January 15, 1999

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

Serving Nebraska and Western Iowa for more than 75 years VoI.LXXVI

No. 18

Omaha, NE

27Tevet,5759

January 15,1999

The 50 Years'War; Israel and the Arabs debuts on public television The year 1998 marked the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the state of Israel. Although the conflict between Jews and Arabs can be traced back over 2,000 years, the current conflict and its cycles of war, terrorism, negotiation and hope can be dated back to the creation of Israel in 1948. The SO Years' War, drawing on hundreds of in-depth interviews with politicians, soldiers and journalists from 16 countries, is the first comprehensive, eye : witness account of the histpry of Israel's relations with its Arab neighbors.

The accompanying television series, The 50 Years' War-Israet and the Arabs will air Sunday

mer U.S. Secretary of State; Clark Clifford, counsel to President Harry Truman; Dean Brown, Ambassador to Jordan, Yossi Beilin, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Israel; Ehud Barak, leader of the Israeli Labor Party and retired general and Chief of Staff; Abba Eban, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.; and Miriam Eshkol, wife of former Prime Minister Levi Eshkol.

Also featured are Zbigniew Brzezinski, former National Security Advisor; Meir Amit, head of Mossad; Moshe Arens, former Israeli Ambassador to the U.S.; Hassan Asfour, PLO negotiator in Oslo; Ben Zion Cohen, commander of the Irgun; and Monday, Jan. 24 and .25, at 8 p.m. The Anatoly Dobrynin, former Soviet Ambassador to series was produced by Ahron Bregman and Jihan the U.S.; Alexander Haig, former deputy National Security Advisor; Yair Hirschfeld, Israeli professor; El-Tahri. ~ Bregman, born in Israel, studied at the Hebrew King Hussein of Jordan; statesman Henry University in Jerusalem and earned a PhD from Kissinger; Shimon Peres, former Israeli Defense the Department of War Studies at King's College, and Foreign Minister; Marcelle Ninio, an. Egyptian Jew; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; London. He lives in London, England.

El-Tahri, born in Beirut, holds degrees from the and Yitzhak Navon, Education Minister.

American University in Cairo.. Since 1984 she has Others interviewed for the documentary include: served as a journalist writing extensively on the Boutros Boutros-Ghali, former Egyptian Deputy Middle East for international newspapers and tele- Foreign Minister and now head of the United vision news programs. She lives in Paris.

Nations; and Benjamin Givli, Director of Israeli • Among those featured in the five-hour special Military Intelligence; as well as Joseph Sisco of the presentation are: former U.S. presidents Jimmy U.S. State Department.

Career and George Bush; Warren Christopher, for- .

(Continued on page 7)

Volunteer braille services ,.. celebrates 40th anniversary

by Eileen; Remer

On Jan. 30 at Beth El Synagogue, as part of the Women's League Sabbath, many volunteers will be honored for their years of service to the Omaha Volunteer Braille Services, formerly known as the Beth.El Synagogue Braille Group. .

Rabbi Benzion Twerski to speak at Beth Israel

by Susan Paley

.'

, • .-

Beth Israel Synagogue will host Rabbi Benzion Twerski as its Scholar-in-Residence Jan. 29-30.

Rabbi Benzion, as he is affectionately known, is the scion of an illustrious chassidic dynasty, the son of the internationally-renowned Rabbi Michel and Rebbetzin Feige Twerski of Milwaukee, WI. The Shabbos program includes Friday night Kabbalas Shabbos services, followed by a traditional Shabbos dinner. Rabbi Benzion's topic is "How to be in touch with your inner spiritual self." A Chassidic tish (dessert, songs and chassidic stories) follows his talk. ' 7 v *" ••• Rabbi Benzion's subject for Shabbos lunch will be "Heightening an awareness of G-d in our lives."

Rabbi Benzion's publicist states, "Rabbi Benzion is able to bridge the generations and to bring clarity of purpose and the joy of doing to his teachings.

He is young and authentic, and his Torah has an unmistakable urging.

Anna Weisman, Past President, is shown here "His warmth and sincerity have served'him well with the Haggadah, Dorothy Kripke's book in in effectively reaching out to Jews of all levels of braille, the old Brailler and the computer observance. His delivery to every group leaves each they now use to transcribe braille. individual feeling as though he/she has been Celebrating its 40th anniversary during 1998, engaged in a private learning session with the the group was formed when Pauline Guss, then teacher."

Paul and Susie Shyken will host a "Malavah President of Beth El Women's League, returned from a national Women's League convention where' Malke" at their home Saturday night at 8 p.m., she learned of the growing need for service to the which will include singing and storytelling in the Chassidic style. visually impaired community.

"It's a great honor for Beth Israel to host Rabbi At that time, the closest assistance for the visually impaired was in Des Moines, LA. Guss contacted Benzion," said Rabbi Howard Kutner. "He continues Bernice Wolfson, asking her to start this project for in the tradition of his family to be involved in outBeth El'Women's League and .Omaha; She accept- reach and counseling and is a teacher of great undered the challenge and through hard work, determi- standing and personal charisma. The Twerskis have nation and the assistance of Dr.. Margolin and a unique ability to reach out to every Jewish soul. We urge the entire community to attend."

Rabbi Kripke, the group became a reality.

For reservations, call the synagogue office, 556-6288.

The next step was the need for people to learn and become Certified Braille Transcribers. The Svetlana Portnyanskaya in concert State Services for the Blind sent a teacher and the Sunday, Jan. 17,2 p.m., JCC Theatre first corps of transcribers became a reality: Bernice Tickets: $10 general admission; Wolfson, Elinor Whitman, Ann Schulman, Doris $8 students/seniors (Continued on page 12)

Head of Central Command Uzi Narkiss, left, Moshe Dayan and Yitzhak Rabin enter the Old City afterlriniiing the battte for Jerusalem m the 1967 Sir-Day War.

"VVatch Out for Shabbat" to feature author Joel Lurie Grishaver

by Cheryl Lerner

|

The Adult Education Committee of Beth El Synagogue will present, "Watch Out for Shabbat", on Saturday, Jan. 23, featuring author Joel Lurie Grishaver. ^ Now in its fourth year, the program's theme is "an all-day congregational sharing in the joys and renewal potential of the Shabbat experience," according to the committee chairman, Daniel Christensen. "Throw your watch out and just experience the time. We are especially excited to host special guest Joel Lurie Grishaver at the program this year," said Christensen.

V-..;"'•; Grishaver, a family educator, illustrator, author, and founder of Torah Aura Productions', 4s in Omaha as part of the Davis Family Institute ;for Jewish Educators. . -•; " At "Watch Out for Shabbat," he will present a session, "Raising Your Kid to be a Mensch,"and a storytelling session for adults. He will also direct an interactive family game, "Family Bet Din," as the concluding activity.

The day will begin with Shabbat morning services followed by an Israeli style lunch. Following bircat ha'mazon, Rabbi Paul Drazen and his family will lead a "Sing Down."

Learning and discussion sessions for adults and activity sessions for children will follow, including: "Omaha Jewish History," with Mary Fellman and Barbara Bresler of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society; "Pro's and Con's of a Palestinian State," with Sorin and Sara Juster; "Shabbat Z'mirot," with Cantor Emil Berkovits, among others. ; .

Adults and children will re-group for Grishayer's "Family Bet-Din" game. Minha-Ma'ariv-Havdalah services will follow with Israeli folk dancing. .,'.

Beth El was chosen to be among a select group of Conservative congregations to participate in "Campaign for Shabbat," a joint project of the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (Continued on page 12)

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, JANUARY 15 Visions Membership Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Venice Inn SUNDAY, JANUARY 17 Jewish War Veterans Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

Israeli Folk Dancing, 10:30-11:30 a.m., atBethEl ..-••Beth El Adult Education, 10 a.m., at Beth El Temple Israel Social Justice Panel, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Russian Cantor Concert Program, 7 p.m.

MONDAY, JANUARY 18 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

JCAC Financial Planning Class, 7 p.m.

Adult Education Program, 7:30 p.m., Beth El TUESDAY, JANUARY 19 Temple Israel"Food for Thought," 11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel BESTT Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., atBethEl Temple Israel Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 20 JCAC Bridge Class, 7 p.m.

Temple Israel OTYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, JANUARY 21 L Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

I Temple Israel Sisterhood Adult Education, P 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Beth El Teen Program with Joel Grishaver, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El S A All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. V The Jewish Press Is not responsible tor the accuracy of E the above events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Marlene Hert at 334-6437.

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RUTH S. FRIEDMAN Graveside services for Ruth Friedman, 87, were held Jan. 8 at Beth El Cemetery.

She was preceded in death by her husband, I.H. Friedman.

Survivors include sons and; daughters-in-law, Steven and.Gail Friedman, Roger and Linda Friedman and Sanford and Amy Friedman; and six grandchildren, Jeremy and Benjamin, Adam and Ryan, Andrea and Dustin.

• Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. .:. :

With the aid of archaeologists and others, historians are beginning to piece together the origins of ancient peoples of Bible times.

Our ancestors became a People by reason of a religious-cultural decision. When they appear as Israel, in ancient Canaan-Palestine, it is approximately the end of the thirteenth century B.C.E. At about the same time, other peoples begin to be identified: Canaanites (later Phoenicians), SYLVIAROSS Ammonites, Midianites, Moabites, Amalekites and Services for Sylvia Ross, 90, were held Jan. 8 at Philistines. We meet them in the pages of Beth Israel Synagogue. : :?•.:•.

Scripture.

Survivors include son and daughter-in-law, Alvin The Philistines came from outside the mainland L. and Willis Ann Ross; daughter, Jean Epstein, all of southwestern Asia. But most of the others were of Omaha; son, Justin Ross of Los Angeles; nine related to the ancient Hebrews. grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

For example, if you know Biblical Hebrew well, Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin and if someone transliterates Canaanite (Ugaritic) Jewish Home. hymns and psalms into Hebrew letters, you can read them. You are amazed at the similarity of their language to classic Hebrew. Indeed, for example, the 29th Psalm (which we chant on Shabbat morning) h a s been identified as originally a Canaanite psalm, purged of its paganism and "converted" to Jewish use. Our people had, and has, kindred peoples.

by Shane Kptok, Jewish Senior Services - Something is known about these peoples, our Director of Community Outreach Services; . ancient cousins. Some of their practices and social Gail Rosen, noted storyteller and certified customs are similar to the practices and social cus- bereavement facilitator, will offer a unique opportoms of our Biblical ancestors. Some of their litera- tunity-to everyone in the healing community to ture bears similarities to our own. Although the recharge their energy, refocus their commitment : Bible is infinitely superior to their literature, Iiter- and acknowledge their strengths arid gifts: arily, morally, and religiously, it grew up in an Rosen will speak at the Rose Blumkin Jewish ancient cultural milieu. Even in law, we may speak Home Auditorium on Thursday, Jan. 21, at 3 p.m. of an ancient "Semitic common law." Again, the She will also be in Nebraska as the featured Biblical law differs significantly and crucially—but speaker at The Healing A r t of Storytelling the common ground is there.

