November 6, 1998

Special Education and Camp Issue

ewish Presj

VoLLXXVI

No. 8

Omaha, NE

M! HCST SOCIETY 1500 R ST MMCOLB HE 68508-16S1 IT Cheshvan, 5759 "

November 6,1JW8

Jan Schneiderman nominated as NCJW National President

Judaism's emphasis on education leads many into teaching careers by Carol Katzman

"As the daughter of an elementary school teacher, I suppose teaching Was always 'in my blood,' noted Mitzi Delman. "But I especially remember having a French teacher who happened to be the first Jewish teacher I ever had and I really identified with her." Delman, chairman of the Foreign Language Department at Westsider""""~ "^ High School, is one of' many members of the f Jewish community who; have taken to heart the', commandment from the ['Shema, "You shall teach j your children." Bev Fellman, too, spoke of the influence of others, noting her work as a teenage babysitter and camp counselor. \ lman "I enjoyed my younger cousins and would help them along at the Passover seders," she recalled. "I remember, too, that my mother was a Sunday School teacher at Beth Israel in the mid-1940s and seemed so enthusiastic about teaching; my father worked -with children in the Junior B'nai B'rith Bowling League for 30 years. "Clearly I had persons rjvJT 7 to emulate!" she added. Fellman has been a French teacher -at Central High Schoolk* from 1964-66 and againPV1 since 1990. She alsof'"Jj taught French at Lewis RK and Clark and Beveridgef ' Junior High Schools. ' Her Jewish heritage plays a role in her class- \ Bev Fellman room, too. Fellman uses

NCJW donates dictionaries to students

Longtime community volunteer Jan the Holocaust and Jewish experiences to relay Schneiderman has been I information about France and World War II to her slated as the next! National President of the! students. In fact, she received a grant from the National National; Council of 1 Endowment for the Humanities, to study that sub- Jewish Women. This is I ject in Caen, a city in the coastal French province of : the first time NCJW has! Normandy, a place familiar to veterans of World nominated an Omahan I for this position. She joins I War II, who stormed the Omaha beach there. Personal experiences seem-to play a large role for the ranks of other nation- j many of the teachers interviewed for this article. al presidents - Henryj Jan Fischer, currently an English teacher at Monsky and Philip! Millard North High School, studied education at Klutznick, who both I the University of Iowa and graduated from the served as President of I B'nai B'rith International. Jan, Schneiderman University of California at Northridge. Carol Bloch has also been returned for a second Due to a glut of educators, there were no openings in 1975 and so Fischer put her English and term on NCJWs National Board. Schneiderman, who recently retired as Vice-presSpeech skills to use as assistant editor at the Jewish Press. After several mores in the volunteer ident of KB Foods, has served two terms as a world with ORT and NCJW, Fischer learned of National Vice-president, Chairwoman of the 1996 vacancies at North High School from Diane Zipay, National Convention and Chairwoman of the Field who was then an administrator for the Omaha Services Committee. Locally* she was president of the Omaha Section of NCJW from 1976-80 and Public Schools. "I found a supportive administrator at the chaired the Section's Labels Unlimited Sale in University of Nebraska at Omaha who was willing 1981 and 1982. She is currently Co-chairwoman of the to accept some of my life experiences' and move me along faster to my destiny," Fischer recalled. "I UJA/Federation Women's Campaign, along with earned a second B.S. in secondary education in Maxine Kirshenbaum, and a member of the 1983 and so 20 years after graduating high school, Federation's Executive Committee. This is the second time she has served in this position, having I was finally a teacher!" the Women's Campaign in 1990. Fischer, too, credits "working with.others, snar- chaired ; : Wm grateful to the National Nominating ing the workload and assigning tasks," .skills she learned in the volunteer world since her teen years Committee for the opportunity^ leading the oldest and "attitudes I'd been taught at home, in school, Jewish women's volunteer organization into the in Hebrew School" as key factors in choosing teach- next millennium," Schneiderman noted, "and thankful to my family and friends, both within ing as a career. * Both Delman and Fellman have also used their NCJW and in the Jewish and general communiprofessional expertise in leadership positions in the ties, for their support on my road to this prestigious position." Jewish community. Delman currently serves as 1 The election will take place at the organization's President of Jewish Educational and Library Servi: . triennial convention in Miami, March 10 -15. (Continued on page 14)

Two new scholarships established for Jewish college students by Claudia Sherman • Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Muni Rogers, right, was one of dozens of volu n t e e r s from t h e Omaha S e c t i o n of t h e National Council of J e w i s h Women w h o helped distribute dictionaries to fifth-graders at 10 Elementary schools in the Omaha Public School district.'This is the second year in a row that NCJW has sponsored Dictionary Day. The organization g a v e away $10,000 worth of the books which students will use in their classrooms and take home $ t the end of the school year. Chairwoman of the project was Sandy Epstein.

Two new scholarships will be available soon to college students from the Omaha area who are in need of financial aid. The Lillian Keiser Stoms Educational Fund was established in 1996 for the benefit and to assist in the education of Jewish single parents who have custody of their children, or Jewish youth living in a single-parent family. The funds are intended for scholarship grants and will be available for the first time in 1998. Lillian Keiser Stoms' niece, Sally dayman, said her aunt had a special interest in helping young adults attain their education. A native Omahan who also lived in New York, Chicago, and San Diego, while she worked for a refrigeration equipment company, Stoms returned tov Omaha when she retired. She died about 10 years ago. David Keiser, Lillian's brother, was also a native Omahan and shared his sister's interest in education. As young adults during the Great Depression, both Keiser and Stoms worked while attending college in the Omaha area. Keiser became a public accountant: • : After DayidKoiser cjied in 1996, the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser. Stoms Charitable Foundation was formed. In addition to the Jewish Federation of Omaha, the University of Nebraska Medical Center .V

David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms (UNMC) was named a beneficiary of the Charitable Foundation.' The UNMC funds will endow a professorship for cancer research. Last year, the David Keiser and Lillian Keiser Stoms Foundation Education Endowment Fund was established and will be used to provide funding for ^university scholarships to Jewish youth who have demonstrated financial need and have earned a minimum grade point average of 3.0. This education.endowment fund will be administered by The Foundation of the Jewish- Federation. The scholarship will name its first recipient in 1999. This year, the Keiser-Stoms Charitable Foundation made a contribution to the current "Building a Jewish Community for the 21st Century Campaign" and will continue to fund other Federation projects in the future.

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

How Does God Meet Man?

Sparks from '

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Installation of Cantor Blum, 8 p.m., a t Temple Israel ~ SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7 Havdalah Social, K-l, 5:30 p.m. at Beth El SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8 Temple Israel Men's Club Meeting, 9:45 a.m., _ a t Temple Israel Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel B'nai B'rith Policemen & Firemen Reception, 2 p.m. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 9 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Ladies Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. JCAC Fall Classes, 7:30 p.m. Cub Scouts, 7 p.m. TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10 - Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m. Beth Israel Sisterhood Donor Luncheon, 11:45 a.m., at Beth Israel Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Child Development Center Shopping Event, 7 p.m., at HMS& Under the Big Top WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 11 Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth Israel THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 12 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Jewish Women International, 12:30 p.m., . at the Venice Inn Red Cross Blood Drive,.! p.m., at Temple Israel All events, held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of the above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 3344437.

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S A V E

Parashat VaYera .The very first verse in our Sidrah raises a point that continues to rise almost continuously in the Bible. Here in our Sidrah, Abraham is startled by the appearance of three men, who turn out to be divine or semi-divine. They tell Abraham and Sarah that they will indeed have a son. And they continue on to other duties in Sodom and Gomorrah. We have noted that God spoke to Adam and Eve in the Garden; that He walked there in the breeze of the day; that He pronounced sentence upon them and the serpent in their presence. Elsewhere, Jacob/Israel struggles with a divine creature in a wrestling encounter,, winning a new name,, but sustaining an injury that lasted a lifetime (because of which even today Jews must avoid some of Omaha's most prized steaks!). •"•" In the prophetic literature, the prophets often append to their declaration, n'um Adonai, "this is the very word of God." Prophets also say, "The word of the Lord came to me. . ." or; "The hand of the Lord was upon me..." . Rebecca was told the future of the twins struggling in her womb, told by God Himself! Job pleaded at length with a God who would not answer. When finally He replied, it was from a whirlwind, and He ignored everything Job had protested about. Elijah, in a famous story, found-God neither in fire nor wind, nor earthquake, but in a "still small voice" (literally, in the sound of a fragile silence"). From a lowly bush, God spoke to Moses and commissioned him to free Israel from Egypt. Enough. There is more, of course, but enough. The question is, How do we view, how do we understand all these human/divine encounters? Our ancestors took all of this fop granted; but we are impelled to ask, did they,J*ear God with their ears, or only with their inner ears? Most of us assume that it was with inner ears, with thoughts racing through the mind and domi- . nating it. Is that what happened with Abraham, who heard a divine voice commanding him to leave home and family and go to a place. . . "Where, Lord?" "I will show you. Just go!" Perhaps our best answer is the assumption of the rabbis that we are close to God when we are close to our fellow humans, that the best access to God is in gem'ilut kasadim, in acts of kindness to our fellows. • Only that? Yes, only that! And we become more godlike, closer to God, the more we love our neighbor's, our fellow humans. Is that all there is to religion? To Judaism? At its core, yes. But there is ritual, there are mitzvot, there are prayer services, and much more. And, and, and.. . But be sure to see the forest as well as the trees.

Deaths JUDY WEINER Services for Judy Weiner, World-Herald Action Editor, were held Oct. 30 at Beth El Synagogue. She was 61. Survivors include her husband, Ken; daughters, Pamela Skeen of Prestonsburg, KY, and Jeanne Weiner of Phoenix; son, Aaron Weiner; brother, Jerry Rosen; and father, Edward Rosen, all of Omaha.

Elections '98

Jewish candidates win big, swelling Senate ranks to IT by Matthew Dorf

said. '

Thank you very much to all my friends and relatives for your kind and caring concern during my hospitalization and recovery. Also, thank you to Rabbi Kutner and Cantor Fettman for all their visits. Georgia Ann Steinberg

THANK YOU LUNCHEON C L I P

Saturday, Nov. 14, noon at Beth Israel Synagogue Hosted by Seymour and Georgia Ann

EARLY DEADLINES Jfouo to the Thanksgiving r Holiday, deadlines for the

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~

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WASHINGTON (JTA) - Jewish candidates rode the unprecedented Democratic surge to victory this week, as tight election races across the nation broke in their favor, swelling their representation in the U.S. Senate to record levels. In fact the only Jewish incumbent to lose, a seat Tuesday in the nationwide races for Senate and House of Representatives was Rep. Jon Fox, a Pennsylvania Republican. Democrat Charles Schumer's upset win Tuesday over Republican incumbent Alfonse D'Amato in the New York race for Senate means that for the first time ever, the upper chamber of Congress will include 11 Jewish members. But despite the election of three new members, the Jewish caucus in the House will again shrink, from 25 to 23, resulting in the smallest delegation of the decade. Schumer's convincing victory, Fox's defeat in Pennsylvania and Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer's win over State Treasurer Matt Fong in California together struck a devastating blow to Jewish Republicans, who had launched a campaign of their own to convince GOP candidates to actively woo Jewish voters. Fox had been groomed by pro-Israel activists as a leader in his party after receiving a coveted post on the International Relations Committee. His defeat means that Jewish Republicans will see their representation go from three to one in the House. Only Rep. Benjamin Gilman (R-N.Y.) remains from the last class, after cruising to re-election against a Jewish opponent, Paul Feiner. Rep. Steve Schiff (R-N.M.) died last year of cancer. "Obviously we would like to see more Jewish Republicans, but let me tell you, Arlen Specter and Benjamin Gilman do the work of 20 Jewish Republicans," Matt Brooks, executive director of the pro-Republican National Jewish Coalition, said referring to the Pennsylvania senator arid New York congressman, respectively. Nationally, Jews voted by a 78-21 percentmargin for Democratic candidates for the House and' Senate, helping to undermine several Republican candidates. \ "There was a tidal wave that swept the^e guys out and took the Jewish vote with them," Brooks, '

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Exuberant Jewish Democrats, some singing! "Siman Tov and Mazel Tov," hailed the role that Jewish voters played in election. Y ,. "Jewish Democrats helped to relieve the six-year •': itch," said Stephen Silberfarb, deputy executive director of the National Jewish Democratic . Council, referring to the historical trend that the . president's party loses more than 40 House seats in midterm elections. This time around Democrats gained a projected five seats in the House. "The biannual claim by, Jewish Republicans that Jews are voting more Republican has been shattered pnee andifor all," said Silherfarb. "Jews vote Democratic." . .,• In fact, the only Republican to break the 30% barrier of the Jewish vote was Peter Fitzgerald, who defeated incumbent Democratic Sen.'Carol Moseley-Braun in Illinois, winning 34% of the Jewish vote, against Moseley-Braun's 62%. Jewish Republicans pointed to the race as proof that "a hard-core conservative who is strongly prolife' can still do well among Jewish voters," Brooks said. But Democrats countered that Moseley-Braun was hurt by ethical violations and never stood a realistic chance of surviving election night. - (Continued on page 13)

November 6,1998

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 3

'£&.S1^LI:±:.:I^SIX.X.:A:..2.: ..-.•..::J:...:.:, %'";/ p M«Xtttt&r aihiiufellaioa o f Aiufewasaa - ' , '

.;-- BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE - Orthodox Jewish Oagregfltions of Aawatic^

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m.; Shabbat service, 8 p.m. Installation of Cantor Jennifer Blum. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Cantor Blum will officiate. Guest speaker is Rabbi Morley T. Feinstein, whose topic is "To Be a Cantor." The Oneg will be sponsered by Sisterhood. SITTER SERVICE: Sitter service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Please make a reservation. Cost is $2 per family with reservations. Drop-ins are $3 per family. No facilities for infants. ' ' . SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m. Simcha B'Shabbat~An informal Shabbat service that includes study and discussion of a variety of Jewish texts. The regular Shabbat service will be held in the Sanctuary. SUNDAY: Chapel Prayer service, 9:15 am., an additional opportunity to pray and recite Kaddish; Men's Club, 10 a.m., Dr. Richard Shugrue, Professor of Law at Creighton University, will speak on "Post Election Results and Pending Impeachment." Lox and bagels will be served. Cost is $3 for non-members. / ADULT EDUCATION Sisterhood Adult Education Thursday, Nov. 12 : 10-11:30 a.m., Rabbi Azriel will teach "Jewish Identity: Past, Present and Future," 10-11:30 a.m.; Beginning Beyond Midrash, 6:45-8:10 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 8:159:10 p.m., both led by Don Schwartz. THURSDAY, Nov. 12: The Red Cross Bloodmobile will be at Temple from 1-7 p.m. Please call Matthew Ferer, 342-2436, to make an appointment. "SHABBAT COMES TO YOU" Friday, Nov. 13, 2 p.m.; Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Blum will lead a Shabbat service at the Rose Blumkin Home. ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Shabbat service, 9 a.m., led by Mark Levy; The last Shabbat of each month, a memorial service is held for residents of the RBJH who have died during the month.

