March 6, 1998

Celebrating More Than 75 Years of Service VoLLXXV

No. 24

8Adar,5758

March 6,1938

JSS to offer

for .support tor child eare_plan by Daniel Kurtzman

• For the first time, Jewish Senior Services (JSS) will, take orders for. individual servings of soup and desserts, as well as main courses, for Passover. ; These items, priced .from $2 to $10 per serving, will be available for pick-up on Friday, April 10, at 5 p.m., just in time for the first and second : seders. Sundown on April 10 is 7:41 p.m. According to Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of JSS, "While the weekly take-out meals did not maintain its momentum, there has been a J strong demand for meals for Passover.';•.;/ ' "As more and more women enter the work force, fewer have the time to prepare elaborate meals for this special holiday," she added. "JSS is offering this convenience for the women of our community. On the menu for take-out are the following items: matzo ball soup, beef noodle soup, each priced at $2 per serving; cake with strawberries, fruit with macaroons, each priced at $2.50 per serving; and two different main entries: baked chicken with dressing and carrots, or brisket with tzimmes and brussel sprouts, each priced at $10 per serving. The Rose Blumkin Jewish, Home will also sponsor two seders: Friday, April 10, and Saturday, April 11. Cost is $12.50 each. The menu for. the first seder includes'matzo ball • spup^ baked orange chicken, dressing, carrots, cake and strawberries; for the second seder: beef hoodie soup, brisket with tzimmes, brussel sprouts, fruit compote and macaroons, • Orders must be placed by April 3. ; .-' Checks, payable to the Rose Blumkiri Home, can be sent with the order to: Lenora Lancaster, RBJH, 323 S. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154. For more information, call 334-6511. , . .

Zimbalista plays to standing-room-only crowd

After playing to more than 3000 Omaha-area students, Chen Zimbalista and his percussion group filled the JCC theater Saturday night The four Israelis, touring the Midwest as port of the MidEastWest Festival, use more than 40 instruments, including marimba, vibraphone, xylophone, drums, beads, piano, tambourine and cymbals. Above, drummer Gilad Dobrccky, greets musicians Alan Josepheon , Julie TenBroeck and Glenn Wigodsky, members of Westside High School's jazz band. Zimbolista's new CD will be in Omaha stores this month. The performance was sponsored by the Nebraska Arts'Council and the JCAC.

P r e s i d e n t Bill Clinton g r e e t s NCJW National Vice-president Jan Schnevdennan, leftra*-the conclusioBuof his.speech.. The group also hear^from "Special Middle East Coordinator Dennis; R o s s and .honored child d e v e l o p m e n t .specialist T. Berry Brazelton, M.D. and Kate Michelman, president of t h e National Abortion .and Reproductive Rights Action League. Certifi-

c a t e s of R e c o g n i t i o n w e r e p r e s e n t e d to Sheila Wellstone, wife' of Sen. Paul Wellstone (D»MN), for n e r w o r k i o prevention otdomis.-". tic violence and Bill Lann Lee, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Bights, among o t h e r s . Also p i c t u r e d a r e Barbara Zuckcrburg, NCJW N a t i o n a l A s s i s t a n t Treasurer; and Marilyn Flanzbaum and Deedee Ostfeld, National Vice-presidents.

WASHINGTON, D.C. (JTA) - Twenty-Five years support legislation aimed at improving the quality after the National Council on Jewish Women of child care. issued a landmark study exposing the child-care They also lobbied members of Congress to oppose crisis in America, President Clinton turned to the school voucher initiatives and. support continued group last week in his effort to build support for funding for international family planning prohis child care initiative and.broader educational grams - the group's two other priority issues this goals. year. -.•'.• , In his first personal appearance before a Jewish A number of different child care bills introduced convention since his second: term.began, Clinton by both Republicans and Democrats are pending in, praised the group's work in promoting these issues; -—Congress. • While many Jewish groups seek'the president's "We know child care i s needed now more than presence, such appearances are rare. Clinton's ever and w e remind those on Capitol Hill who sugdecision to speak in front of the women's activist g e s t that women should stay home that unfortuorganization was seen at least in part as an effort nately many parents do not have that choice," said to recognize the pioneering Svork the 90,000-mem- Nan Rich of Westin; F L . , N a t i o n a l President of ber NCJW has done in placing the child care issue NGJW.."Most:women work outside the home'out of on the nation's radar, . ; ' , . economicriecessity-'' In fact, not much has changed since NCJW - an In wide-ranging remarks that touched on Iraq advocacy and educational group that focuses most- and campaign finance reform, Clinton also highly on issues related to women, children and fami- lighted toe success of an NCJW brainchild, a prol i e s - issued its report, "Windows on Daycare." gram called HIPPY --• Home Instruction Program Many of the same findings apply, today: an acute for Preschool Youngsters. "• / . •..-'. shortage of care, a high turnover among coregivers, Developed i n 1969 b y . N C J W s research arm at poor training, inadequate licensing, low reimburse- the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, the program ment rates in some states and an overall lack of was designed to help parents with limited formal quality. • . ,';;,:• . schooling provide education enrichment for their ; While decrying the poor educational showing of preschool children. . " ••"• Amorican high school students in math and science In 1986, Hillary Clintoninvited Rich to Arkansas and the failures of adults responsible for educating to talk to her and jtheri-goyernor Clinton about the the.ii, Clinton, in his speech, emphasized the program, and Arkansas soon became the first state importance, of starting "with the basics" in areas to implement it. It has since expanded to 26 states, such as child care.

4- V . •

•.'•;:,•'

• .— ' > • ' • /

"There are still too many kids that don't get off to the start they need," Clinton said at NCJW's Washington Institute, which the group holds for activists every three years. . •'•.'..•. • .; Child care is one of the core issues on the group's agenda for the. coming year. The* inore than 700 Jewish activists'from across the country fanned out across Capitol Hill last week to urge lawmakers to •

serving more than 13,000 families, '. .' /.,'••>, "If every child could be in that kind of program;'it/ would do as much to strengthen families and t h e , later success of children who are otherwise at risk as anything w e could do," Clinton said. Clinton also reiterated the proposal h e unveiled earlier this year for spending'$21.7 billion on child care programs over five years to improve the afford...•"•;. ( C o n t i n u e d o n p a g e 12)

Page 2 . ..... Jewish Press, Omaha, NE —Nobody'i Closer

March 6,1998

Than...

by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

7

Parashat Tezaweh Shabbat Zakhor An Immodest Proposal •- "Purim Torah"

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1 '39 Forever a social organization for individuals and couples over 40, announces the following events: March: Purim Potluck May: Visit the Omaha Botanical Gardens June: Picnic at Clialco Hills July: Attend a concert in Brownsville Sept: Tour of Grampa's Farm To join, call Maxine Noodell, 403-7483 <>r Alan Ostravich, 431-9144

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 C Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. i. I Kid's Lunch & Learn, noon, at Beth El P Beth El Fellowship Shabbat, 8 p.m., at Beth El SATURDAY; MARCH 7 & March of the Living Simulation, 7 p.m. _ BESTT 3rd Grade Consecration, 8 pjn., at Beth El ? . . ....,,. .. SUNDAY.MARCH8 Temple Israel Men's Club Brunch, 10. a.m., at Temple v Israel Preparatory Class, 1 p.m. E Beth El ClUb34 program, 12:15 p.m.,at BethEl International Women's Day, 3 p.m. Temple Israel Community Deli Night, 5 p.m., at Temple Israel MONDAY, MARCH 3 YES Program, 9:30 am, BoyScoiits; 7 p.m. • • Drivers Ed. Class, 6 p m Spring Jewish Learning Forums, 7 30 p m BESTT.P.arent/Teacher Conferences, K-8, 7 p m , at Beth El" TUESDAY, MARCH 10 Beth Israel Sisterhood Board Meeting & Luncheon, 10:30 a m , at Beth Israel , Temple Israel Torah on Wheels, noon Adult Lunch & Learn, noon, at Beth El .Drivers Ed.Class, 6 p m CDCC Meeting, 7 pm. Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7 15 p m . -: atBeth'El p L

,-.....

