop," which contains scanned copies of hundreds of key documents from the collections of the Truman Library relating to the formal recognition of the state of Israel. The Truman Library is also preparing a special souvenir booklet on President Truman and the United States' recognition of Israel, as well as framed copies of President Truman's recognition announcement and a photo of President Truman and President Weizmann. For more information on these items, call the Truman Library Institute at (816) 833-0425. The Truman Library and Museum, one of 10 presidential libraries administered by the National Archives and Records Administration, is located at U.S. Highway 24 and Delaware Street in. Independence, Mo. For more information, call the Truman Library at (816) 833-1225. (.Editor's note: Former Omahan Michael Levine was the Program Director for Beth El Synagogue.)

Kids Super Sundae teaches tzedakah with fun "The idea that kids learn that tzedakah is fun can set a More than 100 kids and parents took part in precedent for the ] Kids Super Sundae, a new event for children that reBt of their lives," added Kim Placzek, celebrates the spirit of tzedakah. In conjunction with the Jewish Federation of Co-Chainnan. Omaha's Super Sunday on Jan. 11, Kids Super The children raised Sundae was scheduled as a party for the children $244.06 for Super ] who participated in the tzedakah box projects with Sunday 1998. The the religious schools.' Children brought decorated Super Sunday Steerbo\pa filled with ohiivRo to the .TCC'Suditbrium ing Committee, md enjoyed which worked on the program, include: runes, prizes, Amber and Tom clowns , and Baker, 'Barbara and Scott Bresler, Debbie Micah Tuttle adds his undaes. "We were and Rob Goodman, coins to the giant rually pleased Diane and Howard tzedakah'box.' A ith the num- Shandell, and Dena I'Or of people. and David Zack. Student volunteers were Betsy Farber, Jennifer v,ho came out m the ice and Friedman, Sarah Hasslinger, Mendel Kurland, now," said Mara Olesh, Stephanie Olesh, Becky Perelman, Super Sunday Jonathan Salmi, Terry Salmi and Ally Shandell. Business contributions include KB Foods, Inc., Amber Baker helps daughter, Co-Chairman Nobbies, United Distillers and Vic's Popcorn. Olivia, play one of the games. MattPlaczek. by Pam Monsky Federation Communications Director

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

J a n u a r y 9,1998

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 9 Russian Club, 10 a.m. SATURDAY, JANUARY 10 Temple Israel Grade 5/6 Shabbat Club, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Kid's Havdalah, 6:15 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, JANUARY 11 SUPERSUNDAY Men's Club Breakfast, 9 a.m., a t Beth EI-BESTT Family Program with sofer, Eric Ray, 4 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, JANUARY 12 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Scouts, 7 p.m. Drivers Ed. Class, 6 p.m. Adult Education Program with sofer, Erie Ray, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 13 Drivers Ed. Class, 6 p.m. CDCC Meeting, 7 p.m. Beth Israel Sisterhood Open Board Meeting, 10 a.m., at Beth Israel Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7:15 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 14 Hadassah Board of Directors Meeting, 10:30 a.m.,

at Livingston Plaza Breadbreakers, noon THURSDAY, JANUARY 15 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel All events held at tha JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jawlsh Pnsa Is not responsible for tho accuracy ol the above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Uarlone Hart at 334*437.

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Parashat VayYehJ Oh, Joseph, We Have Need of You! by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Our Sidrah tells us that Jacob lived 147 years. If you haven't seen this before, I think it will be intriguing, as it was for me the first time I saw it: Abraham 175 = 7x52 25 180 = 5x6 z Isaac 36 147 = 3x7 2 49 Jacob Joseph 110 What do we have here? Is this the work of a writer playing with arithmetic? Or is this pure coincidence? When Jacob comes down to Egypt, elated at the possibility of seeing his beloved Joseph again, Joseph brings him to Pharaoh. I'd love to have a tape (even audio only!) of the conversation between them. The Bible gives us only a few words. When Pharaoh asks him how old he is, Jacob replies that he is 130 years old; and then he continues, "Few and evil have been the days of the years of my life." Few and evil? At the age of 130? And his son Viceroy of Egypt? But Jacob was thinking of his life-long strife with, his brother, Esau; of his 20year-long effort to survive the wiles of his unclefather-in-law, Laban; of the shame of his daughter, Dinah, resulting in murder and the disreputable image Jacob acquired in Canaan; of the loss of his son, Joseph. And even now, the prospect before him is to live in a strange and inhospitable (to Canaanites) land, the ward and dependent of his son. Few, indeed, and evil! It reminds me of the plight of old people in general. (I'm one.rWe use up an enormous percentage of the medical skills and hospital space and nursing personnel of the country, and are usually unproductive economically; thus, we use up the productivity of people younger than we who are burdened by our needs. A few years back, I was part of a panel discussing an address by former Governor Lamm of Colorado, who had brought national attention to this problem, and was pilloried in the press. One tabloid had the headline, "Governor to;Elderly: 'Drop Dead'!" At the event, I jested t h a t when I got the advance packet of information for the panelists, I looked carefully through all the material, lest there was an eviction notice inside. The audience seemed to like the jest. But, jesting aside, the problems are very real. Our social security system is in serious trouble, with fewer young people increasingly taxed to maintain increasingly large numbers of old people. Pharaoh's problems were like a few traces of snow compared to our avalanche. We shall have to scour our prisons to find a mathematician capable of leading us through our maze. But, like Joseph, accused of assault, the new Joseph may be on trial for murder.

Deaths MAEOSTROW Services for Mae Ostrow, 86, were held Jan. 4 at Golden Hill Cemetery. Rabbi Paul Drazen officiated. She was preceded in death by her husband, William: .' Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Sandy Ostrow; daughter and son-in-law, Gloria and Ed Smith; grandchildren, Gary and Marcie Ostrow, Ellie and Paul Militzer, Nadine Ostrow, Neal and Tracy Smith, and Steven and Kathy Smith; and five great-grandchildren. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. IRVING L. LINCOLN Services for Irving Lincoln, a WWII Veteran who served in the Aleutian Islands, were held at Beth El Cemetery. , Survivors include his wife, Libby; daughter, Nancy; son-in-law, Bob Harrison; grandchildren, Becky and Nick; son and daughter-in-law, Todd and Karlin; brothers and sisters. Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or favorite charity. -

Omaha Symphony to kick off Israel 50 The miracle of Israel's 50 years of survival will be celebrated at the Jewish Community Center Theatre with a Gala Concert by the Omaha Symphony on Saturday, Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. • A dessert reception sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha in honor of their Golden Givers will follow. The concert is sponsored by the JCC's "Theatre at the J" with generous grant from United Arts Omaha. For information, call 334-6403.

