February 5, 1999

ewish Pre SPECIAL ISSUE ON TAX TIPS VoLLXXVI

NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST LINCOLN NE 68508-1651

No. 21 Omaha, NE

19 Shevai, 5759

IRA, pension plan distributions may subject heirs to double tax

February 5,1999

YJO Tu B'Shevat a first by Pam Monsky Federation Communications Director

Tu B'Shevat is celebrated on the 15th day of With the introduction of the Roth IRA, tax plan- the Hebrew ning has become even more complex for retirement month of Shedistributions at death. If you own substantial vat. It includes retirement accounts, you should consult your tax tree planting advisor on this particular issue of and eating the naming beneficiaries. seven fruits During 1999, The Federation . mentioned in Foundation plans to sponsor a semi- c o n n e c t i o n nar on this important subject. with the land If you would like an invitation, of Israel. Folplease call me or Foundation lowing lunch, Assistant Cyrila Kotyza, 334-6439. Julie Ginsberg Tax Briefs and her daugh•Beginning in 1999, the IRS ter Eden Rose, requests taxpayers to write checks to create a seed the "U.S. Treasury" not to the "Internal Revenue picture. Service." •Beginning in April, 1999, the optional standard mileage rate for business use of an automobile will be reduced from 32.5 cents to 31 cents. The rate of 32.5 cents applies for all of 1998. •The mileage rate for the charitable use of a passenger automobile is 14 cents per mile, with no planned reduction. •Effective now through April 10, the local IRS office located at 106 So. 15th St., room 109, will be open on Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. •Homeowners filing joint returns may exclude up to $500,000 ($250,000 for,singles) of gain on the sale of a principal residence.; This full tax break may be taken every two years; however, if the home is sold before having held it for two years, a Julie Phillips (right), organized crafts for the partial exclusion may be taken based on the num- children. Leslie Vann and Michael Vann ber of months held as the numerator and 24 made trees with branches, nests, birds and eggs, and finished them off with pictures of months as the denominator. •One of the hottest topics in Congress is to elimi- 'mitzvot' hanging' from the branches. nate the so-called "marriage penalty" which results in working married couples paying additional taxes (More Tax Tips starting on page 6)

by Martin C. Ricks, Endowment Director, The Foundation of the Jewish Federation

If your children inherit any funds remaining in your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) or pension plan, they may be hit with double taxes. The stock market increase in the '90s haB resulted in many of you holding IRA and 401 (k) accounts with significant balances that will grow even larger with astute investing. Conversion to a Roth IRA will help the situation, but income taxes must be paid for the year you convert and not everyone is eligible to make the conversion.. Many factors need to be considered in the decision to convert regular IRA's to Roth IRA's. How high could these double taxes be? Potentially, 75 percent and possibly more if you consider state taxes. : Why? Retirement benefits included in your estate are subject to both: 1) estate taxes on your federal estate tax return, and 2) income taxes on the Form 1040 of the beneficiary/recipient. The estate tax portion is generally paid with the filing of the estate tax return; the income tax portion is paid over the years of distribution from the retirement plan. Non-retirement assets received by your heirs through a bequest are normally subject only to estate taxes: . What can you do? If you plan to leave assets,, to both your, heirs and the Jewish Federation, The Foundation, synagogue, or other non-profit institutions, you may save taxes if you give "other assets" to the heirs and name the charity as the beneficiary of your IRA, 401 (k)or other retirement plan. The result will mean more money to your heirs by not having to pay income tax on the retirement distributions and the charity will receive the retirement assets (IRA, 401 (k), etc.) free of both estate and income tax.

Blumkin Home eliminates waiting list by Lenorai Lancaster, Executive Assistant, Jewish Senior Services

Currently, rooms are available at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Because the rehabilitation staff offers seniors a therapeutic work plan which "gets them on their feet" and functioning as independently as possible, short-term residents are returning to their own homes more quickly. ' All residents of the facility have the opportunity to receive an extremely high level of nursing care along with days filled with good friends, lively programming and Jewish torn (atmosphere). Each resident receives a personalized care plan that is tailor made for their needs. This includes a full array of recreation programs and social events -outside trips, parties, sing-a-longs and learning sessions with local rabbis, teachers and "cultural • mavens (experts)." . Seniors have the chance to learn about computers, (including e-mail), ceramics, cooking classes and our newest program-Art Expressions. The RBJH nursing staff is gifted and knowledgeable about caring for individuals who suffer from either Alzheimer's or some form of dementia. Patience and the ability to soothe are important parts of assessing a person's needs. The dietary department works along with nursing in an effort to help residents maintain their weight status. Often with Alzheimer's disease, residents forget how to eat, and tender encouragement is needed. Mealtimes are adapted to residents needs and, in fact, each person receives a specialized menu when necessary.

It is extremely important that Jewish heritage be a viable part of life at the Blumkin Home. Weekly religious services and discussion groups, Shabbat candlelighting, holiday baking and mealtimes are just some of the ways we live our traditions. The social service staff advises and guides residents and families through the application process, residents rights and the ability to utilize the "barik" with the Home. Residents are encouraged to make their own choices regarding activities, time alone, and friendships. This caring environment offers seniors the opportunity to mend both physically and spiritually. Community volunteers and the active Auxiliary, make it a point to welcome newcomers and be a vital part of the recreation program. The Omaha Jewish community is truly blessed to haye such a fabulous facility. Call us for short or long-term stays, for rehabilitation after surgery or illness. For more help, or information, contact Shane Kotok, Director of Community Outreach Services, at 334-6529.

JUDAIC ATHON Sunday, February 14 attheJCC 7-9:15 p.m. Adults,$7; Students/Srs., $5 See insert for details

Jill and Bruce Baron with son, Jacob, were part of the seder held last Sunday at Beth El Synagogue. More than 70 people attended the event to celebrate the new year of the trees.

Rabbi Paul Drazen led the seder, whi included red and white wine and a set plate with nuts, figs, dates, wheat crack avocados, raisins and almonds.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 5,

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 : Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m. Shabbat Dinner, 6 p.m., at Beth El SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 • Humash Class, 5 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Parent/Teacher Conferences, 10 a.m., Beth El Men's Club Brunch, 10 a.m., at ' Temple Israel Kindergarten Parent Day, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel NJHS Annual Meeting, 2 p.m. "~ . MONDAY, FEBRUARY 8 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. OTYG, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel JFS, Parenting Class, 7 p.m. JCAC Board Meeting, 7 p.m. Cub Scouts, 7 p.m. Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 9 Beth El Lunch & Learn, Noon, at Pastimes Derech Torah, 7 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 10 Hadassah Meeting, 10:30 a.m., at Livingston Plaza Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., Beth El THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 11 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood Adult Education, 9:30 a.m., at Temple Israel

Sparks from the Word

The Big Ten by Rabbi Ira Flax, Chaplain, OffuttAFB, guest columnist

i. LEON S. FRANKEL Former Omahan Leon S. Frankel, a resident of the Martins Run Life Care Community in Media, PA, died Jan. .27 in Haverton, PA,'at the age of 95. K Parashat Yitro Services were held Jan. 29 at the Levine and Sons Tim parasha this week is Yitro and its most Memorial Chapel. prominent feature is the aseret ha debroat or Ten He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Commandments. Meyerson Frankel. A few observations come quickly to mind. First, Survivors include a daughter, Barbara Wald of why is there no special name given to this ' Narberth, PA, and a son, Steven R. Frankel of Shabbat? Second, why name the parasha after a Scarsdale, NY; six grandchildren.and five greatnon-Israelite, who is a priest to another deity? : grandchildren. ' Third, why is this parasha so short? , All these questions are inter-related. Let's examine the issue of special shabbatot. We have the four special shabbatot before Pesach, (Shabbat Shkaleem, Zachor, Parah and Hagadol). Then we have Shabbat Shuva between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, and Shabbat Nachamu after Tisha b'Av. Last week was Shabbat Shira commemorating passing through the Red Sea. You could probably add Shabbat Hanukkah and those ofchol fiamoed (intermediate days) of Sukkot and Pesach, though these names refer only to the holiday and not to a passage of the Torah or Prophets that is read. In reality, out of more than 60 readings, barely 10 have designators, at best. The next issue is that of the Priest of Midian receiving the zechut (merit) of having this section named after him. The midrash is replete with explanations of Jethro accepting God, blessing Israel, joining with Moses, offering sacrifices and not the least, being Moses' father-in-law. Furthermore, it is Jethro who lifts the burden of sitting in judgement from the shoulders of Moses, suggesting captains of tens, fifties, hundreds, and thousands to filter out disputes. Last, is the issue of length. Shouldn't something as important as the decalogue be surrounded by words and stories like a fine jewel set in gold? Shouldn't the reading be long, perhaps even arduous, to mimic the weariness at Sinai? Obviously not, the rabbis who established the order of readings felt this was an appropriate length. The truth is, the Ten'Commandments make good copy—it has great p.r. fanfare. It is, after all, delivered by God Himself. The rabbis consciously decided against building up one segment or section of Torah above the rest. There are more rules pertaining to behavior in the following parasha, not to mention the rest of the 613 commandments found throughout the Torah. To designate this section above all others would be very problematic. After all, what would we call the second shabbat when the Ten Commandments are repeated? Jethro is the archetype of the righteous gentileone who has heard God's treatment of the children of Israel and wishes to join wholeheartedly. It is to Jethro's merit that not having witnessed the miracles personally, he threw his lot in with our ancestors. — The shortness of the parasha is not to diminish from the theophany at Sinai where our people stood together and witnessed God's presence in the midst of the cloud. When we hear the reading this Shabbat, as we stand together in the various places of worship, let us be mindful of the unity of our peoples past and hold that as our vision for the future. One people, one future. Shabbat Shalom. -

VALERIE P. CARP Graveside services for Valerie Carp were held Jan. 28 at Temple Israel Cemetery. She died Jan. 26 in Durham, NC, at the age of 39. She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Oscar Carp. Survivo'rB include h e r mother, Pauline C. Cowdery; and sisters, Stacy and Tenley Carp. Memorials may be made to Temple Israel Caring Committee or the Duke University Medical Center Pulmonary Oncology Dept., Durham, NC 27710. ISADORE (RICHARD) BERNSTEIN Graveside services for Isadore Bernstein were held Feb. 1 at Beth El Cemetery. He was 82. Survivors include his wife, Elaine; daughters and sons-in-law, Lynn and Danny Rubin of Omaha, Joanie Bernstein and Jack Molloy of Naples, FL, and Joyce Bernstein of Denver; sisters, Bess Katzman of Omaha and Dorothy Rogoff of Miami, FL; and three grandchildren, Jennifer and Jay Rubin and Zack Malloy. Memorials may be made to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. .. •

B'nai B'rith International launches relief fund for earthquake victims ' The Columbian Earthquake Relief Fund was activated by B'nai B'rith International last week to aid victims of the recent earthquake which killed more than 1000 people and left thousands homeless. : . . • •'.'-. •..'• ' t The quake, which measured 6.0 on the Richter scale, occurred in Armenia, capital of Columbia's coffee-growing province. * . To make donations, send checks, earmarked for Columbian Earthquake Relief, to: B'nai B'rith Center for Community Action, 1640 Rhode Island; Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C., 20036-3278.

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February 5,1999

SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL

Mt>mlx>r of tho Union of Ataeticga Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, N E 08182 5564K536

CHABADH AnAffiJfetflotthe; Chabad-Lubavltch Mov S 120th S t O m h i I860 So. Phone:330-1800 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 aim. TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 pan. THURSDAY: Halachah 101 Class, 8 a.m.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat at 7:30 p.m. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Sunday and Tuesday attheJCC. NOTE: Saturday morning Learner's Minyans are held once a month. Next one is Feb. 20.

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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CANDLELIGHT1NG: 5:27 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Member of Uiu Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America 1600 No. 82nd St., Omaha, N E 6810* 55KWMS88 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, 5:30 p.m., followed by a Shabbos dinner. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 aan., Little People service, 10:15 aan.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a.m. Babysitter service courtesy of Sisterhood; Kiddush sponsored by Seymour and Georgia Ann Steinberg in honor of Seymour's 60th birthday; Class with the Rabbi, 4:50 p.m.; Mincha, 5:20 pan., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 aan.; Mincha, 5:30 pan. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 aan.; Mincha, 5:30 pan. MONDAY: Women's Lunch & Learn, 12:30 pan. at the JCC with Mrs. Kutner; in preparation for Purim, a class on Megillat Esther at 7:30 p.m., and learn to chant the Haftorah at 8:30 p.m.; both classes with Rabbi Kutner. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches a Talmud class at the synagogue at 7:30 p.m.

