May 7, 1999

Jewish Press

60003-1,551

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS

Vol. LXXVI

No. 33 Omaha, NE

NCJW installs new board, honors Linden and Noddle Margaret Linden and Kim Noddle will be honored by the National Council of Jewish Women, Omaha Section, at its annual installation dinner

meeting on Tuesday, May 18, 7 p.m., at the

21 Iyyar, 5759

May 7,1999

Mark Sanford to chair Federation Annual Meeting

by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

"The energy and excitiment in our community Mark Sanford, JCC President, will chair the 95th Marriott Hotel. surrounding the JCC campus Rejuvenation will Annual Meeting of the I In addition, Mimi Waldbaum will receive the make this a unique program," said Sanford in Jewish Federation of! prestigious Hannah G. Solomon Award, named for accepting the chairmanship.

Omaha on Monday, | NCJWs founder.

June 7, at 7:30 pan.

"I have the highest regard for our community ", Linden will receive the and its volunteers. It is a pleasure to recognize the This meeting is the I Distinguished Service phenominal members of the Omaha Jewish comtime the community will I ' Award, which recognizes munity who have given so much of their time and gather to honor volun-1 * outstanding years of serresources to make this one of the best places to teers with awards for I 1 ' vice to the Omaha Sec- outstanding service and I live," he added-. i tion. The recipient has programs. These awards!

In addition to awards, Federation1 officers, and { demonstrated loyalty, include the Humanitari- ! board members will be installed, along with the I commitment and dedica- an of the Year, Comnew presidents of several Centers of Excellence.

I tion to the Section, and munity Service Award, Mark Sanford ' The entire community is'invited to attend; a I an overall awareness of Center of Excellence Volunteers of the Year, the dessert reception will follow the annual meeting.

I NCJW, volunteering to Spirit of Federation Award, Young Leadership and For more information, call Lana Reichardt at the work at any level.

Teen Leadership Awards.

Federation office, 334-6430. ' Margaret Linden Linden became involved in NCJW more than 25 years ago, when she began volunteering at the Thrift- Shop with her friend, Sue Meyers. Although not Jewish, Linden quickly Jim Farber, chairman of the 45th annual B'nai Mosley is the daughter of Gary and Evelyn became engrossed in the many projects of NCJW. B'rith Chairty Sports Banquet, has announced the Mosley and participated oh Bellevue East*s basketFrom her Thrift Shop beginnings, she became co- winners of the Metro High School Senior ball, volleyball and track teams. She will attend chair of the shop for three years. She has served on Scholar/Athletes of the Year.

Drake University. the NGJW board as Member Services Secretary, Judd Davies, a senior at Millard North High Featured speaker at the annual benefit is ESPN co-chairman of Labels Unlimited, helped with the School, and Ja'nae' Mosley, a senior at Bellevue sports commentator and entertainer Roy Firestone.

RAFT project and served as "It's a Wrap" co-day East, will accept the Bert Render and Earl Siegal The Henry Monsky Lodge, sponsor of the annual chairman and volunteer.

Awards at the annual banquet on Monday, May event, will also honor Omaha sports figure Don Linden also has spread her talents to the Omaha 12, at Ak-sar-ben Coliseum, at 5:45 p.m.

Leahy. Proceeds benefit B'nai B'rith programs and community by volunteering as President of Omaha Davies is the son of Dale and. Nancy Davies. He programs of the B'nai B'rith Youth Organization.

Volunteers for Handicapped Children, President of played on both football and baseball teams at.

Tickets for the event are $90 per person and may Meyer Children's Rehabilitatior^Guild, Methodist Millard North and will attend the University of be reserved by.'callihg the B'nai B'rith office, 334Hospital Guild Member and Omaha Symphony Nebraska this fall.

6443. . .•."-.Guild Member.

Kim Noddle is being awarded the Emerging Section Leader Award, i Which is presented to a I member who has poten-1 tial for assuming future [ section leadership.

by Claudia Sherman, Foundation Public Relations Coordinator ; Noddle's love for chil-1 "The Blumkin Home was home to my sister-in dren is 'evident in the I law, Helen Tuchman, for several years. She was kinds of projects she I very happy with her care and all the activities she spearheads. She is chair-1 was able to participate in," said Milt Saylan from person for the Kits for I his home in Palm Springs, CA. He' added that his Kids project, which! father, Jack Saylan, lived in the Blumkin Home, brings a r t s and crafts' too, for several weeks prior to his death.

Kim Noddle supplies and projects to Motivated by his sister's-in-law and father's experiunderprivileged children in local child care centers, ences at the Blumkin Home, Saylan and his wife, and volunteers for the Section's biggest fundraiser, Rosalie, have established a new endowment fund-with "IfsAWrap."

The Foundation of the Jewish Federation to support • She has also served as committee chair for the programs and activities of the Blumkin Home.

Child Care Fair and is co-Vice-president for "Omaha is very fortunate to have such a wonderCommunity Service. The. rest of the Jewish comful place for elderly Jewish people, and we wanted munity benefits from Noddle's experience and talto do something for them," Saylan explained. ent, too. She has served on the Young Women's "Who knows? Maybe we will be there someday," Division of the Federation Campaign, chaired the Young Women's Retreat, and coordinated the he. speculated.

Both native Omahans, Milt and Rosalie Saylan ADL's Movie Madness fund-raiser. were married at the Paxton Hotel on Sept. 1, 1940. ' Outside the Jewish community, Noddle is involved in education in the Westside Community They spent the first 16 years of their married life in School District, serving on textbook adaption and Iowa,working in the grocery business (except Tor curriculum committees, and as campaign chair for two years when Milt served in the United States Navy). In 1956, the Saylans returned to Omaha future board elections for the school district.

Rosalie and Milt Saylan and established a window covering business called.

Incoming board members who will be installed at Window Wares Company. Later, they started Rose band have been volunteers at Desert Regional the annual meeting are: President: Beth Friedman; Ann Fabrics.

Medical Center in Pahn Springs.

Vice-presidents: Susan Norton, Kim Noddle, Ann After retiring in 1975, the Saylans moved to However, they return to Omaha a couple times a Moshinan, Karin Leyihe, Jennifer Meyersbn, Deb Palm Springs. year to visit their many friends and their children Marburg; and Pam Monsky; Treasuer: Roxanne "We wanted a warmer climate and a small town and other relatives. Sons, Steve and Craig, live in Kahn; Financial Secretary: Sally Zipursky; environment," Milt Saylan said. "We do enjoy living Omaha. Dorothy Shapiro, the Saylans' daughter, Member Services Secretary: Iria Ricks; Recording in Palm Springs. It's no problem keeping busy.' lives in Lincoln. Rosalie's sister, Sara Harding, also Secretary: Beth Cohen; Parjiamentarian/Bylaws: He plays tennis three times a week and both of lives here. Two Saylan grandchildren, children of Carol Katzman. . .

-:them work out at the gym. Rosalie was a volunteer Steve and Jackie Saylan, are in Omaha. Four older v Directors include: Jill Belmqnt, Kate in Omaha at the Red Cross Blood Bank, the former grandchildren are scattered across the country, Ersheribaum, Cheryl terrier, Kim Novak, Heidi Nebraska Psychiatric Institute, and Methodist from California to Chicago.

Hospital. For the past 19 years, she and her hus(Continued on page 6) .'...•.; •::.-.•• (Continued o n p a g e 2)

B'nai B'rith announces sholar/athiete awards

FormerOmahans establish Blumkin Home Endowment

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the upcoming holidays of Shavuot and Memorial Day, the Jewish Press office will be closed on Friday, May 2 1 , and Monday, May 31.

The deadlines are: May 19 for the May 28 issue and May 26 for the June 4 Father's Day issue.

Photos from the Passover issue may be picked up in the Press office. Call 334-6449 for information.

CUP & SAVE

CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 7 Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

Temple Israel Shabbat Comes to You, 2 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Home SATURDAY, MAY 8 Grade 5 Parent Program, 5 p.m., at Temple Israel Humash Class, 7:50 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 9 . Grade 2 Parent Meeting, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel MONDAY.MAYIO YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

Cub Scouts, 7 p.m.

Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m.

TUESDAY, MAY 11 Beth El Adult Lunch & Learn, noon, at Pastimes Restaurant Derech Torah, 7 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin Conference Room Beth El Executive Committee Meeting, 7:30 p.m.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 Hadassah Meeting, 10:30 a.m., at Livingston Plaza Kids Lunch & Learn, 12:15 p.m., Beth El JYG Dinner, 6 p.m., at Temple Israel JR5 Parenting Program, 7 p.m.

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Dance Recital Performance, 7 p.m.

