February 19, 1999

Jewish

c Pres

NE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST

LINCOLN NE 68508-1651

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

No. 23 Omaha, NE

Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra to feature Cantor Emil Berkovits The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra will perform works by Jewish composers, including Gustav Mahler, Aaron Copland and George Gershwin, on Saturday, March 6, 7:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center Theatre. Cantor Emil Berkovits of Beth El Synagogue will be featured as a soloist.

The Heartland Philharmonic Orchestra, (formerly known as the Gown Cantor Berkovits Orchestra, then the UNO Orchestra), is a non-profit ensemble whose members are community volunteers, university students and advanced high school students from the Omaha metropolitan area.

Heartland Philharmonic members represent a broad spectrum of professions, age and experience, but they all share a love of music and a desire to share it with the Omaha community. They perform four concerts each season at. the Strajiss Performing Arts Center on the campus of'the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Tickets can be purchased at the Member Services desk of the Jewish Community Center or by calling 334-6426. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors and students. For more information, call Gloriann Levy at 334-6403.

3 Adar, 5759

February 19,1999

Community Purim Gala.V.fun for all ;

by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

The Omaha Jewish community has planned the first-ever Purim event open to everyone, from young children through the 'young-at-heart.' The Gala, called "Purim in Eilat," will be held Tuesday, March 2 at the Jewish Community Center.

Eilat is a warm-weather resort city located on Israel's southern tip by the Gulf of Eilat.

The eyening begins with the Megillah reading by Rabbi Mendel Katzman in the Riekes Museum at 4:45 p.m. At 5:30 p.m., appetizers will be served and entertainment by Tuffy Epstein and the Klezmorim Band, mimes provided

by Marion High School and Tom Gellatly and Dropalotus Juggling Troupe will be in the JCC Gallery.

A kosher B-B-Q dinner will start at 6:30 p.m. in the auditorium. A vegetarian burger is available by reservation only.

Children's activities, run by BBYO, NCSY and OTYG teens, will include face painting and grogger and mask making.

Costume contest winners will be announced at 8 p.m. Categories for the contest are best family costume, best adult, best teen and best child.

Everyone is encouraged to wear a Purim costume or dress in beach wear to fit the "Purim in Eilat" theme. Prizes for the costume contest include Omaha Steaks and JCC Massages.

Following the costume contest, the rabbis of the community will perform a Purim spiel.

Prices for the Purim Gala are $18 for Patron tickets, $10 for adults and $6 for children. Reservations, due by Feb. 22, can be made by calling the JCC Member Services desk at 334-6426.

Event Chairpeople are Beth Cohen and Harry Berman. Committee members are Vicki Flax, Eliane Freund, Charlotte Kaplan, Sharon Kirshenbaum, Cheryl Lerner, Gloriann Levy, Pam Monsky, Iris Ricks, Stephanie Saferstein, Mike Salmi and Georgiann Steinberg, Sponsoring organizations are Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Beyt Shalom, Chabad House, Temple Israel, Jewish Cultural Arts Council, the Jewish Federation of Omaha, Young Jewish Omaha, and the Rabbinic Council of Omaha.

The Holy Society

by Carol Katzman

. Question: What's the only mitzvah performed for which there can be no repayment?

Answer: The Jewish ritual of preparing a body for .burial.

Just what are Jewish burial practices? Who does . it? And why? These are some of the questions Jews arid non-Jews alike ask about the subject of Jewish burial practices.

Omaha does indeed have a Holy Society, or Chevra Kadishe, a group of men and women who volunteer their time, often with little advance notice, to ritually prepare bodies for burial, according to ancient Jewish practices.

•••'•.

It is common in many cities to honor members of the Chevra Kadishe on the 7th of Adar, (which occurs on Tuesday, Feb. 23, this year), the anniversary of Moshe Rabbeniu's (Moses, our teacher) yahrzeit, since God Himself prepared Moshe's body for burial.

The original Chevra Kadishe was founded by Mrs. Harris Levy in 1911 as the Chesed Shel Ernes, an organization of women volunteers. She was concerned about the availability of proper Jewish funeral services for the poor. Her daughter, Sophie Nevelef, took over the committee after her mother's death and helped establish the first Jewish Funeral Home at 19th and Cuming in 1926.

That building served the Omaha Jewish community for many years, until the expansion of the Siena Francis House necessitated a move. Through the generosity of the family of Ike Friedman, a new building was purchased in 1992 and named for his father.

Today's Chevra Kadishe operates out of the Louis Friedman Jewish Funeral'Home on 44th and Cuming Streets. It's a small building which houses all the necessary equipment and supplies, including caskets, tachrichim (shrouds), and laminated Hebrew prayers posted on the walls.

Other than the occasional religious school class which comes to the funeral home for an explanation of tahara, the only visitors are members of the

Chevra Kadishe and, sometimes, members of the deceased's families.

The atmosphere is somber; after all, the three to four'men or women are engaged in a very holy mitzvah, one for which there can be no repayment.

After donning medical gowns, masks and gloves, the volunteers begin the preparation with a recitation of Hebrew prayers.

After removing all clothes and jewelry, trimming nails, and other cleansing steps, the volunteers elevate the body on wooden boards and pour water from three separate buckets-one for the right side of the body, one for the left, and one for the headover the-deceased, again while reciting special prayers.

The volunteers then dry the body, all the while, maintaining an atmosphere of respect and reverence, and then dress the deceased in tachrichim, linen shrouds.

Men and women alike are dressed in long pants, a shirt, a top shirt and two head coverings. Special knots are used to tie long strips of linen at the ankle, the neck of both shirts and the waist.

The tallis (prayer shawl) worn by the man during his life is added, and dirt from Israel as well as small pieces of pottery are placed strategically after the deceased is placed in a wooden casket. After folding up the linings, the cover of the casket is placed on top and the final prayers are said.

At this point the duties of the volunteers are complete—at least, for this tahara.

Charlotte Kaplan, a longtime volunteer who chairs the women's team, knows well the reaction when she calls the female members of the Chevra Kadishe.

"We owe these women a debt of graditude for performing their responsibilities," Kaplan said recently, "and for re-arranging their schedules."

"We, should offer another training session," she added, "since it seems that every time we do one, we get more volunteers." .-.-•'

The need for volunteers is always there, she added, especially as more and more women enter the workforce and fewer are available to give their time. The men, too, need additional volunteers, according to funeral home administrator Jake Besser of Beth Israel Synagogue.

Besser is responsible for all administrative duties connected with a Jewish burial - making arrangements with the funeral home here in Omaha - or out of town if the burial is to take place elsewhere; communicating with the rabbi of the synagogue which will handle the funeral service and burial; and maintaining the Jewish Funeral Home's list of supplies.

"Obviously, the rabbis are involved with the families," Besser added, "They set the time of the funeral and then we can arrange for the tahara.

"Only 15 minutes after the Jewish Funeral Home is notified by a hospital or the Blumkin Home, everything is put into motion to ensure that the tahara is completed in a timely manner with care for the deceased and the family."

Every synagogue in Omaha can provide a funeral according to traditional Jewish burial practices.

And members of the Chevra Kadishe do come from all the area synagogues. Rabbi Howard Kutner, spiritual leader of Beth Israel Synagogue, is the head of the Chevra Kadishe.

"Tahara does have great significance," he noted, "and should be observed by all Jews.

"It's done with the greatest concern and sensitivity for the modesty and dignity of the deceased," the rabbi added, i Rabbi Kutner added that he is currently looking for an. expert in Chevra Kidshe practices to offer a Sunday lecture and training for current and prospective volunteers.