Mombcr of United SynogogtMis of Contxirvutlve Judaism 145W California, Qjnuhu, NE 08154 492-8550 Office E ours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Service are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cant r Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. Michae Easterday, son of Dr. Jerry and Lynne Easterda;, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Friday evening a: id Saturday morning. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush following Be -vices; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 aan.; Sitter ser rice, 10 aan.; Shabbat Story Time (prekindergarten and under) 11 a.m.; K'tarttan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 5:05 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, :35 pan. SUNDi Y: Services, 9 a.m. WEEK )AYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5-30 pan. ADUL' B'NAI MITZVAH CLASSES: Sessions continue n Wednesday, Feb. 10,7:30 p.m. SHAB JAT DINNER: Congregational Shabbat dinner WJ 11 be held on Friday, Feb. 5, following evening services. LUNCH AND LEARN: Lunch and Learn with Rabbi Drazen will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 9, noon, at the Pastimes Restaurant, 76th and Cass. The topic is "Setting UJA Priorities." Please call the synagogue for reservations.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m.: A short service of song and prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will be held for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families.; Shabbat service, 8 pan.: Rabbi Azriel, Cantor Blum and Dr. Michael Yablonski will officiate. Guest speaker will be Yigal Lotan, Special Emissary from the Jewish National Fund. Topic will be "To Everything There is a Season: The Voice of the Land." The Oneg Shabbat sponsored by Sisterhood. 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: Bagels and Bible: An informal opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis, 9:3010:15 aan.; Shabbat service, 10:30 aan. Emily Rebeccah Muskin, daughter of MaryBeth and Bruce Muskin, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah. SUNDAY: Chapel prayer service, 9:15 a.m.; B'JJAI ISRAELSYNAGOGME / ; Men's Club, 10 a.m. Lox and bagels will be served 618Myn6terSW Council Blufls, Iowa 51S03 and there will be a special guest speaker. Cost is -, , ' -- -Phones3224705- ,, - . ; - . > „ $3 for non-members. SISTERHOOD ADULT EDUCATION FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Topic will be Thursday, Feb. 11: Rabbi Azriel will teach "Brother against brother-is Orthodoxy compatible "Jewish Identity: Past, Present and Future," from with the values of western civilization?" Oneg 10-11:30 aan.; Beginning Beyond Midrasah, 6:50- Shabbat, prepared by Peggy DeLand and Sandra 7:40 pan.; Beyond Midrash, 7:50-8:45 p.m., both Kurland, will follow. led by Don Schwartz. "SHABBAT COMES TO YOU" Friday, Feb. 12, 2 pan. Rabbi Stiel will lead a CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPI*: Shabbat service at the Blumkin Home. , Member of thi* Vnion of Antcricun Hobnw Congregations 2061S. 20th S t , Lincoln, N E 68602-2797

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 aan. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Lunch and Learn, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Professor Jean Cahan will speak on Majmonides "Reward and Punishment.'' A dairy lunch will be served. Make reservations with the synagogue. Cost for the monthly Lunch and Learn siminars is $10 for the series or $3.50 per session.

Jewish ] *ress, Omaha, NE

Emily Rebecca Muskin, daughter of MaryHjBeth and Bruce MusIkin, will celebrate her •Bat Mitzvah on SaturIday, Feb. 13, at Temple flsrael. A seventh grade Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. honor roll student at FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan. •Beveridge Middle SATURDAY: Shabbat worship,- 9:30 a.m.; 'School, she enjoys Torah study, 1030 aan. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious i. - sports, reading, drama . 'and violin. She is a School, 10 ajn. ^-"^^member of the sevWEDNESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m. enth/eighth grade girls JCC basketball team, a THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m. member of Mid-Night Gold, String Trio and OAYO Chamber Orchestra. In addition, she ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME plays Softball for the Omaha Quakes, and is on SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Miles the Student Council. Also, she was selected to be Reiner. Kiddush follows services. a member of the Duke TIPS program. Each month, on the last Shabbat, there is a speFor her mitzvah project, she will vounteer at cial Memorial Service honoring residents who the St. Vincent house, where she hopes to share have passed away during the month. her love of reading with the children. Emily has a sister, Anne, and a brother, Zachary. . Grandparents are Bettie and Stuart Muskin, and Art and Betsy Davidson. Great-Grandmother is the late Lena Grossman. NEW YORK - Shani Katzman will be among the more than 1,000 women who will converge on Lubavitch World Headquarters in New York this week for their annual International Lubavitch Women Emissaries' Conference. She and her husband, Rabbi Mendel Katzman, are the Lubavitch emmissaries in Omaha, directors of Chabad of Nebraska. MQNdMENT CO. The five-day conference will be filled with intensive discussions and workshops dealing with a Frank L. Ciciulla, Jr. wide range of issues facing the international 60 Yea Experience Jewish community. Wih Jewish The shluckos, (emissaries or representatives in Lettering and Memorials Hebrew), will choose from a wide variety of workshops and lectures, reports and discussion groups, . 1435 So. 13th while catching up with friends and associates, 34 2452 many of whom live continents away. In their capacity as sWucftos, the women serve as school principals, teachers, counselors, writers, rebbetzins, camp directors, editors, program managers, youth directors and fundraisers, in addition/ to then* critical roles as wives and mothers. GET THE SCOOP O N Despite the dozen languages and numerous JEWISH O M A H A AT] other differences related to geographic distances, participants will blend into one homogenous group. WJEWISHOMAHA.ORG!

Chabad women to meet in New York

Pulverente

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 5,1999

The demons inside us When was the last time you heard a fervently Orthodox Jew quote a secular comedian like Stephen . Wright? If you were at Beth Israel Synagogue anytime during Shabbat, you might have heard Rabbi Bentzion Twerski do just that. The son of a descendent of the Satmar Hasidim on one side and the Bobover Hasidim on the other, Rabbi Twerski is indeed a picture of what many Jews call "ultra"-Orthodox or haredi. With his long black beard and curly payot (side curls), Rabbi Twerski dresses in a long black coat and wears a fur shtreimel (hat) atop his shaved head, In addition to quoting secular comics, Rabbi Twerski also sings, tells stories and passionately points out that the journey traveled by each and every Jew is important, as long as the. goal is to learn more and do more. That's not such a different message told by Omaha's rabbis either. But we, who are not so learned about our Judaism, are often fearful of any rabbi, let alone one who dresses in 18th-century garb.

Rabbi Twerski told of his arrival in Milwaukee, after years of studying in yeshivot in Brooklyn. On his way to his new home, he passed a monastery and spotted a bald man wearing sandals and a long brown coat, tied with a rope belt "Wow," he thought to himself. "Doesn't he know if s the 199Osr „ Several minutes later, he slammed' on his brakes and said, "I wonder what Milwaukee will think of me?" It's easy to define those who dress differently, think differently and act differently as "The Other." And we're all guilty. Many haredim would dismiss a tongue-pierced, tattooed longhaired young man as one not interested in Judaism. And many "suits' would dismiss a "black hat" as ignorant of the secular world. So we're surprised when we hear a "black hat" sing a parody of a Rolling Stone song (how 'bout the one, Dressed in Black?). And they're shocked when they discover Jews with four earrings in one earlobe who keep Shabbat. But we'll never find out about each other if we never talk.

To the Editor: Recently, a broad spectrum of religious and faithbased organizations in North America have formed a coalition to work toward the advancement of religious freedom in Israel. On behalf of that coalition, we are writing to express our outrage over the Knesset's plan to consider a bill that would nullify the decision of the High Court permitting Conservative and Reform Jews to sit on local religious councils., We are further concerned about the recent reports concerning pressure to reconsider legislation on conversion. These efforts will solidify the Orthodox monopoly over Jewish religious affairs and in doing so, will have the effect of disenfranchising all non-Orthodox Jewry in Israel. Proponents of such legislation are intentionally exploiting the current political uncertainty in an effort to pass these two bills which would essentially create two categories of Jews. The legislation to restructure the municipal councils would require all members to conform to Orthodox interpretation of ritual observances thereby excluding Conservative and Reform prospects. Additionally, the conversion law would cement Orthodox control over conversions to Judaism performed in Israel, awarding a monopoly to one movement in Judaism over and above all other legitimate interpretations. We have urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to persuade the Knesset to avoid considering the bill on religious councils and to prevent a further discussion of any conversion bill at this time. We believe that these and similarly controversial measures will cause irrepairable harm to the unity of the Jewish people. ARZAIWorld Union, North America: Philip Meltzer, President; Central Conference of American Rabbis: Rabbi Richard N. Levy, President; Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs: Dr. Stephen Davidoff, International President; Hadassah Women's Zionist Organization: Marlene Post, President;

Members of the Knesset from haredi and other Jewish Reconstructionist Federation: Richard Haimowitz, President; parties have openly stated that they see this as a ' MERCAZ USA: fight to eliminate Conservative/Masorti Judaism . Evelyn Seelig, President; as a religious presence in the Jewish State which NA'AMATUSA: we have helped build and sustain as Conservative Dina Specter, President; Jews. We shall not permit this to happen. , We are pleased that 49 members of the Knesset National Council of Jewish Women: Nan Rich, President; supported our position, so that only one vote perNew Israel Fund: mitted its passage. This demonstrates the change Franklin M. Fisher, President; in attitude that haB taken place in Israel concern: North American Federation of Temple ing the legitimacy of religious pluralism. We thank those Knesset members who voted to Brotherhoods: Stephen Breslauer, President; , . Rabbinical Assembly: support religious pluralism by voting against this Rabbi Seymour L. Essrog, President; bill including Knesset leaders Ehud Barak, Natan Rabbinical Council ofMERETZ USA: Sharansky, Shimon Peres, Alex Lubotzky and Yuli ' ' Rabbis L Dresner and D. Krantz, past-presidents; Edelstein. . While continuing to guide our congregations and Union of American Hebrew Congregations: Rabbi Eric H. Yoffie, President; their members to provide meaningful support for US/Israel Women to Women: Israel, we shall urge Conservative/Masorti congreJewel Bellush, Chair; gations to refrain from providing a platform to United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: those Knesset members who oppose religious pluStephen Wolnek, International President; ralism; to provide no financial support to individuWomen of Reform Judaism: als or institutions which do not support religious \: Judith Silvennan, President; pluralism; to urge all major funding agencies to Women's League for Conservative Judaism: join us in providing support for religious pluralism Janet Tobin, President in Israel; and we call upon our own membership to redouble its efforts to strengthen our Masorti institutions and programs in the Jewish State. To the Editor: The State of Israel should be intent upon fosterThe Leadership Council of Conservative Judaism, ing strong ties with Jews everywhere and must not representing three million Jews throughout the allow, itself to be used as an instrument against world affiliated with the Conservative/Masorti the interests of Diaspora Jews to whom Israel is a Movement, is bitterly disappointed that the precious part of their identity. Knesset has passed the Religious Councils Bill. The Jewish Theological Seminary: Rabbi Ismar Schorsch, Chancellor; This law, which had been rejected by the Knesset Law Committee, is a pernicious attempt to delegitThe Rabbinical Assembly: imize our movement and is an insult to the integri= •'•.. Rabbi Seymour Essrog, President; ty of Jews everywhere who do not identify themUnited Synagogue of Conservative Judaism: selves with Orthodoxy. The intent of the law is not Stephen Wolnek, International President; only to keep duly elected Masorti and Reform repWomen's League for Conservative Judaism: resentatives from taking their rightful places on Janet Tobin, National President; Religious Councils as mandated by the High Court, Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs: but to prevent our Movement from serving the Dr. Stephen Davidoff, growing hunger for religious choices in Israel. International President

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JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, 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 rigSttQ, edit letters and articles for. space and content The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.