B'nai B'rith Sports Banquet, 6 p.m., at Aksarben Board of Commissioners Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth.Israel Beth Israel Talmud Class, 1 hour prior to Mincha, at Beth Israel THURSDAY, MAY 13 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m .

Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 a.m., Temple Israel Dance Recital Performance, 7 p.m.

All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The Jewish Pnas Is not responsible for the accuracy ol the events.

To keep calendar accurate or lor questions, call Martens Her! et 334-6437.

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Sparks What's the date? firm

by Rabbi MyerS.Kripke the Word Parashiyyot Behar-B'hukotai I have already suggested that all Jews should go to the synagogue on Jan. 1, 2000, not because it's an unusual (perhaps frightening) date, and not because it's my birthday (in the Hebrew calendar), but because it will be Shabbat.

Notice this: Shabbat rolls around every seventh day no matter what the calendar says, what month it is, what year, what century. Shabbat is independent of the years and months. It is a reckoning of time all by itself. • " • . • • Have you heard the jest about what caused the medieval Dark Ages? Answer: Y1K! . , .

I think probably we ought to look upon YZK'also as a big jest. It will be simply another year, another month, another day. Think of it in terms of the Hebrew calendar. It will be 23 Tevet, 5760.

Nothing ominous about that!

People have been intrigued by calendars ever since mankind became self-conscious; Note that the Hebrew Bible has no anchor date whatever! It may give a date like so many years into the reign of King so-and-so, or "two years after the earthquake." But we have to struggle to determine when that was.

I come to all of this as a reflection on our Sidrah, that is, the first of our two Sidrot. Although we live in the heart of the world's breadbasket, I must admit that I know little of agriculture. Farmers have additives and chemicals of various kinds that they add to the soil. This prevents depletion of the life-giving elements in the soil. Ancient farmers, like those the Bible speaks of, allowed the soil to have a "Shabbat", a year of rest, with no plowing, seeding, and harvesting that is, no harvesting of anything that doesn't grow by itself. This "Shabbat year" was to replenish the strength of the soil, and, moreover, to give the poor a chance to harvest whatever might grow by itself. That year was called Shemitah, the year of release.

And the Bible tries to make the matter clear.

The "Shabbat year" is the seventh. And in Jubilee years (every 50th), the regular Shemitah (seventh year) is the 49th, and the Jubilee year is the 50th.

Thus, there are two "rest years" in a row, the 49th and 50th. People would have to wait till the 51st year's crops were available. Observant Jews in Israel are careful of these laws even now. (They are permitted of course, and avail themselves of the opportunity, to buy and consume food products grown by non-Jews, or food grown outside Israel.)

It is apparent that all of these problems are cultural, rather than natural, that is, they derive from problems that grow in human societies, not in Nature. Nature doesn't care what year it is nor whose count it is t h a t says this year is the' Sabbatical year, or the Jubilee, or the year 2000.

It is .Christian counting, of course, that calls our present year 1999, and the upcoming. 2000. It was around the 4th century in Rome that early Christians; seized on a Roman calendar and used it to identify the year of the birth of Jesus. Now no one knew the date (nor the time of the year) of his birth, but that made no difference once the decision was made. Historians of our time, with our calendar well established, think the date of Jesus's birth was 4, or 5, or 6 B.C.E. Now, of course, we're coming to Y2K. The government is printing extra money, so that we may all hoard a little, to have available if the banks crash, and. the supermarkets will not accept our credit cards, and other such calamities occur.

I have a personal problem with numbers: My telephone number ends in 000. Now every careless user of the phone who dials 8001, or 8002, and up to 8009, and thinks that 8001 or 8002 should have three zeros, gets my number. Fortunately, I'm not home to be annoyed.

Numbers can be fun. I hope Y2K turns out to be nothing but fun, and no breakdown of civilization (such as it is!) occurs. People fleeing the Serbs in Kosovo won't even notice.

URSULA EL SHAMBERG Ursula Shamberg of Lincoln died April 20 at the age of 72. Services were held April 22i Survivors include her husband, Elmer; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Tom Beam of Littleton, CO; and granddaughters, Megan and Lauren.

EDITH HURWICK . Graveside services for Edith Hurwick were held May 6 at Beth El Cemetery. She was 83. '•"-"•'• She was preceded in death by her husband; Lee. Survivors include daughter, Ellen Adelman of West Des Moines, IA; daughter and son-in-law, Gail and Kory Levin of Denver; brother and sisterin-law, Ben and Bea Schneider; grandchildren, Lee Adelman of Phoenix, Sherri Adelman of Boone, IA, Wendy Levin of Hollywood, CA, and Kym Levin of Denver; and nieces and nephews. . .

'Big toys' on campus

Visitors to the Jewish Community Campus last week watched a 500-gallon fuel tank being removed from the ground just west pf the main entrance. Workmen removed, shrubs and trees, then backfilled the ground in preparation for the site work for the new Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke Library.

According to JCC Executive Director Jeff Aizenberg, "The expansion stage of the JCC Building Project is right on scheduler

Victory Day on Sunday The New American Cultural Society and the Jewish Cultural Arts Council will sponsor the annual victory Day commemoration this Sunday at 2 p.m. at the JCC. The program will include a memorial to those .

Russians who died in World War II. Admission is $3; no charge for children under age three.

•

NCJW installation ,

(Continued from page 1)

Schneider-man and Nancy Tetenbaum. Nominating Chairwoman is Cindy Goldberg; committee members from the general membership include: Pam Friedlander, Debbie Friedman, Kimberly Robinson and alternates Stacie Brodkey and Deb Goodman.

For reservations, send a check for $22, made out to NCJW', to Stacie Brodkey, 208 No. 163rd Cir., Omaha, NE 68118. ; •'

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SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL Member of the Vtiion of Ajmricnn

Hebrew Congregations 7023 Cms Slrcpt, Omaha, NI5 08132 856-6536 . FRIDAY: "Shabbat Comes t o You": Rabbi Azriel will lead a Shabbat service at 2 p.m. at the Rose Blumkin Home. ... Tot Shabbat service, 7 p.m. A short service of songand prayer, followed by cookies and juice, will beheld for toddlers through children in the primary grades and their families. .: Shabbat service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Cantor Blum will officiate. Dr. Leonard Greenspoon, Professor of Classics and Theology at Creighton University, will be the guest speaker. His topic will be Telling It Like It Was? Is? Should Be? How and Why Jews Translate the Bible."

The Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Linda and Howard Shrier in honor of the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter, Samantha.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An informal opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis, 9:3010:15 ajn.; Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m.

Samantha Misle Shrier, daughter of Linda and Howard Shrier, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah.

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

Drop-ins, $3 per family. No facilities for infants.

TUESDAY: Service of Healing and Renewal, 7 p.m. This inspirational service provides a special structured time and place for prayer, reflection, meditation and communal connection for those who are looking for spiritual renewal and for those who are coping with illness, grief or loss. The service is open to the community and is every other month throughout the year.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY, May 12: Midrashah, 10 a.m.' noon • THURSDAY, May" 13, Sisterhood Adult Education: Rabbi Azriel will teaoh "Jewish Identity: Past, Present-and Future," 10-11:30 a.m.; "Beginning Beyond Midrash, 6:50-7:40 p.m.; "Beyond Midrash," 7:50-8:45 p.m., led by Don Schwartz.

BAR MITZVAH Kyle Joseph Baines, son of Brigitte and Kenny Baines, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah a t the Shabbat morning service on Saturday, May 15.

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Jewish Press , Omaha, NE

Page 3

CANDLELIGHTING: 8:09 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE

Memborof thn Union of Orthodox <f<iwj&h Congregations of America 1502 No. 52nd St., Oinuha, NE 68104 556-628K Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner.

FRTOAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 7 pan.

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

Kiddush sponsored by Sisterhood.

Rabbi's class, 7:35 pan.; Mincha, 8:05 p.m., followed by Ma'ariv and Havdalah.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 ajn.; Mincha, 8:15 pan.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 ajn.; Mincha, 8:15 pan.

WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches Talmud Class at 7 p.m. at the synagogue. Annual meeting and election, 7:30 p.m.

filemtKT of United Synagogues of Confccrvnt i vc Judaism

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Mombor of tfao Union of American Hebrew Congregations 2061S. 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 ajn.

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

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

OFFUTAIR

FORCE BASE

25Ui and Capehart, Omaha, NE

294-6051

Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax.

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

CHABAD HOUSE A« Affiliate of the Worldwide Chtibaci-Lubavitch Movement 1866 So. 120th St., Omaha, NE 68X44 .

