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NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1
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No. 21
17 Shevat, 5758_-_
The Jewish community is not 'a closed club' by Carol Katzman
Chen Zimbalista to perform at the JCC
speaks on,: "Knowing the Heart of the Stranger" on The Nebraska Arts Council has announced it is Friday, Feb. 27, at 8 p.m., and "Passing on Jewish Identity: Now and in the Future," on Sunday, bringing Chen Zimbalista, Israel's only solo perMarch 1, at 10 a.m. • " • • " : • ' — " According to Greenwood, outreach in the Reform n movement is approaching its 20th anniversary as a formalized program. Temple Israel's Rabbi Aryeh w3 Azriel Was appointed to serve on the Executive Committee of the Outreach Commission last year. "I'm thrilled to be coming to Omaha," Greenwood said, '"Rabbi: Azriel and Rabbi Debbie Stiel have done an incredible job with outreach. "Rabbi Azriel told me about the support in Omaha for this effort when the Jewish Federation offered interfaith couples an opportunity to visit Israel last year," she added, "And since then, several of the non-Jewish spouses on that mission have expressed renewed interest in Judaism." Greenwood started as a volunteer in outreach when she was a stay-at-home-mother with young children. At that time, she worked with her rabbi Chen Zimbalista at Temple Israel in Boston to begin a program called "B'nai Abraham," for those in the process of cussionist, and his band to Omaha from Feb. 22 through. Feb. 28. The event "is part of an ongoing conversion. "In those days> the convert or the non-Jewish International Community Cultural Exchange in spouse, was /often seen as 'the other,'" Greenwood celebration of Israel's 50th anniversary/, noted. "It was almost aB though there was an 11th They will perform in the theatre at the Jewish Dru Greenwood commandment'Jews do not proselytize.' Community Center on Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. They will also conduct a variety if educational1 Dm Greenwood has a message for the Jewish ' "Today, we understand that there is a mitzvah, a commandment, involving welcoming the stranger," workshops, master classes and performances all community: ', . ; week long for Omaha-area.schools and other orga"We waijt interfaith couples to feel welcome in she added, "Ifscalled kiruv"/ ' ••••. ft; ffjn^ddj^^ .. ^nizatjqns includingithelSkinher Magnet Centerv ii Je*i&h i coaiiunity, i * shffBaid i refce tii& the language of incluBibh.uaWp means opening North HighSchool,&eJGB'md manymorey p~' Jind a placeifor them and their families." ; Zimbaljsta has performed in Holland, Italy, The Director of the Commission on Reform doors to men and women whtimay be apprehensive j Germany, Portugal, the United States and China. . '";. Jewish Outreach for the Union of American about entering. Introductory courses about Judaism need to be In February, he will perform in nirte states.. ' Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), Dru Greenwood Luigi Waites and his band will also join in the will address strengthening Jews and Jewish fami- offered by synagogues arid.temples, not only to lies and explore the issue of interfaith couples and non^Jews but, in interfaith relationships, to the jamming, performing and workshops. • ; For more information, call The Nebraska Arts non-Jews interested in joining the Jewish commu- Jewish spouse as well, Greenwood noted. Here in Omaha, the Jewish Cultural Arts Council has Council at 595-2122, or JCC Member Services, at nity when she speaks in Omaha in two weeks. 334-6426. (Continued on page 9) Temple Israel will host Greenwood when she
'The Dead Sea Scrolls';
'JucSaieathoif rescheduled for iiarch 1 by Gloriann Levy, Director, Jewish Cultural Arts Council
The Judaicathon, originally scheduled for Oct. Sea of Galilee, Bethsaida Excavations Project Texts 26, will take''place on Sunday, March 1, at the and Studies, Volume I and II, and Jesus and His World. Though weVe just begun a New Year, a group of Jewish Community Center from 7- 9:30 p.m. Naomi Arav is a teacher in Israel and is currently The event is an evening of Jewish mini-courses scholars, donors and invited guests will be taken back thousands of years with the world premiere of featuring local talent as well as music by studying International Folk Dance. Mrs. Arav will ai.r • '"i teach Modern Israeli Folk Dance "The Dead Sea "Inspirations," fallowed[by sociali at the Judaicathon. Scrolls and the izing and a despert buffet. i In addition, there will be courses Shrine of the Dr.. Rami Ajrav wil) present• a ! ' on "Jewish Meditation and Yoga" Book: Paet and mini course orj "Biblical Archae-. j with Miriam Ben Yaacov;."Magic Future" on ology." Dr. Arav is the Visiting i j and Superstition" with Mark Levy; T h u r s d a y , Distinguished Professor of! "Jewish Views on. Christianity* March . 19, Philosophy and Religions, Geog-' with Dr. Richard Freund; and 6:30 p.m., at raphy and peology at the n "The Dead Sea Scrolls Controthe William H. University of Nebraska at Omaversy" with Dr. Sidnie White T h o m p s o n ha. He is the Chief Archaeologist Crawford, Associate Professor of Alumni Center, of the B^thsaida Excavations Hebrew Bible and Chair of the 67th and Dodge. Project housed at UNO and is a Department of Classics at the This marks the noted Israeli lecturer and archaeUniversity of Nebraska at Lincoln. . 50th anniver- ologist.. '! There will also be courses on the sary of the Dr. Arav has been the Chief "greatest arch- Archaeologist and Director of Naomi and Dr. Rami Arav Jewish Mafia,, with. Scott Bresler, aeological dis- Excavations of the Bethsaida Project, one of the Jewish Educator and Psychologist; Hate: Groups, with covery of the "lost" cities of Ancient Israel, since identifying the Bob Wou%on,ADL(CRC; and Jewish Web Sites, with 20th century," site "in 1987. He holds a Ph.D. from New York ChetUberiovWierofByte&Bite. : I;. Or. Adolfo Roitman Cost for the eveningis $7 for adults.and $5 for and UNO will University in Near Eastern Languages and <\.: •;;.'. :\yS .,...;••';;;,/• play a key role. The event also includes a video and Literature, and an M.A. and Bachelor'sfromTel students and seniors. . The program is sponsored by the Lifelong Jewish Dr. Adolfo Roitman, Curator of the "Shrine of the Aviv University, Book" and narrator of the video, will be the He has taught and lectured at institutions in the Learning Committee in conjunction with tlie Jewish United States, Europe and Israel, including Education and Library Services and is underwritten evening's guest speaker. The premiere video is a joint effort of UNO- Hebrew Union College in' New York and the by the Philip M. and ijthel Klutziwck; Chair in Television, the Bethsaida Excavations Project and University of Munich in Germany. His latest books Jewish Civilization at Creighton University. are: Bethsaida: A City by the North Shore of the For more information, call 334^6403. ...... (Continued on page 9) by Rabbi Or. Richard Freund
Page 2 ' Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 13,1998 ParaahatYitro The "Work Ethic" by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke
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CUP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS :v;.\..;;':. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13 Russian, Club, 10 a.m. ilemnle Israel Tu B'Shevat Sedar, 6 p.m., atTemple ,.„;;,.„; .SATURDAY,FEBRUARY 14 Beth El USY Shabba't, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El .._...,,, SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 15 'Alnit Women Luncheon Meeting, 12:30 p.m., at Livingston Plaza ' . Beth El Men's Club Breakfast, 10 a.m., at Beth El
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atAk-Sar-Ben MONDAY^FEBRUARY 16 i n , 9:30 a.m,'- •' * -' :Scouts r 7 p.m. j BJEDSvis Institute, 7 p.m. |£/ TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17 lifemple Israel Food for Thought, 11:30 a.m., '"•/at Temple ;Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., atTemple BESTT Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El ;' WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18 : Jewish Press Committee Meeting, 12:30 p.m., • at Temple Israel iTemple Israel Grade .9-12 Religious School, Rabbi ; Kerry Olitzky to speak, 6:30-8:30 p.m., at Temple " i Beth. El Board Meeting) 7:30 p.m., at Beth El i : . : ;. ; THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 19 ' • W a l t i n Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. • Dr. Ke,rry,OJjtzky Program, noon •Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Eduction, ;-9:3j0a.in. ! t atTempie,Isra^ ;•'.•••
^NTRAL'PARK 307 North 114th St. Phone 333-5100 CUP & SAVE
MICHELE LYNN RAWSON Services for Michele Rawson were held last month in Athens, GA, and Omaha. She died at the ageof35. She was fan club director for the rock band "R.E.M." Survivors include her mother, Ruth Rawson of Omaha; father, Dean Rawson of Colorado; sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Rich Secor; sister, Karen Rawson; aunt and uncle, Geri and Jim Phillips of Omaha; cousins, Cheryl Flatowicz, Cindy Schmidt and Jill Wood; and nephews, Spencer and Nick Secor. Memorials to the Humane Society. ROSE LINSKY Services for Rose Iinsky were held Feb. 2. She died Jan. 31 in Margate, FL. • She was preceded in death by her son, Marvin Linsky, and sister, lila Berlinsky. Survivors include her husband, Emanual Linsky, and son, Alan Linsky, both of Florida; daughter-inlaw, Sheri Linsky of Omaha; grandchildren, Mark and Adam Linsky of Omaha, and Mona Lunin, Donna Broedell and Helene Brucato, all of Florida; brother, Jack Dressier of Florida; and seven greatgrandchildren; . ' . - . , . Memorials to Temple Israel. YENTLEKULICK Services for Yentle Kulick were held Feb. 11 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She was 83. She was preceded in death by husbands, Wolf Pesetsky and Moses Kulick, and two sons, Felix Kulick and Gene Pesetsky. Survivors include sons, Roman Pisetski, Edward Pesetsky and Gregory Kulick; daughter, Margarita Libov; daughters-in-law, Sophia Pesetsky, Raissa Pisetski and Rita Kulick; son-in-law, Mark Libov; grandchildren, Eric and William Pisetski, Vadim and Inessa Pesetsky, Inha Touserkani, Dmitriy Libov and Eugene and Alex Kulick; and 10 greatgrandchildren. ' ' : ,':••'••:•. /LOUiaB;-liIPP ' Services for Louis. Lipp were held Feb. 12 at Temple Israel. He died Feb. 10 at the age of 90T Survivors include his wife, Dorothy; daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and David Kentoff and Myra and Mickey. Sanderman; grandchildren, Michael and Maureen Kentoff, Eric Kentoff, Stacy (Sanderman) and Josh Spielman, and Steven Sanderman. Mr. Lipp was voted 1971 Citizen of the Year by' United Way of the Midlands. He waB a poet and artist and wrote for the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. •:•:.••.-•..: [ In addition, he was a former president of Temple Israel and a member of B'nai B'rith. Memorials to the Louis E. Lipp Fund at Temple Israel. .