February 5,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5 Black Hats, bad guys

Behind the Headlines

by Rabbi Avi Shafran, Director of Public Affairs, Agudath Israel of America

Let me confess at the outset: I'm an Orthodox fundamentalist plot to ensure Orthodox hegemony. It was originally laid out, in fact, in a letter signed Jewish fundamentalist. That seems to be the term these dayB for those of by, among other non-black hatters, the Jewish us who believe in the divine origin and eternally State's "founding father David Ben-Gurion the secbinding nature of the Torah and who endeavor to ularist who would become Israel's first Prime Minicomply with the requirements of Jewish religious ster. He realized that, without a single standard for conversion, the Jewish people "would, God forbid, law (halacha) - as Jews have done for millennia. In the eyes and words of some contemporary non- become split into two." Ben-Gurion's common sense insight — that Orthodox leaders, that conviction makes me and Jewish unity is enhanced, not degraded, through Jews like me bad guys. Admittedly, the men among us tend to favor the embrace of a single standard acceptable to all black hats. All the same, though, we are innocent of is no less relevant today than it was when Israel the pending charges: that we see non-Orthodox was founded 60 years ago. What has changed is that the leaders of the Jews as something other than our brothers and sisters, that we bear them ill will, that we disparage American-based Reform and Conservative movements have in recent years decided to aggressively the ideal of Jewish unity. Those accusations stem-largely from our opposi- attack the single standard common denominator tion to changes in Israel's "religious Btatus quo", approach. Their attack has proceeded on two sepathe compromise that Israel's early leaders institut- rate fronts: in the Israeli courts, where they have ed in order to allow a Becular, socialist/democratic enlisted an activist judiciary in exploiting the system of government to simultaneously exist as a absence of express statutory authority for the religious status quo; and in the court of public opinion, Jewish State. That has always provide'd Israelis total freedom where they have attempted to portray Israel as a of religion, but at the same time accommodated the theocracy controlled by religious fanatics who treat non-Orthodox Jews as second-class citizens. Jewish religious tradition in limited areas. Bad guys that we "Ultra-Orthodox" are, the For example: A Jewish school system is provided for those opting for it (with secular schools for the Israelis among us dared respond to the court rulrest); the Jewish dietary laws are respected at gov- ings by, well, by doing pretty much what we ernment-sponsored gatherings and in the military; Americans would do were the U.S. Supreme Court and traditional halacha, through the medium of an to suddenly determine a lack of adequate statutory official rabbinate, is the "arbiter of Jewish "personal basis for a legal protection that had always been status" issues — like marriage, divorce and conver- assumed to exist They asked their representatives in the Knesset - the counterparts of ours in the sion to Judaism. That latter accommodation, by virtue of the sin- Congress - to legislate it back into existence. An uproar among Reform and Conservative leadgle standard it maintains for accepting non-Jews into the Jewish people in Israel/has helped prevent ers ensued - and has since intensified. Israeli legthe emergence of multiple "Jewish peoples" in the islators have been threatened with persona non grata status in American synagogues, and the Jewish State for the past half-century. • Israel's need to embrace the Jewish religious tra- Israeli government is being warned of a "break in relations with" (read: "cessation of donations from") dition's standards for personal status issues is no

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American non-Orthodox Jews. And, just to remind everybody who the enemy was, an advertisement on the op-ed page of the New York Times, not only referred to Orthodox Jews as "fundamentalists", but included words like "hijack" and "madness" to ensure that readers would visualize crazed eyes, kaffiyas and Kalishnikovs instead of citizens appealing to their democratically elected representatives. For good measure, and to ensure the vitality of the old canard about Orthodox Jews rejecting the Jewishness of non-Orthodox Jews, the New Israel Fund, in the large headline of a full-page ad it placed in the same paper (and others), challenged American Jews to "tell the Israeli government exactly what we are. Jews." Most amazing of all, in the very same breath that they issue calls for multiple conversion standards in Israel — the surest path to multiple "Jewish peoples* — the non-Orthodox leaders declare "Jewish unity" then-goal. And, of course, declare us black-hatted bad guys "The Enemy", implying that we would deprive Jews of their freedom of belief when all we seek is to have the Jewish State continue to officially respect the standard for conversion that has kept the Jewish people one nation for over 3000 years. We hope, of course, that the Reform and Conservative laities will neither swallow their leaders' rhetoric nor assume their ill will, that our nonOrthodox brothers and sisters will achieve objectivity and discern the long-term dangers in their leaders' quest for immediate gratification in Israel. Our prayer is that our fellow Jews will come to understand that true Jewish unity comes not from feel-good diatribes but from foresight; not from hysterical name-calling but from rational stock-taking; not from disparaging the past but from respecting i t

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Tax briefs

Kids are a tax bonus

(Continued from page 1) over and above what they would pay together if not married. Apparently, the plan to offset this penalty would be to double the standard income tax deduction for joint returns. •For years, beginning after 1998, the home-office deduction rules have been liberalized. A home office will now qualify as a "principal . place of business" if the taxpayer uses the office to conduct administrative or management activities for business and does not conduct substantial administrative activities at any other fixed location. This opens the door for those who have not met the previous requirements. • - •The deduction for health insurance premiums for those who are self-employed is increased in increments from 45 percent in 1998 and 1999 to 100 percent in 2007 and subsequent years. ' •Except for slight differences due to inflation adjustments for 1998, federal income tax rates, standard deductions, and personal exemptions are the same as for 1997. The top rate remains at 39.6 percent, however at high income levels, the marginal rate may increase to slightly above 42 percent. •For most taxpayers who itemize deductions, only home mortgage, certain state and local taxes and charitable deductions are deductible. •Those owning MidAmerican Energy Holdings Co. Common Stock will have a taxable redemption in 1999, probably in late March to mid-April. To avoid the capital gains tax, they should consider donating the stock before it is redeemed by CalEnergy to satisfy 1999 charitable obligations.

People starting a family think about many things, like naming their child, clothing, education and so on. But one thing they might not have thought about is the tax benefit of having children. Sure, they probably know about the exemption for a dependent, but this year there's another tax benefit - the child tax credit. Depending on their income, people may be able to claim up to a $400 credit on their 1998 tax return for each qualifying child under age 17.

Tax changes for 1998 can benefit taxpayers

When filling out tax forms this year, take note of some of the changes that could make the difference between getting a refund and paying more taxes. Depending on their income, people may be able to claim up to a $400 credit for each qualifying child under age 17. New this year, the child tax credit could reduce t^e tax to zero, or even become a refundable credit for taxpayers with three or more qualifying children. People can benefit from a number of educational incentives. The Hope credit lets people below certain income levels claim a credit for the first two S V5 fy]~^^t29 This means they can years of post-secondary education. It's limited to '* reduce the tax owed by up $1,500 per year for qualified tuition and expenses. to $400 for each child- not The lifetime learning credit applies to qualified a bad deal! For families tuition and expenses for undergraduate, graduate with one or two children, and professional degree courses paid after June 30, the credit is non-refundable. 1998, for courses starting after that date. The credIn other words, they may use the credit to it is 20 percent of expenses, up to $1,000 per reduce the tax they owe to zero, but they would return. Certain limits apply to both credits. not receive any remainder as a refund. In addition to these credits, people can set up However, if they have three or more children, a Education IRAs featuring nondeductible contribuportion of the child tax credit may be refundable. tions of up to $500 a year for a named beneficiary (The maximum credit will rise to $500 per child in under age 18. And people can tap into their other 1999.) IRAs to pay for qualified higher education expensAs with many things in life, there are limits that es. Also, a limited amount of interest paid on highcome with the benefits. The amount of the child er education loans is deductible. Some restrictions tax credit depends on one's income. The value of apply to each benefit. • . the credit is $400 per qualifying child, but the Another new IRA is the Roth IRA, It features total credit is reduced by $50 for each $1,000, or nondeductible contributions, with tax-free distribupart thereof, that their adjusted gross income tions if they begin after the fifth year the taxpayer exceeds $110,000 for joint filers, $55,000 for mai* has a Roth IRA, the taxpayer is at least age 59-1- or ried filing separately, and $75,OOOTor single filers. disabled, or the distribution is a qualified first-time For more information about the credit, see the home buyer distribution. instructions for Form 1040 or Form 1040A. (Continued on page 7)

Q. What could be better than saving taxes? - A. Saving taxes twice! When you make a charitable gift of appreciated stock, mutual funds or other securities to the Jewish Federation or to The Foundation of the Jewish Federation, you actually save taxes twice by:, 1. receiving an income tax deduction for the full market value of the stocks, mutual funds or securities you've held for more than one year. 2. and by avoiding capital gain tax on the appreciation. S T O C K S Dow Jones Industrial Average According to Salomon Smith Barney in an article in the Omaha World-Herald on January 11, the Dow will soon "be knocking on the door of 10,000."... we hope! Don't wait until December! Accelerate your tax deduction for 1999. Use this opportunity (while your stocks are high) to maximize your tax benefits. Pay off your campus building pledge or your annual campaign pledge early or set up a donor-advised fund to pay them later in the year. IMPORTANT: Discuss the proper procedure with your broken David Kampschneider, Federation Controller (334-6438); and/or Marty Ricks, Endowment Director (334-6440); before you initiate the transaction. Most brokerages already have a Jewish Federation account set up to facilitate the transaction. Itis critical that you give away (transfer) the stock tothe Federation or Foundation batoiathe stock is sold.

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February 5,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

TAX TIPS. . . Tax Changes (Continued from page 6) nondeductible contributions, with tax-free distributions if they begin after the fifth year the taxpayer has a Roth IRA, the taxpayer is at least age 59+- or disabled, or the distribution is a qualified first-time . Home buyer distribution. "New capital gains tax rules may reduce the tax owed on investments. The benefits of lower rates now apply to sales of property held more than one year instead of 18 months. Schedule D will take taxpayers step by step through the rat&) and rules. The earned income tax credit (EITC) .could be worth a few dollars, or up to $3,756 for people with more than one qualifying child, up to $2,271 for one qualifying child. For those with no children, the EITC could be worth.up to $341. The amount people can earn and still be eligible for the credit in 1998 is $30,095 for those with more than one child, $26,473 with one qualifying child, and $10,030 with no children. People who aren't eligible for the EITC, but who claim it anyway, could be prohibited from taking it for up to 10 years. Rules for getting installment agreements, offers in compromise, and innocent spouse relief are now less stringent. And people who haven't been able to resolve their problems through normal IRS channels have a new toll-free line to a taxpayer advocate: 1-877-777-4778. • • Social Security numbers will not be printed anywhere on the tax instruction booklets or labels, so people need to make sure they put their correct SSNs on their tax returns and other forms. And those who owe taxes can write their checks to the United States Treasury, but don't staple the check to the return. Get details on these topics and more in the tax instruction booklets or in free IRS Publication 553, Highlights of 1998 Tax Changes. Call 1-800-8293676 to order.

Credit Cards may be used to pay taxes This year, some people who owe the Internal Revenue Service money have a new payment option. "We have two arrangements that allow the payment of federal income taxes by credit card for the first time," said Bob Barr, IRS e-file .executive. "One arrangement will let people who e-file using Intuit's TurboTax or MacInTax software package pay the amount owed to the U.S. Treasury with any NOVUS credit card." NOVUS card brands include Discover Card and Private Issue and other NOVUS cards. The other arrangement processes credit card payments by phone through an agreement with US Audiotex. "After e-filing by TeleFile, a personal computer or through an authorized e-file provider, people can call a toll-free number to charge the balance due," said Barr. Those who file a paper return may also use this system. US Audiotex will accept Mastercard, American Express, and NOVUS credit cards. The IRS will not have any fees for credit card payments; however, users will pay the companies a convenience fee based on the amount charged.