'Dreydel House' draws crowds

Unity resolution (Continued from page 1) The current chairman, Avraham Burg of the Labor Party, was elected to continue in his post for another twojrears. He will be succeeded for the following two years by Salai Meridor of Likud. On the religious pluralism resolution, marathon negotiations on a compromise draft ultimately failed to secure the support of the Mizrachi Orthodox delegation. But given the large representation a t t h e congress.of the Reform and Conservative delegates, the resolution passed the congress easily. The resolution, penned by Burg, states that the congress, "out of deep concern for the unity of the Jewish people, calls on the leadership of the religious streams of Judaism in Israel and t h e Diaspora to cooperate with the Israeli government to guarantee the success" of a special committee headed by Finance Minister Ya'acov Ne'eman. . . The resolution further states that if the committee fails to solve these "painful questions," the Israeli government should not allow any change to the Law of Return and any other legislation on religious affairs unless done with "wide approval and by bearing in mind the support of all parts of the Jewish people in Israel and the Diaspora." - ; •.;• The Law of Return grants automatic citizenship to any Jewish immigrant. Orthodox-forces have tried to amend the law so that it includes a traditional, halachic definition of who is a Jew.; f ; '' ' : ;

More than 500. children and adults toured the first Dreydel House in the Midwest, made possible under the auspices of the Chabad House and cosponsored by the JCAC and the families of Don Hoberman and Eric Phillips. The structure, erected in Regency Court, was made of steel and wood and measured 8'x8\ Also included was a Hanukkah Carnival. Inside the House, children listened and watched as the story of Hronikknh was" vividly recounted. An adjacent storefront housed a full array of activities and treats. Judah Macabee appeared (looking suspiciously similar to Rabbi Katzman) dressed head to toe in gold armor and trojan helmet;-oil was pressed from olives; and craft projects included menorahmaking, coloring puppets of the Hanukkah heroes and candle-making. ' - •' ' •

January 0,1008

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageS

CANDLELIGHTING: 4:55 p.m. TEMPLE ISRAEL BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE Member of the Union of American Member of the Union of Hebrew Congregations Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 1502 No. 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 556-6536 556-6288 FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Azriel, Rabbi Stieland Hazzan Contzius will officiOffice hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. ate. Rabbi Azriel will speak. The Oneg Shabbat to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be sponsored by Diane and Lonnie Graul in FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5 p.m. honor of the Bar. Mitzvah of their son, Keith. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.; Little "Shabbat Comes to You," 3:45 p.m.—Hazzan People's Service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, Contzius and the Temple Youth Group will lead a 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood. Shabbat service at -Livingston Plaza. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:20 p.m.; SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, Mk30fLm. Mincha, 4:50 p.m., followed bylShalosh Seudot, Keith.Nathan Graul will celebrate his Bar Ma'ariv and Havdalahi '•-• . Mitzvah at the morning service. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Simcha B'Shabbat-rAn informal Shabbat serWEEKDAYS: Services at 7 ajn. and 5 p.m. vice that.includes study and discussion of a variety MONDAY, Jan. 12: Adult Education, of Jewish texts. : . 7:30 p.m.«"Introduction to the Talmud""with The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Rabbi Kutner, 8:30 p.m.~"Synagogue Skills," learn Sanctuary.. to chant the Haftorah with its traditional trope. SUNDAY: Chapel Prayer Service, 9:15 a.m. CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN This service gives members of the congregation an additional opportunity to pray and recite Kaddish. SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Men's Club and Sisterhood Brunch, 10 am., Member of the Union in the Milder Center. Two. world-champion Muaitai of American Hebrew Congregations Kick Boxers, who teach men's and women's defense 2061S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 classes, will demonstrate skills. Traditional lox and 435-8004

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 WEB-http^/omahafreenet.org/bethel Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 pan. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 ajn.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 am.; Shabbat Story Time, first and third Saturday at 11 a.m.; K'tantan, second and fourth Saturday at 11 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5 p.m. Kids' Havdalah, 6:15-7:30 p.m.: Children in pre-school through second grade, along with other family members, will have a Havdalah service with songs, stories and refrehsments. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. Men's Club Breakfast: Men's Club will sponsor a breakfast following morning minyan. . Torah Scrolls: Dr. Eric Ray, a reknowned sofer, will be at Beth El from Sunday, Jan. 11, through Tuesday, Jan. 13, to repair Torah Scrolls. ...;'.-'

Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 10 ajn. SUNDAY: Hebrew and Religious School, 10 ajn. TUESDAY, Jan. 13: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.

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

bagels will be served. Cost is $3 for non-members. "TOW" Torah on Wheels (TOW) will be held Tuesday,

Jan. 13, noon-l:15 p.m., 9300 Underwood Ave., Suite 520. The host is Dr. Jeffrey Passer. Reservations are required. Call the Temple office at 556-6536. ADULT EDUCATION

Wednesday, Jan. 14: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m. to noon. Thursday, Jan. 15: Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:30-10:30 a.m.-Hazzan Erik poutzius.,will teach^The World of Jewish Music;" 10:30-ilV3P:a.ih.--Rabbi Stiel will teach" "Talmud for Beginners;" 7:30-8:30 p.m.-Don Schwartz will lead Beyond Midrash.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St.,. Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 - E-MAIL: docjeb<3juno.com FRIDAY: No services this week.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone:697-1124; E-MAH.-chabad@aol.com SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.,- followed by Kiddush lunch; Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 p.m. MONDAY: Yiddish class at Blumkin Home, 7 pan. TUESDAY: Chabad Women of Worth presents "Men are from Mars-Women are fron Venus," the Jewish view, 10 a.m., at the home of Lisa Epstein; Community wide lecture, "C'mon G-d, Please Don't Do That," the art of passing life's big and little tests, by Chaya Teldon, at One Pacific Place Clubhouse, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Mitzvah MunchMns class resumes,

10 ajnwioon. THURSDAY: Talmud Class, noon

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http://pwl.neteom.com/~6alniim FRTOAY:. Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th Si. in Omaha. . SUNDAY:

Religious School at the Jewish Community Center from 10 a.m.-noon for all grades, and Tuesdays from'4-6 p.m. for grades four and up. Contact Marty Rosenberg at 390-9062. TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 • Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. ; Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 8:15 aan. j FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. Oneg Shabbat in honor of Leo Hill on his 85th birthday, hosted by a group of h i s friends. ' , ' , ' ' • : SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:15 a.m. Lunch and Learri: "The Book of Job" with Nancy Caren following services. SUNDAY, 7:30 p.m.: You and your family are invited to Curtain Up "85" produced by Leo Hill. The event is at Tifereth Israel Synagogue. No admission charge.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME FRIDAY: Ed Kahn's 100th birthday. SATURDAY: Mr. Kahn's son, Hugo, will lead Shabbat services at 9 a.m. Kiddush will follow. Friends may stop by for cake and good wishes at 2:30 p.m. in the Rose Blumkin Home dining room. OPFUTT 25th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 294-6051 Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a;m.-2 p.m.J

Hanukkah party at B'nai Israel

Bat Emily Suzanne Caulfield, daughter of Larry | and Karen Caulfield, will J be called to the Torah as la Bat Mitzvah Saturday, I Jan. 17, at Tifereth Israel | Syna-gogue in Lincoln. A seventh grade stud e n t a t Pound Middle School, she enjoys reading and creative writing. She plays the piano and swims competitively. In ^service to the community, she has initiated a reading project with the second grade class at Clinton Elementary School in Lincoln, providing each student with his/her own book. Emily has a brother, Aaron. • ; . ; • • Grandparents are Marvin and Lynn Brbokstein of Omaha, the late Leah Brookstein, and Mary Caulfield of Davenport, IA, and the late Dale Caulfield.