Jewish Women's Group hosts celebration
Anti-Defamation League to host luncheon by Bob Wolfson, Regional Director
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^ ; All eyentii hold at tho JCC unless othemiss indlcfllod. The E •Jaytlsj) P/vss,Is not responsible (or the accuracy of tho ;fit»VB tlVtintsl'To keep calandar accurate or for questions,
One of the most famous of the Jewish exiles from Spain in 1492, and one of the most fortunate, was Isaac Abrabanel. Son of a wealthy and well-placed Portuguese official, well-educated in many fields and in Judaica, he rose to be financial minister of Portugal. When he was in danger of accusations of treason, he fled, leaving a considerable fortune behind. He was welcomed in Spain, where again he became a finance minister to the crown. He fought vigorously against the expulsion decree of Ferdinand and Isabella, but failed. He escaped to Italy, where again he was high in the diplomatic and financial efforts of Naples and Venice. Our interest in him is largely in his commentaries on the Bible, particularly on Torah. I note now his interesting comment on the fourth commandment, on the Sabbath. The text reads, "Six days shall you labor and do all your work." Abrabanel remarks that this excludes and nullifies the warnings of cloud-gazers and other "psychics" that this day or that is an unlucky day, and this or that enterprise should be put off till a more auspicious day. (Just day "No" to Nancy.) Expanding on Abrabanel's comment, we get the view that work is not a choice, but an obligation, a mitzvah. "Six days shall you labor..." The Midrash, on a later text, notes that God's presence will be within Israel when Israel will have built a sanctuary for Him. Built, that is, by labor. We often forget that work was required even of Adam in the Garden. He was put there, the Torah says, to "work it and keep it." In this connection we recall also the urging of A.L. Gordon, in the early years of Zionist settlement in Palestine, that the land was to be acquired not so much by political negotiation as by the conquest of the land through labor on it and for it. There is much to be said, therefore, for a philosophic and practical work ethic for Jews, rising from Jewish tradition and'Jewish practice. Very, very many American Jews, now.well.-edu-; cated and well-placed, owe it all to'the willingness of their parents and grandparents, immigrants, to spend their lives at hard work, trying to sink economic roots in this inviting land, so that their children would have opportunities that they themselves did not have. The mere mention of this typical development in American-Jewish families brings tears of remembrance to very many of us. A further word, about retirement. The sundrenched states in our south attract hundreds of thousands of Jewish retirees and their families. A.B. Singer's posthumous novel bitterly criticizes this practice. I, myself, think that retirees ought to use their less stressful years productively. For the stimulation of work, at whatever level of intensity, adds life and vitality. Abrabanel's busy life, in Portugal, Spain and Italy, is a good example of the point he made: "Six days you shall labor."
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The Anti-Defamation League will host a private briefing luncheon on Middle East Affairs on Wednesday, Feb. 25, noon, at Highland Country Club. Cost is $10 per person. . Susan Heller, Director of Middle East Affairs and International Analysis for the AntiDefamation League, is the guest speaker. Ms. Heller evaluates and interprets Middle Eastern and International issues and events and develops ADL positions and programs on these matters. She serves as a liaison to the Jewish community, media and government on issues such as the peace process, terrorism, the Arab-Israeli conflict, TJ.S.-lBrael relations, international antiSemitism and extreme nationalism. Please RSVP by Monday, Feb. 23, to the ADL office, 333-1303. •
riiddush Levanah, the Omaha Jewish Women's New Moon Group, recently hosted a New Moon celebration to usher in the month of Shevat. Participants experienced a Tu B'Shevat Seder in anticipation of Tu B'Shevat, or Jewish Arbor Day, v?hich was celebrated Wednesday.' The event, co-sponsored by the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, took place at the home of Eliane Freund, project co-founder. From left: Dr. Lourdes Secola; Karin Levine, seder facilitator; and Marilyn Berman. For additional information on upcoming events, please contact Deirdre Evans at 6519005, or Eliane Freund at 496-7118.
February 18,1898
TEMPLE ISRAEL
BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE
Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Case Street, Omaha, NE 68132 556-6536 FRIDAY: Tu B'Shevat Seder, 6 p.m.. Join us. in the celebration of the new year o?TfifWvC"osi'is $7.50 for adults, $4 for children. Shabbat evening Service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate. Dr. Bette Novit Evans, Associate Professor of Political Science at Creighton University and author' of Interpreting
Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd S t , Omaha, NE 68104 556-6288
the Free Exercise of Religion will speak on "Religious Freedom, Pluralism and the American Constitution." The Oneg Shabbat, with dancing, will be sponsored by the Temple Sisterhood. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, l(h30 ajn. Simcha B'Shabbat-An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. SUNDAY: AOL and O u t r e a c h , 10 a.m.: Adult Opportunities for Learning and Outreach will meet for a continental breakfast and discussion with Rabbi Richard Freund on building holy, intimate relationships—the mystic quest into the text of "Igrot Ha-Kodesh." "FOOD FOR THOUGHT" .The next luncheon session -will be Tuesday, Feb. 17, 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. Hazzan Contzius will lead the discussion. Bring a brown bag lunch; Temple will proivide the drinks. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, Feb. 18: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class, 10 a.m. to noon. THURSDAY, Feb. 19: Sisterhood Adult Education: 9:30-11 a.m.~ Rabbi Azriel will teach "Israel at Fifty-Midlife Crisis." 7:30-8:30 !p.m.-Beyp»d;Midrash, led by D o n ' S c h w a r t z ;
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BATMTTZVAH • Rachel Taylon, daughter of Mary Ann and Charles Taylon, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah at the Shabbat morning service on Saturday, Feb. 28.
BEYT SHALOM ' An Affiliate at the Jewish Keconetructiooiat Federation P.O. Box 24U30, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http://pwi.netconi.coin/~salniim FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. J19th St. in Omaha. SATURDAY: Tu B'Shevat seder, potluck dairy-vegetarian dinner and Havdalah, 4 p.m., at the Tuttles in Logan, IA. SUNDAY: Religious School (all grades) at the Jewish Community Center, 10 a.m.
TIFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism 3210 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423-8569 Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum, Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 8:15 aon.. FRIDAY: Services, 8p.%& ; SATURDAY: '. ServiceB, 6:30 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:15 aon.. Lunch and Learn, 12:30-2:30 p.m.--"Democratic Choices: the Rules of Religion," presented by Professor Jeff Halev.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat services, led by Alan Shulewitz, 9 a.m. Kiddush will follow.
Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.'ni. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5:40 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 am.; Little People's Service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Seymour Steinberg in honor of his Bar Mitzvah anniversary. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 5 p.m.; Mincha, 5:30 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, : Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 a.m. and 5:45 p.m. 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. WEEKDAYS: Services at 7 ajn. and 5:45 pan. SATURDAY, Feb. 21: Shabbos luncheon following services. Please make reservations. Cost is $6 for adults; $3 for children ages 6-12. ;
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061 S. 20th S t , Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. THURSDAY: Choir Practice, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Torah study, lOaan. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious SchpoJ, 10 a.m.; Temple, Youth Group (first and third Sundays), noon, i, '.,'••'-,' i<,' < , • i'.7.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone:697-1124 E-MAIL-chabad@aol.com SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services. Mesibos Shabbos, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 pan. WEDNESDAY: Mitzvah Muhchkins class, 10 a m noon THURSDAY: Talmud Class, noon.