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February 5,1999

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A couple of misplaced numbers or an incorrect For people who owned stocks, mutual funds or name can stall the processing of a tax return and other investments last year, chances are the new any expected refund. It's worth the time to double capital gains tax rules will affect how they file check every tax form and schedule before sending their tax returns and how much tax they'll owe it off to the Internal Revenue Service. Here's a list from those investments. of things to look, out for. . .• , Last year, the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997 went •Numbers that are transposed, left out or totaled into law, affecting millions of taxpayers on their incorrectly. 1997 tax returns. Many were able to take advan•Incorrect or missing Social Security numbers. tage of lower capital gains rates. This year, the (SSNs). All dependents must have one (use Form benefits of the Act have been expanded and now SS-5 to apply). SSNs won't be preprinted on the tax apply to sales of property held more than one year, package label, so people must be sure to write instead of 18 months. . theirs on the return. : ,. If the net capital gain is from collectibles or •Incorrect or missing employer identification Section 1202 gain (from qualified small business numbers (EINs) for employers and sole proprietors. stock), then the maximum capital gains rate is 28 •Names that have changed because of marriage percent. If the net capital gain is from unrecap- or divorce. (Notify the Social Security Administratured Section 1250 gain (from depreciable real tion (SSA) immediately after a change.) property), then the maximum capital gains rate is •Aliens who do not qualify for SSNs must get 28 percent. If the net capital gain is from unrecapIRS-issued individual taxpayer identification numtured Section 1250 gain (from depreciable real bers (ITINs) (use Form W-7 to apply). property), then the maximum capital gains rate is •People in the process of a domestic adoption 25 percent. If the net capital gain is from other may need an adoption taxpayer identification numgain, then the maximum rate is 20 percent, but ber (ATTN) for the child (use Form W-7A to apply). only 10 percent for gains that would otherwise be •Don't forget to use the label and envelope from in the 15 percent tax bracket. the tax package. Doing so can reduce the chance of Taxpayers who have capital gains distributions mis-routed mail or refunds because of hard-to-read from mutual funds must use Schedule D to report handwriting. Make sure the envelope has enough them, rather than Schedule B. Those who have postage and complete addresses, both return and ordinary dividends of more than $400 must file IRS, so it won't go astray in the mail. Remember to ' Schedule B. For more information about the sign and date the return. If taxes are due, make changes, see a financial advisor or get free IRS the check payable to the United States Treasury Publication 550 Investment Income and Expenses; and don't staple it to the return. Publication 564, Mutual Fund Distributions; and To get IRS Forms "W-7 and W-7A, call 1-800-829Schedule D and its instructions. Call 1-800-8293676. To get SSA Form SS-5, call 1- 800-772-1213. 3676 to order.

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TAX TIPS. . . Nebraska taxpayers due cash from Uncle Sam The Internal Revenue Service is waiting to hear from 447 Nebraska taxpayers. Not to get money from them, nut to give them money—their 1997 tax refund. According to Glenda M. Pappillion, Director of the Midwest District of IRS, 447 Nebraska taxpayers ended up on the IRS's "undelivered refund list" this year. These taxpayers filed a 1997 federal income tax return that resulted in the IRS owing them money. But when the IRS mailed these taxpayers their refund checks, the checks were returned to the IRS as "undeliverable." The checks total over $175,000. The largest check is over $12,000. The smallest is $1. Nationwide, the IRS has over 99,000 refund checks totaling over $68 million that are waiting to be claimed by taxpayers. Pappillion explains: "If you were due a 1997 tax refund, you should have received it by now. If you haven't received it or at least heard from the IRS about the status of your refund, it's possible that your name is on our undelivered refund list." To claim your undelivered refund, call the IRS at 1-80O-TAX-1O40. Tax assistors are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.) According to Pappillion, every year thousands of checks are returned to the IRS because the Postal Service- is unable to deliver them. "The address that appears on the check is taken from the taxpayer's return. If a taxpayer lists their address incorrectly on their tax return, or if the tax

payer no longer lives at that address, the checks are returned by the Postal Service as undeliverable," said Pappillion. She added that the majority of this year's undeliverable refunds could have been avoided if the taxpayer had notified the IRS about their address change. "People often believe that the change of address form that they complete for their local post office takes care of the IRS as well. That's not the case. You must also notify the IRS." •['..••':To do this, send the IRS Form 8822, Change of Address, which can be ordered by calling toll free 800-TAX-FORM (829-3676) or from the IRS Home Page (http://www.ir8.u8treaB.gov). Pappillion noted that, though thousands of refunds are returned to the IRS each year, the total is small in comparison to the total refunds issued and received by taxpayers. "Almost 450,000 Nebraska taxpayers received their 1997 refund checks on time. Only 447 didn't," said Pappillion. She gives this advice to taxpayers filing a 1997 tax return: "To prevent your name from being on next year's undelivered refund list, request direct deposit of your refund so that it will go directly into your bank account. This eliminates the possibility of lost, stolen or undeliverable refund checks." Pappillion said both paper-filed and electronic returns can request direct deposit.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 5,1999

Reform Jewish youth gather for biennial in LA.

Preventing suicide in teens by Nancy R. Rampey-Biniampw, Jewish Family Service, LMHP

Recently, J F S Executive Director Dr. Todd Ephraim and I spent the day at Burke High School speaking with the seniors regarding suicide prevention. We spoke to approximately 350 students. Dr. Ephraim stated that this type of education is vital because a young person is frequently the first and only one to know that another teen is contemplating suicide. Everyone knows that teenage suicide is a serous concern in our society today, but understanding how. to prevent it requires ongoing education. Some adolescent suicide attempts or completions involve extreme mental illness. But, suicide is often a highly impulsive act. â&#x20AC;˘ Studies demonstrate that three of the main reasons behind teenage suicides are problems related to: parents/family relationships; school-related concerns; and boy/girl friend relationships. In a one-year period, per 2000 students there are 500-600 students who have suicidal ideation. Within that group, 50-60 serious suicide attempts will occur, and within a four-year period, there will be one completed. During the discussion, seniors were candid and shared many of their own concerns for friends and family. They also sought information as to how they could fulfill their prevention responsibilities to suicidal friends. A main point stressed to all was not to keep a friend's discussion of suicide a secret. Share that information with a parent(s), a counselor or a religious leader. Also, the student should not become intimidated by a suicidal friend threatening to break off the relationship. Once the crisis has passed and the teenager has received assistance, he or she frequently thanks the friend for saving his/her life.

NEW YORK - The largest-ever biennial convention of the North American Federation of Temple Youth (NFTY), the youth organization of the Union of American Hebrew Congregations (UAHC), will be held in Los Angeles, Feb. 12-16. More than 1,500 high school-age Reform Jewish youth are expected to attend the convention, where they will participate in Torah study sessions, discuss Jewish ethics and partake in workshop sessions dealing with challenging issues facing Jewish teens in North America. _ - Among them will be six members of Temple Israel's youth group, OTYG: Morgan Denny, Nikki Flatowicz, Ally Freeman, Jen Gates, Whitney Taxman and Amy Willensky. They will be accompanied by advisors Barry and Stephanie Grossman. NFTY conventions, previously held only on the East Coast, are meant to provide Reform youth with the opportunity to bolster their involvement with the organization, strengthen Jewish identity and foster long-term commitment to the ideals and values of Reform Judaism. ~ The convention marks the 60th anniversary of the NFTY. "NFTY provides an outstanding social and educational forum for young Jews to interact with peers from around the nation and to learn

about Reform Jewish values, so they will be able to make informed and responsible lifestyle decisions," said Rabbi Allan Smith, Director of UAHCs Youth Division. The annual Reform Jewish Youth Workers Conference will also be held in conjunction with the NFTY event and will be attended by professionals working with Jewish teens in various capacities. A variety of programming tracks are planned for the more than 350 rabbis, youth group supervisors and lay leaders who plan to attend. Some of the programs will focus on making Israel travel integral to youth programs, improving temple youth groups and arming Reform Youth with essential knowledge before going off to college. Other programs will focus on staying in touch with youth after graduation and getting youth on the congregational agendas. JulieSue Thorner, President of NFTY, noted that "regional and national events like the convention are the time when I rekindle old friendships and make new ones. For a few short days, I leave reality and enter dreamland. Emphasis is placed on Jewish learning and sharing, not on clothes and make-up. I return from each event with a wealth of knowledge and a desire to gain more."

MADD Annual Poster/ Essay Contest

Scholarship opportunity

The Nebraska Press Association Foundation, Inc., has announced the availability of a $1,000 Wanted: Tried & True Young 'uns Strong Enough scholarship. Applications must be filed by Feb. 26. To Say No is the 1999 MADD (Mothers Against Preference is given to students enrolling in a college Drunk Driving) Pogter/Essay theme. or university Print Journalism program. Selection is Students in grades 1-12 may enter posters, based on scholastic ability, financial ability, and good essays, PSAs or photos on this theme by Feb. 28. citizenship in school and community. Spanish entries are eligible and encouraged. For information and application form, contact Contact Ruth Kruse at 453-4825, or President Allen Beermann, do Nebraska Press Association, Roselyn Cappiello at 571-6083, at MADD Metro for ' 845 'S' St., Lincoln, NE 68508. Phone: 402-476guidelines and entry forms. 2851 or 800-369-2850.

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D'VAR TORAH

Poroshat Toledo*

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Cenesis: 25:19-28:9

by Morgan Denny EDITOR'S NOTE: As NFTY Regional Vice-president In charge of social action, Morgan was asked to do the DWar Torah for Fall Conclave. Thanks toElyce Azriel, Morgan'sWell, of course, Esau was mad, but what could be done? Isaac had taken his most wonderful blessing and given it to the older son. extraordinary and creative work can now be shared. Once again, we can be extremely * There was no calming Esau, the hunter was ready to kill. proud of our young people. And such has remained the blight of the two nations, never having their fill. Isaac and Rebekah, a lovely pair Although Parashat Toledo! has no clear teaching of social action, Could not conceive, but don't despair. It addresses many issues and does so with great passion. God displayed to them His overwhelming power. Although these concerns aren't hands-on type of deals, And soon, two words: BABY SHOWER. They are still quite important and, in society, very real. However, she began to feel pain like pins, First off is prejudice and stereotyping, touched on a multitude of times, And God reveals she Is having twins. .' Here Is some of its creation (here should go a line that rhymes)... He tells Rebekah from them two nations will be born, Throughout the passing years, Esau's descendants persecuted the Jews, Battling forever, many mothers will mourn. Whether it was the AmalekKes or the Edomites, or Haman (shake that grogger, Abu!) The first one to pop out was covered with hair, All of these people's goal was the same, to squash us without a doubt They named him Esau, he could have used some Nalr. They plundered, raped and massacred, trying to wipe all Jews out He grew up to hunt, the favorite of his dad, So we identified these groups with Esau and ourselves with Jacob fin Hebrew, Ya-a-cove), His decisions were rash, but overall he wasn't.bad. And the brothers keep on fighting, absolutelytotov. The next to appear was holding tight to Esau's heel. And each generation fights a new battle, carrying the anger from before, They rightly named him Jacob, he had his own appeal And the old stereotypes and prejudices, without them, there'd be no war. Favored greatly by his mother, he was often deep in thought, So we continue to use the label "Esau/Edom" in order to depersonalize For his leadership and wisdom, he was often sought. Those we hate, because of mistakes made in their fathers' lives. One day while Jacob is cooking, Esau returns hungry from his hunt, By using these labels, it is easier to see the enemy Demanding some of his stew, Jacob answers, oh so blunt: As not a human being who is deserving of decency, "Give me your birthright first," Jacob said without a flinch, But as someone to despise because of their family tree, Anything for food, Esau gave it up in a pinch. If it can't be overcome, there'll be no end to this turbulent history. During a time of famine, Isaac visits the Philistines, Will there ever be a time when human beings will trust and forgive? Prospering greatly, he grows many crops, but not beans. When Jews and non-Jews, the Jacobs and Esaus, in harmony will live? "Leave here," said the king, "you are too powerful for us." And what responsibility do we have in creating a world full of agreeing? Bu) later they made peace, without too big a fuss. Deuteronomy 23:8 says, "You shall not hate an Edomile, for he is your fellow Before his light burns out, Isaac offers Esau a blessing, human being." But before he receives it, he must prepare a great dish with dressing. Forgiveness and understanding provide the only paths to peace. Overhearing this conversation, Rebekah decides to step in. If we continue with our prejudices through slogans and names, human suffering She convinces Jacob to fool Isaac into blessing him. will only increase. In order to put it off, Rebekah prepares an awesome meal, And Jacob requests the blessing, beside his father he does kneel. MORGAN'S SUCK COMMENTARY: Isaac cannot tell the difference because of his aged eyes, Esau wanted immediate answers, but Jacob knew these things take time and effort. But his sense of feel is also thwarted because of Jacob's disguise. HELLO! Parallel much? No one can change the world in an instant. Through time and perseverance, one can make some small changes, find some answers and Because Esau was so hairy, Jacob wore the wool of a sheep, know that every little bit counts. After his father had touched him, the benefits he did reap. Morgan Is a senior at Central, a member of OTYG, NFTY and Temple Israel. Of Isaac's rock-on blessing, he would soon receive "The service of the people and the nal ion's bowing at your feet."