Forms available for visually impaired and handicapped The Jewish Heritage for the Blind, in cooperation with the State of New York Banking Department, has made available, free of charge, to the visually impaired, and all handicapped, Swiss bank claim information and forms, in large print or braille, to recover assets deposited in Swiss banks and unpaid monies of European insurance policies through the Holocaust Claims processing Office, established by Governor George E. Pataki. All U.S. residents may utilize this service. •--'-.•• Fax name, address, phone and fax numbers to: (718) 338-0653: To all my Students and their Parents: You made my Hanukkah delightful^ With'your thoughtful and creative gifts. Thank you!- ' •' : Your teacher and friend, Mrs. Maya Wertheimer

B'nai Israel Synagogue C'onjjregiiisoii had a Hanukkah party recently in Council Bluffs which included a pollock dinner with latkes and other specialties. Following dinner, there was a symbolic lighting of the Hanukiah. Children entertained the congregation by reading a Hanukkah story. .'•'

You are cprgialhj limited to attend a cocktail reception for the premier showing of the artwork of

ealli Qohn Sunday, January 11, 4-6 p.m, Jewish Community Center 333 So. 132nd St.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE January 9,1998 Automation and the human touch

. Several readers recently showed me a ionn letter generated by their synagogue's office. TKe; 'happy birthday' note, addressed to their late mother, arrived;-just a few days after h e F funeral».While the women agreed with-the necessity of keeping in touch' with-members, they were under-" standably upset that automation had won over the human touch. In this day and age of computerization, it's easy to blame the machines for our errors. Even when we use the spell-check program on our stories for the J e w i s h P r e s s , we must still proof-read with our own eyes to catch additional mistakes (not that we catch; all of them using either method!).. .".*: So, too, the stack of form letters waiting to be signed by the rabbi or executive letter should be reviewed. • befor*. mailings Birthday and anniyjirsary greetings to the -. deceased are not welcomed by qurvw

ing family members sitting shiva. These women were not looking to blame their rabbi or the office staff; they were just looking to alert those of us who communicate with large numbers of people (readers, members, constituents, donors). Getting people to give of their time and money to non-profit or religious institutions is based on more than once-a-year-form letters. Board members and their leadership are part of the 'stewardship' responsibilities. They need to work hand-in-hand with professional staff to ensure t h a t members a r e not just counted as numbers. In the end, the success of a relationship between an organization and an individual is based on personal qualities. Does the rabbi know my name? Has the director remembered that my mother was ill? Does the secretary greet me in a friendly manner? And. if not, why should members stay members? ^ *

rsBibf fooling himself? by Gary Rosenblatt, editor and publisher of-The New York Jewish Week

Jerusalem —• I wouldn't want to play poker with Bibi Netanyahu. C'-r'Sitfing, behind his ofScel'deslc, with photos of his j ^ f f S n i posing chi^.ren^ ^lsjpfe^h^lidwsjio oujr rward^sigri-aif the sfia^lHe^u3febe ? under?ln Teceht days his wife, Sara, has been pilloried in the press, described in detail as a demanding; difficult and - petulant woman; his closest associate and handpicked" candidate to head the World Likud Party, __. AvigdprXiebennatt,.had to step aside amid fierce infighting, another indication of Netanyahu's lack of " popolarjty.j even among" his own party.. ': AnE the'media continues to portray the prime ' minister as responsible for the lack of progress in " the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks. Truly, even for a man who is used to seeing himself described as a wide-scale source of frustration and anger for his policies and demeanor, it has been a bad week. But Netanyahu is the picture of self-control, if ;; more than a bit remote, during our recent one-on;;; one interview." His voice is even,;thbugh some o"f his :j; responses, seem delivered by, automatic pilot. He ::: appears more convinced than ever that the problems with the peace process stem from a deep-seated bias and even hatred of Israel by the media, and much of the world.' • •:• . ' . ' ( " • i> "History will be very unkind" to journalists for their coverage of the Israeli-Arab conflict these last 30 years, he told me. His criticism includes the Israeli press, which he describes as "not well balanced," and surely is not limited to its writing on the Mideast. . How, then, .do you gauge the mood of the country? I asked. "Talk to the people, like I did today in Ofakim," he said, referring to a high-unemployment Negev town where thousands of workers recently went on strike. "Direct contact with the people is where you get a real view." If that's true, based on the people I've spoken with during t h e week I've been in Israel, Netanyahu is in serious trouble. The taxi driver who took me to the interview at the prime minister's office was blunt in expressing his disappointment. "We voted for him because he promised peace, security and a better economy, and we have none. Ask him about that," he urged. (I tried, but he dodged the question.) Later that evening; I, met with 15 graduate stu-

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded In 1920)

dents in journalism and communications at BarIlan University near Tel Aviv. When the subject turned to Netanyahu, they were .unanimous in their criticism, hot so much of his policies but of his character. They simply don't trust him,,though they acknowledged that, as Ronit, who hopes to be an investigative reporter on, television one day, said, "he's agenius with the inedia.'',. ' 4 That's ironic; because the relationship between Netanyahu and the media is bad;,and:getting: worse, exacerbated by the in-depth reporting on Mrs.Netanyahu's beb.avior.;And ituseemsir,oruc that a man wfcose political career.is based on his success with' and exposure through the media especially during his tenure in New York as United Nations ambassador -- now makes Yasir Arafat look good by comparison. . • Netanyahu dealt with that issue during his address to the 120 Jewish journalists from around the world who met here last week under the auspices of the World Zionist Organization information department. He urged Jewish journalists not to "bend over backwards" in their treatment of Israel, and insisted that they be guided by the facts. '•';. Speaking with conviction, the prime minister asserted that Israel is blamed as the cause of the peace talks stalemate even though it has complied with the Oslo Accords, 'while the Palestinians are not criticized, even though'they have not complied. He insisted that European states had a colonial past and interpret Israel's struggle "in colonial terms," though they do not apply historically or geographically, he said. "The West Bank is part of our land," he went on, in a statement that was con-; demned by Arafat. "It is our land, and it should be discussed and negotiated, but most of the world media has already agreed oh the higher truth." Netanyahu's frustration is understandable, but he seems in danger of fooling himself. Why bother advancing a peace plan if you are convinced that the world is out to get you? The prime minister told me he judges the mood of people by talking to them, but he did not mention that, according to the Jerusalem Post, during his visit to Ofakin that day, hundreds of unemployed demonstrators booed him and chanted "Bibi go home," despite his promise to create some 300 new jobs there. Or was that just the biased reporting of the Israeli press? -

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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jowish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The J o w i s h Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omahn.