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Jonathan Swift will forgive my (mis)usejof the brilliant title to his brilliant essay, for 1," too, address a serious problem. Recently, I suggested to a group to which I was speaking to reread the "Song of Deborah" (Judges 5) in the Bible and the story of Judith in the Apocrypha. (Some thought, alas, that "Judith" must be a current best-seller, what with the suggestion of seduction as one of its features.) All of this comes to mind with the concurrence of Purim and the increasing demands from Washington biggies that we ought simply to break in there and get Saddam Hussein once and for all. Esther didn't have to use violence to get a t Haman. Jael did use violence against Sisera in the Deborah story, after the decisive Battle of Megiddo. Nor did Esther use feminine wiles, as Judith did with Holofernes. But Esther's victory over Haman won her a place in the Bible. Indeed, she is the only woman whose name is the title of an entire (small) Biblical book. The Bible is not averse to recognizing violence as a means to produce good ends. Jael is accorded a whole verse of praise in Deborah's poem, "Blessed among women is Jael, wife of Heber the Kenite." Why? Because she splattered the brains of Sisera, the Canaanite general, with a hammer-blow on a tent-pin held to his sleeping head. Pretty? No. Effective? Yes. And in the. blatantly non-historical, fictitious Book of Judith, in the Apocrypha, the beautiful widow Judith did what the armies of Israel could not do, raise the siege of Bethulia: She conquered the "Assyrian" Nebuchadnezzar. Putting off her widow's weeds, she attired herself in her finery and jewelry and made her way into the Assyrian camp. She told the guards that she knew how to destroy Bethulia. and t h a t she would tell Holofernes, the commanding' officer. Three'days : later, after jefusing to eat his food, which was not kosher (!), Ifie emerged carrying Holofernes' head in her hand. . . and Bethulia was saved. "Oh, daughter," they said of her, "You are blessed by the Most High Gojl above all women on earth." Now my immodest proposal. I tried it out on a group of elderly Jews. They nixed it: "Immoral!" But whav,do you think? If Esther and Jael and Judith merit the praise of Scripture itself, how about a nice Jewish girl coming forward and doing what must be done? Whom is she after? Saddam Hussein, of course! She would have to offer Hussein something he couldn't refuse : -•the destruction, of Israel and; the Hojise, of Israel. . She would, be.'able to"do what.:(rained', assassins \ h'ave been unable to ddrWhere is the woman? Is it j worth her virtue? Possibly her life? But if she succeeds, not only Israel, but all of Hussein's enemies in the Arab world, and the U.S.A., and the U.N., and indeed all the world, and • the starving Iraqi people will praise her, "Blessed among women..." How does my immodest (indecent?) proposal grab you? If yes, let's follow the Book of Esther and start a beauty contest.

DR. BARNEY KADIS - Services for Dr. Kadis were held Feb. 27 at Beth El Cemetery. He died at the age of 70. Survivors include a sister, Ethel Goldston of Omaha; nephews, Scott Woskoff of Milwaukee and Marc Goldston of Hawaii; nieces, Sheila Polikov of Omaha and Wendy Woskoff of Tucson; and grand-nephews. Memorials to UNMC, the Rose Blumkin Home or Beth El Synagogue.

VALETTA MARIE KOSOFSKY Services for Valetta Kosofsky of Fremont, a member of Beth Israel Synagogue, were held Feb. 24 at Mt. Sinai Cemetery. She was 73. She was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Janovpc, and a brother, Norman Hoffman. Survivors include her husband, Alec; daughter, Linda Causey of Glendora, CA; son and daughterin-law, Michael and Susan Kosofsky of Chino Hills, CA; granddaughters, Aubrey and Amber Causey of Glendora; sisters, Malinda Jensen of Omaha, Mrs. Jerald (Ruth) Holtorf of Cedar Bluffs and Mrs. Martin (Juanita) Shanahan of Wahoo; sister-inlaw, Elfrieda Hoffman of Cedar Bluffs; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorials to the Alzheimers Assoc, American Cancer Society or favorite charity. BESS LIPSEY STEINBERG Services for Bess Steinberg were held March 5 at Fisher Farm Cemetery in Omaha. She died March 1 in Los Angeles. She was preceded in death by her husband, Sam J. Steinberg, and a son, Leonard Stoller. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Lorrie and Sheldon .Bernstein of Omaha and Beverly and Dr. Robert Pofcher of Sherman Oaks, CA; grandchildren, Nikki and Samantha Grosso of Montecito, CA, Sunni Epstein of San Rafael, CA, Maureen Rosen of Portland, OR, Ellen Pofcher of Clayton, CA, Linda Newstatt of Beverly Hills, Andrea Schwarck and Larry Stoller, both of Spirit Lake, IA; sister, Lillian Feldman of Laguna Beach, CA; and nine great-grandchildren. Longtime residents of Omaha, Mrs. Steinberg and her husband owned the Owl Supermarket in South Omaha. Memorials to the Lorrie and Sheldon Bernstein Endowment Fund for the Rose Blumkin Home. BEVERLY HURWICH HOFFMAN Beverly Hoffman, formerly of Omaha, died Feb. 20 in Overland Park, KS. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert. Survivors include daughters and sons-in-law, Susan and Bruce Winston of Overland Park and Elaine and Jim Brune of St. Louis; sister and brother-in-law, Sylvia and Sol Schwartz of Omaha;: brother and sister-in-law, Melyin and Leah Hurwich of Columbia, MO; and, two grandchildren. Memorials to Beth Ipl Synagogue,;

Conference on Feminism and Orthodoxy held in Manhattan

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11

Hadassah Board Meeting, 10 30 ajn , Livingston Plaza Temple Israel Purim Box Dinner & Service, 6 pm., at Teiijpie Israel Beth El Congregational MepUah Reading/Social. • 7:30 p.m;. at Beth El THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. „ YJO/Chabad Purim Party, 6 p.m. USY Night/Purim Party, 6 30 p m., at Beth El v p NCSY Purim Sovdah, 5:30 pm., at Beth Israd All avanti hold at th« JCC unlaaa olhen>l»» Indlcatad Th« Jaalsh Prm la net responslbto tar tha cccuraqr et th» above evaita. Tateep taiuutar sccunta or far quastloM, cat) Uaifena

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NCSY to host Purim Seudah A juggler, mime, storyteller and general clowning around will be part of a Purim Seudah/Bash hosted by the national Council of Synagogue Youth (NCSY). The event, open to the community, is Thursday, March 12, 6:30-7:30 p.m., a t Beth Israel Synagogue. ' ', '•' Rita Paskowitz and Ozzie Nogg, local storytellers, will spin their tales for the youth, who can attend free of charge. Cost for adults (over 18) is $6; dinner is included. For reservations, call Beth Israel at 556-6288.

NEW YORK--A participant at the 2nd International. Conference on Feminism and Orthodoxy dons teffilin, phylacteries, daring a morning worship session. The two*day meeting held in Manhattan explored such subjects as the organization of women's prayer groups, .the possible ordination of Orthodox'women as rabbis end the plight of the agunot, women divorced under civil law .whose husbands refuse to give them a religious divorce. Some 2,200 observant women and men, twice as many as expected, attended. Speakers and panelists included a number of prominent Orthodox rabbis. Photo by Joan Roth

March 6,1998

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageS

CANDLELIGHTING: 6:02 p.m. BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

TEMPLE ISRAEL

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

Member of the. Union o f American Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, ME 68132 S56-6536

Member of the Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St, Omaha, NE 68104 5564288

FRIDAY: 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. Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Hazzan Contzius will officiate, along with members of the Temple Youth Group. Rita Paskowitz, Resettlement Acculturation Coordinator, will speak about freedom. The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by the Temple Sisterhood. SITTER SERVICE Sitter service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Please make a reservation through the Temple office so we may plan accordingly. Cost is $2 per family if reservations are made prior to Friday. Drop-ins will be $3 per family. Sorry, there are no facilities for infants. SATURDAY: Shabbat morning service, lfcSO aan. Simcha B'Shabbat—An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. SUNDAY: Morning Chapel Prayer service, 9:15 aan.: ThiB service gives members of the congregation an additional opportunity to pray and recite Kaddish. Men's Club brunch, 10 aan* in the Milder Center. Dr. Jeffrey Passer will discuss anti-aging medicine. Traditional lox arid bagels will be served. Cost is $3 for non-members. Annual New York Temple Deli Night, sponsored by Temple Israel's Men's Club and Sisterhood; there will be two seatings, 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; take-out orders will be available. . .

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, 6:05 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People's Service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30a.m. Kiddush sponsored by Mr. and Mrs. Leon Shrago in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Shoshy. Chumash class with Rabbi Kutner, 5:25 p.m.; Mincha, 5:55 p.m;, followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services at 9 aan. and 6:10 pan. 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: Mincha, 6:05 pan., followed by Ma'ariv and Megillah reading at 7 pan.; Ice cream social following services. For those observing the fast, a light dairy supper will be available for $3 per person. Call for reservations. THURSDAY: Morning service, 7 a.m.; Megillah reading, 7:30 a.m.; late reading, 11 aan.; Purim Seudah, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with clowns, mimes, jugglers, story tellers and a meal. Cost is $6 per person for adults. No charge for those under, 18. Call for reservations

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CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN

: ; v " ;

"" be held Tuesday Torah on Wheels (TOW) will from noon-l:15 p.m., in the Milder Center at Temple Israel. Reservations are required. Call the Temple office, 656-6536. ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, March 11: Adult B'nai Mitzvah class; 10 aan. to noon. THURSDAY, March 12: Sisterhood Adult Education: 930-10:30 aan., Hazzan Erik Contzius will teach "The World of Jewish Music;" 10:30-11:30 a.m., Rabbi Debbie Stiel will teach "Talmud for Beginners;" 7:30-8:30 p.m., Beyond Midrash, led by Don Schwartz. PURIM BOX DINNER Wednesday, March 11,6 pan.: The entire family is invited to create your own masks and enjoy a box dinner together, followed by Reading of the Megillah at 7 p.m. Make reservations with the Temple office, 556-6536. PURIM CARNIVAL Sunday, March 15, noon-2 pan.: Tickets will be sold at the door. Sponsored by the Temple Youth Group, the Carnival is open to the community.

SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union ^, of American Hebrew Congregations . 20G1J3.20th S t , Linco)n, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 .

Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. TUESDAY: AdultEducation, 7:30 pan. THURSDAY: Choir Practice; 7:30 pan. FRTOAY: Shabbat services, 7:45 pan. SATURDAY: Torah study, 10 aaa. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m.; Temple Youth Group (first and third Sundays), noon.

CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of the Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 11923 Pacific, Omaha, NE 68144 Phone: 697-1124' E-MAJOL-chabad@aol.com

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat services, 7:30 p.m., at 3012 S. 119th St. in Omaha. SUNDAY: Religious School and board meeting at the Jewish Community Center, 10 aan.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services. Mesibos Shabbps, fun for kids, led by Chaya Arnold and Henchi Goldstein, 3:30-5 pan. . WEDNESDAY:MtzvahMunchMns class, lOanvnoon THURSDAY: Tahnud Class, noon.

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ROSE BLUMiCIN JEWISH HOME ,

SATURDAY: -'' • • •• '• •• ' S h a b b a t services,-led b y Harold"' Gottlieb, 9 a.m.Kiddush will follow.' '-*"- • ' •'• '•'• - :

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.

.

TIFERETH ISRAEL

• Member of the United Synagogue. of Conservative Judaism ' -; ,, 3210 Sheridan BJvd,, LincoJn,.NE 68502.. •; .'-; !...-%• i. 423-8569.; ,»;,:. , i.t! .'.' 1

618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 822-4705 E-MAIL: docjeb@juno.com

Services are conducted by Rabbi Stanley,Ml Rosenbaum. '! i Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 a.m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m,, SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Lunch and Learn with Ruth Goldenberg, 20th Century "Women of

FRD3AY: No services.

Valor."

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE.

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Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9,a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m.; Fellowship Shabbat, 8 p.m.,with guest speaker Jane Batt, Executive Director of the National Conference of Christians and Jews. A reception will follow services. There will be a tour of the building at 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS (Torah Siddur Skills), 10 aan.; Shabbat Story Time,firstand third Saturday, 11 am; K'tantan, second and fourth Saturday, 11 aan.; Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah, 6:10 pan. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. LUNCH AND LEARN: Tuesday, noon, at Pastime's, 76th & Cass. Rabbi Drazen will speak on "Lying." Reservations, call Beth El, 492-8550. PURIM: Wednesday, 7:30 pjn.-Congregational Megillah reading, followed by a Purim Social; Thursday, 6:15 a.m.-Megillah reading; Sunday, March 15,11:15 a.m.-USY Carnival.

Bat ft/litzvah Samnntha Friedman, daughter of Howard and N^ Sandee Friedman, will celf. ** / \ ebrate her Bat. Mitzvah Saturday, March 14, at ; , \ Temple Israel. ' \ A seventh-grade stu• ', dent, she enjoys water \\sports, especially skiing. *' and fishing, and attends v"''0amp Shwayder lii-Colo- •_ , • rado' in-the summer. As .' .' Impart of the preparation " , 5for her Bat Mitzvah,.she J has been collecting shoes for area shelters. •.;.. Samantha has a sister, Emily. ; . .. . Grandparents are Willard and Tham Friedman arid Bernie and Esther Bogdanoff. Great-grandfathers are Harry Noodell and Isadore BogdanofF. ,.,

Passing on Jewish identity

BEYT SHALOM An Affiliate of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation P.O. Bos 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http://pwl.netcoin.com/~salmim

Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaism 14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 WEB--http://omahafreenet.org/bethel

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Dru Greenwood of the Union of American ' .Hebrew Congregations' r Outreach Commission spoke at Temple Israel last week on Jewish identity and how to ensure that it will be \ passed on to the next generation. More than 60 people • attended Sunday's work: shop, where participants were asked individually to.': rank 10 values -of Judaism and then nego-. Dru Greenwood tiate with members of their small groups. Greenwood noted thai ,|s only a beginning in our discussionsa.t>out our connection to Gd and our covenant, as, Jews,'

j

PERSONAL

ASM-N*

Sificere thanks to-rnV;'dear ffipnds and relatives for their cards, c4)|.s/gi|ts%rfd^l(|i'atlon)r^Juring my recent hospitafization;-'Spec1aNriariks toiihe staff of the Jewish fyess-and Jetw{sh.,eornrnuni^/Qenter1 arid to RabblDrazeri any Cantor Berkovits'for'their prayers and;Visits.: •: ;--;. ,f; r;::iv,.vi;l George Schapiro

Jewish Press, Omaha, NB

Mareji ©> 1883 •

Why women are agents of change ' Our Jewish tradition shows, time and time again, that women are often the motivating force behind change. Starting in the Garden of Eden, when Eve first tasted the fruit from, the tree of knowledge and sent otir forebears out into the world, women have taken risks for the betterment of the Jewish people. The upcoming holiday of Purim, celebrated Wednesday night and Thursday, is another example of a woman taking matters into her own hands. Though G-d's name is never mentioned in this story, the rabbis teach us that "His Face is hidden." That acknowledgement to Esther's face, hidden behind a veil until the time was right, to show her beauty (and her strength), brings to mind the power of G-d women have within them. Several weeks ago, the second annual conference on Orthodoxy and Feminism took place in New York. Last year, the organizers expected 600, and 1,400 registered; this year, they anticipated a crowd of 1,400; instead, 2,200 came. Few rabbis

bis and even more men attended. Discussions were held on a wide range of topics, from agunah (women whose husbands will not grant a get, or'Jewish divorce) to women's prayer groups, and from mikveh (the "ritual bath) to, yes.t. rabbinic ordination of women! While this is not new in Reform and Conservative settings, the fact that these topics are even being discussed in the Orthodox world is revolutionary. An Israeli observer, attending the conference to

write an article for a magazine in Israel, noted that i£ change is going to occur within the Orthodox Rabbinate in Israel with regard to conversion and other personal status issues, it -will come because of the persuasion of powerful Jewish women.. .not through the fighting among men. As we celebrate Purim this week, let us all pray that, once again, women will be the agents of change within Judaism and bring peace and unity to all our people.

Letters to the Editor To the Editor: I am writing to thank T h e J e w i s h P r e s s of Omaha for its generous contribution to New Voices. Each month in dorm rooms and student centers at 250 campuses throughout North America, students gain a lively Jewish perspective on a cornucopia of issues including politics, current events, inter-group relations, Israel, music, arts, college life, books and sports by reading New Voices. With the help of your gift, JSPS will continue to provide this important continental venue for aspiring young Jewish writers and journalists to hone their skills. If you know of others who you think would benefit from reading this publication or might like a subscription, please send me their addresses and I will send them a complimentary copy. . At times it is difficult to remember that there are people out there who support independent student groups like the Jewish Student Press Service and New Voices magazine. Your contribution is an encpur: aging reminder. Thanks again for your support . Mik Moore, National Director, J S P S -•"•''.•'. Editor, Neu; Voices

A new look at Purim in Israel Carl Alpert

Haifa -Whatever may be the historical origins, and whatever may bd the observance of the day in the synagogues, for the public at large here, Purim is a holiday of costumes for children. For weeks in advance, stores have offered a wide' variety of costumes and masks, selling anywhere from 50 to 200 shekels. Creative mothers have long been at'their sewing machines, seeking to produce novel dress which will bear the envious scrutiny of others in the traditional Purim day morning promenade on the sidewalks of the main cities and

To the Editor: ; ;/ . t o w n s . ' • ' • • . ' . . . • '• •-•• •>•••'-'• In last week's paper, you printed an excellent And the costumes? Rare indeed these days is the - reply to Ms. Kohll, but it,missed one important traditional Queen Esther. Predominant this year point, the difference: between Pro-Choice and < Pro-. are the colorful and unique dress copies from popus Abortion. Ms. Kohll assumes, like, most of the Antilar television programs, like Spiderman, Power ; Choice people; ihafPro-Choice 'is the- same as Pro-". Rangers;' paMatians, creatures from • outer space, .. Abortion. It isn't..,. , . ; ; . : ' li,.,,^, ; \^ ! '. V ~ '.'.-'. .''-^-7. oreyen ^ pcc'asionalj'doye of peace.v : - i - ' "Vv-*^ Anti-Choice people want pregnancy enforced by General advice on the masquerades has concenlaw. The opposite of this is abortion enforced by trated on safety precautions. The materials should law, as in China. . be fireproof. . .Children should be able to breathe Pro-Choice is in-between these two extremes, and behind their masks and have good peripheral : allows for the woman's choice to have the baby and vision. Parents are advised not to dress their keep it; have the baby and give it up for adoption, youngsters as Arafat or any other Arabs. The SX to have an abortion and then have children security problem may make this dangerous. when she can better raise them to mature adults. There are even rabbinical decrees on the subject. ':/ i :BrarCfioice is a perfect example of our country'sThus, boys of Sephardic descent areforbiddento dress principle of separation of Church and State, which up as women. It is permissible for Ashkenazi boys, . • ' principle .was learned from correct examples of the , 'A ban has been placed on the use of firecrackers, misery and corruption as existed when Church and • wliich in recent years have caused serious acciState were combined! Arthur Dutky dents. Some kids had even taken to exploding giant' crackers within the synagogues every time i-P.S.-Anti-Choice people would do well to read Hainan's name was mentioned. Voltaire and Diderot on the excesses of the Church It has been observed that Purim is a most unusuthat led to the Dark Ages and the Inquisitions. al festival. It is the only Jewish holiday in which Luckily our Founding Fathers were intimately we feature the villain who wanted to destroy us, acquainted with them. and have established-^ popular memorial in his !