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. FRD3AY: Jewish Education Program "Project Share" weekend. Shabbos dinner and luncheon are by reservation; Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5 p.m.; Shabbos dinner at approximately 6 p.m. Following dinner, JEP representatives will lead a discussion group on the topic "The White House Scandal: How to respond to Jews." . SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m., Guest sermon by JEP representative; Little People service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Babysitter service courtesy of Sisterhood; Kiddush luncheon following services. After lunch, a discussion will be held on "Challenges Facing the Jewish Community, Big City vs. Small Community: A Comparison;" Class with Rabbi Kutner, 4:20 p.m.; Mincha, 4:50 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; -A video presentation on the Holocaust will be shown in the auditorium of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home at 11 ajn., followed by a discussion led by JEP representatives; Mincha, 4:55 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 4:55 p.m. LADIES (only) LUNCH & LEARN Monday, 12:30-1:30 p.m., with Nadine Kutner attheJCC. OPPORTUNTITES FOR LEARNING Mondays, Nov. 9 & 16: Mishna for Beginners, 7:30 p.m.; Learn to Chant Haftorah, 8:30 p.m. Wednesdays, Nov. 11, 18: Chumash Class, 7:30 p.m. All classes taught by Rabbi Kutner at the synagogue. TIFERETH ISRAEL MomiDer of the United Synagogue .- of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 423*8509 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 a-m. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 7: Lunch and Learn with Judge Norman Krivosha, "Polls and their Effect on Elections." B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 JWya$torS, PJjone; 322-470$

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Religious school at the JCC; 9 a.m. for grades 6-8,10 a-m. for all grades. There will be school Tuesday at 4 p.m. for grades 4-8. Rabbi Myer Kripke will teach "An Introduction to the Hebrew Scriptures," 12:15 pjm., at the JCC. This six-week class will run through Nov. 29, and is open to the public. (No class on Nov. 8). CHABAD HOUSE An. Affiliate or th© Worldwide

1866 So. 120th St,Ontaha, NE 6B144 Phone:330-1800 Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Mincha, 5 p.m., followed by Kabbalat Shabbat service. . SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha-Ma'ariv, 5 p.m., followed by .Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services, 8:80 a.m. MONDAY through FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m. TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 p.m. THURSDAY: Halachah 101 Class, 8 aim.; "Women of Worth," noon. ,

Ju»o.conn FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., followed by an Oneg Shabbat. Guest, speaker will be Marcel Kahn, speaking about "How my family escaped Hitlers grasp. The Oneg Shabbat is chaired by Peg Deland and Sandra Kurland. CONGREGATION FNAIJESHURUN * - - - SOUTHSTREBTTBMPLB N,. ;

Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m; SATURDAY: Shabbat worship, 9:30 a.m.; Torah study, 10:30 a.m. v SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 ajon. WEDNESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. Topic will be "What is a Mitzvah? The Mitzvot in Reform Tradition." THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

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.

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE '

Member «f United Synagogues of Conaesrvatlyc Judaism . 14506 California, Omaha, NE $8154 492-8550

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 Einil Berkovits. FRTOAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush following services; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and under) 11 a.m.; K'tantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 4:30 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. LUNCH AND LEARN, Tuesday, Nov. 10, noon, with Rabbi Drazen at Pastimes. Call the synagogue for reservations. KTOS KABBALAT SHABBAT Friday, Nov. 13,7 p.m., for children ages 6 and under and their families. NEW MEMBER and USY SHABBAT Saturday, Nov. 14, new members will be welcomed at Shabbat services. Members of USY will participate in the service. Kiddush will follow.

Bat Mitzvah Melissa Flauren Bank, daughter of Carmen I and Jonathan Bank, cellebrated her Bat I Mitzvah on Saturday, ! Oct. 31, at University Synagogue in Los I Angeles. A seventh grade stuIdent at Archer School I for Girls, her mitzvah I project included helping ! the elderly at a retirement home, as well as other community services. She enjoys modern dance, jazz and ballet and other school sports. • Melissa has a brother, Andrew. '...',.'. •.•:. Grandparents are Margarita and Ramon Luis Martinez of San Juan, Puerto Rico, and the late Florence and Lloyd Bank. : .._'•' Her great aunt and uncle, Shirlee and Norman Smeerin, reside in Omaha. PERSONALS Thanks so much for all your good wishes recently for my 80th birthday. I do appreciate, too, your donations to so many worthy causes. RuthAltsuler Thank you so much for your support with the collecting of hats for my Mittvah project. Your help was greatly appreciated. Because of you, my project was a great success. I'm sure the kids receiving the hats will highly appreciate them also. Thank you again. Megan Jodis Thank you to all my friends for the cards and donations in memory of my father, Clyde Merryweather. , Lucille White

Three Cantors Concert tapes available A limited supply of The 1998 Three Cantors Concert cassettes are available at Temple Israel's office or gift shop. Cost is $12 for the double cassette. •

.Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Editorial

November6,1998

Hats off to the teachers!

This is the third year in which the Jewish Press has published a special issue on Education. Each year, the issue has grown, not only because more and more educational institutions want to be featured in the editorial section, but because more and more advertisers want to publicize their educational offerings. The competition for students is fierce—and not just on the college level. Omaha, Nebraska, Western Iowa, have been blessed by outstanding schools, public as well as private. And those schools want to draw attention to the programs that differentiate them from one another. Parents, seeing the number of choices for their children, could view this competition as confusing, but with good, Midwes|. common sense, they see these educational opportunities as just that-opportunities.

These schools didn't become excellent overnight; they were guided by strong leadership in the volunteer sector as well as by the professional staff, due in no small part ta the caring of our teachers. The Jewish Press salutes the women (and men) who have dedicated their lives to educating community, children and adults. Some of those individuals have been featured in these pages in other issues, such as the recent New Year's edition; others are quoted in this week's cover story. ' For those we've featured-and for those who remain behind the scenes -your patience, sense of responsibility beyond the call of duty (and the time clock) and your joy have made this a better world. On behalf of the future-thank you, thank you, thank you! American Jewry: Ethnicity or faith?

Educators turn to text study for inspiration by Rahel Musleah

by Jonathan S. Tobin

SAN ANTONIO (JTA) - Jewish educators are material and the process in adult, education and looking to traditional sources for inspiration in the high school programs across the country. The CAJE beit midrash is indicative of a trend classroom. • "Text study is an essential element for becoming across the country towards more traditional text better educators," says Kyla Epstein Schneider, an study. The Havruta program sponsored by the adjunct professor at the Cleveland College of Jewish Theological Seminary of America in New Jewish Studies. "If teachers don't deal with texts York began four years ago and is now used in some as foundations of Jewish learning, then they are 140 Conservative congregations, accordingf'to doing 'feel-good' Judaism. Text study can only Marilyn Werman, JTS program's administrator. enrich their teaching and their personal growth." In Reform congregations, "there is a heightened With that in mind, a beitmidrash, or house of interest in learning not about Judaism, but learnstudy, was for the first time made an integral part ing Judaism, in learning not about text, but learnof the annual Conference on Alternatives in Jewish ing text itself," says Rabbi Jan Katzew, director of " Education, which is sponsored by the New York- the department of Jewish education at the Union based Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish of American Hebrew Congregations. Katzew cited a call he received recently from the adult education Education. Some 150 Jewish educators from across the coun- chairperson of a congregation asking for assistance try gathered daily at the conference here over a in setting up a literacy program. three-day period in a yeshiva-like atmosphere that What used to be called adult education institutes the beit midrash organizers call the havruta pro- are now called batei midrash in many communiject. The project pairs people on a one-to-one basis ties. "Institute is a term that has academic so they can engage the sources without the inter- panache,", eays Rabbi Robert Abramson, the United vention of a teacher. To assure the. study process Synagogue of Conservative Judaism's director of did not intimidate newcomers, the texts and accom- education. "Using the term beit midrash represents panying traditional and contemporary commentary a turn towards authentic Jewish experience with were laid out in a booklet specially created for the an added dimension - the role of personal meaning conference and facilitators introduced the material. in relation to the text. Study does not just become "Instead of making the teacher — a personality — an academic exercise; it attempts to ask: 'what the center of the class, the text is the center," says does this mean to me?1" \ Raphael Zarum, one of the leaders of the British Rabbi Cherie Koller-Fox, one of the founders of equivalent of CAJE, Limmud, which introduced the CAJE, says that the beit midrash signaled what havruta project at their conference in 1§97 and col- has been missing from the annual conference. laborated with CAJE on the beit midrash, "There should be no day in a CAJE schedule "I want everyone to be a source," says Zarum. "If without limmud and kavannah - without an infuyou rely on someone else to learn, you're sec- sion of Torah and spirituality," she said. "You can ondary." only teach for so long before you need to be filled CAJE organizers hope teachers will use the up again. Nothing fills you up like Torah." Jeffrey J. Berger 402/493-7850 Mobile 402/659-3186 ;

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WEST HARTFORD, CT - Do you believe you are part of the Jewish people? The future of American Jewry may hinge on the answer. ;• According to Prof. Steven M. Cohen of the Hebrew University, American Jews are: experiencing a severe decline in almost all forms of "ethnic identity" while still maintaining relatively high levels of Jewish religious belief. Cohen, who released the results of a survey of American Jewish attitudes that was sponsored by the Jewish Community Center Association, sees this decline in ethnicity rather than a decline in " religiosity as key to understanding the rising levels of intermarriage and assimilation. I Cohen measured religious belief in terms of religious commitment, faith in God and ritual observance, Ethnicity was measured in terms of Jewisfi peoplehood, "tribalism," the feeling of being marginalized because of membership in a specific minority group, commitment to "in-marriage," attachment to Israel, having Jewish friends, attachment to Jewish institutions and belief in social justice as a Jewish value. Without Jewish, education, there is no Judaism (whether one defines oneself as Reform, Reconstructionist, Conservative or Orthodox) and no Jewish future. Ethnicity by itself cannot be reproduced. No rational person will sacrifice for the sake of a bagels and lox Jewish identity. Those who wish to preserve our ethnicity must look to day schools and synagogues as well as to a JCC movement which has committed itself to a non-denominational Jewish identity rather than a purely secular one. The future of American Jewry rests on ensuring that our posterity isn't as Jewishly illiterate as our present. Jonathan S. Tobin is executive editor of the Connecticut Jewish Ledger.

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

Orthodox intern program trains young'Jewish political activists by Daniel Kurtzman

WASHINGTON (JTA) -- They are some of the best and brightest in the Orthodox Jewish community, and over the past nine, summers the Orthodox Union has been placing them near the heart of power in the nation's capital. This year, nearly 40 college students spent six - weeks immersed in the Washington political scene through the O.U.'s summer internship program. The program, which attempts to groom the next generation of activists to represent Orthodox Jewish interests in the political arena, places students in the offices of Republican and Democratic members of Congress, Jewish organizations such as the American Israel Public Affairs Committee '--• even the library of Congress. While many young Jews intern in Washington during the Summer, the O.U.'s program is the only one on Capitol Hill.run by a Jewish organization. "They certainly get a more intimate knowledge of politics and government," said Nathan Diament, director of the O.U.'s Institute for Public Affairs, which chooses the select group from among hundreds of applicants. "They come away with some substantive knowledge, they get to network a little bit, and hopefully, more than anything else, they get inspired to stay involved, both in politics and in Jewish communal life as well." Indeed, for students studying and preparing for careers in the public policy arena, the experience can prove invaluable. "It really flushed out what you learn in political science classes," said Karen Zelenetz, a 19-year-old sophomore at Columbia University in New York. "It gave a different dimension to text book material." Zelenetz worked for Hep. Charles Schumer (DN.Y.), who represents her Brooklyn district. Her experience proved particularly exciting as she watched Schumer campaign for Senate, seeking to oust Sen. Alfonse D'Amato (R-N.Y.).

"You become a real loyal fan of your congressman making policy," said Daniel Pilarski, a 20-year-old when he's running, watching the polls and things junior-at the University of Chicago from College like that," she said. . . Park, Md. "I expected it to be a lot of grunt work, For Joseph Leyine, interning for Rep. Benjamin but I've been seeing a lot of interesting things." . Gilman (R-N.Y.), chairman of the House A high point for him was meeting a variety of International Relations Committee, offered an political figures at various events, including opportunity not only to learn about the political President Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. process, but to make a contribution. Working in one of the few congressional offices Levine, a 21-year-old junior at Columbia located in the Capitol building itself, Pilarski also University from Los Angeles, spent most of his ended up seeing far more than he might have bartime researching and writing reports on legislative gained for. . . . issues while also answering some constituent mail He was in the Capitol when last summer's shootand helping draft an occasional letter to the vice ing occurred, one floor above the horrifying scene president or secretary of state. that left two police officers dead' and a tourist seriA highlight of his summer was spending a day ously wounded. He was in the middle offaxing with' Gilman, who took him t o a committee meet-'"' something when he heard-"a^lot of noise and ing, introduced him to foreign dignitaries in the bustling," followed by a flood of tourists rushinghallways and brought him along for a visit to the into the office. ' . White House. "They locked us in there for an hour and a half," "I think I have a real better understanding of how he said."We didn't really know what was going on government functions, how politics works and what but we knew there was a gunman in the building. it means to get a bill through Congress," Levine "I was clearly kind of scared," he said, adding said. "One thing that surprised me, was how much that when he learned what happened he was gratethe committee staff was really involved in the leg- ful to be alive. . islative process. Usually the congressman will say, If the gunman had run up the stairs instead of 'This is an issue I want to take care of,' and the ' going into House Majority Whip Tom DeLay's committee staffer will really take that issue to Its office," he would have come right where we are," end and write the legislation, gather signatures said Pilarski. and make it happen, sometimes without the con"I'm very grateful to those officers who gave their gressman really overseeing it much at all." lives to help save my life." In addition to their work experience, the O.U. staff brought the interns together for regular interactive sessions, including Shabbatons and Torah lectures by rabbis in the area. United Way of the Midlands "There's a whole program built around what goes on in their daily internship activities," Diament said. Like most Hill internships, much of the interns' day-to-day work is far from glamorous, including photo copying and clipping news reports. "I. wasn't expecting an incredibly wonderful job of