CU

EPIPHANY

drawing by Annelisse Ocanto

by Alex Wolfson The sun was setting and the little light left in the sky reflected off Lake Buketabon. One hundred yards away from the water, 600 people sat around an altar where a boy was leading the service to welcome the Sabbath Queen. The sound of singing was so beautiful and serene. Six-hundred people singing In unison under a sky as clear as crystal. this was my first time at Camp Raman, my first Shabbos experience there, and the first time my Judaism went from my brain to my heart. I was 10 years old. Up until this time, Judaism meant that my family would gather on Friday nights for Shabbos dinner at my house or my bubble's. This was a time to get together and talk about our week. It was a tradition that provided a safe atmosphere for me in which to grow and to bask In the warmth of the Shabbos candlelight. My father would recite the blessing over the children. He would hug my sister and me close to his chest, with his hands on our heads, sometimes bringing me close to tears because I knew my father loved me so much. ; Judaism had always provided a structure to my life, but never a religious feeling. We went to synagogue because it was a Jewish holiday. We had dinner together on Friday nights because it was Shabbos, and we gathered for the Seder because it was Passover. These things were important to me because they were family events, not because they were Jewish events. Likewise, I always had a basic knowledge of Jewish prayers and

traditions, but I knew them like I knew 3+3=6.1 could participate in the service and recite the prayers but never felt connected to God through them like prayers are intended to do. Nothing really clicked until that night under the Icrystal-clear |aky. Today, when ll go to synagogue I am jconnected [spiritually. I •feel devoted to IGod because I [have this completed feeling I in my heart. Now when we Alex say the prayer over the wine at Shabbos dinner, I ' Value its religious importance. When I read from the Torah, I have a new appreciation for just how sacred Judaism is. With this revelation, I now strive to be a better person by following the teachings of the Torah. It says that through prayer, penitence and good deeds (mitzvot), one can reverse the evil decree. It says I must respect all people ("love thy neighbor as thyself) and continue to learn and value my education. Until that night at Raman, I never understood how people could be so passionate about a wall in Jerusalem. Today, I know what it is to welcome Judaism not only into my mind, but also into my heart. , . .

••

•

Annelisse Is a Junior at Westslde, a member of NCSY, USY, MZ Yoshanah and Beth El and Both Israel Synagogues.

Lift

by Sarah Hasslingor

Abovo tha trees you will find It Across tha lake After tomorrow Along th9 road you will find it Behind too bam you will find it Below tho water Beside tho trail Over the hills you will find it Past tho valley you will find it

Before the mountains Beyond tha meadow Near tho Hotter bad you will find It Between you and me you will find It All over tho earth you will find It

Alex Is a senior at Central, a member of Sarah is a junior at Burke, a mombor of MZ Yoshanah BBQ, USY and Both El Synagogue. AZA 01, USY and Beth El Synagogue.

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE -

February 5,1999 -

HIAS announces scholarship awards HIAS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) is inviting students to apply for its 1999 Scholarship Awards. Those eligible to apply are HIAS-assisted refugees or other HIAS-assisted migrants and their children, who immigrated to the United States during or after 1985. "It always makes me proud to hear about immigrants who continue to make outstanding contributions to our society," said Donald Fleishaker, Chairman of the Scholarship Committee. "Higher education is an important component of training great minds. Awarding these scholarships is HIAS's way of recognizing immigrants' achievements in the past and helping them get the training for the future. "It gives me a wonderful feeling to see people striving for and eventually reaching their goals," he added. The awards are intended for high school seniors who plan to pursue post-secondary education and students already enrolled in post-secondary education programs. All applicants must demonstrate at least one year's attendance in an American high school, college, or graduate school. Scholarships will be awarded on the basis of academic excellence, financial need and community activity, Jewish or otherwise. Last year, HIAS awarded $110,000 in scholarships. This year, previous, recipients are eligible to apply. Completed applications should be returned to HIAS, postmarked no later than Thursday,

Nebraska Jewish Historical Society to honor Karen Pollak Karen Pollak,, Treasurer of | the Nebraska Jewish Histori- \ cal Society, will be the recipient of the Shirley Berman Volunteer award at the 16th annual meeting Sunday, Feb. 7, 2 pjn., at the Jewish j Community Center. Pollak is being recognized I for her dedication and efficien-1 cy in handling all funds and accounting for the past five ' years. Karen Pollak In addition, she has helped with special events, exhibit design and staging, editing and numerous other projects since the Society's inception in 1982. Archivist Barbara Bresler will introduce the new exhibit, "Beth Israel Synagogue and the United Orthodox Congregations," now on display.in the JCC gallery. Following election of officers, a reception honoring new members and the 16th birthday of the NJHS will be held in the JCC auditorium.

Pictured above is one of the photos from tfie new exhibit in the JCC gallery, "Beth Israel Synagogue and the United Orthodox Congregations." by Art Grossman

F

April 15.

HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, is the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement agency in the United States. It is dedicated to assisting persecuted and oppressed people worldwide, and delivering them to countries of safe haven. As the migration arm of the American Jewish community, it also advocates for fair and just policies affecting refugees and immigrants. Since its founding in 1880, it has rescued more than four and a half million people. Applications and further information.may be obtained by writing to HIAS Scholarship Awards, Frieda Krizelman (left), and Rose Rosenberg 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001-5004. with "Dolls of Democracy." A stamped, self-addressed envelope must be There is a time in children's lives when dolls are enclosed. a part of a make-believe world. Too soon, that fanFor information about the scholarship awards tasy period fades away. Later, for some adults, please call 212/613-1357. dolls of a different kind come into play. Such was

case of our recent meeting. Following lunch, club members Frieda Krizelman and Rose Rosenberg took the stage presenting a unique display of "Dolls for Democracy." There are 45 dolls in the collection, each standing about 12 inches tall, anchored to a small wooden platform, each bearing the face of a well-known person. At our presentation, figures of Phil Klutznick, Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, Jr., and Chaim Weizmann were on display. With each personality, the ladies delivered a brief biographical sketch. Representing Jewish Women International,' Frieda and Rose present their act at schools and nursing homes. The dolls themselves are the creation of Cecil Weeks of Independence, MO. . -, At the Early Bird discussion, Norm Zevitz addressed questions and answers regarding the Senate's role in an impeachment trial. Other topics included the Omaha Public School's busing policy, and crime in the city. We paused in reverent silence in memory of Lena Grossman. A rousing round of applause was extended to Eileen Remer for her enthusiasm while stepping in' for Maggie Conti, who was on maternity leave following the birth of her son, John. Shalom.

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A virtual homeland: Jewish Web Week links Jews worldwide NEW YORK-in what may be a gathering to rival the number of Israelites at Mount Sinai three millenia ago, hundreds of thousands of Jews will come together on the virtual homeland of the Internet for Jewish Web Week, Feb. 21-26. By hosting events and linking to sites that span the full range of Jewish expression and beliefs, Jewish Web Week will connect a geographically dispersed people. The home page of Jewish Web Week-wwwjww.org-will allow access to special events designed to entertain and foster personal interaction. These include: a webcast "Concert for Peace" by Israeli and Arab musicians; an online musical collaboration; Jewish singles parties and chat rooms; a teenage scavanger hunt; an online poetry 'slam'; and chats with prominent Israeli political figures. The hosting websites reflect the diverse interests and beliefs of Jews around the world, encompassing such offerings as vegetarian kosher recipes, environmental activism in a Jewish context, information on Jewish lifecycle events, outlets for political activism, and options for religious study. CORRECTION In last week's issue, the contact phone number was inadvertently omitted from the article about the singles ski weekend. Call Sharon Kirshenbaum at334-6485. The Jewish Press regrets the error.

United Way of the Midlands •SH? It's you. It's me. It's all of us. •

JCCtohost mini-quilt show inJune

JcwiU Press', ffinaBiCftg"

?'i ;.T..>ci

Page 13

Study finds praise for JCC's Israel teen trips

NEW YORK - Teen participants of the national The 30th Annual National Quilting Association will hold its show: Looking Back: The Best of 20th Jewish Community Centers Association's Israel Century Quilt Making in Omaha, June 24-27. The Teen Connection programs came away with such favorable impressions of their trips from last sumevents is being hosted by the Omaha Quilt Guild. In addition to the main display of 500 quilts at mer, that many of the ratings were nearly off the the Omaha Civic Auditorium, the Jewish charts, according to a survey by Research Community Center will host an off-site show, enti- Evaluation. The survey was funded by the Department of tled "Quilts by Jewish Women." Jewish women who quilt or own quilts made by Jewish Education of the Jewish Agency for Israel Jewish women are invited to participate. For more (JAFI, a recipient of funds from the annual information or to have your quilt displayed, call UJA/Federation Campaign) and the Birthright Foundation, a fund established just two months Sandy Passer, 330-4289. For more information about the national quilt ago by businessmen and philanthropists Charles show, visit their website at: http^/wwwj-adiks. Bronfman and Michael Steinhardt. Participants of both Etgar (the Challenge) and net/yankee2/NQAOMAHA09/ the JCC Maccabi Israel Sports Spectacular were surveyed and asked to rate the program, staff and Partnership 2000 Medical Ethics content. Nearly 99% said they were influenced by Symposium in Western Galilee the program, with 94% stating they would recomThe Midwest Consortium Partnership 2000 mend it to others. (P2K) Medical Task Force, chaired by Dr. Sid In addition to having a positive experience, more Miller of Dayton, OH, is working with Western than 97% of the participated reported gaining Galilee Hospital to conduct a Jewish Medical Jewish friends from their country; 83% stated the Ethics Symposium tentatively scheduled for Oct. trips brought them closer to Judaism; and 99% con24-26 in Nahariya, Israel. sider their relationship to Israel to have been ~ Speakers are already being identified and enhanced with the same amount stating they recruited. Prospective audience includes health intend to visit Israel again. care professionals, rabbis, academicians, interestOmaha's ARTZA '99 Israel Summer Experience ed lay individuals, and spouses. will participate in the Etgar program in Israel this The Consortium would like to open up the summer. Study sessions for this summer's 32 parConference to the entire country - there is room for ticipants are scheduled for Sunday, Feb. 7 and 14, 150 medical professionals from the United States. according to ARTZA'99 Director, Lisa Shkolnick. P2K projects are funded through the annual Etgar is a four-week Israel summer experience UJA/Federation Campaign. The 1999 allocation is for teens entering grades 10-12 that tests partici$650,000 to the Western Galilee Region from 11 pants physically with kayaking, climbing, hiking, Midwest cities, including Omaha. snorkeling, camping and more. It also challenges For more information contact Stan Sinsky: the teens' perception of the world in which they live stan_sinsky@uja.com or Jan Perelman, and includes educational and leadership developExecutive Director of the Jewish Federation of ment activities that enrich understanding of Israel, Jewish heritage and identity. Omaha, at 334-6433.

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Page 14

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 5,1999

FJA and RBJH celebrate Tu B'Shevat together

Ninety-nine by Erica Meyer Rauzin

Left: Eliane Freund serves dried fruit to Arielle Levine. Rabbi Paul Drazen, Susie Drazen and Scott Littky, of Beth ÂŁ1 Synagogue, conducted the seder. Right: Herman Rubin serves juice to residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, invited to attend a TuB'Shevat seder at the Friedel Jewish Academy.

Boys Town Jerusalem students celebrate Tu B'Shevat JERUSALEM-Each year, Boys Town Jerusalem students celebrate Tu B'Shevat by planting saplings in different areas of the country. Also known as the "New Year for Trees," Tu B'Shevat marks the first blossoming of the almond trees in Spring. The boys conduct a "seder" where dishes containing seven species of food that constitute Israel's national produce (dates, figs, grapes, pomegranates, olives, wheat and barley) are eaten, and segments from the Mishna and Talmud are discussed. Boys Town Jerusalem is one of Israel's premier institutions for educating the country's next generation of leaders in the fields of technology, commerce, education, the military and public service. Boys Town's National office is located at 12 West 31st St., Suite 300, New York, NY 10001. phone: 800-469-2697 e-mail: btjny@compuserve.com. Pictured: For Roman Rabinkov and Dimitri Safranov, students from the former Soviet Union, Tu B'Shevat traditions bring a whole new meaning to life in Israel.