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Jewish Press ...Omaha*. NE
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BETH EL,SYNA~GOGUE 14506 California, Oihaha, NE 6811*4*-' p
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Office Hours: Monday toroUghflPhursday, 9 a; 5 p.m.; Friday^O a.m. to 4 pjrri; i" •'•.'" >><O'«• tttv5 : \i Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drszen and jjj Cantor Emil'Berkbvitsr- v ; -^ -•..••ra-Tia-.vr.-.v-.,,'f FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSSj[Torah__ Siddur Skills), 10 ajn.; Shabbat §toryTi|me, first aid,'A third Saturday, llaihi; ICtantan, second and fourths ? Saturday, 11 a.m.; Minha-Ma'ariv and HavdalalE\ services, 5:45 pjn.} TJSY and.Kadimah will spoh-. ! sbr a Decade Dance-A-Thon from 7 pan. to miaV'| night:
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Shaina Danielle Meyers, daughter of Berta ; Meyers and Jon-"Meyers, I will celebrate"her Bat : Mitzvah Saturday,-Feb»—5 20, at Temple Israel. A seventh-grade stu-! ...dent.at.'WestsideJMidale-, | School, she enjoys music, ':' acting,' spending- time ^ with friends and going to \' f- S K . » OSRUi: For her Mitzvah 1 project, she is cbllecEi'A'g - ; clothing and household :> ! items for the Lydia House. Shaina has a sister, Tamara, and a brother, d James. '.; ..;:'.',:,'•,," ^-.••.••l "••;" „_ Grandparents are Dave arid Sue Meyers, Barbara '•' Ackerman and Robert Ackerman'. '" ,.","'" Great-grandmother is Evelyn Johnson. '• '. .,'... ,
Religious School students plan and lead service
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,
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618MynstcrSt., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 322-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. The topic will be "How did Kabbalistic Mysticism begin and how has it affected the practice of Judaisri$V." \
PERSONAL We would like to thank our family, friends and many members of our community for all the cards, gifts, donations and emotional support we received during Adam's illness. His battle Is far from over, but knowing the support and prayers we have In our community will help us through this difficult time.
Marsha, Ron and Adam Frank
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SUNDAY:Services,9a.m.; . . :.'l Men's Club will sponsor a breakfast following " services. Rabbi Charles Simon of the Federation of •» Jewish Men's Club is guest-speaker. v: *•.?. :; i" j WEEBDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 pimirl ^ KD3S KABBALATi:sJBWBBAt.-...-.^IL-2 Friday, F e b . 20, 7 p.m.: For pre-school and kindergarten-age children, along with siblings and parents. Ozzie Nogg will be the storyteller: - - - — \ NEW MEMBER AND USY SHABBAT: -" - 1 ; Saturday, Feb. 21: New members of. Beth El { will be honored' at Shabbat mortung services.', Also, t USY will take part in the service. >! i,.'•
Rather than being just members of the congre^ ation during a Friday night Kabbalat Shabbat service, students of the Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue Religious School recently planned and led the entire evening. Under the guidance of Beyt Shalom teachers Maya Wertheimer and Rini Gonsher,; etudehts in sixth through eighth grades studied the various portions of th.3 service, gathered supplemental readings, and then built their .own siddmv Ono& the organizational work was finished, the b'nai mitzvah preparation group'aligned $arts to all the other students, giving ev.eryone.a,chance to participate in this special event. '•• ii : \L One of the students commented, "I never really realized how much neat stuff there is in a service." The RoligiouB School,will repeat this learning experience once a semester..
Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Editorial
* February 13,1999
What are our priorities?
..'^.I^st week, the Jewish Press .p'ubljphed a lengthy article about M$ie conditions of the Jewish comtm.u.n.j,ty in the former Soviet jjUjn,ion anclthe desire of young ,fJeyveito,make aliyah to Israel. ,,.. .This; week, we .publish several editorials on the need for support of day school education. And, we've also published stories on pluralism and requests by nonOrthodox institutions in Israel for increased funding. So, what fcwlo? There are only so many dollars available in "the pot" and stress on the allocations process to fund more and more programs and projects. ' • •;' '•. . .Obviously, one way to solve the • allocations part of the equation •is to increase the income side. A bigger U<JA/Federation annual campaign does mean that more spendable dollars are available. .. But, there's another side to this debate...and that's setting the allocation goals based on the
priorities of this community. For several years, the Jewish Federation, with the input of hundreds of volunteers and staff members of Jewish institutions inside and outside the Federation, debated and discussed priorities during a strategic planning process. Much has been streamlined in our delivery of services.-And there is more cooperation, than ever between the Federation, its/ committees and Centers of Excellence, and the synagogues. As the Federation enters its Budget' and Allocations process, it seems to be the appropriate time to evaluate the' Strategic' Plan and make any necessary ' mid-course corrections. The issues of importance in our time: the needs of the neediest among us, support of Jewish education, the goals of pluralism...should all be "on the table" for serious discussion.
Focus on Issues
Vi'OLAtcMS HiS CWMflWEfflS/
National leaders plead for day school support
The Jewish federations have responded to Jews in distress and to the social, health, and material needs of our communities in the United States, israel and throughout the world. Today, we must turn again to the federations to join with us to address the very real danger of assimilation and intermarriage that threaten the survival of our people and its institutions. The antidotes to these dangers can be found in pur communities. There is significant evidence that one of the most effective means of achieving Jewish continuity is through Jewish day school education of our children. But many of the day schools, despite strict cost controls and significant annual increases in tuition are in very serious financial trouble. Day schools, with increased enrollments, are faced with the totally unacceptable choice of restricting enrollment only to those children of families who can pay the high cost, or in many cases, closing the school under the burden of crushing debts. If we have any hope for Jewish continuity, we must strengthen our day schools so that every Jewish child whose family desires it will be able to attend, including children who do not have the required financial resources. We call out to the Jewish Federations as the central communal organization of the Jewish communities in North America to respond vigorously and decisively now to help all of the day schools to continue their essential work. The federations have met the needs of our people in the past and we know we can count on you again. We have sent resolutions which reaffirm the commitment of the Jewish federations to the survival of our people and to the Jewish day schools to every federation in North America. On behalf of our children, our grandchildren and the future generations of our people, we urge your federation to adopt and to take the action called for }n these resolutions. Your actions in assuring Jewish continuity will be remembered by history. Thank you for your consideration and support. Norman Lamm.President . •, . Yeshiva University; Ismar Schorsch, Chancellor ••.,..• Jewish Theological Seminary
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In a speech to the General Assembly of the Council of-Jewish Federations in 1965, Abraham Joshua Heschel called on the Jewish federation world to rethink its priorities and to direct more resources to Jewish education and the enrichment of Jewish religious life. Dr. Heschel said, "In the face of the economic misery of immigrants, when saving human lives was a crying emergency, concentration on material aid was an act of supreme wisdom. However, our situation today is a spiritual emergency, crying for moral and intellectual relief...We are ingenious in fundraising, which is good; we are shipwrecked in raising our. children, which is tragic...I wish we would give priority to teaching and inspiring our children as Jews." Heschel's words were prescient, and in the course of time, Jewish federations began to direct their attention to issues of Jewish continuity and to the support of Jewish education institutions. We would agree, I believe, that day schools play a vital role in assuring the continuity of pur people. Full-time Jewish education provides a greater grounding in Judaism's classical texts than can be transmitted by part-time Jewish education. Day schools create for our community a cadre of Jewishly informed and motivated young leaders that we so desperately need if we are to meet the challenges of North American life. The Union of American Hebrew Congregations recognized the importance of day schools in a resolution passed at its Biennial in 1985. We are proud of the fact that our movement has created almost twenty day schools in the past quarter century, and others are in the process of formation. I call on Jewish federations to help our day schools continue their essential work. \s Of course, other educational institutions' require our support as well. I also urge you to offer financial assistance to Jewish camps, supplemental schools, and Israel experience programs. It is important for federations to support the range of educational opportunities which our synagogues and communities make available to our children. They are all important in connecting young Jews in Torah, Jewish tradition, and the Jewish people. Eric EL Yoffie, President Union of American Hebrew Congregations
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Slave Lovlnger Chairman Carol Katzman EdilM-lnCWol Moirls Molina Editor Emerllus Mouresn LaPour Managing Editor Larry Atelrod Advertising Manager Sheryl Friedman Bookkoopor Georgo Schoplro Voluntoiw
tetter to the Editor To the Editor: In an attempt to answer the question Janet Kohll . s posed in her Feb. 6 "Letter to the Editor," of course ' the minority of Jews who oppose abortion count! That is exactly what being "Pro-choice" means. If a woman chooses not to have an abortion, she doesn't have to have one; the pro-choice community whole-heartedly supports her right to make that decision. All the pro-choice woman asks in return, is the same right to make the difficult choice of abortion when Bhe, in consultation with her doctor, j her family and/or religious leader, feels it is the right choice for her, given her set of circumstances, j It is true that there is no absolute consensus j among the entire Jewish community regarding the ' subject of abortion (or any other issue for tfiat mat-' j ter) any more than there is total consensus among ! | the members of any other religious group. ', However, one of the Priorities of the National \ Council of Jewish Women, a member organization of the Nebraska Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice and the Pro-choice Coalition of Nebraska, states, "To ensure individual and civil rights, we endorse and resolve to work for the protection of every female's right to reproductive choice, to safe and legal abortion, and to the elimination of obstacles that limit reproductive freedom." , I believe that, we must be vigilant in protecting / our society from State endorsement of any religious ' point of view. No one's religious belief should ' become the law. A government that makes abor-," tion illegal today can make it mandatory tomorrow.' Women should have the constitutional and '• humane right to make their own personal repro- 'ductive decisions without being harassed by any- j one, judged by politicians, attacked by terrorists, or t forced to give birth because they are poor. i In my opinion, however, the need for abortion can, t and should, be reduced by increasing the availability of accurate, unbiased family planning information and services to all who need and want them, expanding sexuality education, committing funds and support for research to develop new and more / • effective contraceptive methods, and making child care and children's health care more affordable. As Jewish women, we must learn to respect the diversity of our religious backgrounds and our personal choices and become more tolerant of one another. \ Carol Bloch t
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice C h a i r m a n ; Prod Tichauor, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretory; Elyce Azriel; Jill . Belmont; Dob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lachin; Shoryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber. Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the Jewish Press Committee, the Jewish Federation of Omaha or the Omaha Jewish Community as a whole. The Jewish Press reserves the right to edit letters and articles for space and content. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of J any product or establishment.
