Jewish Press SPECIAL PASSOVER ISSUE Vol.LXXVI
No. 28
'&£?• v Nisan, 5750
March 26,1999
stained glass window from an area synagogue that was recently purchased for the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society. See story on page 61. Sife ;
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
"Through Golden Eyes" This year's Passover issue is dedicated to Abe It's nearly time for Passover and yet another issue of the Jewish Press has been 'put to bed' as Baker, consummate businessman and founder of it's said in newspaper lingo. This year's special Baker's Supermarkets, who died in January at the issue is entitled, "Through Golden Eyes" and is age of 95. Certainly he would have been featured in based on the personal stories of dozens, of Our more ..this,issue, but his illness precluded an interview. 'senior' members of the Jewish community.in The photos below, courtesy of the Baker family and Baker's Supermarkets, illustrate a few of the many Omaha, Council Bluffs and Lincoln. Readers will discover hidden talents, harrowing highlights of his life. Not pictured are Abe Baker's escapes, business adventures, and family histories son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Sonya Baker, in this, the 20th annual Passover issue. Some told and daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jim their own stories, others were interviewed by our Krasne, and their children. An issue this size cannot be published without dependable team of free-lance writers: Diane Axler Baum, Jill Belmont, Jessica Hasslinger, Joanie considerable help. In addition to our core of outside Jacobsori, Mark Levy, Bert Lewis, Joan K. Marcus, writers, praise is due to our Advertising Manager Patricia Newman, Shana Novak, Courtney Rabb, Larry Axelrod, who yet again broke his previous Claudia Sherman and Martin Wolf..We hope read- sales record. Thanks also to our long-time outside ers will enjoy these stories as much as our writers salespeople Barbara Frankel and Rocky Stern, who surprassed their records, too. enjoyed writing them!
As always, the wonderfully creative ads in this issue were created by Managing Editor Maureen LaPour, along with page production at our printer, the Times Publishing Company of Papillion. She was assisted by our part-time production assistant, Jen Gates, a senior at Millard North. New to our staff is Jenina Sadofsky, a full-time accounting student at Metropolitan Community College. As our bookkeeper, we are grateful for her expertise in billing and keeping track of the more than 300 ads which appear in this 72-page issue, Additional thanks are due to our devoted proofreader, volunteer George Schapiro. His story is featured in this issue, too. On behalf of the Jewish Committee, we wish our readers and advertisers a happy, healthy Passover! Carol Katzman, Editor Steve Levinger, Chairman
In memoriam: Abe Baker, 1904-1999
Above: Abe Baker, center, received the Kotary Club's Free Enterprise Award in 1988; from left, Jack and Judy Baker, Abe Baker, Betsy Baker-Heyman, Richard Heyman and Tom Baker. Below: This 1965 photo shows Abe as an ardent horseback rider.
Abe Baker as a young paperboy
Wedding of Helen and Abe Baker, 1927
Chag Pesach Samayach! May each, cup of Passover ivine befilled with sweetness during this holiday season; may you and your family ' ' , be blessed with happiness and good health year after year. The Jewish Press Committee and Staff THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920)
The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail <gshpress@aol.com>
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Sieve Levinger Chairman Carol Katzman Edilor-in-Chiel Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stern Soles representatives Jenina E. Sadofsky Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro Volunteer
JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tiphauer, 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. The Jewish Press is not responsible for the Kashruth of any product or establishment.
March 26,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
In the spirit of the Passover season, we wish for all a world of peaces
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Paged
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
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Three Generations from Jewish Stones One Generation Tells Another "Retold by Peninnah Schram, adapted by Claudia.Sherman
Once there was an old man. He lived with his only son and his son's wife. The old man had a pleasant and comfortable life. He had his own room where he could study and a place to keep all his books. The old man's son and his wife treated the elderly man with respect and kindness. As it commands in the Bible, the young couple honored "the face of the old man." Before long, there was a grandchild. The old man took great pleasure in the ':;• child who would sit on his Zayda's lap • and listen to his stories. At meal times, the family would always gather round the dining table and eat together. They talked of many things anc shared the laughter of happy moments as well as serious thoughts. As the years went by, the old man's hands began to shake with the advancement of age. Eventually, as the trembling grew worse, he would spill his tea or accidentally drop a plate, which would . shatter on the floor. Little by little, the old man's son grew more and more and more impatient with his father. One evening, as the family sat at the dinner table, the old man dropped his soup spoon on his plate. It broke, splashing soup on the tablecloth and on the old man's clothes. His son angrily threw down his spoon and jumped to his feet. He shouted at his father, "If you can't eat without making a mess and breaking our dishes, you'll have to eat alone in your room!" •
The next day, the son placed a wooden table in his father's room. He covered it with an old sheet for a
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tablecloth. At meal time, he brought his father's food to him on a wooden plate. The old man did not say a word. He ate his meals in silence with his head drooped over the wooden plate. Occasionally, a tear rolled down his wrinkled face. One day, when the son came home from his day of work, he noticed that his young child was busily carving something. \ "Well, my boy, what are you working on so carefully?" asked the father. "I'm making a plate out of wood all by myself," replied the little boy. "A plate out of wood?" inquired the father. "Whats it for? We have plenty of dishes in the cupboards." "I know we do, .father," answered the youngster respectfully. "But I'm making this plate for you for when you grow old like Zayda and your hands begin to shake. Then I'll have this wooden plate all ready to bring to you in your room." The bo/s father suddenly felt a flash of shame. He quickly went to his own father's room and satdown next to the elderly man. "Please forgive me, father," he begged with his head bowed. "Forgive me for not showing you the respect you deserve." And the younger man cried. Of course, the older man forgave his son." That evening, the family all sat together at the dining table for dinner. The grandfather sat at the head of the table in the chair of honor.
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Page 5
A born homemaker by Joan K. Marcus
When Frieda Adler Elewitz was a little girl, she would come home from school and find that her mother, Stisha, had made sweet rolls. She always saved a piece of sweet dough for little Frieda to shape into a roll of her own choosing. After the delicious roll was baked, Frieda would spread icing on it and then refused to let anyone in the family eat the roll. This was her own creation and she would savor the way it looked and smelled. She decided as a small child that she wanted to be a homemaker and cook. Frieda was born in Omaha in 1910. Her parents, Stisha and Louis Adler, lived on 24th and Pierce Street. She and her three sisters, who are no longer living, attended Lake School. Frieda went on to graduate from Technical High School in 1928. ' She met Izadore Elewitz in 1928 at an Aleph Zadik Aleph Dance. She had gone there with another young man, but was attracted to Iz. A few days later, she got a call from him, and, she says, "That was the beginning." During their courtship, they spent time at dances at The Labor .Lyceum oh 30th and Cuming Street. Frieda and Iz were married in 1931 at the newly built Paxton Hotel, which was on 14th and Farnam Street. Rabbi David A Goldstein officiated at their wedding. Their children, Gordon and Larry, were born in 1935 and 1941 respectively. It was always Frieda's dream to be a "stay-athome mom." "I guess I was just a born homemaker," she recalled. "I was active in the PTA all through the time my children were in school. I was just the way 1 I wanted to be. I went to meetings and stayed home with the boys. That's what most of us did in those days." She remembers playing cards' at night with a regular group of women. Many of them didn't drive and
Frieda Elewitz they didn't go out in the daytime: When their'husbands were home at night, they would meet at each other's homes to play card games and Maj Jongg. Some of her friends were Frances Plofldn, Shirley Krantz, Sonia Forbes, Betty Krasne and Grace Plotkin. Frieda was one of the.few women who drove!
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In 1951, Frieda became active in, the Sisterhood at Beth Israel Synagogue. She was Sisterhood President from 1953 to 1955, and again from 1979 to 1981. "One of the most fun things was when I went to Beth Israel every week to bake. When they used to have services on Friday nights, I would go and bake for the reception," she recalled. "Some of the ladies who helped me were Sally Appel and Tibe Stoler. We used to make coffee cakes, cookies and bars." Sadly, she had to give up her baking at the synagogue about four years ago. Although she can't go to Beth Israel to bake anymore, she still enjoys cooking and baking in her own kitchen. She admits to sharing some of her • goodies with neighbors and friends. She had just made homemade bagels on a previous day to "share with the neighbors and special people." Frieda's eyesight has failed and she is now unable to drive, but that hasn't kept her down. She still keeps house and manages to play Maj Jongg twice a week. She goes to board meetings at Beth Israel and is still active at the synagogue. Her son, Gordon, and his wife, the former Laurel Oruch, live in Dallas, Texas, as do his brother, Larry, and his wife, Leahrae. Frieda boasts of 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. She'll be joining them in Texas this spring. She recalls her life as having been a happy one. She told of her loneliness since Iz died in 1975, but does not dwell on it. "I've been quite well and the children are devoted. They call and check on me regularly and Gordon says I'm his responsibility. To reach this age and be healthy is wonderful," she added. "I've done what I wanted to do with my life. I loved staying home with my children and keeping house. I've had a happy life."
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1995
Opera singer channels passion into service by Diane Axler Baum
Fifty years ago, Marcia Orenstein of Newark, New Jersey, chose marriage and motherhood over a singing career. At age 21, dropping her stage name of Marcia Lynne, she moved to Omaha to marry Harvey Lipsman. She slotted into memory her own radio show, on which she sang musical comedy, her stint as a full-time pop singer in Chicago, and the singing job in the Catskill Mountains, where she and her future husband met. While still a "terribly homesick" bride, Lipsman performed at Ak-Sar-Ben in a benefit for the Omaha Symphony. A couple of years later, a director she'd known in New York arrived in Omaha to manage a budding opera company, and she started singing in the Opera Omaha chorus. Then came the child-rearing years, with daughter, Sandy, born in 1952, and son, Rocky, four years later. While her kids were growing up, Lipsman participated with their schools as an active parent, volunteered at Methodist Hospital, and occasionally sang at a wedding or for a Jewish organization. Today, her daughter lives in California where she designs and produces decorative candles for sale in specialty shops across the country; her son, a physician in Wisconsin, specializes in diseases of the ear, nose and throat; and her daughter-in-law, the former Susan Bernstein of Omaha, is a practicing psychologist. So it turned out that Lipsman's life never again revolved around singing. Still, she kept her passion for the performing arts. She channels that passion into her devotion to the Jewish Cultural Arts Council, and for over a decade, into chairmanship of the JCC's Theater Committee. "I'm convinced of the importance of the performing arts to the JCC," said Lipsman, who believes
Marcia Orenstein Lipsman that "Art is part of our culture and heritage." She cited storytelling, music, art and dance for their part in "sustaining the Jewish people throughout the Diaspora-even during the Holocaust." As Theater Committee Chairman, Lipsman takes a major role in determining what Omaha audiences -especially Jewish audiences-will have the opportunity to see and hear. She also calls on her 27 years' experience as an oil painter, including "a few one-woman shows and
HAPPY PASSOVER
an occasional award," to assist Jewish Cultural Arts Director Gloriann Levy in preparing exhibits for the VF Gallery , Sometimes, Lipsman's work with the Theater Committee requires that she ink commitments onto her calendar a full year in advance. This past winter, for example, she already was planning a "Stained Glass Series" concert by the Omaha Sym- i;:'';/. '..'•''~'<:.;[ •^••r.^v^U'^Vi'i'^i'^vvv phony, sched- iuled to take <y place at the'JCC next N o vember. If the • program pro- ?/. ceeds according f: to her vision, ,; new works by; Jewish com-; posers will be : featured. The program will mark yet'.'. another in a memorable line- ;•', up of plays, per- !y formances, and events for which JCC audiences have Lipsman to thank,most recently a concert earlier this month by the W:?^&MBiWi^f!'^iff!^ Heartland Phil- &T^$&^11:, : -V^SSSfiH harmonic. Harvey Lipsman and Marcia (Continued Orenstein were married in on page 7)
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7
Opera singer channels passion (continued from page 6)
To Honor the Past, Invest in the Future: • Plant a tree The Lipsman family celebrated at the Bar Mitzvah of grandson, Bobby Saferstein, in Akron, OH, in 1996; from left: Harvey and Marcia Lipsman, Sandy Lipsman and Sue and Rocky Lipsman. Lipsman said she is particularly Looking back over her Theater Committee activities, Lipsman re- proud of two endeavors on behalf of called the first musical event she the theater. Largely through her own handled for the 'J'. In 1987, under efforts, funds were raised to replace then Cultural Arts Director Ann the antiquated sound system. Kibel Schwartz, Lipsman took charge Prior to that project, she made of bringing world-renowned clar- heart-felt requests to personal inetist David Amram to Omaha. friends to raise a sufficient amount His successful concert and musical of "seed money" for the establishresidency won national recognition ment of the JCC Theater Endowfor the '<T, so Lipsman was asked to ment Fund in 1994. The fund, under the Federation chair Omaha's salute to Israel's 40th anniversary. The star-studded result, Foundation, has grown to nearly "Simcha 40 Gala," spot-lighted Duo $20,000. The Iipsmans were delightRe'im (Two Friends), an internation- ed that a number of friends made conally*celebrated composing-singing tributions to the fund in honor of team from Israel. The performance their 50th wedding anniversary, took place in the J auditorium, which which they celebrated on Jan. 1. "Contributions to the Theater was converted into a cabaret setting. Over the ensuing years, Lipsman Endowment Fund are a meaningful guided the Theater Committee in car- way to honor the memory of a loved rying out numerous theatrical pro- one or to mark a milestone, such as ductions, cast with talented local an anniversary, birthday, or graduaamateurs, including Jacques Brel is tion," said Lipsman. Alive and Well..., The Immigrant, The A donation may be made by sendCemetery Club, Cantonal, Crossing ing a check with an explanatory note the Broken Bridge, Beau Jest, to the JCC, Attention Denise Baccus. Crossing Delancy Street, and Ann Unless otherwise noted, donations are mentioned in The Centerpiece. Frank and Me. Eenovation of the JCC Theater is The committee also continues to sponsor one-man dramatic presenta- far from complete, said Lipsman, tions, recitals and chamber concerts; expressing her deep concern about and, in conjunction with JVYouth. the "dead lighting system." Now, of Department, to produce an annual course, she's made it her personal goal to acquire a new one. Hanukkah show by local students.
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Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
From basketball to the boardroom
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Beware of those over-the-ferice conversations with well-intentioned neighbors, they can prove to be life-changing. Just ask Irv Yaffe. In 1958, after being encouraged by his neighbor to run for a position on the District 66 School Board, Yaffe relented, despite his initial reaction that the community would not be accepting of a Jewish board member. "Are you crazy?" he recalled saying to the neighbor. Yaffe was wrong. Not only was he elected that year, he was reelected again, and again, and again, serving District 66 until he retired from the board in 1982. Not bad, for a guy with a degree in business administration, but with no background in the business of education. "We had excellent people on the board and good leadership from the administration, and my experience just evolved," said Yaffe, 81. "There was a lot of on-the-job training. As I went along, I picked up more and more expertise and knowledge from other board members. Through conventions and regional meetings, I got a picture of what ought to be done, what was possible to be done, and then what I could do to get it done." Memorabilia in Yaffe's home attest to his impact on the community over the years. Plaques, awards, a scrapbook filled with newspaper clippings, letters from local and state officials and photos chronicle his decades-long involvement in local and state education organizations. Among his many accolades is his induction into the Westside Hall of Fame (he was among the first three to be so honored), and distinguished service awards presented by the Westside Education Association, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, UNL's Teachers' College, and Project Hope. A lifelong Omahan, Yaffe's passion for education and communityservice can be attributed in part to his father, Nathan, whose involvement in the Jewish community included serving on the Foundation Board, as president of the local Talmud Torah and as a founder of the Jewish Press. "He was not the kind of guy who would sit down and give you lectures on morals or ethics; you learned it by the way he lived, the way he did things," Yaffe said. "Education was very important to him and I just gravitated toward it." • Yaffe followed his father's example, and over the years has volunteered on the boards of the Jewish Federation, the Anti-Defamation League* the Jewish Community Center, and a variety of Federation committees. An avid athlete who lettered in basketball for three years at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln during the late 1930s, Yaffe also served as chairman of the JCC's health and physical education department for 30 years, and was responsible for creating the J's "Wall of Fame" display which recognizes past and present outstanding Jewish athletes. Joining the school board during the time when his daughters, Joan and Ann,.were attending elementary school in the district, Yaffe said his main objective was "to make sure that all the children had the opportunity to expand their knowledge and their horizons to the best of their ability, through materials, books and good teaching." Parental and community involvement and support of the schools and its administration were
Wlik&i
This 1939 photo from t h e Omaha WorldHerald showed Yaffe as a star basketball player at UNL, and still the only Jewish varsity basketball player in UNL history.
always essential, he said, especially during such battles as the one during the 1960s with the right wing extremist group Liberty Lobby. Yaffe, who was familiar with the group through his affiliation with the ADL, said that its members were attempting to ban specific books and magazines from schools "because they thought the material was subversive and communistic." In the end, despite the fact that the school district prevailed, "It was a real witch hunt and it was fierce," Yaffe remembered. • His longtime involvement with ADL intertwined often with his role on the school board, from involving ADL speakers at teacher workshops and securing an ADL booth at annual state teacher conventions held in downtown Omaha, to remaining constantly vigilant in sensitizing educators and administrators about minority issues and church/state matters. For his commitment and efforts, the ADL recognized Yaffe in 1983 with its most prestigious honor, the Torch of Liberty Award. He influenced educators at the state level as well as locally, and during his 12 years of service on the Nebraska State School Board Association, Yaffe made sure that among the yearly resolutions the group made, the commitment to upholding the separation of church and state was front and center. (Continued on page 9)
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Page 9
From basketball to the boardroom "You had to try the best you could in little ways, without being obnoxious and pugnacious and trying to hit someone between, the eyes," he said. Change was slow, and patience was of the essence. "You had to take your time and realize that everything was not going to be done in one year. I tried to make some inroads, and do a little bit more the next year. I think we made some progress." Looking back at his years on the school board, Yaffe said his greatest accomplishment is that "I had a hand in making the school system what it is today. I still think it's one of the most outstanding school systems." He also expressed pride in the fact that "in all the time that I was on the board or even since then, no members ever used the board to get to a higher political office. We were all dedicated to the one job; we weren't using it as a stepping stone up the political ladder." Yaffe's community service work did not end with the end of his board service. At the urging of his good friend, Stuart Muskin, 10 years ago he began spending several mornings a week as a volunteer teacher with the Omaha Public Schools Adult Education department, instructing adults in phonics and reading. Yaffe said that community teaching has been rewarding, and expressed admiration for those students who "have come from difficult circumstances and upbringing, and have gone back to school as adults to learn to read." His involvement with his students has been more than superficial: he patiently answers questions and offers guidance to past students who call him at home; he speaks with great fondness of a current student whom he meets at his polling place every election to help him read the ballot, and every August, he can be found at the Orpheum Theater, cheering on the adults receiving their diplomas at their graduation ceremony. In 1993, Yaffe was recognized as the outstanding
(Continued from page 8) literacy volunteer port programs for chronically ill or developmentally by the Maynard disabled children. ' ' Jensen Memorial This year, he and his wife, Annette, will celebrate Coordinators of their 50th wedding anniversary, and he says "the Adult Literacy. sun rises and sets" with his grandchildren, Perry, "I really enjoy 9, and Lucy, 7. teaching," he Irv Yaffe has made a difference in this communisaid. "If I can ty, touching countless people in many ways over help out a little the years, yet he just shrugs when asked if he realbit, I'm glad to do izes his impact on so many lives. it." "I'm going through life enjoying it, doing what I Teaching had like to do, helping out whenever I can. I just go not originally along-knock on wood—keep on goin'." been in the cards for Yaffe, who had some different ideas about how he would _ spend his time after retiring j from his liveli/ $ hood of running '•<l_ his family's printusiness. "When I reThe 'Letterman' tired in 1988, I thought, This is going to be perfect. What 111 do is get up a little bit later in the morning, have a nice, leisurely breakfast and relax, read the Wall Street Journal, have lunch around noon, go to the Center and work out. . . "You know, I hardly have time to read the paper!" he said, laughing. ^ The paper may ha^e been set aside, but during warm weather, the golf game never is, Yaffe said, recalling that once when a friend asked how many days a week he plays golf, Yaffe replied, "How many days are in a week?" These days, Yaffe remains active with the Anti- Irv Yaffe received the Torch'of Liberty Defamation League board, and also serves on the Award from the Anti-Defamation League in Hattie B. Munroe Foundation and the Hattie B. 1983 and celebrated the event with his wife, Munroe Operating Board, which develop and sup- Annette.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
Two different worlds come together by Joan K. Marcus
Howard Silber was born in New York City on the Upper West Side of Manhattan. He lived there until he was in high school when he attended Stuyvesant High School, an all boys high school with high academic accreditation. He was a pretty average student throughout high school because he was more interested in sports than the academics which were stressed by the school. He was particularly interested in working on The Spectator, the school newspaper. He graduated in 1939 with much experience in sports, the school newspaper and the yearbook. He earned a football scholarship to the University of Alabama and headed off to attend medical school. After several months, he was taking a course in anatomy and he couldn't follow the colors of the nerves and blood vessels. Upon testing, it was discovered that he was partially color blind and he was advised to choose another field. "That really didn't bother me because I was really interested in journalism! I was just trying to please my Jewish mother!" He joked about his college career and said, "First of all, I was a failure at football! I wasn't really good enough. In those days, they could give unlimited numbers of scholarships. I would have been playing for a small university, but Alabama was one of the top teams in the country, even in those days." Howard was injured on the field in his freshman year and that quickly ended his football career! Arrangements were made so he could keep a partial scholarship and work in the university news bureau. Since being a doctor didn't seem to be part of his future, Silber switched his major to English. He was also part of a pioneering broadcasting program at the university. During his college career, Howard had former Alabama Governor George Wallace as one of his roommates. He remembered Wallace and said, "At that time, Alabama was deeply segregated. People there were still living in the past. George was certainly not considered a racist by any stretch of the imagination. There were several instances where he came to the aid of small African-American children." Silber told of small black boys who came around to collect dirty laundry from the college boys. They would take the laundry home to their mothers, who were washer women. "One of the college boys became abusive. Wallace
Sissy and'Howard Silber, 1975 said, "We don't treat our people that way!" He recalls that Wallace was a jokester and a prankster. "He hated rich kids, those who were in fraternities and sororities. One night he called all of the houses on sorority and fraternity row and told them that he was a photographer from Life Magazine and that he was coming to take a picture of them in gowns outside on the steps. The students all dressed in their finest, only to have Wallace come to laugh at them." Howard believes Wallace changed into a vicious segregationist even though he never really believed in what he was doing. He thinks Wallace changed again in 1972 after he was shot by Arthur Bremer. When Silber was called to serve in World War II, he became part of an accelerated program at the University. This program entitled him to graduate after he was already in the military. With the help of a home study program, he earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts in 1942. , During World^WarjII, Silber was a foot soldier in the Infantry. He served in Europe and was wounded in action on December 15,1944. He recuperated in Rhoads Army Hospital in Utica, New York, until September of 1945. Because of boredom during his recuperation, he volunteered to write a radio show and some news releases. After he was released, he went to work for the hospital in the public relations office.
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' After his discharge, he went to work at The Utica Daily Press where he was assigned to a bureau in Rome, New York. This, along with a newspaper in Albany, New York, was part of the Gannett Newspaper chain. Silber went back and forth between the small newspapers. In 1955, Silber was tired of what he was doing. He decided that he wanted to work at a newspaper where he would have an option to buy stock. He investigated and found three papers, The Kansas City Star and Times, The Milwaukee Journal and The Omaha World-Herald. Frederick Ware, executive editor of The WorldHerald, offered Silber seven dollars a week more than the Kansas City Star and Times. "That's how I got to Omaha!" he said. During his World-Herald career, which spanned more than three decades, Silber traveled more widely abroad in pursuit of news stories than any other reporter or editor in the newspaper's history. In 1956, he began writing military stories. He covered every Strategic Air Command commander since General Curtis LeMay. In 1957, Silber was the first journalist toflyin a B-52 bomber. . A year later, when mass murderer Charles Starkweather was captured near Douglas, Wyoming, Silber and photographers John Savage and Lawrence Robinson of the Omaha WorldHerald flew to the scene. After writing the story that described the capture of Starkweather and his 14-year-old companion, Caril Ann Fugate, Silber went to his hotel room, but couldn't sleep. Upon taking a walk to the sheriffs office, he found the sheriff and his wife answering one phone call after another. Silber stayed and answered the calls the rest of the night so .the sheriff could gotobed! • He continued to cover military affairs stories, and was named military affairs editor in 1966. Some of his other stories carried datelines from Korea, Singapore, Japan, the Aleutian Islands and several European nations. In 1962, he went to the South Pole. Robert Dorr, a reporter at the World-Herald who. worked with Silber for many years, said, ^Howard was a very aggressive and knowledgeable reporter. His military reporting certainly gave him a solid reputation. I'm proudtosay that I worked with him." Silber co-authored two books on Nebraska football: Go Big Red and Portrait of a Winner, the story of Bob Devaney's life. (Continued on page 11) ...-.•
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Two different worlds (Continued from pagelO) He was also first-place winner in work and my independence, but when the Associated Press contest for spot I met Howard, he was exciting. I liked news reporting. our adult relationship. When we were Silber humbly admits that he had first married, we were both still worka one-on-one interview with every ing, but we traveled together whenpresident from Harry S. Truman ever we could." through Ronald Reagan. Howard claims to have developed a It was on Abraham Lincoln's birth- love affair with Omaha soon after he day, Feb. 12, 1974, when Howard arrived. He was treated well at his job asked Sissy Katelman to accompany and never thought of leaving. him to Offutt Air Force Base to meet "I loved my job and then here was a President Gerald Ford. gal who impressed me and she still Even though Sissy had another does," he said. "She's smart as hell engagement, she was impressed and she fills in for some of my insuffiwith Silber and his invitation to ciencies." meet the President of the United The Silbers were married by Rabbi States. She accepted his offer. Isaac Nadoff in 1975. Even though Sissy Katelman Silber was raised they come from different worlds, they in Council Bluffs. Her parents, Rose boast that they suit each other, both and Louis Katelman, had always physically and mentally. lived in Iowa. She and her family Sissy retired in 1981 and Howard ran the Katelman Hardware Store in in 1988. They continue to travel, Council Bluffs, and she lived in attend the symphony and opera, and Omaha at the Twin Tower Apart-' participate in services at B'nai Israel merits on 30th and Farnam Street. Synagogue and Temple Israel. Sissy She graduated from Abraham confesses that she still has a warm Lincoln High School in Council feeling toward Council Bluffs and the Bluffs, and from Iowa University in synagogue there. 1956 with a Bachelor of Arts degree They also enjoy visiting with in Sociology. She returned to Council Howard's two daughters, Irene Silber Bluffs to join the family business. and Lori May. They have two grandsons, Andrew "I never was particularly interested in marriage," she said. "I loved my and Matthew.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
Life begins at 80
Best Wishes For A
by Joan K. Marcus
Joyous Passover Season
When Lloyd Krasne was a little boy, his father, Harry, used to put an orange crate next to the cash register so that little Lloyd could be tall enough to check out the customers. The store, on the corner of Pierce and Canning Street in Council Bluffs, offered delivery service to customers who would call in their orders. In 1925, automobiles were not yet good enough to use on the rough streets of Council Bluffs, so the Harry Krasne Grocery Store delivered to its customers. The store (which started in 1914), offered horse and buggy delivery of groceries. As a small child, Lloyd would ride along in the buggy with the delivery men. As automobiles began to get better, Harry decided that people in the area wouldn't use the store as much, so he bought another store on 5th Avenue and South 21st Street, also in Council
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In 1932, during The Great Depression, many businesses were going bankrupt. Lloyd was then 15, and it became evident that the family would no longer be able to earn a living in Council Bluffs. Times were bad because of the gradual decline of the railroads. ' Union Pacific alone employed about 15,000 people. Nine major railroads were located in Council Bluffs and they all had cutbacks. This caused a change in the Council Bluffs economy and impacted greatly on the Krasne family. Since the outlook for business was so dreary, Harry Krasne decided to move his family to Audubon, Iowa. This town had a strictly rural population. There were no Jews in that community, but many other Jewish grocerymen had also made the move to small towns in order to make a living. They migrated to Audubon, Walnut, Atlantic, Anita and Harlan, Iowa, during The Depression. Lloyd said, "They evidently liked the small town communities and the business that was available. Most of these men did very well in these cities. You have to remember, this was 1933. Then, there was a two-year drought and The Depression still went on! Prices were still cheap." Krasne said he and his two brothers, Milton and Bud, helped their father run the store-until Lloyd graduated from high school in 1934. It was then (Continued on page 13)
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Life begins at 80 that he was offered a job in a grocery store in South Omaha. He was only 16 years old when he came to the "big city" to work! His brothers remained in Audubon. Lloyd returned to Audubon in 1938 to help Harry run the grocery store. In 1942, he was drafted into World War II. He thought at this time that he had ended his retail grocery career. He hoped to become a lawyer when he got out of the Army. He was positive that he would never spend the rest of his life working in a grocery store! Lloyd spent his time in the Army traveling around training crews in the maintenance and operation of power-operated gun turrets. He served as a Second Lieutenant until 1946 when he was discharged. It was during World War II that he began to date Edythe Bubb who was, "a relative of a relative."'..'.. "I've known Edythe all of my life," Krasne said. "During the war, when I was stationed at Harvard, NE, I dated her whenever I could." They were married on April 16, 1945. They spent their honeymoon in Salt Lake City for one week until Lloyd shipped out and Edythe went back to Council Bluffs. He returned in May of 1946 and was determined that he was NOT going into the grocery business! He sold army surplus, beauty supplies and then he got a job selling wholesale groceries. It was in 1952 that Edythe's father, Sam Bubb, asked Lloyd to join him and work in his grocery store, Bubb's Food Market at 1930 South 10th St. in Council Bluffs. Mr. Bubb remained in the store until 1962 when he retired. Bubb's was also a store that offered delivery and credit. Unlike many supermarkets, Lloyd continued the service to families who were unable to drive to get their groceries. Lloyd maintained this service until he retired on Aug. 1,1997, at age 79. "Each time I see one of my old customers, I feel
(Continued from page 13) badly that I had to close," he recalled. "A smaller store is much friendlier with its clientele than a large market. I didn't use a computer to guide my business. I did things the way my customers wanted them." The decision to close Bubb's wasn't an easy one. "When you are 79 years old, your steps get a little slower. It takes you a little longer to do things and I had lost some of my helpers," he said. "Rose Bubb, Edythe's mother, used to take care of the books, my father-in-law used to take care of the banking. When each of them retired, I assumed their
to visit after they grew up. "The store was an atmosphere of extended family for the people of Council Bluffs. Plenty of people bought groceries and never paid. Dad never turned sour, which was a wonderment to me." Doug went on to say that the family was worried when Lloyd retired. "It hasn't been any problem to him," his son concluded. "He has renewed old friendships, plays golf, spends more time with his family, and has gotten to know us all so much better. He has been on the Board of Directors of the United AG Stores for over 25 years and he continues that work. We're all very proud of him." , Lloyd and Edythe's chil, „ « w „..*,.» « . — *._ 3»w Uluyu tlUU -CjUjlIlcb (Mill%w. %«_^*,^^rttxvi^Jr-iAtoyu»jKi»2» , *. jobs. I had just run out LJoyd and Edythe Krasne, shown here in 1997, dren, Susan McKinley, of gas! I took it just as worked at Bubb's before retiring. . Gail Kenkel, and Doug, all far and as long as I Photo by Howard K. Marcus live in the Omaha-Council could!" Bluffs area with their Doug Krasne, now 45, added, "Dad took me to the families. • store when I was little. I worked there on and off until Lloyd sums up his life by saying, "I've paid my I was in college. The store was a social place for Dad. dues and now I'm enjoying retirement. For. 40 He loved being around people and those people grew years, I kept working longer and longer-until it got to be seven days a week! up around him. "Dad kept penny candy and he would stand with "I now enjoy the pleasure of sitting down and the kids from the school across the street for an closing my eyes. I wouldn't want to live my life over hour and help them buy candy. Sometimes, he'd again. It has been too good this time. Why do it . even give it to them. Some of those kids came back again?"