Phone:330-1800 E-MAIL--chabad@aoLcom WBBSITE: 'www.chabad.oenterB.ooni/oiDalia Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

FRIDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha-Ma'ariv, 6:30 p.m., followed by Havdalah.

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/ Ma'ariv, 7:30 p.m. .- B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE .'., 618Myn8t*rSfc, CouncilPuff^I^ws51503

14506 California, Omaha, NE 68154 492-8550 Office Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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

FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m.; Ian Fried, son of Lindy Fried and James Fried, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Friday evening and Saturday morning.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 aan.; Kiddush following; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 aan.; Sitter service, 10 aan^ Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and under) 11 aan{ Ktantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 aan.; Humash with Rashi study session, 7:50 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); MinhaMa'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:20 pan.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

LUNCH AND LEARN. Tuesday, May 11, noon; with Rabbi Drazen at Pastimes Restaurant, 76th and Cass; please call the office for reservations.

KTOS LUNCH AND LEARN Wednesday, May 12,12:15 pan., for preschool children and their families. For reservations, call Dorothy Mawyer, 493-9510. .

Mitzvalr Ben Daniel Epstein, son of Lisa and Gary D. Epstein, will celebrate his Bar Mitzvah on Saturday, May 15, at Beth El Synagogue.

A seventh grade honor , - 3 student a t Beveridge \?Zli Middle School, he enjoys ' basketball, reading, golfing and watching all spectator sports.

Ben has two brothers, Robbie and Alex.

Grandparents are Etta and Harold (Bae) Epstein of Omaha and Mimi and George Malacoff of Sunrise, FL. Amy Misle, daughter of Bryan Misle and the late Laurie Misle, will celebrate her Bat Mitzvah on Saturday, May 15, at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Lincoln.

A seventh grader in the differentiated program at Lux Middle School, she enjoys dancing, friends and chatting online. She is also a regular attendee of Camp Sabra in Missouri.

Amy has a brother, Andy.

Grandparents are Esther and Henry Misle of Lincoln and Milton and Maxine Simons of Omaha.

- •'- E-MAILi4t'CJ<ib€'abi,ctim •'".'>'<(..*, Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. PERSONAL FRD3AY: Services, 7:30 p.m., followed by Oneg Rosenbaum.

Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 aan, Shabbat.

We thank you for and appreciate all the cards, FRIDAY: Family Service, 7 p.m. donations, food and calls in memory of our dear brother, Stuart Lef kowltz.

SATURDAY: Shacharit, 9:30 a.m.; Learners Betty Shapiro Service, 10 am., Junior Congregation, 10:15 ajn. ; ;;

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FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m.

SATURDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m. Wil Gpldfein will become a Bar Matzvah . R E L I G I O U S SCHOOL: Classes Sunday and vTuesday at'the JCC. .

SUNDAY: Rabbi Myer S. Kripke teaches a class on megillot, 12:15 pan. Open to all.

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a a a , led by Miles Remer.

Kiddush following services.

Beth El dedicates new chapel at cemetery

Beth El Synagogue will hold a ceremony to dedicate the Harold and Etta Epstein Family Chapel of Remembrance on Sunday, May 16, a t 1:30 pan at Beth El Cemetery located at 84th and L Streets.

The entire Jewish community is invited to attend.

Harold Epstein noted, "I was pleased to be able to move this dream to reality."

The cemetery chapel was designed by architect Marty Shukert and t h e firm of RDG Shutte Wilscam Birge, Inc. .'•'."It has been a dream for many years to have a facility at our cemetery to make a difficult time less trying," said Rabbi Paul Drazen. "The families and those who come to comfort them no longer need to worry about inclement weather."

Joyce White

DEDICATION

A memorial for Bernice Gendler will be dedicated on Sunday, May 23, at 2 p.m., at Golden Hill ; Cemetery.

Rabbi Howard Kutner will officiate.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Editorial

May 7,1999

Immune to the news

For several weeks, television viewers watched as bombs rained down on Serbia and thousands of refugees were driven out of their homes in Kosovo.

Every night, news announcers would review the tally of bridges and buildings bombed and numbers of refugees arriving in Albania or Macedonia. And, like the weekly body counts of the war in Vietnam, the news dulled the senses and made us immune to the tragedy.

The war in Kosovo was interrupted however with the massacre of 12 high school students and a teacher by two fellow students who took their own lives as well. Again viewers watched, transfixed by the scenes of teens escaping Columbine High School, of interviews with sobbing students and skeptical law enforcement officials, v The war dropped "below the

fold" on America's newspapers, but briefly returned until a series of tornados killed 45 in Oklahoma and Kansas and destroyed more than a thousand homes and businesses.

Again, viewers watched as videotapes play and replay the footage of the damaging twisters kicking up dust and debris across "Tornado Alley."

Again the relief agencies will kick into gear, asking for donations—for refugees, for families in crisis, for communities destroyed by nature's wrath.

What new page one story awaits us? What horrific video will play on America's televisions? What tragedy will bury these stories in the back pages of the newspaper?

Unfortunately, all these stories have become a normal part of the human drama, and there always seems to be one more act.

Journal entry from Israel To the Editor: The S.S. St. Louis departed from Hamburg, Germany, on May 13, 1939, carrying 939 European Jews fleeing Nazi Germany. After both Cuba an,d the United States refused entry, the St. Louis was forced to return to Europe on June 6. Most of the passengers subsequently perished in the Holocaust In conjunction with the opening of the exhibit The Voyage of the St. Louis at the United States Holocaust-Museum in Washington, D.C., the museum is looking for unaccounted-for survivors.

If you have any information, please contact researcher: Scott Miller U.S. Holocaust Museum 100 Raoul Wallenberg Place, SW Washington, D.C. 20024-2150 To the Editor: On Tuesday, May 11, a special election for $253 million in school bonds for the Omaha Public School District will be held. Because improvement of educational opportunities for all children is one of our priorities, the National Council of Jewish Women strongly supports this bond issue.

These bonds will fund the renovation of grade schools built before WWII; schools without air conditioning and schools whose wiring is insufficient for modern computers. The bonds, will permit OPS to educate children in classrooms, not portable trailers. The bonds will fund construction of three desperately needed new schools as well as renovations at Burke and Central High Schools, where students from every corner of Omaha receive an outstanding education.

A vote for the bonds is also a vote in favor of the new OPS student assignment plan. This plan will end mandatory busing, instead permitting all children to attend their neighborhood school or choose among seven to ten other schools, including new magnet schools.

Voting "Yes for Kids" will stabilize our city and increase property values, while keeping the OPS tax levy among the lowest in the metro area. But most importantly, voting "Yes for Kids" will improve educational opportunities for all children in Omaha, regardless of where they live. NCJW urges everyone to go to the polls Tuesday and vote "Yes." Sara Juster, State Public Affairs Chairwoman, NCJW

YITZHAK MORDKHAl V ^ MNWMre FOR ISRAELI P.M.\

One fine day

by Teddy Weinberger

It was a beautiful spring day. I had two young hitchhiking soldiers in the van, and I had just asked them my usual "What do you think about the Lebanon situation?"

One of the boys started mouthing off about how we have to go further into Lebanon rather than retreat, that we are too easy on the Arabs, that the only thing they know is force, etc., etc. The other boy wasn't so sure where he stood, but he did know that his friend was making a fool of himself and basically told him so.

(The scary thing about this is that when you meet an 18 or 19-year-old in the States who has silly, immature ideas you figure: give them time, they'll grow out of it; but here this kid is walking around with a state-provided gun).

Now I knew that on the last stretch of-rhad before the main-highway to Tel Avivjhere offcpn is a speed-trap, so I guess it was me'trying to show off for the youngsters that made me'go a little too fast. And suddenly there ahead of me was a police officer standing in the middle of the road waving me to the side.

(They say that you're supposed to pretend that you don't know any Hebrew in a situation like this, but my soldier friends in the car would know I was lying, and my kipa had already marked me as someone who should know better than to lie.)

The young whippersnappers in my car decided to abandon me to my fate and made ready to catch the next hitch to Tel Aviv. But the cop ordered them to stay put, and they did. I, on the other hand, received a personal invitation to join him on the other side of the road.

Israel's finest in this case happened to be a big black guy, bareheaded, with a buzz cut, wearing scary knee-high black leather motorcycle boots.

My police officer, however, was very polite, and after showing me my reading on the radar (121 km/hr, about 75 ini/hr-not really that fast Mom and Dad), he asked me what I had to say for myself.

Well, I didn't really have anything convincing to. tell him and so we proceeded over to his motorcycle. And there I was: standing on the side of the road with cars whizzing by me, next to a mean old

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black motorcycle cop who's busy ruining my day, and the funny thing is, though part of me is upset, part of me is thinking: "kol hakavod fella," or "way to go, bra" Yes, at that precise moment, I couldn't help but feel proud of this guy and proud to be Israeli. Who knows where this guy was a dozen years ago.