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Slsva Lavlnger Chairman .. Carol Kaizmnn Edllof-in-Chlel MonlsMallne Editor Emetllus Maureen LaPour . Managing Edllof .. Larry Axelrod Advertising Monagor Shoryl Frlodmon Bookkoopor Goorgo Schoplra Volunloer

To the Editor: I was very surprised at .the Commentary I read by Rabbi-Jilan Silverstein in "the t)ec. 26 edition of the Jewish Press. • ..-.. ••>;•. ?-.- .;U-,-,i .-,v •-.-: While I wholeheartedly agree that all Jewish federations must be seriously and increasingly in the business of offering meaningful JewTsK education, the points which' Rabbi SilVerstoniaised to arrive, at his conclusion wjere'r^sjfcOT|bi#g.;ja^ii;iiri^rroct'.;',;"• Very simply, it) id wroiig toontysay that'T'edefations ought to make education their highest prioiity^; -'s; •' Education must be one' of 'our highest priorities to be sure; iBtit'there 1 at'e-litefally 'hru"ntdrel3sof thousands of Jews •living' in;abjisfct' pSvBrtj?1 aiuHn need bfmedical carB'in the'U.Si; the Former Soviet U n i o n , a n d a r o u h d ' t h e w o r l d . ' •'•'•'••'••••1 • " " > • > i ! -

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To simply say that education must be' our highest priority is to drastically oversimplify1 the : global Jewish condition.

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In the Former Soviet1 Union alone there afe; at least 230;000 elderly and frail Jews1 who are riot only unable to carefor themselves,' but whoiare riot being reached by 'any of dur;cam'paigi)/'dollar's 'i'. none. That Rabbi Silverstein 'could : talk about' the efforts of federations'antl UJAiaWdrriot1^ven address thispointis surprising;;He-shouldknow'bitxHk-''*' But 7 then'to : suggest that•*• V. :i otKerp'riyrities (notably combating; anti-Semitism) mayhave donidnated the Jewish alldcatibfi agenda' bf'the'6a^t".i" is just flat but wrong. :-:: y- i •'.•'••••. .; ^v;;j.-: Airhfting over 700,000 Jews* to Israel over the last'several years as well as providing a whole host of social services to hundreds of thousands of others has been our primary allocations concern. •' Anti-semitism, while an important issue, hasn't even had close to the same degree of attention.. ,\ I don't mind reading articles in bur Jewish' Press with points of view different than mine. But I am surprised when I read an article that so completely misstates the facts and runs so contrary to the message we try to convey in our own local campaign. While I am very worried' about the state of Jewish education in the Jewish world, I am also concerned that every Jew in peril be sustained and healthy enough to enjoy the benefits of the Jewish teachings we intend to offer. . Joel Alperson

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstoin, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Bob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Sheryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silbcr. ' • Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committeo, tho Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. Tho Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content Tho Jewish Press is not responsible for the Knshruth of any product or establishment. ~

January 9,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, Ne Page 5

News Analysis

Israel's foreign minister resigns; Netanyahu faces crisis

Netanyahu passes fi rst test, but will his coalition survive?

by Naomi Segal

by David Landau

Netanyahu insists coalitionwill survive Levy resignation ' JERUSALEM (JTA) -- The resignation of paper alone," he said. Israel's foreign minister has'cast uncertainty over But in announcing his resignation, Levy said he the future of Prime Minister Benjamin had rejected a pledge for additional social spending Netanyahu's government. But Netanyahu says he because it had come too late. will hang on even as the departure of David Levy The prime minister was to present the budget to and his Gesher faction leaves the premier's coali- the Knesset on Monday for adoption and would tion government with a thin 61-59 majority. then turn his attention to Cabinet approval of a . "The coalition is stable, there is a strong sense of plan for a further redeployment from the West responsibility among its members," Netanyahu Bank. Netanyahu pointed out that previous Israeli said at a news conference just hours after Levy governments had operated with only a one-vote announced his resignation Sunday. - majority in the Knesset and that he was confident Levy, who had threatened repeatedly over the his coalition would continue at least through 2000, past year to step down, said that he was "fed up" the scheduled date for the next national elections to calls in recent days by two of his minwith the way the government was operating. He a response 1 singled out the government's social policy, which isters for early elections.. he said clashed with his own outlook. He also critiBut given the opposition within the Cabinet to cized the Cabinet's handling of peace negotiations, any further transfer of West Bank lands to the warning that "stonewalling" by the government Palestinians, it appeared unlikely that Netanyahu could backfire to a point where a settlement with would be able to secure approval for a further redethe Palestinians would be imposed upon Israel. ployment before he meets with President Clinton "There comes a time when one must stand up in Washington on Jan. 20. The Clinton administration was assessing, in the and make a clear, unequivocal statement," said Levy. "I am fed up, and no longer consider myself wake of Levy's resignation, whether a planned trip to the region by U.S. Middle East envoy Dennis part of this government." Netanyahu stressed at his news conference, with- Ross would go ahead this week. out referring to Levy's accusations, that the govNetanyahu told his ministers that the Cabinet ernment had made social investment and develop- would discuss and decide the positions which he ment a priority. Sources of funding had been found will present to Clinton who also is slated to meet for the additional social spending Levy was seek- with Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser ing, "to prove that my promises- are not just on Arafat on Jan. 22.

Shas woos Arab legislators to vote for conversion bill JERUSALEM (JTA) - The fervently Orthodox Shas Party has been wooing Arab members of the Israeli Knesset to vote for a controversial conversion bill, according to Israeli newspaper, Ha'aritz. Israeli Arab and Shas sources 'both confirmed that secret contacts were.being held, but that no final understanding had been reached. •• . The Arab sources said that in exchange for the Knesset members support or abstention on the bill, which would codify the Orthodox monopoly over Jewish conversions in Israel, Shas would agree to support legislation that would benefit the Israeli Arab community. • Action on the bill has been postponed as an interdenominational committee seeks a solution that would be acceptable to Judaism's three main streams. The Conservative and Reform movements want to win legal recognition for conversions, performed by their rabbis in Israel. But if the committee does not meet its latest deadline of Jan. 31, Shas and other Orthodox parties in the governing coalition may push for passage of the bill --and the 11 Arab Votes in the Knesset could become critical. Ha'aretz said the three Arab Knesset members in the Labor and MeretZ'factions would likely vote in accordance with, their parties. .Opinions were split within the two Arab parties, Hadash and the Arab Democratic Party-United Arab List.