Several pamphlets and video tapes are available for those interested in joining the Chevra Kadishe.

The Jewish Federation Library has a copy of both the video taped here in 1994 at the Chevra (Continued on page 8)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 19,1999

Ramie, Monsky, Sharon Monsky, Henry and Pam Monsky, and Robin Monsky would-like to thank all our wonderful friends for their expressions of sympathy for the loss of our dear father and husband, Hub/ Please join us as we celebrate the life of Hub Monsky at an open house on Saturday, Feb. 27, 6-10 p.m., at the home of Henry and Pam Monsky, 15364 Nicholas St.

Sparks from the Word

Parashat Terumah

by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

On GIVING, and GIVING, and G I V I N G There is no doubt that Moses was the greatest fund-raiser in history. You thought I was about to say the "greatest religious genius" or something like that? Yes, that too.

Moshe Rabbenu was certainly a master Teacher.

But think for a moment about fund-raising.

Our Sidrah opens with the Lord's command to Moses to ask the people to bring gifts, which were Alan H. Friedman to be used to build a tabernacle — a mishkan — a President • Graduate Gemologist "holy place," so that He might have a special space • 9107 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 320 among the people. (Not that the Lord needed it: Beverly Hills, California 90210 the people needed it, as a symbol of God's pres,888»489«4545 • Fax 310»278«5449 ence.) „ . . Member of West Coast Diamond Club Very well: The gifts were not to be in checks or ' 'Estate Jewelers Association of America stock certificates with large capital gains. The .•; ,.-:;.:,American Gem Trade Association I.'TTT gifts were to be in kind - gold, silver, 'copper, semiprecious stones, fine fabrics, and animal skins, oil, special spices, and acacia wood.

We will not bury ourselves with questions about Have We Got A Job For You how a slave people fleeing into a desert had all in KANSAS CITY! these things at hand. The text says that they JEWISH SINGLES PROGRAM DIRECTOR brought it all. And now the sanctuary, with all its 'Th9,4ewish Community Center of Greater Kansas City is furnishings, and appurtenances, and sacral vestaccepting applications for a Jewish Singles Program Director. ments for the' priests (running into the next Sidrah, Responsibilities include the administration and development of activities for Jewish singles age 21 and over.

Tetzaveh) were constructed, prepared, devised by skilled workmen, artisans and artists.

Applicants must: Work with and relate to Jewish singles of all ages • Show Initiative and enthusiasm • Have a good When all these accounts are finished, the text understanding of Jewish traditions • Posess budgetary and tells us, quite mattert-of-factly, that Moses had the organizational skills • Work with other Jewish communal professionals in developing cooperative singles programming word passed around that enough material had • Have a Bachelor's degree • Have good interpersonal skills been brought. Bring no more!

• Be willing to create a flexible schedule to include evenings What fund-raiser have you ever heard of who and weekends.

Send resume by March 1 to: said, "Bring no more!"? Now and then we hear of Sheryl Davidow, Assoc. Executive Director the leader of this fund or that who says, delightedJCC of Greater Kansas City ly, "We have reached our goal, and more!" But no 5801 West 115th St., Overland Park, KS 66211 one ever says, "Bring no more!" No one, except Phone:913-327-8031 Moses.

Dorothy and I spent a winter (at the Seminary's request) in Palm Beach, largely a series of golf courses and places for golfers to live. r Well-to-do CLIP & SAVE vacationers expected (lo! American r Jewish life!) one campaign to follow another all winter long, and CALENDAR OF EVENTS they weren't disappointed. Jewish life is such that Jews accept the needs.and expect the "drives."

When we get back to the text, we are chagrined FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 19 C at what happened when Moses disappeared in the Beth El Kadimah KINNUS, L mountain of God for forty days. The people, uneasy Camp Chi, Illinois at the disappearance of their leader for so long a SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 20 lime, gave gold, again, and quickly, to construct a Humash Class, 5:15 p.m., at Beth El Golden Calf. They proclaimed, "These are your SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 21 gods, 0 Israel!"

S Temple Israel AOL, 10 a.m., at Temple A Much is to be said about idolatry that space Jewish War Veterans Meeting, 10:30 a.m.

V requirements prevent discussing here. But this Ya'Chad Art Day, 12:30 p.m.

-.E must be said: Gifts for the Lord's sanctuary and Sisterhood Friendship tea, 2 p.m., at Temple gifts for idolatry! Where is common sense? Where MONDAY, FEBRUARY 22 is discriminating responsibility?

YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Do we too not need these questions? Do we put TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 23 our monies in the best possible places? Do we Derech Torah, 7 p.m. Federation Board waste some of our gifts in scams? Do we identify Meeting, 7 30 p.m. •, causes with permanent value, causes that support __'„ WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 24 what we cherish? Do we build sanctuaries or BESTT High School Dinner, 6 p.m., Beth El Golden Calves?

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., We need to give generously; but we need to think aiBethEl JGAC Computer Class, 7 p.m.

Readers THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 25 Are Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

C Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 a.m., Temple L Leaders I L.O.V.E. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m.,' P at RBJH Conference Room -

ALAN FRIEDMAN CQ-

; , C ~ V %iUPAY, FEBRUARYS Russian (5liib,;;i0 a.m. ' S'habb^t plhrier for Grade K-2, frp.m., .~"at Beth Ell ,;.: .

AH eviKti'hefd'at.thfi JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish -PwiStlrirpFtespohalblo for the accuracy of the events. To keep cal;SB'fST atcumlfl After questions, call Martens Hert at 3344437.

PHARMACY #5 307 North 114th St. Phone 333-5100 — —

CUP & SAVE

TEMPLE ISRAEL is seeking a full-time

PROGRAM DIRECTOR This person will be a-part of the professional staff.

He/she will help create and execute- diverse educational, religious and social programming for all age groups.

- . .• • Must be a highly-motivated self starter who works well with people of all ages. Must possess excellent writing and computer skills, have knowledge of marketing, public relations and advertising.

For more information, please contact:

Dorothy Spizman, Executive Director

556-6536

Death HERBERT MICHAEL KOTZEN , Herbert Kotzen, 71, died Jan. 30 in Scottsdale, AZ. The family held a memorial service on Monday, Feb. 1, in Scottsdale.

Survivors include eight children: Scott Kotzen of Omaha, Kimellon Kotzen of Minneapolis, Terri Legassie of Payson, AZ, Laurie Miller of Minneapolis, Shari Shelton of San Diego, Candi Bodine of Sacramento, Kip Kotzen of Manhattan, NY, and Nicol Kotzen of Scottsdale; and eight grandchildren.

Mr. Kotzen retired in 1987 as Vice-president of Transportation for C.H. Robinson Co., following 35 years of service.

Memorials to the American Heart Association or charity of choice. ,

OTOC receives grant from Jewish Fund for Justice

Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, left, presented a $20,000 check from the Jewish Fund for Justice to Tom Holler, Director of the Institute for Public Life of Omaha Together, One Community. Holler applied for the grant after a suggestion from Rabbi Azriel, who is active with OTOC, along with several members of Temple Israel. The' funds-will be used, in the areas of community organizing, economic justice, assistance for immigrant laborers, job training, in rural Nebraska and Iowa and'in underserved urban areas of Omaha and Council Bluffs. OTOC's mission is based on the 1960s community organization philosophy of the late Saul Alinksy of Chicago. The Jewish Fund for Justice is a national not-for-profit organization "combating the causes and consequences of poverty in America."