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) Tho role of tho Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jows in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. ' Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Itelation.i, Jewish - Community Conter, Jewish Education and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, JewiBh Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (USPS 27G620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendnr yenr U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Periodical postage paid nt Omahu, NK, POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Tho Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Oinnhii. UK 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; 12-mnil <gshprcsti@nol.com>

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honor by naming the holiday's food delicacy after h i m — H a m a n t a s h e r i . '•'•

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In Hebrew they are called Ozhay'Haman, Hainan's ears. Most popular fillings are' poppy seeds or dried fruits. Why? One tradition has it that when Queen Esther moved into the king's palace she-became a vegetarian so as to avoid eating non kosher food. ••"-'• • •. i . The tale has taken many twists. One-version has it that King Ahasueros was told that in response to his call, the maidens awaited without. "WithoutwKMr he asked. y : . .. .' "Without food or clothing," he was told. "Well, then," he responded, "feed them and send them in!" . On a serious note, who was Ahasueros? He is better known in history as Xerxes; who reigned in Persia from 485-464,B.C.E. r ...'...... It is not known if the Jews who still reside in Persia (Iran of today) observe Purim openly. The Persians are sensitive to the aspersions cast on them in the Megilla, and one report has it that the Ayatollah has authorized the formation of a terror group to be known as the Megilla guerrillas. But back to Israel. Excessive drinking IB permitted, even traditionally encouraged on Purim-to the point that that one iB too inebriated to know the difference between blessed is Mordecai and cursed is Hainan. Red Magen David units and health clinics in Jerusalem are once again this year, as in the past, alerted to expect numbers of yeshiva students who imbibe too freely and are hurt, or suffer painful after effects. And now for the Purim morning promenade. Alas, the odds, based on annual statistics, are that it will rain on that morning. JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE

Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanio Jacobson, Secretary; Elycc Azriel; Jill Delmont; Hob Birt; Steve Danon; Bob Eisenberg; Linda Lnchin; Shoryl Lee; George Schapiro; Howard Silber, Editorials express tho view of the wriUr 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 PressJB not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment,-

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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A new Jewish peace initiative by Rabbi Ron Price, Executive Vice-presidertt, Union for1 Tradltlbrtal Judaism f

For the past year, the North American Jewish community has focused much of its energy on Israel. The various movements, the rabbinate in Israel, as well as Israeli politicians, .have-been threatening and cajoling the government to make law that best suits their organizational or political interests. The Neeman commission was the hope for compromise—and with the rejection of its report by the Israeli chief-rabbinate, that hope has diminished. Rather than being a calamity, this should be the wake-up call for the Diaspora Jewish community. The Neeman commission's recommendations may not yet be workable in Israel, but they may provide a model for us here. It is time to organize Jewish religious life in America. The attempt has to be made not on the local level, as in the "Denver Plan" of 12 years ago, but on the national level. It will not be a simple or painless process, but if each Jewish movement in America can contribute a bit of its sovereignty to the effort, it could happen. And if the Diaspora community creates a normalization of process for matters of personal status (conversion, divorce, etc.), it would then stand as a positive model for Israel. We must first admit that rather than religious pluralism in America today, we have anarchy. On one hand, we have the increased unwillingness of Halakhic rabbinic courts to perform conversions altogether, coupled with the increasing willingness of the right wing to redline 90% of the Jewish community. On the other hand, we have the Reform movement doing away with the necessity of conversion altogether through the acceptance of patrilineal descent. In between, there are freelance courts that rise up like the grass and then disappear, leaving hosts of invalid or at least questionable conversions and divorces in their wake. Hearts and lives are broken as rejection and counter-rejection ensue and bitterness divides us further. After acknowledging the problem, the next step is to create an entity to deal with issues of personal status. Echoing the intent of the Neeman.committee, which noted a long line of Halakhic authorities who were generally welcoming to converts, this new entity would be traditionally Halakhic, but liberal in its interpretation of the qualifications for a convert to enter a conversion program; . Every acceptance or rejection would be justified

on the basis of Jewish law, but the process would tions and individuals could be enlisted to create a unite rabbis and community, rather than dividing pool of resources.that, would;be used as,incentives along movement lines. All conversions would for, the. movements and institutions which pledge include brit milah (ritual circumcision) hatdfdt themselves to use and support the North American dam berit (for an already circumcised male), beit din/clearinghouse,! Ultimately, $his c.ould immersion in a kosher mikveh and kabbal'at ol become a sine qua mm for assessing communal hamitzvot (acceptance of the need to observe the resources, much as support of the Jerusalem plan c o m m a n d m e n t s ) . .•••'...<.'.•.•• „.-.• ••••;•••. is required of all. members of the World Zionist Organization. .;|;-, ' Finally, the broadest possible segment of the Assuming success in gathering Jewish community must, come to support and use together qualified individuals this 6e£< din/clearinghouse. Funds would have to be to serve as part of this newallocated to make sure that the community at large entity, we still face the dauntis aware of the existence; iarid accessibility of the ing task of convincing leaders North American beit din/clearinghouse. •'-. ..,.'; and laymen alike that it is The Union for Traditional Judaism is committing worth relinquishing some turf itself fully to this peace initiative. We will shortly in order to begin the process of be issuing invitations to representatives of all of the major movements and organizations to meet on normalizing procedures for the neutral ground of our institution to discuss the matters of personal status. Like need for and details of this proposal. nations, most institutions do For the sake of future generations of Jews, we not lightly withdraw from must set aside our^cynicism and our weariness and spheres of influence unless it is commit to a new Jewish unity that will come out of Somehow in their interest. institutional compromise made with integrity.The scholarly houses of Hillel and Shammai of In the case of the national beit dira/clearinghouse, the Talmudic period had deep disputes with one agreement by the liberal movements to accept the another. But ultimately, it was agreed that, at least process followed by this new institution would open until the coming of the Messiah, normative Jewish the door for traditionalists to recognize and respect behavior would be in accordance with beit Hillel. the value of the non-Halakhic movements. There The disciples of Shammai, although they believed would no longer be a legitimate fear that in so doing themselves to be right, and the disciples of Hillel, they are tacitly accepting non-halakhic practice. who believed their positions to be correct, none-theIn turn, the liberal movements would no longer less all were willing to marry' one another and live be subject to the increasing lineal interrogation as one community. It is not yet too late for us to fol•:••"••.• -M, necessary today before a Jewish wedding can take low their model. place within the traditional community. The trade-off is simple. Each side relinquishes its UPCOMING EVENTS right to function in a vacuum without regard to March 9, 7:30-9 p.m., JCC auditorium: The' other groups or movements, and in return future first of Four Great Monday Night Forums..Topic; generations of Jews will find it easier to marry one will be "Adultery and Divorce," by Rabbi Howard another and maintain Jewish life. — Kutrier, Beth Israel'Synagogue.'Free arid open to. , The creation of this new body would give us the the public: Call Glpriann: Levy, 334-6403.' '' ' / opportunity.to.talce;a<fre8h; look a t other issues of personal status as well, in particular gittgi (Jewish March 12,6:30-9 p.m., JCC auditorium: YJO divorce) and the problem oiagunot (wojnen unable and Chabad House Purirri Party for agesgO^O. For reservations; call Sharon Kirshenbaurh.at: to procure &get and thus unable to remarry). ; 3 3 4 - 6 4 8 5 . -'• '•'"• '•'•' ' ••-'••• ••• ••'•'•'• •;<••->:;: ' There should also be material rewards for those institutions that come aboard. Federations/founda•

