January 30, 1998

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HE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1

i

Celebrating More Than 75 Years VoL LXXV

3 Shevat, 5758

No. 19

Thirteen Omaha teens to share Washington experience ; ;,

wit ness needs of Russian Jewry

Last July, Temple Israel received sizeable grants from the Steven Spielberg/Righteous Persons Foundation and from the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundations for high school seniors to learn about public policy and Jewish values in the nation's capital.

•{• This March,, 13 Jewish teens will fly to v. Washington, D.C., to participate in Panim el jj Panim (Face to Face) Washington Institute for / Jewish Leadership and Values. They will be among, a select group of 1000 teens who will have completed the program this year.

Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple Israel High School, opened.the program up to eligible 12th .graders from the community. Fourteen students are members of Temple Israel; two are from Beth El Synagogue and two from Beth Israel.

Accompanied by Mrs. Azriel, Hollis Glaser, instructor of Jewish Civics Course, Repairing the World, at Temple, and Scott Littky, Director of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, the teens will join students from six other cities for a four-day seminar.

The group will hear from Jewish members of Congress, representatives from Judaism's three major branches: Reform, Conservative and Orthodox, and Washington policy makers and journalists. They will also meet with members of the Nebraska congressional delegation.

According to program coordinators, "the fact that they're thinking about issues which affect their; • community framed in Jewish ways is something that does not happen in their own religious schools '' " very ofteh^" ' ': : v - • - - " • • : ; Panim el Panim participants are, from Temple Israel: Megan Adams, daughter of Bettie and John Adams; Becky Goldberg, daughter of Jennine and Marvin Goldberg; Aaron Hardwick, son of George and Susan Hardwick; Alan Josephson, son of Debbi and Larry Josephson; Jessica Krieger, daughter of ' Angie and Stan Krieger;Travis Lewis, son of lisa and Denny Lewis; Alissa Manvitz, daughter of Wendy and Todd Manvitz; Jill Sherman, daughter of Claudia and Marc Sherman;, and Glenn Wigodsky, son of P a t s y Wallace and Steve |

At a synagogue in Minsk, a mother and daughter prepare for aliyah to Israel.

Omahans Joe Kirshenbaum and Bob Kully traveled to Russia this month with Federation

Executive Director Jan Perelman to examine the work of the Jewish Agency in providing assistance to Jews in economic crisis. The full story will appear in next week's issue.

[\5e'ematr۩,mmission proposaS on conversion elicits competing 'technical solution'

by Carol Katzman

In a letter to the Chief Rabbinate signed by dozens of haredi (ultra-Orthodox) rabbis, the latest proposal from the.Ne'eman Commission on conversions in Israel was rejected and vilified. However, the official representative of the Sephardic Chief Rabbi announced agreement with both the Reform and Conservative movements on registration of converts. . ' . ; • As of press time, Israel's Chief Rabbinate had not

Wigodsky.

;

January 30,1998

(Continued onpage 2)

yet responded, either to the commission proposal or to the haredi letter. .

-......, According to Rabbi Reuven Hammer, the Masorti representative t<^,the Ne'eman Committee, ?W_e.are not vilified in the general press-to thp.contrary.'we are being praised.; \ . .1 . . . , , " / 7 . ^ ' / " ??."'„;.-'['.'I: "This is the second historic agreement," ftaminer continued, "the first being the one in June (with).

(Continued o n page2) : "v" ' "V_4'-.:'.

Our1 Hope is not lost --The historyWHatikwali

by Rabb! Bernard S. Raskas

I m b e r .met Sir Lawrence Oliphant in Constantinople in 1882 and became his secretary for Jewish affairs. He moved with Oliphant to Palestine and lived there for six years, foaming the land and falling in love with it. He was so excited by this experience that he devoted the rest of-his life to dreaming of its restoration. In fact, he claimed he founded Zionism.'. . . Under this influence he went back to rework his poem, Tikvatenu. While it shows the influence of Germanic and Polish nationalism, its dominant theme is rebuilding the land of Zion and the concept of hope. Indeed, Imber was so obsessed with hope that he once wrote a poem in Yiddish dedicated to the Japanese emperor (Tsu Di Yaponezer) • and closed with the phrase, "Our hope is not lost."

•' As Jews in Israel and throughout the world pre.' pare to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of the third Jewish commonwealth, it is appropriate to learn the story of Hatikvah (The Hope). . Hatikvah is the national.anthem of Israel, expressing deep feeling among all Jews and moving them to identify with the Jewish past, present and future. ' The words were written as a poem.by Naphtali Hertz Imber in Jassy, Rumania, in 1874 and published as Tikvatenu in Jerusalem in his book of poetry, Barkai (Dawn), in 1884 or 1886. (One cannot be entirely certain of events in his life because he was in an alcoholic dajsemostof the time.)

Imber was born in Galicia in';l856, where he was an illui (child prodigy) in Hebraic and.Talmudic studies. His urge to write poetry began early. At the age of 10, on Yom Kippur in the middle of shacharit (morning) services, the boy persuaded , bis! friend to leave the synagogue for a while. In a neighboring alley, he asked his friend to record the poem that he had composed in his mind. : Later, he left Galicia and traveled all over the world; Paris, Berlin, London, Bombay, Palestine, and finally, New York. He lived an extremely i unconventional life of restless bohemianism. In .•• Yiddish, Hebrew, English and German, he constantly wrote poems, prose, and articles while in an alcoholic haze. ; ; ' /••; V '.'

Hatikvah-theHope a concert by the Omaha Symphony . ; featuring! ,; :• Israeli Violinist Mai.Shapira

Saturday, Feb. 7,7 p.m. j b c Theatre in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the State of Israel

Imber first read his poem in 1882 to the farmers. of Rishon Lezion. Shortly thereafter, Samuel Cohen, one of the farmers.set i t t o music derived.: from a Moldavian-Rumanian folk song. Some would trace the.music to the Czech composer Smetana. Others base it on a Sephardic melody for Psalm 117 in the Hallel service.

Hatikvah has gone through nine versions but its basic text emphasizes the overwhelming desire to return to Zion, rebuild the land, and never, lose hope — even after centuries. The anthem received a real boost in 1890 when Rehovot was established.

Each new community in Eretz Yisrael chose a song or poem, and the people rebuilding Rehovot chose Hatikvah (Tikvatenu). That is how it came to pass, that scores of workers would set out from Rishon Lezion each morning and sing Hatikvah all the way to Rehovot ' "^ ' . ';. When Herzl visited Rehovot in 1898, he was greeted by a crowd singing//atrtuaft, which had caught on quickly in Palestine and throughout the Jewish world. : .. ,.

• ': Just before the First Zionist Congress in Basle in 1897, Herzl and Max Nordau decided to hold a contest to select a hymn. They received 45 entries: 33 in German, three in Italian, and just one in Hebrew. .These songs were so bad-that Herzl ordered them to be destroyed ^Continued on page 12)' •

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*************Q^(j\\

HE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1

t

Celebrating More Than 75 Years VoLLXXV

No. 19

3 Shevat, 5758

Thirteen Omaha teens to share Washington experience Last July, Temple Israel received sizeable grants from the Steven Spielberg/Righteous Persons Foundation' and from the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundations for high school seniors to learn about public policy and Jewish values in the nation's capitol. • This March, 13 Jewish teens will fly to Washington, D.C., to participate in Panim el Panim (Face to Face) Washington Institute for Jewish Leadership and Values. They will be among a select group of 1000 teens who will have completed the program this year.

Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple Israel High School, opened.the program up to eligible 12th .graders from the community. Fourteen students are members of Temple Israel; two are from Beth El Synagogue and two from Beth Israel.

Accompanied by Mrs. Azriel, Hollis Glaser, instructor of Jewish Civics Course, Repairing the World, at Temple, and Scott Iittky, Director of Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, the teens will join students from six other cities for a four-day seminar.

The group will hear from Jewish members of Congress, representatives from Judaism's three major branches: Reform, Conservative and Orthodox, and Washington policy makers and journalists. They will also meet with members of the Nebraska congressional delegation.

According to program coordinators, "the fact that they're thinking about issues which affect'their • • community framed in Jewish ways is something that does' not happen in their own religious schools very often."

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'•'•• Panim el Panim participants are, from Temple Israel: Megan Adams, daughter of Bettie and John Adams; Becky Goldberg, daughter of Jennine and Marvin Goldberg; Aaron Hardwick, son of George and Susan Hardwick; Alan Josephsoh, son of Debbi and Larry Josephson; Jessica Krieger, daughter of Angie and Stan Krieger; Travis Lewis, son of Lisa and Denny Lewis; Alissa Manyitz, daughter of Wendy and Todd Manvitz; Jill Sherman, daughter of Claudia and Marc Sherman;, and Glenn Wigodsky, son of Patsy Wallace and Steve Wigodsky, (Continued on page 2)

January SO, 1098

wit ness needs of Russian Jewry

1J

" •

At a synagogue in Minsk, a mother and daughter prepare for aliyah to Israel.