For more information about OTOC, call Mr. Holler at 344-4401; for information about the Jewish Fund for Justice, contact Amanda Berger, Program Officer, 1-212-213-2113 or e-mail: justiceUSA@aol.com

Holocaust film creates buzz with seven Oscar nominations

by Tom Tugend

LOS ANGELES (JTA)-- Life Is Beautiful, the tragicomic fable of a Jewish father trying to shield his son from the horrors of a concentration camp, has won seven Oscar nominations.

Although other films received more nominations, the Italian Life Is Beautiful captured much of the Hollywood buzz by becoming the first movie in 30 years to be nominated for both best overall picture. and best foreign film.

Roberto Benigni, the driving force behind Life Is Beautiful, also received nominations for best director, bjjst actor and best screenplay.

In a.recent;interview with JTA, he was asked how he, a Catholic, summoned the daring to play a Jew in a concentration camp.

The usually ebullient Benigni responded soberly, • "The Holocaust belongs to everyone. I am a man, and therefore it belongs to me." \ Steven Spielberg scored in both the more-glamorous and less-noticed categories. His graphic World War II saga, Saving Private Ryan, won 11 nominations, including best picture. Spielberg was also nominated for best director.

Nominated in the documentary feature category was The Last Days, produced by Spielberg's Survivors of the Shoah Visual History Foundation.

February 19,1099

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE ';

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492-8550 FRroAY: "Shabbat Comes to You," 2 p.m.: Rabbi Stiel will lead a Shabbat service at the Blumkin Home; Early Worship Service, 5:30 p.m.: Rabbi Azriel and Jeffrey Taxman will officiate, using the Union Prayer Book.

Shabbat Family Service, 7:30 p.m. Rabbi Stiel, Cantor Blum and Dr. Michael Walts will officiate.

Special guest will be ventriloquist Mark B. Levy.

The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Morris and Diane Seidler in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their granddaughter, Sasha Skulsky.

SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available Friday evening & Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family with reservations.

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 a.m.; Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m.; Sasha Kiah Skulsky, daughter of Susan and Stephen Skulsky, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

SUNDAY: Outreach & AOL, 10 a.m. Rabbi Richard A. Freund, Issacson Professor of Judaic Studies and Director, Bethsaida Excavation : Project, University of Nebraska at Omaha, will deliver the fourth of a five-lecture series. His topic will be "What happened to the Ark of the Covenant and the Treasures of the Temple: What we can and cannot learn from Biblical Archaeology."

SISTERHOOD ADULT EDUCATION Thursday, Feb. 25: Rabbi Azriel will teach "Jewish Identity: Past, Present and Future," from 10-11:30 a.m.; Beginning Beyond Midrash, 6:507:40 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 7:50-8:45 p.m., both led by Don Schwartz.

SISTERHOOD/MEN'S CLUB Purim Pot-Luck and Costume Party Saturday, Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m. Come in costume and join Temple's Sisterhood/Men's Club in the Friedman Social Hall for a night of food, frivolity and fun. Cost is one dish to share. The theme for the evening will be Hollywood Stars/Roles. Call Temple by Monday, Feb. 22, for reservations.

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, 5:50 p.m.

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

Babysitter service courtesy of Sisterhood; Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Class with the Rabbi, 5:10 pan.; Mincha, 5:40 p.m., followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv and Havdalah.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 aan.; Mincha, 5:50 pan.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 5:50 pan.

MONDAY: Women's Lunch & Learn, 12:30 p.m. 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 at the synagogue.

WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches a Talmud class at the synagogue at 7:30 p.m.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 618 Myneter St., Council Bluffs, Iowa S1503 .

Phone:322-4705 FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Murray Frost will speak on the topic "Judaica and History displayed on postage stamps." Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy DeLand and Sandra Kurland, will follow.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN -

Member of the Union <rf American Hebrew Congregations 2061S, 20th Sfc, Lincoln, NE 68502-2797

.

Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m."

Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits.

FRTOAY: Services, 6 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush following services; the Devar Torah is given by Rabbi Myer Kripke; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 a.m.; Sitter service, 10 a.m.; Shabbat Story Time (prekindergarten and under) 11 a.m.; K'tantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 5:20 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 5:50 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

ADULT B'NAI MITZVAH CLASSES: Sessions continue on Wednesday, Feb. 24, 7:30 p.m; TALMUD TORAH SHABBAT DINNER: Friday, Feb. 26, for students in kindergarten, first and second grades and their families.

B'nai Mitzvah David Joseph Martin, son of Mark and Julie Martin, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, Feb. 27, at Temple Israel. ?

A seventh grade . honor-roll student at y Beveridge Middle ' School, he was selected for the Duke Talent Identification Program.

He enjoys basketball,

Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser.

FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. m ^ H ^ | ^ golf, pool and pingSATURDAY: Shabbat worship, 9:30 a.m.; pongTorah study, 10:30 a.m.

David has a sister, Rachel.

SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious Grandparents are Audrey Cohen, Jo and Dick School, 10 am.

Martin and Jack and Marcia Cohen. ' WEDNESDAY: Adult Education, 7:30 p.m.

THURSDAY: Choir rehearsal, 7:30 p.m.

Benjamin Edward Gerber, son of Maggie and TKEBEH|SBAE, Donald Gerber, will celMember ot the United Synagogue ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME ebrate his Bar Mitzvah , otGonservoUVeJwJaism on Saturday, Feb. 27, at 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NB 68S02 FRIDAY: Services, 7 p.m., led by Nancy and Beth Israel Synagogue. '':•:?," W•'•"?:'.!423-8589 ' '';•;'•; Sheldon rips.

A seventh-grade SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Phyllis honor student at BeverServices conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum.

Hoffman. idge Middle School, he Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 aon.

Kiddush follows every service. enjoys golf, skateboardBAR MITZVAH of Joshua David Geffen, son Each month, on the last Shabbat, there is a spe- ing and spending his of Charles Geffen and Elaine Monnier, Friday and cial Memorial Service honoring residents who summer at camp. He Saturday. have passed away during the month. was chosen among area FRHJAY: Services, 8 p.m. Oneg Shabbat hosted youth to attend a

by Charles Geffen.

Leadership Development Program sponsored by CHABAD HOUSE V'C>~ SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. Kiddush and Girls' Inc. An Affiliate or tho Worldwide V, luncheon hosted by Charles Geffen.

Cluibud-I.ubavJtcHMovement U.\; > Grandparents are Bernice Gerber and the late SATURDAY, March 6: Lunch and Learn, 12:301866 So. 120th St, Omaha, NE681«(4i Arthur "Sonny" Gerber and William T. O'Hanlon 2:30 p.m. Irv Goldenburg will speak on "Let's Be Phone:330-1800 E-MAIL-chabad<^oLi;?m and the late Margaret O'Hanlon.

Happy To Be Healthy." A dairy lunch will be served.

Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

Make reservations with the synagogue. Cost is $10 SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by for the series or $3.50 per session.

Kiddush. Mincha-Ma'ariv, 4:45 p.m., followed by Havdalah.

MONDAY through FRIDAY: Services, 7 a.m.

TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 pan.

THURSDAY: Halachah 101 Class, 8 a.m.

FRIDAY: Tot Shabbat, 7 pan.

RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Sunday and Tuesday

attheJCC. SATURDAY, Feb. 27: Purim party at the synagogue, 6 p.m.

NOTE: Saturday morning Learner's Minyans are held once a month.

PERSNICKETY PLTS • Home Pet-Sitting • House Sitting Bonded & Insured References

558-0872

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.