To the Editor: The week of Dec. 22 has opened my eyes.'I cooked a Hanukkah dinner for nearly 200 people at . Beth El Synagogue and though we've had family programs before, this was different. The Hanukkah dinner fell on Christmas eve this year and I was not sure how many families would attend. With a deadline for reservations, the week before and a count then of more than 150, T was already very excited. After the 200 in attendance ate a dinner of stir fry chicken, rice, egg rolls, fortune cookies and that great Hanukkah standby...latkes, families could choose from three different movies. Because of Christmas eve, the custodial and kitchen staff were celebrating with their families. Who would clean up after the event and put everything away? • As soon as the movies were over, the families gathered together and started to put the social hall back in shape while others in the kitchen washed, cleaned and put away all the pots and pans. By the time I left for home, one movie, for the children was still playing, but all the chairs, tables, linens and utensils were in their proper places and I was glad I didn't have to worry'about what the staff would see the next day when they came back to work. : Larry Hasslinger

A Minute OfYour Time

JERUSALEM (JTA) - The Israeli government may be down, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists his coalition is far from put. In the coming weeks, Netanyahu will not only be fighting for the survival of his rightist-religious coalition. He also will be battling for his own survival as the leader of the Likud Party and as its candidate for prime minister in the next election whenever that is held. Underscoring Netanyahu's difficult position in his own party was an acrimonious meeting of Likud ministers and Knesset members on the eve of the crucial budget vote. Many key Likud figures see Netanyahu's performance on the budget as yet another in a series of decision-making mishaps that have dogged his premiership, reflecting both on his character and on his leadership qualities.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 9,1098

CORRECTION The following funds were inadvertently omitted VISIONS from the list of undergraduate scholarship funds in YES Membership dues to VISIONS for the year 1998 Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English the Dec. 26 issue of the Jewish Press: Livingston Scholarships; Maxine and Joe Class for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; exercise are now due. Please mail your check payable to Kirshenbaum Scholarship Fund; David W. and and bingo both start at 10:30. Bring articles to VISIONS in the amount of $5 per person to share at the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11. VISIONS, c/o Lois and Gerald Bernstien, 14810 Minnie Frank Scholarship Fund. Following a hot kosher lunch, Susan Aizenberg, Cass Circle, Omaha NE 68154. who taught the YES Creative Writing Workshop Join us for an evening of fun and action at the several years ago, will speak. She will recite some of her recently published works of poetry. For Aksarben Coliseum as the Omaha Lancers Hockey Team takes on the USA All Stars on Sunday, Feb. transportation call 330-4272. . Membership Dues are now due. Send form and $2 15, at 6:05 p.m. When you need to hire a enregiver . . . Call our HOME HEALTH CARE REGISTHY SERVICE. per person to Frieda Krizelman, Membership Cost per person is $6. For reservations, mail form WE HELP FAMILIES BY: • referring interviewed and Chairman, 331 S. 93rd Ave., Omaha NE 68114. by Jan. 23 to Harry Alloy, 5811 Nicholas St., screened caregivers * assisting in scheduling hours Make check payable to YES. Omaha NE 68132. Make checks payable to Jewish • finding replacements when needed. Reminder: The Mah Jongg Club will meet Senior Services. R E L O C A T I O N S E R V I C E S are available to: • locnte Wednesday, Jan. 14, at the JCC in room 5. appropriate housing • coordinnte thn movo • pnek nncl Reminder: Membership Luncheon Meeting is unpnek. WALK-EN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English Friday, Jan: 16,12:30,p.m., at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Sou GOH4UUOHL also offers the ElderCare RESOURCE BREADBREAKERS HANDBOOK. Cost is $12.50. To order, call 398-1848 class starts at lO.ajn.; exercise with Larisa starts at (Mention this ad to receive a $2 discount) 10:15, and bingo at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to Bob Wolfson, Regional Director of the ADL/CRC, eat at 11:45 in room 10. At 12:15 p.m., test your luck will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Ron Gordon. . . . . and win prizes at Game Day at the J in room 10. GaAe GonUttitmti. pvt the A<fUuf. " BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon. r Member of the Better Beth Israel Sisterhood will have an open board For the month of January only, Breadbreakers will 7701 Pacific St., Suite 321 Business meeting Tuesday, Jan. 13,10 am., in the synagogue meet at the Jewish Community Center in Room 10. Bureau Omaha. NE 68114 social hall. All members are invited. Light refresh- The program is open to the community. Cost is (402) 398-1848 ments will be served. Reservations are not required. $7.75. • by Art Grossman

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"Each person is a book." With that expressive phrase, Mary Fellman, co-founder of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, along with archivist Barbara Morrison Bresler, asked Oldtimers and Young Energetic Seniors to resurrect old-time family portraits, articles of early note languishing in attics and basements and to compile, if possible, family •trees.and present themtothe society for posterity.. At the Earlybird Talk Show, Norm Zevitz unveiled info on some of the pitfalls facing retire: ment years, especially inonetary ones. ' Discussion co-host Tony Kutcher read a letter appearing in Ann Landers column, from Rabbi Myer Kripke, in which he responds to readers who stated they would rather commit suicide than go to

A revelation that Pope John Paul II hailed Jews as "elder brothers" during a homily at St. Peter's Basilica was rather startling. As was the lighting ofaHanukkah candle at the Vatican. • ' "•'•' •'•' In her Report, Kay Ferer said Div Daniel Miller is at Clarkson and Marvin Sabes is at Methodist. : ' Freda Krizelman, Membership Chairman; announced these'new members: •'f :!! ' ; James Hahn, Ben Lebowich, Vincent Marshall; Maurice Katleman, Herman ManheimeH Reverend Mandel Landsman,-S&ra Landsman,' Daisy Sweeney, Harry-Schuliharij Sbphlff Schiilihahv Marjorie Theiss, Frieda Bucheister, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Marilyn Siegal and Gerald Siegal; W e l c o m e aboard.

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' Old Timers': If you ha'ven'fralreadydoh'e'sdiRabbi Kripke relates he was a resident in the the please pledge allegiance to your UJA/Omaha Rose Blumkin Home for five months. He praised Jewish Federation Campaign. Send in your 1998 the home for its cleanliness and caring staff. pledge. . .. a nursing home,

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Louise Uppell Claire Passer, Susie Silverman Bonnie London Fefe Passer ' Jole Simon Jan Lund Julie Pecoraro • Judy Simons Suzannah Magnuson ElliePenner Suzanne Singer Diane Malashock Ellen Slosburg MikePichlk; v . Jody Malashock Audrey Sophlr Shelly Plchlk •',. Linda Mann Merrian Splegal KlmPltlor Diana Manvllz Dorothy Splzmah Marcla Plllor Wendy Manvllz : Char Stella : .. Barbara Platt Deb Marburg Arnle Stem , , Enid Pollack Julie Martin Melissa Stem Nancy Rech Berta Meyers Rocky Stern Dodi Redler David Meyers Shelley Stem Steve Redler Joe Meyers Denlse Swanger Barbara Rennard Jon Meyers Barbara Taxman SaraRicker Shalna Meyers Sherry Taxman Jane Rips Sue Meyers Kristen Taylor Kimberly Robinson Nancy Telenbaum Tamara Meyers Dick Rochman Tina Meyers Paige Thompsett JudyRolfman . Debbie Trenton Jenny Meyerson Scoll Meyerson Silvia Hoffman Selma Tretlak Beth Michnowski Lilzlo Trustin Margo Rosen Fran Milder Gloria Vann 'Dottia Rosenblum Lori Miller Chamey Roslnsky • JoodiVeiker. Megan Mitchell Jerry Roslnsky Natha Waldbaum Jessie Moore. Bunny Rolhenberg •Mary Lou Walker Judl Moore : PhllRothholz Palsy Wallace Ann Moshman Susan Rothholz Esther Wax BellleMusklri Jayne Ruback JoyeWoes Mary Both Muskln Marcy Ruback Anno Wellz Laura Lee : Suzy Rubin AndiWillensky Needleman Bridget Ryalls . Janel Wintroub Kim Noddle Blanche Wise KenRyalls Nancy Noddle Nancy Wolf Monica Sacks Alan Nogg Judy Wood WckiSanford. OzzleNogg JarrSchnelderman KrlstloWood Pally Nogg (Stove) SelhWoodko ' JoLynn Sharman. Pally Nogg (Tony) Terrl Zacharla DoraShefren RulhleNogg .:. : AmeoZelzman ,' Sandy N p f l g V S . ^ ; : ; :'S0zy Sheldon :-. Charlotte Zipursky , Deb Sherman • . Andy Novak Sally Zupursky .1 < K|rnMoyaK£;:i"i {{••:•;!!..ArlalShukertVi ••-.; K|rnMoyaK£;:i ' Avdva Shukeit • ' " 't'BeyerlyZubo^ X' Carolyn Novjcolt SuBlo'ShykehV; f•••'!iHerrrlonoZwolback •Carol Parsow •; • .Slss/Sllber ' ! JudyZwolback ' Mafgo Parsow •