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

American Legion State Oratorical Contest

The silent Jews

* ~

by Courtney Rabb, Jewish Press student intern

by Bill Koppinger American Legion Activities Director

More than 100 students and adults gathered at to confide in or discuss their feelings with someone Temple Israel recently to hear Dr. Joyce Hunter. they trust. This might be a school counselor, close Nebraska high school students have an opportu- Dr. Hunter has been an activist, clinician, and friend, parents or clergy. The important thing is • nity to win more than $18,000 in scholarships by researcher for over 26 years, specializing in issues finding someone with whom they can share their taking part in The American Legion's National relating to youth, women, HIV/AIDS, and the les- feelings and work through the difficulties they may High School Oratorical Contest. bian, gay, and bisexual communities. The discus- encounter. "You have to realize that being a lesbian or gay is All high school students are eligible to compete in sion was very open and one which stirred emotion from almost everyone in the audience. not a choice. Nobody chooses to be a part of this this annual event. In Nebraska, each sponsoring Dr..Hunter asked the audience to list stereotypes oppressed group. You do, however, still have to be American Legion Post or school has a contest, and of different groups, including Jews, Chinese, gays, supportive," Hunter explained. . the winner of the contest then competes in the lesbians, African Americans and women. Within 10 "Would you still be able to be friends with someDistrict Contest. minutes, the list was completed. The audience was one who told you they were gay?" Hunter asked the The 15 District winners will'compete in one of surprised. ' . teens of the group. .. . • four Area Contests on January 30, and the winners Andy Finkle, a high school student, commented, One teen answered, "If one of my friends told me of those four Area Contests will participate in the "It is very disturbing that, in such a short amount that they were gay, I would first be shocked but I State Contest to be held Feb. 13 in Papillion, host- of time, 100 names and generalizations were made. would still continue to support them." ed by Harry Bossard Post 32. It is amazing that there is so much hate." "I feel this program was important because' as • The audience was then asked to view video JeWB we sometimes choose to make certain probMedallions are presented to the top three winners in each District Contest. In addition, District vignettes about being gay and what it is like to lems and issues belong to groups other than ours. winners are awarded a $100 U.S. Savings Bond hide the fact from one's family-and friends. The This program was an opportunity to deal with a videos also dealt with what happens when kids tell topic concerning something many Jews prefer to upon competing in the Area Contest. their parents and other family members that they pretend does not exist in our community," The four Area winners advance to the State level are gay or lesbian. The pieces really made the audi- explained Daniel Christensen, an adult in attenof competition where they will receive Savings ence aware of the emotions teens felt when they dence. Bonds ranging from $200 to $1,000. The State win- know they are gay but remain silent. The evening's discussion was not only about gay ner also receives a $1,500 scholarship for appearThe audience gained a sense of the loneliness, the and lesbians, but also about tolerance and how ing in National Final Contest in Indianapolis and guilt over not telling the truth, and the difficulty in important it is. an opportunity to win an additional $18,000. pretending to be someone else. There are often feelHunter concluded, "Most Americans have been This contest was primarily developed to instill a ings of exclusion, a deep longing to tell the truth to taught prejudices since the day they were born. It better knowledge and appreciation of the U.S. someone, and often even anger when a teen finally is so scary when, in our country, being different is Constitution among our youth. Along those same tells someone only to have to endure someone try- actually dangerous." For more information on this program, please" lines, other objectives include the development of ing to change them. Hunter emphasized how important it is for teens contact y.our synagogue. leadership qualities, the ability to think and speak clearly and the preparation for acceptance of the Youth activists take to the Hill in support of post-Soviet Jewry duties, responsibilities, rights and privileges of U.S. citizenship. As part of a Panim el Panim (Face to Face) pro- the students on the rising threat of anti-Semitism and : For a copy of the rules and additional informa- gram, East Coast teens visited the offices of 46 fascism throughout the former Soviet Union. The high school students were in Washington as tion, please contact me at The American Legion, Senators and Representatives on Capitol Hill as Box 5205, Lincoln, NE 68505, (402) 464-6338, or activists of the Union of Councils for Soviet Jews part of a year-round program of The Washington talk to your guidance counselor or local American (UCSJ) in support of Russian hate-crime victim, Institute for Jewish Leadership and V a l u e s . . Rabbi Zalman Yoffe, who was burtally beaten. Panim el Panim draws students from across.the' Legion Post commander. The students requested that members of U.S. including Omaha, which participated for the Contest rules are also available on The Legion's Congress write to Russian President Boris Yeltsin first time last year. A second group of seniors from web site: http://www.legion.org/orarules.htm. calling on him to take action to ensure the arrest Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel, has started, coordinated by Elyce Azriel, Director of Temple Local contests should be held the latter part of and prosecution of those responsible for the crime. : November or during the month of December. Preceding congressional activity, UCSJ staff briefed Israel's High School.

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College

• by Louie Newman

LISTEN-

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

- by Beth Radloff

• My friend, my love, you have left me, get better. I've been asked how I EDITOR'S NOTE-The following is back of my hand. Once I had the words Louie's college application essay In down pat, I had to learn the ancient here all alone, with nobody to love, So thought I got to the stage of depression, melodies called "tropes," to which the just like you, I will go, into the sky, why I wanted to die, and, honestly, I response to the question: Of your many personal experiences prayers are traditionally chanted. I had . below this dirt, And you will cry for me, don't have any clue. I just woke up one describe the one Wat gave you the . two-hour sessions with the cantor twice for you,, for life, for love, and you will morning and didn't want to live. I can't promise feeling of greatest achievement or a week for the 10 weeks preceding my hurt. I wrote this poem in the hospital. No, I I i mme d i at e big day. satisfaction? results, but I About two weeks before the fateful was nofsick, I was depressed. I wanted When I was only a seventh grader, my day, I suddenly realized I wasn't even to die. I felt not important, hopeless, just can 'promise parents told me (he decision whether or close to being ready. It all began to feel out of place. The kids at school hurt me. . you someone not to be Bar Mitzvah would be mine. | needs you and At only.14; I had tried to harm myself like a bad dream; football would have Like most boys, playing football on a been so much easier, and fun, to boot. over 200 times in one year, but I could Moves'...'you.-. I real team had been a dream since I was All these relatives and family friends never do it; I knew my friends would be know ypu can little. Since about the same time, my Bar I get help; but I from around the in pain. My family would wonder and' Mitzvah had been the dreamof my par|you must know IcountFy would cry. I hated me. Why, who knows. ents. The previous fall, I played on a that, also. I know many of you teenagers feel so I be there to see Pop Warner football tgjgi and had been My very good I me bomb. So, alone, so unwanted, so not real, so sad. asked to start at tackle the following friend and I had I in spite of my You feel life isn't worth living, but you're year. It meant practices all summer and a talk. I said I I fears and ner- so wrong. So many people care and practices plus games in the fall. Beth was afraid of jvousness, I love you. You don't believe me, ask It is difficult to prepare for a Bar ruining the good time party by being iconcentrated some of them. We do care about you. Mitzvah. At my synagogue, we begin You are so worth living. You are my alive. And my friend said to me, "The Jmore, worked studying Hebrew in the third grade. This only way you could ruin the party is. if harder, and the friend, even if we have never met. early start is so the student's Bar If you take the time to stop, look in the we're all having fun and somebody day before the Mitzvah preparation will not be crammed big day, began mirror and say, This is me." You say, walks in and says, 'Guys, you know into a few brief months. i M£& j jto believe I "Nobody loves me like me." You must Beth Radloff, Well, she killed-herself uju But after attending many Bar Mitzvahs, L stop, and you should know you belong. I today.1 That's when you ruin the party." "•* could do it. I couldn't see myself chanting all the know you belong because I love you, I'm so glad to be living. It feels like Louie F r o m the time prayers, reading from the Torah, and I woke up the next morning to the march my friend. being in love. So, don't go doing somegiving my own speech In front of a syna- up the steps, butterflies were churning in I suffer from depression, a biochemi- thing stupid, because life is so worth livgogue filled with people. I had never my stomach. When it was time to begin, all cal disease in the brain that affects my ing. And without people like you and been a performer or a singer. traces of nervousness were suddenly self-esteem. But now, after many years me, the world would be a stupid, boring But waitl I had a great out—football. gone, and I continued on, enjoying the of counseling, I have started seeing place. For sure Dad, the Big Red fan of all control I had over the service. things differently. With love from me to all of you.. .writtimes, would understand. No way would There are many ways you can get ten with all my heart. The personal satisfaction and enjoythere be time for both. ment from this experience-did not come help. All you have to do is tell yourself When my parents said it was time to from the gifts or many congratulations. you need the help and you can get it. I Beth Is a freshman at Millard North, a pick the weekend for my Bar Mitzvah, I They arose from accomplishing some- was lucky. I knew my parents were member of MZ Yoshanah BBG and Temple Israel.. gave them rny decision. There would be thing I had admired since I was little. always there for me, so I knew I could time only for football. After hearing As for football, today it doesnt seem about my big brother's Bar Mitzvah and so important. I have more fun just playT H E O C E A N by Jessica Hassllnger that nearly all the other kids in my class ing a pick-up game with some friends. soft sand on my feet . the feet of warmth were having one, I realized my Dad was One thing I know for sure is that my reliall over my body not as big a "Big Red" fan as I had gion will always be more meaningful to sea gulls flapping their wings waves crashing against one another then)'umping in the water thought. I drew a big breath and said, me because I had a Bar Mitzvah. screams oflaughter'andfun with a feeling of refreshment "Okay, I'll do it." • . Football was just a "passing" fancy. lying with the sun * the beach, what a wonderful place to be My decision meant I would be spendLouie is a senior at Westslde, a member ing the entire summer learning numer- of Chalm Welzmah'n AZA and Templeshining in my face ous prayers until I knew them like the Israel. Jessica Is a freshman at BurHe, a member of MZ Yoshamh BBG, USY and Beth & Synagogue.

My First Day at High School (A true story) by Derek Passer

. .

Yes, today is finally here. My first day of high school has arrived. This was the day I have been waiting for my whole life. As I walked through the towering front doors, a sudden feeling of joy runs through my entire body. I started walking through the massive building. A ray of sunshine reflects off the white and red linoleum floor as it squeaks beneath my feet. • Coming to a complete halt, I see all the . different minorities of students roaring at one another. I am starting to wish that I was back at the middle school. Pushing my way through the multitude of upper classmen, it feels like I will never see daylight again. Finally, the first bell rings and it's time tof*-• go to class. ' So, I started, walking and I kept walking until I realized I didn't know where i was going. My head started ' spinning, my stomach started aching, but worst of all, I didn't know Derek where I was supposed\o go. Looking down at one of the vast hallways, a teacher approached me. "Need help Slick?" the teacher said. I was so stunned I didn't know what to say. I showed him my schedule and he escorted me to my class:

Walking into the classroom felt strange, especially since 50 eyeballs were staring right at me. It felt like a matter of seconds before the next bell rang, signaling the period was over. Soon it was time for lunch and I was starving. Coming into the cafeteria, I saw the endless row of famished students at the lunch line. I took my place at the end of the line. I thought I would never get a turn to eat. After what felt like days, it \ was my turn to order food. Looking at the menu, I noticed the special was the famous Malibu Chicken. I was so hungry that day I ordered two of the specials. I took one bite into the savory, mouth-watering chicken and then spit it out. It was the worst thing I have ever eaten. At that point, the bell rang and I left the cafeteria. I walked into a classroom of scholars I had never seen before. I sat down on the cold wooden desk. It was about 30 minutes later when the teacher started taking attendance. . Realizing my name wasn't called, Kelt queasy. The teacher asked me if I was in the right class. Then she handed me a pass to go to my correct class; but it was too late. . . the bell for my next class. At last, the day was completely over and it was timefor me to go home. Gosh, I love high school. After all, I have been waiting for this day my whole life. .Derek Is a freshman at Westslde, a member of Chalm Welzmann AZA and and Beth Israel Synagogue.

pencil drawing by Danny Krantz Danny Is a junior at Westslde, a member of AZA #1 and Temple Israel.

Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Henry Monsky Lodge to honor Public Safety retirees

Organizations VISIONS Y.E.S. New members who join after Nov. 1, 1998, dues Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English a second language for new Americans starts at will be paid through December, 1999. If you are a.m. Bingo and exercise both start at 10:30. age 62-78 and wish to join, please send a check, "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 a.m. payable to Visions," for $5 per person to Gerald and Thanksgiving celebration will start at noon in the Lois Bernstien, 14810 Cass Circle, Omaha, NE, ': . auditorium. Following lunch, the CD Dancers from 68154. * UNO Theatre presents All in the Timing by Camelot Community Center will perform. For transportation, call 330-4272. Reminder: Mah David Ives in the Weber Fine Arts Building on Jongg Club will meet Nov. 11. For more informa- Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 8 p.m. Cost is $4 per person. For reservations, send form to Maurice and Rosalie tion, call Charlotte Kaplan at 551-5658. Meiches, ,5036 Parker, Omaha, NE 68104, by Nov. RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet Nov. 13 at the JCC. Come 23. Make checks payable to Jewish Senior ' celebrate Thanksgiving early. Exercise starts at Services. • Luncheon/meeting is Friday, Novi 20,12:30 p.m., 10 a.m.; turkey with all the trimmings will be served at 11; Moscow News is at noon; Russian at Caniglia's Venice Inn. Cost is $7 per person. movie at 12:30 p.m. For transportation, call Lydia Jane Batt, Executive Director, of the National. Conference'fbr Community Injustice, will be the Linde at 697-9169. special guest speaker. . . . . • ' • WALK-IN, DROP-IN As a joint project with Jewish Family Service, for There will be no meeting Thursday due to the trip to Bluffs Run Casino. Those going on the trip should Hanukkah, we are asking members to bring a irionetary donation for Jewish families who are in meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. need. Please bring your monetary gift to the lunJEWISH WAR VETERANS Members will meet Sunday, Nov. 15,10:30 a.m., cheon or send check to Elaine Feldman, 770 N. in the conference room at the JCC. A quorum of at 93rd St., #2D5, Omaha, NE 68114. Make checks least seven paid-up members is required to vote for payable to Jewish Family Service Mitzvah Project. For reservations for the luncheon, send form to 1998-99 Post Quartermaster. Vera Lewis, 5424 Lafayette Ave., Omaha, NE BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Ira Flax,will speak at Breadbreakers 68132, by Nov.13. Reservations must be paid in Wednesday at noon at Highland Country Club. His advance. Make check payable to Jewish Senior Services. • topic will be "Who wrote the Bible."

7.

Henry Monsky Lodge B'nai B'rith will honor recently-retired members of the Omaha Police and Fire Divisions and the Douglas County Sheriffs Office for their many years of service to the community, according to Gerald Meyer, Chairman of the Policeman/Fireman Recognition reception. On Nov. 8 at 2 p.m., retirees, along with their families, will be invited to a'reception in their honor in the auditorium .at the Jewish Community Center where each will be presented with a certificate of appreciation. Officials from city and county government will speak. The community is invited.

The se'cond assemblyof the Early Bird 101 Discussion Class, Oct. 26, more than made up with •; intensity whatever absorbing topics we had by-passed. Is .it reality or a holam (dream)? Peace finally between Israel and Palestinians. Some in our group had doubts; others felt give the process between the antagonists, a chance. The opinion generally was what the hard-liners do in both camps is the key to success. Much interest was shown in the forthcoming Nov. 3 election. Seniors don't sit it out—they vote. At the lunch, Hilde Gottlieb led in the hamotzi and this reporter and Toni Kucher shared in reciting the benshen. For entertainment, Mother Maggi Conti presented Musical Bingo. We paused for a moment of reverent silence in memory of Robert Bernstein and Ida Giller.