NCWJ 1998 "It's a Wrap" A huge thank you to our Steering Committee/Weekly Chairman Debbie Friedman, Renee Kasner, Ellie Penner, Susan Rothholz and Nancy Tetenbaum. This project would not have been a success without their endless efforts. A special thank you to our "angel" for a donation toward our raffle prize, Crossroads Mall Management for donating space, Shelley Pichik and Nogg Paper for their support with supplies, Nebraska Warehouse for storing our supplies and to Fernando's Restaurant for providing a wonderful fajita lunch. Sheri Abramson Paula Albert Doris Alloy Harry Alloy Margie Alperson Barbara Ault Sally Barenbaum Jim Belgrade Robyn Belgrade Harry Berman Carol Bloch Cindy Bogdonofl' Lynn Bohnam Jody Brodaky JudyBrodsky . Florence Brody Debbl Brown Lauren Brown Suzie Carter Molllne Cassman Laura Chalt RoblnjChopmnn Vickl Chosen Cathy Chrlatensen Sharon Clpperley Arlane Cohen Audrey Cohen Beth Cohen Jack Cohen Marcla Cohen Soralee Cohen Bonnie Colcher Cheryl Cooper Joan Cooper R O M Cooper Suaen Crabbe Janey Denn Jerry Dann Amber Davies Cathy De]a Pam Deporte Suzie Drazan Ellena Edeletoln Sarah Edelateln

Jan Egermayer Bobble Epateln Brittany Epateln Harriet Epateln Helen Epstein Jodl Epateln Kari Epateln Nancy Epateln Sandy Epateln Jim Farber' ' Judy Farber Judy Feldman Jan Fischer Dee Fox Shelly Fox Lauren Freeman Robyn Freeman Frances Fried Pam Frlodlander Beth Friedman Dabble Friedman Michael Friedman Samantha Friedman Sandee Friedman Barbara Frohman SareGaaton DeeGllinaky BarbQIIIer Cheri Glnaberg Marilyn Ginsberg Janet Glass Mori Glass Jennifer Glazar Phyllis Qlazer Carol Goldberg Cindy Goldberg Maria GoldbergCohen DarienaGoldbJtz Ann Goldstein Judy Goldstein Dora Goldstrom Glnny Gordon Barbara Gottlieb

Diane Graul Rosalie Greenspan Andrea Grossman Mindy Halsted Andrea Hamburg Jessica Hasallnger Kathy Hlrehmon Ariene Hockenberg Teresa Hospodka Sue Huebner Judyltkln Joanle Jacobaon MarkJaeobson Nancy Jacobaon Rachel Jennings Sheryn JoHe Alan Josephaon DebblJosephson Judy Josephson Melissa Josephson SaraJuster BeckyKahn Roxanne Kahn Sally Kaplan Gloria Kaslow Renee Kasner BethKatz Carol Katzman Cindy Kaufman AndlKavlch Nancy Kavlch Kat Kelly KateMrahenbaum Sharon Klrahenbaum Don Klein Uone Klein Gall Kohll tvyKohll Sandy Kohll Shane Kotok Robbl Kudym Janie Kulakotsky Connla Kully Sandy Kutler

Allison Lalenser Joanle Lehr Sandy Lehr Suzie Lehr Bobbl Lelbowitz Michelle Leonard Cheryl Lemer Cheryl Levine Karen Levine Bonnie Levlnger Barb Levitan Libby Lincoln . Margaret Linden Louise Llppelt Bonnie London Jan Lund Linda Mann Diana Manvltz Wendy Manvitz DebMarberg Julie Martin Joe Meyers Shayna Meyers Sue Meyers Tina Mayera Ducky Milder Fran Milder Susie Mogll Ann Mothman Dan Moahman Andrea Munch Mary Beth Muskin Carol Nathan Nancy Noddle OzzleNogg Patty Nogg Sandy Nogg 8mle Norton UndaNovak Carolyn Novlcolt Theresa Oberdorfer Donna Olesh BedaOatrow Dorothy Parilman

Carol Parsow Claire Passer Fefe Passer Ellie Penner Shelley Pichik Kim Pltlor Marola PHIor RosePRIor Barb Platt Ellen Plot! Enid Pollack Karen Pollak Klnl Polaky Mariam Qanavezy Megan Quinn AnnaRaful Dinah Ralul LeahRaful Dodl Redler Karen Redmond Eileen Remer Barbara Rennard Bev Rich Iris Ricks Caryn RHUn GaryRHUn â&#x20AC;˘ JennHerRlfkln Klmberty Robinson Paula Roblnaon Stacla Robinson DIckRochman Ulml Rogers JudyRoflman Margo Rosen Dottle Rosenblum ' ChameyRoslnsky Jerry Roilnaky Bunny Rothenberg Susan Rothholz MarcyRuback Betty Sanlord MarfcSanford Vlckl Sanlord Sherry Shapiro

JoLynn Sharmln Lisa Sheet Suzie Sheldon Claudia Sherman Ariel Shukert Aveva Shukert Susie Shyken Sissy Sllber Suzie Silver Susie Sllverman Maxlne Simmons Joie Simon Suzanne Singer Ellen Slrel Nancy Skid LolsSkolnlck Ellen Slosberg Audrey Sophlr StarSorich Dorothy Splzman Gayle Spooner Char Stella Amle Stem Rocky Stern Barb Taxman Sally Telpner Nancy Tetenbaum UtzieTrustln Betsy Tully CindaTuUy Jennifer Vavrlcak NathaWaldbaum Esther Wax Joys Wees AnneWeHz AndlWillensky Janet Wlhtroub . JaannleWlntroub NancyWolf KylleZacharia Terrl Zacharla AmyZetzman Sally Zrpuraky Judy Zwelback

We apologize for any names that inadvertently have been omitted.

I used to think that I would have to be very old to see the turn of the century, because I used to think that 50-odd was old; I used to think that simply surviving that long would be enough, but now I see that it will be harder because we have to also survive the onslaught of millennium hype. Already, every known commodity is using the new century as a major marketing tool. The ad folks are working to convince us that to enter the year 2000, well each need a glossy hair color, a $5a- minute cellular telephone service, a machineexercised, well-toned body, and a fancy sports utility vehicle. I keep seeing ads for boxy, gussied-up vehicles with a preppy attitude. I guess we'll all need four-wheel drive to get over that hump from 1999 to 2000. Imagine if they had tried to sell Biblical historical transitions that way: you can hear the commercials now. "Prepare for the new life mankind will be leading outside Gan Eden. Get your topnotch hoes and shovels from Adam and Eve's Apple Tree Nursery.." How about an ancient Berlitz, hocking: "Life is changing, change with it: Learn a new language at the Tower of Babel Academy. Now that we all speak different tongues, try a second language on for size. You can learn Swedish for half-price until the dispersion.." . Amid all those storm warnings, you could have found this ad:" "Purchase Your New Boat from Noah's Marine Center and Bait Shack: Be ready before the flood. Today's Special: Repent and learn to sail." Or, the rock quarries could have advertised: "Monotheism is coming! Well buy your used idols for scrap rock and land fill....be ready for Abraham's religious revolution, bring your graven images in today!" Joseph could have hyped: "Famine-prep kits now available! Be ready for the Big Hungry. Get your personal customized granary construction, kits fresh from Cairo. Stock up on premium dried corn. Seven lean years are coming soon, so act now!" (PS: Building lots in Goshen still available. Dreams interpreted half price for new home owners!) Ah, to have been an ancient radio announcer. If there had been radio. If there had been announcers.... but announcers exist in abundance today, and they are all victims of 99-disease who are holding out for the 2000 cure. What are they going to find to do with themselves this time next year? What line of patter will replace 99 fever. Personally, I was happier :when 99 was just the number of bottles of beer on the wall. I do not think that a slip of the odometer of time is worth all this frenzy. If we're going to have all this hullabaloo, it would be much more meaningful if, as in Biblical days, real change were coming, instead of just a shifting calendar number. If we could confront the future as a time to make ourselves and our world better, instead of just older, that would be worth the hype. "Get your year 2,000 right here! Come to your local synagogue for a creed from the ages, for the ages. Step right up! On special today: Old fashioned values for the new age." The future... as they keep saving... is upon us.

Israel programs for young adults Livnot ITLehibanot, the hiking, study and community service program of Tzfat and Jerusalem, announces that registration is now in progress for its 1999 programs. Through a special arrangement in communities throughout North America, Livnot experience is available to qualified young adults between the ages of 21-30 for as low as $600, including airfare fromNewYork. :. . Short-term programs of two and three weeks, and long-term programs of up to three months, are offered throughout the year. No. level of religious observance or knowledge of Hebrew IB required. For complete information on program dates for 1999 and financial assistance, contact Livnot at 1888-LIVNOT-0; by e-mail at Uvadm@Uvnotorg.il TheLivnotwebBiteiswwwJivnot.6rg.il

February 5,1999

Book report contest winners receive awards

A

M E S S A G E i F R O M ' i T H E

Book jacket prize winners were, front row, from left: Chloe Heyman, Emily Newman and Molly Kudym; middle row, Avery Hannah Lehr, Allison Kohn, Jordan Jensen and Julie Sadofsky; back row, Holly Walts, Jennifer Laudin, Amy Schweid, Jason Rich, David Anderson and Zach Spooner. Not pictured: Samantha Juster, Lev Nachman, Benny Nachman and Jeremiah Bleicher. The contest memorializes the late Elinor Whitman, who served on the Library Board for many years and took an interest hi promoting Jewish literature for young readers. Winners represented children from Beth El Synagogue, Congregation Beyt Shalom, the Friedel Jewish Academy and Temple Israel, from kindergarten through sixth grade. PLEASE... TELL OUR ADVERTISERS YOU SAW IT IN THE JEWISH PRESS

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(Cambridge University Press) was the History Book Club Selection; in 1989 he was chosen as a Fellow by the Royal Society of Canada. The Harris Center was founded in 1991 with the goal of educating the region's residents about Jewish civilization and the nature and history of anti-Semitism. It is part of UNL and offers a Minor in Judaic Studies. Faculty at the Center includes: Alan Steinweiss, Rosenberg Professor of European Jewish History; Jeffrey Halev-Spinner, Schlesinger Professor for Social Justice; and Gerald Shapiro, author of American Jewish Fiction.

Also teaching at the Center are: Sidnie White Crawford, Chair of the UNL Classics Department; Professor Jean Cahan, Director of the Harris Center; Alan Tompkins, professor of social psychology; Professor Stephen Burnett, professor of Jewish history; and Brian Horowitz, professor of Eastern European Jewish literature. The staff is rounded out with Ophira Bahar, who teaches modern Hebrew, and John Turner, professor in the UNL Classics Department. For more information about the lecture or Harris Center activities, contact Dr. Cahan, 402-472-9561.

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Professor Peter Hoffmann, the William Kingsford Professor of History at McGill University in Montreal, is the featured speaker of the 1999 Norman and Helene Krivosha Annual Lecture. Sponsored by the Norman and Bernice Harris Center for Judaic Studies at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, the lecture will, for the first time, be presented in Omaha on Thursday, March 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the Jewish Community Center. He will speak on "The German Resistance to Hitler and the Persecution of the Jews." Prof. Hoffmann obtained his Ph.D in philosophy from the-University of Munich.

Shayna Kurland shows off her book report to her proud father, Allan.