We apologize for any names that inadvertently have been omitted. •

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January 9,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7

Lincoln Center Gary Hiil analyzes prison systems in Bosnia, Gaza Under the auspices of the United Nations, Gary Hill, of Lincoln, has been assisting the prison systems of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the, Republika Srpska for more than a year. At the behest of the newly formed Palestinian Civil Police, he is helping the Palestinian Authority establish a modern prison system in Gaza and in the West Bank. Additionally, in a nation with no current government, Somalia, Hill is collaborating directly with private citizens, former and current prison staff and the Minister of Justice appointed by the strongest cHtti in the area, headed by Hussein Mohammed Aidid. The" efforts involve working with governments; prison staff and local citizens to identify the needs and practical ways to meet those needs. According, to Hill, the nations involved have all been through extensive civil and political strife and are attempting to establish justice systems. Though some fighting still occurs in a few areas where Hill is working, he does not consider his work dangerous. The living conditions in Somalia are: extremely primitive, while Bosnia is returning to normal and Palestine has consistent electricity and running water, according to Hill,, Both Palestine and'Bosnia also have,good,,school systems which bodes, well for thejfuture, while Somalia haB had seven, years without any meaningful educational system, Hill added. Much of Bosnia sustained extensive war damage and Somalia is almost destroyed by war and. criminal gangs which looted most public and private buildings,

A common thread running through all three nations is the realization that without an operating, effective and humane criminal justice system, any attempt at economic development, or a decent standard of living is impossible, he says. Though others in the international community have been active in working with the police and, in some cases, the courts, only human rights organizations have pursued involvement in the prisons and then only to identify human rights abuses. A major concern in Bosnia and Palestine is the number of groups who visit and find fault, often due to a lack of resources, but offer little tangible help. Hill has been called upon to provide specific help in establishing training programs that take into account the educational and cultural background of the staff and the inmates. He is also charged with helping the prisons find the resources or means to provide adequate housing, food and programs for the prisoners. This is especially challenging in nations which, due to devastated economies, need to invest in schools, roads, hospitals, factories, electric stations, water plants, harbors and housing, according to Hill. Hill believes that, "When people live in.an environment'where the person., with, the biggest gun is the one who receives the benefits, rather than rewards being related to effort, then that nation cannot survive. . . • ••••., The people I amprivileged to work with have lived through hell and now they are working hard to create their piece of.heaven on,earth for theirchildren and their children's children."

Curtain Up '85' to play at Tifereth Israel An 85th birthday tribute to Leo Hill is scheduled for Sunday, at 7:30 p.m. at Tifereth. Israel Synagogue. The show features Jack Snider, Band

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 9,1998

Roseanne stages own version of Hanukkah play for children

First Hanukkah in Israel •

by Teddy Weinberger

It was after I hadfinishedmy morning swim the other day that I was struck by what Hanukkah is byTomTugend in Israel. : As I was leaving the pool area, my eyes hapNotes Roseanne, "Today, many Jews still worLOS ANGELES (JTA) - On the sixth night of the pened upon a notice addressed to the parents of Festival of Lights, Roseanne put on a Hanukkah play ship this idol." * The climactic battle between the Maccabees children on the Givat Ze'ev swim team. Parents - and the tale of the brave Maccabees and the miracand the Seleucids is shown via video on a wide TV •were being notified that there would be swimming ulous container of oil may never be the same again. In the one-time matinee and evening perfor- screen, with Antiochus' forces aided by hordes of practice during Hanukkah, and they were invited mances, the director, narrator and author - listed Scotch Highlanders, led by Mel Gibson, courtesy of to a special practice on the third night of Hanukkah. The schedule for the evening, according as Roseanne Thomas in the credits - mixed show- the film Braveheart. Roseanne herself appears in the video as a to the notice, will be as follows: instruction and biz shticks with the traditional themes to entertain parents and a raft of noisy kids in the small audito- reporter for TV station KNN, describing the training in the various strokes, swimming competiprogress of the battle. As Mattathias dies, she tions, lighting the Hanukkah candles, distribution rium of the Kabbalah Learning Center. of sufganiyot (jelly donuts). Sitting in the second row on a hard folding chair urges the audience to stay tuned. * In a swinging scene, depicting the desecration of I thought to myself: this is why I came to Israel. and taking it all in was Madonna and her one-yearold daughter, Lourdes, with not a single paparazzi the Temple, a 5-year-old cocktail waitress fills an This is what it means to live in a country where order for "one Manischewitz straight up," while a. the majority culture is Jewish rather than within miles. • The cast represented almost the entire 4-to-7- line of similarly aged disco dancers strut their stuff. Christian. Despite the banter, Roseanne takes her involveDoobi, the head of the swimming program, just year old student body of the Kabbalah Day School. Referring to her young cast, Roseanne proudly ment with the Kabbalah Learning Center serious- assumed that it was appropriate for the swimming noted that "this is the first time in history that ly. She spent over two months researching and team to celebrate Hanukkah. He certainly felt no rehearsing the play, and she has attended.classes compulsion to do so. children are being taught Kabbalah." Personally, Doobi (whom I have gotten to know And the program boasted that the day school "is at the center for more than three years. On her way out of the hall, she told an inquirer thanks to a weekly tennis game), is not religiousthe only school in the history of Judaism that offers a full curriculum of Torah studies blended with an that "everything I believe in has come from so there is no question here of him trying to further emphasis on kabbalistic teachings along with an Kabbalah," whose study has raised her to "a higher religion. consciousness." So why do it? Simply because it's Hanukkah and extensive secular program." The center has been sharply.criticized by main- it would be a treat for the kids to celebrate. The rotund television star allowed that the Hanukkah play made for "the most nerve-wracking stream rabbis for teaching a superficial pop ver- What a far cry this situation is from what I experiday of my career. It's one thing to make the net- sion of Kabbalah, while a number of disenchanted enced in the States. former members have complained of high-pressure In America, the holiday celebrated publicly is work mad, but to make God mad..." Christmas—even if the celebrants include Jews. Amid more traditional scenes, the director-narra- tactics to donate more money to the center. None of this has lessened the center's appeal to Despite the legal separation of church and state in tor spiced up the proceedings with some innovaHollywood figures in search of spiritual solace and America, December holiday celebrations are overtions of her own: * To force a pious Jew to worship idols, a understanding. In addition to Madonna and whelmingly tied to Christmas, with the occasional Hellenizer holds up an Oscar statuette while the Roseanne, reported.disciples include the stars tip of the cap toward Hanukkah. Christmas is where the action' is; it's where the victim inquires if his apostasy will at least get him Barbra Streisand, Elizabeth Taylor, Courtney Love, Jeff Goldblum and Laura Dern. spirit of the country is. If the Jews want to cominto Disneyland. pletely avoid this spirit and nurture their 'Hanukkah, they have to do it in their own institutions-in Jewish community centers and in synagogues and in Jewish Day Schools. Freo Estimates How different here in Israel - not just because of the absence of Christmas culture, but because Professional Installation Hanukkah is encountered in the open. You-can't avoid bumping into it. You don't have to plan to Quality Selection of attend your synagogue's gala celebration; you don't Carpet, Vinyl, Laminates, have to clear your calendar to go to the JCC's Ceramics, Marble and Hanukkah concert-youjust have to swim. Hardwood. I believe that Israel should be Jewish and not just Israeli-however Jews struggle to define both Hours: M-T-W-F 9-5, Thur, 9-8, S a t 9-3, Closed Sundays Residential and Commercial of these terms. And one of the things that Jews do is that they light candles on Hanukkah. It's a simple fact, made extremely simple and clear that week at the swimming pool in Givat Ze'ev. •na