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Angllsh/Ylnglleh, Yiddish In American Lite and Literature by Gene Bluestein

by Oliver B. Pollak

This is a funny book about a serious subject, the once chosen language of the chosen people. The Introduction identifies the major change that has occurred since the first edition appeared in 1989, the infiltration of Yiddish into the literature of other ethnic groups. Anglish is Anglicized Yiddish. While shmoozing, baygls, byalees, and shmates, for example are not quite ubiquitous, it is possible that they may be used without the speaker or writer being aware of their Jewish and Yiddish

Cdokbook Review

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

The Low-Fat Jewish Cookbook by Faye Levy (Potter) by Lois Friedman

An accomplished cook, teacher and award-winLOW-FAT SWEET POTATO LATKE ning author with'over a dozen cookbooks to her (pareve) credit, Faye Levy creates recipes that prove that a I3/4 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, dish doesn't have to be complicated to be delicious peeled and doesn't have to be high in fat to be flavorful. 1 medium onion In the '90s, more people are buying kosher foods, 5 large egg whites rediscovering their Jewish roots, learning of a 1/2 teaspoon salt spouse's culture and embarking on this time-hon- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper ored way to cook and eat. And, they want fast, easy 1/3 cup all-purpose flour origins. V • • • ' • ' . • •'. • and low-fat meals to enjoy with family andfriends.~About 1/4 cup vegetable oil Spelling and transliteration is always a bit of a The initial chapter defines the rules of ll/3 cups applesauce (optional), problem and plays havoc on alphabetization. For KASHRUT (keeping kosher) and today's kosher for serving example, Alan EJershowitz published Chutzpah kitchen with easy inviting reading. The next nine (1991), the most frequently used Yiddish word, chapters are descriptions of holidays, customs and Preheat oven, to 450°. Grate the 'sweet potatoes Bluestein spells it khootspe. This book is a mini foods of the festivals: Rosh Hashanah, Yom and onion, Using grating disk of a food processor or "Oxford Dictionary of the Yiddish Language," Kippur, Sukkot,'Hanukkah, Purim, Passover, large holes of a grater. Transfer them to a large attempting to give a variety of examples of how Shavuot, Shabbat. Following the holidays are' bowl. • . •• particular Yiddish words, have been used in the chapters from appetizers through desserts. • Beat the egg whites lightly with the salt and pep. p a s t . :•.•.. - . • • • . . : ; • : ' All recipes are marked dairy, meat or pareve and per and add to the potato mixture. Mix well. Add In addition to the dictionary, there are three include traditional and popular ethnic dishes. the flour and mix well. appendices on Portnoy's Complaint: The Jew as Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a heavy Whether the Challah is round or braided, the American, the revival of Klezmer music, and an nonstick 10- to 12-inch skillet. Fill a 1/4-cup meakugel is with matzo or noodles, the recipes have no homage to Leo Rosten, who died in 1997.. sure with mixture, pressing to compact it, and turn Bluestein, who also wrote Poplore: Folk and Pop in more than- 30% of the calories from fat. it out in a mound into the skillet. Quickly form 3 Nutritional information is given for all 225 recipes. American Culture, is professor emeritus of English Headnotes introduce each well-written recipe. more mounds. Flattefi each with the back of a at California State University at Fresno. Ingredients are listed in the order used. The spoon to form a cake 2ii2 to 3 inches in diameter, Anglish I Yinglish is available at the Jewish instructions are like having the author/teacher at pressing to compact it. Fry over medium heat lug Federation Library, your side through every step of the way. This cook- minutes per side. Remove to a nonstick cookie sheet with a slotted spatula. . book is a terrific read! Stir the potato mixture before frying each new Now, you can have your latke and eat it, too. Try Beautiful Decorative, the following latke recipe for your Hanukkah dinner. batch and add a little more oil to pan. Cabinet, Door & Bake about 10 minutes or until golden brown. The trick to making these latkes low in fat is.to Bath Hardware fry them only briefly and to finish cooking them in Turn over and bake 5 more minutes. Serve hot, Supply the oven. This way, they don't absorb much oil as accompanied by applesauce if desired. Makes about 4 servings browse our showrooms I ill 7 p.m. every Thursday they cook through. : Sdhollman's your peVsonnl hardware consultant Nutritional information per serving: Serve these yummy pancakes with applesauce for 459 calories; 14.5 g fat—27.9% calories from a meat meal or with nonfat sour cream<for a dairy 593-9210 j fat; 1.8 g saturated fat; 0 mg cholesterol dinner. 8425 "F" St. (across from Atura) ro-oalatll«hed, 1808

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Marriage

In the News Annie Nogg, daughter of Patty and Steve Nogg, —^——-—^—^—— was recently named Homecoming Queen at Burke High School. She is pictured with Homecoming King John Knicely. Also on the Homecoming Court was Jon Zoob, son of Nora and Barry Zoob, and Jamie Hamburg, J daughter of Andrea and \ Marc Hamburg. Princess Diana, the Musical, was recently presented in the Joslyn Art Museum's Witherspoon

Hall as a benefit for two charities. From left: Sam Tidwell, Executive Director of the American Red Cross, Heartland Chapter; Sue Crompton, Executive Director of the Nebraska AIDS Project, Gary Javitch, President of JMR productions; Karen Sokolof Javitch, Composer, Lyricist and Co-author of Princess Diana, and Elaine Jabenis, Co-author and Director. The Directors were presented with a check for $22,000. b The annual auction at the Bemis Center for Contemporary Art has been scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m., at 724 So. 12th St. Tickets are available at the door.

Dr. Jonathan Rosenbaum has recently been appointed President of Gratz College in Melrose Park, PA, the oldest nondenominational college of Jewish studies in the Western Hemisphere. Dr. Rosenbaum comes to Gratz from the University of Hartford in Connecticut. Between f 1976 and 1986, he served ' as instructor, assistant! and Associate Professor •Dr. Rosenbaum of Religious Studies at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, where he was a Feirdw o£:the graduate faculty of the University of Nebraska. At UNO, he designed and taught courses in Judaic Studies while pursuing scholarly publication. While much of his research was in Biblical studies, he co-edited an oral history of Omaha Jewry. He also developed Omaha's Bureau of Jewish Education, which, gained recognition for its innovative community teacher program. Under Dr. Rosenbaum's leadership, the Bureau of Jewish Education first became a major source of endowed scholarships and loans to Jewish students of all levels. . Donna Greenberg, an elementary teacher at Rumsey Station Elementary in Papillion, was recently featured in Women in the '90s, a supplement to the Bellevue Leader. Greenberg and her husband, David, are active in Temple Israel's religious education program, Jewish Federation and Jewish Family Services Council. They are military retirees who have chosen to stay in Sarpy County.

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SALTZMAN/BAHAR Keri Lynn Saltzman and Phillip Alan Bahar were married Oct. 1 a t i''" " Temple Israel. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Josh Zweiback, and I Cantor Jennifer Blum officiated. A reception and dinner followed at the Omaha Marriott Hotel. The bride, daughter of Ernest A. a n d Rosalie C. Saltzman of Omaha, is Assistant Director for Group Practice with the University Healthcare System Consortium- in Oak Brook, IL. She graduated Magna cum laude with a Bachelor's degree from Bowdoin College in Brunswick, ME, and earned a Masters degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. The groom, son of Dr. Hadi Bahar of Potomac, MD, and Sandy and Alan Nogg of Omaha, is Assistant Director of Marketing with the Museum of Contemporary Art in Chicago. He graduated Cum laude with a Bachelor's degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, MA, arid earned a Master's degree from Columbia University in New York City. Honor attendants were Stephanie Kreiger of Ft. Collins, CO; Linda Saltzman of Omaha, sister-inlaw of the bride; and John Chapin of Los Angeles. Bridesmaids were Elisa Boxer of Portland, ME; Marci Luefschuetz of Bethesda, MD; Brooke McKnight of Carborro, NC; and Mimi Pomeranz of Boston. Groomsmen were Martin Bahar of Potomac, MD, brother of the groom; Matt Burns of Lincoln, NE; Chad Chervitz of San Francisco; Eran Rafael of New York City; and Kevin Saltzman of Omaha, brother-in-law of the groom. " •"'•••' Following a wedding trip to France, the couple live in Chicago.

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November 6,1998

JCC Gallery presents Elizabeth Fluehr watercolors

Page 11

Grant requests for Singer Memorial Fund due

by Gloriann Levy

by Claudia Sherman

Jewish Cultural Arts Council Director

,

Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Members of the Grants Committee of the Lazier L. Singer Memorial Fund for youth will convene their second annual meeting on Thursday, Dec. 3, to determine allocations from grant requests. The Singer Memorial Fund provides funding for programs that address problems and issues facing Jewish youth who live in the Omaha metropolitan area. Organizations that deal with problems of alcohol and drug use, sexuality, eating disorders, • intra-family relations, violence and gangs, suicide and depression, and issues of Jewish identity must submit application requests by Friday, Nov. 20, to be considered for a grant.

Although Elizabeth Fluehr typically paints real subjects, predominantly florals and still lifes, some of the work has been labeled "abstract." She focuses on the subject and significantly alters the true colors and appeals to the viewer subconsciously, by directing the eye with line, shape, color and value. Her work is on display in the JCC gallery from Nov. 1-19. Ms. Fluehr earned a degree in architectural studies and practiced, architecture for many years. After five children, she began to paint in watercolor and soon developed her hobby into a modest studio and gallery. She teaches watercolor at Metro Community College. Gallery hours are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.10 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. For more information, call 334-6403.

Programs that involve collaboration among Federation agencies, synagogues, Jewish youth organizations, and other Jewish community groups will be given favorable consideration by the Grants Committee. Lazier Singer's wife, Harriet, established the fund in memory of her husband who died in 1996. She explained that her husband was concerned about teenagers. Problems of drugs, street gangs, and alcohol that are prevalent today were not issues that teenagers had to deal with in earlier generations, Mrs. Singer said. In addition to Mrs. Singer, other members of the Grants Committee include her son and daughter, Mark Singer and Sandy Kutler, as well as Fran Blumkin, Irving Veitzer, Gloria Kaslow and Elyce • Azriel. This will be the committee's second meeting to consider grant allocations. The Singer Memorial Fund is administered by The Foundation of the Jewish Federation. Organizations interested in applying for a grant can call the Foundation office at 334-6439.

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773 scholarships were awarded. What happened to the other 45 requests? How many kids from the Omaha area didn't get to go to camp in the summer? How many college plans had to be changed because there wasn't enough money? ,

There are 35 Jewish • Federation endowment funds that are making dreams come true for our kids. That's a lot, and the; Omaha community should be proud of its history of generosity and foresight. But we want every Jewish child who wants to go to camp and every Jewish high school •graduate who wants to go to college to have those opportunities. Help us make all those dreams come true! If you are considering setting up a ' scholarship endowment, please call

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

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When the topic of discussion is education, it's hard to know where to start. You want to talk about what school was like when you were a kid? Maybe you are more interested in what's going on in the system today, in 1998. Then there are those who wonder about the school system after the year 2000. It's a really big deal—education. There are those who believe that children of immigrant families should be able to hear their native tongue spoken in our public schools, and probably just as many who say "no they shouldn't." The philosophy being English is the language here, where these people have chosen to come, so let them learn it from day one. If you have ancestors who were born elsewhere and who came here with the heavy immigrant wave around the turn of the century, you may well feel strongly about newcomers learning English. Your elders can tell you when they arrived and were registered in school, they were expected to adopt their new language as quickly as possible. Yiddish, Russian, Polish, Italian may have been spoken at home, as the true mama loschen, but in American schools, everyone was expected to speak English.. Many stories are told about the little kid who went to school the first day and found that he or she didn't understand a syllable, because often, t h a t kid only spoke Yiddish. Of course they learned, and i t didn't take too long either. Typically, the kids took their new found knowledge home and the adults in the family began to pick up the necessary tools of communication. I can't even imagine how difficult it must have been for a child who would tell his Dad "Pa, ich farshtay nischt." In fact, I recall hearing a 3-year-old new arrival from Russian a few years ago, express complete frustration because all the children he wanted to play with only made "funny noises." He told his mother they all said "yayayayayayayayayayayayayayayay" and he simply didn't know what that meant! Try to

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imagine what that must have felt like. Actually, no matter what you want to say about education and our school system, it must be realized we are very fortunate in this country, and certainly here in our city. We are blessed with a choice-there are parochial schools and private schools and public schools. Something for everybody. • The fact is, many American cities have dreadful public school systems where facilities are poor, poverty stricken neighborhoods being an example of where to find some of the worst. Poor areas aren't the only sections of some towns with inferior schools; sometimes it's underfunding, which affects everyone, no matter where the schools are situated., Those are the communities where parents scrape together the necessary tuition fees to enroll their kidsin,private schools. Often, thatrepresents some sacrifice, because private schools are expensive. How lucky we are, here in Omaha, to be blessed . with a public school system that receives high ratings when compared with the rest of the country. It's such an irony that most of our biggest and most affluent cities are home for many really fine private schools-necessary because people don't want to send their children to the public schools available to them. It's more of that old "here we are, the richest country in the world". When we get down to the nuts and bolts of all this, we should be faced with a simple enough truth: here in this country, in this state and in this city, we have access to all kinds of schools for our children. We can send them to schools where religion is the strong focus, we can send them to schools where the atmosphere is a little on the posh side, with kids all wearing smart uniforms, or we can send them to our public schools, where everyone is, theoretically, given the exact same equal treatment. We're so fortunate to have all of these choices available to us. Yes, that's it-we have choices. The greatest gift of all, particularly when the subject is education.

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Andrea and Mark Chesen of Philadelphia, PA, • announce the Sept. 30 birth of twin sons, Alexander Matthew and Cameron Blake.

Grandparents are Vicki and Jerry Chesen of Omaha, Merle and Marty Krimsky and Joyce and ' Jules Levin, all of Philadelphia. Great-grandparents are Edith and Louis Chesen of Omaha. ' Dr. and Mrs. Jason (Mia) Meyer of Woodland Hills, CA, announce the Oct. 15 birth of their son, Edan Jacob. "•"

Grandparents are Bob and Karen Meyer and' Jackie Neador of California and Leland Neador of Dallas. Great-grandparents are Irving and Ida Forbes of Omaha and the late Lester and Violet Meyer. Dr. Larry and Julie Widman of Minot, N.D., announce the Oct. 13 birth of theirson, Bennett Maxwell. Bennett is named for his maternal grandfather, the late Bruce Horwich, and fraternal great-grandmother, the late Minnie Frank, Additional grandparents are Dee Fisher of Omaha and the late Harold Fisher, Stan and Barb Widman, also of Omaha, and Carole and Phil Wizer of Scottsdale, AZ.

Two new full-tuition scholarships available for Rabbinical students

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 13

Stained Glass series to debut at the JCC The Theatre at the 'J*, series, Mission: Imaginain conjunction with the tion, Concerts for Youth, Omaha Symphony, will Music Mentors and Stained debut the Stained Glass Glass. • • . ' . series on Dec. 5, 7 p.m., Richardson works with at the JCC with A young musicians and has Celebration of Light been guest conductor and Hanukkah Program. clinician for regional and Resident Conductor all-state orchestras' in Ernest Richardson leads Arizona and Nebraska, the the Omaha Symphony Phoenix Symphony Guild Chamber Orchestra and: Youth Orchestra, the Omawill premiere his own ha Area Youth Orchestra composition Lamentaand festivals in Albuquertions of Jeremiah. que, N.M., and the UniverFeaturing soloists Anne sity of Georgia. „_• DeVries (soprano) and He has also guest conductPrincipal Violist Thomas ed the Battle Creek (MI) Kluge, Lamentations Symphony and the Colorado anchors an evening of Symphony Orchestra. Jewish composers' music. Richardson spends summers in Steamboat Springs, "We are very proud of this series. By performing Conductor Ernest Richardson CO, where he is Director in very intimate settings, we can demonstrate how and Principal Conductor of the Rotiky Mountain sublimely powerful chamber orchestras can be. A Summer Conservatory. He resides in Omaha with truly unique experience," Richardson said. "We are his wife, soprano Anne DeVries, and two-year-old delighted to be back at the Jewish Community son, Derek. » Center," he added. Tickets for the performance are $15 for adults; The 1998-99 season will be Richardson's sixth $10 for students and seniors. They are available with the Omaha Symphony. In addition to conduct- from the Omaha Symphony Box Office (342-3560) ing the successful SuperPops series, he is the chief or on the day of the show. Advance tickets are on architect of the Omaha Symphony's outreach and sale nbw to members of the JCC for $12 and $8, education programs, including Family Concerts available through Member Services at 334-6426.