Conference in Kearney. Jewish Senior Services has On one point, however, there is a uniqueness to arranged and sponsored Rosen's special appearthe Biblical account. That point is the enslavement ance in Omaha. of the Hebrews in Egypt, and their liberation, the ..The workshop at Blumkin-is'forpebple.who subject of the Sidrotof Exodus that we are now , Rosen describes as "those who choose to work in reading. the 'trenches', the places where people may be Not one of these ancient people, not one, has any hurting, struggling or grieving. How do we survive memory of enslavement and liberation. There is no and thrive in this work?" . "Semitic common Exodus" narrative! The enslaveMaking a Difference: Stories to Affirm and ment-liberation theme does not occur elsewhere.

Inspire is the title of Rosen's presentation for proNor, for that matter, is that theme found among fessionals, clergy and volunteers who work in non-Semitic peoples, like the Greeks, say, or the health care settings. "Stories can uplift and Persians, or the Romans. inspire. They help those who care to stay in touch That theme is a Hebrew-Jewish theme. The with the commitment and values which draw-them implication is, of course, that this is actual "histo- to this work. Stories nurture the nurturer,"'states ry," that these events happened. Our ancesters Rosen. actually were, at least some of them, slaves in The program, is open to the entire community at Egypt, liberated in a mighty rebellion. In religious no charge. Please make reservations at330-42l72. terms, it was the mighty hand of God, God who liberated the slaves through His servant Moses.

Now the corollaries of this enslavement-liberation theme led to a whole system of religion and morality. First of all, note that the Ten Commandments do not begin, "I am the Lord thy God, Creator of The YWCA's annual Tribute, to Women luncheon heaven and earth." They begin, characteristically, honors outstanding Omaha area women.for their "I am the Lord thy God, Who brought thee out of achievement in .eight categories. Nominations are the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage." due by noon on Friday, Feb. 12, according to execuReligion begins, for Jews, with a passion for free- tive director Emily Cunningham Kozlik. dom. It will not stomach the idea of superrace and The eight categories for awards include: arts/ slave-race. It demands freedom. It is this that led humanities, business, communications, education, to the passion for social justice, which is t h e entrepreneur, human services/community advoUnmatched hallmark of the prophetic tradition, a cate, professions, and professional volunteer. passion, a yearning, a demand, a holy obsession Volunteers and paid staff are eligible in most catewith justice, truth, freedom. gories.

It is this holy obsession that continues, a golden The Tribute to Women luncheon will be held thread, through .all of the Bible and all of the Tuesday, May 18. In addition to being honored at Rabbinic literature. It is the golden thread that the luncheon, the eight women will be featured on unites Biblical Israel with rabbinic Judaism and KMTV-3 in Women of Mid-America vignettes durwith the developing Judaism of all the ages. ing the summer.

For a nomination form with more detailed information, call.the YWCA at 345-6555. Nominators may also update nominations submitted in thepast. , .

Stories to Affirm and Inspire: workshop by Gail Rosen

YWCA Tribute to Women nominations due

United Vfey of the Midlands Ifs yoii. It's me. It's all of us.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 15,1999

Page 3

CANDLELIGHTING: 5:01 p.m.

y

' '-,, i Member of the tfniottof " Orthodox tfewish Congregations flfAmerico

Hebrew Congregations

6^ FRIDAY: Early worship service, 5:30 p.m.

Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Dr. Michael Walts will offi, date using the Union Prayer Book.

Shabbat family service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel and Dr. Michael Yablonski will officiate.

Special guest will be ventriloquist Mark B. Levy.

The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Noni, Trudi, Beth, Jason and lily in honor of the birthday of Hal Seiner.

SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available Friday evening & Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Sunday mornings when there is Religious .School. Please make a reservation. Cost is $2 per family if reservations are made prior to Friday.

Drop-ins, $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 Jewish texts.

"FOOD FOR THOUGHT" Tuesday, Jan. 19: Luncheon session from 11:30 a.m.-l p.m. Rabbi Stiel will lead a discussion' on current events. Bring a brown bag lunch; Temple will provide the drinks.

ADULT EDUCATION Wednesday, Jan. 20: Midrashah, 9-11 aan.

Sisterhood Adult Education Thursday, Jan. 21: Rabbi Stiel will teach "Talmud for Beginners," from 10-11:30 a.m.; Beginning Beyond Midrasah, 6:45-8:10 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 8:15-9:10 p.m., both led by Don Schwartz.

"SHABBAT COMES TO YOU" Rabbi Debbie Stiel and the Temple Youth Group will lead a Shabbat service Friday, Jan. 22, 3:45 p.m., at Livingston Plaza SISTERHOOD and MEN'S CLUB SOCIAL Wine-Tasting of the World, Saturday, Jan. 23, 6-8 p.m., at Spirit World, 75th & Pacific. Cost is $10 per person.

//..-.,/. -; TIFSRETH I$KAEL - -./', . :•

•t'x.v.. Mewber of-the United Synagogue. ' A v - > of CDttSGCTaUvo Judaism';-"-.'- ' H 3219 Sheridan Blvd.; Lincoln, NTB 68502 Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 a.m.

FRIDAY: Early Family Service, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Junior Congregation, 10:15 a.m.

V'.. CHAW HOUSE r An Affiliate of tne Worldwide , •> • ,f CtabdLhiteb M Phone: 330-1800 ' E-MAIL-chabad@aoI.com Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush. Mincha-Ma'ariv, 4:45 p.m. followed by Havdalah.

MONDAY through FRIDAY: Services, 7 ajn.

TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 pan.

THURSDAY: Halachah 101 Class, 8 a.m.; Tova Mordechai will speak at 7:30 p.m.

OFFUT AIR FORCE BASE 26th and Capehart, Omaha, NE 294-6051 Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax.

Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.4:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. • '•

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An AttlUatooftfoe

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. Jewish. Reconstructionist Federation r P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NB 68124-5130 : 758-9233 . . • • http://come.to/feeytdialain/.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 p.m.

SATURDAY: Learners'minyan, 9 a.m.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Sunday and Tuesday at the JCC. FRIDAY, Jan. 22: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 5:05 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m., Little People service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m.

Babysitter service courtesy of Sisterhood; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Class with the Rabbi, 4:25 p.m.; Mincha, 4:55 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 ajn.; Mincha, 5 p.m.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a m ; Mincha, 5:05 p.m.

MONDAY: Women's Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. at the JCC with Mrs. Kutner. Learn Mishna at 7:30 p.m., and learn to chant the Haftorah at 8:30 p.m.; both classes with Rabbi Kutner.

WEDNESDAY: Chumash class at 7:30 p.m.; at 8:30 p.m., study the Talmud, a traditional Shiur in Gemara and Rashi. Both classes with Rabbi Kutner.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE , Council Bluffs, Iotva S1503 Phone:322-4705 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Oneg Shabbat prepared by Peggy DeLand and Sandra Kurland, will follow.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN

sotm* S'cRMBnrtEMPi.e

Member of ttte Union . ' at American; Hebrew Congregations 2061S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of ConBOrvative Judaism ' 14806 Cal&wwia, 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 Emil Berkovits.

FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Bar Mitzvah of Micha Solomon, followed by a Kiddush. TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 a.m.; Sitter service, 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, 4:35 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:05 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

Israeli folk dancing continues, 10^0-11:30 aan. in the west court.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 pan.

MONDAY NIGHT AT THE MOVIES Adult Education is sponsoring a movie night Monday, Jan 18, 7:30 p.m., from the "Golden Agein Hollywood." Discussion on issues will follow.

JUDAICA SHOP: Open Tuesday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Sunday, 10-12, or by appointment.

Kids' Havdalah at Beth El Beth El Early Childhood will hold a Kids' Havdalah program on Saturday, Jan. 16, 7 p.m. at Beth El. Following a childrens* havdalah service, songs, story and refreshments, children will make their own havdalah sets to take and use at home.

Children in pre-school through second grade are • welcome, along with their families.

There is no charge but reservations are requested by calling,Sara Juster at 496-4604.

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.

SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 am.

WEDNESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30 pan. : ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Andrew Greenberg.

Challenges to Modern Orthodoxy to be explored New York, NY: Edah, the organization that seeks to strengthen modern Orthodox Judaism, is holding its first international conference, Orthodoxy Encounters A Changing World, on Sunday and Monday of Presidents' Weekend, Feb. 14 and 15. The event will take place at the Grand Hyatt Hotel in New York City.

Edah's mission is to educate and empower Orthodox Jews to be able to sustain an open relationship with the general society while developing passionate religious lives, including strict adherence to halacha—Jewish law. As in many American religious groups which are concerned about maintaining their values in the context to modernity, there is an increasing tendency in the Orthodox community to withdraw from society to safeguard religious commitment.

According to Rabbi Saul J. Berman, the organization's director, Edah was founded to counter that trend. "Edah," he said, "stresses open intellectual inquiry, engagement with the realities of the modern world, the religious significance of the State of Israel, and the unity of the Jewish people.

We are convinced that Orthodox Jews can bring t wisdom and values to bear on the ethical challenges which constantly emerge in the modern world."

Key issues on the Conference agenda are: Secular Knowledge and Interaction with Other Cultures; Preserving Modern Orthodoxy in Our Day Schools; Relating to Non-Orthodox and Intermarried Family Members; A Communitybased Approach to the Agunah Issue; Revelation, Petitional Prayer, and the Personal Sense of \ Divine Presence; Making Judaism and Democracy Comfortable Partners in Israel; and the most wellknown controversy, Feminism in Orthodoxy. R a b b l S a u l J ' B e r m a n In addition, a special forum for college students will enable them to focus on their role as future leaders of the community, as well as issues unique to their campus environment.

Edah, whose motto is "the courage to be modern and Orthodox," was founded in 1996.

For conference information, call 1-888-404EDAH, or e-mail: coni@edah.org

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE January 15,11)00 In memoriam...Sidney Brooks

Editorial

This community lost a giant last week. Rabbi Sidney Brooks, senior rabbi at Temple Israel for more than 33 years, died on Jan. 5.

Rabbi Brooks was a "pastor's pastor," according to an editorial in last week's Omaha World-Herald. Perhaps that's because he had the down-to-earth common sense that allowed him to see the world from a pragmatic point of view.

"You have to walk through the Valley of the Shadow of Death," he told one Omahan after the loss of someone close. Story after story is told, and often by men and women who were not his congregants, of the rabbi's caring and compassion.

One only had to have a really good argument with Rabbi Brooks to know his depth of intellect.

Arguments were an intellectual exercise that allowed the rabbi to use the resources of his 900 volume library or call upon one of his many colleagues in the rabbinate, like

Behind the Headlines

Rabbi Stanley Dreyfuss, who spoke at Rabbi Brooks' funeral last week.

His influence was felt by many, including more than one student who entered the rabbinate. One of them, Rabbi John Spitzer of Canton, OH, also spoke of "Sidney-rabbi, teacher, friend and mentor." Rabbi Rex Perimeter sent a letter acknowledging that his wife would be "welcoming a new blessing into our family" as we were burying his teacher and friend.