Pulverente > Experience \ , rJe'wl*K^;.;sring and Memorials

MONUMENT CO.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 19,1999

Editorial Celebrating Purim together The holiday of Purim is a joyous one. It commemorates the victory of the Jews of Persia over the antiSemite Hainan, who plotted to destroy them.

There are several remarkable features to this story: one is that God's name is never mentioned in the text, but "hidden" as in the name of the heroine, Esther. The fact that Esther is indeed a woman is the second highlight here. She joins a short, but powerful list of women, who have changed the course of Jewish history, like Rivka, who helped her secondborn son Yitzhak receive the blessing of the first born, and Yehudit, a heroine of the Hannukah story, who cut off the head of the Greek General Holofernes.

The third, and probably most interesting" fact about the Purim story is that the victory was not a military one. Unlike Hanukkah which does celebrate the might of a small band of Jews, the Macabees, the holiday of Purim relates the inner strength of a lone woman who manages to persuade the foolish King Achashveros to save her people.

Our man in Israel

Her faith in God and her slow, but steady calculations help her bring all the elements together in the right place, the right time and with the right information.

Itfs certainly a lesson for today. Too many tunes people act foolishly without thinking of the short-term, let alone long-term, consequences (witness our own President Clinton). Rushing to judgement and then to action often creates havoc, sometimes putting people in danger. How would the story of Purim ended, if Esther had not waited 12 years to complete her task!

The Omaha Jewish community has an opportunity to celebrate together on Tuesday, March 2 at the JCC. To fulfill the mitzvot of Purim, Jews are required to: send shaloch manot (a basket of at least two different foods) to at least two people, give funds to the poor, hear the reading of the Megillat Esther (the Scroll of Esther), and eat a Purim seudah, a festive meal.

Join us on March 2, when all the synagogues, the Jewish Federation and the Jewish Community Center sponsor the first-ever community-wide Purim Gala. ' .

AW>TH06E ARE JUSTWZ AWFULLY B S SHOES,'

Christians an "endangered species"

by Carl Alpert

Haifa - Ifuring President Clinton's trip here in December, television made quite a fuss about his visit to Bethlehem, neglecting to mention that Moslems have taken over the city, as Christians continue to emigrate. The tragic story of the Christian plight here is yet to be told in full.

Not long ago The New York Times ran a story noting that the majority of the three million or so Arabs living in the U.S. are Christians, many of them from Palestine, Lebanon and Egypt. Many made the move because they were in one way or another victims of Moslem intolerance.

Last year two West Bank Christians were granted political asylum in the U.S. on the grounds of religious persecution by the Palestine Authority.

In some places in the Moslem world, the persecution is brutal and outright. Very recently, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Moslem mobs attacked or burned 11 Christian churches, rioted and killed six'.

The London Telegraph disclosed police crackdowns on Christian Copts in Egypt, with more than 1200 arrested and subjected to torture. The Egyptian media reported t h e killing of more than 40 Christians by Moslem extremists in the past three years. ; In November, former Middle Eastern Christians in the U.S. held an international day of prayer for persecuted Christians world-wide, especially in Lebanon, Egypt, Sudan, Iraq, Iran and other Islamic states. • In our own area, the situation has not reached that degree of extremism, Jb^ut the steady emigration of Christians out of the Palestinian areas is revealing. Not long ago, t h e democratically inclined, pro-Palestinian paper, The Jerusalem Times, ran a feature story calling Christians in the

Palestinian areas an "Endangered Species", afad gave details o'f harassment, impelling more arid more Christians to heed the Moslem warning, "We do not want you Christians here." Emigration is always to the West, never to Moslem countries.

The Middle East Digest, published by the International Christian Embassy in Jerusalem, has printed numerous reports of events otherwise unreported, such as, the shooting of six Christians Arabs near Bethlehem, and their imprisonment, by the Palestinians for proclaiming their faith openly.

Many Arab converts to Christianity live like Marranos among their Moslem neighbors, out of fear of terrorism.

The Jerusalem Report gives repeated accounts of Palestinian persecution of Christians.

Of late there have been Arab raids on churches in East Jerusalem, destruction of property and the tearing down of crosses. The Christians are afraid to complain to the Israeli police out of fear of their lives from Moslem extremists.

Since Israeli forces withdrew from most of.

Hebron, the Palestinian police raided Christian churches there as part of a drive to get Christians out of the city completely. • There have been outbreaks within Israel itself, and tension continues high in the mixed MoslemChristian village of Touran. A newspaperwoman in Nazareth was stabbed. More and more the Christians find themselves a hemmed-in minority among the Moslems, and choose either to keep a stiff upper lip and refrain from antagonizing the Moslems, or emigrate. In the meantime, they lean over backwards in their open adherence to the Palestinian cause to show what reliable people they are.

Join the Women's Movement! [women's The Women's Symposium osium

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When the Moslem Waqf seized two Christian sites alongside the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, a religious conflagration was averted only through the intervention of King Hussein, who prevailed upon the Christians to give up their rights in return for occupancy of an ancient Christian church in Jordan.

Bishop Munib Younan, head of the Lutheran Evangelical Church, in a carefully worded statement paid tribute to the Palestinians, and sycophantically claimed that Eastern Christians had supported the Moslems in ridding Palestine of the Crusaders, but he then proceeded to list complaints against the Moslem educational system which implants prejudice against Christians from an early age.

With rare exceptions, this kind of news seldom makes headlines, and most of the Christian world prefers to see and hear nothing.

Letter to the Editoi To the Editor: Thank you very much for printing the article "Ex-prisoners of Zion fighting for their pensions and their dignity," on Jan. 8.

Nothing has changed and now we have to wait for the new Knesset. If there will be something new, 111 let you know. We'll be in touch.

Best regards to Shirley Goldstein.

Vladimir Slepak Israel {Editor's note: Shirley Goldstein was instrumental in helping Vladimir Slepak emigrate t o Israel during the Free Soviet Jewry Campaign.)

CETTHE SCOOP ON JEWISH O M A H A AT

Sunday, April .18,1999 iLOCKSMITIIS

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

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

The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication.

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Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Franket Rocky Stern Sales representatives Jenina E. Sadofsky Bookkeeper Jen Gatea Production Assistant George Schaplro Volunteer

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 right to edit letters and articles for space and content.

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

February 19,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

Balance in the court

by David Eliezrie and Yitzchok Adlerstein

In a post-impeachment landscape cluttered with the fallen, one proud victor emerges—the Constitution did what it was supposed to do.

The President of the United States, arguably the most powerful figure in the world, came close to being removed from office for violating the trust of his position. Our constitutional strategies for preventing abuse~and corruption of those strategiesare alive and well. Our checks and balances, the provisions that prevent any one branch of government from exceeding its mandate, proved their •worth.

No such luck in Israel. We Americans look to the judicial to interpret the law, and to legislatures to make it. Aharon Barak, Chief Justice of the Israeli Supreme Court, has found a way to do both at the same time.

Justice Barak wrote in 1992 that "in my eyes, the world is filled with law. Every human behavior is subject to a legal norm. Even when a certain type of activity—such as friendship or subjective thoughts-is ruled by the autonomy of the individual will, the autonomy exists because it is recognized by law." No American could hope to win a judicial appointment by arguing that every human activity, including the most personal and private ones, are subject to the oversight of law. Big Brother in judicial garb is still Big Brother.

It should come as no surprise, then, that between two and three hundred thousand religious Israelis (depending on which estimates you believe) gathered on last Sunday in a day of prayer concerning the excesses of the Supreme Court. This event, uniting abnost every segment of the religious public, gave voice to the frustration of a public tired of a judicial activism that is not tolerated in any Western democracy. Far from threatening the fabric of Israeli democracy, if actually calls for the addition of a good deal more cloth to it.