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Page 14
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
A survivor's story byLeoBiga . . Reprinted with permission from New Horizons
On a January morning, students at Omaha's Lewis and Clark'Middle School file in an auditorium to hear a tale of survival by Bea Karp, a petite Jewish woman of 66 who, as a child in her native Germany, and later in France, endured the Holocaust. She and her younger sister, Susie, are among their extended family's few survivors. As Karp's harrowing tale unfolds, the students listen with the stilled respect due the haunted figure standing before them. Not all survivors can speak about their experiences. Some want only to forget. But for Karp, and thousands like her, there is a need to speak out. To bear witness. Why? "I tell this story in memory of my parents and the six million Jews that died. I don't want the world to forget. It's a lesson to the future and the future is in your hands. And it's up to you to make sure nothing like that will ever happen again," she tells the students in what is a solemn plea. Her German-accented voice rings strong and clear. Her kind eyes shimmer with sadness, yet burn with defiance. Her resolve remains unshakable. Her will, unbroken. One wonders if these comfort-laden kids understand the true horror of what she describes. Then again, who among us really can, save another survivor? But the rest of us do have much to learn from her. If nothing else, that the human spirit can persevere in the most awful circumstances. Because she has so much to offer, Karp often shares her story with school, church and service organization audiences. She does it, she says, so others may know "how terrible hatred and prejudice is and what a terrible sickness it can be when you are not tolerant of other people." In 1936, the former Bea Stern had her childhood stolen at the hands of Nazi tyranny. Stripped of the most basic human rights, her family was impris-
oned in work camps during the Second World War. While Bea and Susie were rescued by a children's refugee organization, their parents-along with scores of cousins, uncles and aunts-were killed. The orphaned sisters had relatives in England to take them in. By their teens, the sisters came to America and remade themselves-marrying, bearing children, leading full lives. While Bea's post-war years have not been tragedy-free, she's found meaning in life and dedicated herself to educating others. Every survivor has a story. Ultimately, it's one of rebirth-of going into the abyss and coming back out, scarred, but alive, and, as in Bea's case, compelled to testify. As the number of survivors dwindles each year, there is added urgency to having their stories recorded for future generations. In 1994, that same urgency drove Steven Spielberg to establish the Survivors of the Shoah Visual .History Foundation as a vehicle for preserving survivors' testimonies. To date, the Los Angeles-based foundation has videotaped interviews with 50,000 survivors, including Karp, worldwide. The goal, says executive director Michael Berenbaum, is developing the most comprehensive multimedia archive of survivor testimonies and making this material available via computer technology for educational use in schools, libraries, museums, et cetera. Further, he adds, the project is giving survivors like Karp a voice and a face in history. Omahan Ben Nachman, who interviewed 60 people for the project, says of survivors: "They're the most special people in the world. They're the most morally correct people I've ever found. I never see hate in them and they've got every reason in the world to hate. They're my heroes." The telling, painful as it is, has gotten easier for Karp. She began talking about her experiences years ago at the urging of her then young children. She's since shared her odyssey with her seven grandchildren and scores of other young people. "At first I had a very bad time about it. It was very difficult for me," she says. "After all these
years, I still get emotional. It pulls me back and the emotions I felt then, I still feel. But I think it's helped me a lot psychologically. I feel like I'm doing something good and I feel my parents really want me to do it, too. If I can just touch one person each time I tell my story, it's worthwhile." To appreciate her story, one must go back to the beginning. The year was 1936. Bea was four and living with her family in h e r birthplace, Lauterbach, a scenic rural village in western Germany. It was a sedate place where children played safely in the unpaved streets. Her family had a good life. Her studious father, Moritz, owned a textile store where her mother, Rosa, helped. Their spacious home accommodated the immediate family as well as Bea's grandmother and an uncle. "We always had an open house," she recalled. "There was lots of goings-on. My aunts and cousins used to come and visit all the time. We enjoyed music. My mother and father loved dancing. Lauterbach was the only childhood I knew." Far removed from Berlin, the Sterns were at first unaffected by Hitler's anti-Semitic policies. But things soon changed. Jews were made to wear the yellow star. Signs emblazoned with Juden verboten (Jews forbidden) sprang up. Restrictions on their activities were enacted. The black-booted, brownshirted military began brutalizing the Jewish citizenry. Karp still sees the approaching apocalypse in the form of a rumbling tank. "The first time I was aware that something was wrong came while playing in the street. Suddenly, a tank came rolling onto that same street, going very slowly but still kicking up dust. I got terribly scared and ran screaming, 'Momma, momma, momma.' That was the start of it all. That was kind of like the end of my childhood." She recalls arguments at home between her father and uncle over whether to stay or flee. "I think my father was scared of leaving Lauterbach because, you know, where were we (Continued on page 15)
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A survivor's story (Continued from page 14) going to go? My father had a family to feed." As things worsened, her uncle left, taking his mother and sister with him to Palestine. Her father did act when anti-Jewish decrees effectively made them non-citizens. "Hitler decreed Jews could not own any property," she recalled, "so therefore we had to give up our home and my father had to give up his store. There was no means to make a living.", She says her parents were in a state of disbelief, numbed over being branded outcasts in their own country, a country the Sterns had called home for generations. "They were shocked because they thought of themselves as German. That's when I really felt personally what Hitler was doing," she said. 'In the face of such hostility, the family moved to Karlsruhe, a city on the western border of Prance, near the Black Forest. It proved no friendlier. "Nobody wanted to rent an apartment to a Jewish family," Bea said. "By then the Gentile community was afraid to even have anything to do with Jews. We stayed at the apartment of an aunt and uncle and their three children. It took my father six weeks to find a small apartment of our own." Her father, unable to ply his trade, worked as a manual laborer. Their lives grew ever more restricted. With religious services banned, her Orthodox family went to a nearby apartment for clandestine prayers. A lookout on the street below watched for approaching soldiers. School became a nightmare for Bea and her Jewish classmates. "I hated going to school. The other kids would push us on the street. They'd yell a t us, 'Dirty Jew, Christ killer.' It got so bad my father had to go with me." She says grown-ups were at even greater risk, targeted by roving gangs and thugs. A male cousin disappeared without a trace. "I had a friend across the street and we uBed to play with our dolls together. One day, I knocked on her door and her mother opened it, looked at me and closed the door in my face," Karp recalled. "That was the end of our friendship. I was heartbroken. I didn^t
March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 15 realize she wasn't Jewish. I never thought about ror campaign didn't stop there, as Jews were attacked and some killed. The shards littering the streets came being different." ' As Bea and her family were made strangers in to symbolize not just shattered windows, but shattheir own homeland, the less secure and more tered ideals and lives. It came to be known as Kristallnacht or The Night of the Broken Glass. frightened they became. When her father didn't arrive home that evening "These were very difficult times on my parents from work, her mother grew distressed. "I still remember her pacing. He never did come home that night. We learned he and other men had been rounded, up and taken to Buchenwald, one of Hie worst concentration camps. I shall never forget the day he came home. He was covered with blood and mud. He was sick for a very long time and never recovered from his ordeal." By the fall of 1940, Jewish children were not allowed to attend school, and Bea, then eight, was increasingly running wild, getting into trouble. One day, without warning, there was a pounding on the door. The armed Gestapo barked orders to pack enough for two weeks. Bea remembers her mother asking, 'Where are you taking us?' and being rebuked. "You ask too Moritz Stern Rosa Stern many questions. Mach schnell! Mach schnell!," and us. We really felt the hand of anti-Semitism. It (hurry up, hurry up) the men yelled. wasn't a good feeling." In the chaos, Bea retrieved her favorite doll but a With conditions deteriorating, she grew angry at Gestapo goon shook her arm, saying cryptically, her persecutors and turned from a shy, sweet-man- "Where you're going you don't need this doll." nered girl into a loud rebel. Bea was scared, then angry, and threw the doll "One day my sister and I were playing in the street on the floor, its porcelain face breaking. She when two Nazis passed by. I picked up pebbles from gripped a table leg, sobbing to her mother, "I just the gutter and threw them. One of the pebbles hit know we're never going to come back here." them and they turned and came after us. We ran and So traumatizing was the episode that Bea recalls escaped into an alley. My mother, who had watched only her mother during this period, even though her the whole incident from the living room window, was sister and father were present. "I was beside myself furious with us." for a long time. It was like they uprooted me." Bea recalls family discussions regarding plans to • The family was taken to the city's railroad station depart Germany. "I think we were very close to being where they and many others were forced aboard a able to leave," she says, but once the borders closed passenger train, their destination unknown. and refugee quotas enacted, "then it was too late." "As we moved into the countryside, some people On Nov. 9, 1938, the Nazis unleashed a nation- jumped through the windows of the moving train," wide pogrom foreshadowing the atrocities ahead. she says. "But there were soldiers on the roof and Mobs swept through the streets smashing windows, they shot at the people." looting shops, burning synagogues and ransacking When the train stopped in southern France, the homes of Jewish residents. prisoners were ordered off, loaded onto trucks and Karp recalled the glow outside her bedroom win- transported to the work camp Gurs. Bea remem(Continued on page 16) dow, thinking all of "Karlsruhe was on fire." The ter-
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
A SlirviVOr'S Story bread ration was one loaf. (Continued from page 15) To survive, Bea became like a feral child, bers it as "a dismal place. There were so many bar- scrounging and scavenging garbage cans for food, racks it looked like a small village. Guardhouses tow- Any respite from the misery and tedium was welered above." The men and women were separated, come, as when a visiting Red Cross worker sang for "And that's the next time I'm conscious of my dad," she the children and treated them to.cheese. In such conditions, even acts of kindness were perverted. says, "because I had to say goodbye. We just clung." •nmm < • • • « , . . _ . . . i <"pne stronger would take from the weaker," She saw her father only twice more. Once, she and her sister Bea said. "I even took a defied orders and bravely piece from my sister." marched past guards to the While adults worked men's compound, finding their as slave laborers, childad frail and weak. While in his • dren went on long barracks, she recalls each of the i forced walks. Still, life men being given a raw egg, an [' went on. Children unheard of delicacy. The fam11 played games; inmates ished Bea could "already taste" l\ performed music; seit. When cracked open, however, ll cret classes met; a the eggs were all bloody inside. I black market thrived. The family was at "My father got very agitated because as an Orthodox Jew, he ' Gurs when Susie, who could not eat such an egg. It's not developed an infection .kosher. I thought, 'My father will from scratching her surely make an exception. We're lice-infested head, was starving after nil.' To my surprise among those taken out he threw the egg against the wall, of the camp by the and I went to lick off the yellow O.S.E., an internationooze. When I saw the expression i al humanitarian group 1 on his face, I couldn't do it. He operating homes in took me and my sister in his arms | France for refugee and we cried. Looking back, I now I children. admire my father's fortitude." Saying goodbye, not She saw her mother endure I knowing if they'd see her own indignities, when her each other, was hard pierced gold earrings were on everyone. In late "pulled right off her ear lobes. I 1941, the choleracan still hear her cry." stricken.Bea was herBea, Susie and Rosa were I self rescued by the assigned a barracks and shared O.S.E. from the camp. a rickety bed with a straw-filled "It must have been mattress. It rained often, leaving I terrible for my motha muddy quagmire. Their diet I er," she said. "First, one consisted almost entirely of i daughter, and then her watery soup. The barracks' daily BeaKarp other daughter leaving.
I don't know how much she knew, maybe only that we'd be better off anywhere than in the camp." But leave she did, staying in a series of safe houses where refugees like her were fed, supervised and educated. Over the next few years she moved 14 times, eventually reuniting, with Susie. Onjce rejoined, the sisters were inseparable. T/hey received mail from family, although the girls heard nothing more from their parents after early 1942. By 1943, The Final Solution was in full gear. .The children were dispersed to a convent. The girls were given French names and identity cards, staying there nearly till the war's end. By then, Bea's parents were presumed dead. She knew the war in .Europe was won when American and Russian planes filled the skies hi 1945. An ad hi an international Jewish newspaper requesting contact with any living relatives netted responses from Israel and England. That same year the girls, then 13 and 10, left for London to live with an uncle. As teens, they made yet another transition, coming to America to live with an aunt in New York. Soon after graduating high school, Bea married American^born Bob Pappenheimer and in 1949 moved with him to O'Neill, NE, where he worked in the grocery trade. They raised four daughters there. It was then when she got official word her parents had died at Auschwitz. In the 1960s, the family moved to Omaha. Her husband, Bob, died of cancer in 1987. Her second husband, Harold Karp, died last year, also of cancer. Even after losing so much and then being twice-widowed, her indomitable spirit carries on. • "I told my sister when we left England: 'Susie, we're just turning another corner.' Take things in stride, otherwise, you give up." Her resiliency springs from an epiphany at one of the children's homes. "I was going down the staircase to the dining room, holding onto the railing, and suddenly I felt very happy. I stopped, wondering, 'Why am I feeling happy? Things are just terrible.' And it suddenly dawned on me happiness is something that comes from within. It isn't so much what life hands you, as how you cope with what you get. And I always remembered that through everything."
The Jewish Federation of Omaha Board ofDirectors & Staff sh you a joyous Passover Officers President Howard Kooper Vice President Forrest Krutter ce President <Bobbie Epstein Treasurer Robert Lepp •retary Jan Schrieiderman Pak President Tom Fellman live Director JanPerelman
Directors Stacie Brodkey Michael Erman David Goldberg Sorin Juster
Steve Levinger Margo Riekes Marty Shukert ArnieWeitz
Campaign Chairmen Maxine Kirshenbaum Bob Eisenberg Jan Schn/iderman Bob Newman oel Alperson, Pacesetter Chairman
Center of Excellence Presidents
This Passover, as we have forHhopsands of years, Jews will gather around family Seder, tables and partake of the Seder piatei^ontinuing the age-old cycle of Jewish his represents... the ideals of spiritual and polTBeal^sedom, ii ill iii|ilinii i^iljMiiTTfiM i that are at the center of our shared Jewish tradition... mat, moreinananything, Jewish life is about community. We also ask you to remember that your UJAFederation Annual Campaign is at the heart of sacred Jewish trust to build, strengthen and care for our community... at home, in Israel and in 60 countries. This Passover step up to the plate and renew your connection to the Jewish people.
ADUCRC Ann Goldstein Jewish Community Center Mark Sanford Jewish Educational & Library Services Mitzi Delman Jewish Family Services Gloria Kaslow Jewish Senior Services Jerry Kohll
Rabbis Rabbi Aryeh Azriel
Rabbi Paul Drazen
Rabbi Howard Kutner
March 20,1099
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 17
Page 18
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
There's more to a can of paint —tharr just paint by Shana Novak
As most photo albums, are used for photographs, Isidore Tretiak uses one (three to be exact) to organize hiB generosity. He keeps thank you letters from the likes of Methodist Hospital, the Cresh Home and even his grandchildren all neatly arranged in several thick binders. And the photo albums are just the beginning. In Tretiak's basement, honors and awards garnish the walls (three full walls to be exact), the Endowment Achievement Award right next to the Omaha Jobbing Dealer of the Year plaque. Tretiak's scrapbooks and basement walls show the vast amount of gratitude Omahans have for his services. But when he recounts his" generous actions in words, it seems he is the thankful one. "I'm grateful for the things that have been done for me," Tretiak said, his gratitude aimed at early guidance from friends and a sound business education from the paint factories he worked with. All were catalysts to a successful career. Tretiak has been grateful for the opportunities America had to offer ever since he arrived here as a young immigrant from the Ukraine. And he's always taken advantage of them. First, there was the Omaha Bee newspaper route, where Tretiak earned one penny for every paper he delivered. Years later, he delivered Robinson's Drugstore goods on a bicycle. It seems Tretiak always had a sense of responsibility for those around him. As an eighteen-year-old student at Tech High School, his uncle employed him at Omaha Jobbing Company, where Tretiak says he learned many valuable business skills. "I learned as much as I could from them," he said. Tretiak also took a class through the mail on the contents of different types of paint. "I wanted to better myself," he said. "I didn't want to fool my customers." From his classes and early business experience, Tretiak became so acquainted with the paint and varnish industry that Sidelitz Paint and Varnish
philanthropic I.M. and Company, a paint factory Selma Tretiak Endowin Kansas City, MO, soon ment Fund in 1979 and discovered his respectalso spent 18 years as a able business practices volunteer at Methodist and convinced him to Hospital's reception desk. start an independent "I wanted to keep busy in business selling their honor of my son," Tretiak paint. said of the late Kenneth, So in the early 1950's, who passed away in the Isidore Tretiak founded early 1970's. After his son's Tretiak's on borrowed death, his family estabmoney from the Omaha lished the Kenneth Ray National Bank. His paint Tretiak Memorial Fund, business brought him created to purchase educareward, not to mention tional^ materials. He's even income over the years1. Isidore "Iz" Tretiak donated jungle gyms and Expanding beyond paint to floor and wall coverings, varnishes and other air hockey tables for kids at the 'J*. materials of the sorts brought even more prosperiTretiak still found time in all of his generosity to ty, which, in the spirit of generosity, would soon fil- be leader as well. He served as president of ter back to the same community that welcomed Highland Country Club from 1958 to 1960 and him to America years ago. went on to chair the 1963 Jewish Philanthropy Through the years, Tretiak's success continued. Campaign. And the list could go'on forever. While Tretiak recalls all of his philanthropic serThe store grew to be the largest of its kind in Omaha, most likely due to Tretiak's work ethic. "I vices through the years, his eyes light up the most went to school to learn about the contents of a when he speaks of the kids. A sizable chunk of his paint can so I would know what my customers were donations facilitated the refurbishment of the kids' getting," he said. "A can of paint isn't just a can of game room at the JCC and once sent two girls to paint," he added. It was this same type of genuine Israel. Tretiak proudly pointed out he'd been active interest that brought Tretiak to the arena of com- with the Cresh Home for Boys all his life. munity service. • ' '' Arid Tretiak truly does love kids. Among the humaniMixing paint wasn't enough for this established tarian and lifetime achievement awards on Tretiak's businessman. Over the years, Tretiak spread a thick basement walls and next to the bookshelf where he coat (pun intended) of generosity over Jewish Omaha keeps his generosity organized in scrapbooks, Tretiak as well as the greater community. "This was my displays pictures of his children and grandchildren. "Grandchildren are an inspiration," he said. chance to give what I once needed," he said. Judging from his plaques and thank-you letters, He made his mark as a strong supporter of the Jewish Federation—the Center for the Aging, all mixed in with family snapshots and framed phoBlumkin Home, the Fitness Center and even tographs, Isidore Tretiak appears fully aware of the United Talmud Torah. He established the general gifts a family and community give.
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Home alive in'45
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 19
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It was very cold that late August morning in 1945 discharge in my hand, what was I doing on a in Tokyo, but taking a cold, outdoor shower made it plane? Was it safe? Luckily, we landed in Omaha almost unbearable. When I finon time. I wasn't simply happy; I ished, the captain came up to me. was well beyond happy-out of my "Rips," he said, "what y'all doin' mind happy--so happy I could have here? You gotta git packed up and flown without the plane. git on that truck to Yokohama. I was so excited I could hardly You're goin' home!" walk. When I finally stepped off the plane, I looked up, and there, to my After about 12 hours on the truck, amazement, stood Norm Smeerin a weapons carrier and finally, a and Joe Kirshenbaum, two more jeep, I was on a huge ship with dear friends and fraternity brothers. more than 1,000 soldiers heading I couldn't believe it! home. Nineteen very long days later, we I'll never forget seeing them were heading for the Golden Gate standing there, still in uniform. We Bridge. There were small boats of had a quick reunion. every kind around us, people waving, . A few minutes later, I turned loud music, American flags and huge towards a car that had just stopped. "Welcome Home" banners. People were coming out of all four doors. I saw my mother. We hugged As we plowed beneath the bridge, for several minutes, then Bubee I heard a roar coming from the guys (Siegel) and Auntie Annie (Cohen), at the bow, and the roar became Aunt Freda (Raduziner), Aunt Rosie louder and louder and louder and (Weitz), Aunt Libble (Siegel) and reached an incredible crescendo when looked ....... the ... rest of _. us _„ ._ „„ up _ r and . , Uncle Abe (Siegel). saw the bridge above us. Those few Norman Rips in the jungles Laler> w e w e r e ^i a t A u n t RoSie's, moments will always be fresh in my of the South Pacific, 1942. a n d w e t a l k e d a n d l a u g h e d a n d mind. We screamed and screamed and waved and cried as only the Siegels could. I had been on a diet jumped and hugged and cried-almost beyond con- all of my life until the war, but suddenly everyone trol. When we disembarked about an hour later, I noticed that I was quite thin. "Bess," Auntie Annie said to my mother, "Give set my bags down and kissed the ground! I was 23 years old. this poor child something to eat!" Out came a Several days later, I arrived in Denver, this tune corned beef sandwich. I was so stunned by all that by rail. I called an old fraternity brother, but he had happened that I just looked at it. was out of town. His sister insisted I come to their "Eat, Dolly, eat," my mother urged. Then from all home immediately. I grabbed a cab. We found the sides, "Norman, eat," and then Bubbe took the house and when the front door was opened, there, sandwich. "Ess, mine keend, ess." It didn't seem miraculously, stood Harold Bernstein, an old, spe- possible. It had been so long. cial friend and fraternity brother! My beloved Bubbe was right there-right in front I was stunned and delighted to see him! Several of me. I could touch her. I stood up and hugged her days later, Harold put me on the plane to Omaha. and pinched her cheek the way she had alwaysIn a few minutes, we were in the air. I was flying pinched mine. We all cried for a long while. Ours :. home! I had never been in a plane. ?! After three years in the South Pacific, landings, was an emotional family. Suddenly, my foxhole at Leyte Gulf didn't exist- • ' five campaigns, including New Guinea, the •/•Southern and Northern Philippines, the Bismarck had never existed. I was able to grasp the fact that, Archipelago and Japan—after having overcome I was home! I was home! "Home alive in '45" was malaria, dengue fever and jaundice-and with my even better than "The Golden Gate in '48."
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Page 20
Jewish Press, Omaha NE
March 26,1999
Making a difference by Courtney Rabb, Jewish Press student intern
After growing up in Des Moines, Iowa, and graduating from Grinnell College with a major in speech therapy, Anna Wiesman moved to Omaha. It was here that she found a job in the public school system and met her husband, Ben. When they started a family, Wiesman left the school system and began her active involvement in the world of volunteering. The organization she turned to was Women's League. "We moved to Michigan because of Ben's job, and it was there that I first became active in the League," Wiesman recalled. Upon her return to Omaha, Wiesman immediately joined Beth El's Women's League. It was through this organization that she began to make a difference. "I served as treasurer first, held two terms as vice-president, was the chairman of the regional convention held in Omaha in 1975, and in 1976, I began my term as president," Wiesman explained. During this time, she was instrumental in starting Women's League Shabbat at Beth El and strongly encouraged the formation of study groups. Wiesman also moved on to the regional level. She served as regional vice-pr.esident from 1978-1982. In 1982, she became the regional president and served until 1984. . Wiesman also was a member of the National Board of Women's League from 1982-1986. Through these positions, she traveled throughout the region speaking to different chapters. When asked why she dedicated so many years to this organization, Wiesman replied, "Women's League gave me so much of my Jewish education. This was my way of saying thank you and giving back to this organization which gave me so much." Women's League was only one of the organizations in which Wiesman was involved. In 1984, she took over as President of the Beth El Synagogue Braille Group, now known as the Omaha Volunteer
Braille Services. "In 1985, I became a certified Braille transcriber. I did this by taking a national exam through the Library of Congress." Wiesman has been transcribing, which is taking print and transcribing it into Braille, since then. The group, which now consists of seven members, is responsible for transcribing all different types of textbooks for schools and colleges throughout the country. They have transcribed everything from cookbooks and novels to books for the Jewish Braille Institute in New York. Wiesman was also instrumental in acquiring grants to computerize the organization. They can now do everything on computer. "I first became interested in Braille when I was a young girl. I love to read anything and everything. I just cannot imagine not being able to read. Transcribing has given me the' chance to allow others to read who otherwise could not," she added. Wiesman retired last August as president, but still is an active member. Through her experiences as a volunteer, she has learned many things. "There is a world beyond us that we know nothing about unless we get involved. I have been able to come in contact with people I would never have met and that has enriched me as a person," Wiesman explained. As Wiesman was growing up, it was her parents who served as her role models. "They were very active in all aspects of the community and, for as long as I can remember, they were always volunteers. My parents were the ones who instilled the ideas and necessity of helping my community," she responded. Wiesman advises future generations to get involved. It is so important to help your community become a better place in which to live. She believes it does not matter what you do, as long as you do something.