Perhaps the sweetest words were said by Rabbi Barry Weinstein of Baton Rouge, associate rabbi under Rabbi Brooks for 12 years. He told the 800 gathered at Temple Israel that rearranging the Hebrew letters of Neshamah~Bou\, spells Mishnah— teaching. How appropriate to remember Sidney Brooks as the consummate teacher!

Memorial donations would be welcomed by Temple Israel, the Omaha Food Bank and Planned Parenthood.

Why campaign finance reform isn't good for the Jews, or anyone else

by Matthew Brooks and Seth Leibsohn

It's an old saying in Washington that sometimes it's better to just stand there and do nothing.

Perhaps this message should steer the newly seated 106th Congress when it comes to the issue of campaign finance reform.

As Jews, with a weak voice given our percentage of the population (about 2.5%), we must never give in to a siren song like "campaign finance reform" that would lower the volume of our microphones and limit how we can voice our political messages and concerns.

Campaign finance reform, in its various guises has, and would continue to abridge the free speech clause of the First Amendment, create further confusion in an already confused morass of campaign regulations and laws, and limit minority voices in the political process. We should hope that such "reform" has not only died a silent death but that it will not rise again to threaten free speech and political campaigns.

The most significant laws that we now live under when we speak of "campaign finance law" came about with the 1974 amendments to the Federal Election Campaign Act. The amendments were enacted as a result of perceived excesses in the federal elections of 1972 and were intended to stop both corruption in electoral politics and the appearance of corruption in campaigning.

Two of those significant amendments included curbs on the amounts of money that could be spent by a candidate on his own campaign and curbs individuals and organizations could donate to a campaign. Specifically, the amendments restricted individual contributions to a candidate to $1,000 per candidate per election and a total of $25,000 per calendar year in total contributions to all candidates.

Candidates were limited to spending no more of their personal money on a campaign than $25,000 for a House seat and $35,000 for a Senate seat.

Then U.S. Senator, and millionaire, James Buckley (R-NY) challenged the regulations as the lead plaintiff in the case Buckley v. Valeo. Senator Buckley wanted to use his personal resources to finance his reelection effort against a then-relatively unknown Harvard professor and public policy official: Daniel Patrick Moynihan.

Buckley's legal efforts took his case to the

Supreme Court which, in January of 1976, struck down the expenditure limits but upheld the contribution limits (to this day, the contribution limits remain, unindexed to inflation or anything else).

Buckley's history should serve as an empirical case study of the mistaken intuition that money—or millionaires-all buy elections. Today, almost everyone reading this column knows who Senator Moynihan is; does anyone remember James Buckley?

Buckley argued, and the Supreme Court held, that the electorate's dependence on television, radio, and newspaper advertisements for their information made expensive modes of communication indispensable instruments of effective political speech. Money was a requirement for effective political speech and the First Amendment, as understood by the Supreme Court and constitutional legal experts, has, from time immemorial, given political speech the highest level of protection.

The government, when it came to campaign expenditures, had no business limiting the means of political speech, at least when it came to how much an individual candidate wanted to spend on his own message.

As the 1974 Congress didn't understand, and as most "campaign finance reformers" refuse to concede, money spent on a campaign helps put a message in public play, it does not guarantee political victory.

Multi-millionaires Michael Huffington, Ross Perot, and Steve Forbes did not win their candidacies notwithstanding the fortunes they spent on their owii campaigns. A breeze through the ' Almanac of American Politics will also reveal that there are plenty of Congressmen and Senators who won their races despite being outspent by their opponents (two brief examples: Rep. Michael Forbes of New York was outspent three to one in his 1994 campaign compared to his opponent who lost; Oliver North outspent his opponent by four to one in quest of a Senate seat in Virginia and lost.

Furthermore, those that would alter the First Amendment, in deference to limiting expenditures, should ask themselves what values we, as a society, place on money spending.

Hollywood and, seemingly, society see no problems in spending exorbitant sums on making movies such as Titanic (which cost $200 million) or

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel.

Centers of Excellence of the Federation are; Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication: Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail •qshpress@aol.com>

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Sieve Levinger Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Morris Mallne Editor Emeritus Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axetrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Sales representatives George Schaplro Volunteer

even the failed Postman (which cost $80 million).

As Michael Medved recently pointed out in USA TODAY, actress Sigourney Weaver will make $20 million on her next movie to no quest for reform.

It is ironic that entertainment novelties such as sports and movies receive rio criticisms for their exorbitant costs and expenditures while political messages seem to require limits and reform.

Rather than curb political speech by limiting expenditures and advocacy groups' rights, it should be seen as a positive good that we spend money on the dissemination of political messages.

As a minority within this democracy, American Jews should be exceedingly wary of attempts to abridge our political influence when and while we can't use our numbers at the ballot boxes.

Every Jewish organization dedicated to public policy, and every contributor to such an organization, should breathe a sigh of relief that their voice be not stifled by "campaign finance reform."

Such "reform" is aimed at limiting political messages and the money that makes widespread political speech possible. In our democracy, as one law professor has put it, it ought not to be a crime to commit politics

Matthew Brooks is the Executive Director of the Jewish Policy Center, a think tank based in Washington, DC. Seth Leibsohn is the Center's Director of Policy.

Letter to the To the Editor: This is an overdue accolade for everyone involved> in the recent performance by the Omaha Symphony Orchestra at the JCC Theater.

The eclectic program consisted of a wonderful mix of Jewish composers, Jewish themes, and even Hanukkah songs arranged for symphony—plus an extra-special treat: an original piece composed and conducted by assistant conductor Ernest Richardson, and performed with soprano "Anne DeVries and violinist Thomas Kluge.

The only disappointing part of the evening was that the JCC theater was only half full, but those attending enjoyed a memorable musical evening.

Richard and Fran Juro, Martin and Edie Wolf, Jerome and Linda Gordman, Larry and Barbara Zacharia JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE

Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jncobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; Howard Silber; Steve Simon.

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

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

•

January 15,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NK

Page 5

Impeachment may divert focus from Jewish issues, activists fear

by Matthew Dorf

WASHINGTON (JTA)--Facing the losing end of a critical budget battle, the Jewishcommunity's heavy hitters turned to Vice President Al Gore for help. But urgent phone calls late last month went unreturned. Like much of Washington, Gore was i busy dealing with the impeachment of his boss.

The episode crystallized the fears of many Jewish •> activists - that Clinton's plight will distract government leaders from dealing with everything but big-ticket items.

To be sure, Clinton has demonstrated his ability to compartmentalize the impeachment issue and carry ; on with his presidential duties. Look no further than : last month's action in Iraq, his supporters say.

But many Jewish activists fear that important but less weighty issues will get short shrift in the weeks and months to come. ' . While Clinton has always faced criticism for MB lack of attention to percolating issues, now things are worse, these activists say.

"There's nothing coming down from the White House anymore," one Jewish official said, on the • condition that his name not be used. "The bureaucrats will continue to grind away, but there are no initiatives on anything but the top-tier issues."

The Jewish community had high hopes for the Clinton presidency. It supported him with nearly 80 percent of the vote in 1992 and 1996. And if Jewish Democratic money is any indication, there is no sign that this support is waning. Donors are giving record contributions to the party and to help fund Clinton's defense. ; As conventional wisdom again shifts in Clinton's favor, it seems that no one wants to risk alienating the self-proclaimed "comeback kid."

In fact, what now seem like lost opportunities could emerge as potential policy bonanzas if Clinton survives impeachment and works to rehabilitate his image through a series of expected aggressive policy pushes.

The White House has already begun to consider a national campaign-style presidential road trip following Clinton's scheduled Jan. 19 State of the Union address.

The political and policy situation depends on how the Senate handles the two articles of impeachment. Clinton's agenda, Democratic officials say, is as fluid as ever.

The situation has led many to lament the president's second term for what it could have been.

"I keep hearing, 'Just think of what could have been,'"another Jewish activist said, on the condition of anonymity.

But that could shift on a dime if the impeachment issue comes to a quick close.

With the Senate about to vote on whether to open an impeachment trial, here's a look at how the impeachment could affect some issues of concern to the Jewish community: Russian-Iranian missile trade One of the greatest casualties of Clinton's troubles, some Jewish activists say, is the president's inattention to the steady flow of missile technology and parts to Iran from the former Soviet states.

With intelligence reports showing Iran a couple of years away from deploying a medium-range missile capable of striking Israel with nuclear, chemical or biological warheads, the matter is viewed as a grave threat by Jerusalem and pro-Israel activists in Washington.

Although some government officials, including Gore's chief national security adviser, have expressed serious concern about the problem, most activists agree that any serious attempt to push Russia to curb the trade will have to come from the top.

Middle East Peace Process •} The entire Monica Lewinsky scandal broke while Clinton was meeting last January with Israeli Prime Miniser Benjamin Netanyahu. The president is known to consider the Israeli-Palestinian accords

one of his crowning achievements and has made the issue a priority throughout his administration. . As he battled impeachment, Clinton has put a greater emphasis on the peace process, including histrip to Israel last month, his fourth as president With Clinton looking for ways to rehabilitate his image, Jewish activists believe he will once again turn to the Middle East. While some believe Clinton will pressure Israel to share Jerusalem and accept a Palestinian state, State Department officials say the peace process runs on its own dynamic and will not be directly affected by Clinton's troubles.

Social spending With Jewish nursing homes, hospitals and federation agencies still receiving more than $4 billion a year in federal money, how Clinton goes about reforming Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security could have a seismic impact on the Jewish community.

But like many issues, reforming social spending depends largely on cooperation with Congress. If the impeachment debate is any indication, the raw feelings on both sides of the aisle are not likely to subside any time soon.

With Clinton out to restore his legacy, one Jewish activist involved in preliminary budget talks with the White House said, "Hang on and look out. We could be in for a bumpy ride."

Other issues Other issues on the Jewish communal agenda could face a tough road next year. The Jewish community tends to do better in times of bipartisan compromise. With hard feelings and frayed nerves from the impeachment issue, neither party is looking toward each other with an eye toward civility.

In addition, the Republicans and Democrats will begin soon to position themselves for the 2000 presidential race. Much of the action in Congress has historically been frozen during presidential campaigns.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 15,1999

TU B'SHVAT (coobioit-v/w) is THE JEWISH NEW YEAR FOR TREES/ TODAY TU B'SHVAT I S CELEBRATED AS THE BIRTHDAY OF THE TREES," WITH SYMBOLIC EATING OF FRUITS AND NUTS AND AN EFFORT TO RE-FOREST BARREN LANDS/

EVEN THOUGH WINTER IS ALL AROUND US, TU B'SHVAT SIGNALS THE UPCOMING HARVEST AND ARRIVING SPRING.'WE HOPE THAT THE FRUIT THAT FORMS WILL BE HARVESTED V \ FOR OUR PASSOVER

WWW.MENDYC0MICS.COM

Wttwevdovs fun yov canHweotiiv 0'SMr HAVE A LITTLE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR TREES BY EATING FRUITS AND NUTS. ALSO, ENJOY GAMES LIKE WALNUT HUNT, PIN THE BRANCHES ON THE TREE AND BOBBING FOR FRUIT. OLDER CHILDREN CAN PARTICIPATE BY RAISING MONEY TO PLANT TREES IN ISRAEL, HELP WITH RECYCLING PAPER GOODS AND IF WEATHER PERMITS, PLANTING TREES THEMSELVES.