Omahans Joe Kirshenbaum and Bob Kully traveled to Russia this month with Federation

Executive Director Jan Perelman to examine the work of the Jewish Agency in providing assistance to Jews in economic crisis. The full story will appear in next week's issue.

proposal on conversion elicits competing 'technical solution'

by Carol Katzman In a letter to the Chief Rabbinate signed by. yet responded, either to the commission proposal or dozens oiharedi (ultra-Orthodox) rabbis, the latest to the haredi letter.

According to Rabbi Reuven Hammer, the Masorti proposal from the Ne'eman Commission on conversions in Israel was rejected and vilified. However, representative tct.the Ne'eman..Committee, SWe are the official representative of the Sephardic Chief not vilified in .(tie general: pressrto the contrary,"we '. \ Rabbi announced agreement with both the Reform are being praised.;",.,..-\ .;,J',.*"i • and Conservative movements on registration of This is the second historic agreement," Hainmer converts. ' ' continued, "the first being the one in June (with) As of press time, Israel's Chief Rabbinate had not (Continued on page 2)

IS

by Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas

As Jews in Israel and throughout the world prepare to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the birth of the third Jewish commonwealth, it is appropriate to learn the story of Hatikvah (The Hope).

Hatikvah is the national anthem of Israel, expressing deep feeling among all Jews and moving them to identify with the Jewish past, present and future.

The words were written, as a poem.by Naphtali Hertz Imber in Jassy, Rumania, in 1874 and published as Tikvatenu in Jerusalem in his book of poetry, Barkdi (Dawn), in 1884 or 1886. (One cannot be entirely certain of events in his life because he was in an alcoholic daze most'of the time.)

Imber was born in Galicia iri"1856, where he was an illui (child prodigy) in Hebraic and Talmudic studies. His urge to write poetry began early. At • the age of 10, on Yom Kippur in the middle of shacharit (morning) services, the boy persuaded his. friend toieavethe synagogue for a while. In a neighboring alley, he asked his friend to record the poem that he had composed in bis mind.

Later, he left Galicia and! traveled all over the' world; Paris, Berlin, London; Bombay, Palestine, and finally, New York. He lived an extremely unconventional life of restless bohemianJBm. In Yiddish, Hebrew, English/and German, he constantly wrote poems, prose, and articles while in an alcoholic haze., » . v

Imber:1 .met Sir Lawrence Oliphant in Imber first read his poem in 1882 to the fanners Constantinople in 1882 and became his secretary of Rishon Lezion. Shortly thereafter, Samuel for Jewish affairs. He moved with Oliphant to Cohen, one of the farmers, set it to music derived Palestine and lived there for six years, roaming the from a Moldavian-Rumanian folk song. Some land and falling in love with it. He was so excited would trace the music to the Czech composer by this experience that he devoted the rest of his Smetana. Others' base it on a Sephardic melody for life to dreaming of its restoration. In fact, he Psalm 117 in the Hallel service; claimed he founded Zionism.

Hatikvah has gone through nine versions but its . Under this influence he went back to rework his basic text emphasizes the overwhelming desire to poem, Tikvatenu. While it shows the influence of return to Zion, rebuild the land, and never lose Germanic and Polish nationalism, its dominant < hope - even after centuries. The anthem, received a theme is rebuilding the land of Zion and the con- real boost in 1890 when Rehovot was established. cept of hope. Indeed, Imber was so obsessed with Each new community in Eretz Yisraelchose a hope that he once wrote a poem in Yiddish dedicat- song or poem, and the people rebuilding Rehovot ed to the Japanese emperor (Tsu Di Yaponezer) chose Hatikvah {Tikvatenu). That is how it came to and closed with the phrase, "Our hope is not lost." pass, that scores of workers would set out from Rishon Lezion each morning and sing IJatikvah all the way to Rehovot. '" , .

• When Herzi visited Rehovot in 1898, tie was Haiikvah-the Hope greeted by a crowd singing Hatikvah, which had a concert by the Omaha Symphony caught on quickly in Palestine and throughout the ,.••;• , featuring! , ' Jewish world. ; .... . J Israeli Violinist Ittai Shapira Just before the First Zionist Congress in Basle in 1897, Herzl and Max Nordau decided to hold a conSaturday, Feb. 7,7 p.m. test to select a hymn. They received 46 entries: 33 d Theatre in German, three in Italian, and just one in Hebrew. These songs were, BO bad that Herzl in celebration of the 50th anniversary of ordered them to be destroyed.'

• the State of lisrael (Continued on page 12)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Teens to share Washington experience - . .

(Continued from page 1) Participants from Beth EF are: Gila Drazen, daughter of Rabbi Paul and Susie Drazen, and Rachel Katskee, daughter of Cindie and Jerry Katskee; and from Beth Israel: Jeff Katzman, son , of Carol' and Michael Katzman, and Jeff Shyken, son of Susy and Paul Shyken. :'__ An independent study commissioned by the Washington Institute in 1992 found that Panim el Panim students were more likely to "recognize the link between Jewish perspectives and social and public policy, to have a deeper appreciation of the American Jewish community's role in American political life and world affairs, and to express a more intense commitment to social action."

Jitauary 30,1998

by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Parashat Bo Miracles and the Nature of God To understand an important aspect of our Sidrah, I start with the end of a chapter in the Ehjah cycle (1 Kings 18), where Elijah calls for rain—during a drought-and gets it. King Ahab gets the lesson.

In our Sidrah, Pharaoh refuses to abide by the lesson, even though he understands it. So the locusts come, darken the skies, and then real darkness comes, like midnight at noon. But Pharaoh doesn't act till the dread last plague. The Bible text calls the plagues "signs."

Now don't be disturbed by all the scientific accounts that all the plagues are really descriptions of what regularly happens in Egypt along the Pushkin Russian Ballet Nile. Egypt couldn't have lived then, and can't live now, without a sequence of natural happenings to perform at Creighton The grace and beauty of the Pushkin Russian like the esser makkot, the Ten Plagues, minus one.

So what is the point? The point is that it is the Ballet comes to Creighton University Wednesday, Feb. 4, in two special performances at Creighton's occurrence of natural phenomena at the will of lied Education Center for the Arts mainstage.lt is Elyah, in the passage in Kings, and at the will of the Lord in our chapters of Exodus: What is the the first stop on the troupe's first American tour.

The 1 pan. performance will feature excerpts point? It is that the Lord is Master of Nature.

All of that is good and well in our reading of from 10 ballets, including "The Nutcracker" and "Ave Maria." The troupe will perform "Swan Lake" Exodus. And when we limit ourselves to the important religious conclusion that the Lord used Nature in the evening at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $13 for the 1 p.m. show, and $20 for and His power over it, to identify Himself as the "Swan Lake" or you can see both performances for $30. "Author of Liberty," the problems involved don't rise to the surface of our mental consciousness.

For reservations and tickets, call 280-1448. .

It is when we sit back from Exodus and allow our minds a certain freedom of activity that we become CORRECTIONS mentally queasy and spiritually uncomfortable. ';" lit last week's Jewish Press, Karen Schwalb For if God is Master of Nature, controls it and ; i s Natan Sch'walb's daughter-in-law-- uses it as His tool, is He responsible for its disasters as well as its beneficence?

Gilinsky; MS, LMHP, was inadverIf we say Hamoti lehem min ha-aretz, thanking e n t l y diiiittSd as one of the presenters for the edu- God as the Power Who brings forth our food from cational program on Feb. 10 sponsored by NCJW. the earth, is He also the Power Who brings floods The Jewish Press regrets the errors. and drought and ice storms-and many other plagues of our day?

Our day-and all the days of humankind! If God is FOR SALE good, why all the tragedies of life, why all the uncerTurn your sense of style into an.

1997 Camry LE tainties, the vulnerability of. human life, why, why— we all know how to continue the list. What we don't •14,000+miles know is any answer that is cogent and credible.

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If that is not a full and satisfying theology, it is enough to go on. . .But please, Lord, no more plagues!

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MARTIN KUSHNER Services for Martin Kushner were held Jan. 22 at Beth El Synagogue. He died Jan. 20 at the age of 42.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Arline and Gerald Kushner; and sister, Renay.

Survivors include his wife, Ann; 14-year-old daughters, Amber and Heather; brother and sisterin-law, Matt and Laura Kushner, nephew, Sam, and niece, Elizabeth, all of Plymouth, MN; aunts and uncles, Barbara and Marshall Kushner of Omaha, Marcia and Sheldon Kushner, Sylvia Kushner, Gene Schaffer, all of Lincoln; and many cousins.

Memorials to the Nature Conservatory (Nebraska Branch), or Heather and Amber Kushner College Fund, c/o First Bank.

ROSALINE SOMBERG Sendees for Rosaline Somberg were held Jan. 26 at Temple Israel. She was 91.

Survivors include sons and daughters-in-law, Marlon and Marjorie Somberg and Ramon and Suzie Somberg; grandchildren, Linda Spaulding, Jan Lawless, Dr. Ken Somberg, Lisbeth Marsh, Dr. Dan Somberg, and Debra Somberg; 12 great-grandchildren; brother, Herman Goldstein; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials to Temple Israel.