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 21
A love affair with Omaha's Old Market by Joan K. Marcus
George Eisenberg didn't think it was unusual to be only eight years old and selling onions and potatoes on the streets of Omaha's Old City Market. His father, Ben Eisenberg, would take him and his brother, Hymie, to work in the Old Market on Saturday. The Eisenberg family was the third generation to be in the wholesale fruit and vegetable industry and George and Hymie were continuing a tradition. Saturday was the busiest day of the week for marketing fresh fruits and vegetables to grocers. George and Hymie stood on the sidewalk in the Market and, some Saturdays, they would sell a whole truckload of watermelons. Ben allowed them to keep their profits. Sometimes, they would make as much as $100! Their day began at 5:30 a.m., and ended at 6 p.m. George realized even then that he was in the most interesting, challenging, vibrant and educational place in Omaha. He and Hymie had the opportunity to work side by side with wholesalers, grocers and the public. Their father was teaching them the skill of trading and negotiating in both purchasing and sales. In 1932, the Old Market had people from all ethnic groups and religions. There was no anti-Semitism to get in the way. George was born in 1924 and Hymie was four years older. The Eisenberg boys had the best of all worlds. Their father, who had begun as a peddler with a horse and wagon, was a major wholesaler of potatoes and onions. Ben Eisenberg had all the best contacts. He knew everyone in the industry by their first names and they knew him because of his integrity, top quality merchandise and exceptionally low prices. He was in partnership with Harry Roitstein, father of Dr. Morris Roitstein and Sonia Forbes. Besides the operation at 416 South 10th St., they leased four stalls at the city market at 11th and Jackson on the northeast corner opposite what is
one year and then now the. Upstream returned to Brewing Company, which was formerly a Omaha to work in fire station. These four the family busistalls were rented ness. By this time, from the city and run Harry Roitstein by Hy Eisenberg and had become ill. Dr. Roitstein. George George felt like he and Dr. Jack Berman had really come later ran the stalls. home when he returned to the Large crowds came Old Market to buy fruits and vegetables from the famibecause he loved ly business. Many the daily chaltimes, people would lenge and trading haggle for better excitement. prices and George George knew his found this to be excitfather was his ing. best teacher. From Ben, he He and Hy used their learned the experpockets as cash registise of making ters. Frequently, the coins would tear holes _. , . ,. , _ _. . , (i , . contacts with in their pockets and Eisenberg, left, and George Eisenberg, "the onion E r o w e r s ipnjs coins would shower ring kings" were written up in the 1970s. abled him to capidown their legs until Elsie, their mother, sewed talize on the Eisenberg specialty of supplying potacanvas into their pockets to hold the coins! toes and onions to the food-processing industry— George realized, even as a boy, that he had an nationally and internationally. opportunity to learn things that he would never George married Florence Nerenberg on Sept. 24, learn in school. 1950. They first met at Carter Lake, Iowa, when he "Sometimes, we took two dozen ears of home- was boating with some friends. Florence was boatgrown sweet corn over to the firemen and they ing with her sister, Cherie. The Nerenberg's boat would cook them for us. We would give them a free motor died after becoming weed entangled. dozen in gratitude," he said. Florence restarted the motor after cleaning off the George finished high school in three years prop, but the handle on the recoil starter hit the because he found it boring when he compared it to motor housing and flew off, leaving them stranded. the excitement of the trading in the Old Market. George came to the rescue and offered a tow back After graduation in 1941, he worked at the Glenn L. to the dock. That was in August; George and Martin Bomber Plant until he enlisted in the army Florence met again in November when George during World War II and served in Europe.
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(Continued on page 22)
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Page 22
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
A love affair with the Old Market
A love story!
(Continued from page 21)
by Joan K. Marcus
This 1960 photo shows t h e building which housed Eisenberg Fruit Company. attended two Jewish weddings in one day. Florence, a very talented musician, was the pianist at the first one, and a guest at the other. They began dating that night and were married 10 months later. Their children are Cece Belrose, Joe Eisenberg and Steve Eisenberg. They have three grandchildren. . . • The business grew and Eisenberg Fruit Company became one of the leading suppliers of potatoes to such food processors as Blue Star Foods, Kitty Clover, Frito-Lay and Weavers. They bought onions from growers in western states and then shipped them directly to food processors. In the mid-'60s, George decided that fast fdod restaurants and frozen foods were the future. Since frozen french fries were already booming, he figured onion rings were a logical complement. He was proven correct; onion rings are now in 95% of fast-food restaurants. Hy Eisenberg returned to Omaha from California in 1972. George says, "Hy had an excellent business in the Los Angeles area as a parking lot contractor, but I needed his help badly. He was experienced in produce and he had been my mentor in the
George Eisenberg, his son, Steve, and grandson, Sam, relax together. Old City Market. Hy and his wife, Viola, made a big change in their lives, sold their business, and pulled up stakes to help me. He was my partner and we had an excellent personal and business relationship. We were partners again—just like we were when we sold watermelons as little boys. It was great!" ' The Eisenberg Brothers closed their business in 1983. Hymie died in 1991, but George has remained a strong advocate of Omaha's Old Market. He still owns the building which housed the family business, now occupied by Bruegger's Bagels and State Farm Insurance. George has become a crusader for parking in the popular retail .and restaurant district. He is an active tparticipant in the Old Market Business Association, and he counsels businesses that need professional marketing assistance, domes.tic and international. George Eisenberg has come a long way since the time he and Hymie sold watermelons on those hot summer days. One thing that hasn't changed is that he still loves the Old Market!
It was Rosh Hashanah of 1932, and 14 year-old Mollie Ackerman and her friend, Esther Horowitz, were coming out of B'nai Israel on 18th and Chicago. As many teenagers did in those days, the girls decided that they would walk up the street to visit another synagogue. Perhaps they would meet some more of their friends on a beautiful fall day. As young Mollie and Esther were walking, they met 15-year-old Sam Kohn and his friend, Herbie Marks. They stopped to visit and Esther was immediately smitten with Herbie. Mollie wasn't . impressed with either of the boys! Her only impression was that Sam was certainly a tall, lanky kid. Mollie and Esther both lived in the Lincoln Apartments on 21st arid Chicago. A few weeks later, Esther invited Mollie to come to her parent's apartment. She was excited because Herbie and Sam were coming to visit. The visits became more frequent, and each time, Esther prevailed upon Mollie to join the young foursome. After several visits, Mollie said, "No, I'm not coming. Sam's a nice boy, but I really don't care much for him." Esther was panic stricken and she said to Mollie, "You don't know how much this means to me. If you don't come, then Herbie won't come!" So, against her better judgment, Mollie went. After a while, Herbie quit coming and Sam came by himself. Unlike Mollie, who had grown to her teenage years with her parents (Fannie and Louis Ackerman), Sam's father, Isaac Kohn, had died when Sam was only two years old. Sam's mother, Libby Krasne Kohn, was left with no money, very few skills and several children, including little Sam, who was shuffled from relative to relative. Libby took jobs doing housework and cooking for Jewish families. When she was working, little Sam stayed with his grandparents, Wolf and Toby Krasne. When Sam became old enough to go to Kellom (Continued on page 23)
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A love story (Continued from page 22) School, Iibby boarded him with various Jewish fami- Mollie and Sam were married at the Blackstone lies. He would go to school during the day and some- Hotel apartment of Rabbi David H. Wice. Since times eat supper with his married sister, Fannie they had eloped, they each went back to their own Morris, and her husband, homes. They didn't tell Mike. It was a sad childanyone that they were hood for the little boy. married for a week, and then they went to LinIn order to help with coln for their honeythe family income, he moon. No one thought sold copies of The Omathe marriage would last ha World Herald, The because they were only Omaha Bee and The 17 and 18 years old. Omaha Daily News while he stood on street They bought a small corners in downtown grocery store and Omaha. He was only \ worked side-by-side for eight years old, but the nine years. Their first family needed money child, Eugene, was born Mollie and Sam Kohn, 1970 and Sam had no choice. in 1938. Larry was born For a short time during Sam's childhood, he was in 1942; and Don came in 1947. Times were rough, able to live with his mother in Lincoln. She got a but Mollie says she was never sorry. job as a cook in the Sigma Alpha Mu fraternity "We worked hard together to get ahead," Sam said. House. Sam and his mother lived in a rented room In 1947, they sold their store because Sam and he went to school. He had his meals at the fra- thought he would have to serve in World War II. ternity House. This was before he met Mollie. He was unable to get a job for 14 months because of Mollie said, "Sam just sort of grew up. Nobody ever the war. Later, they bought another grocery store told him where to go or what to do. He never really on Park Avenue and Woolworth. This venture accounted to anyone. So, he just kept coming over to proved to be a financial disaster because of the my apartment. There wasn't anyone to tell him not to beginning of supermarkets and the changing econdo anything. He hung around because he didn't have omy of Omahans. By 1955, they had to liquidate, their store. anyplace to go. I guess he just grew on me." These were bad financial times for the Kohns. Sam would walk from 19th and Charles to 21st and Chicago in order to visit Mollie. It didn't mat- Gene was ready for college, and they had no money. ter if it was dark or cold. He wouldn't miss a visit Sam added, "We couldn't help Gene go to college with the girl who had become his sweetheart. and this was my greatest sadness. He worked his Mollie had a job answering the telephone at the way through college with many jobs." apartment building during the evenings and Sam In 1957, Sam became a factory representative for would keep her company. Mollie's parents would the Stiffel Lamp Company. He became a traveling drive him home on some evenings. And so, the love salesman for 20 years and his territory covered affair progressed. four states. He was separated from the family, but During The Great Depression, Sam wasn't able to became financially solvent. find work in Omaha. He and a friend decided to "Our greatest joy was to finally be able to help move to California in order to find a job. Sadly, he Larry and Don go to college," Sam recalled. said 'goodbye' to Mollie on a Saturday night. Mollie added, "I didn't miss anything by getting Mollie's parents had been playing cards that married so young. What could I have missed by night and they came home full of news. They said, doing what I wanted to do with the person I wanted to do it with? I can't imagine being with anyone tfWe've heard of someone who will give Sam a job." •:• Sam took the job and began talking to Mollie else. Sam does his thing and I do mine. Whenever about how much money a 'fella' should have before I've needed him, he's been there, and vice versa." Sam retired in 1979 and they have enjoyed each he gets married. Mollie recalled, "Pretty soon...a other daily. Mollie says 'fella' didn't need so there's nobody she'd much money!" When rather be with. They boast Mollie's mother asked seven grandchildren and Sam when he planned to eight great-grandchildren marry her daughter, and are proud that their Sam said, "I have to save three sons and their wives up some money." are all nice people. Mrs. Ackerman said, They attribute their 63"Ayho are you kidding year marriage to the fact Sam Kohn? You're never |{j that they have always • going to have any talked over their problems. money!" Sam explained, "We Sam began working for always talk about our Commercial Optical Comproblems. Whether pany at starting wages of they've been health, $7 per week. He was financial, or family probworking under the Nalems, we always sit down tional Recovery Act. In and talk them over. We 1935,-when Mollie and never do anything withSam decided to get marout asking each other!" ried, Sam's wages had Gene, Don, Sam and Larry Kohn with their And they lived happily • risen to $ 14 per week. On June 8, 1935, mother, Mollie Kohn. Photo by Howard K. Marcusever after!
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March 26,1999
Remembering childhood was finally located. Reva doesn't complain about the time she had to spend Reva Mann Ruderman was born May 20, 1921, at shul and we would check alone during the war. out of school in order to 3215 Webster Street, a house where she lived for She says she got along more than half of her life. Her parents were Sadie be at the service. I fine because she had her and Charles Mann, and she had four brothers: Iz, remember looking down family to help. She's at my dad; he was always Sol, Herman and Paul. Sol and Paul still live here. pleased with her life and A small woman, Reva's voice grew stronger as she looking up at me to make speaks with love about spoke.about attending Henry W. Yates Grade School sure I was there." her three daughters. and as she remembers when her mother died. Not having a mother "Every morning, my p didn't mean "I was in the fifth grade, only 11, but daughter, Sheila, calls and that little our house never was sad. We were a sings me a good morning close family," she said. Reva wasn't song. Genine also calls She recalls that her father took over *" loved. She The Ruderman Family with Reva at the center. e v e , . y d a y » s h e s a i d «i the household duties after her mother's fondly speaks . couldn't ask for better daughters. I'm afraid to say I relatives who took care of her. death. He always fixed Shabbat dinner. need anything or that I admire something. The next • .Jokingly, she said she thinks they took Reva smiled as she spoke of these spe-p/—thing I know, they're over here with it!" , 4 . care of her because she had curly hair cial dinners with her father and broth-tH .? v U In 1959, the Ruderman family moved to a home ers. It was almost as if she could smell Paul and Beva Mann, 1926. a n ( j n o n e o f t j , e o t h e r family members at 1320 North 54th St. Reva wanted to live closer the pot roast roasting with the vegetables. had curls! to Beth Israel Synagogue. Until recently, she still Her husband, Morris Ruderman, came from the Reva says she never lacked for anything. The owned the old family home on Webster Street and Mann family had housekeepers until she was 15 or North Omaha area of 25th and Seward. He graduated from Technical High School, and Reva says Genine lived there. She has worked at Beth Israel 16, and then they all took care of each other. since 1959, beginning as an assistant in the "When we got a little older, we all helped. My that she "just always knew him." He was the first Talmud Torah in the afternoons. Jewish boy from Omaha to enlist in the Army durbrother Sol was wonderful. He was just like a sister Charlotte Kaplan, retired office manager of Beth ing World War II in 1942. to me," she recalled. Israel, said, "Reva and I have been friends for almost They were married in 1943. Ruderman is She says that she never lacked for anything and 50 years. She worked for me and continues to work hates to hear some of the people of her age group talk described as a good husband and father who today. She's my friend and confidant, the kind of about how hard things were during the Great worked hard at several jobs. He worked at The person who really knows how to be a friend." Glandolac Company, Roberts Supply, and Tretiaks. Depression. She even remembers weekly outings to Although Morris was very ill and was an invalid The Ruderman family continued to live with the Circle Theatre on 33rd and California to see movies. Two of her very best girlfriends were Rosalie Charles Mann at 3215 Webster Street. Their daugh- before he died, Reva still insists that she has been ters, Sheila Tomps, Gail Shaw and Genine Hanna, happy with her life. Tuchman Saylan and Sylvia Epstein Greenberg. She enjoys her daughters and five grandchildren Reva graduated from Omaha Central High were all born while they lived with their Zayde. Reva School in 1939. She recalls going to the Omaha says that her father continued to spoil her, even after and said, "I've been happy with what God has dealt Talmud Torah, but didn't have much to do with her children were born. Sheila and Genine still live me. I've had sick periods, but God has pulled me through. I have my aches and pains, but nothing I in Omaha; Gail is now in Kansas City. Jewish social groups. can't handle. I keep saying that to worry is some"My father got up in the night to feed the babies. "After my mother died, we became attached to B'nai Israel Synagogue on 18th and Chicago. We Morrie was in the service and it was a great help to me." thing human, but you can't really change things. If Morris served in World War II until it ended. For it's going to be, it's going to be! would go to say Kaddish for my mother," Ruderman "I try to smile and think that the best will always be!" noted. "My father would tell us when to be at the a time, he was declared 'Missing In Action,' but he by Joan K. Marcus
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Former Foundation Director counts his blessings after World War II experiences by Claudia Sherman
Sheldon Bernstein sang in the Central High School a cappella,; and Betfi El Synagogue choirs as a youngster, played basketball and baseball, collected stamps and coins, and belonged to Jewish youth groups. A typical, happy Jewish childhood. He graduated cum laude from Creighton University, started his own accounting firm in Omaha, spent 40 years in the field of public accounting, served as president of the Nebraska Society of CPAs, as. well as Estate Planning Councils in Omaha and Beverly Hills, California. In 1992, Bernstein took the reins of The Foundation of the Omaha Jewish Federation which enjoyed tremendous growth while he was endowment director until his retirement last year. But there's another side to Bernstein, the courteous, dignified professional CPA. As a 22-year-old lieutenant, on Sept. 1, 1944, he1 ' landed on Omaha Beach about three months after the World War II Allied invasion; was a member of a special combat team selected to infiltrate through the German Army lines; was captured and then beaten when the Germans realized he was Jewish; escaped and was recaptured and nearly singled out and seized by special SS officers on the prowl for Jews. The son of Sarah and Joseph Bernstein, he had aspirations of being a rabbi when he grew up. While a student, he worked at Krug Park, Bakers Shoe Store, and at several meat packing plants. In 1940, he began classes at Creighton University, majoring in accounting and economics. He entered the Infantry ROTC program at Creighton but was required with the other ROTC students to join the enlisted Reserve program. "We were brought into active duty in 1942," he explained, "and I trained at Camp Roberts, California, in 1943 as a private." Bernstein was accepted for officer training, at Fort Benning, Georgia, in 1943. ];,"Upon graduation (May, 1944), I.WBB sent to Camp Shelby, Mississippi, and assigned to the 65th Infantry Division," he said. About 90 days later, he was transferred to the 87th Infantry Division and was enroute to Glasgow, Scotland, by August, 1944, on board the Queen Mary. He waited in England for orders to fight in
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Sheldon Bernstein Normandy "which was by then semi-safe for landing," he said. By the fall and winter of 1944, Bernstein was participating in battles in France and Germany. His unit was attempting "to seize numerous portions of the German Siegfried line, interlocking concrete bunkers and underground fortifications," he reported. By early 1945, Bernstein's unit was withdrawn from their advances and advised to join the American Third Army commanded by General George Patton. "I was part of a special combat team selected to infiltrate through the German Army lines and capture and hold the town of Bonnerue, Belgium, until the main forces of our Division as well as armored forces could relieve us," Bernstein said. "Despite numerous counter attacks, we held on to the town for about a week. During this week,'we suffered heavy casualties, and the Germans then sent the Sixth SS Panzer (Armored) Division to level the town and either destroy us or capture us. At the end of this battle, there were 17 of us still alive, and all of us were wounded at least twice or more in some instances." When captured in Bonnerue, "I was the only officer still alive and tl^e Germans took me to Luxembourg (German Army Headquarters for their Western Front) where I was beaten for being a Jew and interrogated," Bernstein recalled. "A German general interceded and took me to a field hospital in a city called Gerolstein, Germany." After brief hospital treatment in Gerolstein, Bernstein was transported to an officers prison in
Hammelburg, Germany, where "I ran into Kermit Hansen, a former officer at the Omaha National Bank." Bernstein was introduced by Hansen to his superior officer, John Water. "John was General Patton's son-in-law," said Bernstein. "Fortunately, the Germans were unaware of this fact." "In March, I believe," Bernstein said, "a group of us officers carried out an escape" from prison camp. Lt. Col. Waters was shot in the attempt but not fatally. "Most everyone was recaptured within one to two days, except for my team of three officers. We traveled at night and slept during the days and headed some 80 miles to Frankfurt am Main. Unfortunately, we were recaptured on the outskirts of Frankfurt by some Gestapo and German soldiers." . After being locked in a small freight car for transport to Nuremberg, "we were marched for about a week to a city near Munich called Moosburg that contained a large prison camp for all Allied officers," Bernstein said. It was in Moosburg that the Germans saw Bernstein's dog tags marked with the letter 'H' (for Hebrew). "So they knew I was Jewish," he recalled. "At the initial interrogation, I was beaten up in spite of my wounds. Shortly after my internment, some special SS officers came to the camp and wanted to take (me) and any other Jewish officers. "Our ranking senior officer advised them that they must take all American officers or none. They finally left our camp without me, thank God!" Bernstein related. "The few other Jewish officers had 'changed the religion' on their dog tags. So, I'm most fortunate." Except for a few classes and discussion groups, Bernstein described prison camp as "boring." In the spring of 1945, what was left of a special American task force of tanks and armored vehicles "created a diversionary attack.... along the barbed wire perimeter (of the camp) so that some of us were able to escape." Bernstein was flown to a hospital in Le Havre, France, and then sent on a hospital ship to New York. In the summer of 1945, he recuperated at the Army Navy General Hospital in Hot Springs, Arkansas. (Continued on page 39)
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Reaching out to the sky - pilot touches history by Claudia Sherman
Growing up in the 1920s and '30s in Omaha, little boys played with toys they made themselves including rubber guns and push carts they called soapbox cars. Add to that, model airplanes for Irvin Harris. As a youngster, he dreamed and daydreamed about flying an airplane. "Some of my main activities," recalled Harris, "were Boy Scouts, stamp collecting, selling apples from our tree, and going to Sunday School." His parents, Reuben and Tibbie Alexander Harris, hired a rabbi who came to the house to train their sons, Norman, Irvin and Lee, to become Bar Mitzvah. "I loved high school," said Harris who attended North High School and graduated in 1940. He was president of the debate club, an officer in ROTC, a member of Student Council and the National Honor Society, and vice president of his graduating class. Sometimes he worked at his father's grocery store on South 10th Street. On January 19, 1939, Harris took Martha Zusman, who was only 15 at the time, to a dance at her school, Omaha Central High. "I never went with anyone else after I started going with Marty, and she. never went with another boy. We just had fun and went to lots of partiesj" Harris said. He attended a local college before leaving in January, 1941, for Baltimore, Maryland, where he worked for the Social Security Board and attended night classes at the University of Maryland. "I was living in Baltimore when the war started," Harris pointed out, "and it was obvious that I would eventually be in uniform. Rather than wait to be drafted into the Army, I asked my parents to sign papers to permit me to enlist in the Army Air Corps since I was not yet 21. I took several days of examinations at the Aviation Cadet Examining Board in Baltimore and was accepted in October, 1942." Although he felt he would have "to put my life on hold like everybody else," Harris asked Martha to marry him. She accepted and they were married at
the home of Rabbi David Goldstein in Omaha on June 7, 1942, just days after Martha graduated from high school. After a three-day honeymoon in Chicago, the young couple made their first home in Baltimore. He trained at bases throughout the southeast where he studied Morse code, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, navigation, psychology and Irvin Harris married military conduct. Martha Zusman in 1942. "Marty followed me from base to base during training. It must have been as hard for her as it was for me, because many cadets were killed in training. Their wives never knew who crashed until an officer came to tell them," Harris explained. The war would give Harris the opportunity to fulfill.his dream of being a pilot. Climbing into the cockpit for the first time as a student pilot, he felt his heart pounding and tried to act calmly as if he was already an experienced pilot. "I loved it and it showed," he said. "Finally, I was looking down on the earth instead of up at the planes. This was not just another model airplane that I had built as a youngster. I was really high in the sky and wanted to reach out and grab a handful of it and never come down." Pilot training could be deadly. Accidents either killed or injured 10 percent of the cadets, and academic failure or poor physical coordination washed out another third of the class. Somehow though, the thrill of flying overcame the fear of death for Harris. Martha pinned on his pilot wings and lieutenant bars when he graduated in May, 1944. In December, 1944, Harris was selected as first
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pilot of a crew which included a co-pilot, ra lio operator and mechanic. "The camaraderie was nstantaneous among the four of us," he remembered. The crew crossed the Atlantic on the Qut en Mary which zigzagged its way to Europe to avoii submarine attacks. Eleven lieutenants shared a stateroom built for two. Martha returned to Omaha and lived \j ith I r / s parents. "I wrote every day," Harris said, "and so did she. The mail was held up when I was; n a combat quarantine just before a big mission I never told her anything about the danger or the close calls I had. She read the papers daily a knew from that what was happening. She also k ew that I was still alive if she didn't get a telegram telling her otherwise." (Continued on page 27)
Irvin Harris, 1940
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Reaching out to thesky Harris's crew flew twin-engined troop carrier transports from Dreaux Air Base in France, dropping paratroopers and towing gliders into combat zones. On VE Day, May 8, 1945, two days before his 23rd birthday, Harris was at a base near Nancy, France. "I was one of the first pilots into Templehof Airport in Berlin after it was captured. That first trip was to fly in American government personnel," he related. He later flew jurists to Nuremberg for the start of the historic trials. He would remain in Europe for another year, transporting concentration camp survivors from airport collection points to their homelands. "They were delivered to us by truck, train, or bus and received medical attention from American military doctors," he explained. "We lifted these people one at a time aboard our aircraft since they were too weak to climb the stairs. They were so fragile. Their bones were protruding. They were gaunt and staring and had a ghost-like appearance." "Only their eyes spoke to us as if to say, "Thank God, it's over.'" , As a Jew, Harris said he felt "a very special sense of pride in having this assignment. Were it not for the fact that I was an American, I too, may have been a victim of the Holocaust." He would occasionally try to express his kinship with survivors in Yiddish. "Their response was usually a smile, a handshake, or an occasional embrace. Sometimes, those who had the strength would kiss the earth when they returned home. I had no idea of how many people had been murdered," Harris added. "When I found out that the main thrust of the concentration camp system was to annihilate European Jews, it was a personal awakening to me. It was shocking to learn that it was all around me as I flew over it. I soon realized I had been flying over the greatest shame of all humanity." In June, 1946, it was time for Harris to go home; "I couldn't think about anything else but how it would be to hold Marty in my arms," he reminisced.
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(Continued from page 26) He took a job at Offutt Air Force Base. "We bought a house at 3920 North 38th Street. It was a new house and had two bedrooms. Just right for us. We paid $7,750 for it." In April, 1947, the Harrises became parents to a daughter. She was the first of three girls. Irv continued to work for the government at Offutt as a civilian employee until he was recalled by the Air Force back to active duty in March, 1951, during the Korean War. Assignments to Okinawa; Brooklyn, New York; northern California; Chateauroux, France; Belleville, Illinois; and Ramstein, Germany followed. In 1969, at the age of 47, Harris received orders to Vietnam. "We took the news pretty hard," he said. "Every mission there was like the first one -- scary, strange, and packed with emotion. I was older and realized t h a t every man on the crew was my responsibility." . After 125 missions, "leaving Vietnam was like emerging from a snake pit or coming out of a dark mysterious land of bewildered people." When he met Martha in California at the end of his Vietman tour, "We both thanked God for the chance to be together again. She was proud of me and I was her hero. That was all that mattered to me. I soOn got the feeling that I had to sneak into the country quietly because of the anti-Vietnam sentiment that prevailed." , Irv and Martha celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary before she died in 1972. After nearly 32 years of service, three wars, and some 22 duty stations, Harris retired as a lieutenant colonel in 1974. He earned many decorations including the Distinguished Flying Cross and four Air Medals. He now lives in San Diego where he leads an active life, plays a lot of golf, and travels to Omaha occasionally. He has seven grandchildren, and .they have a Irvin Harris vacationed on a cruise to Alaska, grandfather who is both a courageous American in 1994. and a proud Jew.