Maybe in a squalid hut somewhere in Ethiopia.

And look at him now. What a body, what a presence, what Hebrew!

While it is true that Israel has made plenty of mistakes in its absorption of Ethiopian Jews, and . while you can read arguments suggesting cynical political reasons behind Israel's recognition of its brethren in Ethiopia, you just don't see all that many countries—for whatever reason—welcoming tens of thousands of poor black people into their midst. So you gotta love Israel for this.

The policeman handed me my 270-shekel traffic ticket and wished me a "nesiah tovah" (pleasant trip). As I drove off, though my young passengers commiserated with me and offered up some choice (non-racial) imprecations concerning the cop, you can understand why part of me was thinking: If my speeding ticket helps this guy make his quota, well then I guess I've done my Zionist duty for the day, My only problem now is that, based on the current rate of exchange, I will somehow need to milk this incident for at least one more column before I can break even. ,„• _• . ' • ' . .

Several agencies accepting donations for tornado disaster While no Jewish institutions were damaged in Tuesday's tornados in Oklahoma, several Jewish families are among the thousands who've suffered property damage. The following agencies will forward donations where needed: • Jewish Federation of Oklahoma City • 710 W.Wilshire, Suite C Oklahoma City, OK 73116 attn: Edie Roodman, Ex. Dir. • American Red Cross 601S.E.24St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 • B'nai B'rith Tornado Relief Fund 1640 Rhode Island Av., NW Washington, D.C. 20036 JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; Howard Silber; Steve Simon.

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

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

May 7,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

Guest Editorial

Vote'Yes for kids'

News Analysis

by Steve PiUor

Why Kosovo holds a special meaning for Jews

by Abraham H. Foxman, National Director, Anti-Defamation League

As a concerned father, a businessman in this In his recent book Kaddish, Leon Wieseltier community, and as a member of the Yes for Kids writes: "The reason that one must hate certain Committee, I urge your support for theOmaha facts is that one must prepare oneself for the possiPublic Schools' Bond Issue on Tuesday, May 11. bility of their return. If the past were really past, Passage of this bond issue, the first for OPS in l l then one might permit oneself an attitude of accepyears and only the second in the past 30 years, will tance, and come away from the study of history ensure that schools across the district are equiwith a feeling of serenity. But the past is often only table. an earlier instantiation of the evil in our hearts. It This bond issue will permit the school district to: is not precisely the case that history repeats itself.

•return to neighborhood schools; We repeat history or we do not repeat it, if we •make necessary repairs at 17 elementary, three choose to stand in the way of its repetition. For this middle and four high schools; reason, it is one of the purposes of the study of his•offer parents a choice among, on average, 7-10 tory that we learn to oppose it." elementary schools if they choose not to attend Today some believe that what is happening in the their neighborhood school; .

Balkans is a repeat of the past. Clearly, Kosovo •eliminate 253 portable classrooms, the equiva- speaks to the fact that evil is alive. Yet, it is not the lent of 15 school buildings; Holocaust, even though it has much in common •add six magnet schools; with that tragic period.

•reduce class size.

Kosovo gives the West an opportunity to make OPS has become one of the shining stars among sure we do not repeat history, that we do not allow urban school districts across this nation while human degradation by a vicious ruler to go unchalremaining the best value in education in the lenged. American Jews, I believe, have a special Omaha area. OPS' total tax levy is substantially obligation to support every effort to restore the below that of Elkhorn, Millard, Papillion-LaVista refugees to their homes and to reverse Milosevic's and WeBtside and will continue to remain below ethnic cleansing. those districts following passage of the bond issue.

I cannot emphasize how important your vote is on.May.ll. Please make it a point to spread the word to your family and friends. Passage of this bond issue is the right thing to do for our children, for our school district and for our city. . Vote Yes' on May 11.

Thanks!

Jewish tradition teaches us that if we can save the life of one person, we save the world. Jewish history teaches us that democracies must take moral and military leadership if such atrocities are to be prevented.

Before Holocaust, Serbia's Jews thrived as part of Belgrade's elite ;,:

.•-..:

by Edward Serotta

BUDAPEST (JTA) - Before the Holocaust, Serbia served as a European crossroads, and its Jewish population, with a mix of Sephardim and Ashkenazim, reflected this fact. ' x Belgrade's community swelled to nearly ll.OOQjn the 1930s - around five percent of them refugees"bom.Germany, Austria and Czechoslovakia. ,JSerbia|s Jews were always tied to its cities.

Indeed, in a country where 40 percent ofHEtfpopit-^ lation lived in small villages or on farms, more than 70 percent of the Jews lived in major cities.

Jews gravitated toward the professions in Serbia and made up a large percentage of Belgrade's intellectual elite. '; During World War II, Yugoslavia wfleS quickly overrun by the Germans. Croatia became a Nazi puppet state, set up its own concentration camps andkilled a great many Jews as well as Serbs.

The vast majority of Serbia's Jews were killed by Germans,_who found no friends in the Serb government of Gen. Milan Nedic. After the Holocaust, 15,000 Jews were left in all of Yugoslavia from a prewar total of 76,000. Many who survived left after.the establishment of Marshal Tito's one-party state, leaving some 6,500.

•

Whether it is Iraq, Iran, North Korea or other would-be, aggressors, how this struggle ends will have critical impact on future behavior.

In the post-Cold War world the dangers of a discredited NATO at a time of proliferation of nonconventional forces would be a particularly volatile mix. .

As Jews we not only are touched morally and emotionally, and are concerned about future strategic implications, but we also remember the role of Albanians during the Holocaust.

In a story not sufficiently known, Albania, under Nazi occupation, protected all their Jews, be they Alhanian citizens or those who arrived seeking refuge. Their reasons-purely humanitarian, Albanian citizens took courageous steps to hide Jews in their homes' and absorbed them in the countryside, disguised as Muslims. In 1943, the Prime Minister and the Parliament acted to grant Albanian citizenship to Jews who had managed to escape there. ' As American Jews, we know the value of American moral and strategic leadership in the world and the consequences for human rights, democracy, minorities, and Jewish rights for maintaining the credibility of that leadership.

In the 1930's when isolationism characterized American policy, there was no serious leadership fo stop Hitler, resulting in world war and the Holocaust. Before and even during the war, rationalizations abounded as to why the U.S. would not help the besieged Jews of Europe.

After the war, U.S. leadership accomplished, among other things, the triumph of the free world in the Cold War, the triumph of democracy throughout the world and freedom for oppressed Jews by the hundreds of thousands in Russia, Ethiopia and Syria.

It is reassuring that NATO, under American leadership, is acting in concert. We can only hope that the Western democracies will pursue this struggle to a successful conclusion. • As Jews who care deeply about the well being of the State of Israel, it should be clear on amoral and security level that Israel's future well being is connected to NATO's campaign. Israel knows more than most, both because it is the Holocaust succes-. sor state and because its very existence has been under threat from its birth, the meaning of the horror in Kosovo.

Israel gains morally, strategically, and politically by a victory by the U.S. and NATO, which w.ould make clear that dictatorial extremists cannot have theirway.

In sum, I believe what is happening in Kosovo is a great moral test for us, as Jews, as Americans, as lovers of democracy, and as supporters of human rights. We are heartened and proud that America is leading the way.

The moral imperative to act on behalf of hundreds of thousands Of innocent civilians is overwhelming. One does not have to conclude that what is going on in Kosovo is the same as the Holocaustit is not~to conclude that it has enough in common with the Nazi treatment of the Jews to require a full-blown commitment to assist, protect and bring a reversal for the hundreds of thousands of refugees.

The trains for transfer may not be the death trains to Auschwitz, but they do involve the same intimidation, breaking up of families, uprootedness of that time. Fortunately, the West this time is not standing by while such atrocities occur.

While Milosevic is not Hitler, neither in the Abraham H. Foxman, a Holocaust survivor, extent of his atrocities, nor in his threat to world freedom, failure to stand up to him, like the early is National Director of the Anti-Defamation appeasement of Hitler could lead to far greater League, This op-ed originally appeared in the New York Jewish Week on April 23. problems down the road.

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Page 6

. Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7,1999

Former Omahans establish endowment ~ Ann Goldstein, a graduate of Leadership Omaha and currently the Director of Leadership Development for the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce Education Department, has received the 1999 Distinguished Leadership Award by the National Association for Community Leadership.

She is responsible for several programs, including Leadership Omaha, Youth Leadership Omaha, Neighborhood Builders and the Omaha Executive Institute. .