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NCJW's Gift Wrap fundraiser 1sets record total

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In addition to 17 day chairwomen, some 265 volunteers filled 396 three-hour shifts for 1170 hours at the annual Gift Wrap fundraiser run by the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section. According to the project's chairwomen, Joan Lehr and Sue Meyers, the end-result was a record $14,000. Included in the total were- funds, raised from the sale of TheJKttchen ConMcttott cookbook inid a r t f -

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California. Grandparents are Lil Weinstein of Omaha'and the late Nathan Weinstein and the late Hemmo and Martha Rogers. Mr. Kaim, son of Dr. Bonn and Margarita Kaim of El Paso, TX; graduated-from the University of Texa's'-Attstin/'ana^has' a'master's in'* biology Mm the Universi^ of Califoruift at Berkeley-.''He'isfc quality assurance technician at Chiron Corp. Grandparents are Josefina Torres of Cali, ColuBib«^the^Ia.te Ezra Kaim and: Hedwig Eicltonwald of El ^aso^g^d the late Erich Eichenwald. A June, 1998*, wedding in 'California is planned.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 9,1998

Get online to try to meet your mate by Robert J. Weiner, The (New Jersey) Jewish State

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Still looking for Mr. or Mrs. Right? Well, perhaps your bershert resides just an e-mail message away. Several Internet-based resources have been cre3023 Farnam 346-4410 ated specifically to facilitate introductions among Jewish singles, including the following four lowReservations (or Cafe cost services. Lunch & Dinner Old World Charm Virtual Jerusalem's shiduch (marriage matching) ROCKBROOK VILLAGE With Authentic mailing list has led to at least 16 marriages since 108th & Center European Food 1993, according to its moderators Yehoshua and 391-2585 »4829 S. 24th Sl« 733-7491» Raizie Steinberg. Most messages circulated on the shiduch list consist of questionnaires filled but by eligible singles. The singles answer 20 items describing both An Evening of Enchantment themselves and the types of people they seek to meet. The moderators then forward the completed questionnaires to all list subscribers. List subscribers receive a steady stream of messages Restaurant • Bistro • Wine Bar throughout the'year and respond directly via e-mail Enjoy Our Delightful to those people who intrigue them. Occasional notices circulated via the list . Intimate Lunches announce Shabbatons and other singles gatherings. RosoivaUons 345-8980 The 'moderators have recently initiated a nominal Ftocommendod membership fee, $25 per year, to subsidize adminO X ) MARKET PASSAGEWAY istrative costs. Find them at www.virtu al.co.il/city_services/lists/shiduch/ The Jewish singles mailing list (JSML) has been operating as a free service since 1992. Individuals join JSML by filling out a straightforward temGREEK GYROS • STEAKS plate. The template includes brief biographical / PHILLIES • BURGERS items and open-ended questions where singles describe their interests, Jewish backgrounds, and likes and dislikes. JSML Moderator Hillel Steinberg reviews each submission and adds each single to the JSML database. #1 Food in the Midwest Steinberg then e-mails each new member a Open 7 Days a Week lengthy message with descriptions of each of the 4409 Dodge Si. • 553-3326 more than 700 members. Singles then respond directly via e-mail to prospective dates. The moderator encourages members to occasionally request an updated membership list. Find JSML at www.tcg-inc.com/JDS1985/jsml.html The Jewish Singles Connection (JSC) web site is a free service funded by- the Immerman Greek Specials Doily Greek Boor & Wins Foundation, a supporting foundation of the Homemade Paatrlos Dlno In/Cany Out Cleveland Jewish Federation. JSC features more Specializing In Baklava We Cater, Tool than 5,000 personal ads, searchable by age and Full Service Bar • Party Roomi geographic location.

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Each ad purportedly contains a valid e-mail address. JSC's feedback section describes 14 marriages and engagements between JSC participants since June, 1996. Catch The Jewish Singles Connection at www.thejewishpeople.org Another popular website is Jdate. The Jdate database contains more than 11,000 singles searchable by age, geographic location, and numerous additional screeners including synagogue affiliation, observance level, and smoking and drinking habits. Each member.completes a personal profile by selecting items from checklists and by answering five open-ended questions. Members are also encouraged to submit photos. , Readers are encouraged to click on a mailbox icon to compose a note to prospective dates. Jdate forwards these notes without disclosing the recipient's e-mail address. Jdate claims credit for four marriages since April, 1997. Jdate is presently a free service and membership willcontinue to be free of charge. In the future, however, members will have to purchase a token in order to send an initial e-mail contact to another member. FindJdateatwwwjdate.com . These four services all have Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform members. They welcome participation from the entire adult single Jewish community. Although these resources are low cost, they do require access to a personal e-mail account. Fortunately, anyone can get receive a free,webbased e-mail account from Hotmail. You do not need regular Internet access to use Hotmail. All you need is occasional Internet access through work, a public library, or a friend, to onqe in a while access your mailbox from Hotmail's website. Find Hotmail at www.hotmail.com Finally, please keep in mind that e-mail correspondents are.strangers. Use caution before revealing phone numbers and home addresses. Meet for the first time in a public place. , ; Robert J. Weiner is single and, lives in Highland Park. Send e-mail to rjweiner@princeton.edu Or visit his website, www.princeton.edu/~rjweiner The Jewish State is an independent weekly newspaper based in Highland Park and covering Central New Jersey.