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Thank Building a Jewish Community for the 21 st Century The following people have made commitments to the Campus Founders, {S25O.OO0 and above
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In Memory of David Kalvnan The Harris Family Sheldon & Janice Harris James & Marti Harris Pete & Nancy Godwin Thomas Harris Stephen & Magi Harris The Lchr Family Marty AJoanlc Lchr Bruce & Cindy Goldberg Susan Lchr John & Sandy Lchr , Leonard & Bert Lewis David & Sue Meyers Sherman & Jcanic Ncff and Herman Goldstein Jay & Kim Noddle _ Sydney & Rcgina Ostcn Alan & Carol Parsow N. PillorA Sons, Inc., In Memory ojNorman Fitlvr The Plait Family Max & Dorothy Plait Mike & Barb Platt JclTA Ellen Plait Tlic Scliricr Family Slan& Felicia Senrier Jeff & Tracy Scliricr Bennett & Julie Ginsberg Jill Scliricr Dortliy Scliricr Ted & Sarah Scldin Bruce and Anne Shackman In Memory of Hymen "Tweet" Belman
Leaders frnntiniirrn David & Dcbi Kutlcr Howard & Nancy Kuller Bruce Kuller The Malashock Family Barbara & Slan Malashocfc Jody & Ncal Malashock Diane & Larry Malashock Bcuifc Sieve Leeds Kathy Malashock The Manvilz Family Marilyn & Justin Manvitz Wendy &Todd Manvilz Gcnnadiy&NelliMcnkov The Vivian Omch Memorial Fund Rudi Raskin Sol &LccJanc Parsow Yale & Ida Richards Larry & Silvia Roffman Blainc & Judith RofTman Jerry Rosen In Memory of lack M. Saferslein Mary Safcrslcin Rhonda Safcrslcin & Jeff Hanscn Diane & Howard Shandcll Mark & Lynda Safcrslcin Mark & Vicki Sanfont Mill & Rosaline Saylan Dan & Usha Sherman Joel & Nancy Schlcssingcr and Bernard & June Schlcssingcr Charles & Cynlhia Schneider Lcs&JanSchncidcraian Stuart & Esther Simon Jerry & Judy Simons Milton & Maxinc Simons Howard & Judy Vann and Family The Milton G. Waldhaum Family Fndn. Minii Waldbjum Jolin&NaUiaWaldbaum Amic & Anne Wcilz TnnZwcibaek Anonymous (S)
Innovators, iin to William & Ro.sc Abrahams Margarcllc Bclman Yudclson Harold & Helen Abrahams™ . Murray J. & Laura Bclman Arllmr & Larcinc Ahnims Paul Bclman Lynn EdiUiAbraiiLs ' Anonymous (3) Alvin & Doris Abramson Marvin & Gail Abramson leaders 810.000 - $24.999 Mike & Sherry Abranuon Aaron Fcrcr & Sons Art & Charlotte Adlcr Irv & Susie Blumkin The Adler Family Ron & Chris Blumkin Morris &Bcmicc Adlcr Barry Brodcr Robert Adlcr Tlic Epstein Family Abe & Shelley Wisnia Harold & Ella Epstein: Nils&ShariAsplund Paul & Sandy Epstein JclTrcy & Susan Aizcnberg Gary & Lisa Epstein Lawrence & Paula Albert Mori & Jan Glass' Leon & Eleanor Alexander The Goldstein Family DcnaAllfnan David &Judi Goldstein Joel Alpcrson Joe & Jill Goldstein Margie Alperson Rick Goldstein Bcmic & SMricy Altsulcr Jeff &Daniclle Gordman Harry & Ruih Altsulcr Jerry & Linda Gordman Arych&ElyccAzricI David & Para Gross Bruce & Jill Baron and Raw Gross GraigA Cathy Bassett Jerry &. Cookie Hobcrman Kcnnclli & Gloria Bassik The Joscphson Family Jane Ball Larry & Dcbbi Joscphson Donald & Diane Baum Keith & Judy Joscphson Dennis & Jeanne Beavers and June Goodbindcr John & Angle Bckins Hugo & LIs Kalin Jack & Ann Bclmont David Kciscr & Lillian Reiser Sloins Fdn Mark & Jill Bclmont Sally dayman Jay Bcnlon Dr. & Mrs. Allen Morris Harry Bcrman & Beth Cohen Mr. & Mrs. Jeff dayman Jerry & Mary Bcrman Kcvcc & Myma Kirshcnbaum Gerald & Lois Bcrnslicn The Kranlz Family Harold & Millie Bernstein In Memory of Rose Kranlz Tcrrancc Bernstein David Kranlz Thomas & Mary Bernstein Howard & Barbara Kranlz Rich Bcyak Stewart & Susie Smolcr Michael Blalt Bob & Connie Kully, Albert iJuniBloch Marshall & Barbara Kushncr Robert Lachowiez & Manjarcl Block The Bcnlon Kutlcr Family Harold & Dina Bloom Ben & Harriet Kutlcr Florence Blumcnlhal Laura & David Chait Mcnassc Bohbot Robert ATcrri Ellen Kuller Mclvin & Gencvieve Bonulein
Innovators (continued)
Innovators (continued)
Randal & Rlionda Brand Mom's & Jean Brcscl BcssBrodkcy Harold & Lucille Bradkey Peter & Carol Brodkcy Ron & Beth Brodkcy Sherman & Sandy Brodkcy PclcrBrodsky Jack & Florence Brody Sidney & Jane Brooks The Brown Family Jonaihan & Dcbbi Brown Lcigh-Annc Brown Lauren Brown Elliot & Dolores Brown Ronald Budwig & Susan Silver Sam& Elaine Bukcngolts Esther Canar Louis &EudiccCanar Richard & Sandra Canlicld Ken & Nancy Carlson Frederick & Mullinc Cassinan DdvidChomcy Trumafi & Rosemary Clare Alan & Anne Cohen Gilbert Cohen Marc Cohen Paul & Arlcnc Cohen and Family Robert & Maria Cohen Shelly & Joyce Cohen Edward Colin Lcona Cohn Naomic Colin Sieve & Linda Colin Travis Cohn & Jennifer Diniartino David Cooper Harvey & Rose Cooper Ron & Cheryl Cooper & Family Samuel & Judy Cooper Jcrold & Jaucy Dann Slcvcn & Veronica Danon Art & Betsy Davidson David Davis Rose Davis Manuel & Karen Delgadillo Eunice Dcnciibcrg Sieve Dcncnhcrg Dennis & Pamela DcPortc Jack & Mindd Diamond Edward & Esllicr Dolgrifr Paul & Susie Drazcn Jack & Jean Duitch Slan& Ellcnc Edclslcin Lewis & Teresa Eirinbcrg RcxEkwall Wally&JcanElkon Gary Emcnilovc '
Rick, Shelly <8c Naomi Fox Marsha Fox Michael & Jodi Fox Harold & Ruth Fox Ira & Marta Fox Ron & Marsha Frank Dean & Barbara Frankcl Robert & Robyn Freeman Beverly Freiden Ed & Sandi Fried AI& Esther Friedman Gloria Friedman Harry & Mcrriain Friedman James Friedman Lloyd & Lois Friedman Morris & Beth Friedman Sandy & Amy Friedman Scott & Debbie Friedman Tlic Friedman's Amy, Sandy, Andrea and Dusty Willard & Thania Friedman Zalman & Mania Friedman Don & Maggie Gerbcr Marvin Gcrhcr Robcrt & Kay Gcrelick Bcv Gilinsky Lawrence & Dcaiuia Gilinsky Slewart & Chicky Gilinsky John&MarciaGilmorc Arkadiy & Larisa Ginzburg PclrGinzburg Donna Givncr David & Wendy Goldberg Frank &Lcannc Goldberg Gene & Mi la Goldman Gary & BarbaraGoldslcin Mark & Dora Goldslroni Tlie Goodman Family In Memory of Samuel & Delma Goodman Bob & Barbara Goodman • Fred & Barb Ifehling Steve Goodman Harold Goodman Rob, Debbie & Isabel Goodman Sydney & Betsy Goodman Barbara Gottlieb Saul & Esther Gracu Lonnle & DianncGraul Andrew & Carol Grechberg Barton (Bucky) & Caryl Greenbcrg Henry & Shirley Greenbcrg Arthur & Deborah Greene Gary & Shcrri Green Bud & Rosalie Greenspan George & Kathryn Gricb Jerry & Pearl Gross The Ethel Grossman Family In memory ofMoe Grossman Sharon & David Bchrend Bcmle & Marge Grossman The Grossman Family Art Grossman Ronald Grossman Larry & Linda Grossman ArlcneGitlcs Roberta Grossman Paul & Joy Grossman and Meyer & Frances Corcn
Bob & Lois Endclmah Randy & Penny Endclman Robert & Rcnnc Engcl Todd&LlsaEpliriani EdIUi Epstein Gary & Nancy Epstein and Jim & Robyn Belgrade Howard & Sharon Epstein Mclvin &Lols Epstein Richard & Pamela Epstein Sam & Rosaline Epstein Tufly& Helen Epstein Willis & Audrey Epstein Abe & Liberty Faler EstcllcFaier James & Judy Farbcr JudidiFcigin AI&EllieFeldman Elaine Fcldman Mike & Judy Feld man Mary Fellman Gerald Fcrcnstcin " Frances Fcrcr Lco&AnneUeFcltman Rose Fine Paul & Sally Fine Joel & Lois Finkcl and Marti Finkcl Kevin Finkcl
Frank & Cheryl Flalowicz Pierre Flalowicz Irving ASonia Forbes Irving & Ida Forbes Robert Ford The Fox Family Dee Fox
,
Kathcrin Finnegan & David Gilinsky Norm & Harriet Fishel Betty Fisher Morton & Shirley Fisher
Please join us in this incredible opportunity! (All contributions are payable over 3 years. Minimum donation for a dedication is $1,000.)
March 26,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
You! We're Helping to Build the Community! Building Fund and have allowed their names to be published.) Innovators (continued) Bruce & Margie Gulnik Harry & Judy Hall Yule & Ida Halperin Bobbi Halslcin Marc & Andrea Hamburg David & Belle Harkin Louis & Eva Heislcr Joel & Esther Hcllman Larry & Rctha Herman Leo Hill David & Phyllis Hoffman Adcle Homslcin Louis & Lillian Hurwitz Philip & Marsha Itldn Jon Lance & Dacia Jabenis Mace & Elaine Jabenis The Jacobson Families David Jacobson Robert Jacobson Mark Jacobson Richard & Joanic Jacobson Ed & Anne Joseph Harvey Jpsin Sorin & Sara Justcr Toby Kagan Guimcr Kalin Marcel & Use Kahn Robert & Roxannc Kahn Jerome & Sylvia Kaiman Paul Kaiman Gary & Sally Kaplan La/.ar & Ocrnicc Kaplan Myron Kaplan Robert Kaplan Su/unnc Kaplan Beatrice Karp Frantic & Sandy Kasin Sanford & Rcncc Kasner Charles (Skip) & MerryLccKalzman Rick & Juice Kat/man and Mike & Carol Kat/.man Mendel & Shanl Knizmaii Maury & Madeline Kaunran Leonard & Cindy Kaufman Larry"& Lcann Kclbcrg Pcyman Khara/i Corey Kirshcnbaum & Marcy Noodcll : JcIT & Sharon Kirshcnbaum Max & Shirley Kirshcnbaum Don & Ilcnc Klein Harry & Janet Klein Milton & Marsha Klcinbcrg Gregory & Galina Kogan Marvin & Sandra Kohll Betty Kohnick Sam & Mollic Kohn 'John Kohn Mis. Martin Kolm Leonid & Marina Konflsakhar Joseph & Lcali Kosinovsky Scott & Mindi Kotzcn Jack&BetteKozlcn Abe & Beverlcc Krasnc Cris & Peggy Krasne Leonard & Peggy Krasnc , Lloyd & Edylhe Krasnc David & yield Krecek Manfred & Lois Krellstcin Barry Kricsfcld Gary&RobbiKudyra Abram Kukawka Howard & Nancy Kutler MarkKutlcr Howard & Nadine Kutner Doris Kwialck Chuck Lang Alan & Shari Langnas Jay & Barbara Lashinsky Michael & Sharon Lawlcr Gcrson & Martha Lcbcr Ben & Grace Lcbowicli Mike & Bobbi Lcibowltz Ben & Eileen Levin Michael & Cheryl Levlne Michael & Karin Lcvinc Steve & Bonnie Lcvlnger Rocky Lewis Sara Lewis Vera Lewis Dmitriy & Marian Llbov ,
Innovators (continued! Michael &DeanaLiddy Morris & Helen Lipp Rubin & Louise Lippelt Harvey & Marcia Lipsman Michael & Margarita Lizinsky Steven & Thclma Luslgartcn Bernard & Carolyn Magld Trenton Magid Larry & Diane Malashock Ncal & Jody Malashock , Robert & Norms Malashock Harold & Linda Mann Dan &Dcbra Marburg Myron & Harriet Marko Milton & Doris Raduziner Marks Milton & Ann Margolin Mark & Julie Martin John & Kathy McGauvran Thomas & Margo Mcchan Maurice & Rosalie Mcichcs Gcnnadiy & Nclli Mcnkov Gerald Meyer Bcmic & Roic Meyers Larry & Dccnic Mcycrson Bruce Meyers & Sally Barcnbaum Joseph & Tina Meyers Leo & Helen Mcycrson Scott & Jenny Mcycrson Adricnnc Milder Jerry & Fran Milder Mike & Ducky Milder Pete &Rhoda Milder and Larry & Gcorginc Koom Dan & Harriet Miller Michael & Lori Miller Sidney & Lynda Mirvish Stan & Evic Mitchell Scmyon Mogilcvsky Charles & Lyra Monascc Henry & Pam Monsky The Monsky Family In memory of Hubert "Hub " Monsky Henry & Pam Monsky Sharon Monsky Schcr Robin Monsky Igor & Anna Moscnkis Gordon & Ann Moshman Allan & Janic Murow Bruce & Mary Belli Muskin Stuart & Beltic Muskin Jcancllc Nadorf Leonid & Bella Nakliimovich Bob & Betsy Nelson Jcanctlc Ncpomnick Steven & Mana Ncssman Barbara Nichols Bart & Jordana Nisscn Allan Noddle Don & Ozzic Nogg Irving & Marian Nogg . Leo & Babe Nogg Ruth Nogg; Mike & Susie Norton Linda Novak Robert & Donna Olesh Michael & Barbara O'Malley The OstroW Family Fred & Sandy Oslrow Nadinc Oslrow Ellic & Paul Miliuxr Gary & Marcic Ostrow Dennis & Susan Palcy Jay, Margo, Charles & Aaron Parsow Gene & Gail Pashchenko Gary & Clara Paskar Claire Passer Sandra Passer Scott JcKristi Pavel Wayne ftSaritaPcnka Romana Pepper Harold & Rose Perclman Jason, Rebecca & Zachary Perclman Rovert & Betty Perclman Willard& Shirley Pcstal Eric & Julie Phillips James & Geraldine Phillips Michael & Shelly Pichik Michael & Del Pisci The Placzek Family Matt, Kim.Aaron, Noah and Phoebe
Innovators (continued) Grace Plotkin Marv & Sheila Polikov Joseph Polack Joseph & Lcnorc Pollack Oliver & Karen Pollak Joseph & Bluma Polonski Larry & Dinah Raful Leonid & Irina Raksin Neal & Nancy Rauh'auser Gerald & Jeanne Raznick Steve &Dodi Roller Lorraine Reiss Molly Rhodes David Rice Don Rice Mrs. Norman Rice Lou &Bcv Rich Harry & Arlcnc Richman Marty & Iris Ricks Gary&CarynRillin The Doug Riley Family Foundation Sheldon & Nancy Rips Andrew & Kimbcrly Robinson Michael & Tammy Rochman Stuart Rochman Jonathan & Slaccy Rockman Normand & Phyllis RofTman Mimi Rogers & Michael Marcovitz Bill & Margo Rosen Marti Rosen-Alhcrlon Michael Roscnbaum Jacob & Rose Rosenberg Monroe & Helen Rosenberg Jeanne Lipscy Roscnblum Chamcy & Jerry Rosinsky Alvin & Willis Ross Edith Ross Lee & Peggy Ross Bess Rolhcnbcrg Sieve & Bunny Rolhcnbcrg Belly Rubin Elliot & Betty Rubin Rcva Rudcrman Michael & Lynn Salmi . Errol & Lynnc Sallzman Betty Sanford George & Julia Schapim Andrew & Wendy Schcrcr BcaSchimmcl Abe & Annette SclilolT Jack & Sonla Schragcr Jeff & Lisa Sihragcr Rick & Laura Schragcr. Ed & Carol Schneider Julius & Sarali Schrcibcr Harry & Sophie Schulman Maurice & Phyllis Schwarf JcffSchwcid Howard Sclbcr George & Miriam Sliafcr Howard & Diane Shandcll Norm ASuzy Sheldon Marc & Claudia Sherman Mark & Dcbra Sherman and Michael & Patty Sherman Rose Sherman Dave & Phoebe Shkolnick Rodney & Lois Shkolnick Leon & Dani Shrago Howard & Linda Shricr Michael Shricr & Suzanne Behr Martin & Avcva Shukcrt Paul & Susann Shykcn Barry & Judy Siff Jeff & Mary Silver David & Janis Silvcrbcrg James & Susan Silvcrman Ervin & Miriam Simon Mickey & Tootle SirKon Steve & Marsha Simon Ben & Evelyn Simons Suzanne Richards Singer David & Ann Sjalin Steve & Nancy Skid Norm & Shirlcc Smccrin Barry & Frances Snyder Morton & Helen Soircf The Sophir Family Ramon & Susan Somberg
Innovators (continued)
Innovators (continued)
A1& Shirley Sorkin The Marc Sorklri Family Joe & Miriam Soslmik Millard Spcicr Sherman & Harriett Sperling Richard & Bertha Spiegel Dorothy Spirman Oliver & Gaylc Spooncr Moc & Muriel Steinberg Don & Lois Stern Arnold & Carolyn Stem Betty Stcmhill Alan & Kim Stolcr Harlan Studna
Todd & Linda Zimmerman Barry & Nora Zoob Seymour & Riv. Zoob Anonymous (66)
Hyman & Marlcnc Sukicnnik Charlie & Louri Sullivan Mark & Lynn Sweet Jeffrey & Nancy Teicnbaiini Sadie Thomas Steven & MonlynTipp Shirley Trachlcnbarg Margarita Trcskunova Isadorc & Sclnm Trcliak Eitan & Eadic Tsabari Henry & Fan Tsuci Gregory & YcygcniyaTsyrlin La/ur & Margjrcl TurcLsky Tom Vann Scott Vcil/cr Tim Vcilzcr Sylvia Wagner John & Natha Waldbaum Arthur & Mary Walker Gordon & Joy Walunabc Raymond & Saudi Wcinbcrg Art & Ruth Wcincr Henry & Roberta Wcincr Kenneth & Judith Wcincr George Wcisc Larry & Julie Widman Earl&LccWigodsky Chns & Allyson Wilc/owski David &AndiWjllcnsky Emic & Janet Winlniub Phil & Nancy Woll Boh & Sihhy Wolfson Douglas & S.mi Wolfson Harry Wollson William & Ann WoKson Tliaddcus & Dcanna Woods Irvin & Annette YatTc Harold & Phyllis Zabin Jamie Zacli aria. Richard & Tcrri Zacharia S t e v e * KathleenZalkin InnaZcvakin Norman & Dorothy Zcvilz
Building a Jewish Community for the 21st Century
$250,000 still needed!
CariSommer
1b make a contribution, contact the Project Co-chairmen: Fatty & Steve Nogg, 493-3479 and Marcia & Steve Pitlor, 496-4632 or call Tom Fellman or Howard Koopcr, 392-1800.
Page 29
Page 30
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
What a memory! by Joan K. Marcus
At the age of 94, Harry Noodell has the memory and sense of humor of a man half his age. Though his hands show many years of hard work, Noodell weeps openly when he speaks of his wife of 66 years, Lillian, and how he misses her. His voice also softens and he tells of his brothers, Hyman and Ben, and his sister, Rasel and how they're gone too. He tells the story of his life without forgetting a detail. Harry Noodell was born in Mikalayev, Podolskia, Russia in the Ukraine. His father, Sam, came to America in 1913, but the rest of the family remained in Russia, waiting for their father to send for them. Harry, Hyman, Ben, Rasel and Belle, . their mother, left Russia on Sukkotin 1920. They arrived in Bessarabia, Rumania, and stayed there until Passover of 1921. There, Hyman found work in a granary and Harry ground meat for a man who made sausage. From Bessarabia, they traveled to Bucharest, Rumania, where they stayed all summer. They remained there while HI AS (Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) helped them find a place to stay. Hyman and Harry found work and it took another six months before they got visas. Later, ' they spent two weeks in Hamburg, Germany, where they finally boarded the boat for England. In September, 1921, nearly a year since they had left home, they left England and sailed for 10 days to arrive in Halifax, Nova Scotia, on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, They held services on the ship and traveled the next day to Ellis Island, New York Traveling by train from New York to Marshalltown, Iowa, they arrived at the home of their uncle on Erev Yom Kippur. A year later, they made their way to Ackley, Iowa, where they made, their living as peddlers, traveling to farms and buying and selling furs as a sideline. "Jewish immigrants couldn't get jobs because
they couldn't talk English," Noodell recalled, "so, it was easier to start out being a peddler. It was also easier for us to be in small towns. "During the high holy days, there were people from all. of the little towns who were just like us. The men were peddlers and they would take off during the holidays and go to Marshalltown, Iowa. They didn't have a synagogue either, but there was a Jewish woman who had rooms in the back of her grocery store," he remembered. "That's where we had services." In 1923, when he was 19 years old, the family moved to Omaha. He got a job working for Omaha Central Market. He later went to work at Tuchxnan Brothers Grocery, a chain of grocery stores in the Omaha area. He was making 12 dollars a week and he worked from 7 a.m. until "God knows when in the evening!" "One Saturday night, the boss came in to pay us and I finally got up enough guts to tell him I
The 1928 wedding of Harry and Lillian Noodell
needed another two dollars a week," Noodell related. "I told him I wasn't making enough money to live on. The boss told me if I could find someone who would pay me that extra two dollars, I'd-better go! I got mad and quit!" " . ' In 1927, after he left Tuchman's, Noodell went to work for Polonski's Grocery Store on 35th and Jones Street. Mark Polonski paid Noodell $16 a week and Harry didn't have to work as hard! Later that year, Noodell went to work for Louis Albert at his grocery store on 35th and Leavenworth. Mr. Albert paid Harry 25 dollars a week! "I was in seventh heaven with all that money!" Noodell always had a dream of having his own store. However, it wasn't easy for an immigrant to start up his own business: He continued to go to school in order to learn English and strive toward a high school equivalency. He did everything he could to try for his dream. Sometimes, on his way to work; Harry would pass a vacant building 'at 2820 Cuming Street. There had been a grocery store in the building so it already had fixtures. "A few times, I stopped and looked at the building. I thought it was a good neighborhood because Robert's Dairy was across the street and 300 people worked there," he said. "These people had to walk down the (Continued on page 31) .
From Our Homes To Yours, We Wish You A Happy and Healthy Passover
JEWISH FEDERATION OF LINCOLN •L.
March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 31
What a memory
Still going strong at 80
(Continued from page 30)
by Joan K. Marcus
street to get the In 1968, streetcar and after 39 they would years, the probably stop Noodells had to buy groto close their ceries. store because "I did a lot of of the changresearch being neighborcause I really hood. At 63, wanted my own Harry wasn't store." ready to retire so he Noodell borwent to work rowed $300 for Baker's • against his life Supermarinsurance polikets. cy and went to a supplier, who "It was difoffered him ferent not Harry Noodell stands before his wall of family photos. enough grobeing the ceries to begin business. owner, but it was a wonderful experience working 'We'll give you credit for 16 days," the supplier for Baker's," Noodell noted. "Many of my customers told Noodell. "After that; you'll have to pay your bill followed me to Baker's." in full every J.5 days." He eventually became a traveling deli manager, Noodell agreed to the deal and he opened hiB own and retired from his second career in 1983 at age 79. store on May 1,1929. Lillian became ill after his retirement and went "There was no Great Depression for me. to live at the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. Harry Business started out like a house on fire," he went to see her every single day. Along with recalled. "Blumenthal's Super Market was across Barney Guss, Yale Halperin and A] Friedman, he the street, but I wasn't worried. All I wanted was a conducted services at the home on Shabbat. little of the overflow. I did business from the day I "My family was always number one to me. I have started except for a few setbacks. nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren," he "When the banks closed in 1933,1 lost everything said. I had, but I made it through with the help of Although he misses Lillian, he does enjoy living friends." '_• in his own home. The children come to visit reguOn New Year's Eve in 1927, Harry met Lillian larly to make sure that he is well, and he's still able Goodman at a dance. They fell in love and were to fix many of his own meals. married on June 3, 1928. Lillian worked with "This country has been wonderful to me," Noodell Harry in their store for 39 years. Their children are said. "I worked hard and I made a good living, but Doris Alloy, Esther Bogdanoff, Shirley Goodman the best part was my children and my wife. and Don Noodell. "I've been a very lucky man!"
OUR BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY PASSOVER SEASON.
Millard Rosenberg says he can't imagine living anywhere but in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born here on Oct. 20, 1918. The doctor who delivered him was Dr. Millard Langfeld, and according to Rosenberg, there were many baby boys who were named 'Millard' during those years. "Dr. Langfeld was quite charming and all of the women fell in love with him," Rosenberg recalled with a smile. Thus, there are many 'Millards' from that era! His parents, Mayme and Samuel, built a house on 3030 Nicholas Street, the old Bemis Park area, and Rosenberg attended Webster Grade School, the same.school his father, who had arrived in America from Budapest, Hungary, as an infant, attended as a boy. Mayme and Samuel were married in 1913 by Rabbi Frederick Cohn at Temple Israel. Rabbi Cohn came to Omaha in 1904 to serve at Temple Israel, which was on 23rd and Harney at the time. Rosenberg attended Sunday School at the old Temple Israel on Park Avenue and Jackson Street and he remembers that it was the only synagogue that had Sunday School. Therefore, many children from other congregations came to Temple on Sunday. He went on to attend religious school and was confirmed at Temple. His father had a grocery store on 24th and Chicago Streets. • "My dad's store was four blocks north of Joslyn Art Museum. The interstate highway goes directly over where it used to be!" he noted. Rosenberg's job was to take care of the candy, counter for his father. He attended Omaha Central High School and graduated in 1936. One of his main interests was working on the staff of the Central High Register, the school newspaper. He was the make-up editor, and many of his Jewish friends were involved at the newspaper. (Continued on page 32)
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Still going strong at 80 (Continued from page 31) He attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for two years and returned to Omaha to graduate from Creighton University with a degree in Business Administration in 1941. After graduation, Rosenberg started a small advertising agency in the basement of his father's store. He named his agency Mill's Advertising, and Miller Pontiac was his first customer. This was the beginning of his career in advertising, which is still going strong after 57 years! In 1941, Millard went to work for Hinky Dinky Grocery Stores in their advertising department. Since World War II was on and he knew he would soon be drafted, he was hired ^ust to help out," He worked there for almost two years until he had to serve in the Air Force. During World War II, Rosenberg served in Alaska and the Aleutian Islands. Ironically, he went into the service on his birthday and was discharged on the same day three years later. After the war, he went back to work at Hinky Dinky and became Sales Promotion Manager. One day in 1947, Rosenberg was shopping for white shirts at Nebraska Clothing Company when he met Omahan Jim Lipsey. At that time, there was still a shortage of shirts because of the war. The two young men began a conversation which ended in them forming a partnership, which was called Universal Advertising Agency. This partnership lasted for 20 years and included such advertisers as Rosen-Novak Auto and the Bowling Show ' with John Josey, Frito Lay Potato Chips, I-Go Van and Storage and Brandeis. In 1949, Marvin Taxman introduced Rosenberg to Shirley Davis. She had been a friend of Millard's sister, Dorothea Berger, but he had always managed to be shy enough to avoid an introduction. Rosenberg claims that he "didn't want to bother" his sister and her friends because they were so much younger! Davis, daughter of Sadie and Max Davis, also
grew up in Omaha. She attended Druid Hill -Grade School and graduated from Omaha Central High School in 1943. She is also a graduate of the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. In 1950, Millard and Shirley were married at Beth El Synagogue by Rabbi Myer Kripke and Rabbi Lou H. Silberman. Their children are John Rosenberg, an airlinepilot in Bloomington, Minnesota, and Jane Rosenberg, a professional horsewoman, golfer and the manager of Millard Rosenberg National Yellow Pages in Orange, California. First row: Jane Rosenberg, Shirley Rosenberg, grandson, Sam, and They have a grandson, daughter-in-law; back row: John Rosenberg and Millard Rosenberg. Sam, who has j u s t learned to call Rosenberg "Poppa." many as 6,000 phone books! Rosenberg's company In 1967, Jim Lipsey and Millard dissolved their performs the accounting, placement and guarantee partnership and became Millard Rosenberg of accuracy of the adB. It is part of the Yellow Page Advertising. He continued with his regular accounts Publishers Association, The Rosenbergs have ho plans to retire. They both until 1979, when he had national yellow page accounts. His wife joined the organization as an believe their involvement in business has kept them account executive 20 years ago when the company active and alert. Their working has given them purpose, making their lives moire meaningful. Since they became Millard Rosenberg National Yellow Pages. The business represents companies who use are part of a national organization, they travel to conadvertising in many cities. Many are national com- ventions, meet new people, and further their business. Although they have traveled all over the world, panies and they run advertising in several hundred phone books. Rosenberg's agency places those ads Millard and Shirley have no plans to live anywhere in multiple books, a service which the individual else. They are the only members of two large families who have remained here. phone companies do not provide. "We love Omaha," the Rosenbergs agree. "We've His company acts as a conduit to place the messages in phone books across the country, in as always enjoyed living here!"
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 33
Carrying the Torah into Beth El
Happy Passover
by Joan K. Marcus
Willis M. Epstein was born in Omaha on Dec. 20, In 1960, the Hawkins family split from Parson's 1928. He lived on 30th and Pinkhey, where there Construction. Epstein remained with Hawkins and wasn't much money in the home, but a lot of love. in 1962, he was made Executive Vice-president of His parents, Sarah and Bill, ran a small grocery. the company. In 1968, he was put on the board of directors. "Sometimes, people didn't pay jtheir bills and we didn't have Epstein has been involved in much money," he recalled. jobs that cost up to 50 million dollars, but the most meaningHe attended Druid Hill Grade ful one was when he built Beth School and is a 1946 graduate El Synagogue in 1991. of North High School. Although Epstein admits to "I participated in the planning having Borne fun in high school and construction of the building; he said; "I couldn't go out too it was a thrill to build my own much because I was working synagogue!" he recalled. most of the time. I worked anyOn July 7, 1991, Beth El place I could get a job. Mostly in moved from its old building at grocery stores." 49th and Farnam to its present location at 14509 He always knew that he California. This event marked wanted to go to college, so he the culmination of nearly 20 took a college preparatory years of effort to build a synacourse. His interests, even gogue that could accommodate then, were in mathematics, a growing membership and physics and science. In addichanging needs. tion to this course of study, he was active in student council,^ The new synagogue comROTC, crack squad a n d / d r i l l ^ bines elements of old and new. teams. Some of his friends Despite its open design and were Jay Chasen, Dick Martin modern features, it was and Harry Alloy. designed to accommodate the roots, customs and traditions He worked for his aunt, the of the congregation. late Sylvia Ross, at Ross's Grocery Store in Benson, and Ray Goldstein, who was Omaha Central Market on! president of the synagogue in 16th and Harney. Lou and Willis Epstein (right), and his family 1991, praised the firm of Harry Kulakofsky were his at his 70th birthday. Hawkins Construction and Willis Epstein for their work. bosses there and he became The shape of the new Beth El is reminiscent of the the manager of the delicatessen. Epstein continued to work after graduating from arches in many older European synagogues, which high school and felt fortunate to attend Omaha were destroyed by Nazi forces. University. His dream was to go to Iowa State Epstein has been a member of Beth El for 56 University and become an engineer, but he knew years and still marvels when he enters the building the only way he could achieve that would be to drop and realizes he helped to build it. When the seven out" of school and work. At that time, Omaha Torahs were transferred by a police-escorted motorUniversity only offered two years of engineering cade, he met the procession at the door of the new studies. synagogue and carried in one of the Torahs. "I've built all kinds of buildings," he said with * If'he quit school, he would never go back,- so he opted for a combined business/engineering degree pride, "everything from sewage treatment plants to offered at Omaha U. He never felt deprived or inad- the telephone company building, but this was the equate because he was unable to attend Iowa State, most meaningful thing I've ever done!" and is proud of the degree he received in 1950. He continues to donate his time and talent for That same year, Epstein married Donna Bernstien. the maintenance of the building. After the death of his first wife, Donna, in 1982; "I was working for Sylvia Ross because it was during the Korean War and jobs were hard to find. Epstein married Audrey Hoberman Cooper. Willis She offered me a partnership and said she would says they have had 15 wonderful years together. buy another store;'I was really tempted to take her Their children are Ron and Harriet Epstein, Gary and Jodi Epstein, Sally Epstein, Neil and Shelley up on it!" After considering her offer, Epstein decided he Cooper and Pam and David Frager. Between them, really didn't want to be in the grocery business. He they have nine grandchildren. Epstein has no plans to stop working. had gone to college in order to get out of the grocery "When I was younger and someone was 70 years old, business! So, he went to work for the Hawkins family at Parson's Construction. He. started as a time- I thought they were old, but now things are different," keeper and worked out in the field for one year. he noted. "There is a difference in people today. I After that, he came into the office and read plans work out three times a week; I feel good. Why would I want to stop; life has been good to me!" and did estimating.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
History in the making by Diane Axler Baum
By the time Mary Fellman started recording the history of Jewish Omaha, she'd already had a hand in shaping it. Prior to co-founding the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society in 1982, and since, Fellman has contributed endlessly to Omaha's Jewish community: through numerous volunteer activities; through careers in the field of communications; and simultaneously, as a daughter, wife, mother and friend. Yet, as she looks back over a life of extraordinary accomplishments, Fellman gives much of the credit to others. She cites her grandfather, her parents, her late husband, her employers and her fellow Jews. "People like me come from community people,"said Fellman, describing her maternal grandfather, Jacob Freed, as "a poor man who was always a proud Jew," and her parents, Max and Dora Arbitman, as "wonderful people with a great devotion to this Jewish community, but also a great devotion to family." "These were Americans by osmosis," she added, committed to "learning how to be Americans, but never forgetting mcir Jewishness." Her father attended countless meetings at the shul, and her mother was involved with Mizrachi Women and Hadassah. They maintained a home with "a very Jewish atmosphere," where Mary learned how to read Hebrew beside her younger brother from a tutor who came to the house twice a week for seven years. Even so, when she turned 10, her mother encouraged her to join the Girl Scouts. A Jewish troop, true, but a thoroughly American organization. Mary stayed in Girl Scouts until the early years at Central High School, where the newspaper became one of her major activities. On the Register staff, she rose to the position of News Editor, the first of many channels for her writing and editing talents. She continued her education at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln, where she became active with
The Arbitman family: Mary, Max, Morris (who died as a young man), Dora and Annie, (now married to Harry Allen and living in Jerusalem. SDT, a national sorority. In 1940, a year after graduation, she handled all the publicity for the sorority's national convention in Omaha. Elected SDTs national secretary, for the next seven years she traveled the country "in real style." The experience, she said, highlights a decade so filled with work, personal growth, and service that she "never thought about getting 'old'," nor.about reaching her later 20's and still being single. When she was in her mid-20's, Dave Blacker, then publisher of the Jewish Press, hired her as Editor. Among her responsibilities were news stories, editorials and two columns—one about Jewish youth, another about Jewish servicemen.