THAT AW AIM!

TuB'Shat Seder. YES, SEDER!!!

A FESTIVE TU B'SHVAT SEDER IS NOW BEING CELEBRATED AROUND THE WORLD. PARTICIPANTS EAT SYMBOLIC FRUITS AND NUTS AND DRINK RITUAL GUSSES OF WINE OR GRAPE JUICE WHILE LEARNING ABOUT TREES AND THE NATURAL WORLD THROUGH STORIES, PRAYERS AND SONGS. YOU CAfJ EASILY ADD YOUR OVJM SYMBOUC ENVIRONMENTAL RITUALS INTO THIS CELEBRATION, SUCH AS USING ONLY RECYCUBLE PRODUCTS AND CONSERVING WATER AND POWER. THIS HOLIDAY IS AN OPPORTUNITY TO UNDERSTAND THE UNK WE ALL HAVE WITH NATURE

A PAMOUSPOET m

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V

January 15,1999

by Bert Lewis

This is another one of those pieces that should start out with 'can you believe?'. . .as in can you believe it's 1999? That's goofy, of course, since whether or not we believe it—that's the number to write on the check.

I'm also not going to do that silly new year's resolutions business. I found out a long time ago it's mostly a waste of time.

Anyway, as Lheard somebody say just a day or two ago, there are basically only three resolutions people would like to make, and keep. One: Lose Weight. Two: Stop Smoking. Three: S t a r t Exercising. That sums it up, wouldn't you say?

Actually, if I had a magic wand, or the power to cause something to either happen or not happen, there are a few things I'd .like to do. Most of them have to do with stuff on TV, so let me start there. If I could, I think I would see that all violent or otherwise inappropriate for children programming be aired between midnight and 5 a.m. No reason to explain that one, is there?

Then I'd get to the local people who write the material which is read on the news programs. Most of them need a course in basic English, with emphasis on' tenses. It drives: me nuts to hear somebody begin a sentence in the present tense then suddenly switch to the past tense.

While we're picking on people who appear on such shows, can I just say a word or two to the hairdressers of the world? Isn't it time to dispense with that "make it looks like it needs washing and curling" look? Never mind the kooky haircuts I once complained about - at least somebody was trying with those. The look I object to is just messy and, to my mind, really unattractive. Why would somebody with a lovely, young face go out of her way to look like she overslept and didn't have time to do her hair? Beats me.

There are so many things I'd change (if I could) that I realize I'm starting to sound like an old grouch, but what the heck, I'm a citizen and complaining is the American way. We Jews have been doing it for years and calling it bourtchin or krekhtsn, so I feel I have the right. You disagree? That's your privilege.

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Organizations

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Karen Grove

LOVE TO SHOP?

/(Owner 1 Creative Designer)

Y.E.S, Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English as a second language for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; bingo and exercise both start at 10:30.

Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11. Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, Miles and Eileen Remer will perform a combination of musical favorites. For transportation, call 330-4272. .

Membership dues for 1999 are now due. Please mail check payable to Y.E.S. in the amount of $2 per person to Y.E.S., c/o Frieda Krizelman, 331 S. 93rd Ave., Omaha, NE 68114.

vFlowermart 1127 South 119th Omaha, NE 68144 (402)330-0765

1-800-658-7015

Lynne M. Popp, M.S.inL.D. Learning Disability Specialist

RUSSIANCLUB The next Russian Club will meet on Jan. 22 at the JCC. Lunch will be served at 11 a.m. in room 10; the Moscow News at noon and a Russian movie starts at 12:30 p.m. For transportation, call Lydia Iinde at 697-9169.

BREADBREAKERS Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, the Klutznick Professor of Jewish Civilization at Creighton University, will lead Breadbreakers on Wednesday, according to SteveiRiekes. The discussion wilLcenter on the Torah portion of the week which is taken from the book of Exodus.

For this month only, Breadbreakers will meet in the Rose Blumkin Home Conference Room. The noon luncheon is open to the community; advance reservations are not necessary, but would be appreciated. Please call Lois Epstein at 334-6443.

' Of course, moderation should always be practiced, so I'll knock it off for now.

There is just one more thing I wish I could change. I'd trade the ability to amend all the other offenses for just the promise from every television station on the planet to do one thing: if that news footage of the guy'in Washington hugging the young intern in the crowd could just be obliterated forever, well, I'd never ask for another favor! You know the one I mean....she's wearing a beret, and looking so sweet and adoring.

I have a strong hunch that if a fundraiser was started to get enough money to buy that film, it would be a huge success. God, knows, I'd contribute.

So there we are folks; This started out as a reminder that another year has slipped past while we weren't looking and This year sees the release of two new children's turned into a gripe session. ' albums by the popular group Shlock Rock.

All I meant to tell you was since it's 1999,1 do , Menchville: The Musical starring The Kosher hope it will be the best year ever in the history of Police, features Officers Moe Friday and Irv Shabbos, together with Officer Yontiff, in an origiyour ffunily and everyone you hold dear. nal plot as they protect the city of Menchville from villains who are planning to inject bad manners into everyone.

Shlock Rock For Kids Sing Together includes songs about Jewish holidays, as well as Jewish rit(Continued from page 1) The story of the Arab-Israeli conflict is told is six uals and family values.

Lenny Solomon, creator of Shlock Rock, has segments, three airing each night. FEaturing interviews with leaders on both sides and the main -taken 28 traditional songs and given them new power brokers in Washington and Moscow, the lyrics for a Jewish feeling. The album includes a series brings new clarity to the events leading from Hebrew version of the Hokey Pokey and even a rap the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 through' succeed- that teaches children to count to 10 in Hebrew. ing cycles of war and negotiation!

Lenny Solomon says that Shlock Rock's very speOn Sunday, Jan. 24, 8 p.m., the series features cial musical style helps to reinforce pride in being Lan&dwi/ded, 1948-5$ The Six-Day War, 1967; Jewish. The group has appeared twice in Omaha, and fdlestjiniaji flxiles, 1970-82. -V • - sponsored by t h e National Conference of ; Oii'-Monday, Jan.-25,,the remaining three parts Synagogue Youth (NCSY) and Beth Israel Synagogue. . . nBiB^oti-'Peticepiakihg, 1970-79; Bdjigingheads,' 1987i$l;a^£qnd divided, 1992-9& : ^ ' -;; ;/ . "Jewish children growing up today have many Honre; vi<Jeoca*ssett.e$ are available from PBS •" musical choices; If we can give them an exciting Hom^ Video fdr $29.98; plus shipping, by calling arid enjoyable Jewish alternative, we can help 1-80&PLAY-PBS (752-9727): A companion book, them develop an inherent love for their Jewish culpublished by TV Books and distributed through ture and heritage," he noted.

HarperCollins ;for $29.95, is available by calling Both albums are available on compact disc and 1-800-331-3761, or by visiting t h e website: tape at Jewish bookstores or by calling 1-800-233www.tvbooks.com 9494.

Schlock Rock releases two new children's albums

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WALK-IN, DROP-IN For those members going on the day trip to Bluffs Run Casino, please meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m. For transportation to the JCC, please call' 330-4272 on Wednesday, January 20.

VISIONS Enjoy the musical production Once on this; Island, at the Omaha Community Playhouse, Sunday, Feb. 14, 2 p.m. Dinner follows at .4 p.m.

Cost is $35 per person. Send reservations with payment to: Ethel Goldston, 10530 Pacific, #104, Omaha, NE 68114 by Feb. 1.

Membership, dues for 1999 are now due. Mail your check, payable to Visions, for $5 per person to: Visions, c/o Selma Sadofsky, 7092 Charles St., Omaha, NE 68132.

Page 7

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January 15,1999

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Naomie Colin Steve A Linda Cohn Travis Cohn A Jennifer Dimartino David Cooper Harvey A Rose Cooper Ron A Cheryl Cooper A Family Samuel A Judy Cooper ** Jerold A Janey Dann Steven A Veronica Danon ' Art A Betsy Davidson David Davis Rose Davis Manuel A Karen Delgadillo Eunice Denenberg Steve Denenberg Dennis A Pamela DePotte Jack A Mindel Diamond Edward A Esther Dolgoff Paul A Susie Dtazen Jack A Jean Duitch Stan A Ellene Edelstein Lewis A Teresa Eirinberg Rex Ekwall WallyAJeanElkon Gary Ememlove Bob A Lois Endelman Randy A Penny Endelman Robert A Renne Engel Todd A Lisa Ephriam Edith Epstein '' Gary A Nancy Epstein and Jim A Robyn Belgrade Howard A Sharon Epstein Melvin A Lois Epstein Richard A Pamela Epstein' Sam A Rosaline Epstein Tiffy A Helen Epstein

Willis A Audrey Epstein Abe A Liberty Faier Eslelle Faier James A Judy Farber Judith Feigin AIAEUieFeldman ' •' MikeAJudyFeldman Mary Fellman Gerald Ferenstein Frances Feter Leo A Annette Fettman Rose Fine Paul A Sally Fine • JoelALoisFinkel and Marti Finite) Kevin Finkel Katherin Finncj>an & David Gilinsky Norm A Harriet Fishel Betty Fisher Morton A Shirley Fisher Frank A Cheryl Flatowicz Pierre Flatowicz Irving A Sonia Forbes Irving A Ida Forbes ' Robert Ford . The Fox Family ' ,' • Dee Fox • Rick, Shelly A Naomi Fox Marsha Fox ' ' "..

Michael A Jodi Fox " " " Harold A Ruth Fox ' ' I n A Malta Fox i \ Ron A Marsha Frank Dean A Barbara Fhnlcel Robert A Robyn Freeman Beverly Freiden ' EdASandiFried , , '.

A) A Esther Friedman

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JIL Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

January 15,1999

Building a Jewish Community for the 21st Century

Page

I OurQoal $8.75 Million I

Raised to date $8.50 Million

$250,000 still needed!

We're Helping to Build the Community!

Building Fund and have allowed their names to be published.