Tiny tomatoes speed genetic engineering of plants REHOVOT, Israel-A tiny tomato, dubbed "Micro-Tom," may mean big news for genetic engineering. The Lilliputian plant, adapted for research by Dr. Avraham Levy (pictured) of the Weizmann Institute of Science, is the key to a new method that may speed the process of unraveling the genetic code of plants, making it easier to identify and use commercially valuable genes. Micro-Tom, a humble plant bred for city dwellers with limited gardening space, has been joined with a unique combination of technologies in order to speed up mutagenesis, the new mutant plant strains. While mutations are commonly used the function of individual plant genes, Levy's Micro-Tom, which puts out fruit twice as fast as conventional tomatoes, cuts the time necessary to produce such mutations by half.

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January 9,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11

A first Berlin Shabbos

Berlin Rosh Hashanah service advances progressive Judaism

American Heart

Association by Gabrielle Pieck It was Friday afternoon, three days after I had by Toby Axelrod, The New York Jewish Week Beverly Hills Plaza landed in Berlin. I dialed the number given to me 7B12W. Dodge Rd. by an old Berkeley friend of a former East German BERLIN (JTA) - It was a commonplace sight; 393-6650 Jew-a Holocaust survivor. I identified myself and men and women standing side by side during the our mutual friend and said that I was looking for holiest week of the Jewish calendar, prayerbooks in an egalitarian service for Shabbat. their hands, God in their hearts. I went out to and when Yet it had not hapI returned she had left a pened in this city for message for me. I called more than 50 years. and found Rivka who For the first time since told me about an egaliWorld War II, an egalitarian service scheduled tarian Rosh Hashanah for that evening. It only lervice was held here meets once a month, but with official support from a Rosh Chodesh group i he usually traditional (women only) arid a femiBerlin Jewish communiith a delightfully intimute nist minyan meets every ty organization. Sunday Brunch , and spectacular view. three weeks. More than 200 people The service was set to howed up for Berlin's • ' • begin at 7 p.m. but I Jon'll be presented with nly mixed-seating seran exquisite assortment arrived early. I walked /ice, which was, held of tempting A hi Carte past a guard in front of \ under the usual police Brunch items, complete with the street entrance to the guard at the Jewish comtin endless tlessert station. Judischen Gemeindehaus f. munity center and was (the German equivalent i ,x followed by a kiddush of the JCC.) A man wear- A Jewish choir sings Hebrew songs for a P ai d for by the Berlin A full wine list, Jewish community. champagne and mixed drinks ing a kipa had entered Lutheran congregation in a Berlin suburb. are aUo available Organizers of the egalijust seconds before me. _ p _ at your request tarian service were not We were both stopped by ' j prepared for the turnout.' another guard who let us j There were not enough '. Join us in this in. We searched the seats, prayer sheets or dining experience building for signs of Sundtiyn apples. •'•'.. prayer. 10:30 am -2:110 pin ' There are some 11,000 Slowly other people Jews in Berlin, about began to arrive, and they two thirds of them recent were just as confused. immigrants from the forWe schmoozed in hushed mer Soviet Union. In all, tones, not knowing if we there are some 60,000. had made a mistake. The llewrvtuitun rrrnmiliriult'il people registered as man I arrived with is ?ll-.129-nO3-lilh floor Jews in Germany, where Iranian, but born and a religion tax is paid by •••T,;r~i-i~f—T—1-.I—i—i—I—I—l—1-T-I—i—I—F raised in Germany. He declared members of now works for an engineering firm. Another )\m &L )€HNI€'S R€$TAtIRANT Yom Kippur" mainstream religions for woman I met was born in service with Miriam Rosengarten, a former ™e ^ ? ° r i ° f * e i r com 5/ "The Greek Village1 Israel to German and Israeli and the main organizer of egalitarian munal institu tions. Authentic Groek Culslna Polish parents, but was services in Berlin. In Germany, where the DAILY SPECIALS >8ouvtaU • RoastUmb raised in West Germany. Reform movement was • FtotiPUW She was happy to speak Hebrew with me, but even born in the 19th century, the postwar community + Slu»»dQrBp«U«vw + C h l k R i l • Spuutopfta happier to speak English. has been dominated by an Orthodox leadership, Around 7:20 p.m., someone official-like arrived many- of them Holocaust survivors from Eastern and started arranging chairs in a circle. The class- Europe. Rosh Hashanah services, which included room walls were covered with posters of-Hebrew a sermon delivered by a woman, marked a mile3026 No. 90th S t • 571-2857 letters and Jewish holidays. One of two American stone for two egalitarian prayer groups that for the Jewish women who had arrived, vacationers from past few years have been observing the Sabbath in Florida, grabbed my hand and proceeded to display both western and eastern Berlin. her new proficiency in Hebrew. Each group attracts some 15 regulars and a The service finally began. It was a bit staid, and handful of occasional worshippers every week. The Persian and most of the twenty or so people assembled in the majority are Ger-man-born Jews. About one-third Middle Eastern room appeared insecure in their knowledge and came from other countries. Cuisine ability to perform the prayers. Though I had been (Toby Axelrod, a staff writer at The Jewish Week told-this' was an egalitarian service, only men and since 1988, is a Fulbright. scholar in Berlin.) women sat together. Even so I was thrilled to find, 'Casual Dining & a small Jewish enclave in the heart of Berlin. . Cocktails 'OpenMon-Sat : During kiddish, I spoke with a couple in Lunch & Dinner Yiddish. Their parents had come to Berlin after the 'Take Out Available war from Poland and settled here. In fact, most of • Serving Israeli Wine todays-prominent Berlin-Jewish families have sim• Tty a variety of Kabobs • Hummus, Falafel ilar Polish roots. From behind me I heard Russian. Today more than 70% of Berlin's Jewish population 1712 North 120th St. 493-3080 is Russian. »,. ; (Cantllewood Shopping Center) I explained to my companions that my father is United Way of the Midlands / CHAD from Berlin and is a Holocaust survivor, that he was born on Immanuelkirchstrassein the former Jewish quarter. Both are former East Berliners. One is tall and lanky with black .hair and a full bushy dark beard, the other blonde and blue-eyed. As I was about to catch my train home, they asked me about where I come from in the States. I said, "Omaha." The blonde one then asked, "There are Jews there?" I left them, shaking my head in disbelief. If they only knew how many American Jews have asked me a similar question! .: ••••

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 9,1998

ALL SUNDAYS ARE NOT CREATED EQUAL Super Sunday January 11 Throughout the world, in Israel and right here in Omaha, you have helped bring dignity to daily life. Whether it's delivering food to the elderly Jews here at home or in Bucharest... whether it's scholarships to day schools or summer camps or giving shelter to children and families at risk, your generosity and commitment are at work every day. So, on Super Sunday, January 11, when one of our Omaha Federation volunteers calls, please recommit yourself to the Jewish people. Please respond with your heart. Give generously. Increase your gift. Here in Omaha, in Israel and 60 countries worldwide, no gift touches more lives than your gift to the UJA/Federation Campaign. Share in the celebration of Israel's 50th anniversary. With jour gift of $50 or more to the UJA/Federation Campaign, you will become "one in a million" and have your name permanently recorded in the Tribute to Donors in the Museum of the Diaspora in Tel Aviv.

1998 UJA/FEDERATION CAMPAIGN FOR OURSELVES. FOR OUR CHILDREN. FOR ISRAEL.

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FOREVER.