Winners of the annual Elinor A. Whitman Book Appreciation Contest, sponsored by the Jewish Federation Library, received their prizes last Sunday. Presentations were made by Frances Gottlieb, President of the Library Board. Judges included: Justin Cooper, Nadine Kutner, Vicki Perimeter, Martin Wolf, Barbara Taxman and Sherry Taxman. Book report winners include, front row, from left: Bobby Newman, Jacklyn Saferstein-Hansen, Molly Goldberg, Joe Goldberg, Daniel Klein and Laura Klein; back row: Angela Friedman, Aaron Passer, Sam Anderson, Shayna Kurland, Sarah Sherman and Naomi Wolfson. Not pictured: Caroline Juster, Marty Nachman, Alexa Newman and Jordan Kenik.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Debbie Jacobowitz and Jerry Manheimer Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English announce the Jan.'16 arrival of their daughter, as a second language for new Americans will start Julia Leah. Grandparents are Helen and Herman Manheimer at 10 a.m. Bingo starts at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11 of Omaha, Jacob and Jeane Davidson of a.m. Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, Bob Albuquerque, NM, and the late Leonard Aaron Wolfson, Executive Director of ADL-CRC will Jacobowitz. speak. For transportation call 330-4272. Reminder: Man Jongg Club will meet on Feb. 10 at the JCC. For information call Charlotte Kaplan at 651-6658. Omahan Dana Cohn was featured in last month's issue of Metro Monthly. She returned to WALK-IN, DROP-IN Omaha following graduation from college and Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. formed "All About Omaha," a non-profit organizaEnglish as a second language for new Americans tion aimed at 21- to 30-year-old singles and couwill start at 10 a.m.; exercise at 10:15 a.m. and ples. The group's planners hope for 250 members in bingo at 10:30 a.m. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat its first year and are focusing on three main prioriat 11:30 a.m. At noon, enjoy the movie The Truman ties: community service, Omaha awareness, and Show in the Blumkin Home auditorium. For transleadership development. • portation call 330-4272. While each event will have a social component, according to the article, the group "is not a dating RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet Friday, Feb. 12 at the JCL. service." The opening kick-off is scheduled for Exercise class will begin at 10 a.m.; lunch at 11 Saturday, Feb. 20, at R.J. Grimm's in the a.m. and a movie at noon. For .transportation call Doubletree Hotel downtown, from 8 p.m.-l a.m. For more information, contact Cohn at 391-3615. Lydia Linde at 697-9169.

In the News

FRIENDS OF OMAHA PUBLIC LIBRARY Swanson Library at 90th and Dodge will be the site of the annual Book Sale, Friday and Saturday, March 5-6,10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The sale is sponsored by the Friends of the Omaha Public Library and proceeds will be sued to benefit special projects of the libraries. Among the selection will be hardback books, paperbacks, children's books, reference, art and travel books and some rare books.

Through Feb. 13, the Omaha Literacy Council is accepting donations of books at any Baker's Supermarkets 14 locations in the greater Omaha area or a t the group's information center at Crossroads Mall. Volunteers are also needed to help sort books, which will be available for sale at Crossroads, from Feb. 12-15, during Celebrate Literacy Weekend. For more information, call 3427323.

BREADBREAKERS

Dr. Joel Schlessinger has announced the new location of Skin Specialists, formerly located at 13917 Gold Circle. The new facility is at 2802 Oak View Mall Drive and features patient rooms, surgical suite, private entrance for cosmetic surgery patients and underground parking, as well as the Aesthetica Day Spa. ..-.-• Dr. Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist and a fellow of the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery.

Jim Farber, Chairman of the 45th Annual B'nai B'rith Charity Sports Banquet, will update members, Wednesday, Feb. noon, in the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home Conference Room. Cost of the luncheon is $7. Guest speaker is Dave Raabe, Professor of English at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. He will discuss the life and works of Ernest Hemingway. Guests are welcome. JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL Jewish Women International will sponsor "Sweetheart Day" on Thursday* Feb. 18,1:30 p.m., at the Roae Blumkin Home. Eileen and Miles Remer will entertain with a musical duet. Please call Chairperson Sylvia Davis at 5538996, or President Frieda Krizelman at 391-0661. Formerly B'nai B'rith International, the organization was established in 1945 and is dedicated to help members lead a meaningful Jewish life and to transmit the legacy of Jewish heritage to future generations. Other events sponsored by Jewish Women International include: Fund-raising luncheon for the Rehabilitation Center—Children's Home in Israel; potluck dinner for-new membership drive; a shower for the Rainbow House; Mah Jong, tournament; direct solicitation; and donor luncheon and program.

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February S, 1999

Israel Bonds issues Chai Bond for B'nai Mitzvah teens NEW YORK - State of Israel BondB announced the development of a new bond issue designed as a bar/bat mitzvah gift. The cost of the bond is $136 and matures at $180 five years from issue date, making it an ideal gift for a bar or bat mitzvah child. It is expected that the Chai Bond will be available for purchase next month. "The Chai Bond was created in response to oar customers needs. Our other interest-bearing securities- start at a purchase price of $500, which may not "always be a suitable cost for a gift. Now it's possible to purchase a bond for $136 and have both Israel and the recipient benefit from the proceeds,'' said Gideon Patt, Israel Bonds President and CEO. According to Irwin Hochberg, Israel Bonds National Campaign Chairman, "The organization wants to focus on the next generation, to link them with the Jewish homeland and make them a partner in Israel's; future." One of the ways Israel Bonds will accomplish this goal is to promote the bond in synagogues and day schools through the Israel Bonds B'nai Mitzvah Bonding Program. Participants in the program receive recognition of any bond purchases in their name during their bar or bat mitzvah ceremony.

Well, it took seme doing, but I finally found some- thing to keep me occupied on a cold winter afternoon. I decided to clean out the freezer, which I never do this time of year. Now that I've gotten into it, I can't imagine why I haven't chosen a cold day for this chore: -. First of all, it's easy to deal with the food which must be removed before I start. I put it all in grocery, bags and set it out in the garage. God knows it's'cold enough out there to keep it frozen, so that's automatically taken care of. Actually, it .didn't get put out so fast, due to the fact that I found some interesting stuff in that freezer?

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Fell man scholarships available The Bruce M. Fellman Charitable Foundation Trust has announced the availability of scholarships for post-secondary education. Bruce, the son of Tom and Darlynn Fellman, was a 1982 graduate of Westside High School. He was active in BBYO and served as president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer of Chaim Weizmann AZA. A student at George Washington University in Washington, D.C., Fellman was participating in the University of Pittsburgh's Semester at Sea at the time of his death in 1984. *• Scholarships are based on financial need. Trustee.s for the foundation are Darlynn Fellman, Terri Schrager and Howard M. Kooper. Applications may be obtained by calling Mr. Hooper's office at Broadmoor Development, 392-1800. Applications for the Robert H. and Dorothy G. Kooper Scholarships are also available through this office. The deadline for both applications is Aprill.

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Lord no....that's when I call "honey, c'mere a minute, will you?" Honey takes care of it. Yes; a cold winter day turns out to be a good day for the freezer chore. And the best part is I feel so virtuous after it's done. I love to open the freezer door and admire all the space I've suddenly acquired with the removal of built-up ice and those irregular shaped aluminum foil packages with who knows what in them. ; I guess this says something about the excitement factor in my life. Cleaning the. freezer is a rewarding experience. That's pathetic!

.

. Special Guest: U.S. Senator Mary Landrleu of Louisiana .

v

Before all the frozen lumps are moved from freezer to garage, usually more than one item gets careful scrutiny then deliberate disposal. Why? Well, usually if s because it can't be determined what the heck it was to begin with, that's why. Which is not to say it's like the unidentifiable that sometimes hides in a corner of the fridge. No, that's entirely different, and besides I don't' personally handle anything I don't recognize. That's what I got married for..so anything with a fur-like layer over its top or infused with a shade of green it shouldn't have, wouldn't have to be my

••••••' responsibility.

I didn't realize I still had some honey cake from yomtov, but there it was, nicely wrapped and waiting to be found. Guess what we'll have to go with coffee tonight? I also ran across two unopened boxes of candy-gobd candy, too. The kind that nice people bring over when they come to dinner. Why there are two boxes I don't know, but I know they were gifts because I wouldn't buy good candy in such quantity just to freeze. ' •.••• There was also, tucked away in a dark corner, a partly used pint-of half and half. I guess I did that, after some company dinner, because we don't use the stuff. I buy if for guests, then hate to let it stand in the fridge until it's sour. So, the next best thing is to freeze it and use it whenever I can. Chances are pretty good it'll never get used, but I don't feel so extravagant if I at least try to re-run it. I also found some nice coffee stashed away in the cold, and it just so happens the canister is nearly empty. I think that's what's called serendipity (look it up). Besides, it'll go really well with that honey .cake. There are packages of nuts, and also that's where I keep flour (because I like my flour to always be pareve) and matzo meal and stuff like that. And then, I found a couple of those blue frozen ice packs, meant for applying to injuries. The last time I tried to use one I found it very uncomfortable, but that's what they're for. I had hoped it would cool down a back pain, but even wrapped in a soft cloth I found it hard and less than comforting. v Of course what kind of a freezer would it be if there wasn't at least one package of bagels and various assortments of rolls. I always keep that kind of thing on hand. And I might add, I find it very handy to be able to quickly nuke a bagel then toast it - oh, no butter (or margarine)? Look in the freezer. I know there's some in there. Next to the ice cream. I Oh yes, ice cream from the home freezer - there's some, exercise for the weak. We have found it helpful to put the whole kit a n d k a b o o d l e In the microwave for a few seconds then attack with a scoop. Much easier on both the temper and the biceps!

Page 17

Douglas County Democratic Party TRUMAN DINNER '

Beth El Synagogue has already joined with Israel Bonds with the Bonding with Israel program. The Alan and Marcia Baer Foundation will match a child's contribution of $100 from their own Bar or Bat Mitzvah gifts with a $100 Israel Bond certificate. For information about Bonding with Israel, contact Larry DeBruin at Beth El, 492-8550. Recipients of the "Chai" bond will also receive a beautiful piece of artwork, suitable for framing, designed by renowned Israeli artist Orly Reshef. For further information about the Bonding Program or securities offered by State of Israel Bonds' call the Development Corporation for Israel at (800) 229-9650. State of Israel-Bonds iB an international organization offering securities issued by the government of Israel. Since the first bond was sold in 1951, Israel Bonds has secured $19 billion in investment capital for the development of every aspect of Israel's economy, including agriculture, commerce and industry. Israel Bonds proceeds also play a major role in absorbing Jews from the former Soviet Union, Ethiopia and elsewhere. Throughout its history, Israel has maintained a perfect record for the payment of principal and interest on the securities it has issued.

by BertLewis

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Page 18

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February S, 1999

Around the Jewish world Holocaust museum finding missing St. Louis passengers by Mica Schneider

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WASHINGTON (JTA) - Leo Stark doesn't know what happened to his younger brother, Paul. He ia fairly certain that he was deported to Auschwitz in 1942 - three years after Cuban and U.S. officials denied him safe haven in 1939 as a passenger aboard the S.S. S t Louis. But Leo cannot be sure without proof. Researchers at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington have been driven for two years by the same desire to know what happened to Paul Stark - as well as to the 935 other passengers aboard the St. Louis, most of whom were forced back onto European soil a month before World War II began. The small core of researchers is racing to meet a May deadline, when the museum plans to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the steamboats journey to nowhere. Since the project began, the researchers have traced the fate of most of the passengers. In November, 40 passengers remained on the missing persons list. Two months later, with the help of a Yad Vashem researcher in Jerusalem and with calls prompted by a JTA article, researchers have crossed 20 more names off the list. At the same time, Scott Miller, coordinator of the Holocaust museum's St. Louis project, has added 17 names back to the list to further verify their stories. "We're being cautious," Miller said. "We'd rather keep people on the list because it gives us more time to reach people and to fill in the blanks." Most of the passengers gained entry to Great Britain, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, which offered visas to many of them when the St. Louis steamer docked in Antwerp. But when the Germans invaded the latter three countries, Jews became their first targets. Many passengers survived by hiding. Miller said it is unfortunate, but it is far easier to track the fate of a victim than of a survivor because the Nazis kept detailed records. At this point, Miller estimates that slightly more than half of the St. Louis passengers escaped the Nazi's Final Solution. But Miller said the goal is not just to determine whether people lived or died, "but to know how they survived." The researchers get excited with each lead, so as the search narrows and sources begin to run dry, finding people like Leo Stark makes the task worth every tough moment. Although Stark couldn't tell them what had happened to his brother, he did provide information on his grandmother. The story of Helene Spira, who was still a "missing person" when JTA published the list in November, is now known because a woman in Florida called the museum after her friend in Arizona read the article in the Jewish News of Greater Phoenix. Miller said the woman's information led them north to New York's Loiig~Island, where Stark, Spira's grandson, lives. Spira's story of hiding in the attic of a pharmacist near Brussels and secret visits to see Leo in Northern France during the war transformed her from a statistic to a person with a detailed, riveting past. What about the first (Established 1971) name on the November list, Charlotte Atlas? The museum had been told by her best friend on the ship that Atlas caught a boat to Venezuela the day before Holland w a s invaded by the Nazis. Miller has been trying to verify that she did indeed catch the boat, but has been unable to reach Abraham Horowitz of Brooklyn.who signed her affidavit to live in the United States in 1939. 631 N. 114th S t Miller's team wants 431-1532 more than to just collect (Takeout) the stories of the passen-.