GLADYS THOMAS Services for Gladys Thomas were held Jan. 19 at the Glendale Jewish Cemetery in Des Moines. A resident of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, she died Jan. 17 at the age of 91..

She was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph.

Survivors include daughter and son-in-law, Jan and Mort Glass; son and daughter-in-law, Marvin and Marilyn Thomas of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren, Jeff and Coco Glass of Dove Canyon, CA, Lisa Glass and Cindy and Scott Flaschner, all of Los Angeles, and Jodi and Lauren Eisen of Columbus; and two great-grandchildren.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

MANUEL M. (Micky) KRUPINSKY Services for Micky Krupinsky were held Jan. 27 at Beth El Cemetery. He was 96.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Jerry and Jean Ann Krupinsky; daughter and son-in-law, Marcia and Robert Paley of Glencoe, IL; grandchildren, Carol Levy, Dena Krupinsky, both of Atlanta, GA, Susan Paley of Los Angeles and Michael Paley of Chicago; and twin sister, Jean Rozette of Omaha.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Temple Israel.

Ne'eman Commission (Continued from page 1) the Ne'eman Commission. That gained us govern- Bakshi Doron (Orthodox); Rabbi Ehud Bendel of Masorti (Conservative); Rabbi Uri Regev of the mental recognition.

Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism (Reform); "This gains us religious recognition."

A technical solution to the conversion crisis in and Burg of the Jewish Agency.

According to a statement issued by the Reform Israel was brought about on Sunday by Avraham Burg, chairman of the executive committee of the movement, "the critical element is that the government will register conversions performed by all reliJewish Agency in Israel.

Under terms of the agreement, nationality status gious streams and there will be no indication of the of Jews in Israel will be designated on identity . denominational auspices of their conversion."

Rabbi Eric Yoffie, President of the Union of cards withe the Hebrew letter, yud, followed by a number indicating the date on which the person American Hebrew Congregations, added, "It is only converted. If the identity-card holder was born a a partial solution (and) leaves unresolved the prob-, Jew, the date listed will be the same as the date of lems of marriage, prayer at the Western Wall and birth; if the person is a convert, it will show date of representation on religious councils."

Meanwhile, several Members of th'e Knesset, conversion.

The agreement was signed by Rabbi Israel including MK Alex Lubotsky of the Third Way Rosen, head of the conversion administration of the Party, stated that they would "not now vote for the Chief Rabbinate(Orthodox); Rabbi Yehuda Gilari, conversion bill." That bill, which has already had a representative of the Rishon LeZion Rabbi Eliyahu reading in the Knesset, is a legislative proposal by the ultra-Orthodox which would codify the status quo and only allow conversions performed by Orthodox rabbis in Israel.

According to a story by Herb Keinon and Liat PLUMB CONSTRUCTION, INC. Collins in the Jerusalem Post, MKs from the "Israel Quality Crqftsmanship b'Aliyah party and Tsomet made similar announcements. Most of the Labor MKs said they would prefer the Ne'eman proposals, but the party is against passage of the conversion, bill, which it says would isplit the Jewish people;"-''..

• , ; Jeff Plumb I The Ne'eman proposals recommended joint conGeneral Contractor I version classes taught by representatives of Reform, Phone: 322-0304 340S Ave. D Conservative and Orthodox, but gave the Orthodox Fas: 322-1077 Council Bluffs, IA 51801 the sole right to carry out the conversions.

January 30,1998

PageS _

Jewish Press, Omaha, .NE

CANDLELIGHTING: 5:19 p.m.

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6536

Member of the Union of .Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St,, Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288

FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate.

Jerry Kaye, Director of the Olin-Sang-Ruby Union Institute will be the guest speaker. His topic is "Why be Jewish? What's in it for Me?" The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by campers and their families.

SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, 10-50 ajn.

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

SUNDAY: Outreach, 10 a.m.-noon: Topic for the program will be "Religion and Our Extended Family."

Family S p a g h e t t i D i n n e r and Auction, 5:30 p.m.: Sponsored by the Omaha Temple Youth Group, proceeds will benefit Camp Rainbow (for terminally ill children). Adults, $8; children, $5.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Feb. 4: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m. to noon.

THURSDAY, Feb. 5: Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:30-lla.m.~ Rabbi Azriel will teach "Israel at Fifty-Midlife Crisis."7:30-8:30 p.m.-Beyorid Midrash, led by Don Schwartz.

FRIDAY, Feb. 6: Tot Shabbat Service, 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.

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, 5:20 pan.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.

Little People's Service, 10:15 oun.

Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.mKiddush sponsored by Sisterhood.

Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:45 p.m.

Mincha, 5:15 pan., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah.

SUNDAY: Services at 9 ajn. and 5:25 p jn.

MONDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.-"Introduction to the Talmud" with Rabbi Kutner; 8:30 p.m.-"Synagogue Skills," learn to chant the Haftorah with its traditional trope.

WEDNESDAY: "Jewish Thought and Practice," 7:30 pjn.

WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 ajn. and 5:25 pjn.

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: Services, 10 ajn.

SUNDAY: Hebrew and Religious School, 10 ajn.

CHABAD HOUSE B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 . E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com FRH>AY: There will be no services this Friday.

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http://pwl.netcom.com/-6aLmim FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services with Rabbi Freitag, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th St. in Omaha.

SATURDAY: Learner's service, 9 a.m.; Morning service, 10 ajn.; Adult education with Rabbi Freitag at 824 Parkwood Lane, 7 p.m., subject: "Heschel and Martin Luther King, Jr." ' SUNDAY: Religious School and board meeting at the Jewish Community Center, 10 ajn.

TUESDAY: Religious School at the JCC, 4 p.m.

FRIDAY, Feb. 6: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m.

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 a.m.

FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

An Affiliate of the Worldwide Cbabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone:697-1124 E-MAIL~chabad@aol.com SATURDAY: Services, 9&0 a.m. Following services, a special Kiddush celebration will be held in honor of Yud Shvat. Rabbi Eli Lipsker from New York and Rabbi Ben Friedman from Kansas City, will attend.

Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 pan.

WEDNESDAY: Mitzvah Muncbidns class, 10 ajn.noon THURSDAY: Talmud Class, noon.

A gathering in honor of Yud Shvat will be held at the Chabad House at 730 pun. The event will mark the Rebbe's ascent to the leadership of the world-wide Chabad Lubavitch Movement in 1950. It will include a video presentation of a Yud Shvat Farbrengen with the Rebbe. Refreshments will be served. For more information or to reserve, call Cheryl at 697-1124.

OFFUTT 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.

FRIDAY, Feb. 6: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 6 p.m., followed by Shabbos dinner and discussion.

SATURDAY, Feb. 7: Lunch and Learn, lfcSO ajn.

For information and reservations, call 651-9058.

L

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492.8550' --'J-r'."-'-!^,"

WEB--http://omahafreenetprg/hethelli

Office Hours: Monday through'Th'ursdayr9-a'.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. ^'."""'"^ i"i;»••".

Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen' and Cantor Emil Berkovits. ''• ••" .""M<»\ •y.-.-.mo ; FRIDAY:Services,6p.m.

-:v,r.!. ..•::•;•-•..../•.

SATURDAY: Schedule for the third';antiual "Watch Out for Shabbat" is: "" v:•"•'.-••' ?-•" .Services, 9:30 a.m.;-Middle Eastern,lunch and Ruach, 12:15 pjn.; Activity and learning sessions, 1:15-5:15 p.m.; Minim Ma'arivtaiid. Havdalah, 5:25p.m. \

:

.

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Sitter service, 10 a.m^ TSS (Torah Si(Jd.ur Skills), 10 ajn.; Shabbat Story Time,' first ani) .third Saturday, l l o j o j ICtantan, second.and fpurth Saturday, 11 ajn.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:25p.m.

•

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SUNDAY: Services, 9 ajn. ;?.•,.., WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.niu

Outreach programming at Temple Israel Temple Israel has scheduled three events for February for its Outreach-Prjjgram.

An open forumwilkbe: held .Sunday from 10 ajn.-noon entitled "Religion anct;o,ur:Estended Family." Join Sally Kaplan, MSW,. an^f.R^bbi Debbie Stiel for this discussion on ways: to increase understanding among faiths, and reduce tensions within the extended family.

The program on mysticism with Rabbi Freund has been rescheduled for Feb. 15. He will give a brief overview of mystic Jewish philosophy and then speak in greater depth about building holy, intimate relationships as discussed in the mystic text, "Igrot HaKodesh.". This program is co-sponsored by Temple's Adult Opportunities for Learning committee. :' • On Friday, Feb. 27, and Sunday, March 1, Temple will welcome Dru Greenwood, Scholar-inResidence. Ms. Greenwood is National Director of Outreach and Synagogue Affiliation for the Reform movement.

•

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Chabad sponsors in memory of pr.

by Shani Katzman

One hundred people gathered recently to hear Chaya Teldon speak on "C'mon G-d, Please Don't Do That." Drawing on her own life's experience and applying the teachings of Chassidism and Mysticism, she mesmerized listeners with her presentation.