In addition, she is President of the AntiDefamation League-Community Relations Council and is a member of the Board of Directors of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

She IB. a past president of the Junior League of Omaha and was honored by the YWCA in 1997'as one of their eight Distinguished Leaders of Omaha.

Rebecca Gross, daughter of Gerald and Linda Gross of Omaha, will graduate with honors from the College of St. Mary on May 15 with a B.A. in Paralegal Studies and a B.S. in Accounting. She is employed by Kutak Rock in their Omaha office.

Boys Town and Blue Cross' and Blue Shield of Nebraska will sponsor the 15th annual Memorial Day Run, May 31, 8 a.m. For entry forms, call 498-1211.

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Former Omahan Dr. Harlan Rimmerman, Assistant Superintendent for Fort Leavenwprth Schools in-Kansas, was featured in the April 8 issue of the Fort Leavenworth Lamp. He supervises curriculum and instruction, personnel and staff development. He and his wife, Carol, are the parents of four children, Shayna, Russell, Sara and Rachel.

President Scott Bradley announced the opening of the newest Omaha location of Pinnacle Bank, 4251 So. 144th St, a member of Pinnacle Bancorp.

Tatyana Demidovich of Omaha will graduate this Saturday from the University of Nebraska Medical Center and begin her residency in anesthesiology at the University of Chicago.

She is the daughter of Polina Karayeva of Lincoln.

Alan Kricsfcld, son of Cheryl Kricsfeld and Barry Kricsfeld, will graduate this Saturday from the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

He earned a.B.A. from Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, and will complete his Internal Medicine residency at UNMC. Local actress Marilyn Tipp plays a high school administrative assistant in Paramount Pictures' new movie, Election, set to open this weekend in i Omaha. Directed by I Alexander Payne, Elec-1 tion features Matthew!

Broderick and Reese!

Witherspoon. This is | Payne's second movie I made locally; he also I directed Citizen Ruth\ several years ago, i n | which Tipp had a role.

"I was thrilled when Payne chose to rename my character Marilyn Beeder," said the native-born Omahan." .

Rachel Shukert, daughter of Marty and Aveva Shukert, was a featured extra in the film.

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As my fellow passengers and I stepped off the senior's van afthe. main entrance of the JCC recently, a monstrous bulldozer was clearing the ground. One of the passengers said, "There goes the neighborhood."

I replied, "No, there grows the neighborhood!"

That part of the improvements going on at the JCC will be the site of the new Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke library, our famous Judaic collection.

• ; The clamor on the outside was in significant contrast to the melancholy atmosphere inBide our Early Bird discussion as we contemplated the massacre of children at Columbine High School in Colorado.

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We groped for answers we cannot answer, trying to reason why some" teenagers glorify violence.

We also discussed the forthcoming elections-Omaha's school bond election oh May 11 and Israel's general election on May 17. The gulf between Israel's religious and secular Jews loom large during the campaign for the 120 seats making up the Knesset.

Our after-lunch speaker was Jeff Aiienberg, Executive Director of the VP, who"to6k us on an exploratory journey viewing the construction of building improvements. : :i'•'"•:.. :: : • We welcomed new member Bette Stalling, and paused in respect1 for Isaac: Dan on arid the lost children of I a t t l e t x i n v ' - - - -•••'; ••»: •-•'••- ' i . : / " ^ . v : - - :

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(Continuedfirompage!) , Rosalie Saylan continues to maintain her memberships in Hadassah and the National Council of Jewish Women in Omaha; The couple has sustained ties with the Omaha Jewish Federation.

They contributed to the i /current Jewish Community Center Campus expansion project. : Members of Temple Israel for 40 years, the Savians also endowed a Jewish educational fund for young people, to be administered by Temple staff. •"••; : "The Saylans are a unique couple who understand the importance of Federation work and at the same time the viability of synagogue work," commented Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel.

"The Saylans understood a long time ago that to have a vital Jewish community, we need to have a strong Federation and a strong synagogue."

The endowment fund income will be used to educate young children, according to Rabbi Azriel.

There are so many educational opportunities-both formal and informal in this country—and the Temple staff plans to take advantage of them.

"Milt and Rosalie first spoke to Sheldon Bernstein about establishing their endowment fund for the Blumkin Home. They finalized the fund soon after I moved here last June," confirmed Marty Ricks, Foundation Endowment Director. "It was a very positive initial experience for me dealing with a committed couple like Milt and Rosalie.

Their feelings toward the Omaha Jewish communi- . ty remain strong even though California has been their home for many years."

"Fortunately for us/* added Ricks, "many other former Omahans have the identical feelings and continue to support our endowment program and donor-advised fund program and special fund raising efforts like our JCC campus expansion program. We may only be 6000 to 7000 Jews, in Omaha, but our donor base, thanks to people like Milt and Rosalie, goes beyond those numbers."

"Our forefathers left a legacy to the people of the twentieth century," commented Milt Saylan. "Even though we no longer live in Omaha, we still think of ourselves as Omahans." The Saylans would like to "play a small part in continuing our commitment" to the Omaha Jewish community.

"Their new endowment fund will play more than a small part in'enhancing the lives of Blumkin Home residents," said Ricks. "The Saylans still play a large role in maintaining the quality of Jewish life in Omaha."

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GETTHESCOOPON JEWISH OMAHA AT MEWISHOMAHAORC!

May 7,1999

JewiBh Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Kaiman family using foundation to sponsor educational events Stories by Joan K. Marcus, photos by Howard K. Marcus

Dr. Levinson offers insights into dyslexia

Dr. Harold N. Levinson Harold N. Levinson, MD, a psychiatrist and neurologist, was guest speaker a t the Jewish Community Center on Sunday, sponsored by the Ida and Samuel E. Kaiman Memorial Fund. He has brought about a change in American's perception of dyslexia, Attention Deficit Disorder and anxiety disorders.

He began his work 30 years ago when he worked for the New York City Board of Education. He was formerly Professor of Psychiatry a t New York University Medical Center and is currently Director of the Medical Dyslexic Treatment Center in Great Neck, New York. .

When Dr. Levinson began his research, he decided that he needed to give up any preconceived notion that he had about dyslexia.

"If you don't give up these notions," he said, "you shall learn nothing."

Dr. Levinson had learned that dyslexic problems were caused by psychological or emotional problems. Children experienced problems reading by failing.to recognize letters and words. According to Levinson, doctors were dealing with the results of the problem, not the cause.

Many of these children have nothing wrong with the thinking part of their brains and there is no deficit in their IQs. However, 75% of them have articulation problems, poor handwriting and problems with balance. They have "drunken driver symptoms" and some of them have problems with balance, coordination and eye tracking. Many of them also have phobias, such as fear of heights.

In reviewing his data from 1,000 cases, Dr. Levinson discovered there was no clinical evidence of problems in the thinking part of the brain.

However, many of the children experienced problems with balance, difficulty with hopping, skipping and rhythm. He therefore deduced that the problem might be in the cerebellum.

1 According to the doctor, in simple language, "When a child tries to read something, his eyes jump all over the page!

"No matter how bright you are, if you're getting a

visual scramble, you will be unable to understand what you're reading."

Dr. Levinson treats children-with combinations of medications similar to those used for motion sickness. If prescribed by a competent doctor, there are relatively few side effects from the medications and over 80% of the children are able to be off the medications in four years. He can induce temporary dyslexia by spinning people around until they lose their balance. When he does this, people are unable to read for a few minutes..

He has treated people who are in their 80*s who have never had a proper diagnosis. Many have been very successful financially and have led productive lives. They have learned to hide their symptoms •' Dyslexia never goes away. Though it does run in families, according to Sunday's Bpeaker, it can be -treated.

Kaimans stress education Since their parents were their greatest teachers, Howard Kaiman and Donna Kaiman Gilbert have established the Ida and Samuel E. Kaiman Memorial Fund to be used for Jewish education.

Ida Sidman was born in Omaha in 1905 and grew up in a family of four sisters and one brother. Her parents, Ezra and Miriam Sidman, instilled values which included service to Jewish organizations and philanthropy.

After marrying Samuel Dr. Spencer Gilbert, Rabbi Myer S. wo- m o« „!,„ ~<r,«^,,^ ^ o h r a o Kripke, Dr. Harold N. Levinson, Donna Kaiman, she continued to stress ,» . ^,..._ ^ , „ ..,. ,, i i v i. -i Kaiman Gilbert and Howard Kaiman. these values to her own children: Howard, Ernest and Donna. remember when Dad used to work 40 God was an important part of every- hours a t Union Pacific and then day life and she considered mother- attend college at night. He graduated hood to be her most important duty. from law school, but never practiced."