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gers. They want to tell them. "The S t Louis project team is occasionally able to do what our sponsor, the Survivors Registry, does every day - help the public determine the fate of their relatives during the Holocaust," Miller said. The story of the St. Louis will be the theme of the Days of Remembrance showcased in the Capitol Rotunda for a week around Holocaust Remembrance Day, which is April 13. A reunion is also planned for the survivors in May.

Falwell's remark on Anti-christ sparks charges of anti-Semitism by Debra Nussbaum Cohen

NEW YORK (JTA) - The Rev. Jerry Falwell's recent statement that the Antichrist is probably a Jewish man alive today is anti-Semitic and could potentially ignite widespread anti-Semitism, according to officials at Jewish organizations. It has also done serious damage to the dialogue between Jews and evangelical Christians, they say. Falwell's statement "borders on anti-Semitism at best and is anti-Semitic at worst," said Abraham Foxman, national director of the Anti-Defamation League. "Falwell's is an influential voice among evangelical and charismatic Christians," said Rabbi Leon Klenicki, Director of Interfaith Affairs for the ADL. What Falwell said reflects his "lack of understanding of Judaism and the Jewish people in God's design. He sees us only as the ones who prepare the coming of Jesus," he said. "It is a great disappointment after more than 30 years of dialogue; he's still in the Middle Ages." Last month, Falwell told about 1,500 people gathered in Tennessee t h a t he believes Jesus will return within a decade. Before that event can take place, Falwell and others believe, a figure known as the Anti-christ will arise and spread universal evil, but will be conquered at the Second Coming of the Christian messiah. Is the Anti-christ "alive and here today?" Falwell asked his parishioners and millions of viewers who see the service broadcast by television and radio during Sunday morning services at his Lynchburg, VA, church. "Probably," he said, "because when he appears during the Tribulation period, he will be a full-grown counterfeit of Christ. Of course hell be Jewish." Falwell was quoted as saying that he did not intend his remark to be anti-JewiBh. He said that he meant only that; the Anti-christ must be Jewish because Jesus was a Jew. That idea is a "hateful myth," said Foxman of the ADL. "Reverting back to a distorted interpretation of the text of the New Testament, he revisits the worst in intolerance that resulted in the persecution of the Jewish people and inquisitions." Falwell's view is "a common theological position," Klenicki said, "although it has been put aside in the last few years because of the ongoing dialogue we have with the evangelicals trying to explain our position." His latest statement "sets all that back," the rabbi said. As part of the dialogue, Klenicki has addressed students at Falwell's Liberty University, several times over the past few years. Concern is also spreading among leaders of Jewish groups that Falwell's will be the first of many such remarks as the turn of the millennium approaches. Falwell has, in the past, been a strong supporter of the State of Israel and has met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "He supports Israel for his own Christological ends," Klenicki said. "My concern is that when the year 2000 comes and he realizes that the Jewish people will not convert to Christianity, that hell be critical of the State of Israel." (More from Around the Jewish World .on page 10)

Attend services on Shabbat

February 5,1999

Around the Jewish world On Wednesday, the rabbi made history with the pope

Prayer invitation to Arafat sparks ire of religious right

by Robert A. Cohn, Editor The St. Louis Jewish Light

by Matthew Dorf

ST. LOUIS (JTA) -- "They were happy to have a rabbi, and this rabbi was happy to be here," said Rabbi Robert Jacobs, Executive Vice-president of the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, after participating last week in a special religious service with Pope John Paul II. Jacobs, who last June celebrated his 90th-birthday, had the honor of being the first rabbi in history to participate in a reading of Scripture at a religious service in a basilica in the presence of a pope. During the pope's two-day visit to St. Louis last week, rabbinic and lay members of the Jejadsh community were extensively involved in the m^jor programs on the itinerary. Including the rabbi - who read from Isaiah — in the pope's visit was seen as the latest effort by the pope to reach out to the Jewish community. The pope has taken many steps to improve relations with Jews during his tenure, including establishing diplomatic relations between the Vatican and Israel, visiting Rome's historic synagogue and holding a concert for Holocaust victims. Although the pope has often spoken about antiSemitism and Jewish suffering during the Holocaust, a long-awaited Vatican document on the Holocaust iBsued last year drew some Jewish criticism for not going far enough in acknowledging the role of the Catholic Church in the Holocaust. At the prayer service, the pope said, "My friendship and esteem go also to those of all other religious traditions. In particular I recall my long association with members of Jewish faith and my meetings in many parts of the world with my Muslim brothers and sisters." : .Other local clergy from the Eastern Orthodox, Protestant, Muslim and Hindu faiths were in attendance as well. ' Rabbi Mark' Shook of Temple Israel, a large- local • Reform congregation long active in interfaith work, presented a banner on Faith Beyond Walls, a congregational faith-based volunteer action program designed to motivatej train and equip volunteers to work to improve health and quality of neighborhood life. Earlier in the day, the sound of the shofar opened a pre-Mass program at the Trans World Dome here. Alan Freed, a St. Louis lawyer and the music director of the Central Reform Congregation, blew the shofar at the Mass, which was attended by more than 100,000 people. Among the 95 non-Catholics invited to attend the service at the Cathedral Basilica was Anna Gruber, a Holocaust survivor who, like the pope, is from Poland. Gruber, who fled from the Nazis and moved to the United StateSj where she is active with the St. Louis Holocaust Museum, recalled that when the pope participated in a special service at the central synagogue in Rome, she was very moved. "When I read that a few years ago," Gruber was quoted as saying, "I said, "You are a blessing. You are a blessing not just for Christianity, but for all mankind.'" During his visit, the Pope had a local Jewish physician on hand, Dr. Jeff Kalina, who fe on the staff of Barnes-Jewish Hospital. There had been concerns about the pope's health during his visit. The 78-year-old pontiff has been widely reported to be suffering from Parkinson's disease, although the Vatican has not confirmed this. The 31-year-old Kalina, who received months of special training for his assignment, said the pope appeared to have "incredible strength."

' S (formerly Claudia'.

WASHINGTON (JTA) - As a sign of Yasser Arafat's growing stature, a leading conservative member of Congress has invited the Palestinian Authority chairman to the annual National Prayer Breakfast. Arafat, who has rejected three previous invitations to the event, planned to attend a reception, which brought together American leaders and'international guests to, in the words of organizers, "bring about reconciliation all over the world." President Clinton, who was also scheduled to attend the prayer breakfast,' said he would host Arafat at an informal meeting during the Palestinian leader's brief U.S. visit. The decision by U.S. Rep. Steve Largent (R-OK) to invite Arafat to the prayer breakfast sparked furor from some of his closest allies in the evangelical Christian community. Previous invitations came from Democrats, who held the rotating chairmanship of the breakfast. According to sources familiar with a campaign now under "way, three of the nation's largest evangelical Christian groups — the Christian Coalition, the Family Research Council and Focus on the Family - opposed Arafat's appearance. "It is an ill-informed, bad decision to invite a known terrorist and murderer of Jews and Christians, and Americans, to participate in a public exercise of faith here in the nation's capital," said Jeffrey Taylor, director of government relations for the Christian Coalition. Jewish groups did'not weigh in on the matter but the family of a victim of a Palestinian terrorist attack has. "An invitation to the National Prayer Breakfast will bestow upon Mr. Arafat a degree of legitimacy and credibility that he has not earned," Stephen Flatow wrote in a letter last week to Largent. Flatowy whose daughter Alisa was killed in a terrorist attack in Gaza, appealed to Largent to rescind the invitation and "join me in calling on Mr. Arafat to arrest and surrender to the U.S. for prosecution those terrorists who took part in the murder of my daughter Alisa and 10 other American citizens in Israel since 1993." After Arafat's planned attendance became public, Largent sought to distance himself from the decision, saying he was not aware of the hundreds of individuals included on the invitation list, according to Brad Keena, Largent's spokesman. Guests included most members of Congress, Clinton and Vice President Al Gore. ' Palestinian officials said they did not know why Arafat decided to accept this year's invitation. Israel's ambassador to the United States and the United Nations were also invited to the event. It is unclear if either would attend. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not invited this year because his staff told the organizers that he would be unable to attend, Keena said.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 5,1999

Omaha kollel prepares for summer start by Carol Katzman

With $67,000 in the bank and another $25,000 in pledges, the Omaha Center for Torah Learning is gearing up for operations this summer. The OCTL, Omaha's newest non-profit organization was formed last summer with the intention of bringing a rabbinic couple from Israel to serve in an."education only" capacity in Omaha, according to President Allan Gonsher. "We're thrilled with the financial support for this concept from the community and from local foundations," Gonsher noted. "The time has now come for the OCTL to make good on its commitment to donors to bring a qualified couple here." According to an article in the Jewish Press on Sept. 11, the OCTL "will offer programs...for all levels, in partnership with existing organizations...Its main programs will included individual hevruta (one-on-one) study, day arid evening classes (for groups) and a variety of other offerings." Gonsher added that he has been in constant contact with Ze'ev Schwartz, director of an Israeli program which has already provided rabbinic couples to 18 communities in the United States, South Africa and Canada. The two met in Israel in 'December to review resumes for the position in Omaha. One of Schwartz's placements, Rabbi Gideon Weizmann, director of the Kansas City Community Kollel, visited Omaha last September to meet with local rabbis, Jewish educators and the community. That organization has since added six yeshiva students to help meet the growing demand for Jewish d education in that city. Mike Katzman, Treasurer of the OCTL, will interview several rabbinic couples next week in Israel and said the organization expects to bring in one or two of the candidates for personal interviews this spring. Noting that all of the applicants for this position have experience teaching men and women from dif-

ferent educational backgrounds and affiliations, Katzman said "the OCTL is looking for a couple comfortable in a community like Omaha, a place where members of all synagogues interact and are respectful of one another." "We plan to be operational this summer," Gonsher said, adding that the OCTL is already negotiating for office space in which to conduct classes and serve as a central location for OCTL business. Among the financial commitments received in the last six months are three from local foundations: the Prohm Foundation, the Art and Ruth Goldstein Fund, and the Philip and Terri Schrager Foundation.

"We can't stress enough the need for additional qualified Jewish educators in this community...and that is the paramount goal of the kollel." The original concept of a kollel is based on a preWorld War II institution of an all-day yeshiva study program for married men. The American version, however, is also aimed at professional men and women who want to incorporate Jewish learning, whether in groups, or in individualized instruction, into their workday.

The OCTL leadership also plans to use the talents of both the husband and wife of this rabbinic couple and will, if requested, offer their services to the existing religious schools and the Friedel Jewish Academy.Creighton University Professor Dr. MaryBeth Muskin is heading an Education Committee, composed of local Jewish educators who teach at area religious schools. In order to formulate curriculum for the Omaha Center for -Torah Learning, the committee met recently and has developed a list of priorities as well as a schedule of plans for the rabbinic couple upon their arrival in Omaha. The committee discussed an innovative curriculum structure that will reflect the educational interest of the community at large, and one that would be in support of the educational programming within each synagogue and within Jewish Educational and Library Services. "Our vision for this is as a means of educational support that pulls the community together," Dr. Muskin said about the OCTL and its future in Omaha. "We want this couple to "hit the ground running". It's understood that the interests of all the synagogues will be represented. Members of the Education Committee include representatives from the three major synagogues: Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel. Said Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue, "Torah study has always been at the foundation of Judaism. "We welcome and encourage further Torah learning in our community," he added. "I view this effort as a bridge," Muskin added, "This couple can reflect those needs from all segments of the community, in the form of learning."

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