The Reconstructionist Rabbinical College announces the establishment of two new fulltuition scholarships with partial living expenses for rabbinical students entering the ReconstrucJewish candidates win big, tionist Rabbinical College in Fall of 1999. (Continued from page 2) These scholarships are in addition to many other Much attention was focused this week on scholarships and fellowships available. Students must have applications completed by March Schumer's win over D'Amato, in a bitterly fought race where Jewish issues and unprecedented 1,1999. For students who maintain their academic stand- appeals to Jewish voters played out front and center. In the most expensive race of the season, ing at the College, scholarships are renewable D'Amato called in all his chits from his battle on annually up to five years. The College, in suburban Philadelphia, prepares behalf of Holocaust survivors against Swiss banks rabbis for congregational pulpits; Hillels, chaplain- and European insurance companies. The feisty sency, communal organizations and Jewish education. ator had aired the first known campaign commerFor information, contact the Office of cial to include Holocaust footage, campaigned in Admissions, Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, 1299 Church Rd., Wyncote, PA 19095; (215) 5760800 ext. 35; e-mail: rrcinfo@rrc.edu; or visit the College's website at www.rrc.edu

swelling Senate ranks to 11 front of New York City's Holocaust memorial, the while accusing his Jewish opponent of not supporting Jewish constituents in Congress. Schumer took 77% of the Jewish vote, according to exit polls, defeating D'Amato by a margin of 55 to 45% of the total vote. In California, Fong had adopted the strategy after a meeting with the Republican Jewish group, touting his role in the battle for Holocaust assets. But in the end, he took only 18% of California's Jewish vote. Boxer surpassed previous Jewish high marks, receiving 82% support.

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Page 14 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE November 6,1998

Judaism's emphasis on education leads many into teaching careers School (now known as the Friedel Jewish Academy) from 1970-80 when her children were students there, and has served on the Federation Board of Directors as well as a Vice-president of Beth El Sisterhood. As Fischer noted, "Because I work at a school which educates nearly 25% of the Jewish teens in Omaha, I know I must be a positive role model as a T H A R D WARE CAFE"! Jew and hope young teachers-to-be do the same." Mary Beth Muskin, who began her educational I Food & Spirits I ! Open.Mon-Sat 11-9p.m. . career as a classroom teacher, has since moved on • 103 S. 14th St. • to teaching at the college level at Creighton I Ft.Calhoun, NE University. Rosalie Saltzman also teaches under. . _ . J graduate students at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. Yet both point to experiences in their * Louis Famous Jewish lives as influences. Htnmx Cafe Foot Longs "Education here is alive and well," noted Old World Charm * Great Daily Specials Saltzman, who direcl With Authentic 5702 N. Radial Hwy. the University Honoi European Food 551-5993 Program at UNO and i iTHE-VEGEND CONTINUES} »4829S.24lhSf733-749U also Assistant Professm of English. "Learning • an inherent part' •>! Judaism. Indeed, tin 'rabbi' can be tran ITflLinN R€STflURANT word Iated as 'teacher." & MnRH€TPLfiC6 Saltzman has served as | President of the Bureau Mon.-Thurs. (11 atn-9 pm ) of Jewish Education Friday (11 am-10:30pm) Saturday (5 pm-10:30 pm) (now JELS) and as a 1 •y,s ' . ; Sunday (noon-8 pm) member of the Adult Rosalie Saltzman Learning Committee and the Board of Directors at 11217 South 13th St. • 341-9010 Temple Israel. Professionally, she will assume the presidency of the National Collegiate Honors Council, Great Plains Region. "Opportunities to learn, to interact with known scholars, to foster research, to allow forums for sharing ideas, to work to create a community of adult learners are all ways the Jewish community 1aitatlte^Utediea(pod, ielect iteaki,, & can enhance the already' solid educationally opporone-o^-a-hutd menu iieml abound. tunities available," Saltzman added. Oiemietdetoice ' SxtetUiue iuitte Lit and {ullia*. Muskin recalled the influence of her "great Aunt Anne," who was a teacher. Though she has spent PARTY ROOM ALSO AVAILABLE many years in the Omaha Public Schools as a , 1217 Howard St. • 342-9800 teacher,'counselor and job placement specialist, she (Please call for hours and reservations) is now an Assistant Professor at Creighton University teaching graduate level counseling courses. But,.now she's using her many years of training and experience in the religious school classroom at Temple Israel. «*. "I love working with children and enjoy the challenge of finding new and different ways to make F o o;D learning a fun life-long process," Muskin noted. "In addition, I bring my daughter, Anne, as the class assistant. She brings a freshness of ideas and love for children apparent to the students with whom she works." ' Early Bird Specials While the Muskin mother-and-daughter team Mon-Fri, 4:30-6:30 p.m. works together, sisters Pam Friedlander and Cheryl Kriesfeld entered the field of education at Cocktail Hour different times and have worked in different school 4:30-6:30 p.m.-Free Hors d'oeuvres districts. Lunch/Dinner Mon-Sat Kriesfeld, who taught full-time from 1970-72, took time off to raise her three sons, Alan, David 10730 Pacific Street • 393-1421 and Michael, and to volunteer for the general and Jewish communities. In 1991, she began substituting and also taught religious school for United Talmud Torah of Omaha (a joint school venture of Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues). After earning her master's degree in education at UNO last spring, she was hired as a full-time reading specialist at Hillside School. "The community can enhance the profession of teaching and help teachers improve the state of education by setting a good example for children," said Kriesfeld. "Be a life-long learner. Go back and get that degree you always wanted. "Instead of watching movies or television, take a (Continued from page 1) • ces and serves on the Religious School Committee at Temple Israel. Because of her fluency in Russian as well as French, Dellman also tutored emigres from the former Soviet Union when they arrived in Omaha, from the late 1970s through present day. Fellma^i was actively involved in the Jewish Day

"^GALLAGHER'S A Tradition For Over 20 Years

computer course," she urged, "sign up for a Jewish studies course, read the newspaper, magazines, journals, the Bible. . ,• "Education is something no one can take away from you!" • "It's very exciting to see children learn," added Friedlander. "Most of my efforts are aimed at trying to raise student achievement. I love teaching!. Every day is a new experience," she said. Friedlander is also involved in teaching reading, as well as math, problem-solving and research skills~to gifted and talented children in kindergarten through sixth grades in OPS. She urges businesses to form partnerships with schools, not just by donating funds and tangible items, but by acting as mentors. Pam Cohn, who-retentty-became Principal of R.M. Marrs Middle School in OPS, echoeo, those sentiments. She urged more support from the Jewish community- for public school education and praised the projects of the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section. "Tolerance of other cultures is critical /in the world in which we live today," Cohn said. TNCJW has been a strong supporter of OPS through its Mini-Grant project and Dictionary Day. "Other groups could become more visible within the community by following their example* Cohn, rose quickly, to her present position after returning full-time in 1989 as a vocal music teacher. She points to her early mentors, Alice Ross and Clarice Shubert, her piano teacher and vocal coach, as women who "continually encouraged me to be the best I could be and never accept anything less! These women taught with love, caring and compassion." But Cohn noted that the community should pay more attention to the area of special education. "This needs to be enhanced," Cohn said. "There are many of our children with special needs that need to be addressed. While we have made some gains, we still have a long waytogo." Randi Katelman used her own experience as a teaching assistant at Temple Israel in high school to propel her into education as a career - but with a difference. Her student teaching at Meyers Children Re-habilitation Institute gave her the | inspiration to work with handicapped children. "My students (in OPS' [Work Experience Proj gram) range from mild to moderate handicaps, from physical, visual, 'emotional and behavorRandi Katelman ial to those with learning disabilities and post-traumatic brain injuries," Katelman said. "My number one priority is building self-esteem!" . Katelman, who has a master's from UNO, said her philosophy of education relates to treating each student, handicapped or not, as an individual. "Success needs to be celebrated individually," she added, "not in terms of a bell-shaped curve." Sharon Cipperley summed up the philosophy of many of those who participated in this story-teachers have been influenced by others and can continue to act as role models for future generations, but that teachers are "behind the scenes...and the real story is in the kids." Cipperley, who also works in OPS, counseling high schools students who are preparing for college, quotes the Chinese sage Confucius with her philosophy of teaching, 'Find a job that you love and never work a day in your life!' For all these teachers, their work is their life.

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15

"You can't 'can' spirituality"

NOW OPEN Come and experience a Touch of the Middle East and Dine with Us!

by Carol Katzman

When Shane Kotok, Director of Individual and Community services for Jewish Senior Services, visits a patient in the hospital, she brings a gifb~a can of Chicken soup and a book, Chicken Soup and Other Yiddish Sayings. Popular culture notes that chicken soup has healing powers and in teaching the "chicken soup" of spiritual care, guest speaker Rabbi Eric Weiss used a can of chicken soup to impart his message that it's the love and compassion that come with the gift that heal us when we're ill. "The recipe may be the same each time you make the soup," he noted, "but it always tastes a little different. It depends on whose hands cut up the carrots or the celery or the parsnip or the other special ingredients that go into 'your1 soup. "So, too, is the experience of spirituality for which we all hunger," the rabbi added. Brought to Omaha to conduct a series of lectures and workshops on spirituality, Rabbi Weiss is a Reform rabbi in Northern California, associated with Ruach Ami, a Jewish center of spirituality and healing. While here last week, he spoke, to teens on the Reform view of homosexuality, to healthcare professionals on Jewish spiritual care, to Jewish communal workers on stress and spirituality and he led a healing service at Temple Israel. On Thursday, he spoke to a group of about 130 at a community luncheon, "Gesundheit: The Chicken Soup of Spiritual Care." Rabbi Weiss described his definition of spirituality as "a profoundly personal experience, which can happen anywhere at anytime, involves feelings and the senses and awe-that feeling that you are not alone. It also creates an insight which leads to an action." Members of the crowd responded to his question about spiritual moments with descriptions such as "viewing the Grand Canyon," "Tuesday minyan at Beth El with my friend," "Watching children shriek with laughter as I tell a story," and "When the plane touched down on the tarmac 'carrying our soon-to-be-adopted-son." Rabbi Weiss noted that society seems to say that spiritual moments equal happiness, yet some of the most profound spiritual moments come to people when they are sad or at times of great challenges or pain. "We sometimes feel that unless we hear God's voice, it's not a spiritual moment," the rabbi noted, "but we ought to be saying to ourselves, 'I didn't know I could do this - or experience this - or feel this - and I want to have this sense again."" In linking this sense of awe, this concept of belonging to something greater than ourselves, Rabbi Weiss reminded the group of the power of laughter in the healing process. Laughter itself has healing powers, just as laughter "gives us our sense of our place in the community," he said after he told two "Chehn" stories, the tales which illustrate

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a "different view of reality." In one story, he asked why people in Chelm only go to movies in groups of 18; the answer, according to the Chelm philosophy, is that "you're not allowed in under 17!" In relating laughter as showing one's place in the community, Rabbi Weiss reminded the group of the importance to "be basic--to maintain a sense of humor and to understand that we have limits, but can only discover those limits as we grow." Working with healthcare professionals in the Bay area of San Francisco, Rabbi Weiss has come to understand the strength in spirituality in the healing process. He works as a clinical chaplain and counsels those in crisis, as a member of the AIDS Project Advisory Committee of Jewish Children and Family Service. Weiss has also been instrumental in creating a bereavement camp for those who need a place and time to deal with the mourning process, and in Bikur Cholim, visiting the sick. In both opening his presentation and closing it, the rabbi reminded the audience that "we are created in the image of God." He described the first sound in the Torah, not as God approving of his work, saying "It is good," but as the "wind of God hovering above the face of the water." "Think of that wind as God's breath, a fluttering, that we can emulate every time we breathe," the rabbi said as he instructed the audience to close their eyes and listen to their own breathing as he sang a niggun, a wordless melody. "We are born with that fluttering," he continued, "a deep sense that seeks to be articulated spiritually. It functions on the same level as the need for . food, for shelter, for love." . Rabbi Weiss' visit to Omaha was sponsored by Jewish Senior Services, Jewish Family Services, Beth El, Beth Israel, Beyt Shalom and Temple Israel.

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Page 16

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

College-bound Students Program for Juniors and Seniors

BBYO International N'siah and Grand Aleph Godol to visit Omaha by Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO Director

Rachel Berger, 17, of Portland, OR, and Richard Goldman, 18, of Plainview Long Island, were recently elected International N'siah (President) and Grand Aleph Godol (President) of B'nai B'rith Girls and of Aleph Zadik Aleph, respectively

Richard Goldman Rachel Berger Both Presidents are scheduled to visit Omaha's BBYO chapters. International N'siah Rachel Berger will be in Omaha Nov. 22-25. She will have the opportunity to meet with Ediar and MZ Yoshanah's BBG executive boards and members.. Grand Aleph Godol Richard Goldman is attending BBYO's Spring Regional Convention from April 22-25, 1999, in honor of AZA's 75th -Anniversary. He will interact with hundreds of BBYO'ers from Omaha, Kansas City and St. Louis.

by Nancy Rampey-Biniamow, Jewish Family Service

What happens to Jewish college freshmen's religious identity, affiliation and observances once they begin life on campus? College-bound Students Program is offered annually and created especially to prepare high school Juniors and Seniors, and their parents, for the Jewish component of life on a college campus. On Nov. 18, Jewish Family Service, along with the area synagogues, is offering this program. Going off to college with a computer, CD player and numerous small electrical appliances is quite commonplace. But, what is NOT. usual is for the incoming freshman to bring serious plans to college on how to express his/her Jewishness during these crucial years of personal growth. Various opportunities for involvement in the Jewish communities on college campuses exist and the College-bound Students Program will explore and discuss what these opportunities offer. Fortunately, there are programs offered on campus to help students maintain and develop religious identities',~whether Orthodox, Conservative or Reform. One such place is the Hillel House on Campus. Hillel Houses organize activities to get Jewish students acquainted with each other. On certain campuses, Hillel Houses offer kosher meals for students and conduct services for Shabbat and

for holidays when not all students can go home. Gary Shyken of the Steinhard Jewish Campus Service Corps Fellow at the Cleveland Hillel Foundation will join us to discuss how Jewish kids connect on campus. What Jewish experiences have kids had on campus? Can I meet Jewish kids if I'm not in the Greek system? Another presenter will be Sid Dunn from the National Alpha Epsilon Pi Jewish Fraternities and Sororities on Campus organization. He will discuss Jewish fraternities and sororities on campus, how to connect, make friends and have a successful college life. : Also, Dr. Ephraim will discuss the career inventory testing program that is being established by Jewish Family' Service. If you or your student is unsure of what direction you or they want to go professionally or educationally, contact Dr. Ephraim's office to reserve your place in the February testing. Career inventory testing will be open to all ages. The College-Bound Students Program will be held Nov. 18, at 6 p.m.; dairy dinner will be served at Beth El Synagogue. NO cost to students and parents; RSVP required. Speak to Ruth in the Jewish Family Service office, 330-2024.' Invitations are going out soon for all eligible students and their families.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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"We have an obligation to help the people of the former Soviet Union. It's easy not to do that. We're here in Omaha and they're there, and we don't see their plight. But those of us who can afford to help would be remiss if we did hot."