For while Chief Justice Barak happily churns our new policies from his bench, a disproportionate part of his activism is aimed at redefining the Jewishness of the Jewish state to agree more with his devoutly secular tastes. . ..-'•.

While the 1992 Basic Laws recognized Israel's commitment to both Judaism and democracy, Barak managed to transpose the former neatly into the latter."

"The basic values of Judaism are the values of the state," Barak said. "I mean the values of love of man, the sanctity of life, social justice, doing what is good and just, protecting human dignity."

Barak lists all the dividends that Judaism contributed to the world, but convincingly robs it of its soul, the practices that Jews lived and died for. No mention here of Torah, the Sabbath, or the laws of kashrut or any of the observances that kept Jews focused on their mission. By Barak's definition, Thomas Jefferson was a model Jew. Many of Israel's well-wishers around the world, at least those with a sense of history, recognize the need for a Jewish state to correct the millennia of horrors inflicted upon the Jewish people. Barak would strip the state of its spiritual legacy, the very notion that gave birth to it.

The inhabitants of the present state are far more traditional in their religious attitudes that their cousins in the United States, and have traditional views of what a Jewish state should look life, which is more today's Jerusalem than Monticello.

So how does Barak get away with yanking as traditional Judaism from under their feet?

Simple...in America, the President nominates justices of the Supreme Court, but the Senate must approve these appointments. This assures the inclusion of a variety of points of view, and careful consideration of the credentials of candidates who will wield great power over the public.

No such process exists,in Israel. A committee of nine, including the President of the Supreme Court, two other justicies, two members of the Knesset, the Minister of Justice, and other representatives of the legal community make the choice.

In other words, it's an inside jcb. There are ho hearings,nor does the public have the opportunity to review the record and legal philosophy of the candidates. A liberal secular elite continues a selfserving tradition of choosing candidates from within its own ranks, within its own ranks.

The committee was tolerant and inclusive enough to appoint an Arab justice, but cannot find even a single Sephardic justice (the Sephardim, descendants of North African Jews, are the majority of Israel's population).

The real focus on Sunday's demonstration was riot inequity regarding population groups, but the very nature of the Jewish state. When the court was formed a half-century ago, one of the original six justices came from the religiously traditional community, with the intention of inviting the contribution of Jewish law, the oldest continuously practiced system of law known to man. By now, the number of justices has doubled, but a single religious seat remains.

The observant public watches as the Court chips away at the religious status quo that served well to keep Israel simultaneously democratic and Jewishly defined for more than half a century. The "Status Quo" was the agreement established by Ben Gurion and supported by every government since. It was based on finding common ground that could be supported by both secular and religious.

The political left's attempts to dismantle this contract were never achieved in the Knesset, Barak's, court accomplished the same goal by flat! It is, not surprising that Ha'aretz columnist, Amnon Danker; warned that the willingness of the Court tp...qyer-l rule the decisions of the legislative and executive, branch of government and enter into policy-makers areas is "judicial imperialism." ;.-,.;, The reactions to Sunday's prayer gathering^e^e, equally disconcerting. Civil Service Commissioner.

Shmuel Hollander initially barred all government employees, including the Chief Rabbis, from attending the rally. Attending the opposing protest,, however, was held to be legal, and actually encouraged in some ministries. , , . .'

Instead of seeking ways to find compromise and understanding on the issues, voices like Prof. Ariel Procaccia, Dean of the Law School at Hebrew University, were heard from throughout the secular legal elite. He called on the government to cease all funding to Orthodox institutions because they had the audacity to exercise their freedom of speech and protect against the Court's rulings publicly. . ; Important changes are needed. Some 30%-of the Israeli public considers itself observant. The number of justices must be increased to reflect this con.-. stituency. Judges on the Supreme Court as well as the lower courts need to expand their knowledge of Jewish legal sources and case law. Finally, the process of nominating judges should be opened up for public review and comment.

If these measures are not implemented, it is not just a runaway court that Israelis will have to deal with. As opinionated and argumentative as they can be, in the final analysis, Israelis run their country through compromise. Barak's imposition of his own way of looking at things may succeed in divided the country against itself. Justice for all will be seriously endangered, along with the state itself.

Rabbi David Eliezrie is the director of the National Conference of Jewish and Contemporary Law. Rabbi Yitzchok Adlerstein directs the Jewish Studies Institute and teaches Jewish law at Loyola University Law School in Los Angeles. .

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

United Way of the Midlands

February 19,1999

LANDSCAPING

A Celebration of Community

Organizations

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English FURNACE 95 as a second language for new Americans starts at CLEANING 10 a.m. Come exercise with Michelle Streif, a HERE'S WHAT WE DOu •Vcuum Clean Burner, Certified Personal Trainer and Fitness Instructor • Clean Heat Chambfdar w.

Dft DrKttf^ffi£ and Older Adult Fitness-Specialist, at 10:15 in the adult lounge. All are welcome! Or try your luck at Mention this ad bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10:30. Bring articles to and receive share for the "YES Talk" discussion group at 11.

10% Discount Following a hot kosher lunch at noon, come stomp MONTEMARANO your feet to Irish dancing. For transportation, call LANDSCAPES, INC. 330-4272.

Make reservations by Feb. 22 for the Annual 399-9191 Purim Party on Monday, March 1. Cost is $5.

Entertainment by the Dancing Grannies. Call Maggie at 334-5621.

WALK-IN, DROP-IN , Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. English as a second language for new Americans starts at 10 a.m.; exercise with Michelle at 10:15; bingo starts at 10:30. Bring a dairy sack lunch to eat at 11:30. At noon, come enjoy the movie The Mask ofT-oTTo in the Blumkin Home auditorium.

For transportation, call 330-4272.

VISIONS Reminder: March 1 is the deadline for membership dues. Please mail your check payable to Sthollman's Visions in the amount of $5 per person to: Visions, Beautiful Decorative c/o Selma Sadofsky, 7092 Charles Street, Omaha Cabinet, Door & NE 68132.

Bath Hardware BREADBREAKERS Supply Breadbreakers will meet Wednesday at noon in HOURS: Mon-Fri 8-5; Sat 8-noon the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home conference room.

Schollman's your personal hardware consultant Scott Bresler will discuss the parsha of the week.

Cost for lunch is $7. You are welcome to bring a 593-9210 8425 "F" St. (across from Acura) non-member as your guest. '

Blumkin Home residents receive new electric beds

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Shelley Cash, Director of Nursing, and Paul Roth, Maintenance staff, reattach a head board to one of the new electric beds.

: Thanks to the generosity of the Livingston Foundation, former L.O.V.E. funds, Greene Family contribution, and the Home Discretionary Funds, all residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home will get new fully-electronic beds.

It was definitely a team effort given to the first 58 beds that arrived thiB month. Of the remaining 61 beds due, 17 will be only seven inches off the ground for those individuals suffering from some form of dementia.

Residents will now have the capability to adjust their beds to their own liking. Whether its sitting up in bed to watch late night T.V. or raising their feet, the choice will be their own. When staff need AMIT WOMEN Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue to either transfer a resident or reposition them, a will speak to Amit Women about Purim at the lun- push of the button is all that is necessary. cheon meeting on Sunday, Feb. 28, 12:30 p.m., at Shelley Cash stated, "The frail elderly truly the Livingston Plaza Club Room. Cost is $5. For deserve these new beds." reservations, call Beverly Franklin at 334-7365, or; Cash was able to save the Home money by disMarion Strauss at 558-2646. covering the current head and foot boards could be The annual Mother-Father in Israel Brunch will placed on the new beds.