One participant commented, "Hearing Chaya speak was not like listening to a lecture. It was like having a deep experience. The emotion, empathy and sincerity were tangible. Everyone in the audience was moved!" .'..', ^,•'• • • The event was sponsored by Chabad House and was dedicated in memory of Dr. Barry Epstein, son of Irv and Geri Epstein. .

PERSONALS To my family and friends: I would like to thank you for all your calls, cards, contributions, meals, flowers and, mostly, your dear concern after my recent car accident. Your thoughtfulness and Ibye are easing my recuperation. I am truly blessed.

Phyllis Silbersteln

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat services, led by Phyllis Hoffman, 9 a.m.

Kiddush will follow. \

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of'United Synagogues'*"•";•"-" of Conservative Judaism - i ''^-">i 14506 California, Omaha, ^ ha

I would like to thank my family and friends for their cards, donations, gifts and flowers during my recent recovery from surgery.

Wyman White

Chabad's Women of Worth ^y program w h i c h featured, ,speaJUer Chaya Teldon (left). Her topic was.^Men.are from Mars, Women arc from Venus, the Jewijbh yiew." The event was held at the home of L?jsa Epstein (above, right). '

Page'4 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE January 30,1998

Editorial

The Jewish story that isn't

Okay, so we all know by now that Monica Lewinsky, the young woman who has accused President Bill Clinton of sexual impropriety, is Jewish.

Does that make the alleged scandal a Jewish story?

The press is now camping out at the Lewinsky home in Brentwood, CA,1 and at Temple Sinai, a Conservative Synagogue where Dr. Bernard Lewinsky and his second wife, Barbara, belong, along with his first wife, Marcia Lewis.

Reports have also appeared in the Arab newspapers that Sheik Yassin (the elderly blind Hamas leader recently released from a Jordanian prison) has called this a "Zionist plot to unseat Bill Clinton," supposedly because he has shown an "even hand in the Middle East peace process.

And photos from Israeli newspapers have shown banners dis-

Latter from Israel

playing "We support you, Chaver" (maybe because the Israeli press has printed allegations of sexual exploits about Bibi, as well).

Even more ludicrous, a reporter in Israel wrote a story about the possibility of increased anti-Semitism because of the alleged scandal.

If there has been sexual misconduct, the President owes the American public an explanation; if there hasn't. . .a lot of people have some explaining to do.

So, we ask again, does this make this a Jewish story?

The only way this story is a Jewish one is if we use it to discuss ethical behavior.

The Torah does have rules about this one. Re-read commandments number seven and nine. And then ask, is this a story at all?

About diamonds, beer and a blonde

by Harry Allen

SytiSSi Obnert, the Jerusalem mayor's younger arjti smarter, brother and expert on Syria, put the entire'^eace process in perspective with his statemEhtithat the present Israeli government is unable ta deyelop a coherent program because the coalition is so badly split. The cabinet, even with David Levy's departure, is still divided on the extent of Israeli pull backs from the territories.

Yitchak Mordecai, the very able Minister of Defense, more willing to concede territory than is the old war hawk, Ariel Sharon and Netanyahu does not have the strength to choose between the two with finality. Remembering, however, how Sharon's strategy got Israel bogged down in the Lebanon quagmire, the choice should not be that difficult, but the government is split on the issue.

The Labor opposition is also divided. One group within the party led by Shimon Peres wants to provide Netanyahu with a safety net by supporting him on any reasonable pull back. This would enlable Netanyahu to^suiyive a no confidence vote even with the. defection of the National Religious party, some, ^emberi-of'iyis, own party and the snlaller parties of the .coalition. The majority of Labor, however, wants to bring the government down and will not support any Netanyahu engineered redeployment.

And then there is the conversion bill. If Netanyahu does not support it, then he stands to lose the support of the Shas party. Shas, the ultraOrthodox party, is strongly in favor of withdrawing from the .West Bank, but is more strongly committed to the conversion bill.

If Netanyahu backtracks on the conversion bill to appease the American Jewish world, he is likely to lose the backing of Shas for continuing with Oslo.

Given the present make-up of the government, Netanyahu is in a box with little wiggle room.

The best way out seems to be a new election for the Knesset as well as for prime minister. Perhaps a new election would provide a stronger hand for whomever is elected as well as change the character of the Knesset. It is a long shot to be sure.

The basic divisions in the country might produce a carbon copy of the current government, but then again it might not. It is a gamble worth taking, indeed it is one which seems inevitable.

byCarlAlpert

Haifa - We have more than once pointed out that the best picture of the real Israel can be obtained, not from the headlines, but from the little items buried away at the bottom of the back pages of the papers. This week's collection: Basic law of economics. No great fuss has been made, but a large number of Israeli textile firms have quietly moved their operations to Palestinian territory, Jordan, Egypt and Turkey, where labor is cheap.

Germany aids Palestinians. During 1997 Germany contributed $38 million to the Palestinians to help them develop economically and culturally. The funds are distributed through the German Representative Office in Jericho, which is regarded as the germ cell of an embassy.

Enterprising exporter. The creator of various beauty and cosmetic products from the Dead Sea, Ahava, has opened a sales office in New Caledonia, located in the Pacific between Australia and the Fiji Islands. The clientele will be the tens of thousands of tourists who spend time there.

A strike the public may enjoy. Labor strikes in which the public is victimized blacken the reputation of organized labor. Hence the employees of Bezek the national telephone company, are planning a strike which will close the lines of agencies like income tax and customs. Further, they threaten to doctor Bezek's lines so that long distance calls will be charged as local calls only.

Bill Clinton drinks Maccabi Beer. During a recent visit to an Israeli restaurant in Washington, Clinton enjoyed a glass of Maccabi beer. Word got to the company in Israel which produces it, and they promptly sent the White House a case of the beer, which Clinton acknowledged with thanks.

Academic level for Israeli wine. "Modern Methods in Wine Production, "the first academic course of its kind in Israel, was offered by the Hebrew University this summer. More than 25, including 10 graduate students, took the course.

Kosher meat from China. The Chief Rabbinate has sent a staff of eight mashgichim and slaughterers to China to oversee the kosher slaughtering of 5,000 head of cattle, to be exported to Israel. Hitherto Israel has received kosher meat

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) Tho role of tho Jewish Fedora tion of Omaha is to involve Jows in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel.

Centers of Excellence of the Federation uro: Community Uolations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The J e w i s h Press is a Constitutional Committee of tho Jowish Federation of Omaha.

Tho J o w i s h P r e s s (USPS 275620) Is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Periodical postage paid ut Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tho Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omnlm, NU 68164; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; 12-mail <Jshpross@nol.com>

Slavs Lovlnger Chairman Carol Kfltzman EditoclnChle!

Morris Mallna Edilor Emeritus Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Sheryl Friedman Bookkoopor George Schapiro Volunlonr

only from Europe and Latin America.

The dangers of being blonde. Ina Zitman, an attractive blonde Russian student, arrived at Ben Gurion airport to take up studies at an Israeli university. The authorities put her on the next plane to Russia, on the grounds that she was a prostitute seeking clients here. Not long thereafter she returned, this time with black hair, and had no trouble entering.

A matter of timing. Because of an error in coordination, Arafat phoned Netanyahu a quarter of an hour before the recent bombing to express his sympathy for the families of the victimsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this, according to a humor column in a Hebrew paper.

A girl's best friend. Statistics on Israel's exports always note that they do not include diamonds, which are in a category of their own. In July of this year, diamond exports reached half-abillion dollars for the month. The total for the first seven months of 1997 was two-and-a-half-billion dollars.

Capitalizing on TV. Israel's Cameri Theater produced a series of TV commercials which made the point that television is boring, and the citizenry would have a much more enjoyable time attending Cameri performances. ; Advice to motorists. Those planning to drive to the Sinai are advised that gasoline is much cheaper in the Egyptian territory, but since it is frequently diluted with water they are advised to fill up before leaving Israel.

To the Editor: I'm glad I attended the program featuring Chaya Teldon, producer and director of the cablevision tv show, "Jewish Spotlight." Her mix of philosophy and illustrated stories kept my attention and imprinted her message. I have already applied it and experienced less stress as a result.

It goes something like this: everything that happens is providential; life is made up of tests; the cap to this life attitude is her perspective to see ourselves as spirits/souls having human experiences. I'm glad I heard her view.

KenWeiner JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Trensurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmunt; Hob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Sheryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber.

Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jowish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content.

Tho Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.

January 30,1S98 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

on the Issues

Ups and downs of Middle Eats peace process lead ADL's 1997 top ten stories

New York, NY - The continued growth and exploitation of the World Wide Web and the Internet by bigots and anti-Semites; the prevalence of anti government extremism and the threat of • domestic terrorism in our society; and the progress and challenges of the Middle East peace process dominated the Anti Defamation League's (ADD annual list of Top Ten stories affecting the American Jewish community.

The complete list includes: A year of challenges and terrorism for the Middle East Peace Process. 1997 began on a positive note as Israel entered into an agreement with the Palestinians to redeploy from most of Hebron. After Israel broke ground for the construction of a Jewish neighborhood at Har Homa, the Jewish state came under attack.