Mrs. Gilbert added, "Howard, Ernie Every Friday she made a wonderful dinner, lit candles, and the family wel- and I are all blessed. My parents comed Shabbat She stressed learning strongly believed in education, secuand education to her family. Ida lar as well, as religious. My brother, Howard, attended one of the first sesKaiman died Aug. 18,1997.

Samuel E. Kaiman was also born in sions of Brandeis Camp, and Ernie Omaha. His parents were Rebecca and I attended Camp Ramah." and Herman Kaiman and he grew up - The Ida and Samuel E. Kaiman Memorial Fund brought two speakers to in a family of seven brothers.

Although money was not plentiful, Omaha. Dr. Jonathan D. Sarna spoke at the Kaiman brothers were always Temple Israel as its Shabbat Scholar-intaught that learning was more Residence. On Sunday, Dr. Harold N. important than money. After marry- Levinson spoke at the JCC. Next year, ing Ida, he made sure their house- the Kaiman family has scheduled Rabbi hold was full of books which promot- Joseph Telushkin, noted Jewish author, ed Jewish learning. He died June . to speak April 28-30, 2000.

"We know the beauty of Judaism," 13,1960, at the age of 55.

Omaha attorney Howard Kaiman said Kaiman. "We know it makes the speaks affectionately of his father, "I ordinary extra-ordinary."

ELECTION 1999 INFORMATION for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Center of Excellence

JOINT ANNUAL MEETING . Monday, June 7,1999,7:30 p.m.

Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd Street NOTCf^biatioracladditiond emulates for officer* and bcMnlptsith^^

by U least 15 Federation member! and tiled with Ibc Fcdcffllim Scaclnty no to ihnn Mny 7*. I9W. The cnnUIOmn must endorse the petition. ' . .

Nominees as presented by the Federattun mid Center nf Rkcellfitce Nominating Committees: JBWISII FEDERATION OF OMAHA

Samuel E. Kaiman graduated from Commerce High School in 1922.

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Ann and Don Osborne announce the April 27 birth of their daughter, Lindsay JRebecca. She is namec} in memory of .her maternal grandmother, Iiibby Sachs, and maternal grandfather, RobertSilyennan./ ;...••..,'..

Grandparents are Susie, and Jim Silyermatt and! Jeannie a>d Ron psboyne,allof Qmaha.. •,'.'. y, , ^ ,0reat?grpndBajenta arp.Lorraine Silvennan of California and.the.late Robert Silverman, and the late Maurice and Ldbby Sachs. r . _ *dCra;cjr,uGrin8tead-Evei!ly and Robert; E> ?ye>ly, IV, of JOmaha announce the "April"/* birth of their son, Alexander Robert.

•

Grandparents are Beth and Walter Brownlee of Fairfield, IA, and Bob and Pat Everly of Clinton, IA. Great-grandparentfi are Florence Allison of Fairfield,.Bob and Bea Everly of Elkhart, IN, and J.G. Marity of Hammond, IN. . Mark and Jana Kirke of Kansas City, MO, announce the April 6 birth of their daughter, KbrneUeAUna, Grandparents are Larry and Cheryl Kirke, P a t and Steve Newland and Nick Skarda, all of Omaha.

Great-grandparents are Helen Kirke of Omaha and Al and Helen Warner of Elemington, MO.

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7,1999

Omaha teens travel to Washington, D.C.

Swinging to the times

by Elyce Azriel, Director, Temple Israel High School

by Courtney Rabb

Twelve seniors from Temple Israel, Beth El and Beth Israel traveled to the nation's capital in March to participate in Panim El Panim: Washington Institute for Jewish Learning and Values, a four-day intensive learning program for Jewish teens across the country. Teachers Hollis Glaser and Julie'Corbin joined as chaperones.

"Poverty in America" and "Human Rights" were the topics of the plenary sessions.

Students heard diverse perspectives from Debbie Weinstein of the Children's Defense Fund and John Weicher of the Hudson Institute. Mona Cadena of Amnesty International and Adam Isacson of the Center for International Policy raised issues related to "Human Rights." After each policy session, the students examined Jewish perspectives on

these subjects.

The keynote address on "Jews in the Political Process" featured Rabbi Sid Schwarz, who spoke about the high rate of Jewish involvement in politics and the need to temper Jewish political influence with a heightened awareness of Jewish values.

They also heard from Sara Rostolder of the Israeli Embassy and Steve Bocknek of AIPAC, who spoke about the unique relationship between the United States and Israel.

While in Washington, the students explored the Capitol and the Holocaust Museum. On the fourth day of the program, the Omaha delegation met with Congressman Lee Terry to discuss a variety of local, national and international issues of concern to the teens.

Panim El Panim is a unique educational program designed to stimulate a serious commitment to Jewish values in the context of wrestling with contemporary political questions.

"I wanted to learn more about Jewish values and how we, as an ethnic minority, stand on certain issues. I learned this and much more. I hope this program will last so my children will be a part of this," said senior Adam Rich.

Added senior Amy Willensky, "I gained knowledge about our government, politics and Jewish values. I plan on becoming more active and making an impact on society," Panim El Panim was funded by the Steven Spielberg/Righteous Persons Foundation, the Milton and Corinne Livingston Foundation, the Omaha Jewish Federation and Temple Israel.

YWCA Women Against Violence seeks volunteers

Young men 18-25 must register with Selective Service

Jen Gates, left, and Amy Willensky, enjoyed a moment in Senator Robert Kerrey's seat in the U.S. Senate.

Volunteers are needed for the hotline for the YWCA Women Against Violence project. Calls come in to the hotline from victims of sexual assault, domestic violence and child sexual abuse; as well as from family and friends.

During the 39-hour training program, volunteers will learn crisis intervention, listening skills and background in medical and legal procedures. A daytime training class Btarts May 12. Call 3456555 for more information.

••••••

Eighteen-year-old men are required, by law, to register with the Selective Service System. Early registration may be necessary if verification is required for student loan applications, college entrance, job training or federal job application.

Register on the internet at: http://www.ss8.gov or any local post office.

For more information, call Donald F. McGinley a t the Region III office, 438-6440.

Glen Fineman escorts Mollie Franklin around the dance floor at the Senior Prom.

The first annual Senior Prom was held recently in the JCC Auditorium. This was a joint prom with residents from the Rose Blumkin Home and high school students from Beth El Synagogue.

More than 60 people attended the.evening of dancing, food, music and fun. The theme was "Swinging to tiie Times." Len Eby entertainedthe crowd.

"The night allowed the.students and the residents to spend time getting to know each other.

The teens loved dancing with the residents and everyone left the evening with many new Mends,* explained Prom Co-chair Michael Fineman: Scott Littky, High School Director at Beth El, added, "It was wonderful to see the interaction between the Jewish senior citizens and the Jewish teens."

Cathy Carrolle, Activities Director at the home, went on to say, "The residents had a lot of fun, and it was a good opportunity for them and the kids to get to spend time with each other."

"I think the program was very successful, and I am looking forward to even greater attendance by students and seniors next year," Fineman added.

"Hopefully, there will be future proms and many Other programs to follow. For more information, please caHCa'thy Carrolle at 334-6520; of Scott Littky at 492-8550.

Shragos and Rotella honored at OU/NCSY dinner The Orthodox Union (OU), in conjunction with its youth division, the National Conference on Synagogue Youth (NCSY) presented Leon and Dani Shrago of Bag 'N Save Supermarkets a new award in recognition of industry leadership and community service. Lou Rotella J r . of Rotella's I t a l i a n Bakery received the OU/NCSY Heritage Award for Commitment to Excellence.

Several politicians attended the dinner, including Gov. and Mrs. Mike J o a n n s , Mayor Hal Daub, Congressman Lee Terry and former

Director of Health and HumanServices, Jessie Rasmussen. More than 180 people celebrated with the Shragos, including representatives from General Mills, Keebler, Nabisco, the Omaha WorldHerald and First National Bank of Omaha.

According to Rabbi A.Y. Weinberg, Midwest NCSY Director, "The. King David medallion is the cornerstone of a new corporate recognition program which has been established to honor those industry leaders who significantly contribute to the multi-billion dollar kosher food industry. The awards honor leaders who provide tremendous benefits to the kosher consumer."

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Honored at the OU/NCSY Corporate Recognition dinner were: Rabbi A.Y. Weinberg, Midwest Region NCSY Director, left, Mayor Hal Daub, Leon and Dani Shrago, Gov. Mike Johanna, Lou Rotella, Jr., Rep. Lee Terry, and OU Youth Commission Chairman Jack SchnelL

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Remembering Forever In the, book, The Contender, Alfred went through a very hard time with his dad . walking out and his mom dying. I never knew what it was like to have someone close to you die, and then my grandfather died. It made me mad because he wasn't very old and I knew I'd miss talking to him. I always write about him, so I think I will write about someone else who meant a lot to me and inspired me.