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Her concern about Jewish servicemen during the war years, however, went beyond writing. "I wanted to do something for our boys in the service," she said, so "I started Y.A.N.C.S." The Youth ArmyNavy Committee Service ran a canteen at the JCC all week long and held Sunday breakfasts. That's how my sister met her husband," she added. As to meeting her own future husband, she remembers lunching one day with publisher Blacker, and seeing Morrie Fellman, then a columnist for The Bee News, who would later become a businessman. They were engaged the next year. In the early years of her marriage, Fellman cofounded and served as president of the Omaha Business and Professional Chapter of Hadassah. In addition, she and her sister, Annie Allen, established a singles program called "The Connector." At age 31, Fellman gave birth to her daughter, Marsha, who was followed by sons Mark and Ronald. When Marsha was three, Fellman assumed chairmanship of the Beth El Nursery School. She later became active in the synagogue's Sisterhood and the Midwest Branch of Women's League for Conservative Judaism, eventually serving as president of both. She's still devoted to the concept of Sisterhood. Just last month, when Beth El held the first in a series of "Celebrate Shabbat" programs, Fellman cooked for two days in the synagogue kitchen to help in the preparation of dinner for 125.. "I loved being president of Beth El Sisterhood," she said. But one day, when she and her husband were sending two children through college, she decided she should return to paid employment. . What started as a part-time job in Millard Rosenberg's advertising agency, turned into eight years of intensive and creative full-time work.. (Continued on page 35)
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History in the making (Continued from page 34) len during the itdng. "I want- • e service," she Youth Armyen at the JCC kfasts. That's added. husband, she th publisher then a columater become a next year. B, Fellman coif the Omaha Hadassah. In Allen, estabDonnector." her daughter, ns Mark and Iman assumed •y School. She e's Sisterhood I'S League for rving as presiof Sisterhood, the first in a ants, Fellman ;ue kitchen to [25... ' 21 Sisterhood," i her husband college, she ployment. ib in Millard ned into eight ne work.. 5)
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Mary Fellman and family, 1995: back row, from left, Becky Fellman, Ronald Fellman, Mark Fellman and Jacob Zimmerman; middle row, Debby Fellman, Robin Caplan holding Katy and Sam, Mary Fellman, Marsha Zimmerman, Benjamin Zimmerman and Jesse Zimmerman; front row, Daniel and Matthew Fellman. Under Rosenberg's tutelage, she added radio and TV production to her skills. Eventually, she handled some of the company's biggest accounts, including the Hinky Dinky food stores and Blue Cross-Blue Shield. Looking back, she describes her late husband and former employers, Blacker and Rosenberg, as "three of the smartest men I've ever known." She .credits them with teaching her and influencing her. "They -gave me a master's degree-or a Ph.D," she smiled. •Upon retirement, both Fellman and her husband threw themselves into community service—he, president of Beth El; she, president of the Jewish Federation. Then, a friend's mother talked her into doing something about recording the history of the Jews of Nebraska." She discussed the matter with Oliver Pollak, a lawyer and history professor who was chairing the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. With the help of Joey Simon, Silvia Hoffman and Lois Friedman, they founded the NJHS in October, 1982.
Seven months later, Fellman's 35-year marriage came to an untimely end when her husband died suddenly. She began devoting even more attention to the Historical Society. . "As far as I'm concerned, the Historical Society gave me direction after Morrie died," she said quietly. ' Last month, NJHS celebrated its 16th birthday with the opening of a new exhibit: "Beth Israel Synagogue and the United Orthodox Congregations." Fellman still involves herself with every aspect of the work—researching, editing, fundraising and staging exhibits and special events. She looks forward to the new Jewish Community Campus, which will afford more space for offices and exhibits. "When I look back on all those years," said Fellman, "I have so much to be thankful for: community and careers; a supportive marriage; three wonderful kids and eight fine grandchildren, all of whom are being raised 'as caring Jews'." She's grateful for all she's received. She tends to discount all that she gives.
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Page 36
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999
The heart and mind behind the bar code by Diane Axler Baum
Dorothy Kaplan looks forward to the new Jewish Community Campus and a completely computerized library. She harbors only one misgiving. "Bar coding is something >ou have to do to keep up with the times, but I hope computerization won't take away from the human component in libraries," said Kaplan, who's been providing "human component" at the Federation Library for the past 19 years. Kaplan became assistant to the Library Director in 1980 in a full-time position, which she later reduced to three days a week. Although she's never had a formal title, her varied responsibilities include most jof the library's technical support functions, such as paying the bills, helping prepare __book orders, cataloguing videos, doing research for customers, and annotating new books for a column that appears regularly in the Jewish Press. Deeper than her specified duties is the personal interest she takes in the many library "regulars." She knows what they like to read and receives personal gratification from helping them make their selections. "I've always taken great pride in suggesting things for people to read," she said. Shortly after Kaplan joined the staff, the Book Discussion Group was established, and she soon became involved in selecting titles and discussants ;• for the monthly meetings. She also assumed an active role in all aspects of the annual Jewish Book Fair --from helping with the selection of speakers, to writing promotional materials, to developing menus for the Community Lunchean. In addition, she helps each year to select the books awarded as prizes in the Book Report Contest. One of Kaplan's former responsibilities was to give tours of the Children's Section to groups of pre-schoolers. "I'd tell them the catalog numbers were the addresses where the books lived," she smiled mis-
At the 1981 Book Report Awards Ceremony, Federation Library Board President Jack Duitch, left, presided over the meeting as Dorothy Kaplan, center, and librarian Edythe Wolf, back left, sit surrounded by the children and their parents. chieviously. Now, her concentration on the younger ing to Omaha, where her father was born in 1891. reader focuses on Marty Kaplan, her 10-year-old When he married a Russian immigrant, he urged grandson. In addition to buying him books, she her to become Americanized, and she did. Kaplan spends a great deal of time "just talking" to him. recalls, for example, that every day, before her Grandmother and grandson discuss sports—basket- father returned from work, her mother would ball, football, hockey and soccer; they chat, about change clothes and apply lipstick. Hebrew School; and they share thoughts on The depth and breadth that Kaplan brings to her Judaism. They also do "pretend things and imagi- job are a natural function of her cultural, religious nation things," she said. She's already introduced and educational background. him to Star Trek. "I take it very seriously when we say we are 'the people of the book'," she mused, admitting that as a Kaplan derives great joy in sharing her Jewishness. "I am bound to the Jewish heritage; it's the core youngster she yearned for something beyond the of my being," she said. "I think it's tremendous that children's area of the library. She stole her brothour people have lasted 5,000 years and are still errs library card to make her way into the adult section. Years later, she made the claim that the making contributions." A second generation Omahan, she also describes books she found there sparked a lifetime "love herself as "completely Midwestern." Her paternal affair with literature." grandparents homesteaded in Dakota before com(Continued on page 37)
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 37
Still dancing! by Joan K. Marcus
The smell of chicken roasting in preparation for Shabbat permeated Ida and Yale Halperin's apartment as they spoke of growing up in Omaha during the Great Depression. Candlesticks with Shabbat candles were on the kitchen counter waiting for Ida to kindle them at sundown, just as she has for the last 59 years.' Ida Epstein Halperin was born in Omaha in 1918. She has wonderful memories of her parents, Jennie and Sam Epstein, and their home at 2020 North 22nd St. She was the oldest of three children. Her sister, Vera Bernstein, and her brother, Danny Epstein, still live in Omaha. "I grew up so easily,". sh"e said. "We didn't have much money, but we always had food on the table. We went to Elmwood Park. We went to Peony Park. It was wonderful because there were mostly Jewish people living around us. There were always kids on our front porch." ' ; Ida tells of walking to the synagogue on the high holy days. She said she always had new shoes for the holidays and walked to the Kapulier Shul at 24th and Nicholas St. From there, they proceeded to the other synagogue on 18th and Chicago. "When it was time to go home, I carried the shoes!" she added. Her best friend was Esther Witkin Dolgoff. The two. women remain friends today. They, along with many other Jewish "kids' had parties every weekend. This was what we did for amusement," she said. There was no dating because, no one had any money." • Yale Halperin grew up in South Omaha and graduated from South High School. His parents were Fanny and Max Halperin, and he had three siblings. His sister and brother, Ethel Cohen and Max Halperin, have since died. His other sister, Sophie Katz Shulman, lives in Omaha with her husband, Harry.
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Yale and Ida Halperin, April 14,1940 Ida and her friend, Esther, were invited to attend a meeting of "Fratority," a group of young Jewish teenagers. Since she knew almost everyone at the meeting, and she was very gregarious, Ida was busy visiting with everyone! Yale was president of the group and he said, "Will that new girl back there please sit down so we can start this meeting?!" Ida was so angry and embarrassed that she refused to look at Yale. A short time later, Yale was looking for a date for an Aleph Zadik Aleph Dance. His friend, Max Marcus, said to him, "Why don't you take that little Epstein girl?" They danced all evening. Ida was 16 and she loved to dance. Yale was 18 and they started to 'go steady.' He visited Ida twice a week, Wednesdays Gourmet Baskets... for tha holidays, home entertaining, gift giving or r thank yous. The Winery will create that special basket of wine, spirits, food or cheese, designed foryou.
and Saturdays. They double-dated with Esther and her boyfriend, Ed Dolgoffl, and rode the streetcars on their dates. Six years passed before they were married. Yale proposed to Ida on the dance floor at Peony Park. He had saved up $57.50 in order to buy her a ring and they were dancing when he gave it her. They were married on April 14, 1940, by Rabbi David A. Goldstein,at the Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge. In 1990, at their 50th wedding anniversary, they renewed their vows under the huppah at Beth Israel Synagogue with Cantor Leo Fettman officiating. Their children, Ronna Kaplan, Diane Halperin and Howard Halperin, were all young when they moved into their new home at 528 South 55th Street. Ida said that she never wanted anything as much as she wanted that house. She never cried because she couldn't have anything, but she cried because she wanted that house! It was 'the house that they couldn't afford,' but they bought it anyway and they raised their family. It became the house where wonderful smells of food drifted through the air and three children grew up. During the years, Yale worked for Milder Wholesale Liquor Company, The Union Pacific and Omar Bakery. After a stint in the United States Air Force during World War II, he was in the trucking business for a time and then he was in the photo-finishing business with Charlie Mogil. They were partners for nine years. In 1964, Yale decided he was going to make a final career move. He took a job with Equitable Life Insurance Company. He says, "It was the best move I ever made." He took training and studied night and day in order to become a Charter Life Underwriter. This was a financial turning point for the family. He relates that they didn't change their style of living when they began to have more money. He (Continued on page 38)
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The heart and mind (Continued from page 36) Upon graduation from Omaha Central High School, she received a scholarship to the University of Omaha, where she completed a double major in History and Government and a double minor in English Literature and Education. In 1947, she became the university's first student ever to graduate summa cum laude. Regardless of this achievement, her family discouraged her aspirations of law school, fearing that a law career wasn't feasible "for a woman and a Jew." In 1948, she married Marvin Kaplan. Their first son, Howard, was bom in 1952, followed five years later by Robert, a special needs child who required his mother's concentrated care. Still, she found time to undertake involvements as an activist, a conservationist, and a champion of the environment, "even before Ralph Nader" became known. "My world was my interest," she said. "It was an extension of how I felt about the environment." Occasionally, she helped with projects sponsored by Beth El Sisterhood and National Council of Jewish Women. When Kaplan's older son left for Tulane University and her younger son went to live for two years at a school equipped to handle students with learning disabilities, she found herself without major care-giving responsibilities for the first time in years. She decided to translate her concerns for the environment into volunteer activity at the zoo, where she especially enjoyed serving as a docent. Kaplan's work at the zoo came to an end when she was called upon, once again, to assume major care-giving responsibilities, this time for her mother and her husband who suffered long illnesses before their deaths. During nearly two decades at the Federation Library, Kaplan has learned from life as well as from books. No matter what she experiences, her positive outlook never wavers. "You learn to cope, you learn to survive, and you have to learn to make the best of whatever life brings," she said.
Dorothy Kaplan admires the flowers Alaska while on vacation in 1994.
Kaplan visited Egypt in 1998.
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been wonderful." says, "We didn't buy a bigThey enjoy movies, ger house or a new car. dancing, eating out, exerWe just had more money cise classes and gambling to do what we wanted." at the casinos; They've They've continued to been to Israel twice, enjoy their adult children Hawaii, New York and and their five grandsons, many other places. Corey and Scotty Kaplan and Andy, Adam and Recently, they sold their Tim Halperin. house on 54th St. and now enjoy their brand new Yale tried to retire at apartment. Ida is 'living age 63, but he has continin the lap of luxury' with ued to work. He still goes her garbage disposal, to his office every day. dishwasher, microwave "It gives me a reason to Yale and Ida Halperin and icemaker. get up every morning and it keeps me out of Ida's hair. The young people "There comes a time when you must make a at the office treat me like a king. I hope to keep change. That time finally came for us," said Yale. working for some more years!" They credit their long marriage to the fact they work at it daily, they've never taken each other for He worked hard to educate himself for the job. "I'm so proud of Yale for what he did. He never granted. They've learned to compromise, and they had a college education, but he studied so he could profess their love for each other once in a while. do a good job. He has always worked hard and he "I'm certainly the head of the family, but I'm not has been a wonderful husband and father. the strong one. Ida has been my rock," Yale con"Every day has been perfect!" Ida added. "We've cluded. "We've had tough times, and Ida has had adversities and quite a few illnesses, but it has always been there." IBUJri m ffi in tfj rn I H ffSlfi m tri I H ia in ra irTiri ifi wi fH| A Truly Unique PbcUUy. Catering To Your Every Need. For Any "type Of Event Or Celebration.
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Page 39
Former Foundation Director counts his blessings (Continued from page 25) spent almost six years in Omaha," Bernstein "I trained troops at Camp Robinson, Arkansas, explained. "We enjoyed a phenomenal growth in until late 1945, and then went on terminal leave Omaha. It was a combination of several things — until February, 1946, when I was released," he many thoughtful and generous donors in Omaha, a good economy that generated strong market growth said. • • • • - • . . . Among his medals, Bernstein earned the Combat for securities, and favorable tax laws for donors' Infantryman's Badge, Purple Heart with an oak benefit," he said. leaf cluster (denoting twice wounded), various bat"Our Foundation in Omaha had a 10-million-doltle stars including Normandy invasion, Central lar market value when I came on board and an Europe, Battle of Germany and Prisoner of War approximate 27-million-dollar market value when I 'medal. retired last year." Before accepting the position of endowment direcDespite ij£ significantly smaller population, "the tor with The Foundation, Bernstein had been with Omaha Foundation is larger than Federation the accounting firm of Wachbrit, Groll, Freedman Foundations in cities like Phoenix, Tucson, & Bernstein of Beverly Hills since 1985. He was a Houston and New Orleans," he noted. "Omaha is in partner and vice president. a class by itself!" Father of five daughters, Sharon Kooper of "Although I considered working only three years, Omaha; Nikki Grosso, Montecito, California; Sandy I so enjoyed my work and accomplishments that I Meyerson, Phoenix, Arizona; Sunni Epstein, San Rafael, California; and Sue Lipsman, Mosinee, Wisconsin, Bernstein and his wife, Lorrie, live in Oceanside, California, since he retired from The Foundation. They also have four grandchildren. Retirement does not mean boredom for Bernstein. He is Vice-president of the Board of Directors of the Village of Portofino, where he and his wife live, serves on the Master Board of seven villages and the Master Board Finance Committee, plays golf, and is active in Golf Club, Yiddish Club and Ballroom Dance Club among others. But now there are ho more ledgers to balance and no mbre wars to fight. However, life is still interesting, he noted, "I've been more than busy."
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
March 26,1999 May Passover bring special joy to you and your family.
League Ufferine ering V Vo olunteers for the Elderly
Omaha Chapter of HADASSAH
T O YOU AND THOSE DEAR T O YOU
Happy Passover to the Omaha Jewish Community
A HAPPY, HEALTHY PASSOVER
SAMEBICAN
from
NCJW extends its warmest wishes to the Jewish community for a Joyous Passover.
Our best wishes for a Happy and Healthy Passover
YOUNG ENERGETIC SENIORS/ OLDTIMERS
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 334-6441 and 334-6442
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HAPPYPASSOVER
as we celebrate 16 years of gathering and preserving the history of Nebraska's Jewry
National Council of Jewish Women
Omaha Chapter-at-Large We are the activist organization for the modern woman, helping to educate over 250,000 young people ir Jewish communitues around the world.
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A commitment to excellence The Congregation of Temple Israel wishes its friends in the Jewish community a Passover filled with good health, happiness and peace • Sisterhood • Men's Club •Jr. and Sr. Youth Groups • Outreach • Religious School Parents
Best wishes fora meaningful and joyous Pesach. This Year in Jerusalem!
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 41
Surviving the Great Depression by Joan K. Marcus
Maynard Telpner is a humble, sensitive man with a dry, subtle sense of humor. A well-known Council Bluffs attorney, he sits in his office and speaks of growing up during the Great Depression and the impact that those sad days had on his teenage years. Although the walls of his office are decorated with awards and commendations, he points only to the pictures of his wife, daughters and grandchildren. Instead of bragging about his many achievements, he says, "I just can't tell you enough about my wife and my family." Sylvia and Ben Telpner lived at 32nd and Avenue "A" in Council Bluffs when their third child, Maynard, was born on March 23, 1928. Ben Telpher owned and operated a grocery store at 700 Madison Avenue in Council Bluffs Because of a major fire in Baltimore, Maryland, in 1902, Ben had relocated to Omaha to be near other family members. Thousands of buildings were destroyed in the fire, including the Telpner home. It was in Council Bluffs that he met his wife, Sylvia. They married and raised their family: Eugene, Audrey, Maynard and Zeph. • •„ Sylvia was a very talented woman who wrote musical skits and plays for various organizations, including Hadassah. Many of these skits were used as fundraisers and included performances by Omaha personalities such as Elaine Jabenis and other well known Omahans. According to Maynard, she had a beautiful singing voice and, in a different situation, Bhe might have been a great contralto. "My mother's and father's interest in the arts stimulated my interest in music and the arts. I don't have any talent, but we all have a great interest in cultural things," Telpner recalled. "Our house always looked like the public library. We were always taught to read and learn. Education was always stressed in our home." Although he remembers a loving family and a
happy home, he also remembers the Great Depression and the effect it had on his family. People who owed his father money were unable to pay their bills, and Ben ultimately lost his store. He remembers that the family didn't have $7 to buy a ton of coal to heat the house, that food was scarce and tiiat his mother heated a bucket of water on the stove so they could take baths. The truth of the matter is, there were some very desperate times for me when I was growing up. I think it left a profound effect on me as a teenager." Telpner attended Madison and Washington grade schools and graduated from Abraham Lincoln High School. He played french horn in the band and orchestra and went out for the track team. He describes himself as not being much of an achiever in high school because he was too shy and lacked the self-confidence during his high school years. He graduated from high school in January, 1946. He went to Creighton University for one semester and then enlisted in the Army. After 18 months in the service, he went back to Creighton. He had some interest in journalism, but hadn't declared a major. Some of his friends had discussed becoming attorneys and Telpner began to think about the Maynard Telpner, 1931 possibility of going to law
fHM; . . . • • h •
Maynard Telpner loved to ride ponies in the Bluffs in 1936. school. One day, he was passing through the library and saw an announcement on the bulletin board about applications being taken for law school. "That was the first time I actually thought about doing something about it! I filed my application and was accepted," Telpner explained. He graduated from Creighton Law School in 1952. (Continued on page 42)
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Page 42 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
Surviving the Great Depression
rnainn
(Continued from page 41) While attending Creighton, he would take the street car from Council Bluffs to downtown Omaha. During his walk up Dodge Street to Creighton, he would stop at the Jewish Community Center on 20th and Dodge to socialize. It was in 1949, during one of these visits, that he met Sally Priesman, who was then attending Omaha University. . "I thought there was something sincere and 'warm about Sally. She was very unpretentious and 'sweet. I visited with her a couple of times before I finally asked her out," he remembered. : They went to see The Secret Life of Walter Mitty a^the Brandeis Theater on their first date. They were married June 5,1951, at the Highland .Country Club. Rabbi Myer Kripke officiated. They have always lived in Council Bluffs, and, for Wanted: many years, were active at B'nai Israel Synagogue, where Telpner had his Bar Mitzvah. In later years, '99 they joined Temple Israel. HIGH Sally and Maynard have three daughters: Heidi SCHOOL Barr, Sari Slater and Marci Rosenthal. "They're all married to Jewish boys! We have six The Jewish Press will GRAD grandchildren, nice sons-in-law and beautiful feature "A SALUTE TO '99 grandchildren," he said proudly. • GRADS" in the June 4 Telpner is an avid reader. He reads three newsissue. Photos are due by papers every day~in addition to many other books May 24...no exceptions! All Jewish graduating and periodicals. He and Sally also enjoy walking, high school seniors are urged to send their senior movies, concerts, lectures and traveling. pictures along with the following: He serves on the board of trustees of Jennie Edmundson Hospital, Iowa Western Community Name. College Volunteer Board, the board of trustees of Parents. the Council Bluffs Senior Center, and is a trustee of Methodist College. ' High School. He is a volunteer tutor at the Adult Learning Center and assists foreign students a t Iowa Plans after graduation Western Community College with the English language. In addition, he is the president of the Jewish Cemetery Association. Please send to: Telpner has no plans for retirement. He enjoys Jewish Press his work and life more now than ever before. 333 So. 132nd St., "My attitude is wonderful now. I think I operated Omaha, NE 68154
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Maynard Telpner under a handicap when I was going to high school," he said thoughtfully. "I had so many complexes and I think a lot of it had to do with being poor and the Depression. "I can't say enough about Sally," he added. "We enjoy being together and we like to do things for each other, in addition to loving each other! "Our relationship has improved and bonded over the years," Telpner continued.- "The two greatest things I can say right now about our lives is that we're both in good mental and physical health, and the other thing is that I was fortunate enough to have been born in America." . .•
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March 26,1999
Tzedakah as a way of life by Martin P. Wolt
When the last chapter of the American Jewish experience in the 20th century is finally written, it will show that the first generation of Americanborn Jews set an example of which we can all take great pride. ' Henry and Dorothy Riekes, like so many other children of Eastern European immigrants, were raised by their Yiddish-speaking parents to accept responsibility for helping all Jews in the community. Henry's parents came from Kapulya in the Minsk province of Russia. His father worked in a sweatshop in New York City for several years until he could save enough money to bring his wife and four children to America. Henry's father settled in Omaha on 19th Street. There, four more children were born. Henry was the youngest. "Most of the neighborhood was Jewish, and we got along well with everyone," Henry recalled. "I remember when people came over from the old country, they had nothing and the people on 19th Street were also very limited in what they had. But everybody pitched in." He remembers the mishulachim (messengers) who would pass through town looking for "contributions" saying that they represented schools or orphanages in Palestine or New York. "After a while, I could pick out those who were honest and those who were just looking for a handout. I asked my mother why she gave money to all of them. She smiled and said, 'You had to help them. How would they live otherwise?'" When Samuel Riekes, Henry's father, first came to Omaha, he bought used bottles and stone jars, washing them and then reselling them to people and businesses for preserving foods. "All of us kids would wash the bottles in the basement of- our house. We had a cow that my mother would milk. We made our own butter and cottage cheese. My Dad was very religious. He wouldn't
Max Riekes, Ruth Riekes (Richards) hover over baby Henry Riekes in 1917. come to the phone on Saturday," he explained. "We had a barn next to the house where we sold the bottles and stone jars. If people came on Saturday, we were 100% closed." Dorothy's family came from Latvia. She was born in Omaha in 1920, six years after Henry. Her father had a clothing store where the Neon Goose is now located on 10th Street, across from the Burlington and Union Station. "We lived behind the store," Dorothy recalled. "My dad's customers were mostly railroad employees. One-half block up the street was the streetcar barn so Dad also sold uniforms and clothing to the streetcar conductors. . "One thing I remember was that my mother had a large, galvanized tub and she would bathe us kids in it during the week. But on Saturday night, Dad used to get a room at the Pullman Hotel across the street. All of us would go over to the hotel room and take a hot tub bath. That was our big Saturday night out," she added. Dorothy's father and mother were on their way to California when they stopped in Omaha to visit her
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Ben and Anna Chait were parents of Dorothy Riekes, shown here in the early 1920s with their children: Sylvia Chait (Pollak), Dorothy Chait (Riekes) and Sidney Chait. . father's two brothers. They talked him into staying. Her mother also came from Latvia. Her parents, although landsmen, did not know each other until they came to America. "When I was a little girl, I would go with my brother to the railroad station and sell newspapers. He liked taking me along because I sold more papers than he did," she said. "I knew Henry and Henry knew me since I was 13 years old. My brother and Henry belonged to the same fraternity at the University of Nebraska. He was a terrible tease. I didn't like him at all," she laughed. It was understood in both Henry's and Dorothy's family that helping the other Jewish families was an obligation of the entire Jewish community. "The Jewish Community was very close knit. My father belonged to the Labor Lyceum, which helped needy Jewish families, especially the new immigrants. My mother belonged to a Jewish women's group that called on the sick," she added. (Continued on page 45)
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 45
Tzedakah as a way of life
Henry and Dorothy Riekes, 1940s. Dorothy's parents knew Henry's family. "Henry's mother and father were philanthropic from day one." Both Henry and Dorothy worked from an early age right through high school, as did most of the Jewish kids of immigrant parents. Dorothy remembers working as a salesgirl a t the Nebraska Clothing Company. She sold women's hats. She related a time when anti-Semitism reared its ugly head. A customer who was being waited on by another salesgirl walked over to Dorothy and said to her, "You ring up the sale; I don't want that kike to get credit for the sale." Dorothy took her money, put the merchandise in a sack, gave the woman her
(Continued from page 44) change, smiled and said, "And this kike thanks you." Henry, with his brother, Max, worked in the family business, S. Riekes & Sons, distributing new bottles and opening branches. They lived in Des Moines for a year to open a branch there. Then Henry attended the University of Nebraska for a, year. Later, Max and Henry opened another branch of the business in Oklahoma City. Henry would ask his father why he gave to every Jew passing through Omaha when probably only one in 20 was really deserving. His father would smile and tell him, "The problem is that I'm really never sure which one he is." Such was the pattern set for tzedakah in the Riekes family that was to be carried down through the generations. His father opened a synagogue on 19th Street near their home. "Every Friday night if someone came to town who had no place to go or nothing to eat, they would come to his father's house where they would have Shabbat dinner and sleep wherever they could find space," he explained. Henry and Dorothy were married in 1939. In the years of their married life, they have both been very active in philanthropies and in serving the Jewish community. Both of them have been longtime workers and fundraisers for Israel from the very beginning. They established one of the first • permanent endowments for the Federation. They have provided significant support over the years for Beth El Synagogue, the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, the Friedel Jewish Academy, the Jewish Community Center and a host of other Jewish and community service organizations. Both the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Foundation of the JFO have bestowed awards on the Riekes' for their generosity. They successfully transmitted their "tzedakah way of life" to their children,-Steven, Nancy and Carl, and to their families. The people of Omaha
and the State of Israel continue to benefit. In March, Henry and Dorothy will have celebrated their 60th anniversary. When they were asked to what they attribute their wonderful marriage of so many years, Henry responded, "It's all about loving-loving your wife, loving your children, loving your family." Dorothy added, "Besides loving each other, you need to respect each other's interests. You need to treat each other with kindness and respect. I give Henry most of the credit. He is a very caring person. He puts everyone else before himself. He is the kindest person I have ever known." We are the inheritors of a rich tradition of commitment to our fellow Jews, to Israel and to pur grandparents' adopted country, an example set hy the Riekes' and others of their generation.