The PA's Justice Minister declared that the sale of land by Palestinians to Jews was punishable by death and several Palestinian land dealers who sold land to Jews were found murdered.

In January, March and July, terrorist bombs and Hamas suicide bombers took 32 lives and injured hundfeds. Chairman Yasser Arafat's kiss and embrace of a Hamas leader in August was followed by a Hamas suicide bombing in a pedestrian mall in Jerusalem in September which claimed five lives and injured more than 190 other people.

The Internet and the World Wide Web were increasingly exploited by neo-Nazis, anti Semites, racists, Holocaust-deniers and other extremists and the technology became a more significant part of their propaganda arsenals. The importance of the Internet as a tool for racists grew significantly. • David Duke and the neo-Nazi National Alliance . used "Internet Radio" to broadcast their messages world-wide without a transmitter. These broadcasts can be heard*24 hours a day.

Hate crimes became a national priority. At. an all-day White House Conference on Hate Crimes, President Clinton announced a series of law enforcement and prevention efforts to counter hate crimes. He directed the Justice Department to

utilize its recently established regional U.S. Switzerland continued to confront the past Attorney-led police community hate crimes task regarding World War II assets as information forces to investigate and prosecute violent hate about other countries' roles in the Holocaust era groups; authorized additional FBI agents and pros- surfaced. Switzerland's three largest banks ecutors to work on enforcement; and mandated the announced the establishment of a $70 million comNational Crime Victimization Survey to include pensation fund for Holocaust victims andquestions about hate crimes. announced plans to create a $4.7 billion fund to Militias and 'Common Law Courts' continued compensate victims of the Holocaust and other to pose a threat in American society. In 1997, two humanitarian causes. . years after the Oklahoma City bombing, the . Catholic Church addressed the Holocaust Militia movement and anti-government extremists and anti-Semitism. France's Catholic Church apolsuch as the "Common Law Court" continued to ogized for its silence during World War II,. threaten society with acts of violence and disorder. acknowledging the role of the Church's traditional The United States stepped up its fight anti-Semitic teachings in laying the groundwork against terrorists. The U.S. designated 30 for the Holocaust. groups as foreign terrorist organizations, including Anti-Semitism in the U.S. and the use of Nazi Hamas, Hezbollah and the Popular Front for the imagery. Anti-Semitic incidents continue to affect Liberation of Palestine. The action was taken communities. Organized hate groups such as the under a 1996 anti-terrorism law that makes it ille- KuKlux Klan and anti-Semitic and neo-Nazi gal for Americans to provide funds for designated groups such as White Aryan Resistance and the terrorist groups, bars U.S. visas for designated ter- National Alliance remained unremitting sources of rorist groups, and requires U.S. financial institu- anti-Jewish hostility. The long-standing hate filled tions to block funds belonging to these groups. rhetoric and anti-Semitism of Minister Louis Religious pluralism. The issue of religious plu- Farrakhan and his Nation of Islam continued and ralism came to the forefront in 1997. The struggle remained unrenounced and unrepudiated. over the lack of recognition for non Orthodox Internationally, Anti-Semitism continued to Judaism in Israel and the issue of a conversion bill rear its ugly head. The Swiss Popular Party before the Knesset created a deep schism between launched an anti-Semitic campaign in connection, Israel and the predominantly non-Orthodox Jewish with claims by Holocaust victims and their relacommunity in the U.S. The declaration by a fringe tives against Swiss banks. Anti-Semitic incidents group of Orthodox rabbis that liberal interpreta- occurred on trams in Zurich and Jewish tourists tions of of Judaism were "not Judaism" brought a were turned away at a Swiss resort town. groundswell of condemnation from all quarters of American Jewry.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appointed a com- Classic-Craft tough fiberglass door with a deep natural grain, mission to deal with the oak finish that stains like wood. Guaranteed never to dent, issue and said, "No crack, split, shrink, swell, warp, or bow. The polyurethane core power on earth can rob has 5 times greater insulating value than wood. Combined with any Jew of his or her oyr 38 years of remodeling and installing you get the best! We identity." offer financing, free estimates, and have a great show room.

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Why? The answer goes beyond tradition. It goes deeper than Jewish law. Lighting Shabbos candles can affect your entire life. _# It softens the harshness t h a t surrounds' you. It bestows serenity and peace that is so elusive in today's hectic world. It generates an inner warmth and an outer glow that radiates for an entire week.

But don't just take our word-for it.

Light candles this Friday evening.* See what.it does for you, for your family, for your children, loved ones and friends. See how one brief moment can affect your life for a full Seven days. :. - V -Not later than 18 minutes before sunset "IN. OMAHAr-over the past IO years, hundreds of women and girls have learned through CHABAD to take advantage of this special mitzvah. Many homes and hearts have been brightened.

If you would like to try this mitzvah for the first time, call Chabad House for your free Shabbos candlelijghting kit.

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'Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 30,1998

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SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 1 Temple'Israel Outreach Program, 10 a.m., at Temple Library Book Contest Appreciation Award Ceremony, 2 p.m.

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 2 \ •'-• YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Scouts, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3 JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

JCAC Full Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. ' Friedel Jewish Academy Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at the School .

Beth El Sisterhood Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY FEBRUARY 5 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

CDC Speaker Mary Kay Mueller, 7 p.m.

Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel Parent/Teacher Conferences, 7 p.m., at Temple Israel FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Beth El USY Kadimah Kinnus, Feb. 16 thru Feb. 18, Des Moines, IA Beth El BESTT 5/6 Shabbaton, 6 p.m., at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Omaha Symphony "Tribute to Israel 50," 7 p.m.

Beth El BESTT 5/6 Shabbaton, 8 a.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 8 Israel Preparatory Class, 1 p.m.

Temple Israel Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m., at Temple Beth El USY Program, 1 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Scouts, 7 p.m.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting & Luncheon, •10:30 a.m., at Beth Israel.

Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon Beth El "Adult Lunch and Learn," noon," at Beth El CDCC Meeting, 7 p.m. ' Tu B'Shevat Seder for Russians, 7 p.m., at Beth El ' Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El

WED Hadassah Board at Livingston P Beth El Kadimah THl Walk-in Drop-in, Temple Israel Sis 9:30 a.m., at Te Temple Israel Re! 6 p.m., at Temp FI Russian Club, 10 Temple Israel Tu •

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Beth El USY Sha SD Amit Women Lur 12:30 p.m.i at Beth El Men's Cli Boy Scouts Blue i Visions at Omahi MC YES Program, 9:i Scouts, 7 p.mi BJE Davis Institi Temple Krae Temple Israel Bo: at Temple Israi BESTT Committf WED Jewish Press Con at Temple Israe Temple Israel Gn : Kerry Olitzky ti • Beth El Board Mi THl Walk-in Drop-in, Dr. Kerry Olitzkj Temple Israel Sis 9:30 am.; at Te

All events held at the Jewish C

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Jewish Press, Omaha.NE

Page 7

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h Meeting, 6:15 p.m., at Beth EL URSDAY, FEBRUARY 12 ,9:30 a.m. isterhood Adult Education, temple Israel eligious School Committee Meeting, pie Israel RTOAY, FEBRUARY 13 3 a.m. a B'Shevat Sedar, 6 p.m., at Temple LTURDAY, FEBRUARY 14

abbat, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El LJNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 ncheon Meeting, ; Livingston Plaza lub Breakfast, 10 a.m., at Beth El & Gold Banquet, ? ia Lancers, 6:05 p.m., at Aksarben ONDAY, FEBRUARY 16 :30a.m.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 20 Temple Israel Jr. Youth Group Conclave, Feb.2O thru Feb. 22 Jewish Women International Sweetheart Day at The Rose Blumkin Home,1:30 p.m.

Kids'Kabbalat Shabbat, 7 p.m., at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 AZA #1 Jungle Party, 6 p.m.

Beth El New Member Shabbat, 9:30 a.m., Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 Israel Preparatory Class, 1 p.m. * Temple Israel Sisterhood Friendship Tea, 2 p.m., at Temple Israel Beth El Cantor's Scholarship Concert, 7 p.m., at Beth El MONDAY, FEBRUARY 23 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Scouts, 7 p.m.

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WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 25 ;ute,7p.m.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageB

January 30,1998

by Bert Lewis

I guess if I want to blame all the recent holidays on the over-indulgence and almost complete absence of self-discipline, I'd have to go way back to early October and the high holidays. Or maybe, back up a bit farther and start at Labor Day. • But whenever you think is fair, the facts are still the same: most of us are still trying valiantly to get our acts together. Whether we vowed the universal (or at least national) "I will quit smoking and lose 10 pounds" or something else, it should be easier now that all the carrying-on has diminished.

I had one last reminder in the mail today, of the recent holidays.

It was a letter from one of our Christian friends who moved away from Omaha some years ago. Not just an ordinary letter. It was one of those famous Christmas letters which innumerated every event of that large family covering the past year. I was pleased to know how each of their clan was doing, since I knew them as small children, but for some reason I was reminded of the jokes many people make about Christmas letters.

Don't ask me why, but I suddenly thought about an ethnic version just a little closer to home. Can't

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you just picture getting a letter from, say little Chana Goldfarb, who used to live next door to you?