Her name was Mrs. Hanson, my music teacher in stern e n t a r y school. I have so many memories of her. I remember my sister and a friend had a • „' solo in a s school concert, ; • so they went to 1 , _ . . her house so Annie she could help them practice. I ended up going, too. I got to play dress-up and model for them. Being 4 or 5 years old, they thought it was so cute.

When I got older, some friends and I would help her with the younger kids

by Annie mfkin

during recess. We would help teach dances and songs and things like that.

Also, we would help make up dances.

It was fun because she was my favorite teacher.

• Surprisingly, everything went by really fast and I was soon in 6th grade. I would often stop in at my elementary school and visit Mrs. Hanson. She would ask how everything was going.

She was always glad to see me.

One day there was a big rumor going around the school that Mrs. Hanson had had a heart attack and had passed away. I wasn't sure if it was true or not.

I was kind of scared because I didn't know if she was dead or if people were just spreading rumors. I didn't want it to be true. When I got home, my mom h*d tears in her eyes, just about to fall.

I asked her what was wrong and she told me that Mrs. Hanson had died.

Mrs. Hanson touched many people's hearts and I will never forget her.

Alfred's mom touched his heart and he will never forget her either. Even when someone dies, the memories of them will never be forgotten.

Annie Is an 8th grader at Mlllard North Middle School, a member of Kadlmah and Beth El Synagogue.

Why'?

I used to thtrtknothtng bats happened In the world, Everythingmsthe same I thought. ' God mvef allowed foranythlngbadto happen, , t never wonted to think that He did, . ' But then I grew up, ' And for once, I actually opened my eyes.

People kilted end kidnapped, Were were drug overdoses, Why does Ws happen?

• Why does Ms exist, I thought?

• , ohQoei, please help, make It stop! - v Bven with my By$$ open,

I still wasn't able to see why had things happened. .

So I opened my heart, ', ,

-

At

-I saw In my heart, •' ' What i couldn't see with my eyes, ;.

•

"

: Marissa Is a 7th grader at Boverldge Mlddlo School, a mamber of Kadimati and ,' Both El Synagogue, .". , .

Page 9

A B'nai Mitzvah D'var Torch

by Laura and Jason Yale The following has been edited for But her strength and will to live kept her with us. We will remember Teen Age. Learning to read the prayers and Torah her lessons, her courage and her love. portions is only part of the B'nai Mitzvah Her soul is still here, with us. It was not experience. Becoming more aware of consumed. And, because of her, the what it means to be Jewish and how world is a better place.

Judaism gives us- a road map to conduct We cherish freedom. God gave us our lives was also part of our studies. the ability to choose between good Our To-and evil. rah por'Freedom t i o n •jja n d speaks to Ichoice the fun| come with damental responsielements bility. Our of our refaith in ligion: God does faith in not permit G o d , us to shift freedom this reand law. sponsibility to Him. Moses We are put his faith in God and Laura and Jason at their B'nal Mitzvah went to grandmother, Roz Friedman of Omaha. actions Egypt to free his people. We must put his Only we are accountable for what we conversation with God at the burning do, but we need a road map to help us bush in context. It is said the bush was make responsible choices.

• burning for many centuries. Why was it The Torah teaches us how to live in not seen before and why was Moses an ethical and moral way...how to interchosen? act with fellow human beings and One answer is Moses turned his head assume responsibility to community. We and took notice; his heart and mind were are taught about prayer, ritual and the open to God. Only then did God call out need to have faith in one God. Through to him. Moses asks. "Who am I that I Torah, we define ourselves as Jews. should go to Pharoah and free the We pray that, like Moses, our hearts Israelites?" But God says, "I will be with and souls will be open to hear God you." So, with his faith in God, Moses, and heed his word. We pray we have accepts his charge and leaves for Egypt. the wisdom to make good choices and The bush has been compared to the live according to the tradition that has human soul. Although we are subjected been passed down to us from our to adversity and horrible things can hap- ancestors. We pray for strength to help pen to us, like the burning bush, our us through the difficult times and for souls will not be consumed. the ability to appreciate and enjoy the , The burning bush is a metaphor sym- good times. bolizing the hurts we must endure and' And let us say, Amen. the hope and strength to go forward and. Laura and Jason, former Omahans, are live. We suffered a great loss with the 7th graders at West Middle School and death of our mother. She, too, suffered. members of Temple Emanuel In Denver.

So springtime is finally here

by Noah Priluck Some people view it as another subtle change in the monotonous scenery of life; others seem invigorated and — by David Patlon energized by it. Still others complain of said, "We probably won't be needing allergies and spring-cleaning. the towel this year...," and friends were Everyone views springtime differently, saying, "There's always next year." and it would be a strange phenomenon I was full of mixed emotions-pumped to have everyone see the same singuup, nervous, mad, scared of what my lar and unique beauty. coach might say and excited to have No, it's not the nice weather, the ! the chance to beautiful scenery, or the longer days; it I make the time is something far more special and hidon my birthden...an activity that is both an opporday. I was hittunity and a disadvantage, an invest| ting the walls ment and a payback-a sacrifice and a j a n d jumping reward within itself., I am writing about • everywhere to volunteering. 'get pumped The needy situation is always preup. sent and help is always needed and Someone appreciated. There are needy people false started. in Omaha and its surrounding commuThat even nities all year long. They never get a made me vacation or chance to enjoy themmore nervous, selves as we do. . .to truly enjoy any but when I season. However, with our help, we David jumped in for can make these people's lives more my real swim, I felt great. I looked up at enjoyable and manageable. the clock... .42 faster than I needed to There are many honorable and qualify. I jumped out of the pool and my deserving causes in Omaha and worldteammates, my coach and my parents wide, and spring is a reason to volunwere there to hug me. I was so happy teer. Many people do not want to that all my hard work paid off and that I spend their precious time volunteering actually got my state towel...as a freshin other seasons; it is too difficult with man. snow in winter. It is too hot in the sumLast year, my journey was to. make mer or one is too busy in the fall. state; this year it will be to score at No, a person should not neglect state. I would like to make a second themselves and their family, by no event, but even if I don't, I realize! realmeans. If you have too many other ly like swimming. If I don't do as well as responsibilities, please do not stretch I hope, I shouldn't quit, I should just try yourself too thin. Volunteering is a fabharder next year. ulous mitzvah, but so is resting on the David Is a sophomore at Westslde and Sabbath and giving one's children a proper education. All I ask is that it you a member of Temple Israel.

MyAlmost-heanbreaking Journey to State — At the first swim meet of the year, I was told nobody really does well and to not get discouraged if you don't swim your fastest times. But I thought, "I can prove these people wrong, I will drop time right from the first meet." I looked up at the clock after my event I was very discouraged~17 seconds off the state time.

My mom reassured me it was all right, that I still had a lot of time left until state, and that very few guys make the state cut their freshmen year.

I started to work extra hard and I never missed a practice, even the 5:45 a.m. practices. At the next meet, I did a little better, but by the time we got to the Lincoln Southeast Invite, I had a horrible meet and felt terrible.

I asked my coach what was wrong and if maybe I just wasn't made to be a good swimmer.' He assured me I had talent and, in time, I would have considerable time drops and might even make state.. I wasn't sure how much I believed him at the time but I just kept working hard and hoping he was right.

At the next meet, I got disqualified for an illegal turn. There was only one meet left before state, and barely anyone ever made their time at that meet. I felt like all the time I had practiced was for nothing.

The last-chance meet was actually on my birthday, and people were saying, "Make it for a birthday present to yourself." In my mind, I knew I was going to make It, which, my coach said, was the correct mind set. All day, people had already been writing me off. Mom called the towel-sewing people and

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

have a little extra time and resources, to please help.

If everyone in the United States gave just one nickel to charity, over 13 million dollars would be raised.

If everyone volu n t e e r e d just lone minute of I their time, over |4 3 million •hours of labor Noah woukl help charitable and worthy causes.

In Omaha, we have established a beautiful JCC and a strong Jewish community; with determination and convictions we can achieve the unachievable.

I hope everyone, at least those of you who have finished this article, will try to do a little more. The payoff is immense; we can actually make profound differences in others' lives.

Everyone has difficult times; we do not know when those of us who are healthy and happy now may need help in the future; that is why we must all help each other in order to succeed in our lives, goals, and dreams. Together, we can.

A final note: Everyone knows that volunteering is a wonderful mitzvah, but so are many other things. So, in asking for help, I must add this word of caution: Help others but don't hurt yourself and your friends and famjly.