Innovating (continued) Gloria Friedman Hany A Merriam Friedman James Friedman Lloyd A Lou Friedman Moris A Beth Friednun Sandy A Amy Friedman Scon A Debbie Friedman , The Friedman's Amy, Sandy, Andrea and Dusty Willard A Thama Friedman Zalman A Mania Friedman Don A Maggie Gerber Marvin Gerber Robert & Kay Gerelick Bev Gilinsky - Lawrence A Deanna Gilinsky Stewart AChicky Gilinsky John A Marcia Gilmore Arkadiy A Larisa Ginzburg Donna Givner David & Wendy Goldberg Frank A Lcanne Goldberg Gene A Mila Goldman Gary A Barbara Goldstein Mark A Dora Goldstrom The Goodman Family In Memory ofSamuel ADelma Goodman Bob A Barbara Goodman Fred A Barb Uehling Steve Goodman Harold Goodman ' Rob, Debbie & babel Goodman Sydney & Betsy Goodman Barbara Gottlieb Saul & Esther Graetz Lonnie A Dianne Graul Andrew A Carol Greenberg

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Barton (Bucky) & Caryl Greenberg Henry A Shirley Greenberg Arthur & Deborah Greene Gary ASherri Green Bud A Rosalie Greenspan George & KathrynGrieb Jerry & Pearl Gross The Ethel Grossman Family

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Sharon & David Behrend Berate A Marge Grossman The Grossman Family Art Grossman Ronald Grossman Liny & Linda Grossman ArleneGitles Roberta Grossman Paul & Joy Grossman and Meyer A Frances Coren Bruce & Margie Gutmk Harry A Judy Hall YaleAIdaHalperin Bobbi Halstein Marc A Andrea Hamburg DavidABctteHarldn Louis A Eva Heisler Joel A Esther Hellman Larry A Relha Herman LeoHill David A Phyllis Hoffnun AdehHomstein Louis A Lillian Hurwitz - Philip A Marsha Ilkin Jon L u c e A Dada Jabenis Mace A Elaine Jabenis - MirkJicobson Richard A Joanie Jacobson - Ed & Anne Joseph

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Innovators (continued) Harvey Josin Sorin A Sara Juster Toby Kagan Guinter Kahn Marcel A Ike Kahn Robert A Roxanne Kahn Jerome A Sylvia Kaiman PaulKaiman Gary A Sally Kaplan Lazar A Bemice Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan Suzanne Kaplan Beatrice Karp Frankie A Sandy Kasin Sanford A Renee Kasner Charles (Skip) A MerryLee Katzman RickAJuleeKatzman, and Mike A Carol Katzman Mendel A Shani Katzman Maury A Madeline Katzman Leonard A Cindy Kaufman Larry A Leann Kelberg Peyman Kharazi Corey Kirshenbaum & Marcy Noodell Jeff A Sharon Kinhenbaum Max A Shirley Kinhenbaum Don A Dene Klein Harry A Janet Klein Milton A Marsha Kleinberg Gregory A Galina Kogan Marvin A Sandra Kohll Betty Koh nick SamAMollieKohn JohnKolm Mrs. Martin KcJm Leonid A Marina Konfuakhar

Larry A Diane Malashock Neal A Jody Malashock Robert A Norma Malashock Harold A Linda Mann Dan A Debra Marburg Myron A Harriet Marko Milton A Doris Raduziner Marks Milton A Ann Margolin Mark A Julie Martin John A Kathy McGauvran Thomas A Margo Median Maurice A Rosalie Meiches Gennadiy A Nelli Menkov Gerald Meyer Bernie A Roie Meyers Larry Meyerson Bruce Meyers A Sally Barenbaum Joseph A Tina Meyers Leo A Helen Meyerson Scoll A Jenny Meyerson Adrienne Milder Jerry A Fran Milder Mike A Ducky Milder Pete A Rhoda Milder and Larry A GeorgineKoom Michael A Lori Miller Sidney A Lynda Mkvish Stan A Evie Mitchell Semyon Mogilevsky Charles A Lyra Monasee Henry A Pam Monsky Igor A Anna Mosenkis Gordon A Ann Moshman Allan A Janie Murow Bruce A Mary Beth Muskin Stuart A BeltieMuskin ' JeanetteNadoff

Joseph A Leah Kosinovsky, Scott A Mindi KoUen JackABetleKozlen Abe A Beverlee Krasne CrisAPeggyKrasne Leonard A Peggy Krasne Uoyd & Edythe Krasne DavidAVickiKrecek Manfred A Lois Kreitstein GaryARobbiKudym Abram Kukawka Howard A Nancy Xutler MarkKuder Howard A Nadine Kutner Doris Kwialek Chuck Lang AlanAShafiLangnas Jay A Barbara Lashinsky Michael A Sharon Lawler Gerson A Martha Leber Ben A Grace Lebowich Mike A Bobbi Leibowitz Ben A Eileen Levin Michael A Cheryl Levine Michael A Karin Levine Steve A Bonnie Levinger Rocky Lewis San Lewis Vera Lewis Dmitriy A Marian Libov Michael A DeanaUddy Morris A Helen Lipp Rubin A Louise Lippetl Harvey A Marcia Lipsman Michael A Margarita Lizinsky. • Steven A Thelrna Lustgarten Bernard A Carolyn Magid Trenton Magid"

Leonid A Bella Nakhimovich Bob A Betsy Nelson Jeanette Nepomnick Steven A Maria Nessman Barbara Nichols Ban A Jordana Nissen Allan Noddle Irving A Marian Nogg Leo A Babe Nogg Ruth Nogg Mike A Susie Norton Linda Novak Robert A Donna Olesh Michael A Barbara O'Malley The Ostrow Family Fred A Sandy Ostrow Nadine Ostrow Ellie A Paul Militzer Gary A Marcie Ostrow Dennis A Susan Paley Jay, Margo, Charles A Aaron Parsow GaryPaskar Claire Passer Sandra Passer Scott A Kristi Pavel Wayne A Santa Penka Romana Pepper Harold A Rose Perelman Jason, Rebecca A Zachary Perelman Willard A Shirley Pesta] Eric A Julie Phillips James A Genldine Phillips Michael A Shelly Pichik Michael A Del Pisci The Placzek Family. ' Matt, Kim,Aaron, Noah and Phoebe Grace Plotkin • Marv A Sheila Pblikov

Innovators (continued)

Innovators (continued) Oliver A Karen Pollak Joseph A Bluma Polonski Larry A Dinah Raful Leonid A Irina Raksin Neal A Nancy Rauhauser Gerald A Jeanne Raznick Sieve A Dodi Redler Lorraine Reiss Molly Rhodes David Rice Don Rice Mrs. Norman Rice Lou A Bev Rich Harry A Arlene Richman Marty A Iris Ricks Gary A Caryn Rifkin The Doug Riley Family Foundation Sheldon A Nancy Rips Andrew A Kimberly Robinson Michael A Tammy Rochman Stuart Rochman Jonathan A Stacey Rockman Normand A Phyllis Roffman Mimi Rogers A Michael Marcovitz Bill A Margo Rosen Marti Rosen-Alherton Michael Rosenbaum - Jacob A Rose Rosenberg Monroe A Helen Rosenberg Jeanne Lipsey Rosenblum Charney A Jerry Rosinsky Alvin A Willis Ross Edith Ross Lee A Peggy Ross Bess Rothenberg Steve A Bunny Rothenberg Betty Rubin

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Innovators (continued) Ben A Evelyn Simons Suzanne Richards Singer David A Ann Sjalin Sieve A Nancy Skid Norm A Shirlee Smeerin Barry A Frances Snyder Morton A Helen Soiref • The Sophir Family Ramon A Susan Sombcrg Cari Sommer Al A Shirley Sorkin . The Marc Sorkin Family Joe A.Miriam Soshnik MillardSpeier Sherman A Harried Sperling Richard A Bertha Spiegel Dorothy Spizman Oliver A Gayle Spooner Moc A Muriel Steinberg .

Don A Lois Stern Arnold A Carolyn Stern Belly Stcrnliill Alan A Kim Stoler Harlan Sludna Hyman A Marlene Sukiennik Charlie A Louri Sullivan Mark A Lynn Sweet • Jeffrey A Nancy Telenbaum Sadie Thomas Steven. A Marilyn Tipp Shirley Trachtenbarg Margarita Treskunova Isadore A Selma Tretiak EiunAEadieTsabari Henry A Fan Tsuei Gregory A Yevgeniya Tsyrlin - Lazar A Margaret Turetsky TomVann . Scott Veiizer TimVeitzer Sylvia Wagner John'ANathaWaldbaum Arthur A Mary Walker Gordon A Joy Walanabe Raymond A Sandi Weinberg Art * Ruth Weiner Henry A Roberta Weiner Kenneth A Judiili Weiner George Weise Larry A Julie Widman EailALeeWigodsky Chris A Allyson Wilczewski David A Andi Willensky Ernie A Janet Winlroub Phil A Nancy Wolf Bob A Sibby Wolfson Douglas A SaraWolfson Harry Wolfson William A Ann Wolfson Thaddeus A Deanna Woods Irvin A Annette Yaffe Harold A Phyllis Zabin Jamie Zacharia Richard A Tcrri Zacliaria Steve A Katlileen Zalkin Inna Zevakin Norman A Dorothy Zevitz Tbdd A Linda Zimmerman Barry A Nora Zoob Seymour A Roz Zoob Anonymous (65)

Elliot A Belly Rubin Reva Ruderman Michael A Lynn Salmi Errol A Lynne Sallzman Betty Sanford George A Julia Schapiro Andrew A Wendy Sdierer BeaSchimmel Abe A Annette Schloff JackASoniaSchrager Rick A Laura Schnger Ed A Carol Schneider Julius A Sarah Schreiber' Harry A Soph'ie Scholman Maurice A Phyllis Schwartz JeffSchweid Howard Selber George A Miriam Shafer Howard A Diane Shandell Norm A Suzy Sheldon Marc A Claudia Sherman Mark A Debra Sherman and Michael A Patty Sherman Rose Sherman Dave A Phoebe Shkolnick Rodney A Lois Shkolnick' Leon A Dani Shrago Howard A Linda Shrier ' Michael Shrier A Suzanne Behr Martin A Aveva Shukert PaulASusannShyken Barry A Judy Siff ' Jeff A Mary Silver David A Janis Silverberg James A Susan Silvcrman Ervin A Miriam Simon Mickey A Tootie Simon Steve A Marsha Simon

To make a contribution, contact the Project Co-chairmen: Patty & Steve Nogg, 493-3479 and Marcia & Steve PiUor, 496-4632 or call Tom Fellman or Howard Kooper, 392-1800. .

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PagelO Jewish Press, Omaha,NE January 15,1999

The last Jews of Lublin

-Hn the News The Brownell-Talbot Upper School will present the musical Guys & Dolls at 7:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Feb 5-6, in the school's Swanson Auditorium at 55th and Underwood Ave. Tickets will be available at the door. Admission is $4 for adults, $3 for students. For more information, call 556-3772.

by Merri Ukraincik

swelled to a post-war In the years before the maximum of 5,000. Bu\ end of Communism, "The when a pogrom was Last Jews of..." was a waged against Jews popular title for books returning from the and documentaries about camps to the nearby Jewish communities town of Kielce, most of throughout Central and Minstrel Show: the Lynching of William Brown, aEast Europe. Mortality the Jews left Lublin. play by Omahan Max Sparber, will open at the rates among the elderly Another wave of immiQueens Theater in the Park in Queens, NY, on combined with assimilagration in the 1950's and Jan. 23. The play retells the story of the 1919 mur- tion rates, among the again in 1968 (a result of der of an African-American man in Omaha; it was younger generation, and an anti-Semitic camproduced by the Blue Barn Theater and performed the mix seemed to spell paign launched by the last March at the Douglas County Courthouse, the extinction. communist authorities) site of this historic incident. caused yet another drop But in Poland today, Since closing in Omaha, this original production these "last Jews" have in the size of Lublin's has.traveled to Denver, CO, and Carmel, CA. proven key tofindingothJewish community.