Remember her? She had a husband, Yankel, and two darling children: a boy, Shlomo Scott, and a girl, Layah Buffy.

I can see her letter now, talking about their lives in Highland Park and what a beautiful synagogue they belong to, though it has never been the same as Beth El, where she and Yankel were married.

She'll tell how Yankel is now President of the men's club and how much they raised this past year. Shell no doubt mention how proud she was to participate in the services on yomtov and drop the news that little Shlomo Scott nearly brought the house down on his Bar Mitzvah. (Such a voice you wouldn't believe!)

And of course, shell tell about Layah Buffy and how pretty (kinehorah) she's getting to be....how the orthodontia really changed her smile and even made her lisp less noticeable. And her dancing lessons..oy, can she dance, as well as sing. She'll have the lead in her class play at Hebrew School, in the part of Sarah.

Will she mention that she's taken a little parttime job, now that the kids are older? Will she tell

In the Hews Realtor Bobbi Leibowitz and her Buyer Partner, Julie Leslie from CBS Real E s t a t e , recently returned from the 10th annual Real Estate Retreat in San Diego, sponsored by the Residential Sales Council.

This exclusive event is open only to Realtors who have earned a Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation. Only <3% of all Real Estate Agents in the country Julie Leslie & have this designation.

Bobbi Leibowitz Dr. a n d Mrs. Steven J . Tipp of Omaha celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary on Jan. 28.

Through its seventh annual "Stop Hunger" community campaign, customers of B a k e r ' s Supermarkets donated more than 6,000 pounds of food to The Food Bank. The donations, collected at all 14 Baker's, will enable The Food Bank to feed more than 12,000 people.

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The Jewish Press, 333 So, 132nd St, Omaha, NE 68154

It is not the intent of the column to create the appearance that i t is a weather report, but the inescapable fact is that our seniors check atmospheric conditions to determine if they can get out of the confines of the house and participate in activities at the 'J.' That's why it is so remarkable that they do so. And for a few hours enjoy the lighthearted rapport among Mends. They invite other seniors to join the fun.

So, although the weatherman dished up a frigid day Jan. 19, a half-a-hundred hardy folks braved the elements to attend t h e Oldtimers/ Young Energetic Seniors meeting. .

•• The Earlybird Discussion Class 101 tackled some absorbing topics. High on the agenda related to the territorial scope of the next pullback in the West Bank. Both Israelis and Palestinians having conflicting differences, Tension in both camps has mounted reflecting anger over the stalled peace process.

Following lunch, Rita Paskowitz, Federation Director of Resettlement, addressed the group regarding Russian immigration to Omaha. She provided a list of 100 questions prepared by the U.S. Department of Justice Immigration and Naturalization Service that are asked of immigrants applying to became naturalized citizens.

The extensive coverage of American history and politics makes one wonder how permanent residents would make out taking the exam.

Kay Ferer's hospital report included Norman Ruback and Leah Siref at Clarkson and Al Oruch and Manny Krupinsky at Methodist.

you she's teaching at Hebrew High now, and loving it? Will she mention she's "filled out a littie"....no longer the pitzel she used to be? Don't count on it.

Those aren't the news items found in holiday catchup letters! But what the heck—who could blame her?

Shell just write about all the same stuff her nonJewish friends write about, only theyll have to do with the way it is at her house. Like, when it was Chanukah, and they all participated in the candle lighting every night.

How they decorated the house and how she made potato latkes (only two spoons of oil!) and how the last night Yankel told them about the new store he just bought.

Yeah...anybody writing such a holiday newsletter, whether Jewish or gentile would certainly zero in on the important elements of their past year.

And sometimes those letters are a bore, but sometimes they're like a welcome phone call. After all, it's good to catch up and hear about old friends.

So that's the reason you won't catch me making fun of such things. Personally, I'm all for anything that helps maintain a connection between people for whom I care. Even if it's a holiday newsletter.

Organizations YES Members will meet a t the JCC on Monday.

English Class starts at 10 a.m.; exercise and bingo both start at 10:30. The "YES Talk" discussion group begins at 11 in the adult lounge. Bring articles to share. Following lunch at noon, Jenny Wallace Grate and Kathy Woods will play the hammer dulcimer. For transportation, call 3304272.

The next Winnavegas Trip is scheduled for Feb. 26. Cost is $5 (check payable to Jewish Senior Services) plus an extra $1 for the buffet lunch, which you can pay at the casino. Make reservation with full payment by Feb. 19 to Maggie Conti at 334-6521.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; exercise at 10:15, and bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:45. At 12:15 p.m., a Sleep Well/Feel Well Workshop will be given by Shelly Cash, RN. There is no charge—invite a friend.

This workshop is designed to help older adults understand the importance of sleep and manage sleep problems to improve their quality of life.

Reservations are not required. For more information, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. For transportation, call 330-4272.

VISIONS Reminder: Visions board meeting is Friday, Feb. 6, 9:30 a.m., in the adult lounge.

UNO Theatre presents My Other Heart by Martha BoeBing at the Weber Fine Arts Building on Wednesday, March 4, at 8 p.m. Cost is $3. For reservations, mail form by Feb. 16 to Maurice and Rosalie Meiches, 5036 Parker St., Omaha, NE 68104.

Make checks payable to Jewish Senior Services.

Russian Club visits local newspaper

The Russian Club recently toured the Omaha World-Herald, where Political Reporter David Kotok explained the many facets* of running a newspaper. From left: Marksina Levit, Petr Ginzburg, Julia Nakhimovich, Ida Bronsteyn, Mariya Fridman, Olga Sitnyakovsky, Lydia Linde, Khaya and Boris May, Ida Fridman and Leonid Etus.

January 30,1998

Wolfson to lead discussion of The Temple Bombing'

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

; Page9_

Child Development (^ftteL has a friend in Pennie Davis

by Diane Axler Baum

The Book Discussion Group will take one of its rare departures into non-fiction with a session devoted to The Temple Bombing by Melissa Fay I Greene, oh Thursday, j Feb. 19, at 1 p.m., in the j Federation library.

Discussion leader will be ' I. Robert Wolfson, Executive Director of the Plains States Region AntiDefamation League and Community Relations Council of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The Temple Bombing looks at the behavior that Bob Wolfson led to the 1958 devastation of Atlanta's richest, oldest synagogue and at the suspenseful events which followed. Acclaimed as a New York Times Notable Book and recipient of the Southern Book Critics Circle Award, the book was a finalist for the coveted National Book Award.

"This important work has been applauded by critics throughout the United States as a meticulously researched study, a revealing historical account, and a riveting psychological thriller," said Marilyn Berman, Chairman of the Book Discussion Group.

. . . . . • •

"We recognize that some readers have a preference for non-fiction," said Berman, "so we hope to see new faces in addition to many of our regulars at the February meeting." She said the Federation

Library has copies available for loan or purchase.

When The Temple Bombing was published in

1996, The Philadelphia Inquirer praised the author for weaving the incident into the history of the Civil Rights Movement and for creating a "profound social context for her compelling portrait of its hero, Rabbi Rothschild." Greene lives in Macon, GA, with her husband and four children. Her first book, Praying for Sheetrock,ymB also a National Book Award finalist.

Wolfson, who holds a degree from Creighton University Law School, served as an administrative law judge for the Nebraska Equal Opportunities Commission and a hearing examiner for the Omaha Civil Rights Hearing Board before assuming the directorship of the ADL/CRC nearly 10 years ago. A native of Omaha, he is known locally and nationally for his work in the area of race relations. . ' In 1992, Gov. Ben Nelson appointed Wolfson a commissioner of the Nebraska Equal Opportunities Commission. Earlier this month, he received the prestigious "Living the Dream" award from the Omaha Human Relations Department.

The Book Discussion Group, now in its 20th year, meets the third Thursday of every month, from September through June.

Scheduled for future discussions are Dybbuk by S. Anski, March 19; Passover by David Mamet April 16; About Schmidt by Louis Begley, May 21; and Snow in August by Pete Hamill, June 18.

For more information, call the Library, 334-6462.

Jewish Chautauqua Society endows Kripke lectureship Rabbi Myer S. Kripke, rabbi emeritus of Beth El religion students at Creighton and, previously, at Synagogue in Omaha, will teach a course entitled what is now the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

JCS produces educational video programs and "Introduction to the Old Testament" during the Spring 1998 semester at Creighton University. supports interfaith institutes. It has donated over This class is one of 150 across the United States 100,000 volumes of Judaica to school libraries. that will be underwritten this year by "the Jewish Founded in 1893, JCS'is the educational arm of the North American Federation of Temple Chautauqua Society (JCS).

Rabbi Kripke, more than 60 years in the rab- Brotherhoods (NFTB), an affiliate of the Union o( binate, has been an Adjunct member of the American Hebrew Congregations.