February 13,1008
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 5
IS by George Hanus
We are known as the People of the Book, but most of our children do not know how to read the Book, and many barely recall its title. WHERE IS JEWISH LEADERSHIP? In secular terms, we are the most cultured, best educated and wealthiest Jewish community in history, but we are not educating our children Judaically. Jewish cul-' ture is languishing and Jewish illiteracy is rampant. It is a proven fact that Jewish day school education is the most effective vehicle for instilling Jewish knowledge and commitment in our children, but nationally only 18% of our young are enrolled. The high cost of tuition has become an insurmountable entry barrier for all but the most affluent and the most committed families; We are witnessing the systemic rejection of our historic heritage and eternal teachings by most of the current generation. i Since the 1990 Jewish" population study confirmed this shocking status quo and the dismal prognosis for the coming generations, committees have been convened, task forces have been formed and forums have been held, but there have been no meaningful initiatives to combat this erosion of the American Jewish community. Many rabbis, philanthropic leaders and national organizations are far more concerned with factional political issues and claiming gold in Switzerland, when then- first priority should be mining the gold in our own community, our own children, the gems of Jewish continuity. The cry should ring forth from every podium and pulpit that we must gfet more kids into day schools and make tuition affordable for all. We demand to know today "Where is Jewish Leadership?" lest tomorrow's question becomes, "Where is the American Jew?" If you need to take a
There is a crisis in our community. Rampant these objectives and development of a long-range assimilation and intermarriage are obvious to all solution to this crisis in 1998-1999. The resolution and, tragically, accepted by far too many. These has been endorsed by leaders of the Orthodox, phenomena, coupled with our indifference, portend Conservative and Reform movements, Rabbi the systemic decimation of the American Jewish Norman Lamm (President, Yeshiva University), Rabbi Ismar Schorsch (Chancellor, Jewish community. . ' Our young people, immersed in secular culture Theological Seminary) and Rabbi Eric Yoffie and values, are not connecting with our heritage. (President, Union of : American' ; He'brew "'j "":r": ;'•'" Jewish leadership, especially the American philan- Congregations). .'•" ' 1 '"'.",'' History will judge the American Jewish cii&inuthropic community, must prioritize this need and dedicate resources, energy and facilities commen- nity and its leadership bh their respbhse'ttytheBo "•"••••:•• w^p; . ,~ m v i r i l e ; • surate with the immense loss that threatens us. We challenges; The day school funding crisis niust be tM'corlc&rn must educate our children. Day school education must be available to all families who seek it, irre- of every Jew, regardless of deno'hlinatio'hyregaMless of day school patronafeej in'every comniurii^ of each spective of their financial resources. ! : ''"' X"-'•''« »a The National Jewish Day School Scholarship regioii throughout this 'country:7'' Committee (NJDSSC) clearly delineates the probWe must address'tiie prb'blem!collectiVely"wadi%e lem and commits the Federations to implement the same alacrity, c6riVic^6n'iand:r;esouit£fulnesS'iwe solution, embracing wholeheartedly the precept have mustered in dealing successfully^ with':tfther contained in the Shema of v'shenantum I'vanecha, Jewish crises (such as thei plight1 of RuSsian'Je'wry), that you shall teach your children diligently. and with other basic heeds df our fellow Jews'Csiich The resolution affirms the proposition that as the Jewish poor, elderly and sick). Our local-chilJewish day school education for our children is dren are no less deserving and the danger is no less ' ' ': ' :'-';;-!-!!r-:: • essential to insure Jewish continuity. It affirms the imminent. obligation upon each community to make a quality As the survival of the Jewish community faces Jewish day school education available to all', with- the increasing threats of assimilation and interout regard to financial resources. The availability marriage, it is imperative that we create : strong, of Jewish day schools must be treated \yith at least financially sound and affordable Jewish day the same urgency as other communal needs such as schools. The NJDSSC will hire planned"giving housing the homeless, feeding the hungry, and car-. experts to go to every city that has a day school to ing for the sick and elderly. assist the leadership in setting up funds., '. By adopting this resolution, Federations in a We are hopeful that strategic alliances with the number of cities, including Chicago, Columbus, local Federations will be formed in order to: maxiPhoenix and Ft. Worth, have already committed mize energies and efficiencies. ; lay and professional leaderships to fulfillment of Jewish leadership must take bold steps now. to solve these enormous problems. Empirical;studies and evaluation of data already abound. There is,no need, or time, for further investigation of the problem or the alternatives. Any factional divisiveness or internecine warfare is foolish and destructive. Achdus (unity) in leadership, commitment and focus will produce the necessary solutions.
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The mezuzah, a scroll with a portion of the Torah written on it, signifies the sanctity of the Jewish home. The decorative case makes the mezuzah beautiful, but a case without a mezuzah is like the wrapper without the candy.
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MEZUZAH. ^ / t fettle-k»W(.» (U rt twily (iW'7 CV l*ai(l-Wfe/to <joMrt|trf«t«*? O( ( ( ^ 1* </ay, f<4 u\' witt b (dat aw ttalf. <veti- JT<X«(^/ or <tW</<r> (tozett, Cunf (n We dial baijcll <W l-ajcl l<wt(> iJ/'
. .DoiVt leave home without it!
The Lamplighters 697-1124
Jewish Senior Services, an agency of the
Jewish Federation ofOmaha
The mezuzah is affixed: (I). On the right door post as one enters the house. (2). In a slanted position with the t o p pointed t o the inside of the room. (3). In t h e : upper third of the door post height. A MEZUZAH MUST BE CHECKED AT LEAST TWICE IN SEVEN YEARS.
Rose Blumkin Jewish Home
330-4272
A mezuzah is made in the same manner as the Torah itself: handwritten on sacred parchment in Torah script by an ordained and dedicated scribe who carefully follows the 4 6 4 9 laws governing its 713 letters and 2 2 lines. When you purchase a mezuzah f o r yourself or as a gift, you are obligated t o assure its validity.
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Page 6
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February 13,1998
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
CORRECTIONS
••••?•
Sandy and Stuart Kutler are co-chairmen of the Poland to Israel mission next month with Julee and Rick Katzman, not Mike and Barb Platt as reported in last week's issue. Also; the FSU is the Former Soviet Union, not the "Former FSU" as was written in the article. The Jewish Press regrets the errors.
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Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English class starts at 10 a.m.; bingo and exercise both start at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share at the "YES Talk" discussion group, led by Toni Kutcher and Art Grossman, at 11 a.m. Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, hear Lucille Mittmus as she § plays the accordion. For transportation, call 330a | 4272. S£ 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. WAIiK-IN, DROP-IN Dr. Kerry Olitzky will provide a participatory .workshop Feb. 19 at noon in the JCC auditorium. For transportation, call 330-4272. VISIONS UNO Theatre presents My Other Heart by Martha Boesing at the Weber Fine.Arts Bid. 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. Visions Membership Dues for 1998 are due by March 1. PlSase mail your check payable to Visions for $5 per person to: Visions, c/o Lois and Gerald Bernstien, 14810 Cass Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. BREADBREAKERS The Honorable Robert Kerrey will speak at Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to Steve Riekes. Sen. Kerrey represents Nebraska in the United States Senate. Breadbreakers meets every .Wednesday at noon at Highland Country Club. The program is open to the community. Cost is $7.75 AMIT Hatikvah/Kalah Franklin Chapter of Amit women will meet Sunday, Feb. 15, 12:30 p.m., in the Club Room at Livingston Plaza. Guest speaker is Rabbi Ira Flax, Chaplain at Offutt-Air Force Base. Cost is $51 For reservations, call Beverly Franklin, 334-7365, or Marion Strauss, 558-2646.
in Erin Malashock, AZA #1 Sweetheart, congratulates her cousin, Michelle Malashock, on being chosen' Chaim Weizmann's 1998-99 Sweetheart at the annual Sweet-, heart dance held recently at the JCC.