Yale Richards presented Dorothy and Henry Riekes with the Jewish Federation's Humanitarian of the Year Award.
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When life imitates art by Jessica Hasslinger
My bubbe is Elaine Jabenis, an accident; Brandeis invited her to be extremely successful person in many a guest commentator for a couple of ways. When I asked to interview her, fashion shows as a television personI knew it would be an easy thing to ality. Then, one day Richard do. There would be so much to write Einstein, the general manager of about. The only thing is, there is so Brandeis at that time, asked if she much more than I already knew. This would join Brandeis as a full-time will give you an idea of what she did fashion coordinator. earlier in her career and what she She loved fashion and thought she does now. would give it a try. It was not long Bubbe first worked as a writer for until she was made Corporate the New York Times. This was right Fashion Merchandising Director for after she and Zayde were married. My all the Brandeis stores. Zayde was in the Air Force and staShe had the best of both worlds tioned in New York during World War because she was learning the fashII. He flew across the ocean 84 times! ion business, extensive travel going When they moved back to Omaha, to New York every month, to Europe after the war, she got a job in radio at twice a year, and also to the W.O.W. as a writer. Then, they need- California market. ed a woman in a commercial and the At the same time, she was writing client liked her so much they put her a fashion column for Brandeis in the on the air permanently. She was World-Herald and was spokesperson given her own show, "Saturday for Brandeis on their radio and teleScrapbook." The show won a national (Continued on page 47) award from Billboard Magazine as second best women's show in the United States and Canada. She fell in love with performing, moved to television and had a daily talk show and did commercials on all three channels. She even had my mom, M'Lee, in a few commercials for Metropolitan Utilities District. She volunteered in Beth E) Sisterhood, Hadassah and National Council of Jewish Women, while her children were very young. The fundraisers for Hadassah were called "Hadassah Spectaculars," which were musical productions. She worked on these with Mary Fellman, Bette Rosen and Marjorie Lincoln, among others. Jabenis was Fashion Commentator for Getting into fashion was an Brandeis department stores in 1974.
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 47
When life imitates art (Continued from page 46) She said it is important to get the best education you can and to explore various avenues of interest. "When you find one that really appeals to you and your talents, be persistent and don't give up until you have reached the goal you have set for yourself. Then, reach out for the next step; never stop giving your best," she said. She likes this quote: "If you do the best you can each day, you need never fear the future." Bubbe did not get involved in her career, full time, until her children were in school all day. By combining parenthood and career, she could not have accomplished any of this without the love and support of her husband, Mace. Bubbe said her family, her son, daughter and three beautiful granddaughters, have been her greatest accomplishments. "People should not pay attention to chronological years, but to think more in terms of making each day and each year meaningful in either personal accomplishment or public service. These things, together with the joy of your family, will help keep you young," she explained. As you can see, my bubbe has accomplished many things. I think she is a great role model. There is so much she has done that is so wonderful not only for a business, but for people. I am very proud of her! Jabenis won an award from the Actor's Guild for her performance as Daisy in Driving Miss Daisy, at the Omaha Community Playhouse, with Ronald Chvala, who played Boolie. vision commercials. It was a great 23 years for her. While she was in fashion, she was able to incorporate her love of writing by completing two major fashion books used in universities and fashion colleges throughout the United States and Canada. It was also translated into Japanese. She loved all the arts, acting and directing in live theater. This became a major vocation. She appeared in countless main stage productions at the Omaha Community Playhouse and at one time was the only performer who had won eyery major acting award. After Brandeis was sold, Bubbe "started-her own production company and it has been in business for almost 12 years. She met Karen Javitch, who asked if she would like to collaborate on a musical she was planning. Bubbe discovered a whole new love in theater; Elaine Jabenis with her granddaughters, the writing and producing of a musical. The fabu- Sarah, Aliyah and Jessica. lous music really inspired her. While it was hard work, it was a great joy in her life to see it come together. Bubbe and Karen worked on Generation EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE to Generation and Princess Diana, the Musical. . Due to Passover, the Jewish Press office will be Now, they are working on a new version of closed April 1,2,7,8 for the first two days and last Princess Diana, tentatively to be called Diana & two days of the holiday. There will be no regular Charles, the Muscial. news, in the March 26 Passover edition. Deadlines Bubbe is also working on two children's books for the Jewish Press are as follows: and a novel. Deadline Date of issue April 9 Monday, March 29 April 16 Monday, April 5 Questions? Call Maureen LaPour, 334-6449.
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It's hard for Eddie Rosen to remember the exact cil of Greater Omaha so they could make rounds dates of his many years of service in the Omaha and teach driver's education. "New cars weren't easy to find after the war," Jewish community. What he does remember are names. Exact names. He remembers the girls who Rosen said. So the car was a welcome donation, just chartered the BBYO youth group named after him like his support. The Safety and Health Council's mission aims to and he can recall a co-worker who kept the Safety and Health Council afloat. And when you ask people "promote safety and health by. providing programs, about Eddie Rosen's service to. the community, first in resource services, and education to prevent and their mind is not his service, but the person he is. reduce both the personal_and economic loss." The council today "He's a kind, gentle, facilitates education on stabilizing, well-manissues ranging from nered gentleman," Cookhandgun safety to ie Hoberman, a charter motorcycle safety. Romember of "Ediar", sen is still an honorary said." I don't know anydirector. But when he one who doesn't like first found the Council, Eddie Rosen." few others knew about And what's not to like? it. Fifty years of extensive I watched i t grow leadership, countless E d d i e awards and immeasurHosen, left, was made a B'nai B'rith Life f r o m a o n e - m a n organiable generosity made him Member, along with Ruben Lippett, Keith Peltz z a t i o n a n d l o o k a ti t today," he said. Rosen a community fixture and and L " " Hurwitz. was president in 1965. earned him the respectful title, "Mr.B'nai B'rith". Kay Ferrall, the Council's current director, called Years before B'nai" B'rith, Rosen joined the United State's Air Corps. He said people knew little Rosen a "one man rescue squad" for his service. "He was instrumental in our longevity." Rosen waB about Jews then. "They thought we made money, not gave it," he later inducted into the Hall of Fame program for said. So as Rosen's years of involvement began in his "exceptional and constant leadership". Also involved with Rosen a t the Council was the Omaha Jewish community, he was intent on George Nothhelfer. Nothelfer recalled Rosen's gencontribution with Jewish identity. . His resume is impressive. In 60 years of B'nai erosity always had a Jewish touch. "He would hold Christmas parties for the office, B'rith involvement, he was the president of the Southwest Regional Council, a member of the with Hanukkah," he said. Nothhelfer seemed to District Six board of governors and a District Six have extreme respect and gratitude for Rosen's generosity with the Council. committee chairman. "I'm a Christian and he's a Jew, but if I could Rosen's community involvement extended to the Henry Monsky Lodge, where he served as a president have a brother, he'd be it," Nothelfer said. Rosen and trustee. He also co-founded the Abe Greenberg carried safety concerns back to B'nai B'rith when Foundation and chaired a Plain States ADL commit- he founded the award for contribution to communitee. He started the men's luncheon group ty safety. "Breadbreakers" in 1951, and holds a National So Eddie Rosen's generosity crossed community Advisor's pin for the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization. boundaries. From the auto sales industry to the "Jewish causes were always first in his heart," Bill Jewish community, back to a general Omaha comRosen, a cousin of Eddie's, said. One of Omaha's B'nai munity in need of guidance, Rosen oversaw it all. B'rith Girl's chapters was even named in honor of He even talks of his all-around nature in high Eddie Rosen. Margo Rosen, a charter member of school. "I was a nutty guy," he said of his football, Ediar BBG #710, said of Rosen's involvement with orchestra, debate, ROTC and literary society BBYO,"his heart was in the right place." involvement. Rosen's all-around As it turns out, Eddie involvement later in life Rosen's heart was in did extend in numerous v many of the right places. directions, to the girls ofAfter going into business Ediar BBG #710, defenwith his father-in-law, sive drivers, and Omaha Rosen built Rosen Auto car dealers. But Cookie Company into the largest Hoberman said there new car dealership in was just one thing about Nebraska. It took just him. one of his cars to reveal how big Eddie Rosen's "He has a demeanor of was honored by „„,..„,. Q n d k i ^ ^ a n d heart really was. ,f1 J\ £ f J ™ l Polis" and kindness and T He loaned one to the , 1 B n r t h a n , d J t r r y R ? s e n ' ^ E dJ o s e p h he's lived his whole life «««» Alan Lesack, who spoke at the event. i that" ike Safety and Health Coun-
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They met when they were only10! by Joan K. Marcus
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Isadore took a blanket from home and stole little When Frances Blumkin and Norman Batt were 10 years old, they were in a play at the Jewish Frances from the hospital. She recovered nicely at home, Community Center on 20th and Dodge. The name and the family saved the blanket for many years. In 1919, Rose decided she of the play was The Toy Shop, couldn't speak English so she and Frances had the lead. She needed to go where people was t h e Paris doll and spoke Yiddish. So, i t was Norman was one of thetoysoldecided that the whole family diers. The year was 1927 and would move to Omaha. FranFrances and Norman were ces has a vague recollection of smitten with each other-even going to a victory parade ••. at that very young age. downtown after World War. I. Young Norman sometimes She watched the parade from used his lunch money to buy her father's shoulders. treats for Frances. He would In 1922, the Blumkins and go without eating lunch so he Gorelicks all bought a house at could buy a hot dog and ginger 2710 Burt Street. Frances beer for Frances. A very quiet remembers that there were as • man, Norman smiled adoringmany as 17 people living in the ly at his wife of 53 years when house at one time! he related the story of their meeting. It was during this time that she started going to Webster Norman Batt was born on School. Later, when her family Dec. 25, 1917, in Omaha in moved to 2110 Grace Street, Ford Hospital on 25th and she attended Lake School. Douglas Streets. His parents, Frances has wonderful memBertha and Philip Batt, lived ories of her early childhood. in South Omaha and his Frances worked for B'nai B'rith in She remembers playing games father ran several grocery W a 6 h i n g t o n D . C ^ 1 9 4 0 . in the streets and she admits stores. Norman attended to being "crazy about school." Lothrop Grade School and She says there was only one went to Omaha Central High problem at school, none of the School for one year. other children spoke Yiddish. Sadly, in 1933, when She went home andtoldher Norman was 15, the Batt fammother, "What kind of dumily had to move to Chicago. mies do they have here in The Great Depression made it Omaha? None of them speak necessary for them to leave Yiddish!" Omaha and live with relatives. Rose made Frances promise He was devastated because he that she would teach her had to leave his friends and English as she learned i t . Frances. Even at age 15, he Frances says t h a t her real cared very much for her. memory of speaking English Frances Blumkin was born was when she was'in second* in. Fort Dodge, Iowa, in grade. Her brother, Louie, and February, 1918. Her father, her sisters, Cynthia and," Isadore Blumkin, came to Sylvia, had no problem learn- . America in 1914 to join her ing English. mother's two brothers, Mayer Frances went to Omaha and Sam Gorelick, in Duncom, Central High School and took Iowa. Since there was only all the classes she could hanmoney for one ticket, her mother, Rose Blumkin, was 1944: Norman served in the Air Force die. She was especially fond of left behind in Russia. In 1917, and w a s stationed i n Pueblo, CO, journalism and she got a job working for the Omaha Bee Isadore saved enough money for Rose to join him and they all moved to Fort News. She made 15 cents an inch for the stories that she got printed. Dodge, Iowa. Frances graduated from Central in 1936. During The family only lived in Fort Dodge for one year, but it was during this year that Rose and Frances her high school years, she participated in plays and contracted thefluin the influenza epidemic of 1918. theater. As a very young child, she sang " A m i They were both hospitalized and Rose recovered, but • Blue" in a talent show at the Riviera Theater. She won a $10 gold piece for her performance. refusedtoleave the hospital without Frances. Rose said to Isadore, "If I don't get the baby, I'm (Continued on page 51) goingtodie."
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They met when they were only 10! (The Riviera Theater originally opened in 1927. When the Paramount chain took over in 1929, it was rechristened the Paramount, the name it kept until its closing in 1951. The theater reopened as the Astro, and movies were shown there until 1980. Rose Blumkin purchased the building in 1981 and saved it from demolition. In 1995, it was officially reopened as the Rose Blumkin Performing Arts Center. Prances Blumkin Batt again sang "Am I Blue!") She attended Omaha Universi-ty after high school, and worked every day after school. She quit school after one year and went to work for Aleph Zadek Aleph as a secretary. The office moved to Washington, DC and she worked there until 1940 when she returned to Omaha to work for the Corp of Engineers during wartime. After this, she went back to help her father, who then had Simon's Jewelry Store. .All during school, all of the children, went ; to work with Rose a t Blumkin's Used Clothing Store at 1222 Douglas in the old Millard Hotel. Mr. Blumkin moved his store to 1311 Douglas j u s t before the Millard Hotel burned down. Frances recalled, "If there was a live customer, we would stay until midnight at the store. When we were kids, we would beg to go to sleep!" Frances and Norman had an ongoing friendship. In 1937, Rose and Frances went to Chicago to visit and the couple cemented their friendship. They always corresponded and, when Norman came to Omaha, he always called Frances. (They never spoke long distance from Omaha to Chicago because there was no money.) Years passed and Frances and Norman kept in touch, but there was never any talk of marriage; it was wartime. He was drafted into the Army in 1941, three weeks before Pearl Harbor. In 1945,
(Continued from page 50) Norman was a sergeant in the Army and Frances went to visit him in Pueblo, Colorado, and they decided to marry. They were married at the Blackstone Hotel by
Frances and Norman Batt, 1998 Rabbi Israel Moshowitz on June 24, 1945. They went back to Chicago to live and Norman worked for his parents who had become quite successful. In 1946, they came back to Omaha to live. Norman said, "I took a huge cut in pay to go to work at Nebraska Furniture Mart. We couldn't get an apartment in Chicago so we had to live with my parents so we came back to Omaha and we lived with her parents!" The Batt children, Larry, Bob and Ellie, were all born in Omaha; Frances and Norman have three
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grandchildren. Frances considers herself one of the lucky ones in love. She says her marriage is still romantic. She noted that as people mature and go through life's experiences, the epitome of having a happy marriage is having a good friend. Such a good friend is hard to find and she has been lucky to find Norman. Norman noted, "We've had a good life together and there hasn't been anything we couldn't handle." He said they have used humor during difficult times. He remembers coming home from work one day and Frances greeted him at the door and said, "I have a present for you--your mother!" He looked back at her and said, "Well, I have a present for you! Your mother!" They remember that they both burst out laughing and hugged each other! They both credit their parents for giving them the backgrounds for life. "My parents gave me a desire to be good. They gave me their value system which was, unfortunately, influenced by The Great Depression. Their greatest gift was their love," Norman said. • Frances added, "The greatest gift that I got from both of my parents was that we never had a barrier. They gave me so much confidence that I always thought that I could do anything that I wanted to do. We never had any rules at our house, but we could see a value system by just watching them. "We always had love and affection during good and bad times. We were always with our parents and they cared about what we did. All they talked.: about was education because they had none. They taught us about music, dancing, and lectures anything that was cultural, educational, or political. They were always involved and they passed that on to all of us."
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Faith, trust and inspiration ~
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Hindsight. How often have we said to ourselves, tual relationship through Judaism, with God. It is "If only I had known then, what I know now?" on these areas that the Kripkes focus and which Through golden eyes—an opportunity to look they consider most notable. It is apparent that it is ' through the lenses of those who are golden, not just within these areas that they have felt the greatest with the knowledge of life, but in terms of value: joy, happiness and sense of importance. the precious, cherished elders of the Jewish comThe Kripkes have had stellar accomplishments, munity. A unique view of life from those who have but have also faced many of the challenges which lived longer: learned and loved, more. families inevitably do. Dorothy has managed I can think of no single set of lenses in which I chronic health problems since she was a young would rather peer, however briefly, than those woman. The couple faced the rewarding but chalshared by Rabbi Myer Kripke and his wife, lenging task of raising two gifted children and a Dorothy. They need little in the way of introduction child of extraordinary intellect. to the Omaha Jewish Community. In fact, they are Dorothy's career as a writer consumed much time respected and renowned throughout many states and required balance with that of the rabbi's. They and countries. were, in fact, a dual career family at a time when such Dorothy Kripke is the author of many books for relationships were not highlighted. They were forging children, adolescents and their families, on a path for gifted children at a time when resources Judaism. A knowledgeable and gifted storyteller, were minimally available and uncertain. Rabbi's she will publish again. Her book, written 30 years career necessitated an on-call mentality which ago, Lets Talk About the Sabbath, will be published required that Dorothy balance and juggle the managein 1999. Her work holds a timeless appeal and ment of the household, raising children, being availmeets a universal need within the field of Jewish able for her husband and his role within the communiFamily literature. She is considered the leading ty and her own professional endeavors, all as she managed her own confounding pioneer within the field health issues. of Jewish family literature, literature which It is not that the Kripkes emphasizes the impormet-these challenges and tant process which occurs indeed surpassed them, as parents and children but the fact that they did read and' discuss books of so in such a positive and Jewish content and calm manner. And that they did so in a direction , together. that led them to their curRabbi Kripke is Rabbi rent place of much peace, Emeritus of Beth El happiness and fulfillment. Synagogue where he led I met the Kripkes in the congregation for 1979. I enrolled in the many years. An associate Rabbi's classes at professor of theology, he Creighton. I shared holiretired from teaching this days with them in their past December. A recoghome and at Beth El. nized scholar and writer, Always, I was the recipient he continues to be known of their warmth, love, hos-' and loved and to be conDorothy and Rabbi Myer S. Kripke pitality- and generosity. sidered the family rabbi of countless Omaha Jews. To date, he continues to Some might find it incredible that these'two individuprovide religious, social and educational leadership als, so highly in demand, so busy in endeavors of to a wide array of departments, organizations and importance, would take time out to share themselves agencies, Jewish and non-Jewish alike. with a person unknown to their community. However, Rabbi and Dorothy have shared of their spirit, it is through such individual displays of kindness that conviction, time, energy and souls since their the Kripkes influenced and touched many, and it is, arrival in Omaha in 1946. Additionally, their extra- very simply, the way they direct and live their lives. ordinary philanthropic generosity has been widely And, as I sat with them recently, I saw few mentioned and extolled. changes in these two special people from 1979 until What has led to these loving acts of kindness and now. Age has only served-to add more polish to generosity? What has led to and supported these their glow. exceptionally fine individuals to such impressive I asked them how they managed the struggles and far reaching accomplishments? and challenges of life, contributed so much to their First of all, both of the Kripkes redirect the community and obtained such individual fulfillimportance of their accomplishments towards what ment while maintaining the strong and loving relahas been most valuable in their lives: family, rais- tionship that they so obviously share. ••;•"••' ing three children, their marriage of 61-plus years, their relationship with each other and their spiri(Continued on page 63)
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Faith, trust, and inspiration IOCML
(Continued from page 52) Both of them attribute their current place in life to the love they have v sna?ed with each other and that which they have for God. A sense of faith and trust in each other and in the God that has inspired and guided their lives and actions has been pivotal in
admit that, on a day to day basis, more than love is required. "A great deal of giving in is re q u i r e d , " remarks the rabbi, "and we have always put each other at the disposal of the other." Dorothy remembers how her husband would help with j \ the housework '. _, . Rabbi Kripke, daughters Netta.and Madeline, and son, Saul, joined no a n d shop for , r. " , . him at the dedication of the Rabbi MyerS. and Dorothy Kripke Tower Kri kes have a t< h e J e w i s h Theological Seminary in New York City, in 1997. been witness to much tragedy and sadness. Did they asked!" She added," I always felt that my writing had : ever doubt in the presence of God? his full and unconditional appreciation and support. I "Never," is the response they each provide. would write throughout the night and await eagerly Dorothy's view of God is one that she says has not fal- for him to awaken to hear my latest chapter!" tered since she began writing years ago, "I have no Rabbi remembers, "in many cases it was most doubts of God's existence. I see him as a universal effective to establish boundaries and roles in order force that steers human kind in the right direction." to complete the day's work! Those boundaries were Rabbi Kripke concurs, "I simply accept. That is ones we established together and worked hard at all one can do. There is no way to strengthen the respecting. We found it best to share many tasks while allocating trust to whichever of us was ultilogic of God's existence. He just is." Both Kripkes explain it is through the good present mately responsible. We moderated the needs and in the world that they are ever strengthened in their desires of each other." persistent belief in the close presence of God. The two speak equally of the importance of Dorothy remarked, T h e bad in life- it happens- it is respecting the other: their goals, interests and attributable to bad habits and the stunted develop- work, not only as spouses but as fellow parents, ment of the good that can be found within each of us. and also as individuals. Flexibility and an ability to But there is always the good that cannot be ignored." remain open with regard to thought and behavior . "Yes," elaborates theRabbi, "God is the feeling of are partially the essence of this continued romance. goodness. He is in each of us. There IS virtue, "Finally," adds Dorothy, "we had no long standing morality, decency and goodness. It is the existence feuds. It didn't occur to us. It didn't happen." of these wonders that confirm his presence, not With regard to raising their children, the Kripkes simply the lack of bad happenings." found that being "open and affectionate" with their ., He,contjnues,.'We.do. not know why bad things occur. • children and between themselves often set the tone It has never been my contention that God is all power- for their family life. They emphasize that,"we took nil, but, like Rabbi Kushner, I do believe He is all good. things as they came," as they raised their children, Or, more accurately, that what is good is God." and, "day by day." Both Kripkes attribute much of their lifetime of "So, that's it," I ask. "No magic? Love, trust and achievement and accomplishment to this steadfast faith, shared with God, family and the person with spiritual belief in God, which they share. They did whom you are in love? That's your secret to. a life not, do not, question his existence. Their proof is the full of happiness and success?" presence of good and the joys that life holds and dis"Well," says Rabbi Kripke, "it does sound simple, but plays. When there was tragedy and sadness, they yes, we are happy and that is the way it was and still is." used the energy born of their faith and commitment "Simple." Perhaps. Consider a belief in God rootto share with and minister to others. And, said ed in the positive and the good that surrounds us. Dorothy, "We took the difficult times, day by day." A respect for and acceptance of your mate which is It was not singularly a faith in God that has led real and unsurpassed. Ensuring that your children the Kripkes though their journey in life. Dorothy see the love that you have for them, for each other says, "You know, we just fell in love with each and for God. Taking each day, one day at a time. other and we never fell out of love; this love has Helping others in times of need. always held our lives in place."' The example of their lives and the wisdom of The Kripkes put the love which they feel for each their words is inspirational and could, if used, other at the top of their list when discussing the suc- become excellent "borrowed" hindsight in the cess of their marriage, one of over 61 years. Both search for meaning and success.
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Her love has helped him get well
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George Schapiro was a 42-year-old confirmed bachelor. He lived with his mother and took care of her and her house and none of his friends thought that he would ever marry. Every day, he went to his job at the Omaha Potato Market and it seemed as though this was the way he would live the rest of his life. He was born June 7,1911, in a house on 10th and Capitol Avenue to Isaac and Vittel Schapiro. He attended Long and Kellom Grade Schools, and graduated from Technical High School in 1930. While in high school, he worked afternoons as a shoe salesman at Hayden's Department Store on 16th and Dodge.
warmjury. . In 1946, he returned home and went to work for Louis.Paperny at Louis Market on the Radial Highway. He recalls babysitting with the 'Paperny Girls' in his spare time. "I used to take Berniece, Rose and Ruth to lunch, drive them to school, and take them to the show. They liked me and I loved children," he said. In 1951, he went back to work at the Omaha Potato Market where he continued to work for 40 years. He was later put in charge of the liquor department. "I always knew Julie, but I was too bashful to ask her out," he said. "I used to walk by where she worked at Bernstein Plumbing, but I didn't ask girls out--I was too shy." Julia Fishbain Schapiro was, born in Omaha in 1919. She went to Lake School and graduated from Technical High School in 1936. She married Buddy Klein, who died in 1951, leaving her with a fiveyear-old daughter, Sandi McCreight, who was born in 1946.
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George and Julie Schapiro, 1953 i After graduating from high school, Schapiro went to work for his uncle, Sam Steinberg, at the Omaha Potato Market on the Southwest corner of 16th and Burt. He worked in several departments, including liquor.^He also put in, some,time .working at The Star Store on 24th" and Burdette. In 1945, he was called to serve in World War II and he was on a boat headed for Japan when the peace treaty was signed. Instead of going on to Japan, he was sent to Italy, where he was stationed for two years. . While on his way home from Italy, George injured his thumb in a freak accident and was hospitalized at Fitzgibbons General Hospital for a whole year. During this time, doctors tried to save the thumb but it eventually had to be partially amputated because of gangrene. He jokingly refers to his partial thumb as his
'/• ••••;:•
Since George was too shy to ask Julie for a date, he enlisted a friend to call for him! Julie said, "No, I'm not interested in going out yet, but who is it?" When she was told that it George Schapiro, she said, "Tell him it isn't him, I just don't want to go out yet!" George waited another year and then he called her himself and invited her to go bowling. Julie was tempted to turn him down, but her mother prevailed upon her to accept his invitation. George said that he had to marry Julie because he loved Sandi so much. He said, "I finally decided I wanted a family. I knew that I would have a lovely wife who loved me and a beautiful little daughter." i Julie and George were married on Oct. 18, 1953, by^Rabbi ;Myer Kripke a.trBeth El Synagogue,. George didn't adopt Sandi until some time later. He told her he .didn't care if she didn't want to be adopted; he only cared that she loved him. v One year later, when she was eight years old/ Sandi came to him and asked to be adopted. Julie worked at WOW-TV for several months until she decided to quit working to be a homemaker. They bought a home at 1009 North 75th Street, where they lived for 43 years (but recently sold and moved into an apartment in the Embassy " Apartment Complex). (Continued on page 55)
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Her love helped him get well (Continued from page 54) Julie. She has saved my life by loving and taking care of me," he said. The Schapiros are proud of Sandi and of their 22-year-old granddaughter, Paula. Sandi recently wrote a note to George. "I was lucky when I was growing up to have had two fathers," she said in the note. "Though you were not my birth father, you were and always will be, father of my heart. You were there for the special moments in my life: birthdays a t special r e s t a u r a n t s , piano recitals, Bat Mitzvahs, first dates, high school graduation, college graduation, my wedding, and, most especially, the day you legally adopted me!"