Joe Kirsenbaum

Surely the recent niurder of Matthew Shepard, a gay college student, underscores the importance of doing so. Matthew was a victim of a hate crime in Wyoming, a state that has not passed hale crimes legislation. ADL is a pioneer In developing model hale crime legislation! Nebraska, with ADL lobbying efforts playing a key role, enacted legislation that severely punishes bias-motivated crimes. Our efforts Include A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE® Institute, which helps break the cycle of bias, hatred and distrust that too often leads to violence. Yes-we believe you can teach people to hate hate. To find out what you can do in our community, call 333-1303. or visit us at our Web site: wWw.adl.otg.

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Metro provides affordable, quality education to the community In its 25th year of service, Metropolitan many programs are approved by the accrediting Community College offers high quality services and agencies of various professional associations. programs to residents of Dodge, Douglas* Sarpy Tuition at Metro is the lowest of any postsecand Washington counties in Nebraska. ondary institution in the area. For less than Metropolitan Community College serves more $3,000, students can earn a two-year degree and than 24,000 credit students and 21,000 non-credit begin working in the field of their choice or transfer students annually, making it the third largest col- to a four-year institution. The College has transfer agreements with many 'area four-year colleges and lege in Nebraska. ' Credit students enroll in more than 100 associate universities. Computer programming technology and microdegree and certificate programs at three main, campuses, three educational centers and many other computer technology are Metro's most popular off-campus sites. Metro is regionally accredited and classes. State-of-the-art training and facilities prepare graduates to enter the information technology field in one to two years. Because of the growing demand for information Beyt Shalom technology graduates, Metro will expand its com- Entrance to the Metro Community College Reconstructionist puter facilities when it moves into the new Sarpy Elkhorn Valley Campus at 204 and W. Dodge. Synagogue Center in 1999. The center will be part of a joint Consider these other facts based on data from library and educational facility with the city of Religious LaVista. The Metro center will have computer labs, 1996-97 Metro graduates: School • 97 percent of the graduates available for work classrooms, a distance learning lab, conference were employed overall. rooms and other features. Call 758-9333 or • 78 percent of the graduates were employed in Students represent a wide range of economic, ethvisit our Web Site at http://come.to/beytshalom/ nic and age groups. Almost 55 percent of the stu- their field of training. • 9 1 percent of the graduates hired remained in dents are women and 17 percent are minorities. Nebraska to work. • ..-" Seventy-five percent of students work part-time.

CASE SCHOOL

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Temple Israel has convened a task force com- Jews to determine the role that Jewish tradition prised of congregants and professional staff to cre- has in their lives. This idea means that every Jew ate a Center for Adult Jewish Learning. Discussion must have a deep understanding of Jewish tradiand planning is underway with the guidance of tion, beliefs and practices, thus requiring continual Sara Lee, Director, and Isa Aron, Professor, of the adult exploration. Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion However, time constraints and a hesitancy to (HUC-JIR) Rhea Hirsch School of Education. confront ignorance of these ideals are two barriers Congregants will be invited to share their ideas to learning for adults. through a series of community conversations. To overcome these roadblocks, the program will The goal of the Center is to create a curriculum incorporate opportunities for spending time with that offers stimulating opportunities for learning families, creating/sustaining community and profor everyone at every level, to draw adults into the vide a vehicle for personal growth. Programming riches and fulfillment of Jewish study. Using the will expound the individual's current level of study of Jewish texts as a primary catalyst for knowledge, while offering a comfortable atmosanalysis of personal values and congregational life, phere to explore areas they lack'in. short-term programs will be designed to stimulate - The Center of Adult Jewish Learning is an ambicongregants' interest and define the unique educa- tious, long-range program, with a vision of creating tional needs of the community. a community of learners. The basis of the Center's philosophy is informed For more information, contact Rabbi Aryeh choice: the right and responsibility of adult Reform Azriel at Temple Israel, 556-6536.

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha NE Page 19

Friedel sets new goals in K-1 subject integration

;UL*n

by Diane Axler Baum

Diana Zeman is scheduled to gtart her teaching day at 10:30 a.m., but she insists on arriving before 8. "My kids need to see me first thing in the morning to give them a feeling of safety, to set the tone for their day," said Friedel Jewish Academy's Kindergarten-Grade 1 teacher. "Being there is one aspect of nurturing, and nurturing is a vital part of teaching this age." While not required to be at the Academy for morning prayer or Jewish studies, Zeman chooses to be there, often learning herself. Her extra hours -coupled with her enthusiasm, experience, and expertise—deserve much of the -credit for the increased level of integration between Jewish studies and general academics within the K-1 curriculum. In part it's a matter of intense collaboration with Jewish studies teachers Judi Thai and Holly Friedman. • Increased subject integration is apparent from the moment you look around the K-1 classroom. On a recent Sunday, Thai and Zeman took down, repositioned, and relabeled all the informational charts and instructional material utilized routinely. Now, the English and Hebrew days of the week are next to each other; the Alphabet is beside the Alef Bet; and the English words for numbers, colors, shapes, and weather conditions are positioned with their Hebrew counterparts. . "The children connect their English and their Hebrew during routine activities throughout the day," explained Zeman, "and they're teaching me, too!" Since starting at the Academy, her own exposure to Judaism has been important. . "Judaism is such a wonderful way of life," she said. "I want to help my students live and breathe their Jewish values." This commitment drives her constantly: whether familiarizing students on how to proceed left to right in English, then right to left in Hebrew; or teaming up with Thai and Friedman to create the-

I -U7

Community teachers Holly Friedman, left, and Judy Thai, right, work with K-1 general studies teacher Diana Zeman to prepare integrated lesson plans for students. matic units of study, such as the Jewish History skills and learning we present." unit on the Exodus . The team of teachers, recognizing that children To enhance their learning about the Exodus, stu- learn in different ways, are dedicated to employing dents are using a sand-table for hands-on under- "a variety of differenippathways to learning." They standing of what "desert" means, and they're dis- will use state-of-the-art techniques to design intecussing the concept of "wandering." In science, grated units throughout the year. they're studying the characteristics, weather condiEnhancing the increased subject integration in tions, and animals of the desert; in social studies, the K-1 classroom is Friedel's low teacher-student the concepts of "habitat" and "adaptation to habi- ratio, which allows interaction with a few students tat" in relation to desert existence. at a time. Whenever students finish a lesson, they "We're teaching the Biblical component as mira- make use of the numerous learning centers within cle and the academic component as science so they the room. The teaching team also collaborates on fit together and make sense," Zeman explained. evaluating student progress-continually assessing, Friedel's K-1 curriculum provides the subject sharing feedback and re-adjusting their lessons as matter, content, and concepts dictated by the State optimum. :- ~ of Nebraska. Friedel director Michael Linn sums up: "From the At the Academy, however, "a Jewish perspective moment our students enter kindergarten, they are" is the heart, and around it flow the other subjects, exposed to a learning environment that integrates including science, math, language arts, music, art, general academics and Jewish studies. This envihealth, library skills and computer skills," Zeman ronment will have a positive influence on the mennoted. "Jewish subject matter and Hebrew lan- tal, physical and spiritual development of every guage are the focus for all the general information, student."

EXPLORE JEWISH STUDIES at

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Riedel Jewish Academy

Partial list of our course offerings: •Literature of Judaism • Ways of Western Religion '"•'.• •History of Comparative Religion •The Religion of Late Western Antiquity • Jewish American Fiction • The Jewish Idea in Modem Literature ..'•''• Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East • The Holocaust • Israel: The Holy Land •Introduction to Jewish History • Ancient Israel •Jews in the Middle Ages • Jews in the Modern World '• Geology and Resources of the Middle East •Modern Hebrew • Biblical Hebrew ; ..-'.. '••'••• Philosophy and Religious Beliefs • Philosophy of Religion . • Sociology of Religion '

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University of Nebraska Lincoln

If our children are to remain Jews and to have Jewish children, they must be taught how to be Jewish and to enjoy being Jewish. That's part of what we teach at the Friedel Jewish Academy where children receive the finest general education in an atmosphere of positive Jewish experience. We teach our tradition in an environment of enthusiasm and respect for the many forms of Jewish education. . , Come see for yourself. Come see the joy of Jewish learning.

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Page 20

' Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Religious education program celebrates expansion

Beyt Shalom students unroll and study the Torah during Simchat Torah celebrations. provides group instruction in chanting trope for of the Jewish Reconstructionist Federation's by Mike Salmi, Co-director Torah reading and in-depth study of the Kabbalat Cooperating Schools Network and integrates the, Beyt Shalom Religious School Shabbat and Morning services of the Reconstruc- school/home/synagogue experience for students. The Religious School also teaches students the The Beyt Shalom Reconstructionist Synagogue tionist Kol Haneshema prayer book series. skills for living a successful Jewish life-Bar/Bat In addition to Marti, staff members this year Religious School has begun its third year of classes Mitzvah is not an end, but a milestone, on the path and its second year at the JCC. Once again, the include co-directors Alice Weiss and me, Robin of lifelong Jewish education. For example, students Hellwig (K-l), and Lynn Salmi (2-3). Other teachschool was able to expand its curriculum and hours under the guidance of the school staff plan'and lead to meet the ever growing needs of the ers include Jeff Ferber, Community Teacher Maya four Kabbalat Shabbat services during the year. Wertheimer, and Rini Gonsher. Linda Sadofsky Reconstructionist community in western Nebraska Service to community is also an. important part of and southwest Iowa while holding the, line on serves as the Arts and Crafts Resource and Special the Beyt Shalom religious education experience. Co-curricular Projects Coordinator. Melanie tuition increases. The school meets on Sunday and Students have assisted decorating the sukkah at the Hellwig and Terry Salmi serve as student aides. Tuesday at the Jewish Community Center. Rose Blumkin Home and have visited residents durBeyt Shalom has fully integrated the activities of ing Sunday School. Plans are underway to become Students in grades 6, 7 and 8 now have an extra hour of class on Sunday mornings specifically the school, the home, and the synagogue to further more involved with the Blumkin Home and to start designed to better prepare them for Bar/Bat the Jewish education of all of its members. recycling projects in the spirit of tikkun olam. Mitzvah. Marti Nerenstone leads this class and Therefore, as a community, it follows the guidelines (Continued on page 21)

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 21

Religious education celebrates expansion

Strengthening the links in the chain

(Continued from page 20)

Striving for excellence by Scott Littky, BESTT Director

Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah (BESTT) continues to strive for excellence in Jewish education, offering- a progressive approach dedicated to the Through participation in the B'nai Mitzvah pro- principles and practices of the Conservative gram at Temple Israel, the student strengthens Movement. Our program for children age three the link in the chain of Jewish community, in an through 12th grade attempts to offer students new act of commitment to God, Torah and the Jewish and exciting ways to study about their Judaism. people. It is our strong belief that the home and . This year, BESTT is sponsoring a new program school must work closely together to help the stu- for three-year-old and pre-kindergarten children, dent reach this goal. on Sunday mornings; children are involved in a The B'nai Mitzvah year is an exciting tune. hands-on approach to Jewish learning. The focus of A.child stands on the brink of adolescence; this the curriculum in this program is the synagogue in and of itself can be a source of both joy and and holidays. , anxiety. Add to this the responsibility of study, Students are now able to expand their learning practice, rehearsals, seemingly endless trips, to outside of the classroom in our hew state-of-the-art Temple, travel arrangements, caterers~and your Computer Lab. As a result of the generosity of the cup runneth over! Beth El Judaic Shop, the lab has two multi-media And yet, through it all, there shines an incan- computers and four other upgraded computers descent image of a child who is no longer a child, hooked into a network allowing a class to surf the and parents whose roles have subtly changed. web together or separately. Students will also be . Approximately nine monthes prior to Bar/Bat able to fine-tune their skills with, different Hebrew Mitzvah, students are assigned to an adult in our software or do research with'the CD-rom version of congregation who serves as a mentor, instrumen- the Jewish Encyclopedia. tal in reviewing blessings and prayers with the During each Sunday morning of Talmud Torah, student. • we. have added time at the end of sessions where Additionally, mentors assist studens in learning our students gather in the sanctuary to pray both the history of and terminology surrounding together as a school. In forming this community, the Bar/Bat Mitzvah ceremony. Each week the we are attempting to develop our school theme for student is assigned specific learning tasks by the this year, "Holiness in Time." mentor which are then studied in depth. Our High School program continues to meet on After three monthes of study with the assigned Wednesday evenings. Once a month, students also mentor, six monthes are spent with the Cantor on gather for dinner and a program, followed by classstudy of Torah and Haftarah portions. es. The focus of our dinner programs this year is, During the final month preceding Bar/Bat "People Who Have Made a Difference." Mitzvah, lessons are.devoted to service etiquette During our first term, we have worked with other and choreography in order for the student to come organizations on two special programs for the high to feel fully comfortable in leading the congrega- school, featuring Dr. Joyce Hunter at the first,.-and tion in worship. • ' a special program for juniors and seniors on Jewish It is, indeed, a moment in time that is blessed. programming on College Campuses. And, it will be a time remembered. For more information on Beth El Synagogue Talmud Torah, call me at 492-8550, ext 132. by Cantor Jennifer Blum

Marti Nerenstone explains the meaning of the lulav and etrog at the religious school sukkah. The synagogue also holds monthly Friday evening Tot Shabbats to help prepare pre-schoolers and their families for beginning Religious Sphool in Kindergarten. Everyone is invited to attend these services, starting at 7 p.m. • The school meets on Sunday from 10 a.m.-noon for all grades, and Tuesday from 4-6 p.m. for grades 4 through 8. Students in Grades 6 through 8 will also meet Sunday morning from 9-10 a.m. . Enrollment is open throughout the yeat. Beyt Shalom was especially excited this year to expand its ongoing adult education program. Rabbi Myer Kripke is in the midst of a six-week course entitled "An Introduction to t h e Hebrew Scriptures." Rabbi Kripke was\a student of Rabbi Mordechai Kaplan at^Uie^Jejivish Theological Seminary in New York. Rabbi Kaplan developed ' the principles t h a t formed t h e basis of the Reconstructionist movement, but he is perhaps best known outside of the movement for developing the idea of full egalitarianism within the context of Jewish worship. In fact, his daughter celebrated the very first Bat Mitzvah in North America, and . perhaps the first in the world. For more information about Beyt Shalom education programs, call the synagogue at 758-9233.