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 6,1998

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Remember Vashti, the first Queen. She wasn't As my daughter stands before me at Purim, dressed in all her finery as Queen Esther, I see just a vain woman who refused to show her blotchy skin by dancing for the King's drunken guests. She three people. I see my delightful and delighted child, wearing a was the granddaughter of Nebuchadnezzar, the long skirt and many necklaces and a fancy veil, evil conqueror of Israel who destroyed the Temple and exiled dreaming the Jews. that she is Now, what the Queen. does that I see this have to do child as a. with Purim? woman; •1 Well, Cygrown, some-, ! rus, the fathone who has er of Ahacome into her. suerus, was own majesty f r i en d1y as a responsitoward the ble adult in Jews. He the Jewish ordered the community, V.~'-~"" ' l-fiz. '-" rebuilding of someone who the Temple will one day and allowed understand the Jews of Jewish surPersia to vival. leave and go The third to Israel. Of person I see the millions is more shadof Jews there, owy, removed only 42,000 by time and went (that's story-telling. another I see Queen Esther her- Photo of Purim Megillah (Scroll of Esther) is from. Austria, 19th 8 t o r y ) self, and I try century, courtesy of the Library of the Jewish Theological the re'buHdto imagine Seminary in New York City. ing of the her saga through her eyes. She is cloaked in mys- Temple proceeded.. tery, although her story is told to us each year in Ahasuerus halted the rebuilding, a decision he apparent detail. made under the influence of two people. One of As often happens with the explanations behind them was Vashti, who urged him.to return to her Jewish holidays, it turns out there is much more to grandfather's policy. The other was Haman, Megillah Esther than meets the eye. Much of what Ahasuerus had not decided to stop the rebuilding we popularly accept as part of the fairy-tale behind until his spies in Israel told him that the Jews Purim isn't exactly so.' Here's a glimpse of what would use a rebuilt Temple as the basis for startelse is there. ing a rebellion against him. Then he brought it to a If you study what the scholars say.(I asked a few stop. Who were the spies? The sons of Haman. people wh'o knbw!and' l'166keW'lhJs:-u'p);:Esilier:was Ah, the plot thickens. This is more than a romance not necessarily a young girl, she was at least thir- about a fast, a dinner party, and a rescue. This is, as ty. Esther was not necessarily physically beautiful, are all our holidays at base, a survival story. but she was possessed of a special calm serenity, a Remember when Esther finally asks the King to wisdom and charm, that drew everyone to her. grant her wish, and he says he will, up to half his Some scholars say that Esther was not even single; kingdom. What does that mean? It means that he that she was Mordechai's wife, illegally abducted will do as she asks, unless it jeopardizes his rule. by the henchmen who sought a bride for the King. What did he believe would jeopardize his rule?.The At the time of Purim, Esther was not - as many Temple. In other words, not knowing that his wife suppose — a newlywed Queen, drawing on novelty is Jewish, the only limit he puts on granting her to make her case to the King. At the time she wish is that she can not ask for the Temple to be thwarted Hainan's evil plot against the Jews, she rebuilt. had been married to Ahasuerus for nine years. But Esther was eventually vindicated on that Many women lived in Ahasuerus' harem, but histo- score as well. When her son, Darius, became king, ry tells us that of all of them, only Esther was he allowed work on the Temple to resume. That granted the powerful privilege of privacy. Given leads us to the other message of Purim: the hidden thatj she could keep Sabbath and she .could keep rWorkings of heaven. 1L .. ,r ; . . ;: kosher, and so she did, because Esther wasn't realDon't wonder — because the name of the ly Esther; she was Hadassah. Almighty is not mentioned in the entire Megillah And, as often happens with Jewish sagas,, the Esther - if perhaps He wasn't there; of course He heart of the matter lies not in Persia, but in was....as He is here, helping me see Esther through Jerusalem. > the learned eyes of the sages, and through the shining eyes of my costumed child. -

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While many Omaha families watched the Super Bowl, excited members of Cub Scout Pack 218 participated in the annual Pinewood Derby. The boys competed in nearly 30 races before the winners were announced: Josh Pilley, Seth Rich and Alex Koval. All participants received ribbons. Pictured at left are: Danny Pachman, Zach Spooner, Joey Kahn and Nathan Wolf.'-Scouts also attended Scout Sabbath at Temple Israel last month. Recipients of awards included David James Clark, Maccabee Award; Nicholas Laudin, Alepfa Award; and Matthew Wayne Ueling, Ner Tamid Award. ;

March 0,1998

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Pulverente

VISIONS MONUMENT CO. Visions Membership Luncheon Meeting is Y.E.8. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English Friday, March 20, 12:30 p.m., at Caniglia's class starts at 10 a.m.; exercise and bingo both Venice Inn. Cost is $7. Steve Roberts, a local artist, tell us how he won the commission to paint the start at Mfc30. Bring articles to share at the "YES will murals in the State Capitol in Lincoln. For reserTalk" discussion group at 11. < vations, mail form by March 13 to Vera Lewis, At noon, the Annual Purim Party will start 5424 Lafayette Ave., Omaha, NE 68132. Make with a Purim Feast. Following lunch, come enjoy checks payable to Jewish Senior Services. 'Residential Mortgage Services, Inc. the Dancing Grannies. Cost is $5 per person (for Discover, the works of impressionist artist Edgar members dressed in costume, coat is $4.). For reser- Degas at the Joslyn AftTSjjiseum on Wednesday, YOUR LOW COST-FULL SERVICE MORTGAGE LENDER • •-•., , vations, call Maggie Conti at 334-6521. For trans- April 29. At noon, dine at the Durham Cafe (lunch • 1 DAY NO COST PRE-AFPROVAL! i ; . . portation, call 330-4272. v "t buffet is on your own). At 1 p.m., a tour with a • NEW CONSTRUCTION -, LONG TERM RATE LOCKS-vynji REPRICING AVAILABLE IF RATEsi GO DOWN! s ' " Sign up early for the WinnaVegas trip on docent will begin. Cost is $3,50. There is no charge Thursday, March 26. For reservations, call ifyouareameinberofJjBsryn. . /'; • : • • MORTGAGES WITH N Q D I S C b U N t POINTS. l • : NO ORIGINAL FEES -NQ.GLOSING COSTS! 1Maggie Conti at 334-6521. For reservations, mail form by April 22 to Jean The Mah Jongg Club will meet Wednesday, Elkon, 1005 N. 63rd St., Omaha, NE 68132. Make • NO-COST T.L.C., A TRU-LOCK COMMITMENT©. ALU»WIN& YOU TO LOCK.A RATE .WHILE YOU ARE SHOPPINp FOR; March 11 in room 5. For more information, call checks payable to Jewish Senior Services. HOME OR LOCKING A RATE WHILE YOU MARKET YOUR HOME TO Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. PROSPECTIVE BUYERS.; . . •• f ' -«-r -.-. { BREADBREAKERS /•'••.. _•' WALK-IN, DROP-IN B'nai B'rith Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday • SPECIAL nRST-TIME HOME BUYER FUNDS. Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English at noon at Highland Country Club. • 1 0 0 % L T V EQUITY UNES OF CREDIT, SECOND MORTGAGES AND 1 0 0 % L T V EQUITY ADVANCES TO BUY YOUR NEW HOME! class starts at 10 a.nx; exercise starts at 10:15, and In honor of Purim, a discussion on "Politically bingo at IOISO. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at Incorrect Views of the Book of Esther," will be led • LOW COST HXED RATE. ADJUSTABLE RATE AND 11^5. At 12:15 pjiL, there will be a documentary on ' by Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Klutznick Professor of BALLOON MORTGAGES! Danny Kaye, and game day following in room 10. CALL GARY NACHMAN Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, and FOR YOUR RESIDENTIAL MORTGAGE NEEDS Susan Drazen, Executive Director of Jewish 333-7900 JEWISH SENIOR SERVICES Educational and Library Services of the We are testing the waters to see how many Federation. . Other Offices: L , Bellevue(292-7900) Lincoln(423-8885) J seniors are interested in hopping aboard this Cost is $7.75 and the public may attend. For opportunity to travel, learn and have fun. more information, call Steve Hi ekes at .492-9800. A trip to the Brandeis-Bardin Institute in : Southern California is scheduled with seniors from RUSSIAN CLUB other JCCs on Monday, Aug. 24-Sunday, Aug. 30. Members will meet Friday, March 13, at the Activities include day-trips to Skirball Museum, JCC. Exercise class starts at 10 aun. in the adult The Museum of Tolerance at the Simon Weisenthal lounge. Come learn about the fun and festive holiCenter, the new Getty Museum, and a tour of day of Purim and have lunch with all the trimJewish Los Angeles. mings. At noon, Barbara Morrison-Bresler, from In addition, there will be classes taught by rabbis, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, will guide professors and Jewish, educators. Approximate cost us through two new exhibits at the JCC. For transwill be $650; and includes kosher meals, double portation, call Lydia linde at 697-9169. occupancy room, day-tours and classes. Air cost will JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL depend on the amount of confirmed reservations. Jewish Women International's annual donor lunFor more information, call Maggie at 334-6521. cheon will be Thursday, March 12, noon, at the rhQmeof.Eosa^e_,<3^ipflsp,a^ w i y . , r v . •; • . . ! i . - > ;••-..••>..•, . L Q j V J & f * - • * ? ! • ' i •»••'•'.? •><<! '.} •'• for the Oma/m Volunteers recently gathered at the home of > Rainbow Rowell, columnist : "^ Steve and Patty Nogg to learn about new plans for World-Herald will speak. '". Cost is $5. To be eligible to attend, donate a minithe LOVE gift shop at the Rose Blumkin Home. Efforts are now instituted to expand service. mum of $18 by sending Gifts of Love, Donor Cards Volunteers are needed for various aspects of opera- or cash. Make reservations by March 10. Call Rosalie tion and promotion. For more information, please call Susie Norton at 334-0243, or Nancy Nogg Greenspan at 391-1954; Babe Aronoff at 390-0109; or Frieda Krizelman at 391-0661. Rauhauser. i