7 When Sandi was ready to go to college, Julie resumed her career and worked for several doctors for 30 years. Julie's parents, Pearl and Hyman Fishbain, both came from Russia but met here in Omaha and married in 1911. After his retirement from the Omaha Potato Market in 1984, George worked for Perelman Liquor at 72nd and Seward. For many years, he was an adviser for AZA #1, along with Arnie Breslow. He's had many health problems over the last four years. Heart surgery, diabetes and a stroke have slowed him down some, although he still goes to the Jewish Community Center every day to exercise and has been a faithful volunteer at the Jewish Press for 13 years. He opens and delivers mail, does filing and puts pictures in the morgue. Carol Katzman, Editor of the Press, said, "George comes to our office regularly. He manages to make the lives of our staff easier by graciously taking on those tasks which are hot exciting, but necessary. "He knows everyone! And he recognizes news about people from the Jewish community and he
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Lifetime Television presents special on Bella Abzug Women's History Month will be celebrated on later in life Abzug established the women's seder, cable television as Lifetime Television presents inviting women from all religious backgrounds to Intimate Portrait: Bella Abzug, Sunday night, her Passover celebrations. It was after graduating from Columbia Law March 28, from 10 t o 11 p . m . (Cox Cable, School, where she met and married Martin Abzug, Channel 28). Narrated by Academy Award-winning actress that she learned the importance of hats. Tired of and director Lee Grant, the one-hour special fea- being mistaken for the secretary while waiting in tures interviews with Gloria Steinam, Mario her clients' reception'rooms, Abzug decided to dress up with a hat and gloves, thinking it might give her Thomas and Shirley MacLaine. : Bella Abzug, a fighter who would show women clients the clue that she was, indeed, a lawyer. For how to use their voices and voting power to change the rest of her life, she was known as much for her the world, was born in the Bronx, one of the five hats as she was for the important causes for which boroughs of New York City, in 1920. Her father's she fought. death when she was just 13 years old led to one of In 1970, Abzug became one of only nine women in her first acts of rebellion-insistence on saying kad- the United States House of Representatives, and dish, the Jewish prayer for mourning, in the fami- the only one elected on a.women's rights/peace platly's Orthodox synagogue every day for a year. form. There, she introduced a resolution demandAlways one to challenge patriarchal structures, ing the immediate withdrawal of all U.S. forces
from Vietnam, fought for the Equal Rights Amendment, and introduced a variety of legislation designed to improve women's lives at home, including child care, credit availability, abortion rights and Social Security for homemakers. Though quite successful in the House, Abzug set her sights on bigger things and in 1976, she resigned her seat in the House to run for a justvacated Senate seat. She was defeated in the. primary race by less than one percent of the vote. After her congressional career, Abzug secured a $5 million appropriation for a National Women's Conference in Houston in 1977. She was appointed to co-chair the National Advisory Committee for Women by President Jimmy Carter, but two years later, when Carter proposed funding cuts in women's programs, Abzug was fired from the volunteer job. (Continued on page 57)
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Bella Abzug (Continued from page 56) In 1986, while running for an open House seat in Westchester County, NY, her husband died of a heart attack and Abzug's world collapsed. Her heart no longer in the race, she lost to a Republican. With the support of friends, Abzug threw herself back into her work by joining in the United Nations Decade of Women observances. "I am always meeting women who introduce themselves by saying 'I am the Bella Abzug of Russia' or 'I am the Bella Abzug of Uganda,'" said Hillary Rodham Clinton. Prom there, she joined friends Mim Kelber and Susan Davis to found the Women's Environment and Development Organization (WEDO) in 1990. In 1992, at the Rio Conference on the Environment, Abzug learned about environmental links to breast cancer and added her voice to the cause-only to be diagnosed with breast cancer herself that same
year. Always a fighter, she underwent surgery and overcame the cancer. •..-•; In 1996, Abzug was elected to the National Women's Hall of Fame. Shortly after, her desire to fight for the sake of women in the world was overriden by her growing physical weakness. Surgery for a heart ailment was a success, but on March 31, 1998, Abzug, a fiercely exhuberant battler who did so much for peace and women's rights, died of pneumonia. Gloria Steinam said of Abzug, "There were a trainload of women who had gone to demonstrate against the war in Vietnam - 1 think organized by "Women Strike for Peace' but certainly Bella was one of the major organizers. "That was the first time I saw her," she continued. "I remember being scared by Bella because I had never seen a woman with that forceful a style." Intimate Portrait: Bella Abzug is produced by Joe Feury Entertainment. Bella Abzug, 1920-1998
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mother in town called my dad and asked him to give their, son a job. "We weren't open on Sunday. Sunday was a family day. We'd gather around the piano and sing (my father had a beautiful bass voice), and we'd always sing with him on Passover. "At four, I played piano by ear—took lessons through college. I wasn't great. I went to Illinois, then transferred to Nebraska and got a Bachelor of Music degree. At my senior recital, I remember my foot shook like crazy. The review said I gave 'a sensitive performance.' They were kind. "I was in shows for Hadassah. . .'Our own from the Torah, I regret " *" * , Steinberg will rerilvua Rose it I was better than a lot R o s e G r o s s S r o w s prize-winning American , a selection,' they'd of the boys. Beauty roses in her garden. say. I danced, too--took "We belonged to the Kapulier Shule and kept ballet (I was 'the Wind' in one show), and tap. I kosher. Have you noticed the only people who ask, took every music course there was and sang in •Why do you keep kosher?' are Jews! In high school every chorus and every opera. I went to a camp (not a Jewish camp) and the only "One time, a big company from New York came to thing I could eat were cheese sandwiches! The gen- Omaha to do Aida. They used 'locals' for the minor tile kids admired me for keeping my tradition! roles, and I was cast as the Fan Bearer. There I "My parents were from Russia . . . my father was, fanning the queen's brow. I had a solo perforcame over first, to Kansas City... mance-not singing, just fanning! "My mother had a brother who lived in Omaha "I married a musician. (My mother was sure I on North 22nd, so we came here. We were very was going to marry a rabbi, but I never met one.) happy. Jews and Negroes lived in the same neigh- Gary (Gross) went to Central for a year (I didn't borhood then, and we all lived very happily togeth- know him at all) and then went out East to play er. Our family didn't have very much, but my with a traveling orchestra. He came back in 1935, father always provided what was necessary. not knowing anything except music. "My father drove a horse and wagon. Then he "But Gary's sister always said, 'When you don't opened a small store, the Omaha Potato Market, that know anything, then you sell insurance!' That's grew to be the first real supermarket in Omaha. what he did. Nickel-a-week policies, door-to-door"He was always at the store. He knew if he got bit by a rabid dog and had to have shots!
/ knew I was in for a treat the minute I saw her name on the list. R-O-S-E GROSS. (Wow, I'd love to interview Rosie Gross!) "Come over Wednesday around I p.m.," she said. "How would that be?" "That'll be great," I said, already smiling. The kitchen table. That's where she wanted to sit. In minutes, Rosie . and I were knee-deep in conversation, most of which is documented below. But I'm just the writer. Let's let Rosie do the talking... "Everything I know, I learned at Cheder. I regret I didn't get a refresher-course. Every time I hear someone read
wasn't, it wouldn't be successful. I'd cashier on the weekends--the whole family worked there. Every
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An American Beauty Rose (Continued from page 58) "In no time, he went to work for Alan Tukey, who too much money today. They don't seem to have the owned a well-known insurance company. Gary was joy from just one little thing. I think if the parents so smart. He knew accounting, he knew law (he wouldn't want so much, things would be different. could tell the lawyers what to do)! Finally, he start- Fancy dinners, fancy cars, go here, go there . . . ed his own insurance company." most kids imitate their parents. "When we met, Gary made $25 a1 week. He orga"I'm really not opinionated, I just want to be nized an orchestra for extra money, 'Music by pleasant and well-liked. If someone doesn't like me Gary,' and they were.booked a lot at the Paxton. or is rude to me, I try to let it go. If I'm not invited He was the leader and singer and awfully cute." to a party, I don't feel bad.. .1 say it's their loss! "The band was playing at a wedding. Gary and I . "I never liked playing cards. What if it's a beautiwere introduced, and he asked me to dance. Then ful day? I don't want to be locked in. I was active in he called me for a date. I fell hook, line and sinker, Hadassah and at Beth El, and I always raised and we were married a year later. (You know how roses. I'd enter contests and had b_ax£a full of ribromantic orchestra leaders are, and when they sing bons I'd won from all the shows. to you, you just melt). He had a nice sense of "I entered the Central States Rose Show when it humor. We had a lot of fun, a lot of good times. 7 came to Omaha. The great ones were here. . .the "Gary was a major donor to the Omaha real pros, top showers, people that win all the time. Symphony. After he died, I became a major contrib- I won'Second Best Rose.'That was something. utor. They've been wonderful to me. When there's a "But most of my time was devoted to David, my party, they see that someone takes me, and often, son. All the kids came over to our house after there's no charge for a concert or special event. school. They were always supervised. I even helped They go out of their way for me, and I appreciate it. them organize a club! "Since Victor took over (you notice I call him "I used to paint, tbo-my 'painting period.' My art Victor"), the symphony has found its own distinctive teacher at Joslyn said I had talent. Why did I quit sound, m tell you something else. . .when a Russian though? . . . that's what I wonder. Maybe because kisses you on the cheek, you know you've been kissed! it was hard. I'd give so much of myself, I'd forget where I was and end up "Music today? I don't with a headache. understand it. Never did go for that 'rock.' I do like "I don't paint anymore the Beach Boys, Help, . . .don't play the piano.. Help Me, Rhonda and . don't compete in rose Reba Mclntyre, but most shows. I'm not happy of it is a lot of noise. Rap, about not being able to Heavy Metal . . . it's not do those things, but I try sensitive, not refined, not not to think about it. romantic. The music of You have to find things our day, the songs were that are good for you, dreamy. . .they'd make and now that's televiyou sigh. sion-talk shows, movies, 'Biography,' and sports— "I'm a jazz hound. I converse with my Classical music. . .1 was brother (Moe) about golf brought up on it, played and football. it. Gary always said, 'If "I don't know what I do things got bad, we could Rose Gross, Sigma Delta Tau reunion, 1992. get a job in a bar!' (He meant playing piano duets)." that time goes so fast. Staying active gives me a "You give generously to the symphony, you're a purpose. I could be terribly depressed wishing I 'Lion of Judah', you've been a strong supporter of had everything I once had, but I try not to think Hadassah and Beth El. . . How did you acquire about it. I must get that from my mother. such a sense of philanthropy?" "As long as I see people I'm happy. I like people "I got that from my husband. Sometimes, when and I like being with people. And I'm interested in the husband dies, the woman just quits giving, but things. If you lose interest, I don't know what I enjoy giving. I know I'm helping and it makes me you've got. It's something you develop-my parents feel good. My father was always generous, too, (but and siblings were very interested people. it would sure irritate him when they'd send some "Look at Sally Venger. She goes to every lecture big shot to get him to give more)! and program because she's interested in everything "My father was the boss, that's for sure. He gave that's going on. I listened to every word of the orders and you towed the mark. None of my President Clinton's State of the Union Address family ever got in trouble because whatever my because I'm interested in where the world is going. You have to be a participant, not necessarily physifolks said, that's what we did." cally, but mentally. It's important to have a lot of "Tell me about your mother." (Rosie is silent. Ske lowers her head. Tears come experiences, a zest and an eagerness to learn and, I to her eyes. Still silent, she gets up to get a tissue, think, a great love for people." takes a moment, then comes back to the table.) "You always say, "We ought to do more loving than "She was a wonderful personrwho never got angry living.' There must be something or someone you . . . an angel who always turned the other cheek. tlon't love. What are your pet peeves?" She died young.. .55. We were all close to my moth"Congress. I would like to throw them all out and er . . . s h e was always home, always there for us. I start over. (Maybe if you would have asked me regret I can't cook any of her wonderful dishes, but when I was much younger, I could think of more. she never let us in the kitchen! . Today, I'm more generous with my approval. It's 1 "You, know, if we got some little toy from difficult to be perfect.* (Continued on page 60) Woolworth's, we were so thrilled. People just have
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An American Beauty Rose (Continued from page 59) "Men and women need to be more understanding and you're healthy, you live a long time. I'm really The next day, Rosie called and left this message: "I thought of two more 'pet peeves:' the whole a coward when it comes to health . . . have a fear of of one another, pay more attention-to each other, medical world, especially HMO's-theyVe ruining getting sick. Other than some surgery about five talk and be more affectionate. They need to find success outside of their financial and social worlds." everything . . . and bank conglomerates-Nebraska years ago, I have no significant medical problems. "Role models? . . . I just can't think of anybody. I "Hey, what do you think of this?.. .1 used to have shouldn't let them in. You can't even call your bank a 'perfect pitch,' but all of a sudden, it changed! never wanted to be like anybody. That must be egohere—you get Minneapolis!1 tistical. Or maybe just Now, back to the self-satisfied. kitchen table. "My strengths? "HI tell you what else Peace of mind. upsets me , . . this 'Who Accepting things as is a Jew?' A Jew is a Jew. they come along. I may I love being Orthodox, stew for awhile, but but I accept those who I'm able to get past the aren't. (I don't think stew. I have genuine women should be rabbis, interest in so many though. I don't think things. . .and I don't they should be priests or mind being alone. cantors either). "*You were a party •"I've never tried to hide girl!,' someone once or been ashamed I was said to me. 'I still am!' Jewish. I'm not afraid to I replied. make a point of it. "One nice thing Jewish people are more about getting older—I sensitive to things, more can say whatever I aware, more understandwant and get away ing of other's problems, with it. Oh, . . .and ' more philanthropic. It's people are nicer. natural because we've Everybody-kisses me." been ostracized, put in To say that Rosie our place, and criticized. was a "treat" is a Gross "I have my own spirituunderstatement. At 86, al faith in God. I believe our Rosie is a walking, we're supposed to handle talking, driving-hereverything, and he just Rose Gross and her grandchildren, from left: Stephanie, Julie and Greta. 1980-Buick-Skylark looks us over to see how we're doing. How are we doing? Not too bad. Now, I hear every note a full step up from itself. (I inspiration with an undaunted spirit, warm heart, gentle soul and a very entertaining sense of humor. Computers . . . air transportation . . .progress, so wish someone would make a study of that). "Advice? Don't be too superficial, self-centered. She's one of life's VIP's. An ambassador of goodwill. they say. I think we had to have it, but I'm glad I was here in the good old days. Today, the world is a Don't want too many materialistic things. Loving A pistol. It's funny. I always thought a rose was a flower. and friendship are so important. Try to be honest. Be more dangerous place. But now I know, a "Rose" can be a real gem. "There's no secret to a long life. If you're lucky generous with your good qualities and good fortune.
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. BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 6:30 p.m. 7:32 p.m. 6:31 p.m.
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bertof the Union of American -,'„'/ Hebrew Congregations ' 7023 Cass Street, Omaha, NE 68132 •',','': 558-6536 FRIDAY: Shabbat evening service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Debbie Stiel.Cantor Jennifer Blum, and Dr. Michael Yablonski will officiate. Guest speaker Susan Frager, UAHC Midwest Regional Outreach Director, will speak on "Outreach at 20: its impact and opportunities." The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Temple Sisterhood. Sitter Service Sitter service is available each Shabbat evening (and morning service when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah) and Sunday mornings during Religious School. Please make a reservation so we may. plan accordingly. Cost is $2 per family if reservations are made by Friday; drop-ins are $3. There are no facilities for infants. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible, 9:30-10:15 a.m. Susan Frager will lead a discussion on biblical text and its lessons for Outreach and Reform Judaism. Shabbat morning service, 1030 a.m. BARMITZVAH Daniel Jacob Gutman, son of Cathy Fogarty and Vic Gutman, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah. Sunday, March 28, 10 a.m., Milder Center: Susan Frager, Outreach Scholar, will speak to parents of adult children in intermarriages on "Keeping the Channels of Communication Open: How to be at In-law and not an Out-law." Also at 10 a.m., Rabbi Richard A. Freund, will deliver the last of his five-part lecture series, "Who Wrote the Passover Hagaddah? Why Should this Night be any Different than All Other Nights?" Annual Temple 'Deli Night' ; Sunday, March 28: 5 at 6:30 p.m. seatings, sponsored by Men's Club and Sisterhood. Wednesday, March 31: Passover evening service.. 5 p.m. Thursday, April 1 Passover morning service.................. .10:30 a.m. Congregational seder.... ,„... 6 p.m. Friday, April 2: Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m. A short service of song and prayer, followed by juice and cookies.
CHABAD HOUSE An Affiliate of tile Worldwide Chabad-Lubavitch Movement 1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68144 Phone: 330-1800 B-MAIL-chabad@aol.com WEBSITE: www.chabad.centers.com/omaha 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 - WEDNESDAY: Services, 7 a m . TUESDAY: Parshah Insights, 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 31: Mincha-Ma'ariv ,... ......6:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2: Shacharit... : ...9:30 a.m. Mincha-Ma'ariv........... ,. ..1 6:30 p.m.
Member of the Vision of Orthodox JowlBh Congregation* of America 1502 No, 52nd St., Omaha, NE 68104 ' 656*6288 Services are conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. Friday, March 26: Kabbalat Shabbat 6:35 p.m. Saturday, March 27: Morning service. 8:45 a.m. Little Peoples services 10:15 a.m. Jr. Congregation. 10:30 a.m. Class with Rabbi Kutner 5:50 p.m. Mincha : 6:20 p.m. followed by Shalosh Seudot, Ma'ariv, Havdalah ' Sunday, March 28: Morning service... ....9 p.m. Beis Hamedrash". '. .......9:45 a.m. Mincha... ...........6:30 p.m. Tuesday, March 30 Morning Services 7 a.m. Mincha........ 6:30 p.m. Search for chametz, not before 7:29 p.m. Wednesday, March 31, First seder Fast of the firstborn 4:56 a.m. Morning service, followed by Siyyum B'chorim............... .....6:30 a.m. Chametz not to be eaten after 9:57 a.m. Chametz to be burned no later than 11:12 a.m. Mincha........... 6:35 p.m. Thursday, April 1 Morning services....; .'. 8:45 a.m. Mincha 6:35 p.m. <•'• Friday, April 2 Morning services , ........8:45 a.m. Kabbalat Shabbat ..;.6:35 p.m.
TlFERETH ISRAEL Member of the United Synagogue . - :'/of Conservative Judaism 3219 Sheridan Blvd., Lincoln, NE 68502 . . 483-8569 Services led by Rabbi Stanley Rosenbaum. Authorization for the sale of leaven should be received in the synagogue office no later than 9 a.m. on March 31. Friday, March 26: Services 6 p.m. Saturday, March 27: Services 9:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Benjamin Isaac Wallick, son of Miriam and Mark Wallick. Kiddish luncheon following services, sponsored by the Wallicks. Wednesday, March 31 • Shacharit and Siyyum Bechorim (fast of the first born .-...7:15 a.m. Mincha/Ma'ariv ; : 6 p.m.' Thursday, April 1 > Shacharit 9:30 a.m. Mincha 6 p.m. Friday, April 2 Shacharit 9:30 a.m. Ma'ariv 8 p.m.
CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURUN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union' of American Hebrew Congregations . 2061 S. 20th St., Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 p.m. SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah study, 10:30 a.m. SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.; Religious School, 10 a.m. TUESDAY: A Taste of Judaism, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 1: Community seder 6:30 p.m. Annual seder for Lincoln's Jewish community is $8 for adults and $4 for children. Call 435-8004 for reservations.
B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE 7 , 618 Mynster St., Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503 P h o n e 322-4705. . ., FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. include an abbreviated story of the Exodus and special Passover Oneg Shabbat.
ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME Saturday, March 27: Services, led by Andrew Greenberg Wednesday, March 31 First seder Thursday, April 1 Services. Second seder • Friday, April 2 Services : (All services led by Mark Levy)
; • ;;
Stained glass window acquired by NJHS by Barbara Morrison-Bresler, Archivist, Nebraska Jewish Historical Society
The Nebraska Jewish Historical Society announces the recent acquisition of the beautiful stained glass window pictured on the cover of this Passover edition of the Jewish Press. The Star of David synagogue window was purchased for the Society by Carol and Alan Parsow and was unveiled at the 16th annual meeting of the NJHS last month. It is believed that the window is a surviving remnant of the B'nai Israel Syriagogue, the Russhishe Shul, torn down in 1951 at 18th and Chicago Streets. Do you remember? If you have information to verify this or photographs of the inte-
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Coiiuervative Judaism 14500 California, Omaha, NE 68164 402-8550 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. . Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits. FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Kiddush following services; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 aan.; 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, 6:05 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 6:35 p.m. Wednesday, March 31: Siyyum B'khorim...... .....................6:30 a.m. Shaharit 6:55 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv 6 p.m. Thursday, April 1 and Friday, April 2: Shaharit 9:30 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv 6 p.m.
ior or exterior of B'nai Israel, please call NJHS, 334-6441. The window was purchased from Wolfe's Antiques in the Old Market where it has been displayed for about two years. The owners bought it from Rusty Harms ton who had used it as a prop in his Spaghetti Works for almost fifteen years. Prior to that, the window was owned by Helen Novak of Franx Antiques. The Society thanks all of these owners for holding on to a piece of Nebraska Jewish history and acknowledges Joan Cooper for notifying NJHS of its existence, Scott Bresler for facilitating its delivery, and Tyler Swanson for the color photograph.
9 a.m. 6 p.m. 9 a.m. 6 p.m. 9a.m.
BEYTSHALOM
- , An Affiliate of the ' • " Jewish Reeonstructionist Federation P.O. Box 241130, Omaha, NE 68124-5130 758-9233 http:Zfcowie.to/beytshalom/ Wednesday, March 31 First night seder at the synagogue at 6 p.m. Potluck-vegetarian. Call 758-9233 for reservations. Second night seder in members' homes; call 758-9233 for reservations or to volunteer. No Kabbalat Shabbat services will be held on Friday/April 2 and no religious school classes are scheduled for Sunday April 4 or Tuesday, April 6.
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Page 62 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
An ordinary life? by Mark B. Levy
If God hadpnly parted the sea for usr dayaynullt would have been enough for us! (From the traditional Passover Haggadah text.) It was not an easy task to get an interview with Selma Sadofsky. First, our original meeting had to be postponed because of the unfortunate death of her beloved aunt, Sylvia Ross, At that time, Sadofsky was in deep mourning over her loss. Neither could she understand the attention given to her. Her life, she felt, was quite unremarkable, rather a "mundane, ordinary life." So, in early February, after many protests, we met in the JCC's Meeting Room 4. This tall, beautifully white-haired, and extremely soft spoken woman sat down and began to tell her story. Is it so ordinary? Read on. She was born in Omaha as the middle child of an older sister and a younger brother in the early hours df a Thanksgiving Day. At that time, her father owned a small grocery store on 40th and Farnam, which was the transfer point for two streetcar routes. Then, in 1932, when she was close to seven years old, the family left Omaha since the grocery store wasn't doing well either from changes in the streetcar routes or because of the Great Depression which then gripped the country. The family relocated to Columbus, Nebraska, where her father opened a small store called The Stop and Shop Grocery. Her family, naturally, had a great influence on her during her early years, particularly her grandmother. Though she could speak English very well, she insisted on speaking to the young Selma only in Yiddish while Selma replied only in English. When her friends came to the house Selma asked her grandmother to speak only in English so that the visitors would not think that she was talking about them. From this early experience with Yiddish she gained an ability to understand the language. In essence, though, during most of her life Selma has had only a smattering of formal Jewish studies. But many examples of Jewish life were modeled for her during her early years, and they affected her more than any written materials. Her family maintained a observant home as she does today. She saw her grandmother reading a Yiddish newspaper, and her grandmother taught her and her brother and sister a brief Hebrew version of the Sh'ma which they said at bedtime. She attended high holy day services with her family
Selma Sadofsky and her brother and sister-in-law: Sandy and Florence Bernstein. in rented halls of the Y*s in Columbus and later in for Selma, who was then almost 16 years old and Grand Island. Her father rigorously adhered to the her older sister, who was 17 years old. Their father Torah commandment to maintain honest weights in wanted as much as possible to maintain a normal all of his business endeavors and to shun all forms of family life in Omaha, and he tried to open a busicheating. These family practices seem to have made ness here, but since he couldn't find a suitable one in Omaha he opened two small stores in Onowa enormous impressions on young Selma. However, as a young Jewish girl in a.small town and Hamburg, Iowa. Her father managed one store she was forced to experience her first anti-Semitic while her Uncle Leo managed the other. Selma's incident at the age of nine when her then best aunt and uncle continued to live with them and her school girlfriend suddenly said to her, "Oh, you're father could only be with them on weekends. Jewish! My mother says I can't play with you." The years flew by and Selma received her bacheSelma was astounded by this statement and lor's degree, (a remarkable feat in those days) and extremely saddened by the loss of such a close friend. married Marvin Sadofsky. Selma and Marvin were The family then moved to Grand Island where her married for over forty years, and together they father opened a very large grocery store - the first one brought into this world five children: Jerry, in that city which had shopping carts! It was such a Sheldon, Alan, Eileen and Paul large operation that on Saturdays her father employed When Marvin became ill with a long-lingering fatal as many as eight butchers. There, sadly, Selma experi- disease she returned to college - the University of enced for the first time the death of a loved one when Nebraska at Omaha - and received a special masters her mother became fatally ill. She died when Selma degree for teaching the deaf, and pursued the teaching was just 14 yeanjJ old. Whenever she talks about this of deaf children for more than twenty years. -Y incident, tears well up in her eyes. " • Around the age of 60 Sadofsky began to learn the Shortly after her mother's death Selma's grand- Hebrew language and the synagogue chants used in her mother moved back to Omaha, and her father strug- synagogue, Beth El. Her efforts were aided by Cantor gled almost single handedly to maintain the family Emil Berkovits, who helped her accomplish her goals. '•'• and run his large grocery business at the same time. Just think for a moment: The famous Rabbi As a solution he decided to move with his three chil- Akiba began his studies when he was 40 years old, dren back to Omaha, to a house which he already and for this he is grandly praised! And, these are owned on 48th and Williams Street and was rented the days when few Jewish adults?continue their by Sarah and Bill Epstein, Selma's aunt and uncle. Jewish education at any age. -,- ' In Omaha there was a bigger Jewish community (Continued on page 64)
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 63
To the brink and back by Mark B. Levy
Taykoo is a Hebrew word which means "the mat- "Welcome, Eliyahu! Come in." •.-... ter stands" (unresolved). It is the term used by the "Thank you, Zelig bar Leib. I've come to paskin sages of the Talmud wheneverHiey with their the shailah (give the answer) on the fifth cup," great intellects and diligence could not come to a Elijah responds. ~ • satisfactory answer to a question on a halachic "Forgive*me,'Teplies Jack. "How can you come to (legal) or ritual matter. They also! used the term give an answer about a mere cup?" "until Elijah comes," when they thought that the "Mere cup?!" replies the prophet in: utter surtaykoo questions would be answered by Elijah the prised •*•••-...• Prophet when he comes to usher in the messianic "CertainJyJ This is the end of the 20th century, age. ' • • • • • ' " . , : • . the century in which the blood of six million Jews One taykoo question is based on whether in the cry out for an answer to the most horrible event in Book of Exodus there are four or five ways by human history? I am a witness of, and partner in which God would redeem Israel from Egypt. For, if their suffering, because my mother, most of my it's four we have to consume four cups of wine dur- family and boyhood friends were murdered in cold ing the Seder to celebrate and give thanks. But if blood by those Nazi butchers!" it's five then we have to drink five cups! Silence. "*" Now, on an exceptionally cold December evening, Taykoo, it's unresolved until Elijah comes and gives the definitive answer. Thus, we have the famous I am sitting in the comfortable, photo-filled Omaha home which Jack Diamond has established with his "Elijah's Cup" which in reality is the taykoo cup! Now, with all this understood, let's imagine the wife of more than 50 years. The story he tells (and following scene: we're guests at t h e Seder of has videotaped for the Steven Spielberg Survivors Omaha's Jack Diamond, his wife Minde, their of the Shoah Visual History Foundation) is even daughters, Leta and Florie, and ten grandchildren colder than the temperature outside. in the Orthodox Jewish enclave of Monsey, New "I can never be happy on Passover," Diamond York: Jack rises to open the door for the venerable recounts. "In many ways I wish that this holiday EUjah, and there is the prophet himself The tall, would be abolished! For it was then in 1942 in my slim Jack greets the guest in his well modulated hometown Dolhinow, near Vilna in Poland, that the ! East European voice: slaughter of my family and friends began. .
"Before then 1 .was a student at Jewish Cultural School. Student life, I thought, was quite difficult," he recalled. "It was a program which went from early morning until late evening, six days a week. I studied Hebrew language and grammar, history, Bible, Talmud and secular studies, including the Polish language. "No misbehavior in the school was allowed by my teachers. When I. behaved improperly my teachers would physically beat me. And then, when I came home, the teacher's beating was followed by my father's physical punishments. After all, my father had to pay monthly tuition so that I could attend this private school. And, now as an adult I can see that they were right." But Diamond's student career came to an abrupt end when, at the age of 16, just six days before, Passover, he and the other Jewish teennged boys of Dolhinow were ordered by the Nazi police to go out into the woods, strip down to the waist and begin the backbreaking work of cutting down, trimming and stacking 100 cubic meters of wood. Almost immediately, Gershon, one of the Jewish youths of his town was shot down in cold blood. Jack worked on Shabbat, Sunday and on Monday, when the first slaughter of the town's people began. ' (Continued on page 64)
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Page 64 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
To the brink and back
An ordinary life? (Continued from page 62) Sadofsky maintains an observant home. She continues to participate actively in the Beth El services and adult education courses. For her granddaughter's Bat Mitzvah, she mastered trope - the traditional chant of the Torah. Again, in these efforts she acknowledges the help she received from Cantor Berkovits. As for the holiday for which we are observing at this time, Passover, Sadofsky learned the preparations as a young girl largely from her grandmother; she has carried on these traditions in her own adult life. She attended the Sederim which were conducted entirely in Hebrew by her uncle. Now she provides the sederim for 24 to 26 guests in her house, including her children and grandchildren: Jenina (who is the bookkeeper for Jewish Press), Jamin, Heidi, Charles (better known as Buzz), Dillon, Jeremy, Daniel, Brianna, Natasha and Marissa. Her son, Jerry, leads the sederim which are done mostly in English. Sadofsky feels there is more appreciation of the messages of Passover now that everyone can more easily understand the rituals. Is Sadofsk/s life so special? Her students and their parents certainly thought so when, in 1975, her home and most of her possessions were damaged in the devastating tornado. They included a meziizzah in the gifts and treats they brought her. In many ways, Sadofsky's life is a microcosm of Jewish life in Omaha during much of this century. For the love and devotion which Selma Sadofsky has received over the years, for the love and devotion which she has lavishly given to others, and for the model she provides us in always being receptive to learning more about her Jewish heritage. For these ordinary(?) events we give thanks to God for His miracles which "daily attend us...and say, dayaynu.