Resident Helen Brodkey said, "The Livingston honor Jeanette Nadoff on Sunday, May 16, at Beth Israel. Chairmen are Ida and Eiol Mann and Sara Foundation, et'al, gave every resident an electric bed. What a life! I am truly enjoying mine."

Landsman.

Talent show at Swanson Elementary School Several Jewish children recently shared their talents with friends and family at the Swanson Elementary School Talent Show.

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February 19,1699

by Bert Lewis Are you one of those people who are easily sidetracked? You know what I mean. . .you start to do something and get distracted and before you know it, you've almost forgotten the original project.

That's a good description of me. . .I'm very easily side-tracked.

I can give you a quick example, because I just "lost" the better part of an hour while looking for something. I wanted to search for something in my files, which is already somewhat distracting. That's because my so-called files aren't so neatly organized. Nevertheless, all my stuff is there and even if it's in disorder, eventually I find what I want.

The search today involved many old columns I've written over the years and which were printed in the Press. I wanted a particular one and began to hunt for it, stopping to read each one almost from start to finish. It was an exercise that left me in a strange mood, mostly feeling sentimental. The reason? Well, because the subject matter of so many of them was family.

Sure, I've written a lot about other stuff, such as the weather. I've written often about new inventions and everything I know (not much) about computers. I've written about changing times in the synagogue and in the schools. But, I'm certain I've written more about family than any other subject.

Seemingly thousands of words about my growing up years, the influence of my parents and grandparents and of my only sibling, my older brother.

I've told countless stories about the way things were when I was a child, and how my devoted parents strived to make everything more than good.

I've recalled holidays at the tables of my grandparents, from the memories of the food to the length of time of a seder (which depended on Zada's degree of hunger). I've described the height of Boba's sponge cake, while remembering it was that tall from hand beating, not electricity.

I've told about the succah constructed every fall, and how it always rained while we begged to "eat with Zada in the succah." I've told about visiting Zada's second-hand store, filled with unusual stuff,

much of which was coveted by my brother and me.

And always urged by Zada to nem, nem, I've written about my uncles'and aunts, all of whom were adored pals. I recalled many things learned from them, not because anyone said "do it like, this," but because my brother and I loved to hang around them, and we watched every move!

Probably, most of the words have been written about my Mom and Dad, words which involve my earliest and fondest memories. I've told about the pride my Mom took in creating the best home for her family. The kitchen was her domain, and with the most rudimentary implements, she could make magic. The arrival of the refrigerator was a major event, which meant previously unheard of goodies.

She devoured information from any and every source, or "how to do" anything new and different.

And after she read about it, or looked at it, she could do it or make it. She was an extraordinary lady. The other person always came first with her, whether it was my Dad or her kids or the stranger who needed help. No wonder 3he was my subject in so many columns.

Then there was my Dad. . .what a guy! He, too, was the subject for who-knows-how-many words.

I've remembered his love of baseball, doughnuts, babies, sports cars, politics and government, tzedaka, and just plain decency. He loved meticulous grooming and elegant clothing, and always wore a new white tie for yomtov. In retrospect, the list of things he loved should have begun with my Mom, because he adored her.

When I think about all of this, I can better understand-why I've written so many words about family. No matter what else there is to talk about or to be interested in, what can matter more to any of us than our dear ones?

I never did find the paper I was looking for, but I'm glad I re-read so much of my old work. Even the columns I wrote after the death of each of my parents. . .they were hard to read, but after all, they were hard to write.

As I said, I'm easily distracted.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Births Ted and Nancy Feidman announce the Jan. 22 birth of their daughter, Whitney Jane. Whitney is named after her grandfather, the late Walter Feidman. Her middle name has been passed down through the generations, starting with Nancy's great-great-grandmothers, Sarah Jane and Viola Jane.

Additional grandparents are Mildred Feidman of Omaha, Joseph and Judith Konen of New York, NY, and Susan and Jeff Lively of Omaha.

Great-grandmothers are Marian Konen of Glenview, IL, a n d Dorothy Schmidt of St. Petersburg, FL. John and Wendy Vann of Omaha announce the Feb. 6 birth of their daughter, Cecelia Judith. They also have a son, Jake, 2.

Grandparents are Howard and Judy Vann of Omaha and Steve and Rita Hughes of Syracuse, N.Y. Great-grandparents are Freida Milder of Port Hueneme, CA, Cecelia Baron of Colonia, N.J., and Virginia Hughes, also of Syracuse.

Lisa and David Cohen of Wheeling, IL, announce the Feb. 10 birth of their daughter, Ashley Ann. Grandparents are Cookie and Jerry Hoberman of Omaha and Edie and Al Cohen of Buffalo Grove, IL. Great-grandparents are Pauline Hoberman of Omaha and Gertie Shorr of Chicago.

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Jewish l'ress, Omaha, NE

February 19,1999

Albert Fox bequest perpetuates his generosity

by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Libert Fox was a quiet man according to those wh: knew him best. But when he died in 1997, he made a significant innact on the lives of the residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. He left the Blumkin Home a bsquest of $75,000.

"The gift, will be used to perpetuate the future for the Jewish elderly," said Barbara Gottlieb, director of the Home. "I had the opportunity to share some happy occasions with Al Fox," she added. "He was a very kind and generous man."

Helen Shukert, "a very good friend" of Al Fox, agreed with Gottlieb. "There wasn't a kinder man or a more generous man," she said.

Fox's wife of 45 year3, Esther, who died in 1993, had been chairman at one time of the LOVE program, at the Blumkin Home. "They were very devoted to one another," said Ruth Fox, who is married to Al Fox's brother, Harold.

Esther was very involved in the LOVE program, Ruth explained. Al would take Esther there and visit with residents himself while Esther did her volunteer work. .

After his wife died, Al continued to be involved in the welfare of Blumkin Home residents through his friendship with Helen Shukert.

"He was a very philanthropic man even before he died," according to Shukert and Ruth Fox. He was alsoa Mason, a Shriner, "a staunch supporter of IJadassah," and active in the Jewish Federation, said Shukert.

Although originally from Council Bluffs, Al Fox lived most of his life in Omaha.

He owned Omaha Gear and Parts prior to retiring. In addition to the Blumkin Home, he left charitable gifts to the Jewish Federation and the B'nai Israel congregation in Council Bluffs.

'•• .

Marty Ricks, Endowment Director of The Jewish Federation Foundation, noted that "the names of Albert Fox and Esther Fox are permanently memorialized on The Foundation's honor Wall of Recognition located to the left as you come in the main JCC entrance. Their names and the others on the plaques have created legacies that make this community so vibrant."

The Holy Society (Continued from page 1) Kadishe's last training and A Plain Pine Box, from the Jewish community of Minneapolis Rabbi Kutner also has manuels available for Chevra Kadishe procedures.

Jewish Family Service also published a brochure in English and in Russian, explaining the procedures. It is available by calling JFS, 334-6-J91.

"The mitzvah is done for the sake of chesed, kindness," said Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El, whose synagogue requires tahara for burial in Beth El Cemetery, as does Beth Israel.

"The whole concept of dealing with a dead body seems scary," the rabbi added, "but it does give one an opportunity for reflection on life.

"Just as we have volunteers who make up the Chevra Kadishe, we also have volunteers at Beth El who are available to make a minyan for a funeral," Rabbi Drazen said.

As to new volunteers, Rabbi Drazen noted that there are several requirements—"flexibility, since one does not know when the call will come for a tahara"--and "acknowledging the importance of this mitzvah."