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Mike Silverman of Lawrence, KS, formerly of Jesica A. Christensen of Omaha, a sophomore in the College , of Arts and Sciences at Omaha, recently had his letter to the editor pub: Northwestern University, has been named to the lished in the New York Times. :•• . ..•-,..; Dean's List for the fall quarter of the 1997-98 academic year. Students on the Dean's List have " Omaha figure skaters'Allie Willensky and ; attained a grade-point average of at least 3.7/4.0. Sarah Grossman have recently participated in She is the daughter of Cathy and William three skating competitions, winning medals as fol: lows: AUie: nine lst-place, one 2nd-place and three Christensen. • 3rd-place. Sarah: three lst-place, seven 2nd-place The Arthritis Foundation has announced its elecand : five 3rdtion of officer's and positions oil the Board of place. Directors. Among them are: Deenie Meyerson, Aditibnally, V.P./Chairman, Public Education and Information; Sarah and her ice andBob Blumenthal, Member-at-Large. dance partner, Michael Bendorf, will compete at The Knights of Ak-Sar-Ben Foundation has the 1998Junior announced the recipients of the Ak-Sar-Ben Ike 10lympics, which Friedman Community Leadership Awards for {will be held in 1998. Among them is Harlan Milder of Lincoln. - Piano, TX, in Involved for 18 years as a volunteer with youth, ^'mid-March. They he was the driving force behind the implementa>•; qualified by plaction of soccer as a varsity sport with both the - J ing third in Open Lincoln Public Schools and the Nebraska School Juvenile Dance at the Southwestern Regionals. Activities Association. Allie, the daughter of Andi and David Willensky, Shayna Flatowicz of Omaha, a member of the is a seventh-grade student at Kiewit Middle Hastings College forensics team, recently placed 'School. second in proso interpretation and dramatic interSarah, the daughter of Mary and Alex pretation, and fourth in poetry interpretation at a Grossman, is a seventh-grade student at King tournament in Norfolk. Science Center.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 6,1998

° Students leave for nation's capitol

Thirteen teens and three advisers participated in Panim el Panim (Face to Face), the Washington Institute for Jewish Justice this week in Washington, D.C. Getting ready to board the flight are: Glenn Wigodsky, in front; second row, from left: Travis Lewis, Becky Goldberg, Alissa Manvitz, Rachel Katskee; back row: Alan Josephson, Jeff Katzman, Jeff Shyken, Scott Littky, Jessie Krieger, Aaron Hardwick, Hollis Glaser, Megan Adams, Gila Drazen and Elyce Azriel.

AICE-Jewish Web Week Essay Contest

Readers Are

The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise (AICE) has announced an essay contest for high school and college students. Contestants may choose to answer one of the three following essay questions: 1) Why be Jewish? 2) What is your vision for peace in the Middle East? 3) Do Americans have anything in common with Israelis? What, if anything, can be done to strengthen the ties between the two peoples. Essays must be 800 words or less. Any exceeding this word limit will be disqualified. Only one entry per student. All essays must refer to material found in the Jewish Student Online Research Renter '(^SOURCE), which is part of the AmericanIsraeli .Cooperative. Enterprise's web site: http://www.us-israel.org . . ...; . , The,ginning essay will-be published in one or more major Anglo-Jewish publications. Deadline for receipt of all essays is April 1. The winner will be announced on May 15. • ""IVenter;'send your essay with your flame, Home and School Address, School, Home and School Telephone Numbers and E-mail Address (if you have'one) to: AICE Essay Contest, 2810 Biaine Dr.,1 Chevy Chase, MD, 20815, or e-mail entry to: mgbard@aol.com Questions: e-mail or call Mitchell Bard (301-565;

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Leaders

Omaha USY and Kadimah attend conference; host dance

Members of Kadimah leaving for the annual Kinnus in Wisconsin. Sixteen members of Kadimah (the ner, a song session and discussion United Synagogue of Conservative groups. The theme for the weekend Judaism's (USY) seventh and eighth was Live for Today, Build for grade youth group, recently gath- Tomorrow. ered at Eppley Airport at 5:30 a.m. Shabbat morning services were led to go to the Perlstien Center at by the Emtza Regional Executive Camp Chi in Wisconsin, where the Board and Kadimah members. Lunch, annual Kadimah Kinnus hosted by a song session, free time and discusEmtza Region USY, was held. sion groups followed. The Saturday The weekend began with a kosher night program was Havdallah, cosmic lunch prepared by the staff at the bowling and a dance. The weekend was a success for the camp, followed by preparations for 160 Kadimah members. Most imporShabbat. Everyone at the convention met at tantly, however, they had the chance the synagogue at the camp for to see what tomorrow will bring for Friday Night Shabbat services, din- them in USY.

Washington interns needed The American-Israeli Cooperative Enterprise is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that seeks to promote greater cooperation between the United States and Israel. They are seeking an intern(s) to assist with data collection, interview professors and business executives, write newsletters and develop and maintain material on the-:Jewish Student Online Research Geriter (JSOURCE), a new encyclopedic From lefts Ariel Shukert, Matt Picker, Josh web site (http://www.us-israel.org) that contains Levine, Sarah Edelstein, Jessica Hasslinger, information about everything from anti-Semitism Brandon Rich and Rebecca Murrow. • to Judaism. , How did 75 people hear and see 50 years of music Good verbal and writing skills are essential. in five hours? They came to Beth El Synagogue" Knowledge and interest in Israel helpful. recently for Bilu USVs first annual Decade DaiiceComputer literacy is important and knowledge of a-Thon, where USY and Kadimah members danced databases and HTML would be a particular advan- the night away. Members came dressed;up as their' tage, Some or all work may be done off-site. favorite decade to help raise money for USY Payment is $7/hr. '•.'.. International Charities. ,' • Contact Mitchell Bard, 2810 Blaine Dr., Chevy It was not only the youth group members who Chase, MD 20815, Tel. 301-565-3918, Fax. 301- came, it was the entire community. Everyone 587-9056, E-mail: mgbard@aol.com danced and sang from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.; and enjoyed Lucy's treats and soda, served by the Beth El Men's Club. Courtney Rabb and Michael Fineman planned the event. - ' '

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• Brothers Unaware'

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7K HO(-V

BY ERYKGIUNSKY BYNIKKIROMANIK At Regional, Spring, and Winter Throughout BBYO, a voice rings sffe brown stone. I am camUd to the front Seeing this massive stone mifont Of true. The voice of brotherhood. It's Conventions in Str Louis, Omaha or me, I am overwhelmed. It IsShabbot' 1 •' bytfie large,moving crowd of women. present not only during Tuesday Kansas City, BBYO brotherhood is in and! I amat my holy land. Looking .',, v/'^lmost scared to touch this sacred stone night meetings or at sanctioned full effect. Chapters of neighboring' around, I see many people surrounding ;• coveted in messages, I hesitate, but touch cities often start up me who all have one Important thing in • ; the stone. With all myheart!j reach put, events, but also at cheers'and chants, common. These people are all Jewish. school, BBYO sumnot expecting to feel a lot of emotions. A/ry rocking the campsite mer programming A feeling of complete Jewish faith has eyes are closed and t am talking to God. or hotel where'the. . come over my body. I take a breath of An amazing sense of closeness to the and other unconvention is being fresh air from the dusk sky. The sun is world corries over me. All of my dreams planned events. held. Everyone in set with a purplish tint that makes it and aspirations pour out of my heart and One bond strings attendance is perfect- almost perfect. The sky is like a never- land in God's hands. A tear strolls down us together, AZA, ly comfortable intro- ending mural with bright.watercolors my cheek followed by many. and nothing can ducing themselves to splashing through. I smell a burning of break us apart. Not My hand opens to find a tiny discova fellow Aleph and many Shabbot candles. The aroma that ery, the yellow paper. . .my heart is age or athletic abiligetting their input on fills the air is fresh potpourri in a kitchen. ty, not social status written on it. I gently feel across for an how they feel the conor popularity. A true As I look up, I see the. ancient breath- open space to find a single gap with my \ vention is going. loving flame burns taking monument. The dirt-brown brjck name reserved on it. I shove the paper Not all BBYO mem- goes on as far as my eyes can see. of dreams in and put my lips on it. I for each other within bers are always aware Whispers of prayer steer through the all of our hearts. of their out-of-state largely crowded area. I start to dayThere are no strays brothers, but once it is dream and then I am interrupted. in our family. We discovered that both see no one as less E r y k w hErin I feel a tap on my shoulder that startles or more. We are a l l " Malashock at ena(g p a t t o { , n e 73 _ year ; me. I turn around to see an elderly lady AZA #< Sweetheart Dance old, youth-led organi- around 80 years old. She reaches five equals. The flame may, at times, flicker, zation, a new flame ignites inside of both feet tall, maybe, with long, scraggly, gray but it never goes out. The river of fil- of them. Their new-found brolhertiood is hair. Her skin is a deep tan tint with a ial love may, at some points, become not only a conversation topic, but also a leather appearance. She is covered from step up on the ladder to friendship. shallow, but It will never run dry. neck to toe with a denim rag-doll-type Immediately, the bond is looped and dress. This tiny woman is carrying a During programs, whether at someone's house or at a favorite knotted, and the two fraternal mem- brown wicker basket filled with an assortrestaurant, our microcosmic Jewish bers are thrust into a mindset of ment of different flowers and little pieces world remains tight. No one is ever Judaism, social action, community ser- of crimson-shaded strings. . . Nlkkl (left), and Rachel Rlekes In the too nervous to come or too worried if vice, athletics and culture. She clearly notices I am an American, Holy City of Jerusalem Both are eager to learn of each and a few words roll off her tongue. I then have one final thought. I decide to they will be accepted or not, because other's chapter programming and of they know they will. look at her with a puzzled look mapped pray to God and thank the spirit for my The younger members have no friends in their respective councils. on my face and nod my head to please very existence and good fortune. Then fears in asking the juniors or seniors Their bond is shared by thousands, not her. She takes a white rose and a piece it is time to leave my new comfort zone for rides home. In return for their just in their own cities, states or coun- of the crimson twine and places them in and return back to the world.innocent bravery, the older members tries, but all around the world. ; my left hand. She then opens up her • .Once again I put my lips to the, stone Eryk Is a junior at Burke, a member of , do their best to help the AITs (Alephs other hand and reaches toward me. I dig with both of my palms touching. it and AZA #1 and Beth El Synagogue. in training) to feel welcome. into my pockets quickly to pay the elder- Wss the work made of dreams., ' " fy lat(yj I pull out 10 shekels hoping that : , : As I back away, I tell God, "1 love is enough. She smiles, nods her head, you." I now realize my dreams and and ties the twine around my wrist. She "aspirations. I also feel at peace with . BY ZACH PERELMAN tnerijiakes my hand into her hand and myself and my life. The direction^ want kisses my wrist. I smile with an awk- to take, I now know is the right path for ;. It will be debated for years to come, '• wardness' and she slowly hobbles away me.'I .look down at the crimson twine the Nebraska dynasty has become so bum, before lean say thank you. /and turn my head away from every- • ^.VViUi Genital Florida and Akron U... . • -Quickly I look down and see a familiar thing. I slowly take hold of the string The opponentspi'NU[were known as'Who?" piece of yellow, paper imbedded in my ;• and'glide away., .,..'.- : sweaty palm. The paper is suffocating in the . Nlkkl Is a junior at Burke and a member heat. Clinching it, I start to approach a mas- ofEdhrBBG. • but as we all know they have zero game: ' • -.-....