Sparber will attend the opening in New York.

Today, most survivors ers who were hidden out in this small Jewish of fear, ambition or surThe Millard North Drama Department will pre- vival-indeed, to" entire community depend on sent A Midsummer's Night's Dream, Friday and Jewish communities that JDC cash assistance and Saturday, Jan. 22 and 23, at 7 p.m., and 2 p.m. on were submerged in a 50medications for survival.

Sunday, Jan. 24. The show is directed by teacher year darkness.

Manlio Dell'Ariccia,.

Jan Fischer; Courtney Rabb is Assistant to the JDC Country Director It is these Jewish comDirector and cast and crew members include: munities and individual for Poland, tells how the Jennie Gates, Production; Jeff Nathan and Jews who are the focus of survivors share similar Jennifer Rifkin have the lead roles of Oberon and medical, community personal histories, but Titania. he likes to recount the. development and Jewish Tickets are $5 at the door. For more information, cultural programs sponstory of one special call 619-1459.

Lubliner: Jozef Honig. sored by the American Jewish Joint Distribution Jozef Honing, his wife, and their dog, live in Honig begins by recallMAZON: A Jewish Response to Hunger has Committee (JDC) and Lublin, Poland, where the American Joint ing his "typical shtetl announced in Fall 1998 grants, including $11,000 funded by the annual Distribution Committee cares for the town's life"in Piaski, a small to two Nebraska non-profit organizations. The UJA/Federation Annual 20 remaining Jewish residents. town near Lublin, in the American Indian Council in Alliance, NE, received Campaign. years before the war. When Piaksi fell to the Nazis, $6,000 in support of its local food program.

Yet despite the surge of activity focusing on Honig fled the ghetto and survived in the Polish The Lincoln Interfaith Council, based in ' Poland's youth, the JDC, which has been working countryside. He was eventually caught and sent to Lincoln, NE, was awarded $5,000"in support of its in Poland since World War I and made a commit- a concentration camp, but escaped in a carriage network of 12 food pantries. ' ment to ensure the dignity of Holocaust survivors filled with victims' clothing and went on to join the after World. War II, has not forgotten those towns Jewish partisans.

The Soshnik Family of St. Louis recently where truly only a handful of Jews remain.

Honig survived the war and returned to Piaski endowed the new library at the Solomon Schecter Lublin was once an important center of Jewish afterward, only to have local residents greet him Day School in memory of Jennifer Soshnik, who life in Poland. A 42,000rmember Jewish communi- and other survivors with a pogrom that killed his died Thanksgiving of 1997 in a fiery car accident. ty constituted one-third of the town's total popula- father and brother. .

Parents, David and. Marsha Soshnik; sister and tion, and today is home to its last Jews.

Honig rebuilt his life in Lublin and married brother-in law, Mindy and Brad Horowitz; brother, Only 20 individuals affiliated with the Jewish twice, once to a Jewish woman and once to a Pole.

Danny Soshnik; and Jennifer's fiancee, Andy community currently remain, all of who are over He lost his children to illness.

Rachmiel, "had searched for a meaningful way to the age of 55. An optimistic estimate supposes A pensioner since 1968, Honig has always been honor this special young woman," according to the another 40 unaffiliated individuals of Jewish origin active in Jewish life and was the last chainnan of St. Louis Jewish Light. "The family decided that living in Lublin now. the local gemina (community) - that is, before the naming Schecter's library, which will serve generaAs the first city in Poland to be liberated after small town of Lublin became officially subsumed tions of St. Louis Jewish children, was a tremen- WWII, Lublin was a transit center for Holocaust within the Warsaw'Jewish community. Today, he dous way to memorialize Jennifer." lives in a small apartment with his wife and serves survivors. The town and its Jewish population as the caretaker for Lublin's old Jewish cemetery, which was recently vandalized. ' We've got Despite his illness, he has a good sense of humor and fondly remembers a visit to Israel seven years a tech for ago as "the only good thing in my life. It is the best whatever place for every Jew to live." you- wreck r Even though the major Polish Jewish organizations are still active in Lublin, there are too; few Jews to notice any distinction between their activities or members. They meet once a month, unless a special reason brings them together more often.

Their facilities are dilapidated - a temporary roof leaks and there is no heat — so JDC recently arranged to make repairs, have the rooms painted and to purchase two space heaters.

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DeH'Ariccia believes that "in communities such as Convention Lublin, where there is such a rich Jewish past, JDC is obliged to do, all it can to help the last, surSeats Up To 1>400" SERVICE viving members." For JDC, doing so will not only II your printer Is pooping help preserve the memory of a once, thriving Jewish out or your monitor's got community, but will help nurture future generayou miffed, call us. If tions of Polish Jews. . ' '. . you have a question 5 Minutes To that only a computer Downtown Omaha1 •

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January 15,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

The emerging Israeli candidates

by Avi Machlis Dan Meridor's big challenge is overcoming puppet image JERUSALEM (JTA) -- For Dan Meridor, the biggest challenge facing him as he runs for prime minister may be a television puppet.

A veteran politician and Likud member, the softspoken,.Meridor announced he is forming his own centrist party to r u n against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the upcoming elections. .

But although he is well educated and highly respected across, the political spectrum, Meridor will have to convince Israelis that he can lead. This is where the televised puppet show comes in.

Hartzufim, a weekly satire in which puppets play politicians, depicts Meridor as the ultimate wimp, incapable of standing up for himself or making decisions. True or not, the image has been hard for him to shake off.

•"He is more resolute and made of harder stuff than was presented on the show," says Gideon Samet, a.columnist for the Israeli daily Ha'aretz arid a friend of Meridor's.'

"Dan Meridor is honest, intelligent and personable, with deep roots in the Israeli political system," says Samet. "My problem with him is that his record has shown so far that' he is far more right of center than he would like the public to believe."

Shayke Ben-Porat, a veteran journalist and author of a recent book, Talks With Dan Meridor, disagrees. He says Meridor has moderated his previous political stance and accepted the Oslo peace process. Ben-Porat also says Meridor's puppet likeness is not completely mistaken.

Meridor, 51, was born into a family steeped in Likud ideology. His father, Eliyahu, was an activist and Knesset member from the Herut Party, Likud's precursor. A graduate of Hebrew University's Law School whose wife, Leora, is one of Israel's leading economists, Meridor was appointed Cabinet- secretary in 1982 by then-Prime Minister Menachem Begin. ''He won his first Knesset seat in 1984. Four years later, he became justice minister.

This was no easy job, because during his tenure at the Justice Ministry, the intifada, or Palestinian uprising, erupted, forcing Israel to deal with fundantental justice-related issues. . , . ' ' ; lii' 19^'l, 'afte'r'a'wave.of PaleitiniaVlcnifings in Israel,'j&eri3pr rejec;ted public appeals to seal off tjje^e^i;E5ankand:')GazaiStrip..' ..:' ",['/_.._'.'.'. ' T h e nation's ejected representative's are. not, supposed to echo.and amplify public emotioris," he said at the jdme ii} an interview with the Jerusalem Post. ^We are here to guide the public; not to be led by it," His relatively soft line contributed to his dovish image, but also cost him some support within the Likud Party. In 1992, Meridor lost internal elections for the party leadership to Netanyahu, in what analysts say was the beginning of the rivalry between the two.

Meridor, one of the Likud' "princes" who was being groomed to take over the leadership by the party's old guard, was angry that Netanyahu, who spent several years abroad, leapfrogged over the veteran players. , This frustration was clear when Meridor launched his campaign last month: "A situation has been created in which a man who arrived in Israel 10 years ago has taken over the Likud - albeit democratically — and ispreventing his replacement," said Meridor.

After the 1996 elections, Netanyahu appointed Meridor to head the powerful Finance Ministry.

Their rivalry quickly resurfaced.. . .

In June 1997, he resigned as finance minister after a bitter: power struggle following a debate over foreign exchange policy that Meridor believed was politically motivated to squeeze him out of the government.

Since then, say political analysts, Meridor has been impatiently waiting to unleash his feelings about the prime minister. .

In the coming weeks, Israelis will be watching closely to see if Meridor is more than the puppeteers make him out to be.

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Shahak enjoys popularity, but political views are unclear

Seen as 'honest Abe' of politics, Begin forges principled campaign

JERUSALEM (JTA) - Amnon Lipkin-Shahak has JERUSALEM (JTA) - He looks like his father been watching his popularity soar in public opinion and sounds like his father, but Ze'ev "Benny" Begin polls as he prepares to launch his candidacy for knows his chances of getting elected Israel's next prime minister. But even as the fonner-effmy chief of prime minister are slim. Just the same, the decistaff was officially discharged last week, Israelis sion by the only son. of the late Prime Minister were still trying to figure out just who he is.

Menachem Begin to compete against Prime 1 think many people in the State of Israel are wait- Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the May national ing for something different," he said cautiously. They elections is a matter of principle. want hope, and if I can help bring these things, I will."

While he is hardly a favorite in the polls, Begin's Shahak, 54, has already found himself under announcement recently that he was quitting the fire from both the left and right. The Labor Party Likud Party to spearhead a right-wing challenge to has accused him of splitting the left-wing vote by Netanyahu reinforced his image as the "honest refusing to join Labor's ranks, a move they say will. Abe" of Israeli politics who refuses to compromise only benefit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu his beliefs. This is perhaps his biggest electoral asset at a time when Israelis are increasingly losin the upcoming elections.

The Likud Party has accused him of breaking ing confidence in their leaders.

Israeli military law by engaging in politics before Begin, 55, the stalwart idealogue of Likud, officially leaving the army. uncompromisingly defends the fundamental party Polls say Shahak could get about 20 percent of doctrine that all of the biblical Land of Israel, the vote in a first round of elections against including the West Bank, is the birthright of the Netanyahu and Labor leader Ehud Barak, and that modern State of Israel. he would beat Netanyahu by 48 percent to 33 perAlthough Begin has been politically active since cent if the two competed in a second-round runoff. his days as a student in the 1960s, he is a geologist" Born in 1944 in Tel Aviv, Shahak graduated from by training. When first elected to the Knesset in a military preparatory school in Haifa before join- 1988, he was shocked by the horse-trading and; ing the army in 1962. He was awarded the presti- backroom deal-making that is the stock in trade of gious medal of valor twice, first in 1968 forTiis han- most politicians. dling of a raid on a Palestinian guerrilla base in "The period that I devoted to politics was'the Jordan. His second decoration was for a daring most miserable of my life," Begin said several years undercover operation in Beirut in 1973, when he ago. Despite his disdain for politics, Begin has led one of two commando teams. steadfastly pursued his ideological aims.

Shahak rose through the army ranks to become Throughout the years, Begin collected facts to the head of military intelligence, deputy chief of bolster his ideological convictions with strategic staff and, eventually, chief of staff in 1995. Some "proofs" that the Palestinians are still intent on critics say Shahak failed to address important chal- destroying Israel. In 1991, he said the land-forlenges confronting the military during his tenure peace formula was a "hereditary disease." as chief of staff.