Each cemetery has its own rules of burial; before purchasing a plot, one should become familiar with those requirements, urged Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel.

"Jews should not be afraid to make arrangements in advance," Rabbi Azriel said, adding that "visiting various cemeteries, buying a plot, speak-

ing to the rabbi about burial practices are all important steps that shouldn't be made while the family is grieving."

He also emphasized "simplicity and dignity" in the burial practices and funeral itself.

Every Confirmation Class at Temple Israel is asked to write his or her own obituary, as part of the unit on Jewish death and dying. .

"What these students think of themselves when they reflect into the future and then back on the possibilities of their lives is a perfect opportunity to discuss this subject," Rabbi Azriel added.

He would like to see more community discussions on this subject, as well.

One member of the Chevra Kadishe said, "Having been through this personally with the death of members of my own family, I took great comfort knowing that others were taking care of the tahara.

"Today, I walk away with a good feeling and wish more people would get involved with this mitzvah."

To learn more about the Chevra Kadishe or the Jewish ritual of tahara, contact any of the synagogue rabbis: Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel, 556-6536; Rabbi Paul Drazen of Beth El Synagogue, 492-8550; or Rabbi Howard Kutner of Beth Israel Synagogue, 556-6288.

In Lincoln, call Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum of Tifereth Israel; 423-8569. ..•.-.

Leon and Dani Shrago to be honored The OU, in conjunction with its Youth Division, NCSY, will present the King David Medallion for Leadership in Industry Statesmanship and Community Service to Leon and Dani Shrago on March 14, 5-9 p.m., at the Doubletree Hotel. The Shragos are being honored for the many contributions they have made both in their professional and personal lives.

In recognition of this tribute, several Nebraska politicians are attending, including Governor Mike Johanns, Mayor Hal Daub and Jesse Rasmussen, former Director of Health and Human Services.

Cost is $40 per person. Additionally, a commemorative journal is being.produced.

For more information, call Joannie Collens at NCSY (toll free) 1-877-801-8389.

The OU is a foremost leader in youth, advocacy for the disabled, synagogue services, adult education and political action. Its kosher supervision label, the circle U Symbol, is the world's most recognized kosher symbol, and can be found on over 200,000 products in 56 countries worldwide.

NCSY is one of the largest and most dynamic Jewish youth movements in the world, offering a broad array of social and educational programs.

According to A.Y. Weinberg, Midwest Regional Director, "For over 40 years, NCSY has been effective in teaching good citizenship and inspiring youth to live ethical and moral lives."

Funds raised at the dinner will go towards youth programs in Omaha.

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-February 19,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9

In the News

Center

—

Building in progress

All About Omaha, a new, non-profit organization by and for Omahans in their 20's and early 30's, has planned a recruitment event on Saturday, "What's a Nice Jewish Girl Like Me Doing in a Feb. 20, 8 p,m.-l a.m., at R.J. Grinn's in the Job Like This? Possibilities and Challenges of a Doubletree Hotel at 16th and Dodge St. Jewish New Testament Scholar" is the title of The organization was created to unite young Amy-Jill Levine's presentation at Nebraska Omahans through social networking and civic comWesleyan University on Thursday, Feb. 25, mitment. Dana Cohn is president.

1 pan., in the McDonald Theater. .

Director of the Carpenter Program in Religion, Dr. Ben Kutler has relocated his practice, Gender and Sexuality at Vanderbilt University, Regency Dental General and Cosmetic Dentistry, to Prof. Levine.brings an interpretation of her under- 260 Regency Parkway Dr., Suite 260. standing of Jewish traditions and women's experiences to the history of early Chrisidanity.. ./_.

Sarah Lynne Kaiman, a junior at the The lecture is sponsored by the Swan Lectures ; University of Nebraska at Lincoln, has co-founded and Forum of Nebraska Wesleyan, the Harris a' new Jewish organization on the university camCenter; for. Jewish Studies at the University of- pus called the "Jewish Student Association.''

Nebraska-Lincoln, and the Cotner Lecture Funds She is the daughter of Barry G. Kaiman of in the UNL Foundation, among others.

Northridge, CA, formerly of Omaha, and grandThe lecture is the opening event of a three-part daughter of Ann R. Kaiman of Omaha. series, which includes "Messages of Hate in Texts of Love: the Gospels and Anti-Judaism," on Feb. The Leukemia Society of America, which is 25, 7:30 p.m., at UNL's Great Plains Library, and celebrating 50 years of excellence in research and "The Gospels: A Living Text or a Pretext" at the patient service, held its first annual gala, South Street Temple on Friday, Feb. 26,8 a.m.

"Diamonds and Decadence," on Feb. .11. More than Cost is $3 for breakfast. Reservations may be $35,000 was raised to help find a cure for leukemia made by calling Cotner College, 474-3207. and its related diseases. In addition to a silent auction, consisting of baskets donated by area merHamantaschen bakers needed chants, the highlight of the evening was an aucThe kitchen of Congregation B'nai Jeshuran will tion. Four area oncologists served as auctioneers. be the site of the annual Hamantaschen Baking Among them was Dr. Bruce Gordon, representParty on Wednesday, Feb. 24, at 7 p.m. ing the field of pediatric hematology/oncology from All supplies and ingredients will be provided but UNMC. bakers and helpers are needed.

Honorary Chairs were Gov. and Mrs. Mike The reading of the Megillah will take place on Johanns and Sen. Bob Kerrey (in absentia). Tracy Monday, March 1, 6:30 p.m., at B'nai Jeshuran, Madden served as Mistress of Ceremonies. and at 7 p.m. at Tifereth Israel, followed by an ice cream social.

Shayna Flatowicz of Omaha, a student at Carnivals are scheduled, for Sunday, Feb. 28, Hastings College, recently qualified her forensics noon to 2:30 p.m., at Tifereth Israel, and program of oral interpretation and dramatic interSunday, March 1,1 p.m., at B'nai Jeshuran. pretation for national competition.

Vanderbilt University professor to speak at Nebraska Wesleyan

YES/Oldtimers Review By the time this review appears,' there will be light from the dark year Bill Clinton has endured as to whether or not the remainder of his presidency is secure. No other headsplitting controversy has aroused opposing views as has the impeachment proceedings. Whatever the result, America marches on.

Additional items at the Early Bird discussion included the funeral of Jordan's King Hussein and the turbulent times of his reign; Medicare HMO's cutting back coverage oh the poor and elderly; the admission of Deutsche Bank AG (German's largest bank) disclosing it had funded the construction of the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz.

Three of the four concrete walls are up and ready for the steel framing of the Philip Sokolof Health and Fitness Center. Located east of the current Jewish Community Center gym, the new fitness center will offer expanded services, additional weight-training machines and a state-of-the-art running track.

by Art Grossman

And a provocative article riti Parade magazine disclosed the informal vote by more than 100,000 Americans selected five women who could be president: Hillary Rodham Clinton, Elizabeth Dole, Sen. Diane Feinstein, Lt. Gen. Claudia Kennedy, and New Jersey Governor Christine Todd Whitman.

ADL-CRC Director Bob Wolfson was our after lunch speaker with an update of the agency's activities.

We paused in reverent silence in memory of Lou Hurwitz, Leon Frankel, Valerie Carp and Hubert Monsky.

Join us at a Purim Party on March 1. Cost is $5. Call .Maggie Conti, 334-6521, for reservations.