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If you have no idea what I'm talking about, • • • maybe just look at the results and give it a shout. • •...•

' Maybe the or coaches wanted to give it to Dr. Tom, a crime they did to the system Mas all so wrong. .••••"•'••••.

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won every

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Cuttf?elevel of competition was all such a shame. The polls are right in and they are written in stone, butthe moral championstake uphalf thethrone. .

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• . . :Yes it is half and not whole,: • '--.- but the REAL National Champions took the Rose Bowl. "'• • . ; : . Youcany compare[winning< margins ol'thei finalgame^ .. : . ''because fiat overrated Peyton Manning can notJIveuptphisname.-, ••- ..••"•••:••••••'?; •'•> - ' ':?>>.' : .>'••\

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So whenyou read this arid disagree','"' ^ taJteffftj/JeaffancftftMtrfme.

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/shall exult in ihe thought of the: charrnjion true, .. the dynasty is over, the sky is all Maize and Blue!

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Here the Wolverines sit on tcp of the sky, ' the scariet and red are but a glimmer In (heir eye. '

-.', .

: - , Y a , you got 2 and a hall'in the last three, v '.- 'but-the Victors'triumph is shadowing thee.

. Now what is going to happen to th6 Big Red Machine? - • . . ; • . It looks like without old coach, ii'^ out of gasoline. •• "

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Farawe/ifto trophies and a wards andfame, Now It's Michigan with all the game. Now my poem Is said and all done, The Michigan Wolverines are No. 11

Zach Is a freshman at Burke, a member of AZA #1, USY and Temple Israel.

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ZOO ACADEMY PREMIERES

BY LESLEY GENDELNIAN

This year Burke High School along morning from 6 30-9:30 a.m. It has been a with South' High School, started a new great experience for both the students program called the Zoo Academy. and teacher." , ,-, • ., Every morning, 12 Burke students It is a really fun and good learning experiand three South students report to the ence to be able to work closely with the anizoo. Two mornings a week they work mals arid with the keepers. It gives students in different areas-The Wild Kingdom an opportunity to examine future goals and Pavilion, the. career opportunities. '. Aquarium, the [ There are other required activities at Red Barn, the Zoo Academy: One is participating in Hoofed Stock, ' the Metro Science Fair. Students work oh the Jungle, research protects in different areas and Penguins; Diet - present their projects at the science, fair in Kitchen and ,Jate March. The-projects can Include the Birds. behavioral studies of animals, compar- . - isons between two similar animals from While in the different species,, or anything the student, different and the/ keeper decide would be a good are'as, they project. One of the students is analyzing perform' the the sounds made by African Clawed Toed jobs just as a Progs housed in the Wild kingdom keeper would. Lesley Pavilion " : V •:•• They get food, clean out cages, make sure the facility Students are also required to do an out;-; looks okay for the public and make reach project This includes -giving a tour sure the animals,arent sick. After/the around the zoo, making web pages to pro-' cages are cleaned and the animals mote the Zoo Academy or helping wtrrthej have been given their morning food, new Discovery Room that 1 t h e ' W i l d ; they are put on display. When not on Kingdom Pavilion ^developing; :•••''' - ; : these.rotations, students work in ihe The Zoo Academy also offers a SCUBA; : classroom, studying Zoology and con- class. Certified In diving, students will be'j able to use these techniques whan they' ducting experiments or dissections Elizabeth Mulkerrin, teacher of the travel to the Bahamas this summer for an Zoo Academy says, "The Zoo optional week-long Marine Biology course. ' Academy is a unique opportunity for Overall, the Zoo Academy provides students to experience several differ- unique opportunities for students like m e ' ent zoological careers- They are as we plan ahead for our futures. enrolled In a zoology course and Lesley Is a junior at Burke, a member of , exterhship and go to the zoo every NCSY and Beth Israel Synagogue.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 6,1098

Does religion belong in public schools? by Debbi Brown, Assistant Director, ADL/CRC

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Recently, a 12-year-old junior high school student reported to his mother that he was reluctant to join the rest of his class choir in singing religious Christmas music. He added that he was afraid that his teacher might not understand his reservations and that his classmates might make fun of him. The mother reported to ADL that she did not feel it was right that her son be forced to sing songs that invoke religious ideals that they do not share. She also asked whether it was right for a public school to teach religious music from any religious tradition. Each year the ADL office receives numerous inquiries of this kind. It is evident that there is widespread uncertainty about what the law and good public policy tell us about the role of religion in the public schools and how schools should approach religious holidays like Christmas. The Anti-Defamation League/Community Relations Committee, Jewish Family Services, and National Council of Jewish Women Omaha Section are co-sponsoring a panel discussion Tuesday, March 24, 7:30 p.m., at the Jewish Community Center on "Religion In Our Public Schools." Panelists will include Liz Karnes, President of Westside Community Schools Board of Education; Professor Collin Mangrum of Creighton Law School; Linda Gjere of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America; Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue; and Bob Wolfson, Executive Director of the ADL/CRC. "We recognize the dilemmas encountered by school officials when faced with a commitment to both the freedom of religious practice and the separation of church and state that such freedom requires," said Wolfson. The discussion will provide insight and information as to what is the law and. sound social.policy. The ADL believes that a strong separation of church and state is essential to preserving and promoting religious rights and liberties in our increasingly pluralistic nation. Consequently, organized reU^pus.activity, in tlje nation's public school system should be kept to a minimum. An atmosphere of religious neutrality in the public schools of our multi-cultural society is of paramount importance. For further information, please call 333-1303.