The message was not much different when he said The only major Israeli operation during that Israel'was in a "vicious cycle of despair and weaktenure was Operation Grapes of Wrath, a 16-day ness," characterized by an over-willingness among blitz in April 1996 on Hezbollah fighters in south- Israeli politicians to hand territory over to the PA. ern Lebanon. The operation included a devastating Begin said his candidacy is the "only alternative military failure: the accidental shelling of a U.N. today to a way that would most certainly lead to base that killed some 100 Lebanese refugees who the establishment of a PLO-and-Hamas state, had taken shelter there. which will bring neither peace nor security."

Shahak's last years in uniform will probably be best remembered for his role in negotiating the Oslo peace accords between Israel and the Raynor Manufacturing gives a Lifetime Warranty on their doors for as long as you own I?piestanians. •. . .• .; your home. Raynor's beautiful steel doors with raised panels have the look of a dec•:'; After Israel and the orative wood door, but not the problems of wood. Raynor applies a heavy, baked-on Palestine Liberation Or- enamel finish in five colors to eliminate painting. To conserve energy each door can ganization signed the be insulated with 1'/«" polystyrene with steel covering. Come in and see the working Declaration of Principles models. We offer financing, installation, and remodeling. Other products: Door Openers • Lifetime Siding • Storm Doors • Patio Doors • Entry Doors • Windows • that launched the Oslo Sash Replacement process in September 1993, then-Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin apCentrally located (Take 1-80 to 60th or 42nd St Exit, 2 blocks south to F SI. then to 46th Sf.) pointed Shahak—then 4665 G Street • 402-733-6440»OPEN SAT. 9:00 A.M. - 1:00 P.M. deputy chief of staff—to head the team negotiating the first Israeli withdrawals from the West Bank and Gaza Strip. .. : Netanyahu, who was then the leader of the opposition, criticized the BE PREPARED! inove,. saying generals Read The ^ should not conduct political negotiations. . • • • Tax Time : Just the same, a look at Supplement Shahak the negotiator » who was highly respected in the Jewish Press both by his colleagues February 5 and the Palestinians provides a useful glimpse Advertisers-We invite the following businesses to participate: into his political skills.

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333-2882 Get off it. Exercise.

High school students prepare for Panim el Panim

by Elyce Azriel Director, Temple Israel High School •

Volunteer braille services

TFMME

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(Continued from page 1) (USCJ) and the Rabbinical Assembly Committee on Commitment and Observance. The project uses programs and activities to create Shabbat awareness and stimulate members to explore ways to incorporate its observance into their lives.

The charge for "Watch Out" is $4 for adults; $3 for children 3 through 12; free for children under 3; with a maximum of $18 per family. Babysitting is available by reservation. Reservations are due by Jan. 20. For more information, call 492-8550.

zrican Heart fil Association-^^

u

(Continued from page 1) Cohn and Esther Graetz. As the years went by, neweclasses were formed and many people became transcribers, some Beth El members and some from the community at large. . ' In 1984, Anna Wiesman became President of the group. In 1985, with Doris Cohn as teacher, Wiesman became a certified braille transcriber. In addition to braille transcribing, she continued as President until August 1998, when she retired to concentrate on transcribing and teaching braille.

In addition to Bernice Wolfson, Doris Cohn, Esther Graetz and Anna Wiesman, other transcribers and workers being recognized Jan. 30 are: Jane Washburn, Dorothy Lidberg, Gail Lewallen, Dorothy Botkin and Kay Kizzier.

Without these volunteers and those who gave generously of their time over the past 40 years, countless volumes of braille would not have been transcribed, copied and bound. Countless blind children and adults around the country would not have had, in braille, the necessary textbooks, general literature, job-related materials and items needed for everyday life.

The group now uses IBM-compatible PCs t'6"d6" braille transcribing. So, although Certified Braille Transcribers will always be needed, it is no longer necessary for all members of Omaha Volunteer Braille Services to be certified. .

Omaha Volunteer Braille Services still needs volunteers to carry on this important work. If you would like information,1 pleasei call me at i-197-2349.

This will be a rewarding experience that will enrich your life while benefiting the visually impaired.

Virgil Cook, center, father of a murdered son, has lobbied against the death penalty. He came to speak to Panim el Panim students: Jen Gates, left, Morgan Denny, Nikki Flatowicz, Leslie Gendelman and Amy Willensky, at Temple Israel.

In July of 1997, Temple Israel received sizeable grants from, the Steven Spielberg/Righteous Persons Foundation and from the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundation for a new program - Panim el Panim (Face to Face). ' This program ,js, geared for high school seniorsto•• learn about public policy and Jewish values in the nation's capital. This year, the Jewish Federation of Omaha has also given funds to subvent this program. " In March, 10 Jewish teens will fly to Washington, D.C., to participate in Panim el Panim: Washington.Jnstitute for/Jewish Leadership and Values. This is the second group from Omaha to attend this .seminar.

• . .; .....-,-':\ In the eight) years sinceits formation, Panim, el Panim has taken 5000 teenagers from more than 100 communities on its four-day leadership seminars in Washington. The hook is politics. The meat is J u d a i s m .

l e t 995. American Heart Association

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'

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"Kids are instinctively involved in' social action, GETTHE SCOOP O N but rarely as Jews," said Yossi Abramowitz, 'assis- : tant director of the Institute. "We meet'theni JEWISH O M A H A AT y/ where they are and say to the kids, "You care about WVW.JEWISHOMAHA.ORCi! the world. We can show you how to affect it.1""' A study by JESNA (Jewish Education Service of North America) confirms the program's success; A comparison of alumni and control group of 64 students found "strong and consistent differences in attitude, affiH*Jaton and social and political FURNACE S/1Q95 College entrance preparation includes a well-written activism."

CLEANING ^ ^ • essay, which lets admissions counselors know what's HERE'S WHAT WE DO More than two-thirds of the alumni credited ft distinctive and special about you. Attend Essay L and Vcuum Clean Burn •Clean Heat Chamt Panim el Panim for their growing activism, includlearn to: •Clean D f t r ing joining local chapters of AIPAC, voting, and IIBI Design an intelligent, focused essay voter registration, becoming involved with the homeless and the hungry, and increasing their Display critical thinking skills Jewish identity-building experiences. The study Demonstrate your character and integrity concluded that Panim el Panim was one of the Present your unique personality most valuable Jewish experiences available to Jewish teens today.

Write with clarity and confidence A participant from last year's group commented, Essay U is an individualized program, so you "I have the opinions of my peers, the povertystricken, the homeless, and politicians. can start anytime! Your personal coach and "This program has helped me to define myself as instructor: a Jewish teenager and as^a person who is responsi.

Susan Paley, M.A., adjunct professor ofcoiijiiiiinicalioii, UNO MONUMENT CO. ble for the welfare of society."

The issues discussed at the Institute change,: Frank L Ciciulla, Jr. depending on 'hot' political topics, but Israel is a To arrange your 60 Years Experience constant. Programs include presentations by a private sessions, ' With Jewish group of homeless actors and singers, the study of contact Lettering and Memorials a talmudic tractate which discusses Jewish obligaSusan Paley, tions to the poor, a simulation of a congressional 1439 So. 13th 402.330.6583. session, and actual lobbying. .

341-2452 Panim el Panim participants are from Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel Synagogues. For Let your writing reflect what's more information, call me at Temple; 556-6536. exceptional about you!

Pulverente

January 15,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page

tilth Abu Nidal flees Egypt, seeks safe haven in Iraqi capital

by Douglas Davis

LONDON (JTA) - Fearful that he may be handed over to a Western government, a Palestinian terrorist said to be responsible for killing or wounding 900 people in 20 countries has moved from Egypt to Iraq, according to news reports here.

Quoting diplomatic sources, the Guardian newspaper said Abu Nidal fled to Baghdad from a Palestinian hospital in a Cairo suburb, where he had been receiving treatment for leukemia.

Now aged 61, and reportedly dying, Jaffa-born Sabri al-Banna adopted the nom de guerre Abu Nidal when he joined the Palestine Liberation Organization. After a meteoric rise through the • group's hierarchy, he broke with PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat in the early 1970s t o oppose the possibility of a negotiated settlement with Israel. " L a t e r , as head of his own Fatah Revolutionary Council — once described by t h e U.S. State Department as "the most dangerous terrorist organization in existence" - he was, at times, backed by Iraq, Syria and, most recently, Libya, where he had lived until arriving in Cairo last July under a false name and carrying a Tunisian passport.

Since 1974, Abu Nidal's death squads' struck at Israeli, Jewish and Western targets, as well as PLO officials who we're regarded as moderate.

Among Abu Nidal's most recent high-profile attacks were the simultaneous gun-and-grenade

attacks on the El Al passenger counters a t Rome and Vienna airports in 1985 and the assassination of the PLO intelligence chief in 1991.

Abu Nidal is believed to have moved to Iraq in mid-December and is reportedly being treated in one of the lavishly equipped clinics reserved for Saddam Hussein and his inner circle.

Arab sources were quoted as saying thfe Libyans, already facing Western pressure over its refusal to extradite two bombing suspects from the 1988 Pan Am 103 crash in Lockerbie, Scotland, wanted to OldWorld Charm find another country where Abu Nidal could spend With Authentic his final days. For their part, the Egyptians sought European Food to end an embarrassment for President Hosni »4829S.24lhSf733-749U Mubarak.

"It is entirely credible that he is in Iraq," said a veteran Middle East analyst. "Saddam doesn't forTHE PHARMACY get a friend, just the same way as he doesn't forget pharmacy THATSPECIALIZES an enemy."

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Abu Nidal's organization, broken by internal feuds as its leader became increasingly enfeebled, is no longer considered an active terrorist threat.

T ELxpress^

Neo-Nazism rises in German army

Israeli diplomats warned that cult may launch revenge attack

by Deidre Berger

by Douglas Davis

•

Karen a n d G r e g g Engel of Denver, CO, announce the Dec. 29,1998 birth of their daughter, Lauren Faye. .

Lauren has a brother, Adam, age 9.

Grandparents are Evelyn and Jack Barash of Denver, and Dr. Robert Engel and Mrs. Leonard Jacobson of Omaha.

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FRANKFURT (JTA) -Extremistincidents in .the ..... LONDON. (JTA)..,-, British police have warned Greek Specials Daily Greek Beer & Wine German army increased in 1998, according to Israeli diplomats based here of a possible attack by Homemade Pastries Dine In/Carry Out members of a Denver-based doomsday cult whose Germany's defense minister.

Party Room We Cater Too! Rudolf Scharping told a news conference in Bonn leader is hiding in England. The cultists may be Full Service Bar last week that the number of incidents rose sharply planning a terror attack disguised as the work of Hon.-Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri.-Sal., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. last summer, shortly after the army inducted a new Islamic fundamentalists, police said.

••-•'•" Sun., 11 a.m.-Bp.m. i.-8 p.m.

Monte Kim Miller, the leader of the Concerned batch of recruits.