David and Pam Cohen of Wichita, KS, announce the Jan: 23 birth of their daughter, Chana Lillian (Hebrew name: Chana Leba). Chana has a brother, Connor Leach. Grandparents are Jeanne Shechet and Paul Cohen, both of Omaha, and Carol and John Saxon ofHouston. Mindy and Scott Hauser of Iowa.City, IA, announce the Jan. 29 birth of their daughter, Catherine Mae. Grandparents are Stan and Kathy Hauser of Marengo, IA, and Leonard and Reva Mozer of Lincoln. ,
BUBSTEEN/ELLIOTT Nancy Burstein and Steven Elliott, both of New York City, announce f their engagement. ( The bride-to-be, Pres- \ ident of Fitness Plus, is ' a graduate of Northwest- " ern University where she earned a B.A. in Sociology. She has a Master's degree in dance ' education from New | York University. She is the daughter of' former Omahans Joseph and Geraldine Bursteih of St. Louis, and the granddaughter of the late Jake and Evelyn Burstein and the late Ben and Jennie Cohn. Her fiance, Director of Aquisitions for the Hertz Corporation, is a graduate of Brown University with a bachelor's degree in psychology. He earned a Master's in Business Administration from Pace University/ He is the son of Jane Elliott and Wallace Elliott, both of Boston." A summer wedding is planned in New Y^rk.City.
High School students wanting to network with other teens may attend the third annual Leadership Forum on Feb. 20-21, sponsored by Youth Leadership Omaha and the Ak-Sar-Ben Youth Ambassadors in cooperation with the Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben and the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce; For more information, call Jamie Frost at 498-9398, or Gavin Smith at 339-1796. If they are "* unavailable, call Ann Goldstein, 346-5000 ext. 228; or Kathy Brockman Oleson, 426-5701. Columbian Elementary School students placed first in Nebraska and third in the nation in the Knowledge Master competition. Members include: Kate Josephson, Emily Muskin and Stephen Lercber.
The Nebraska Children's Chorus will present its concert: Bridges: The Language of Music Crosses All Barriers on Feb. 28, 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., at Witherspoon Concert Hall Joslyn Museum, 24th & Dodge St. All 270 members of the five levels of Children's Choruses will perform. Their final concert of the '97-98 series will be held at Beth El Synagogue on May 17, to celebrate the "Birth of Two Nations-Israel's 50th and America" and the two nations' contribution to music. Tickets are $8 for adults, and $6 for youth and senior citizens. For more information, call 342-6753.
Five outstanding businessmen will be inducted into the Omaha Business Hall of Fame this April. They are: Lester Simon, Chairman, Omaha Steaks International; Vinod Gupta, Founder and Chairman, American Business Information; George Alfred Joslyn, President, Western Newspaper Union; N.P. "Phil" Dodge, Chairman Emeritus, NP Dodge Company; and Roy Smith, President; Old Mill Toyota; Men and women, whose accomplishments in business were historically significant to the development of Omaha, are honored.
Each year, the International Music Instructors conference invites only one musical group to perform arid tour the country. This year, the conference will be held in South Africa and the group who was chosen out of the total USA is Bel Canto of the Nebraska Children's Chorus. Dr. Z. Randall Stroope, Artistic Director, and a group of 48 members will tourvSouth Africa in mid July. To help defray cost, members will hold its 6th annual "Sing for Your Sundae" fundraiser at AkSar-Ben VanBerg Hall on Feb. 22 at 3 p.m. Members will sell-raffle tickets; and Midwest Express Airlines has provided two'found-trip tickets as prizes. For more information, call the NCAS office at 342-6753.
Lincolnite Charles [Charley] Friedman; age 30, son of Herbert Friedman and Brenda Friedman, has been selected as a Fellow at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art in the Old Market. He will give a public lecture at the Center on Thursday evening, Feb 19. A graduate of Macalester College' in St. Paul,-' MN, with a BA in Art and Art History, he recently received-his'MFA from the Museum School of Boston, an affiliate of Tufts University. He was a Fellow at the Skowhegan Center for • .Art in Maine'a few summers ago. He currently makes his home ip New York City, where he is employed at the Guggenheim Museum.
February 13,1998 by Bert Lewis
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I just had a call from one of my nieces, which I was really pleased to receive. We don't talk very often, and when we do, we giggle, exchange information about her children and grandchildren and mine. And, invariably, we groan about the fact that it's been too long since we last spoke. After I hung up the phone I mulled over in my mind, some of the things we had spoken about and ended up wondering what the heck was the matter with us. I don't mean "us" as niece and aunt, I mean "us" in general, as a people who live in the world today. How do we get so involved, so busy with foolish little stuff, as well as big important stuff, that we let weeks and weeks go by without touching base with each other? Especially when "the other" is right here in the same city! It certainly isn't because we don't care about these other family members or good friends...it's just that the time getB away from us and a self-promise to ''call tomorrow" for fiure, gets forgotten. For years, I was accustomed to excusing- such incidents by saying I never remembered until I was in the car or in some other way unable to make the call. Even that isn't an excuse anymore, because I do have a phone right there in my. purse. (I am, however, one of those people who doesn't use it indiscriminately while I'm driving.) The fact is, we can always find a way to excuse ourselves when we neglect something or somebody --that falls into my favorite category, human nature. That doesn't excuse the fact that it's been too long since my niece and I visited and enjoyed a little silly banter. Years ago, when the family was more intact, my generation always knew what was'going on.in the other areas of the family. Our peer group maintained a closer connection because, well, just because. The next generation is busier than we are now, doing all the things we did when we were their age. And somehow, to my astonishment, my room mate and I have become the "elders" in the clan. We don'tknow quite how that happened, but it seems to be something that just occurs while nobody is looking. In that role we make every effort to gather all available members together for various' holidays, both religious and secular. Some years, unexpected events' mess up that time-honored plan and leave "
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us with an empty sensation, as though something was missing. And when there's a holiday and no crowd around our table, well, we miss it all. So what's this all about anyway? I guess it's not exactly about phone calls, but more like family connections. How do we stay connected when people are busy with all the things that take up time? Why is it that years ago, when you and I were young, that wasn't such a problem? Was it because when the kids married, usually they were still within easy proximity of Grandma and Grandpa's dining room table on Friday night? Today, that's a rare and unusual pleasure. Or was it because everything didn't seem to need doing in such a rush, as it seems today. Everybody, is in such a hurry now, with so many obligations to fulfill before each day .is done. Even little kids are shuffled to this lesson or that, right after school, when they should be playing. Well, unfortunately you and I can't do much about all this, except maybe complain, and we both know how much that helps. But I still think it's a shame that when my phone rings and that dear familiar voice says "hi...remember me?" I immediately think "Why the heck haven't I called her lately?". Wait-I have an idea. We're at the beginning of a hew year, when a clean slate is right here. Is this the time to say, "I resolve to be more attentive to those family connections?" As I think I said recently, I am realistic about making resolutions, and usually don't. Maybe this is the year to make an exception. In the meantime, go call so and-so. He/she/it will be tickled to hear from you!
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Older' : "Next to chicken soup, Dr. Kerry Olitzky offers the most realistic and soothing remedies to the challenges of aging," states Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services. Olitzky will share his blend of spiritual wisdom and practical knowledge with the Omaha Jewish'community on Feb. 19 at noon in the JCC auditorium. Trained as a social gerontologist and a rabbi, Olitzky will present "The Ten Most Important Rules for Growing Older:" The participatory 'workshop is open to adults of all ages. B.aby boomers who are on the threshold of aging-can gain valuable information: for their future from Olitzky's presentation. Adults in their 6O's,..7O's, 80's [and beyond can enhance their own wisdom and experience by participation in the workshop. ' ];" There is no charge for the program that is sponsored by Jewish Senior Services, Jewish Family Service, Temple Israel, Beth El, Beth Israel Srid Beyt Shalom. ••.!-.-• j'y. A brown bag lunch is available for;$5. Reservations must be made with Jewish Senior Services at 330-4272.
JOS
by Art Grossman Shakespeare said it* "All the world's a stage and all the men and women merely players." And that was the way it was at the Oldtimers/Ybung Energetic Seniors meeting. • The Early bird discussion soared around the planet. First to Israel and the Palestinian demand for greater control of the West Bank. Presented was a full-page ad in the Jan. 28 issue of the New York Times, in which is outlined the promises Israel has kept since ADDENDUM Addendum to the story about the new Gertrude the Oslo accords. Along side those of Yasser Arafat amounting to zero. There has been no renunciation ijy and Albert Newman Endowment Fund that Palestinians in their national charter, calling for appeared in the Jewish Press on Jan. 30: In the ,'.,,, ,' addition to subsidizing Jewish Federation educa- the destruction of Israel. On to Iraq and the escalation of threats with tlie tional programs, lectures and special projects and providing young Jewish adults from Omaha who United States over observance of chemical weapons by Iraq; on to the east border of Iraq are in need of financial assistance access to schol- manufactured abutting Iran, and the potentiality of the two again arship grants for courses in Judaic studies or civ- locking horns in battle. .. i ilization, this Newman Endowment Fund also Back to the U.S. with the crisis in the White House provides interest free loans. Mrs. Newman's and President Clinton's State of the Union address; on mother, Kate Lena Tatle, started the Deborah •to the north where Canadian coh artists are calling Society in Omaha which also made interest-free Midlands elderly with promises of lottery and sweeploans. stakes winnings. They ask for several thousand dol' • •' ' • lars to cover what they claim are taxes, attorney's fees and a variety of other costs. Oy Vey\ They're a bunch otgonifsl Dear seniorsr-avoid them. They are double, GET A LOW HOME EQUITY double, toil and trouble! . ; Following lunch, we were entertained by Jenny LOAN RATE BY PUTTING Wallace Grate andKathy Woods, whopBrformediflnja Hammer Dulcimer and guitar. Dr. Milt Margolin-arid YOUR ACCOUNTS UNDER and Hilde Gottlieb joined the duo manipulating dancONE ROOF. ing miniature puppets on a board. •••":••: r-''! !'.*::'.\"* £?. In sick bay are .George Schapiro, RbseLowenstein, Frieda Krizelman, Dana Epstein and Minnie Green at Methodist and Ida Belmont at Bergen. •
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Allan M. Gonsher, nationally recognized author and speaker, will present the following lectures: March 10,7:30-9 p.m.- The Theory of Jewish Parenting: The First Five Vears--What Happens? March 17,7:30-9 psn.-Sibling Rivalry, Allowance, Communication ,-.'." . and other Related Issues March 24,7:30-9 p.m.-Homework, Friends and School- , Related issues Allan writes an informative column on Jewish Parenting in several Jewish newspapers and periodicals. He is the author of An Allowance is Not a Bribe and recently had chapters published in Jewish Family and Life and 101 Play Therapy Techniques. PRE-PAID RESERVATIONS REQUIRED (Limited space available) . $ 1 0 per session ($15 per couple) - _-- t Send reservation to' • ,•„;'-,'•-,
Kids, Inc., 12131 W. Center Rd., Omaha, NE60144 :',"%" j 330-4014 All sessions held at:
Regency Lake and Tennis Club
Page 8
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 13,1098
First Jewish Book Festival draws over 10,000 visitors Piilverente MONUMENT CO.