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Page 22

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Judah Magnes Museum presents two competitions

L.D. - the invisible disability by Julie Sigmon, Admissions and Marketing Director, Case School

Imagine you are a child with an IQ of 130, and you are staring at an "F" on a test for which you and your parents spent hours studying. . Imagine you are the parents of that child and witness over and over again the heartbreak as he struggles academically and learns to face failure. As a parent, you cannot understand what is happening. Imagine you are the teacher of that child and want to help, but lack the time or expertise. The U.S. Department of Education estimates that as many as 10-15% of our population is learning disabled. More than 2.5 million children in the U.S. with average to above average intelligence have; this invisible disability. What is a learning disability and how can you tell ifybur child is LD? . "A Learning Disability (LD) is a disorder that affects people's ability to either interpret what they see and hear or to link information from different parts of the brain. These limitations manifest themselves in difficulty with reading, comprehension, writing, listening, and/or calculating. LD is a term that covers many different causes

and symptoms making it difficult to diagnose. It is especially difficult diagnosing young children, for they naturally show differences in their rate of development. What might appear as a disability may simply be a delay in maturation. However, as a child progresses through'school, a learning disability may become more apparent. Typically by. grades 3-4, the discrepancy between achievement and potential widen and may indicate a possible disability. Specific criteria must be met to be diagnosed as learning disabled. A series of educational evaluations and tests are used to determine an LD identification. Everyone has their own learning strengths and weaknesses. What distinguishes a Weakness: from a disability is the degree to which it causes problems in a person's life (academically, socially and vocationally). Living with a learning disabled person can be frustrating at times; however, the prospects are hopeful. It is important to remember that someone: with a learning disability can learn. The key to a happy normal life is early identification and intervention.

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The Judah L. Magnes Museum in Berkeley, CA, presents the First Annual Richard Nagler Photography Competition. The 1999 competition welcomes all entries representing a series with a Jewish theme. There are no category restrictions; either black and white or color photos are acceptable. Awards include cash, museum and web exhibitions. Deadline for entries is March 15,1999. The museum is also sponsoring the Sixth Annual Video Competition, welcoming all entries on Jewish themes from every level and category of production, including audio and interactive media. Deadline for this competition is April 15, 1999. For detailed entry instructions, call Bill Chayes or Elisabeth Friedman, 1-510-549-6952, or e-mail: rjewphoto@aol.com, or send SASE to: Nagler Photo Competition or Video Competition, Judah L. Magnes Museum; 2911 Russell Street, Berkeley, CA94705. .

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 23

Endowed scholarships —— ' to honor three Creighton deans

How to choose a college by Ken Sieg, Director of Admissions, Nebraska Wesleyan University

The winter break is a time when families are together and often free from the distractions of work and school. You and your parents need to make a number of decisions at this time. Narrow your list down to three to five colleges you think can best meet your expectations. Students need to understand their parents' expectations for higher education, and vice versa. .When applying for financial aid, families need to know how much they can afford and what financial aid forms are required by each college or university.. Families that don't make these decisions can run into problems in the coming months. The failure to meet these deadlines could mean getting shut out of the college that best suits your, needs, or losing out on grants and scholarships. Applying for Financial Aid Going to college is expensive; it will likely be one of the most expensive items you and/or your par- ents will ever purchase. But through a variety of financial aid options, the cost of your college education can be reduced. It's important to ask specific questions about the scholarship and financial aid forms that are preferred and accepted by the colleges in which you're interested. Some institutions require only the Eiree Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), while others may request additional forms or information. :' • And while forms are important, it's in your best interest to talk to financial aid officers in person. Let them get to know you, and your interests and achievements. Some colleges take into account such special factors as leadership, extracurricular involvement, or volunteer Work. ' "" "~ "*" Current income information will be needed for financial aid applications, so parents need to gather this data now so that income taxes can be com-

pleted by early February. If working with an accountant, make sure he or Bhe knows when income tax forms must be completed. There's no magic wand that can provide thousands of dollars in scholarship money. You need to take responsibility for obtaining your financial aid. Take the time to work with your high school counselor or a college representative, and to explore scholarship opportunities in your Ken Sieg local community, clubs, civic groups, your synagogue, your parents' place of employment, (and Jewish Educational and Library Services). Outside the Classroom There is much more to a college education than just attending classes. It's important'to decide which activities are important to you. If participating in music, student government, publications and/or athletics are vital, then spend some time talking with students, faculty and staff, sponsors, and coaches-anyone who can give the information you need to decide if that college will provide the extracurricular opportunities you're seeking. Find out if you can walk in next year and get involved in activities you believe are fun, entertaining, challenging and rewarding. You also need to look at the institution's support system for students. In many colleges one of the main reasons students don't graduate is because there is no safety net to catch a student when problems arise, either personal or academic. Find out how personal and career counseling is

Creighton University is contributing a total of $75,000 from its capital campaign for three endowed scholarship funds honoring outgoing deans. Each of the scholarship funds will receive $25,000. . The university has created the Proterra Endowed Scholarship Fund to honor outgoing College of Arts and Sciences Dean Rev. Michael Proterra, S.J. He has served as dean since 1988. Deans typically serve 10-year assignments at Creighton University. Twenty-five thousand dollars will be contributed to the Lawrence and Dinah Raful Endowed Scholarship, which was established a few months ago in honor of School of Law Dean Raful, who has served as dean since 1988. The third contribution of $25,000 will be added to the Wes and Jenelle Wolfe Scholarship Fund. Wes Wolfe stepped down as dean of University College in 1997. He was the first dean named for University College in 1983. He continued on as Director of Summer Sessions, a post he will leave after the spring'1999 semester. The money from the endowed scholarship funds is available to students in the Colleges or Schools where the deans served. "Creighton University owes a deep debt of gratitude to these three deans whose leadership was instrumental in achieving the academic quality, mission-commitment and community connections we enjoy today. Endowed scholarships for deserving students stand as perpetual reminders of their outstanding contributions and dedication to our students," said Dr. Charles Dougherty, vice-president for Academic Affairs. The money for the scholarships came from the Campaign 2000's undesignated gifts. Campaign, a five-year effort with a goal of $100 million, ended in June, raising a total of $127 million.

Why Creighton University? A. Creighton has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, ranked #1 in the Midwest by US. News and World Report Creighton students learn in small classes taught by renowned faculty. B. Creighton graduates enjoy an admissions advantage in gaining entry to the schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health and law. "• C. A Creighton education is "values-centered." Service to others, the importance of family life and appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity are core values. ' , ' , , ' . \- ' Creighton offers scholarships especially for academically talented Jewish students. All of the above.

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Why Omaha? There is so much to do in Omaha! Concerts, museums,'-sporting events,' megaplexi movie theaters, excellent shopping malls,1 restaurants representing nearly all the world's major cuisines, cross-country skiing, hiking, swimming/biking and boating are available. ' B. Omaha has one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates, making job opportunities and internships abundant and lucrative. . ' / C. Omaha is a major a midwestern city, easily accessible by car;-plane, train or bus. D. Omaha has a vibrant, caring Jewish community with a world-class JCC and five synagogues. E. All of the above.

For more information, call us at 1-800-282-5835, or visit our website: www.crcighton.edu.

Creighton University. The correct answer for all of the above reasons!

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY A Jesuit university.

Page 24 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE November 6,1998

A ladder of parent involvement demonstrate to your child that Jewish education is Almost every Sunday morning is filled with Jewish important enough to invest your time as well as learning for adults as well as children. Our students are very much aware of their paryour child's time. ents' participation in continuing Jewish education. The third step is Communication. The longer I work in the field of Jewish educaOne of my favorite times is when adults tion, the stronger I feel about the get very involved and run over the noon importance of Parent Involvement. dismissal time. It is a delight to see the Most Jews are familiar with the tables turn, to watch children pick their "ladder of tzedakah" developed by the parents up from class. - great Jewish sage Maimonides. That The fifth level on our ladder is taking the ladder has eight steps. The lowest step toward Leadership. rung is giving charity begrudgingly Most parents begin by volunteering to and the highest is helping someone help with a field trip or special project in' become self sufficient so that they will the classroom, then many become room not be dependent upon the charity of parents. At Temple Israel, these parents others. • work in partnership with our teachers in .. Following is a ladder of Parent order to provide a wide variety of experiInvolvement in Jewish Education. ences to help enhance the traditional eduThe first step on the ladder is to cational tools of text, paper and pencil. enroll your children in a Jewish While helping to make Jewish learning school and make the commitment to more exciting for their children, parent yol. bring them to school regularly. If this Kindergarten teacher Wendy Goldberg, left, learns about honeybees teers get to know their children's classladder were done in chronological with students Molly Golderman, Alexander Wolpa and Josh Danon. un mates and teachers. The most committed order of the Jewish life cycle, then the parent volunteers serve on committees and first step would be to bring your child into the brit, boards to help set policies and give the Religious When you are in the building, you have the the covenant of the Jewish People, symbolized by opportunity to greet your children's teachers and School the financial and moral support it needs to , the giving of a Hebrew name. • classmates. You can begin to build friendships with succeed. Even the first rung on the ladder of Jewish edu- other The sixth level on the ladder is learning and Many parents are already inside cation—driving up to the front door of that Templeparents. teaching.with their children. Israel. Increasing numbers of parents are Religious School-can be lifted higher by words of . showing up early to pick up their children after Parent-toddler classes and Family School are two encouragement to your child. school. They seem to really enjoy talking to each excellent examples of this kind of learning and When you pick up your child some hours later, other, relaxing on the porch or in the lobby. teaching. Parent-toddlsjuclasses are designed to ask that magic question. No, it's not "Did you have four is the next logical progression. Stay in help parents give. a very loving introduction to fun;" The best question is "What did you learn theStep Jewish learning to their young children ages 1-3 building to study as an adult. today?" years. We have many opportunities for parents to While learning can be fun, it is often hard work. They are held in an environment designed to be adult Jewish learners. Parents of our The message inside the question is Jewish learning become developmentally enticing and stimulating for todyoungest children meet several times a year for is sometimes difficult but always beneficial. (Parents Are Teachers, Too). Our Men's Club dlers. Songs, stories and activities are calculated to The second step is as simple as taking the next PATT offers monthly breakfast speakers; Scholars-in- delight the youngsters and help parents pass on step. Get out of the car and enter the building with Residence are an occasional highlight. AOL (Adult Jewish-experiences to the children and to each your child. This will open a whole new world to you Opportunities Learning) meets twice a month other. and your child. By coming inside, you visibly during Sundayfor morning Religious School hours. (Continued on page 25) by Ann Klbel Schwartz Director of Education, Temple Israel

BETH ISRAEL W IBS

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TEMPLe ISRAEL HIGH SCHOOL Mission Statement Temple Israel High School offers an enriched advanced academic program, and provides an environment in which students are exposed to a variety of ideas, values and practices to help strengthen their Jewish identity. Temple Israel provides teenagers a natural setting for combining Jewish education with Jewish social experiences. Students are encouraged to expand their knowledge of Judaica and exchange view's on important issues. We promote the development of strong Jewish values and a sense of unity with the Jewish people. In our high school, we believe the primary goal of a Jewish education is to give students the knowledge and skills, and to develop attitudes/that will enable them to participate actively as independent members of the Jewish community. As members, they can make intelligent Jewish informed decisions and contribute to the world in .which they live. Jewish learning is a lifelong pursuit and should not stop at some arbitrary point.

O

November 6,1098 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 25

A ladder of parent involvement (continued from page 24)

Why teens must continue their Jewish education by Elyce Azriel, Director, Temple Israel High School

Amber Baker and son, Jonathan, decorate Shema pillows as part of PATT (Parents are Teachers, Too) at Temple Israel. Family School is a deceptive title. While many of the Family School members are indeed relatives, we have many adults who come without children of their own. This program creates a spiritual family and represents intergenerational learning with students from the eight-year-olds in third grade through senior citizens. Family School meets on Tuesday evenings from 6:15-8:15 p.m. . The seventh level is for a parent to become a teacher; .More than 50% of Temple Israel's Religious School faculty are parents of children currently enrolled or have graduated from our school. What better model of caring than to devote your weekends, afternoons and evenings to teaching what you have learned to the next generation. . To reach the highest level, bring it home. A home filled with Jewish activities and discussions is the best way to give your child a Jewish spiritual vocabulary that will last and continue to grow for a lifetime.

The synagogue and the religious school today bear • much of the responsibility for fostering a strong sense of Jewish identity. Identity emerges in adolescence and young adulthood; the Jewish high school must, therefore, do everything possible to develop programs of such vitality that no thinking young Jew can ignore them. For Jewish teens, retaining a positive tie to Jewish institutions is often difficult. Jewish teens are involved in a wide range of activities, including homework, extra-curricular activities and socializing. Jewish teen programming must compete with other activities for teens' limited time. The guiding principle underlying the many facets of Temple Israel's high school program is a commitment to the development of the Jewish teen-ager as a knowledgeable, caring and active member of his or her family, peer group and the Jewish and general communities. Young people must be given positive, optimistic views of their future. As one strategy of many being utilized already in our high school is the program of Panim El Panim: Washington Institute for Jewish Learning and Values. As of this year, both Beth El and Beth Israel have joined us in this 12th-grade experience. This trip, which complements our high school "Senior Seminar", has generated a sense of Jewish peoplehood through learning encounters with Jews across the country. . Another such program is our 10th grade trip to "Jewish New York." The enthusiasm with which our students return from these experiences deepen the relationships they formed among themselves and with members of the faculty and the rabbis who accompany them: The more Jewish experiences teens have, the more Jewishly involved they become, and the more they integrate Judaism into their lives. Complimentary to the more formal aspects of the

high school program are numerous ongoing activities and projects. These take the form of participation in two parent/student workshops held during the course of a school year. Our first workshop, which was held recently, was "Are We All Created in God's Image?" Educating Oneself on Gay/Lesbian Issues and Challenges in Our Jewish Community: A Reform Perspective. This workshop was led by Rabbi Eric Weiss, one of the founders of Ruach Ami: Healing Center in San Francisco. The purpose of tfiis workshop was to provide information and resources that could help participants make the environment in this community safe and supportive for gay, lesbian and bisexual youth. It also dealt with the Reform Movement's stand on this issue. The second workshop, which will be held in the spring, is' "Jewish Responses to Death and Grieving", facilitated by Dr. Sam Joseph of the Hebrew Union College. • The subjects of death and grief are generally difficult topics to approach with youth and their parents. Older children long to talk about death and loss and want to share feelings and anxieties. Young people in their high school years sense the. personal meaning of,death. This often leads to a fuller appreciation of life. What is most damaging, however, is our avoidance with youth of the subject of death and grief. Not only are young people growing up without experiencing death directly, they are also denied a forum for their questions and their anxieties. Adolescence is a critical period for identity development. It is also a period when participation in quality Jewish education programs—in our high schools, youth groups, camps or Israel—has a demonstrable, dramatic effect, we must promote a lifelong Jewish commitment.

Make the Most of Your Child's Summer

Enroll Them in Camps at the Jewish Community Center! Half day camps for 2-5-year-olds and full day camps for KindergartenEighth Graders.

Watchfor: * Exciting new programs for all ages •Improvedswim lessons • New travel camps for older campers

Enrollment opens in March 1999.

Nothing Beats A JCCSummer! JCC day camps for Kindergarten-Eighth Graders are accredited by the American Camping Association. This accreditation lets parents know our camps meet the highest standard in the areas of programming, facility, staffing and administration. A beneficiary agency ot tho Jewish Federation of Omaha

For more Information on JCC Summer Camps, contqct Beth Cohen, JCC Youth Services Director, at 334-6409.