Mr. and Mrs. Leon Shrago will be awarded The King David Medallion for Leadership in Industry Statesmanship and Community Service

by The Greater Midwest Region of the OU in conjunction with its Youth Division, NCSY

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February 19,1999

Ben Katchor, The Jew of New York Review by Oliver B. Pollak

Ben Katchor is a cartoonist for the Forward •where his series "Julius Knipl, Real EBtate Photographer* has gathered a loyal following.

Cartoons have to be treated seriously, as the recent animation of Moses Prince of Egypt suggests. They reflect popular and intellectual culture.

Katchor has gone back to 1820's New York and provides about 100 pages of cartoons in his own characteristic black, gray and white style. His ren- • dition of broadsides and advertisements from the 1820's for medical cures, restaurant menus, and stockings, look like genuine reproductions. Then you realize that they have the quality of an April Fool's joke.

He has woven several humorous stories together.

While the stories are unlikely, Katchor's imagination and talent prompts the reader or viewer to1, temporarily suspend disbelief.

The stories include turning Lake Erie into a giant soda-water source, the Indians being one of the original tribes of Israel, teaching Hebrew to Indians, obsessions with the New York stage, and Jews transporting 2,500 beaver pelts to market. : Katchor's tongue-in-cheek humor is wry. If you want a good chortle, this book is for you. A copy is available in the Jewish Federation Library.

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CORRECTION Funds for the art therapy program at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are from the "Sara Rose Woskoff Arts and Crafts Resource Fund," according to Scott Woskoff, son of the late Mrs. Woskoff, and Marty Ricks, Executive Director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

The information was inadvertently omitted from the Feb. 12 story, Art as Therapy, in the Jewish Press.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

Boys Town Jerusalem gets ready for Purim AKA5AKA (Established 1971)

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Sgt. Asaf Gerafi prepares to distribute Purim treats to fellow Boys Town graduates wounded in the Israel Defense Forces.

JERUSALEM-In anticipation of the Purim holi- day, Boys Town Jerusalem students decorated their classrooms and dormitories and wrapped prizes that were later awarded to classmates in various Purim-related contests held during the holiday "carnival."

A special highlight was when Michael Lamm, an eighth grader, who only recently arrived from the Ukraine with_no-knowledge of Hebrew or-Jewish traditions, competed with over 220 Israeli students and won second prize in the Laws and Customs of Purim quiz.

UAHC releases Sing out for Justice

Shari's Passover Surprise re-issued in memory of Shari Lewis

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A special holiday video, starring Shari Lewis, the A collection of contemporary and traditional 12-time Emmy Award winning children's entersocial justice songs has just been released by the tainer, has been re-issued by Youngheart music in Union of American Hebrew Congregations, featur- memory of the entertainer who dedicated her life ing many- of the -artists -who made- these songs- "' txrwholeBOTnerfamily entertainment. famous. .

Shari's Passover Surprise features her puppet The. recording captured the once-in-a-lifetime pals Lamb Chop, Charlie Horse and Hush Puppy, concert of Peter Yarrow (of Peter, Paul and Mary) along with guest stars Alan Thicke, Dom DeLuise with his daughter, Bethany, as well as Debbie and Robert Guillaume. The hour-long video celeFriedman, Doug Cotler, and the duo Kol B'Seder, brates Passover with a traditional seder and such among others at the 1997 UAHC Biennial original songs as "I Love Matzah" and Why is This Convention in Dallas. In addition, Theodore Bikel Night?" as well as the story of the ten plagues and and the*group Beged Kefet contributed studio the Exodus from Egypt. recordings to Sing Out for Justice.

The video previously won a Parent's Choice A.portion of the proceeds will be used to benefit Approval Award and the Television Movie Award the Religious Action Center in Washington, CD. for Best Religious Production.

The CD is available for $25; the cassette is $18 and The video retails for $14.95 and may be purcan be ordered by calling the UAHC toll-free at 1- chased by calling Youngheart Music at 1-800-444888-489-UAHC (8242) . or at its website: 4287 or by visiting their website: http://www.uahcpress.com ; http://www.youngheartmusic.coin

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

February ^ 9,1999

Davis Institute presents the Brain Gym Joyce J. Swanson, a consultant and counselor, will be the featured speaker at the annual Davis Family Institute for Jewish Educators, Monday evening, Feb. 22, 7:30 p.m. in the Jewish Community Center Conference Room.

An adjunct professor at Creighton University, Swanson is also a certified massage therapist who gives workshops on learning styles, the "ambidextrous brain" and improving decision making.

Her presentation on "The Brain Gym" is based on a series on "simple and enjoyable moments we use with our students...to enhance their wholebrain learning." The purpose of the exercises is to "reduce the stress of information processing and bring back the natural joy of learning."

According to Swanson, educators have traditionally addressed failure by creating programs to motivate, reinforce, drill or entice students to learn. However, some1 learners seem to "do better" than others. "The Brain Gym" seems to offer solutions to change learning and behavior as children discover how to receive the

UJA offers unique missions

by Pam Monsky, Federation.Communications Director

Heritage Mission for active seniors

The United Jewish Appeal (UJA) National Heritage Mission for mature travelers will take place in Israel from Sept. 27-Oct. 11. This mission is a wonderful opportunity for those over the age of 55 to visit Israel in an extremely relaxed manner with top class accommodations.

First time or repeat visitors will see Israel in a new light.

This special 14-day trip to Israel costs $3,099 per person from New York, based on double occupancy.

The price includes round-trip airfare to and from New York, deluxe Joyce J. Swanson hotel accommodations, luxury bus information from teachers and transportation, expert guides transexpress themselves simultaneously. fers, programs and most meals.

The Davis Family Institute is fund- Mission participants will stay in ed by Pennie Z. lj)avis for educators Tel Aviv, Tiberias, a Dead Sea in area religious schools and the Resort and Jerusalem.

Friedel Jewish A|bademy. Monday's Highlights of the mission include program, however, is open to all the Old City of Jerusalem; the teachers in the community at no mingling of Jews and Arabs, Old charge.

Jaffa and festive Tel Aviv; the For more information or to make a inspiring fortress of Masada; Israeli reservation, pleaife contact Michael home hospitality, and Shabbat at Linn, 334-0517. the Western Wall.

Motorcycle Mission full of adventure Are you ready? Set? Then grab your motorcycle and take off on the adventure of a lifetime! Motorcycle enthusiasts who own their own bikes can spend nine days with the wind in their hair as they ride through the desert sands exploring the wonders that both Israel and Jordan have to offer.

The UJA Motorcycle Mission to Israel; May 9-18, will visit the sites off the beaten track that can only be reached on foot or on bike. Participants will travel the winding roads through Israel and Jordan, Petra and Jerusalem, and the lush Galilee.

Cost of this Mission is $3,425 per person, based on double occupancy, and includes round trip airfare from New York, deluxe hotels, entrance fees, guide and most meals. The cost of shipping and insuring a bike is not included. ....-• For more information about the Mission for Active Seniors or the Motorcycle Mission, contact the Federation office at 334-8200, or log on to: wwwoewishoinaha.org and click on "Missions,"

How to post events on the community calendar The Jewish Press publishes a monthly calendar of events sponsored by the Jewish Federation, Centers of E><bellence, synagogues. Jewish organizations and others. To be included in the calendar, send your typed list of events (including day, date, time and location) to: Marlene Hert, JFO, 333 So. 132 St., Omaha, NE,, 68154, by the 12th of each month for the following month. No changes will be accepted after that date! For yoipi activities, the monthly listing is due on the third Thursday of each month and may be sent directly to the Press office by fax: 334-5422. For more information, contact Marlene Hert, 334-6437 at the JFO or Maureen LaPour at the Press office, 334-6449.

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