Festivals in 31 communities surpass expectations in variety and popularity by Beth Lebenson, The American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Inc.
promote them. That's The idea began when the real creative when Sara Bogen 60 Years Experience process took off and her staff were With Jewish At the seminar, comtrying to combine Lettering and Memorials JDC's community munity leaders formed committees to work on development pro1439 So. 13th their respective festijects in the former 1-800-263-6831 vals, a method of orgaSoviet Union with 341-2452 nizing still somewhat programs focusing unusual in the former on libraries. Not an Soviet Union, said easy task, they Bogen; But once the thought, until somecommittees were in one casually men^ -i:^.THE JEWISH place, members braintioned how popular COMMUNITY CENTER stormed to such an Jewish Book extent that they Festival Month is in • IS SEEKING CARING, ENTHUSIASTIC walked away with Israel. And if it S'M-.HSTAFF FOR SUMMER programs that filled worked in Israel, POSITIONS AVAILABLE:• ••• ; they thought, why P a r t i c i p a n t s a t t h e JDC-organized J e w i s h Book t h e m o n t h of Septemnot the former Festival in Krasnoyarsk, Siberia, look over Russian-Ian- b e r ^ f a r s u r p a s s e d JUNIOR AND Soviet Union, too? guage books on Judaism and Jewish history. Photo: me w h a t a n y O n e had So began a series of discussions concluding that anticipated. SENIOR COUNSELORS the 1.5 million Jews living across the former Soviet In Tiblisi, they requested-and received-archival FOR OUR OAY CAMP Union, in a culture that values academic learning Jewish books from former Soviet government agenJUNE 15-AUGUST 14 and cultural activities more than most, would cer- cies to display. In Siberia, they held a concert of tainly be interested in a book festival of some sort. Jewish music that was standing-room only, with , , CONTACT BETH COHEN, But nothing prepared them for the overwhelming visitors flooding the staircases to make room. JCC YOUTH SERVICES DIRECTOR, AT 334-6409. turnout.and diversity of programs. More than In Kishenev, they held seminars on underground 10,000 men, women and children, Jews and non-- Jewish cultural activities in the 1920"s and 1930's. Jews alike, turned out in 31 different communities And in Minsk, they held an evening of Jewish for programs such as poetry readings, skits on humor that attracted as many non-Jews as it did Jewish humor, ancient Jewish book displays, semi- Jews, and was so popular that an encore perfornars on Jewish underground writers, and concerts. mance was held.the following night. In Minsk, for example, the participants of a "Non-Jews came and said *Wait, we didn't know Belarussian writers conference taking place across this was Jewish humor. We thought this was our town left their seminar enmasse to attend a ses- humor.' It's this type of positive attention raises sion on Jewish poetry reading. the pride of the Jewish community, their sense of "My first reaction was utter amazement," said self worth," said Bogen. "This truly marks a fundaBogen, Director of Community Center mental shift in the internal workings of the Jewish Development in the former Soviet Union for the communities across the former Soviet Union. It has American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee created such status for the communities-, internal (JDC). "And then I thought *Why should I be sur- and external, it's unbelievable." prised? I should have known.' In Russia, books Indeed, festivals in all 31 communities received CONTINUING A TRADITION... have the power to mobilize people beyond belief." extensive coverage from local television and newsSelling One of a Kind, One at a Time. And so the JDC staff began planning the confer- papers. In some cases, national government minisOver 31 years of Our Combined Experience. ence, named Ofek, a Russian acronym for ters and Israeli officials attended for opening cereOver 1700 Families Relocated. Community Festivals of the .Jewish Book arid monies as well. The big problem facing JDC and LET OUR PROVEN Hebrew for "Horizon," by inviting Jewish commu- the communities now is whether to have next NETWORK and SUCCESS L FRTATE CO. nity leaders from across the former Soviet Union to year's festival in the fall or the spring. WORK FOR YOU a training seminar in Moscow. There, they distrib690-1591'677-2524 uted a "how-to" festival manual and discussed the Activities of the JDC are funded by the regular concept of hosting a community wide Jewish book campaigns of the United Jewish Appeal and festival, including programming ideas and ways to Federations throughout the United States. •AOAgas 'Local Caring Counselors 'Slmpla Membership Process Friendly Professional Service Uonay-BackGuarantee
Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr.
Alan & Marty Cohen
Hadassah plans mega mission to Israel To honor Israel's 50th anniversary, Hadassah, the Women's Zionist Organization of America, has organized what may be the most unusual and intricate mission ever planned to Israel. The mega mission, from March 8-18, is dubbed "Miracle Mission" and will feature 18 separate, especially tailored tracks and itineraries. In Judaism, 18 represents chai, Hebrew for life, . and this life-affirming mission will be the centerpiece Til AT of Hadassah's celebration of Israel's jubilee year. Special trades have been organized for profes-i sional affinity groups, such as nurses, social workTim OMIIA Titmnn CrumimniH HJKVK IWHU: ers and mental health professionals. There are difpnaudsrimnwnmiMSin Confetti '98. an iiitenmlimitil ferent tracks for first-timers to Israel, frequent viB: pntgnunofrlnssiail and aintvjnpomrylmlh'lsfor all ages: itors and one track billed as "a leisurely-paced tour 'KonsermUtriekllasalonAiigasUiiiiiriionville'sJamoiis IH4'J for those who want a.more relaxed experience." .. -.tribute to tin: beauty of Parisian ballet. Will concert piani Tracks include: Art & Culture, Israel's Business & Th,e Angel Dances: Hiuivai anil carlli lauchjor one poignant Economy, Ecology & the Environment, Jewish "W".","'!." w.vro/1 inspiml by a Japanesejolk legend. A new ballot Education (Special Study Track), Israel's MX WEIXJI. featuring Omaha Symphiuiy percussionist KHX International & Diaspora Relations (Special Study Mdan originalscorn camposeil by former Omahan Track), Communications & Media, Women-to-Women l&i^ Artists Maeda Ballet and Morimoto Ballet: Tim exciting Tour, Nurses (earn CEUs as you learn), Social '"timptmtesfnun Omaha's sister city of Shizimka. Japan. The Ballet Workers/Mental Health Professionals (earn CEUs as I'.TOLUfaflftw.y Wexat choreographs to new music by OMK you learn), Young Judea Alumni, Hadassah-Young \-fo\tXpTt>XofAlannheimStejiniroller. > Judaea Leadership, Hadassah Associates (for men), tmm R U A R Y 2 0 fr -2-1 First-timers to Israel, Frequent Visitors to Israel, Leisurely Paced Tours for those who want a more relaxed tour, HadaBsah Major Donors, Philadelphia TICKETS Chapter Tour, Suffolk Region Tour. . For more information, call the Hadassah Travel Department at 1-800-363-2373.
SEE
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345-4849
Temple Israel's sitter service now Torah Tot Learning Center
ART INSPIRED
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The Parent-Toddler class and Torah Tots class visited the Rose Blumkin Home. Rebecca and Rachel Lerner with mom, Susan, visit with residents. Temple Israel's sitter service now has a new name and new goals. It will continue to provide supervision for children ages 1-6. In addition, because of grants from the Esther K. Newman Foundation and the Livingston Foundation, The Torah.'Tot Learning Center now includes a variety of educational and entertaining activities that focus on what it means to be a Jewish child. Music, games, stories and crafts will be part of the format used to teach 2-6 year olds. The goal is to help enhance Jewish life for all ages by providing parents with a weekly handout. Stephanie Grossman is the'coordinator. She has taught for 16 years in the Omaha Public Schools in a variety of grade levels, including special education, and is now a Religious School teacher at Temple, coadvisor of the Temple Youth Group and teacher of the Thursday morning Torah Tots class.