Page 26 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE November 6,1998

Reform camp offers range of programs OSRUI, the Reform movement's Midwest Region overnight camp for kids entering third through 12th grades, offers different camping programs depending on age and area of interest. All have arts, sports, Hebrew, waterfront, Judaica and recreational components. Approximately 1000 campers from throughout the Midwest, Colorado, Canada and many other parts of the Uiftted States will attend one of the eight different programs that OSRUI offers. Programs that travel outside of Camp include MoshWest, a four-week backpacking and hiking trip in Colorado and Utah; and Israel, a six-week experience including three days in Prague and travel throughout all parts of Israel. The Wisconsin camp has two-, three-, four- and seven-weejr'sessions running from June 14 through Aug. 8, and is located approximately two hours from Chicago in Oconomowoc, WI. . For more information, call OSRUI at 1-847-5090990, ext. 25, or contact Rabbi Aryeh Azriel at Temple Israel, 556-6536.

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" ~" ~~ ~~ by Beth Cohen, JCC Youth Services Director • The camp experience is recognized by child emotionally in programs emphasizing Jewish culdevelopment professionals as valuable in helping ture and values. All campers in Chaverim and children mature socially, emotionally, morally and Chai will also spend time each week with our physically. Shaliach, or Israeli Counselor, in addition to enjoyAt camp, children are given the opportunity of ing sports activities, art, nature and swimming. taking on responsibility/gaining new skills and Watch for the upcoming announcement of excitinteracting with peers in a setting quite different ing new travel camps for older campers, plus from that of school, scouts or sports teams. improvements to day camp swim lessons, all excitAt camp, children belong to a community that ing new developments in Camp Chaverim. A^T exists solely to teach them, love them, and allow camps are available exclusively to JCC Members. them to grow. The camp setting puts children in a Camp brochures will be mailed to the community positive, supervised environment geared*.toward in the middle of February. Registration for summaking them feel good" about themselves and their mer camp opens on Camp Day, March 14, 1999, successes.. ••••••, ...•;••;.-. * ' . . and campers registering prior to March 19 will The Jewish Gonnftunity Center of Omaha, offers receive an early registration discount. a variety of camp programs for1 youth age two The Jewish Community Center's full-day day through eighth grade. • camps, Specialty Camps and Travel camps are Camp Shalom is a half-day day camp for children accredited by the American Camping Association. age two through five years old; Camp Chaverim is ACA accreditation assures parents that JCC a full-day day camp for entering kindergarten camps have met the highest standards in the through second grade; Camp Chai is a full-day day camping industry in the areas of programming, camp for entering third and fourth graders; safety, personnel, facility and administration. The Specialty Camp is a specialized full-day camp pro- JCC is one of only two day camp programs in gram for youth entering fifth through eighth Nebraska accredited by ACA, and the only one in grade. the city of Omaha. While each of the day camp programs are For information on any of these excellent sumunique, they all offer the opportunity for children mer camp programs, contact me at 334-6409. Staff to grow and develop physically, intellectually and positions are available for all camps. FUN, FRIENDSHIPS, CARING COUNSELORS AWAIT YOUR CHILD AT

TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 10,1998 HMS TOYS & TREASURES AND UNDER THE BIG TOP 13038 WEST CENTER ROAD 6:00 -9:00 P.M. Let'i beat -B\e crowds CnA 5+dv-r outr

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SUNDAY, NOV. 22 * Climbing Tower Beth El Synagogue ••*' Mountain Biking

elebrate Shabbat! hallenge yourself on the Alpine Tower!

'Theatre For eveyy $&O Sfev& at HMS TOVA, yew Will receive a coufon -for 4jS » f 4 cm t o y * ttorr ctm be Uied i« January.

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JEWISH CAMPING

12:30 P.M. - 2:00 P.M. •1 Blobbing ' Horsebackriding OPEN HOUSE 'Sailing ' Waterskiing * Tennis * 30th Season •ACA Accredited Camp Sabra, located on 960 acres and 31/2 miles of private shoreline on the magnificent Lake of the Ozarks, MO Is the resident co ed summer camping facility of the St Louis JCC serving children and teens entering grades 3 10 in four week sessions with 2 week options available entering grades 3 • 6. • .

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REUNION

For more Information, please contact Area Representatives Glen & Hollie Fineman at 4964301 Payment Plans and 2nd child discounts available

CAMP DATES: June 14-Aug. 8,1999 For information about the terrific summer programs at Olin-Sang-Ruby Institute, contact your synagogue or call:

OSRUI

847-509-0990 ext. 25

Registration is now open for the 1999 camping season- Spaces are " available for students in grades I

• Jewish programming • Canoeing and Sailing • Israeli Dance • Overnights • Arts & Crafts 1 Red Cross Swim Program • Hiking • Scouting • Sports • Oneg Shabbat • Drama • Israeli Singing • Water Skiing Session 1 June 21July14

Session 2 July 20Aug. 12

4-1L

To find an FDA-certified mammography facility...

Last summer was a sellout, so • please make your child's reserva- I tion now for a summer he or she I won't forget! ^, Moshava features: • • Full sports curriculum I • Hebrew • Zionism •• • Ropes course • Arts & Crafts • • Swimming Pool I • Jewish Education I •Israeli Staff

CAMP DATES

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Entering 2nd, 3rd and 4th Graders Only June21-July4 2 Sessions July2O-Aug. 1 June21-Aug. 12

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November 6,1998 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 27

BBYO elects new officers At its fall elections, boys' and girls' chapters of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization chose new officers, according to BBYO Director lisa Skolnick. For information about joining BBYO, opening to Jewish teens in grades 9-12, call her at 334-6404. Mother Chapter AZA #1 Godol .....Andrew Shefren S'gan Robbie Epstein Mazkir.... Tony Endelman Sopher. ....Jeff Baum Gizbor.... ...David Saylan Moreh.,.. Andy Finkle Shaliach Brian Durmaskin Sgt. at Anns............Joe Wees and Michael Hellman Chaiin Weizmann AZA #1510 "Gpdol Mendel Kurland S'gan Adam Rosen Mazkir Igor Ginzburg Gizbor .Mark Javitch Moreh Brandon Scholtes Shaliach Aaron Wolfson Sgt. at Arms ......Josh Plato Photographer ...Michael Parsow

' MZYoshanahBBG N'siah.. Diana Manvitz S'ganit '. Jamie Skog Mazkirah ...Jen Friedman Gizborit.... ........i...Ariel Shukert Mit/Mom . Naomi Katskee Sgt. at Arms ................Melissa Josephson Sunshine Girl...... .....Whitney Taxman

JDC now accepting entries lor the 1999 JDC-Smolar Student Journalism Award

The JDC-Smolar Student Journalism Award, is designed to develop a better understanding of the global Jewish community, while giving support to young people entering the field of journalism and encouraging their interest in Jewish subjects and Jewish journalism. A $1,000 cash award will.be given to the Jewish student whose published article or story best fosters understanding of world Jewry. EdiarBBG The Award was established in 1980 by the N'siah Erin Malajihoek American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, S'ganit Michelle Malashock\ Inc. (JDC) in honor of the late Boris Smolar, distinMazkirah .'.Anne Muskin^ guished journalist, author and Editor-in-Chief of Gizborit...... .............Rebecca Murow the Jewish Telegraphic Agency. Smolar had been Mit/Mom Jamie Hamburg associated with JDC for over 60 years as a staff Orechet Lauren Feigin and Leah Raful member, board member and friend. Entries will be judged by=the JDC-Smolar Journalism Award Committee, comprised of distinguished leaders in the field of Jewish journalism. The Committee reserves the right to make final determination regarding eligibility. Presentation of the award will be made in the spring of 1999. Application Instructions Submissions-one entry per student-are limited to published stories or articles whjch promote understanding of overseas Jewish needs. Submission must have been published during the 1999 calendar year in a newspaper and/or magazine substantially involved in the coverage of Jewish affairs,and must have been written by a full or part-time student (maximum age: 27) at an accredited institution of learning. Each submission must be cut and pasted on 8 1/2 x LEFT PHOTO.- BBYO'ers pause during a game of 11" sheets. Entries not conforming to these specificafootball; front row, from left: Shane Kotas-Cohn, tion will not be considered. They must be postJan Zoob and Terri Salmi; middle row: Adam marked no later than April 1, 1999, to qualify for ' Rosen, Adam Kohn and Alex Shehktman; back consideration and should be mailed to: JDC-Smolar row: Igor Ginzburg, David Saylan and Josh Plato; Student Journalism Award, American Jewish Joint ABOVE: Friends of Ediar and MZ enjoy Council Distribution Committee, 771 Third Ave., NYC, NY, fcickoff; from left: Jamie Skog, Diana Manvitz, 10017-4014; Attention: Kimberly Bayer. Anne Muskin and Melissa Josephson.

Top 10 Reasons Campers Choose TbGoTb B'nai ffrilh Beber Campffi Have an incredible six-week experience on one of our supervised summer programs: • USY on Wheels: a 6i/2-week trek across North America • USY Israel Pilgrimage • Israel Pilgrimage/Poland Seminar • Eastern Europe/Israel Pilgrimage • Heroism and Hope—Italy/Israel Pilgrimage • Btgarl The Ultimate Israel Challenge Sponsored by Trie United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism Write: USY, 155 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010 Call: (212) 833-7800 ezt. 2311 Web site: http://uscJ.01g/tu3r/escape/

:

10. O o h Ah Maccabiah, Maccabiah... 9. Beautiful Lake Beulah and our new heated pool. 8.3 "gourmet" kosher meals each day. 7.Trying new things and learning new skills. 6. Making new friends and seeing old ones. 5. W e "raise the roof" at every meal. 4.The well trained and caring staff. 3. All the great activities (water-skiing, sailing, roller hockey, drama, etc...) '" 2. Meeting Jewish campers and staff from all around the world, and .'..

The #1 reason campers come to Beber... "Ifs a home away from home."

Besides, who wouldn't want to go to Mukwonago?

Leadership Kallali ILTC (International Leadership Training Conference) BBYO members from North America, Israel, Great Britain and Europe come together for 3 concentrated weeks at B'nal B'rith Perlman Camp.Ttie program focuses on Judaism, leadership skills and creative arts to help participants develop untapped skills, personal strengths and creativity.

For more information on our exciting BBYO Summer Programs, contact Lisa Shkolnick, BBYO Director, 334-6404.

.This intense one month program challenges participants to think, question and practice. Kalian concentrates on your search for personal and Jewish identity through informal classes, small groups and creative workshops.

1ISI

•—««——

(International Leadership Study in Israel) A carefully selected group of BBYO members from North America, Europe and Israel learn leadership skills and participate in a 5-week, unparalleled Israel Experience.

Join our camp family and come share the magic of a 3&C summer! fi'nai B'nth Beber Camp in Mukwonago, Wl is just 45 minutes from Milwaukee andpst 75 miles from O'Hare International , Airport Our campers range in age from 7-17 and come from all over the U S. and Europe. Two, four and eight week sessions available, OPEN HOUSE PRESENTATION/OMAHAREUNION Sunday, December 6th 7:00 p.m. ATTHE HOME OF ROBBY, BEN AND ALEX EPSTEIN 1336 N. 129th Avenue Circle Please call to RSVP and receive directions: 496-9159 Video presentation/refreshments

CLTC —mmi^mmmmam1 (Chapter Leadership Training Conference) The BBYO Chapter is the focus of this dynamic 2-week session at B'nai BVith Beber or Perlman Camps. Participate in hands-on planning and leadership development geared to making you a better leader of your chapter and die Jewish community.

For a video, brochure and application contact the Beber office a t 800-803-2267 o r 847-498-1441 or write us at 1901 Raymond Drive. Suite l5,Northbrook,IL 60062 e-mail: bebercamp@aol.com website: www.bnaibrith.org/bbyo/beber/beb_wel.html

Page 28

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

November 6,1998

Enhance Jewish education with a Mission to Israel by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

During the past six years, the Jewish Federation of Omaha's mission program has grown to be one of the best among Federations in the United States, and over 500 Omahans have taken advantage of : ' the experience. ' f "The Jewish Federation of Omaha has designed missions for just about every income level, age range, and affiliation. The level of experience of our guides and staff is unparalleled. A mission is the best way to get the most out of your trip to Israel," said Jan Perelman, Federation Executive Director. "No one does Israel like the Omaha Jewish Community," said Joanie Kaiman, chairman of the Federation's Missions Committee. "I've been on four missions, including the Women's Mission, the Outreach Mission and the Community Mission, and each one has had its own energy and has greatly added to my own knowledge base," she added. The Federation has two missions planned for 1999: The Outreach Mission, scheduled for March 8-18, is geared towards couples in which one person was not born Jewish. "The first Outreach Mission in 1997 was such a tremendous success,people began requesting another trip," said Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, who with his wife, Elyce,. will again lead this mission. "We cannot stress enough the benefits of visiting Israel." Cost is $1199 and includes airfare, four-star hotels, most meals, all entrance fees and a deluxe bus. For more information, contact Julee Katzman, Federation Executive Assistant, 334-6428. The Millennium Mission, scheduled for Dec' 26Jan. 3, 2000, is a family mission for couples, families with children 7 and older, and grandparents. Co-chairmen are Karin, Michael and Arielle Leyine. "Imagine spending the turn of the century in Israel! What an incredible experience for a family," said Ms. Levine. Cost for this mission is not finalized. However, if you would like information as it becomes available, please contact the Federation Office at 334-8200.

Project Dreidle 1998

Camp Moshava

by Rita Paskowitz, Jewish Family Service Resettlement and Accultural Director

For almost 60 years, thousands of kids from Chicago and throughout the country have been inspired, enriched and advanced by their experience at Camp Moshava. What is that unique quality that keeps people talking about their years in Moshava in such a memorable way? Is it the beautiful Shabbat filled with Ruach, and fun? Is it meeting other kids from all over the world and forming life-long friendships? Or is it the Tzevet who have grown up them-

Although it hardly seems possible, Hanukkah is just around the corner. With the lighting of the first candle at sundown on Dec. 14, Jewish Family Service and Women's American ORT are once again gearing up for Project Dreidel, the annual gift distribution program for local Jewish families in need. And, once again, the community is invited to help. Hanukkah is a time for families to come together in celebration. Consequently, individuals and Jewish Organizations are invited to participate in this year's Project Dreidel by not only purchasing gifts for the children but gifts for the whole family or for children to give to their parents as well. Possibilities may include gift certificates to malls or stores, supermarkets (which- may be purchased through synagogues) and recreational events. Books for children, clothing, family games and books for adults are especially appreciated. And, of course, cash donations--which may be used by Jewish Family Service to help pay for a family's medical or utility bills. Gifts must be new and unused. If a gift is wrapped, it must be labeled as to its contents and the potential recipient's age range and gender. All donations and gifts must be in the Jewish Family Service office by Friday, Dec. 4. For more information or to refer a local Jewish family facing financial difficulties, please call Jewish Family Service at 330-2024.

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selves in Moshava who care for and help nurture the campers? Maybe it is the medurot (campfires), the tiyulim (hikes), or Maccabiah (colorwar)? Whatever it is, is BO powerful that even one summer at Moshava will fill a child with decades worth of experiences and memories. Where else can you find the combination of Torah, fun, Zionism and personal growth? At Moshava, a camper could wake up, daven, eat breakfast, clean his or her tzrif (cabin), play baseball, learn Mishnayot, recapture the Kotel and receive a visit from Rav Kookâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;all in one day! Moshava campers grow up with a real understanding of Am Yisrael, B'Eretz Yisrael, Al Pi Torat Yisrael (The Nation of Israel in the land of Israel according to the Torah of Israel). For more information, please call Zevi Ashkanazy a t (847) 674-9733 or send e-mail to: GOTOMOSH@AOL.COM

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