Scharping added that 301 members of the army, Christians cult, is believed -to have entered Britain 'most of them rieWre'cruits, were Involved in: inci- on the pretext of conducting research at Oxford University. Fourteen members of the sect Miller dents of right-wing extremism last year.

The incidents were largely propaganda offenses, leads returned to Denver over the weekend after ranging from graffiti on army buildings to soldiers they were deported .from Israel.

Acting on information provided by the FBI, wearing tattoos with the Nazi insignia.

An army spokesman said the rise resulted in part Israeli officials tracked the cultists for several from an increased readiness to report such inci- months before launching raids earlier this month Neighborhood Bakery & Cafe dents. The display or distribution of Nazi symbols on two of their homes in the Jerusalem area.

•Wedding Cakes •German Specialties The cultists were planning violent actions during is forbidden in Germany.

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LUNCH & GERMAN STYLE DINNERS extremist activities within the army, such as the The 14 cultists surfaced in Israel after Miller and 5180Leavenworth 553-6774 production of a video with anti-foreigner and anti- more than 70 of his followers disappeared from their headquarters in Denver last September.

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Some of the disciples are said to have accompaLast month, Scharping told representatives of the American-Jewish Committee that Germany is care- nied Miller to Britain, while others are reported to be in Mexico and Greece. fully monitoring such incidents.

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Jams & Molasses; Couscous, Lentils, Wheats, Nuts, Miller, a 44-year-old former business executive, has Seeds, Above all, a large Variety of Fresh Spices reportedly instructed his followers that he speaks the word of God and that they will die if they do not (402)390-0120 serve him. Some of the cult members maintain conOpen: Mon-Sat 10:00AM-8:00 PM tact with their families, but mask their whereabouts' 3025 South 83rd Plaza, Omaha, NE 68124 by communicating only via e-mail.

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Page 14 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE January 15,1999

Winter reading

by Emily Soloff, JUFNews, Chicago

CHICAGO - Looking for something new to read as the days get shorter and the nights longer? The following is a selected list of books of Jewish interest that appear on publishers' current lists.

The Dial Press thought enough of Allegra Goodman's novel Kaaterskill Falls to sponsor a three-month author tour to 14 cities. Dutton recently published Rabbi Tirzah Firestone's With Roots in Heaven, subtitled "One Woman's Passionate Journey into the Heart of her Faith."

(Talese/Doubleday) has been on The New York mystic Roger Kamenetz's Stalking Elijah, subtitled Times Book Review best-seller list for more than six "Adventures with Today's Jewish Mystical months and in the window of at least one Masters."

SuperCrown store in the Loop for about as long.

The prolific Kamenetz has a memoir of his mothHarperCollins has published the very publicly er and growing up in Baltimore, Terra Infirma, Jewish Dr. Laura Schlessinger's The Ten coming out with Schocken. Schocken is also pubCommandments, subtitled "The Significance of lishing Alex Kates Shulman's memoir, A Good God's Laws in Everyday Life," while Harper Enough Daughter. Both are what Schocken SanFrancisco is promoting Arthur Hertzberg and Editorial Director Arthur Samuelson calls "not conAron Hirt-Manheimer's Jews: The Essence and sciously Jewish books," though both authors identiThomas CahilPs The Gift of the Jews Character of a People, and new Jewish fy Jewishly.

Next month Schocken is releasing The The Warriors: Reflections on Men in Battle by J. John Grey Conversion, Israeli writer Aaron Appelfeld's new and When I was a German, 1934-1945 by Christabel Bielenberg book. Appelfeld is a "great Israeli writer, a Jewish Review by Oliver Pollak writer, and a Holocaust writer. Aspects of all that The University of Nebraska Press is actively The Warriors is a result of Gray rereading his account for his appeal. His subject area (may be the Holocaust), but his themes are about what it means expanding its offerings in Jewish studies and the wartime journals, 14 years after discharge.

Second World War by publishing new books, transGray concludes that "war reveals dimensions of to be a human being," said Samuelson.

In the self-help category, Knopf is publishing To lating recent literature from French and German human nature both above and below the acceptable into English, and reprinting old works of lasting standards for humanity. The book is introduced by Begin Again: A Journey Toward Comfort, Strength value.

Hannah Arendt, the author of Eichmann in and Faith in Difficult Times, by Naomi Levy, the first woman to be ordained in the Conservative These two books, published in 1959 and 1968, Jerusalem. have long been out of print. Nebraska has reprintChristabel Burton married a young German law Movement. Knopf is also publishing poetry celeed them in their popular Bison Books paperback student, Peter Bielenberg in 1934. Wives tradition- brating Jewish experience with Marge Pierces The series. The timing is fortuitous. Gray's disillusion- ally moved to where their husbands earned their Art of Blessing the Day. Books are coming out (or have come out) from ment with war is backgrounded by Steven living. Peter opposed Hitler and was arrested in Spielberg's recent film, Saving Private Ryan. And 1944, suspected of complicity in the July Plot. The Crown (The Revisionist by Helen Schulman), Mrs. Bielenberg*s story should be considered along book is introduced by Kiemens von Klemperer, Delacorte (Legacy of Silence by Belva Plain), with the publication of Victor Klemperer's Diary, author of German Resistance against Hitler: The Dutton (The Same Embrace by Michael Lowenthal), Morrow (Somebody's Baby by Elaine the biggest transatlantic publishing blockbuster Search for Allies Abroad, 1938-1945. since the appearance of Daniel Goldhagen's Hitler's War seen through the eyes and words of the war- Kagen), and Random House (The Inn at Lake Willing Executioners. rior, the expatriate wife, the letters exchanged Devine by Elinor Lipman), among others.

Gray entered the army as a private in May 1941, between the war front to the home front reveal Temple University Press is adding a novel and drafted the same day he received his doctorate in dimensions of struggle that should be cause for another memoir to Borscht Belt Bungalows, by philosophy from Columbia University. He received remembrance 365 days a year as well as Memorial Irwin Richman. Phil Brown, a self-described mouna battlefield commission in France, saw service in and Veteran's Day. The value of the reprinting of tain rat, writes about his memories of growing up North Africa, Italy and Germany in counterespi- these two books would have been increased if the upstate in Catskill Culture, while Eileen Pollack has written a nostalgic novel of hotel life in onage and was discharged a second lieutenant in editors had produced an index.

Paradise, New York.

October 1945.

(Continued on page 15)

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January 15,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15

Winter reading (Continued from page 14)' The Jews' contribution to modern philosophy is studied by Yirmiyahu Yovel in Dark Riddle: Hegel, Nietzsche, and the Jews, published by Penn State Press. Israel's recent history is analyzed in Itamar Rabinovich's' The Brink of Peace (Princeton University Press), while Oxford University Press continues a tradition of scholarly text studies with Bernard Levinspn's Deuteronomy and the Hermeneutics of Legal Innovation.

Ohio State, University Press recently published 10 of John Clayton's urban stories, often set among Jews, in Radiance; and R. Ruth Linden's Making Stories, Making Selves, feminist reflections on the Holocaust. Ohio is publishing Exile, a memoir of 1939 by Bronka Schneider, next month.

Northwestern University Press has published Bread for the Departed, Bogdan Wojdowski's novel pf.a Jewish family in the Warsaw Ghetto. : Holocaust literature and memoir are a staple of many of the university presses but also in the mainstream and Jewish publishers.

Trade publishers are even talcing chances on new novelists who focus on Jews and Jewish life with Peter Glassgold's The Angel Max (Harcourt, Brace); Dalia Rabinovich's Flora's Suitcase (HarperCollins);. Martha Copley's The Anarchist (Little, Brown & Company); and Paul Hond's The Baker and Daniel Menaker's The Treatment, both

by Random House. : Knopf is expecting big things from For the Relief of Unbearable Urges, stories based in Orthodox experience by Nathan Englander, a 28-year-old writer whose debut work is being compared to I.B. Singer, Bernard Malamud, and Philip Roth.

At 1,700 pages, Routledge's Jewish Women in America: An Historical Encyclopedia won't fit on most nightstands. The $250 price also takes it off most casual reading lists, but the two-volume work is a publishing first.

Check with the Jewish Federation Library for those volumes currently available.

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More than 150 attended OTYG's annual spaghetti dinner at Temple Israel. Denny Lewis and Steve Cohn bought the two reserved parking spaces during the auction.

by Jennie Gates

Last Sunday, Omaha Temple Youth Group (OYTG) held their annual Spaghetti Dinner and Auction. The fabulous dinner was made by Dennis DePorte and Spencer Brookstein, and Mark Delman served as the auctioneer.

Organized by Nikki Flatowicz, OTYG's Treasurer, and staffed by other youth group members, the evening's proceeds of over $6200 were raised for Camp Rainbow, a one week summer camp for terminally ill children. Many NFTY youth groupers volunteer each year as councilors for this experience that few will ever forget.

The most popular auction items were two premium reserved personal Temple parking spaces. A great deal of thanks go out to those who have donated, bought, and helped out with this truly wonderful cause.

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The revival of Russian anti-Semitism

by Kenneth Jacobson, Assistant National Director, Director International Affairs, ADL-CRC

This shocking reemergence of political antiA hundred years after it was penned, the infamous anti-Semitic Protocols of the Elders of Zion conspiracy Semitism in the heart of a major nation reminds theory is alive and well at the top level of Russian us that it has always served the special needs of leadership. On Dec. 23, Gennady Zyuganov, chief of demagogues during periods of convulsions in socithe Communist Party, and Boris Yeltsin's main oppo^ ety. Despite the Jewish nanies being thrown nent in tke 1996 presidential campaign, blamed Jews around, it reveals once again that anti-Semitism for the "current catastrophic conditions of the coun- has nothing to do with the real activities of Jews, try', the.rnass impoverishment and the process of but with the need to find a convenient explanation for distress that is hard to.fathom and for the eterextinction of its'people." < In a fetter to Yeltsin's Chief of Staff and the Justice nal availability of the Jews as scapegoat.

Minister1; ;he focused on the "spread of Zionism in the It reminds us that we cannot afford to be complastate government in Russia" as one reason for cent about anti-Semitism, even where it appears to be diminishing. The special power of this poison can Russia'sMecline. ., Twentieth century history demands that such out- still surface in different forms and different places rageous hatred be taken seriously. History shows us when it serves particular needs. The advent ofglobthat a people in turmoil with a tradition of popular alism, with all its intertwining economic mysteries anti-Semitism never properly addressed through edu- beyond the understanding of people in ,the street . cation can be particularly susceptible to scapegoating. makes for a particularly good opportunity for demaThis is especially true when Jewish individuals, how- gogues to blame the "international Jews.", ever patriotic to the homeland, are prominent in gov- \ -While not immune from this oldest hatred, we ernment,;business and culture, providing an element have learned a great deal from history - t h e horror of the Holocaust, the decades of Soviet anti.of "rationality" to the conspiratorial mindset.

Sixty-five years ago in another country experiencing Semitism, the struggle for Soviet Jews. We need to economic and social catastrophe, the notion that the use our understanding and experience to ensure Jews were the enemy and the root of the problems that anti-Semitism in Russia today does not become something even more serious tomorrow. produced the Shoah.

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January 15,1999

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