February 13,1998
The Dead Sea Scrolls'
Edward Kahn celebrates 100th birthday!
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Edward Kahn celebrated his 100th birthday last month at the Rose Blumkin Home, where he and his wife are residents.
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(Editor's note: the line drawing of Dru Greenwood was done by Laura Lee Needelman, a member of Temple Israel's Outreach Committee.)
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Spaghetti dinner called f j
Not a 'dosed dub'
, (Continued from page 1) (Continued from page 1) the Shrine of the Book at the Israel Museum in offered Derekh Torah for three years now;, the class fills up with students every time it has been schedJerusalem. ; ; . UNO Television has produced this pro-motional uled. The course is designed for Jews ,who want to film on the Dead Sea Scrolls that will be shown to learn more about Judaism and non-Jews who want visitors at the Shrine of the Book in Jerusalem. It to explore Judaism or who are considering converwas filmed in 1997, entirely on location in Israel sion. (Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue and features action shots a t Qumran, Masada, and Beyt Shalom also offer introductory courses, Jerusalem and the Dead Sea caves. The evening's as well as other courses on Jewish topics; for more attendees will be seeing the promotional film well information, call the synagogues directly.) Greenwood also suggested that religious instituin advance of its -debut at the Museum, in tions treat conversions like other Jewish lifecycle Jerusalem. To be a part of this event, send a tax-deductible events, marking them in the synagogue, like baby donation (Host: $500 for two tickets; Patron: $100 namings, B"nai Mitzvah,~or uffruff (pre-wedding for one ticket; Friend: $50 for one ticket). "This is all part of creating'Jewish memories for Reservations will be taken until March 10, Seating a family orindividual new to our community," she is limited. All money raised, will help support research ;and said, noting that the TJAHC has developed a new subsidize student trips to UNO's Bethsaida curriculum for beginners, "A Taste of Judaism: Are you curious?" Excavations in Israel. As part of the erev Shabbat Friday night d'var Since. 1991, UNO has led an international consortium of 12 universities excavating the ancient city Tprah (sermon), Greenwood will note the imporof Bethsaida. In 1997, UNO Television and the tance of listening to the stories of interfaith couBethsaida Excavations Project produced t h e ples and those interested in conversion. Questions award-winning documentary The Lost City of like 'how was the decision to choose Judaism for Bethsaida, filmed in Israel in 1995. The production your family made?' and Vhat challenges have you led to UNO being chosen by the Shrine of the Book overcome?' are subjects that need to be discussed. Non-Jews do face occasional "barriers to entry" for the Dead Sea Scrolls' video project. For more information, please call Wendi at UNO's into the Jewish community, however. And in some cases, the Jewish families themselves are the Bethsaida Excavations Project at 402-554-2902. obstacles. If they are not particularly knowledgeable o r observant, the interest in Judaism expressed by a non-Jewish spouse may appear threatening to the Jewish members of the family. "The interfaith couple who chooses to raise Jewish children can also be viewed as a blessing," said Greenwood, "and eventually-new Jews can strengthen and invigorate the Jewish community." The ultimate goal, according to Greenwood and the Outreach Commission, is "to offer people a way to come closer to Judaism and God. "It's not always an easy path," she concluded, "but if s one that has made an incredible impact on families, synagogues and the Jewish community."
Jewish Pi-ess, Omaha, NE
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Morgan Denny, left, and Jessie Krlegcr count the evening's proceeds. , •; .; <„ , ^ by Stephanie Grossman, OTYG adviSQn: •' |s
The spaghetti dinnerjand.auctiah3pdfidbred;$y Omaha Temple Youth Group raised more than $4500 last week. Because of a large number of volunteers, donors and bidders, the goal of $2500 for Camp Rainbow, a camp for children afflicted with cancer and heart problems, was passed early in the evening. The camp is sponsored by the Dream Factory, the American Cancer Society, and the Missouri Valley Federation of Temple Youth. Nikki Flatowicz, OTYG treasurer, coordinated the event with assistance from the board and advisors Barry and Stephanie Grossman and Mais Sparber. Mark Gelbman, dinner and;'auction coordinator, Rabbi Debbie Stiel, and Marc-and Claudia Sherman, assisted by daughter, Jill,'prepared the meal; it was served by OTYG members to more than 120guests. /-:» • Marc Delman returned as the auctioneer. Among the most popular items was a.battery-operated car. More than 30 items .were sold in the live auction and another 40 sold in the silent auction.';; Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Hazzan Erik Contzius raised the largest amount by agreeing to shave their beards if $1000 was collected. The final event of the evening included the Hazzan teaching Rabbi Azriel how to shave because the rabbi has sported a beard for more than 25 years.
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This year's Yom Hashoah commemoration will include a performance of the play Night AMidrashby David Roskies ., Ww&'iKl: David Koskies. -Teenagers from throughout the Omaha Jewish community are invited to participate. Rehearsals: Sunday afternoons March 8-April 19 Commemoration: April 22 at Temple Israel Participants will be required to attend all : rehearsals and memorize dialogue. Night Words has 36 speaking parts, drawing from eyewitness accounts of the Holocaust, as well as Biblical and Rabbinic sources. Call Max Sparber Temple Israel: 556-6536, ext. 31 Home: 343-0857 (No later than Feb. 20)
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
February 13,1998
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Hatikvah cpneert delighfs capacity crowd by Linda Mirvish
A sell-out crowd at the JCC last Saturday night gave violinist Ittai Shapira, guest conductor Mitchell Arnold and the Omaha Symphony a standing ovation during the special concert of music by mostly Jewish composers. The concert was the first Omaha event to cele.;' : Reduce . „., brate the 60th Anniversary of the birth of the State the risk of SIDS ' of Israel and was a joint program of the Omaha Symphony and the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. The orchestra opened the evening with a stirring treatment of the Israeli national anthem, Hatikvah -The Hope. This was followed by a beautifully balanced program of new, not BO hew, and one piece of CALL FLOYD'S 24 HRS. very new classical music. EVERY DAY or NIGHT Free Estimate one Wailing Wall by David Finko, contemporary in Now Furnace or Central Air sound and content, seemed to capture much of the 20th century Jewish experience, both the sadness and the hope. Violinist Shapira then joined the orchestra in the much-loved Violin Concerto No. 1 by Max Bruch, which he tackled with feeling and virtuosity. Shapira addressed the audience to introduce the second half of the concert. The first three works for solo violin and orchestra, were all written for him and amply showed off his technical skill and sensitivity. Resenations The first of these, Fantasy by Kenji Bunch, Shapira said was only two weeks old! For
Jerusalem of Gold, based on the melody of the 1967 Israeli song, and Jazzical, both by Ilan Rechtman, were enthusiastically received by the audience. The concert concluded with a spirited rendition of Three Dance Episodes from On the Town by Leonard Bernstein. Israeli Ittai Shapira, winner of many prestigious music awards, currently teaches at New York University and continues his studies at the Julliard School. He has been a soloist with many orchestras and featured at festivals around the world. Guest Conductor,. Mitchell Arnold is director of the Philharmonic Orchestra at Northern Illinois. University in DeKalb, IL, and resident conductor of the Sheboygan Orchestra. As Assistant Director of Orchestras at Northwestern University, he worked with Victor Yampolsky, the Omaha Symphony Music Director. Arnold is presently completing work for his Doctor of Music degree in Orchestral Conducting at Northwestern University under Yampolsky. These two young guest performers, both Jewish, won the affection of the audience with their warmth and sincerity as well as their accomplished performances.
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Rabbis' rejection of proposal seen as a 'declaration of war'
Soviet emigres make up Israeli team at the Olympics
by Naomi Segal
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Reform and Conservative movement leaders are denouncing the Israeli Chief Rabbinate's rejection of a key component of a compromise proposal aimed at resolving the controversial issue of conversions in Israel. The Chief Rabbinate "declared war on the., : Reform and Conservative movements," the heads of those movements in Israel said in a joint statement Monday. Rabbi Uri Regey and Rabbi Ehud Bandel, the Reform and Conservative representatives of the committee that had worked seven months to hammer out a proposal, said that in taking this step, "the Chief Rabbinate endangers splitting the Jewish people." The strong words came after Israel's Chief Rabbinate Council rejected the creation of a conversion-training institute in which non-Orthodox rabbis would participate. The institute, which would be overseen by the Jewish Agency for Israel, was a key component of the compromise proposal reached by the Ne'eman Committee last month. The proposal also included a provision that all conversions in Israel would continue to be performed only by Orthodox officials. The Rabbinic Council, which met for several hours Monday, restricted its discussion to the Ne'eman Committee's recommendation that.conversions be conducted in Israel in accordance with • halachah, Jewish religious law. It was not immediately clear what impact the decision would have on efforts to reach a compromise on the conversion issue. The Ne'eman Committee, chaired by Israel's finance minister, Ya'acov Ne'eman, had been meeting since last year in an effort to achieve a compromise.: . The religious parties in the Knesset are now likely to press for resumption of legislative action on a bill that would set into law the Orthodox establishment's sole authority over conversions in Israel. "The bill already passed the first of three legislative hurdles last year. ' ' .... At the same time, however, a majority of Knesset members recently said they would oppose such legislation. Court'cases brought by the Reform and Conservative movements, which are seeking recognition of their authority in Israel, are now likely to move ahead. Israel's chief Ashkennzi rabbi, Yisrael Meir Lau, said after Monday's meeting that the council had not been asked to address other proposals in the Ne'eman Committee's report, including the call for the conversion institute.