Creighton Theology Faculty for more than 20 years. He has taught more t h a n a thousand

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When winter approaches each year,' Pennie Z. Davis donates cash gifts to each member of the Child Development Center staff. Over the years, his generosity has enabled the CDC to purchase picnic tables and to send staff to professional conferences. Holding his grandson, Cameron Davis, on his lap, Davis has expressed his support of the staff which he ' says "makes it one of the best in the cityr In : thanking him for his financial support, CDC '' Director Dinah Raful noted that "he's always there to assist us in maintaining the excellent quality and understands that givjjiyg^ca^jiaiyti education to little ones is crucial."

Volunteers needed'

|§

Volunteers are needed to staff'the YWCA women Against Violence 24-hour hotline offering immediate assistance to victims of domestic violence, child sexual abuse and sexual assault.

A 39-hour training course will begin on Feb. 7.

Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings at the YWCA, 29th & Farnam.

Volunteers will learn about the issues of domestic violence, sexual assault and child sexual .abuse.

Also included are active listening skills, medical and legal procedures and referral sources.

Volunteers are especially needed between midnight to 6 a.m., and weekends, although.a variety of shifts are available, Men are encouragedrjto volunteer as well as wome#. t ^S^EKS For more'information, or to $nroll-TnSSj|s volunteer training, call >Holly KaffenbergerSpi ior to !

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January30,1998

Seder TU Bishevat

and Albert Newman Endowment jlrjjetuates lives of 'quiet generosity'

planned

The Resettlement & Acculturation Program of Jewish Family; Service is working with Beth El Synagogue in the celebration of the first Seder TU Bishevat for new Americans on Tuesday, Feb.. 10.

With the active participation of BESTT fifth and sixth graders, Rabbi Paul Drazen will lead a Seder in commemoration of the "New Year of the Trees."

It will consist of various prayers, Biblical and Rabbinic readings, a kosher meal and a sampling of seasonal fruits and nuts.

This family event will be held a t Beth El Synagogue at 6 p.m., with a minimal charge of $5 for adults/$3.50 for children ages 12 and under.

Space is limited. For reservations, please call Elena at 334-6490 by Friday, Feb. 6. For transportation or to provide transportation, please let us know at the time of your call.

by'Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Eej|563ain"g'to:'an editorial in The Jewish Press aboulfa young(girl, soon to become a Bat Mitzvah, whoife'laniHy 'could not afford to buy her a new dress for the occasion,~Gertrude Tatle Newman called Jewish;Family. Service Director (at that time) Glen Fineman. Mrs..Newman offered to outfit..^h,a,gi5l.fe)jn "head to,toe,",said Mrs. Newman's niece, Harriett.Sperling. She explained that her aunt.flifc.ed to help behind the scenes when people wouldn't knQW,", ; ; ^(Jhftracterjstic o f a iif e y m e o f generosity, Mrs. Newman, who,died in January. 1996, left provisions injljervflvilljfprjan endowment fund. She and her husband, Albert Newman, who died about 16 years ago, had discussed setting up the fund. According },-. to, jirs>jSp,erling, the couple agreed that whichever one of them survived the longest would establish -^fithe, endowment fund."- .

Income from the Gertrude T. and Albert B. Newman Endowment Fund, which will be administered by Tpe Foundation of the Jewish Federation, will be distributed equally to t h e Jewish Federation and Jewish Educational and Library , Services under the terms of the agreement. The earnings are to be used for "Jewish educational purposes (programs, lectures and special projects)."

The fund's purpose is "to provide Jewish young •. adults from families residing in the Omaha metrosv,pp,litan,,area in need of financial assistance access to scholarship grants for courses in Judaic studies or civilization offered-by. Creighton University, the University., of Nebraska at .Omaha, the Jewish Cultural Arts Council or by any agency of the Jewish Federation of Omaha."

Albert Newman, who was born about 1895 in Sioux City, was one of the founders of Hinky Dinky. He and his wife, who was born in 1904 in Omaha, were wed in 1930 and spent their married life in Omaha. They never had any children, however, they had "lots of nieces and nephews" whose birthdays and anniversaries were always remembered by "Aunt Gertrude," said Mrs. Sperling. She was particularly close to her aunt.

"Family meant the world to Aunt Gertrude," Mrs. Sperling commented frequently. For years,

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she would meet her aunt for lunch at the Paxton Hotel, take her shopping, and help her at home.

"She loved holidays," Mrs. Sperling continued.

The Newmans were also "very close" to their parents. "They always spent Shabbat with Aunt Gertrude's mother, Kate Lena Tatle," who had been a widow since 1914, said Mrs. Sperling. They were close, as well, to Mr. Newman's mother, also a widow, and visited her often.

Before then- marriage, Gertrude Newman attended Omaha University for two years to earn a teaching certificate. She taught school until she was married. "She always had a deep concern in children's welfare," Mrs.\ Sperling remarked. "And Uncle Albert went along with her 100 percent."

The Newmans were "quietly generous," described Kalhy Lee Horwitz, Mrs. Sperling's daughter, who lives in California. They also enjoyed life and were fun loving, she recalled.

Susan Drazen, director of Jewish Educational and Library Services, commented that, "It's people like Albert and Gertrude Newman's belief in our financial aid program and the endowment funds set aside for financial assistance that help to positively impact and affect the lives of the young people of our community."

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United Way of the Midlands ( Q it's you. ws me. it's au ofus.

Send Greetings & Congratulations through the Jewish Press This year, the P a s s o v e r Edition, which will be So that individuals and/or families can be part of it, we will published April 10, will pay tribute to Israel's 50th have a special section devoted to personal greetings and Anniversary. This promises to be an exciting issue; congratulatory messages. This section will not include one which will be saved and read many times over. businesses or organizations.

Cost is $25 per ad. Samples follow (actual size):

JJest Wishes for a Passover T I

CONGRATULATIONS ISRAEL on your 50th Anniversary!

(or your personal message) YOUR NAME

YOUR NAME

SjiJ-An issue of this size requires a great deal of planning and preparation, so we request that you send or call in your **••• greeting as soon as possible. A proof will be sent to you prior to publication so you can check for accuracy and/or 1 '"malce any changes. The approved proof, with a check for $25, must be returned by February 20.

3H

TO RESERVE SPACE FOR YOUR AD, Call:

334-6451 or 334-6449 ^j?.-'-^-.-

•.'..'.

January 30,1098

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Academy teaches essential life skills

by Diane Axler Baum

Designing instruction to prepare students to gestures, and phraseology; and they have the apply higher reasoning skills and make meaningful opportunity to'practice sufficiently to be confident connections between subjects was the focus of a with their presentation. recent In-Service for the Priedel faculty. The pro- . The Civic Oration Contest, a great student motigram was entitled "Planning Integrated Units: A vator, receives high praise from parents. Over the Concept-Based Approach." past 10 years, several Friedel students have won The teachers came away with increased knowl- . trophies on the district level, and in 1994 Jacob edge of best educational practices, which help stu- Katzman took first place in the state-wide competidents discover relationships between concepts for a tion. He has triumphed in the contest again while deeper understanding of the material. The educa- attending Brownell-Talbott. tional, goal is to enable students to transfer these Beth El Hosts FJA essential understandings and apply them in other Thanks to Beth El Synagogue, the students of learning experiences. Friedel had the wonderful opportunity of meeting The Academy recognizes that the learning of in very small groups with Dr. Eric Ray, the interfacts~or the grouping of facts under a thematic nationally renowned Torah scribe and expert on unit-is a basic level of the educational process. The synagogue art. Dr. Ray, whose main reason for In-Service emphasized the crucial process of guid- coming to Omaha this month was to inspect and ing students to discover and think about conceptu- repair Beth El Torah scrolls, also presented lecal relationships. At this level, students are chal- tures and met with students of the synagogue's religious school to show them his exacting work. lenged to practice the key skill of critical thinking.

Oration Contest Set In their sessions with Dr. Ray, the Friedel stuOne exciting Friedel tradition is participation in dents learned that everything he does is for a parthe Modern Woodman of the World Civic Oration ticular reason and is executed in a specific way.

Contest, a program that promotes the development For example, he discussed the special ink used to repair any fading letters. Made from a 2,000-yearof two essential life skills-writing and speaking.

The topic for 1998 is "A Most Memorable Event." old recipe, one ingredient of the ink comes from the The in-school contest will take place a t the stinger of a wasp and includes the aspect of "a Academy on Feb. 18, and Friedel's top two winners mother's love," as it's made-from the food a mother will compete in the district-wide contest at the wasp leaves for her young. beginning of March, Dr. Ray said that before repairing a word, he Much thinking, planning, writing, revising, and says that word aloud. Then, after writing, he practicing take place before the contest unfolds. repeats each letter of the word separately. If he First, students decide on a topic (ranging this year ever needs to erase, he uses a special tool, such as from such personal memories as "The Day I Was an erasing crystal.

Born" to historical moments requiring research).

No metal except gold or silver can be used as : Two weeks later.they hand in a rough draft of part of a Torah, Dr. Ray explained, because other three to five pagesj-jwhich teacher Denise Bennett metals are instruments of war. The quills he uses goes over individually, offering suggestions about are only from birds that are Kosher. Moreover, structure, clarity, grammar, and vocabulary. anytime he writes the name of G-d, he uses a speAfter students complete most of their revisions at cial quill reserved only for divine names.