Don Schwartz to lead probe of The&yhbuk by Diane Axler Baum

Omaha writer Don Schwartz, who weaves a mystical dimension intof "" ' ! "!~" many of his works, will lead a discussion of The Dybbuk by S. Anski on Thursday, March 19, 1 p.m., in the Federation Library. The Dybbuk is one of the best known plays by Shloyme Zanvl Rap-I poport, 1863 to 1920, who wrote in Yiddish under the Anski pseudonym. A universal tale about Don possession, the play Schwartz looks at the limitations and boundaries in which each of us is caught at the moment of birth. AnskVs symbol of possession is an evil spirit or dybbuk — the soul of a deceased person that enters a living person on whom the deceased has some claim, causing the mortal to become irrational, vicious, sinful, and corrupt "This is a remarkable, compelling, extraordinarily theatrical play. Not only has it been performed around the world in many languages, but has gained a reputation as a highly discussable work," said Dorothy Kaplan, Associate Librarian. "We look forward to having Don Schwartz guide us in our discussion. He is one of our most probing leaders and has become a favorite of the Book Discussion Group," said Mrs. Kaplan. "This will also be our opportunity to congratulate him on the recent publication of a major non-fiction work about the actress Lillian Russell." Lillian Russell: A Bio-Bibliography represents nearly 10 years of work by Schwartz in collaboration with Anne Aull Bowbeer. Published by Greenwood PreBs, the volume explores Russell's life and work and clears up manyi inaccuracies about the celebrated actress who debuted in the early 1880's, became the number one Broadway star of her time, and was still performing as late as 1919. Schwartz teaches language arts, media, and organizational communications at Peru State The South Street Temple has announced its College, where he also serves as internship coordiFirst Annual Benefit Auction and Dinner to nator. He has published numerous short stories, be held Saturday, April 25. The event will take plays, essays, criticism and poetry. In 1997, he pla.:e at Ebenezer s, 32nd & South St. Cocktails received' the Mellen Poetry Prize for Best will start at 6 p.m.; dinner at 6:30 pan.; and the Achievement in the Category of Narrative Epic for auction at 7:30 p.m. Cost is $13.75 per person a work included in a collection entitled Three For reservations, and to donate items for the Women Touching the Boundaries of Life. auction, call Steve or Beth at 465-8780. Schwartz said his' interest in Lillian Russell began with an entry he wrote for-'Notable. Women in the Helen Boosalis, Board Chairperson of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) American-Theater, an encyclopedic dictionary puband former Mayor of Lincoln, will be the principle lished by Greenwood Press. The editor later speaker at this year's Mayor's Interfaith Prayer approached him to expand that article into a book. A copy of Lillian Russell, autographed by Schwartz, Breakfast on Thursday, May 7, 7 a.m., at the Ramada Plaza Hotel. For information, call 474- is available for loan at the Federation Library. 3017. Borders at 72nd & Dodge has the book for sale. Copies of The Dybbuk, in both book and video form, are available at the library. For more information about the book discussion American H e a n | | Association-^ group, call the library at 334-6461.

March 6,1998 . . .The Lynching of William Brown to be performed at the courthouse by Rachel Hauben

Blue Barn Theater's next play Minstrel Show: The Lynching of William Brown retells the story of the murder of an African-American man in Omaha in 1919. Accused of assaulting a white woman, William Brown was dragged out of the Douglas County Courthouse and brutally lynched in front of a crowd of 15,000 onlookers. The play was written for the Blue Barn by Omahabased playwright M a x Sparber, who said, "I was attracted to it immediately. Not only is it an immensely dramatic and moving story, but it raises a lot of questions about race and violence which still feel very contemporary." Sparber reviews film and theater for The Reader, and will direct David Roskies' Night-words for this year's Holocaust Memorial commemoration. The play, directed by Max Sparber Laura Partridge, a founding member of Omaha's Center for the Theater of the Oppressed, will be performed in the Grand Rotunda of the Douglas County Courthouse, site of A the historic event. Hughston Walkinshaw, Artistic ''^Director for Blue Barn, describes the location as rideal, it's a beautiful building and being able to juse for this play adds immeasurably to the impact lof the story. ' I A retelling of the lynching, the play utilizes only - (two actors, David Lewis and Jonathan Wilson, j The play will open March 7 and run until March 122, on Saturdays and Sundays, and will include a ,/ matinee and evening performance. Tickets are $10 / per person. For reservations, call 345-1576. ' For more information, call Laura Partridge at 558-0920; Hughson Walkinshaw at 657-2877; or Max Sparber at 343-0857. --•• • ' -

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Pa^e 11

by Bert Lewis

For some years now, I've followed events of the International Housewares Show. I know we've talked about it here, since I remember writing about the newest this or that to be shown. I recall, for example, telling you all about a brand new invention called a Bread Machine. I was amazed to learn of this invention, which only required somebody to put in flour, yeast and whatever else in the recipe. Flip on the switch and voila! It mixed, kneaded, rose and Baked, a perfect loaf of bread. ' The first one cost several hundred dollars and people went nuts over it. Today, those machines are smaller, smarter and can be purchased for under $100 and are still quite popular. My point is, these are the kinds of things often introduced at those big Housewares Shows. This year, the show was in Chicago and I noticed there weren't as many amazing new gadgets as in the past, but I did see several that I thought worthy of mention. A great garbage disposal was demonstrated. What made it unusual was its refusal to eat silverware. Like everyone else, I've accidentally dropped more than one spoon down this sink monster and, of course, when retrieved it looks pretty beat up. This new disposal rejects such alien objects and spits them back out! That's my idea of a real improvement.

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Then there was something that made it possible to lift a stamp off an envelope in one piece. It could also remove sticky tape residue from places that always wanted to hold it permanently. Useful, no? For cat owners, there was (you should excuse the indelicate topic), a litter box which emptied automatically. We won't go into details here but the mechanics of it were clever. I also saw stuff like a gizmo used to make espresso coffee in the micro wave and for the kids, a sled with a real steering wheel. Said to be much safer than the old way. Perhaps the most worthwhile new gaidget to be shown impressed me enough to1 make me remember to tell you about it. It was a very tiny, hand-held Jack, capable of lifting two tons: It appeared to be no larger than a pager such as practically everyone carries these days, and the demonstration was of the way it lifted a car. Imagine....a tiny, hand-held little square thing, doing the duly work of lifting a car to change a tire. Impressive? You betcha. For my part, they'll have to go pretty far to outdo that one, but we'll see. Next year. I'll report to you after the '99 show.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

March 6,1998

Heller speaks on Middle East issues

Clinton turns to Jewish group. (Continued from page 1) ability, accessibility and quality of child care. Clinton's message on child care clearly resonated with the NCJW participants, many of whom had to make creative arrangements with their own children in order to attend the four-day conference. "It's a constant struggle to balance doing what's right as a professional and making sure that you take care of your child," said Amy'Baiter, director of NCJWs Center For the Child, which works to promote the well-being of children and families. "If you're going to have children in care, it needs to be quality care for their emotional, physical, social and intellectual well-being — it's imperative," said Debbie Greene of Dallas, Texas, a 42-year-old mother of two who teaches early childhood education. In appearing before the Jewish women's organization, Clinton was reaching out to one of his core constituencies. If his support among women has waned at all in the face of allegations about presidential peccadilloes, it was not apparent in this group. . Clinton, worked the rope lines for nearly 20 minutes, shaking hands with just about every eagerfaced participant within reach, even hoisting up a baby. He appeared to linger' under the glow of the klieg lights as the strains of triumphant music blared from the PA system. "We feel really honored that he thinks so highly about the National Council of Jewish Women, and we certainly feel the same way about him," said Helene Wichner of San Pablo, CA.

Omaha Section delegates to the NCJW Washington Institute included: Front row, from left: Jan Schneiderman, Cindy Goldberg, President; Jennie Meyerson, Vice-president of Public Affairs/Education; Sara Juster, past-president; Beth Friedman and Carol Bloch; back row: Andi Friedlander, Ann Moshman and Carol Katzman.

byJillBelmont Since the latest threat of military conflict with Iraq has been averted, all eyes will turn again to the Middle East peace process during the coming months, and vocal support of American Jews toward Israel will be of vital importance, according to an official with the Anti-Defamation League. Susan Heller, ADL's Director of Middle Eastern Affairs and International, Analysis, was in Omaha recently to discuss the status of the peace process, and to tell members of the Jewish community that their voices need to be heard in Washington. "There is a perception among members of Congress and in the administration that American Jews are not as interested in Israel," Heller said. She cited reasons for that perception, including American Jews' anger regarding the pluralism issue, cynicism toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his Bob Wolfson and Susan Heller policies, and a general feeling that as Israel has become economically stronger, extensive American tance to join up publicly with the United States support has become unnecessary. against a fellow Arab state. . "When members of our Washington office speak "I think what Senator Hagel has forgotten, is that to Congress, we tell them not to make the mistake the coalition that the U.S. had with the Arab states of believing that although the Jewish community is in 1991 was really a unique event. It had nothing divided on certain issues, that they're going to be to do with Israel, and it really had nothing to do. divided on what will be done on the peace process. with the U.S. It had to do with the fact that Iraq "When push comes to shove, the average was sitting in Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia was terriAmerican Jew is not going to want Israel pushed in fied it would be invaded." ,. • a corner in the negotiations," Heller said. "They During this time when the U.S. administration is wantthe negotiations to go forward, but they don't . trying to figure'out its role in the peace process, want any kind of solution imposed on Israel; they officials "are reaching out to American Jewish leadwant Israel to be able to negotiate on its own and ership, to those active in, the Democratic and with its own requirements in mind." Republican parties, and to ADL leadership, saying, Another misconception Heller mentioned *What do you think?-How much can we pressure? revolved, around comments made recently by When will you stop supporting what we're doing?' Nebraska Sen. Chuck Hagel to U.S. Secretary of "Our influence with the administration is going to State Madeleine Albright, during which he linked the slowdown of the peace process with the lack of have an enormous impact," Heller said. "It is Arab support for U.S. action in the gulf. "We have incumbent upon us. to stay in communication with to know that there is no linkage. Obviously there our representatives, in Congress and the adminisare certain connections, but what the Arab coun- tration. Share your thoughts. TeH them what you ' • . - ' ' .-..••••'••• tries have done is to follow their traditional reluc- t h i n k . " •'• • ' . • • • • .••••'•_ J ;

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