JERUSALEM (JTA) - Call it the Soviet connection. All three athletes representing Israel at the c 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan; which opened last weekend, have roots in the former Soviet Union - and two were: actually born there. . The ice dancing duo of Galit Chayat;: 23,- arid Sergei Sakanovsky, 22>. will join Misha Shmerlan, who participated in : the 1994 games in Lillehammer, Norway. Chayat, born to a Russian family in the Israeli town of Kfar Saba, moved at the, age of 6 with her family to the United States. Sakanovsky, born in Russia, made aliyah three years ago and then moved to Delaware to train with Chayat. The couple recently placed 12th in the recent European championships in Milan, Italy. Shmerkin, who was born in Odessa, Ukraine, will participate in men's skating - he will perform to Chasidic and Israeli music in his short program, and to Central European Jewish music for his free skate. He placed 16th at the Lillehammer games and hopes to finish in the top 10 this year.
Court rejects bid to invoke Jewish law in murder case by Marilyn Silversteln, Philadelphia Jewish Exponent
PHILADELPHIA (JTA) - An effort to stand behind Jewish law has failed to shield the parents of accused baby-killer Amy Grossberg from giving testimony that may incriminate their daughter. The Delaware Superior Court has ruled that Alan and Sonye Grossberg of Wyckoff, N.J., must appear before the state's attorney general to answer questions about their private conversations with their daughter - despite the fact that'such testimony would not be permitted in a Jewish court. Grossberg and her boyfriend, Brian Peterson, both 19, have been charged, with first-degree murder in the November 1996 death of their newborn son. The pair stand accused of dumping the infant's body in a trash bin behind a motel in Newark, Del.; where Grossberg was attending her first year at the University of Delaware1. In November, the family's attorneys filed a motion in the Delaware Superior Court in an attempt to quash the subpoenas on religious grounds. They argued that the Grossbergs are Conservative Jews and, as such, are protected by halachah, Jewish law, from having to give testimony against their child in any legal proceeding.
February 13,1998
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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February 13,1888
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 11
Putting Jewish social justice on the map Omaha Together One Community A Project Sponsored by the Jewish Fund for Justice by Marlene Provizer, Executive Director of the Jewish Fund for Justice
When Rabbi Areyh Azriel says, "Social action is an issue burning in my bones," he means it, and so does his reform congregation of more than 750 families in Omaha, Nebraska--Temple Israel. When the Jewish Fund for Justice (JFJ), a national Jewish philanthropy that supports community-based groups working directly with lowv income people to fight poverty, first received a proposal from Omaha Together One Community (OTOC), a faith-based community group affiliated with the Industrial Areas Foundation (IAF, a national community organizing and training network), they were surprised to find a rabbi heading up its 34-member, otherwise all-Christian, clergy caucus. Not so after meeting Rabbi Azriel, a longRabbi Azriel time activist on community issues and a catalyst Temple Israel involved sometimes forces us to look for change over the past nine years in Omaha. at the use of Christian language and ritual. It also Rabbi Azriel's social justice work first started gives us an opportunity to really learn from each under the mentorship of Rabbi Maurie'Saltzman in other. Typically we pray before OTOC actions, and Baltimore, where he was an assistant Rabbi at the now we think twice about which prayer we use and Baltimore Hebrew Congregation for five years. who is leading it." . Rabbi Azriel explains, "Thanks to Rabbi Concerned by negative coverage of OTOC in the Saltzman, who taught me the connection between local press and unsure about how a Jewish congrethe prophetic vision of Judaism and social justice gation would fit in with the group's work, members when I came to Omaha in 1988 as the Senior Rabbi of Temple Israel initially were hesitant to join. But of Temple Israel, I had a dream for the synagogue. after a year of ongoing conversations with key leadThen Rabbi David Saperstein of the Religious ers, Temple Israel decided to become a formal, Social Action Center (also a founding JFJ Board dues-paying member of OTOC. member) spent a weekend in residence with the "After many one-on-one meetings, I think memcongregation, and that really put oiir social justice bers of the congregation started to understand the work on the map." • .' !. • way faith-based organizing works. They started to Rabbi Azriel continues, "We try to link all activi- see the power in bringing people together from all ties in the synagogue with a social justice theme-- parts of town, from all races and classes, to make religious school, adult education and even the Bar change in Omaha. By joining OTOC, people could and Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Before any boy or girl see a way to challenge the power elite and to build can stand on the bimah to celebrate a Bar or Bat bridges with the Black and Latino communities," Mitzvah, they must complete 13 weeks of communi- Holleradded. ; ty service, helpingpeople in nursing homes, schools Through, public meetings, direct actions, testify,- and shelters. . ;. > ... ing at hearings and negotiations with, public offi/•During the High Holidays, each membe/of the" cials, OTOC has built a reputation as a force to be congregation gets a postcard listing 10-20 social pro- reckoned with in OmahaTOver the past three, jects to get involved with. Children in every grade in years, OTOC members have carried out numerous the religious school, even the first graders, must ful- successful campaigns, including: increasing spendfill some sort of commitment to the community!, We ing for public libraries; repairing sewers in neglectask them not just to collect money, but to do some- ed areas of town; establishing supervised summer thing active that involves effort and creativity." programs in all 43 parks; and organizing two Adult education classes at Temple Israel also pro- accountability sessions with local officials, with vide a Jewish context for social action. Members 2,000 people in attendance. first read texts as a basis for discussing: why it is But this is only the beginning for OTOC, as it important to pursue justice, then study the issues builds on its achievements and positions itself as a and how they relate to Jewish teachings.' • - • ' power base advocating for an equitable distribution Rabbi Azriel explains, "There are many beautiful ; of services in the city. With the help of a first-time passages that call people to action in'Judaism. grant from the Jewish Fund'for Justice, tiie group, 'Hate evil and love what is good. Let justice well up will continue organizing leaders from its'33 churchas waters and righteousness as a mighty stream,1 es and Temple Israel. OTOC members will focus on from Isaiah, is one of my favorites. By Increasing building support for a vote on their proposed rental our activism in the community, by challenging con- income ordinance in the city, council, organizing ditions that keep people poor, we are making low-wage Mexican workers in meat packing plants. Judaism more relevant to our lives. to fight for better working conditions, and holding "Throughout history, Jews have never lived in a another major meeting with candidates running for vacuum. We have always felt a need to be involved the mayoral seat. in the world. The trick is to do this without forgetOTOC is part of a growing list of programs acrbss ting who we are." the country supported by the Jewish Fund for When Omaha Together One Community first Justice. Last month, JFJ announced it will renew approached Rabbi Azriel and Temple Israel four OTOC's grant of $18,500. The grant was made with, years ago, it seemed that the two groups would be a monies JFJ recently received from the Open perfect match. OTOC, founded on a model of com- Society Institute (OSI), the foundation headed by munity organizing that develops leadership financier George Soros. In December, JFJ anthrough religious based institutions to first identify nounced a $1.3 million gift from OSI. problems in the community, and then garner enough power to solve them, was very interested in having a synagogue participate in its-vyork,., ,y< NEW MANAGEMENT ,' "By involving more than Christian denominations Lunch: M-F, 11-2; in our organization, OTOC shows a commitment to Dinner: M-Tti, 5-9:30; Fri.-Snl, 5-10 real religious diversity," stated Tom Holler, a lead Clated Sunday organizer with the project. He continued^ "Having 3023Famam 346-4410
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"OSI's institutional support will enable the Jewish Fund for Justice to mount an ambitious effort to broaden our base of supporters," said Ronna Stamm, President of the Fund. "The $1 million for . grantmaking will enable us to vastly increase the amount of money awarded to grassroots organizations working to change the conditions that perpetuate poverty, as well as to increase the average size " of our grants," she added. "In addition, OSI's support will dramatically,, increase awareness of the role that JFJV grantmaking plays in transforming low-inccnne <cominu-2 nities," Stamm said. Today there is a core group of 25 active'b members from Temple,Israel. They attend;r^gj meetings, carry out community research, and even' broker meetings with influential people in the community. When OTOC members initiated its campaign to pass an ordinance that would regulate local rental property-especially in poor neighbor-! hoods-members of Temple Israel whp own real estate met with other landlords, to urge their sup- : port for the ordinance and to encourage voluntary compliance with the proposed regulations.' v • Jewish OTOC members regularly attend leader- j ship training sessions conducted by the IAFpnY ; community organizing. Five of them traveledjto|! Texas last summer, to participate in a 10-day lAF^ ] national leaders training. ' '.•!•'. .'
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dsj Irict Greek, Italian & LebaneseImported Groceries ^ Olives & Olive Oil;; Feta & Kassari Cheese, Peta & flat ' Bread; Falafel Mix & Tihlni; Greek & Turkish Coffee; Halva, Jams & Molasses; Couscous, Lentils, Wheats, Nuts, Seeds, Above all, a large Variety of Fresh Spices
(402) 390-0120 • Open; Mon-Sat 10:00 AM-8:00 PM 3025 South 83rd Plaza, Omaha, NE 68124 GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE
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