Discussing their visit when they returned to home, they take advantage of the Academy's small classes to present their speeches several times to their Friedel classrooms, the students agreed that 1 their teacher and to each other." They receive indi- Dr. Ray's warmth, patience, and knowledge offered them a memorable, enriching experience. vidual guidance regarding posture, speaking style,

OTYG hosts spaghetti dinner to help Camp Rainbow

by Barry Grossman

Imagine that for one week, a person would have the opportunity to live out his or her dreams.

Each summer, children afflicted with cancer and heart problems have that chance, free of charge at Camp Rainbow.

Money raised by Jewish youth groups like OTYG (Omaha Temple Youth Group), help achieve those dreams. This year, a large part of the proceeds from OTYG's Annual Spaghetti Dinner will be donated to Camp Rainbow. The dinner, served by

• FeaturingAuthentic Sonoran-Style Recipes • North American Fare Available • We also offer a menu with heart-healthy choices . '

Calendar of Events for February BBYO Every Tuesday Night BBYO Night, 6 p.m., at the JCC Chapter Elections to be held this month. ' Saturday, February 7 Ediar BBG Council MIT Overnight, 7:30 pm Sunday, February 8 AZA Basketball Meeting, 2:30 p.m., at the JCC - Monday, February 9 BBYO/JFS Community Service Meeting, 5:30 p.m. at the JCC :: Sunday, February 15 AZA#1 Father/Son Basketball Game, 10 a.m., at the JCC -' Ediar BBG Chapter Elections, 5 p.m.; a t the , JCC

.

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Monday, February 16 Teen Connection Skiing at Mt. Crescent, 9 a.m. 6 p.m.

Saturday, February 21 ' Mother Chapter AZA #1 Toga Party; 7:30 p.m. at the JCC !

Saturday, February 28 • Ediar Cosmic Bowling: Time and Place TBA For more information, call Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO Director, 334-6404, or dial the BBYOBotiElheiat 334-6508.

!

• •••'• *>:;:• „;:•..•: I J S Y ' " ""'

"[-.lmodos OJ iciinxHiviDTJ

USYNight, 6:30 p.m.'-' 1 ! ; i : : j i : ' "; flai.iu^ f .

Fe brtiarjM6.8 ' ^ ^f* • Kadima Kinnus in Wisconsin Dells Wednesday, February 11 \ . \ Kadima Meeting, 6:15 p.m.

Saturday, February 14 : USY Dance-a-thon, 7 p.m.

Thursday, February 19 USY Night, 6:30 p.m. , Saturday, February 21 USY Shabbat, 9:30 a.m.

February 27-March 1 USY Winter Conclave in Minneapolis For more information, call advisers Derek Altman or Holly Friedman, 492-8550.

members of OTYG, will be held this Sunday at Temple Israel, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. _ Camp Rainbow, sponsored by the Dream Factory, the American Cancer Society, and the February 1&14 Missouri Valley Federation of Temple Youth (MoMini Shabbaton in Omaha with Chaim Reifman VFTY), offers campers a chance to experience Weekly Learning Class on Thursdays adventures which many people take for granted, Weekly Beit Midrash on;Sunday^moming followlike the wonders of riding in a canoe.

In addition to the dinner and a presentation ing davening, 9:45-10:30 a.m.

February 27-March 1 about Camp Rainbow, the event will include an Regional Shabbaton in Kansas City auction of donations provided by the Temple Israel board and staff members, congregants, and busiJR. NCSY nesses. Proceeds benefit Camp Rainbow and the February 13*14 OTYG fund. Auction items include: gift certifiMini Shabbaton in Omaha with Chaim Reifman cates to local restaurants, tickets to Nebraska footFor more information, call adviser Rabbi Allan ball and Lancer games, and a "Bring Shabbat to Gonsher, 330-4014 or 558-2767. .

You" dinner by Rabbi Debbie Stiel.

For reservations, call 556-6536. Cost is $7 for YACHAD v adults and $4 for children (grade 6 and under).

For more information, call adviser Linda N6l<ak, The price is $1 more at the door. The event is open 493-8575. , • % • • *'"' to the public.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

| ?

January 30,1998

The history of Hatikvah

~' • (Continued from page 1) / The fate of Hatikvah, like its author's life, was i s l 9 3 3 , the Zionist Congress formally stormy.

After 1933 Hatikvah swept the Yishuv the blue and white flag and Hatikvah as (Jewish settlement in Palestine) and.the Jewish ^ybols of the movement. : ' tj^aphtali Hertz Imber died in New York on world. During the Mandate, the British banned OpjEpb'er 8, 1909, in abject poverty but well known Hatikvah from the airwaves, 90 broadcasters fotejus writings, his alcoholism, and his unwaver- played a section of Smetana's work instead. The British responded by banning the composer's ing devotion to Zion. : The Attorney Street Synagogue was designated music from Hebrew broadcasts.

Just before statehood was achieved in 1948 the as the locale of the funeral services, but the officers director of Ohel Theater asked Ben-Gurion to find of the synagogue objected, saying, "The poet was not Orthodox." Finally, the Educational Alliance a new hymn. He did not, and so Hatikvah became ' was substituted for the synagogue. Chopin's the national anthem of Israel.

Funeral March was played and many eulogies were Numerous attempts have been made to replace it delivered. One was spoken by the rabbi of Temple since.then, however, none of them have succeeded.

Emmanu-El,. Dr. Judah I. Magnes, who was to Zubin Mehta has called it the most beautiful become the first president of the Hebrew anthem on earth. Those who have heard the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra play it accompanied by University in Jerusalem, The cortege, as reported in the New York Times, hundreds of voices would agree.

The first 50 years in the life of any state is filled was estimated to include 10,000 people, proceeded to the cemetery in Marpeth, Long Island. The with tensions and enormous problems. Add to this, immortal anthem Hatikvah, printed on -a large the searing memories of the Holocaust, the awetablet and draped in black, was borne behind the some humanitarian effort of reaching out and coffin. Imber himself had hoped that, when gathering in some 2,000,000 Jews in distress from Palestine became a state he would be reburied in more than 100 cultures and diverse interpretations of Judaism, and the fighting of six defensive wars Jerusalem. ,/Though physically ill, embattled and penniless, - the State of Israel is an enormous, unprecedented he .never lost the feeling of elation and the exuber- achievement.

That is why, even amidst days of internal conflict ance pf hope, particularly in Zion. ; After his death, three suitcases full of poems and and international tension, Israel stands out in articles written in Hebrew, Yiddish, and English, world history. Almost two millennia of Jewish life as Well as other unpublished items, were found in Eire proof of that.

Our hope is not lost. his room.

Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas is Rabbi Emeritus The entire treasure trove was deposited with the trustees of Har Mori ah Hospital where he died. of the Temple of Aaron, St. Paul, Minnesota, When it was decided to publish his manuscripts, and Distinguished Visiting Professor of they could not be found. Hopefully, they will be dis- Religious Studies at Macalester College. He is author of the trilogy Heart of Wisdom. covered some day.

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Are we all created in God's image?

In the second of a series, Temple Israel will present a panel discussion on gay and lesbian challenges and issues in the Jewish community on Sunday, Feb. 22, at 10 a.m. in the Social Hall. It is sponsored by Temple's Committee for Social Justice.

According to Margo Rosen, chairperson of the committee, "this discussion is intended to be informative and thought-provoking. Our fall program, on separation of church and state, drew a crowd of more than 160. We hope the Jewish community will respond positively again to our attempt to put contemporary issues in a Jewish context."Moderator of the panel will be Judge Lawrence D. Gendler, Sarpy County Juvenile Court Judge Gender is a graduate of Creighton Law School and the former Chief Deputy °f Sarpy County.

He is currently serving on the Nebraska State Bar Association Human Rights Committee. In addition, he is active in community affairs and is committed to the welfare of children. Panelists include: Rabbi Stacy K. Offner, Nancy Abramson and Professor S.DanielBreslauer.

Rabbi Offner of Shir Tikvah Congregation, Minneapolis, MN, is the recipient of many awards, including Clergy of the Year, for her work in human rights.. She has served as President of the Midwest Association of Reform Rabbis and is the author of numerous publications. , • .: Nancy Abramson, a licensed psychotherapist, is the Executive Director of Mental Health Resources, Inc., in Minneapolis. She has held a variety of positions in the field of mental health and served on the faculty at the University of Minnesota, School of Social Work. She is Rabbi Offher's partner in life.

S. Daniel Breslauer is Professor of Religious Studies at the University of Kansas. A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, he holds a Ph.D. in Near Eastern and Judaic Studies from Brandeis University. An author and lecturer, he will present the halachic view of homosexuality.

Jewish Community Center celebrates the SOth Anniversary of the State of Israel L

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with a concert by The Omaha Symphony

Hatikvah -- the Hope Saturday, Feb. 7 at 7 p.m. featuring

Israeli Violinist ITTAISHAPIRA Dessert Reception sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Omaha in honor of the ^Gfoldien Givers" Tickets Available frbni JGC Member Services $12 for JCC members

$8 for Seniors and Students

For more information, call 334-6403