(Continued from page 63) He was afraid to return home. He and the other youths went back under the cover of darkness. When he arrived in town on the 14th of Nisan, the evening of Passover, he found that everyone in his mother's and father's families were killed except his father and mother. The winter snows were red with blood. On the first day of Passover his father took him to help bury the ashes of the people who were burned together in a barn. On the 13th of Iyyar, almost a month later, there was a second slaughter and Jack's mother was consumed in it. After an long and arduous trek through the ghetto and parts of Europe, Jack was reunited with his father three years later. At first he could not recognize his father. Instead of the straight, strong, dark-haired man he found a physical stranger, thin, stooped, white-haired. Then, shortly before he came to America more than fifty years ago Jack married Minde, his childhood friend, who had also survived the Holocaust. They came directly to Omaha because some of his father's relatives were living here. He began his work here as a pipelayer for the Municipal Utilities Company, and then spent the rest of his working life as a successful salesman for Nebraska Furniture Mart. Through out the years Jack Diamond has insisted that he would remain a Jew even though he cannot fathom the reasons for the events which engulfed him and the other Jews in Europe. "My slaughtered family members died as Jews, and I, therefore, will make sure that my family and I will live as Jews!" he said. Immediately upon arriving in Omaha he joined the old Litvische Schul and later the Beth Israel congregation. He and his wife established a kosher, observant household. They raised their two daughters, Leta and Elorie, who know that they are Orthodox Jews. Diamond will not let Judaism die for his future generations. His children and grandchildren have
Jack a n d Minde Diamond heard his story. They know that Jack and Minde are the only relatives they have. There are no uncles, no aunts; just their own micro-sized family, and, this man who cannot express the ineffablepain of his past, gets great nachas - enjoyment from the accomplishments from his progeny. . But the supposed conversation continues between Jack Diamond and Elijah the Prophet. "So, Zelig bar Leib," says Elijah. "You have found a measure of nachas in your life in America." "Yes, I have," Diamond replies. "But it is not enough. It can never heal the wounds and take away the pain which I suffer every moment." "Can't you let go?" Elijah asks. "No," says Diamond sadly. "For some reason I have become a reluctant hero in a horrible tale which seems to have no answer. What is the answer, Eliyahu?" "Taykoo is the answer," replies the Prophet with tears in his eyes. Let's go back to a simpler problem: this cup." •
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 65
The man of no frills by Carol Katzman
Harold Coopennan's latest commercial features him dressed as Elvis Presley. While he might appear to be a 'character', he's a savvy businessman whose grocery stores are often the mainstays of the towns in which they're located. Born in Poland, Cooperman immigrated to this country when he was only five years old. He attended Kellom School and graduated from Central High when he was only 15. "I was working twice a week at a filling station," Cooperman said, "and had both the morning and afternoon paper routes for the World-Herald. I graduated early; the school put me in first grade when I arrived in this country because I was so big. "Guess that's why I never became an artist!" Cooperman said with a laugh. "I skipped the 'cutting and pasting"." He wanted to go to college, but his father had lost his job during the depression and Cooperman had no choice but to go to work. Freida Wohlner Cooperman had arrived in America with her five brothers. Six of them lived together in a four-bedroom apartment in South Omaha. But she died in 1937 at the age of 37. His mother's brother, Al Wohlner, gave him his first job, 73 hours a week for $10, Soon he was making $35 and less than six years later, Cooperman opened his first grocery store at 16th and Fort. He enlarged it in 1938 and again in '41 to more than 3000 square feet. With America's involvement in World War II, Cooperman was compelled to join the navy and sold . the store in 1943. "Merriam and I were married for five years and our daughter, Francie, was only four weeks old," he recalled. "I drove them up to Minneapolis where they stayed with Merriam's sister, brother-in-law and'their 13-year-old son while I was in the South Pacific." Stationed on board the aircraft carrier, U.S.S. Yorktown off the island of Guam, Cooperman was
Harold Cooperman attended conventions of the grocery industry, this one in 1955. assigned meat-cutting duties in the kitchen. He would send letters to "Mrs. G. Cooperman," then "Mrs. U. Cooperman," "Mrs. A. Cooperman," until his family figured out he was writing from Guam! Back home in 1947, Cooperman "covered" for Bess and Sam Steinberg in their store at 46 and W Streets, so they could go on vacation. "Sam told me they'd be gone for two weeks," Cooperman recalled. "Instead, it got to be six weeks, ten weeks. At twelve weeks I wrote him and said, 'If you're not here by Monday, the keys will be in the mail.' The Steinbergs returned, but it was time for me to go out on my own." Cooperman bought his first house at 51st and Fa'rnam and opened a store in Ashland, NE, some 25 miles from Omaha. He also had to buy a truck so he could "haul produce from the wholesalers and non-perishables from the Associated Grocers."
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Harold and Merriam Cooperman Cooperman attended ceremonies at Dana College when he was awarded an honorary doctorate.. From there, he expanded to other small towns: Creighton, NE, and Picstown, South Dakota, near the damsite, as well as East Omaha. Today, his chain of No Frills Supermarkets consists of nine stores: two in Council Bluffs; Denison and Red Oak, LA; the original Ashland store; Blair; and 35th and Q, 80th and Blondo, and 137th and Millard. His son-in-law, Richard Juro is now president of the company. Juro met Cooperman's daughter, Francie, at summer school in New York City. After graduating from Columbia Law School, they married and moved to Omaha. "Now he's my boss!" said Cooperman. His stores give him great satisfaction. Recently, the Ashland No-Frills sponsored a huge picnic and barbeque and "practically the whole town turned out," Cooperman noted. (Continued on page 70)
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Page 66 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
An activist at heart and deeds by Jill Belmont
Vera Tepperman recalls people and events from 90 years ago as if it were yesterday. She speaks of her parents, her husband and her family with great reverence and love. And underlying her almost-95 years of living is an indomitable spirit that has not wa*" 3d, even in the face of hard times and sadness. .ie has lived alone since 1996, when her husDand of 72 years, Eddie, passed away. Her apartment in Lincoln is filled with sculptures and paintings created by various relatives, along with numerous family photos, including the smiling faces of her eight grandchildren and seven great grandchildren which adorn her bedroom walls. She loves being with friends and family, and remains the voracious reader of her youth, reading an average of three books a week. A native New Yorker, Vera was the oldest of three children born to Benedict and Augusta Silberman, a couple who taught themselves English by reading books from the library, and who, despite financial difficulties, filled their children's days with off-Broadway plays, music concerts and as many other cultural events as possible. 1 had an absolutely wonderful childhood," Vera said, recalling summers spent at the beach, winters sledding in Central Park and the constant stream of colorful Eddie Tepperman met Vera Silberraan at the New Jersey shore in 1923. guests, friends and renters in her family's apartment. A self-proclaimed shy bookworm who read "morn"Eddie was very much a people's person," Vera ing, noon and night," she preferred reading to said of the charming 20-year-old fellow who sat socializing, much to the chagrin of her mother, who down by her that night and asked her about school wanted her teenaged daughter to develop more of and her interests. an interest in friends. ' The romance was "a gradual thing," she said, Augusta's attempts to involve 15-year-old Vera filled with tennis dates, movies and plays, and five with a group of neighborhood girls were met with years after their first meeting, Eddie and Vera much resistance: "I wouldn't have any part of it," were married in 1924, in a traditional Orthodox Vera recalled; however, one day she relented and wedding ceremony. accepted a dinner invitation from one of the girls. The Teppermans remained in Manhattan until That dinner would prove to be a pivotal one in 1931, when tough financial times led them and their Vera's life; it would be the evening she would meet children Marcia and Herbert, to move to Missouri her future husband. Valley, Iowa, where Eddie's sister, Sophie, was living.
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The Teppermans, pictured here, celebrated their 59th anniversary in 1985. "It was a completely different life than in New York, to live in a little town like that," Vera said. "I couldn't get over how everyone said "hello' toyou on the street when they didn't even know you. "I missed my family terribly, but it was important for me to move, because I was so dependent on them. I became a real person when we moved." After a short time, Eddie and Vera moved to Omaha, where he sold vegetables door-to-door, and eventually went into the grocery business in Council Bluffs, with Vera working beside him. and horror of the Holocaust.
(Continued on page 67)
March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 67
An activist at heart /(Continued on page 67) "Oh, I wa8 heartsick over what was happening," expressed an avid interest in playing bridge, she she said. "It was just terrible - we knew exactly decided to take lessons "so I could understand why what was going on and there waB nothing we could he liked it so much. do about it." "Families have to be very, very supportive of one She recalled that at that time, the Council Bluffs another," she said. "We always wanted to know Jewish community bonded together, but was afraid what made each one of those (grand)Kids click. We to speak out publicly about the atrocities; fearing wanted to understand them, and even if we didn't, we were always very supportive. anti-Semitic repercussions. "It's a very hard world to live in, and we need "We didn't do the right thing," she said. "I have always felt that way. We did not make a fuss every one of the people who loves us to really help. enough. We were not brave. Jewish people held You have to be a caring person." rallies in Madison Square Garden, but that wasn't Her spirit has remained strong over the years, worth a tinker's damn. We should've walked on despite weathering the devastating losses of Washington the way they do nowadays." Herbert to cancer in 1989, and her beloved Eddie When the Teppermans' youngest child, David was seven years later. "I have a very realistic view of born in 1938, Vera said "I wanted to give him the life and death," Vera said. "I've never said, "Why most Jewish name I could think of. It was a big us?' 'Why me?' This is life. You can't wallow in your, thing when I gave him a Jewish name. It was a grief, you have to cope with everything." brave thing to do." Several months ago, she moved from her apartFollowing the war, her political activism grew, as ment a t Remington Heights in Omaha to the did her involvement in Hadassah, Israel Bonds, Brentwood Estates retirement community in Lincoln, and the League of Women Voters. She began to and has had no misgivings about letting go of materiparticipate in the Iowa caucuses, and she and close al possessions as her living quarters have become friend Frieda Suvalsky repeatedly lobbied their smaller. Many of her belongings have been dispersed senators and congressmen to support the recogni- among her grandchildren, and she said she takes tion of Israel, and to inform them about the work of great pleasure in seeing tablecloths, furniture and Hadassah. Vera also became involved with AIPAC hand-painted dishes being used in their homes. . (American Israel Public Affairs Committee), and at She has the wisdom and insight of a life wellone point traveled to Washington to attend one of lived, and has passed on to her children and grandthe organization's national meetings. children her love of family and her faith in the Her activism continued on into the late 1980s, goodness of people. where she could be found attending pro-choice rallies "What I've had is an ordinary life," she said, in Omaha and Lincoln with her daughter, Marcia shrugging her shoulders. Maybe so, but there's Kushner, and to this day she remains outspoken something to be said about an ordinary life lived so about governmental, political and social issues. extraordinarily well. Over the years, Vera and Eddie cherished their close family relationships, and always made a point Below: Mother a n d daughter, Vera of remaining current with their children's and Tepperman and and Marcia Kushner, are grandchildren's interests and livelihoods. For both involved in causes in both the Jewish' example, Vera said t h a t when son Herbert and general communities in Lincoln.
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Page 68 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1990
Propelled by the horrors of war division had one of the most successful drives it had ever experienced. "In every generation As for h i s religious everyone is obligated to commitment, Lippett has look upon themselves as been a staunch propoif they have come out of nent of Beth Israel conEgypt." (Bated on the gregation and its predetraditional Passover cessor congregation, the Haggadah text) • Russische Shul. During Born in Oakland, the 1950's he served on Nebraska in 1918, Ruben Beth Israel's Board of Lippett graduated Commissioners. Omaha's Central High In 1991, spurred by his School in 1936. He went wife's serious illness and on to attend Creighton recovery, Lippett went University for two years into retirement. .and then continued a t But he has never been a the- University of retiring individual. With Nebraska in Lincoln, pride he points to the fact receiving a Bachelor of that his schedule lms been Science degree in quite full in volunteer Business Administration work: first as a volunteer in 1940. of the Red Cross Blood Upon graduation, he Bank for three years doing received his Military "the flunky work" of Reserve Commission as assembling the parts of Second Lieutenant in the the bags for the blood -infantry, and he was donations. immediately called to He then volunteered at active duty with a regular »» a j . . TT •* i J army regiment. He served The Lippett family: Sharon Lee, Mark Allen, has Methodist Hospital continued to do soand for his country in the military Huben and Louise. the last five years, deliv-/ for five years during ering supplies, working in t h e Cardiac World War II. Toward the end of his tour of duty he Rehabilitation department for heart-bypass was assigned to the 71st Division in the European patients and in the Radiology department. Theater, a part of General Patton's Third Army. All of these tasks have been very interesting to After returning to Omaha to work in his family's him and his efforts have been appreciated by grocery business, he married Louise Wintroub, and they raised two children: Mark, who has chosen to Methodist Hospital. Last, but certainly not least, enjoy the "good life" of Omaha as an employee of two days a month he devotes volunteer time to the Dial America, and Sharon Lee, who lives in New Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) as an Jersey and is a highly regarded lawyer in one of the advisor for the Small Business Administration. He is highly energetic! Every afternoon he is at largest law firms in the country. Lippett established a very successful business, the JCC Health Club doing his physical exercises. " l e a n truly say that the days are^ not long Lippett's Bottle Shop, on the northwest corner of 72nd and West Dodge. In 1975 he sold the business enough!" he exclaimed. His vistas are not confined to Omaha, for he and and joined a liquor wholesaler as the manager of Louise have traveled extensively since his retirement the wine department for 15 years. to such exotic places as Athens, Istanbul and Cairo. As for his Jewish and civic commitments - Ruben So there you have it: Ruben Lippett respected Lippett was certainly active. military officer, college graduate, successful busiShortly after returning from military service, he joined the Henry Monsky Lodge of B'nai B'rith. He nessman and family man, civic and Jewish leader, has held all the offices in that Lodge at one time or and world traveler. Has anything been left out? : You bet! A key event in Lippett's life which was another. He is particularly proud that he was chairman of the Civics Affairs Luncheon and the highlighted on the front page of June 16,1995 issue of the Jewish Press. Then editor Morris Maline B'nai B'rith Stag dinner many times. He was B'nai B'rith Cornbelt Region membership wrote the article and Lippett describes it as follows: "It was practically the end of the war against the chairman, and both times he received the National Lodge Award of Merit or the "Bennie", which is Nazis. Our Division had advanced further east than awarded by the national organization to the lodges any other Division in the European Theater. On May which perform outstanding membership service. 5,1945, we sat on the banks of the Enn and Danube During the two years that he was membership Rivers between Wels and Steyr, Austria. "We were waiting for the Russian troops to chairman the Cornbelt Region was the first division in District 6. And, to cap it all of during 1958 - advance from Vienna, which they did two days later. During a two or three-day period we 59, Lippett was President of the Lodge. processed about 150,000 German and Hungarian While he held this position, membership in the prisoners, who did not want to become prisoners of Lodge was the highest it had ever been. Also, durthe Russians. ing his active years in B'nai B'rith he earned sever"On May 4th, the day we arrived in the area, we al national Service Fund Awards for outstanding were part of the group which liberated a concentraservice to the District 6 Service Fund. In 1957 he was co-chairman one of the men's divi- tion camp, Gunskirchen, outside Wels. (Continued on page 70) sion of the Jewish Philanthropies. In that year, the by Mark B. Levy
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March 26,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 69
New book on Holocaust set for April publication by Diane Axler Baum
Cantor Leo Fettman was born on March 27,1925, and looks forward to celebrating his 54th birthday tomorrow. :•''•< "The first 20 years of my life, I can't count," he said, to explain the computational error. He only counts the years since the Holocaust. At age 19 to 20, Leo Fettman spent 13 months in Auschwitz and in several forced labor camps, where he experienced horrific cruelties and excruciating pain, both physical and emotional. He endured unspeakable atrocities and lost most of his family to Nazi murderers. Even so, he maintained his faith in God. That he maintained his faith, in spite of everything, influences his perspective on the Holocaust. He's told his story to hundreds of audiences across the United States, using it to make a case for tolerance respect, love and brotherhood In mid-April, his message will be captured forever in a new book, SHOAH: Journey from the Ashes. By Cantor Fettman, as told to Paul M. Howey, his book is aptly subtitled, A Personal Story of Triumph Over the Holocaust. The book's purpose is "to educate the living and to remember the dead," said Cantor Fettman. "Since God saved me from the fires of the Holocaust, I want to give something back to Him, and to humanity. There are revisionists who say the Holocaust never happened. I am proof that it happened; I was there." Enhancing the text of SHOAH are illustrations by the Cantor's wife, Annette Sherman Fettman, a recognized artist and sculptor who is influenced heavily by her Jewish faith and the Holocaust theme. Mrs. Fettman earned a BA in Art Education from the University of Wisconsin and continued studying and working creatively at the Chicago Academy of Fine Arts, UCLA, the Madison Area Technical College, and Creighton University. She currently sculpts in a studio at Bellevue University. Her primary media are terra cotta and bronze. She recently held her first ohe-persbh show at the Jewish Community Center Gallery, and 20 of her pieces were included in a show titled "An Exhibition of Jewish Art and Judaica," which opened with a Kosher reception last month at the University of South Dakota. Mrs. Fettman said she's extremely pleased with a new. piece, which she's about to cast in bronze. This sculpture, influenced by a dedication ceremony that took place last year in New York City, depicts the
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Cantor Fettman's parents: Yaakov and Feige Esther Fettman Fettmans' oldest grandson, Yoni Schwab, lifting ordination as both rabbi and cantor. He served as a arid holding aloft the first Torah ever acquired by spiritual leader in North Bay, Ontario before emiColumbia University. Yoni, 22, is a student at grating to the United States to reunite with a brother and four uncles in Gary; IN. Soon after, he Columbia and the Jewish Theological Seminary. According to Cantor Fettman, it took him "40 married and accepted a position in Madison, WI, years to think about writing this book, and four where he worked for 11 years. years to write it." Over the past year; Mrs. Fettman In 1974, Leo and Annette Fettman came to added, they both have been "absorbed in final writ- Omaha to serve Beth Israel Synagogue and the entire Jewish community. He, in addition to his ing, editing, and typing." SHOAH looks back over the 2,000 years of anti- cantorial duties, held the positions of Educational Semitism that led to Hitler's "Final Solution." The Director, Shabbatonim Director, and hospital chapbook also examines the current proliferation of lain. She, raising the three of their six children still hate-based groups and the attempts by some revi- at home, found time to be a member of Sisterhood, sionists to edit, or deny, the grim facts of history. program chairman of Amit Women, and Kashrut The main section of the book relates the events of Supervisor for the JCC and later for the Rose Blumkin Home. Cantor Fettman's life. He grew up amidst loving family members whose Officially Cantor Fettman retired in 1992, but on sevsimple life was made beautiful by Jewish tradition eral occasions he returned temporarily when needed. Over the years, his work as an educator was -*• until the Nazis ripped them from their shtetl, confined them in a boxcar, and delivered them to always especially fulfilling, he said. He loved teachAuschwitz. His experiences include unspeakable ing, and his students loved him. He often taught by atrocities: He worked in a crematorium; he con- using jokes and humor. "I used to tell other teachers, 'If you want respect fronted the notorious "Angel of Death," Dr. Josef from the students, first show them respect.' You Mengele; he was tortured, bloodied, and broken. When the war ended and he returned to cannot teach with anger. You must teach Judaism' Nyiradpny, Hungary, there was nothing left for with love." He looks back with particular joy on the many him there, he said. He emigrated to Montreal, Canada, in 1948, working as a tailor by day and model seders he led over the years. • (Continued on page 70) studying in a yeshiya at night, until he earned his
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The man of no frills
New book on Holocaust (Continued from page 69) *
(Continued from page 65) But hie proudest moment came in January, when Dana College present him with an honorary doctorate. He was only the 37th person to be accorded this honor in Dana's 150 year history. Coopennan and the No-Frills supermarket in Blair have been supporters of Dana College and its students. In fact, many of Dana's students work at the Blair store, putting themselves through college, much like Cooperman worked to support his family so many years ago. . "The life work of Harold Cooperman, his devotion as husband and father and his service and generosity merit this special recognition," said Dr. Mryvin Christopherson, President of Dana College. "He has demonstrated by his life that faith in God, humanity, a loving nature, a tireless devotion to family and friends and to business and customers can pay big dividends." That devotion to family became more apparent when Merriam suffered a stroke six years ago. Recuperating Mrs. Fettman describes herself as "the navigator" for at home, she has round-the-clock nurses. Harold doesher husband's numerous appointments and engage- n't leave the house at night without her. ments. Not only does she have the better sense of "This Polish Immigrant has, from relative obscudirection, but she refuses to leave chances for error. rity, gained recognition as a mogul in the food "He writes dates on the calendar," she said, "but industry," said long-time friend Maury Katzman. I memorize them!" "There is nothing fancy about Harold Cooperman, They're currently booked heavily. In the near no airs, no-frills - just plain hard work and acute future, he has 34 speaking engagements, including business acumen." high schools in Storm Lake, IA, and in Kearney, Cooperman, a long-time member of Beth El Valley, Grand Island, and Lincoln, NE. In addition, he's scheduled in April to speak for Yom Hashoah in Synagogue, has also been involved with B'nai Albany, N.Y. and at a Holocaust Conference at the B'rith, for which he sells hundreds of tickets for their annual Sports Banquet. University of Nebraska at Omaha. "He's an outstanding member of the Omaha To date, he has two confirmations as far in the Jewish community and should be applauded for his future as February and March of 2000. He hopes generosity to his many causes," Katzman added. the publication of SHOAH will lead to many more. No-frills - that says it all!
Photo at right: Cantor Fettman shows his grand-daughter, Fraidel, a photo exhibited in Yad Vashem in Jerusalem of his father and brother. This photo was the last one taken of Cantor Fettman's family as the Nazis marched them into Auschwitz. Below: Members of the Fettman family: Jack, Martin, Aviva, Rachel (on Cantor's lap), Annette, Renana, and Miriam.
Propelled by the horrors of war (continued from page 68) "Our commander, Colonel Reardon, knew I am The Haggadah contains the statement, "In every Jewish so he had me ride in his Jeep to the camp, generation everyone is obligated to look upon themwhich was a part of the Mauthausen prison complex," selves as if they have come out of Egypt." What Lippett recalled. "We came to the site about two hours exactly is Mitzrayim, the Hebrew word for Egypt? after the front line troops had shot the locks off the It is more than a geographical spot on a map.. Our, gates. There were 15,000 emaciated people who sages say that the name Mitzrayim comes from the imprisoned there under unbelievable conditions. root tzar which means trouble and narrow, "Believe me, never have I seen anything as horri- extremely confining conditions. ble as this camp. It was in a cleared area of a forest The liberated concentration camp inmates of and the bodies of thousands were stacked around Gunskirchen felt the trouble and extreme inhuman the perimeter of the clearance. It was horrible. The confines of that camp. However, Lippett's powerful overpowering stench from the dead bodies and description of his experience as a concentration camp feces was indescribable. My first reaction was 'I liberator drives home the feelings of trouble and torcan't believe they could do this to people,' and I ture experienced by those survivors, and subtly says knew that most of them were Hungarian Jews." that he now knows the intimate meaning as one who Maline noted that Lippett's "recollection if those has experienced the freedom from Mitzrayim, Egpyt. days were reinforced when he and his wife, Louise, Ruben Lippett's active years in Jewish organizajoined other veterans of the 71st Division and tions have been propelled by his fateful experiences returned to Gunskirchen for a reunion with sur- of the horrors of Gunskirchen. vivors of many countries. Later in a r e t u r n While others have often merely mouthed the trip...one of the survivors, a man from New York words "Jewish continuity" Lippett has worked City, came up to Mr. Lippett, draped himself in his arduously to guarantee that it would happen. arms and said "Thank you for saving my life!1"
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The other 'Women of Valor' by Carol Katzman Every year for the past eight years, Ruth and Irwin Goldenberg have travelled to Israel. Their trips included the usual tourist stops: the Old City of Jerusalem, the Western Wall, a stay at a kibbutz, and a trip to Tel Aviv. But the rest of their time is spent a little differently than the average tour. Ruth Goldenberg has interviewed more than two dozen Israeli women; their stories will be published in her forthcoming book, Ayshet Chayil, due out next month. Not a writer by profession, Goldenberg's first encounter with these charitable women came at a class at the Israel Center in Jerusalem. Run by the Orthodox Union, the center offers lectures on Jewish philosophy, rituals, matchmaking and more, in English and Hebrew. She met many Americans, Canadians, and Israelis through these classes. She went on a few tiyullim (trips) and met a few more. She began keeping a journal and spent her time listening and learning." What Goldenberg discovered were women who volunteered their time and efforts to create a better 'Israel. Some, like Clara Hammer, provide chickens for Shabbat families every week. Known as "The Chicken Lady" Hammer used to pay for a few extra chickens for families in need when she started the "chicken fund" some 19 years ago. Today, friends and donors have allowed her to serve some 125 families each week. Tifereth Israel's USY chapter is raising funds to send to "The Chicken Lady" so she can provide more assistance to families in need. Other women like Rena Quint tell the story of survival and perseverance. After coming out of several forced labor camps and Bergen Belsen, this nine-year-old made her way to the United States and was raised by an aunt and uncle. College, marriage and four children later, she and her husband, Rabbi Emmanuel Quint, made aliyah. Her Shabbat table serves up to 30 people each week. She fills her days as a docent for Yad •"Vashem, the Tower of David Museum, and the Supreme Court. And she gives "testimony" to teens on the March of the Living as well as other groups. "The original purpose of this book was to present a behind-the-scenes look at Israeli women," Goldenberg related. "People are not aware of the many charitable projects undertaken by women - like them. I'd like to help promote their efforts." These are but two of the women Goldenberg has featured in her book. She first got the idea when she wrote a story for Morris Maline, then editor of the Jewish Press, about a woman she'd met on a trip to
Left photo: Goldenberg family celebrates Ruth's 70th birthday: front row: Sarah Zivic, Martha Zivic, Martha Lerner, Ruth Goldenberg, Joann Hill, J o n Lerner, Aaron Zivic; back row: Rachel Ziyic, Dick Lerner, Irwin Goldenberg, Ali Lerner, Brad Lerner. Right: Ruth Goldenberg, center, meets with two of the women in her book: Shulamit Ne'eman and Merium Zohn. Israel in 1969. But what of Goldenberg herself? health, the couple walk six to seven miles a day and Trained as a teacher at the University of practice vegetarianism in their healthy lifestyle. Even Nebraska at Lincoln, Goldenberg grew up in next week's seders will be vegetarian! Denver, but has lived in Lincoln, NE., for more Now retired, the two spend their time travelling, than 50 years. Her first husband, Arthur Hill, died nurturing their grandchildren, and working on her at age 47, leaving her a young widow with three book. In April, the Goldenberg's will bring the children: daughters Martha (Lerner), Robin (Zivic) newly-published book to Israel and present copies and Joann Hill. to each of the 22 women featured. Local readers At the time, she was chairman of Lincoln's can order copies for $18 from the Tifereth Israel UJA/Federation Campaign; the representative Synagogue in Lincoln or from Chabad of Nebraska from UJA's Midwest office, Irwin Goldenberg, met in Omaha. Ruth, changed his base from Chicago to Lincoln "I was with Ruth for all.the interviews," Irwin and just "kept travelling for UJA." Goldenberg added. "My duties were to be in charge Ruth finally persuaded her new husband to stay of the camera and the tape recorder. Ruth later closer to home and- they opened the Golden Carrot wrote the stories by long-hand and we had them health food store in 1972. She created the ads for professionally typed." the store and a column called "Ask Mrs. G," a quesMrs. Goldenberg added, "We've been so impressed tion-and-answer feature for customers. by the work of these women and their kind invitaThe Goldenberg's hosted scores of health food tions for Shabbat in their homes that we've now experts over the years, including fitness expert started hosting Shabbat dinners in ours!" Jack LaLanne and Ben and Joe Weider, bodybuilding promoters. They used to r e n t Pershing Auditorium at the UNL campus for these events. Still watching their
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Page 72 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE March 26,1999
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"Nowin the presence ofloved ones and friends, before us the emblems offestive rejoicing, we gather for oar sacred celebrations With the household of Israel, our elders and young ones linking and bonding the past with the future, we heed once again the divine call to service. Living our story that is told for all peoples, whose shining conclusion isyetto unfold, we gather toobserve the Passover." Source: the New Union Haggadah
Our very best wishes for a happy and healthy Passover with family and friends
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