Thanks.

Noah Is a sophomore at Central, a member of NCSY, USY and Beth Israel Synagogue.

Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7,1999

Engagement ABRAMSON/DONNELLY Carolyn Abramson and Jack Dobrofsky and the late Leon Donnelly, both of Glenshaw, PA, have Dobrofsky.

Mr. Donnelly, son of the late Jack announced their engagement.

Ms. Abramson, daughter of Dan Donnelly and the late Dorothy Abramson of Las Vegas and the late Donnelly, is employed at Kmart.

An Oct. 3 wedding in Omaha is Judi Krizelman, is a nanny.

She is the granddaughter of Babe planned.

KUTLER/KUGLER Traci Lyn Kutler and Lance Kugler, both of Cleveland, OH, have •"' announced their engagement.

The bride-to-be is the daughter of Stuart and Sandy Kutler of Omaha. .

She graduated from Emory University in Atlanta, with a B.A. in History and Political Science. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority, Phi Alpha Theta history honor society and Pi Sigma Alpha political science honor society. She also earned honors on Dean's List.

She is the granddaughter of University in Greencastle, IN, where Harriet Singer and the late Lazier he was a member of Beta Theta Pi Singer and the late Marian and Phil fraternity, and Phi Beta Kappa.

He is currently a second-year medKutler, and is currently working on her master's in social work at Case, ical student at Case Western Western Reserve in the Mandel Reserve University.

School of Applied Social Sciences.

He is the grandson of Prances and Kugler, the son of Dr. John and Robert Koehler and Louise Kugler Cyndi Kugler of Omaha, graduated and Dale Kugler.

A June 17, 2000, wedding is Magna Cum Laude with a B.A. in computer science from DePauw planned in Omaha.

LIBRARY TECHNICIAN (Assistant Librarian) • Bachelor's degree and computer literacy required.

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Richard Freuhd takes position in Hartford versity students, taught for.the University f' Jewish Cultural Arts and Temple of Nebraska!

Israel's Adult Education and preat Omaha pared teacher training sessions for Professor area teachers.

Richard A.1 He was also a substitute part-time Freund was rabbinic assistant for Rabbi Isaac recently ap- j Nadoff at Beth Israel during Rabbi pointed the Nadoffs illness, and, once a month Director of drove to Ames, Iowa, where he served the Maurice as rabbi for that community.

Greenberg Dr. Freund Center for He participated in bringing five Jewish Studies and Greenberg major exhibitions to Omaha, and took Professor of History at the University nearly 600 area students and volunof Hartford. teers to Israel over the past 10 years.

He succeeds Prof. Jonathan The current exhibition on "WatercolRosenbaum, who was appointed ors from the Holy Land" by John President of Graetz College last year; Lokke of UNO, is set to begin at the Rosenbaum was a professor of religion JCC this month. Freund and Lokke and philosophy at UNO until 1989 will be present at the opening reception for the exhibition May 19, when Freund succeeded him here.

Dr. Freund has been the Isaacson 7 pan., in the JCC Gallery.

Professor of Jewish Studies at UNO Freund holds a PhD and MA from and has directed the Bethsaida the Jewish Theological Seminary of Excavations Project since 1989. The America in Philosophies of Judaism project is now the largest archaeolog- and Rabbi nics with undergraduate ical excavation program in the degrees in Jewish Studies from United States exclusively supervised Queens College and Hebrew and Yiddish Language and Literature by an American university.

The site was rediscovered in 1987 from Herzliah College and the Jewish

by Israel archaeologist, Dr. Rami Teacher's Seminary in New York City.

Arav, who has collaborated with Dr. Dr. Freund is also an ordained Freund in the building of the pro- rabbi and directed Seminario gram. The Bethsaida project will con- Rabinico Latinoamericano in Buenos tinue at UNO under Dr. Arav's lead- Aires, Argentina, 1983-86. He has ership (Dr. Arav is teaching three held teaching positions at the courses each semester next year at University of California, San Diego UNO) with Wendi Chiarbos, Coordi- and St. Lawrence University. nator. Dr. Freund will continue as A former national secretary of the Director of the Bethsaida Excava- Society of Biblical Literature, presitions Project International Consor- dent and vice-president of the tiumatUNO. American Academy of Religion and In October, Dr. Freund will return Society of Biblical Literature for the to Omaha to participate in the Rocky Mountain-Great Plains region, Klutznick Symposium at Creighton he is currently the editor of the University. In November, he will American Academy of Religion's pubreturn for the annual Rabbi Sidney lication, Spotlight on Teaching. Dr. H. Brooks Memorial Lecture. In addi- Freund is the author of four books: tion, UNO has expressed interest in Jewish Ethics: Understanding Jewish replacing Freund's Judaica courses - Ethics, Vol. I and Vol. ///workbook with another faculty member as well. on teaching Jewish Ethics, and Dr. Freund said in the Omaha World- Bethsaida: A City by the North Shore .

Herald, "The Project is in good hands. of the Sea of Galilee.

"It has been the most creative and A documentary on the excavations dynamic time of my life...The faculty was filmed in Israel by the Ministry and students of UNO, thecommunity of Tourism and UNO Television in of Omaha, and the leadership of the 1995. Dr. Freund also is involved in University and the Jewish communi- two other films on Israel and ty all made this possible. It was a dif- Judaism with UNO Television: The ficult decision to move to Hartford. Scrolls and the Shrine: Past and Two of my children were born here Future on the Dead Sea Scrolls and and we feel very much a part of the Return to the Cave of Letters. life of Omaha and Nebraska."

He and his wife, Eliane Goldgaber Freund has also been the Jewish Freund, a co-organizer of the Justudies consultant at the Friedel daicathon and the New Moon Jewish Academy, wrote curriculum Women's Spirituality Network, are at FJA and Beth El's Talmud Torah, the parents of three boys: Yoni, 12; has been advisor for area Jewish uni- Eli, 7; and Ethan, 3.

KNOX/POLONSKI Tamara Lynn Knox, daughter of residency at Case Western Reserve Mr. and Mrs. Fred Knox of Vienna, University and specializes in general OH, and Dr. Lynn Polonski, son of ophthalmology and oculoplastic Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Polonski of surgery. .: / Omaha, were married Oct. 24,1998, Julie Haines Knox was honor attenat Congregation Rodef Sholom in dant. Bridesmaids were Rose Viny, Youngstown, OH. Rabbi Frank Sonia Breslow, Jamie Kates, Laura Muller officiated. A reception fol- Manchester Zimmer and Jennifer lowed at Squaw Creek Country Club Ross. Alyse Oblonsky was junior in Vienna. bridesmaid.

The bride is a dietitian and saniMorris Polonski was best man. tarian for Cuyahoga County Health Groomsmen were Kenneth Knox, Dept. in Cleveland. She graduated James Knox, Steve Viny, Carlos from the University of Arizona.

Potera and Raja Sekaran. Ring bearThe groom earned an undergradu- ers were Yale Viny and Adam Knox. ate degree from the University of Mark Loewinger and Jeremy Knox California-San Diego and medical were ushers. degree from the Albert Einstein The newlyweds spent their honeyCollege of Medicine. He completed moon in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

May 7,1999

Bert's Eye View

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

by Bert Lewis

Does your diet ever include words? I refer to that old expression that says a person will "eat their words", as in "boy, was'I wrong about such-andsuch." Nobody likes to do that, of course, but every now and then I think most of us have the experience. It happened to me very recently.

Some months ago, right around Thanksgiving time, I was intrigued with what people in the food industry were calling deep fried turkey. Not just a leg or a thigh mind you, but a whole turkey.

Everybody got on the band wagon, from famous chefs to ordinary folks who love to cook outside anyway.

•....; When somebody was interested enough to want to try it, they learned special vats were available, which could accommodate who knows how many gallons of oil, plus a whole turkey. Well, to make a looooooong story short, I wrote about this whole business, in the Press. I wasn't terribly complimentary, because in my food world, oil and fats are used as little as possible.

Soon after the column was printed, I received a phone call from a friend of mine.. .a darling young woman,! hadn't seen or heard-from for years. She made a little polite conversation, then got right to the point-deep fried turkey. She told me I shouldn't be hasty in my judgement, and furthermore, informed me she and her husband had all the equipment (plus the enthusiasm) to actually prepare the fowl in this manner.

Naturally, since they were, so armed, they frequently did the deed. . .they filled this giant vat with umpteen gallons of oil, heated it to an exact temperature, then lowered a big "bird into the bubbling cauldron. After explaining all about it, she proceeded to invite the boyfriend and me to come and sample the results.

Late fall and winter intervened and it wasn't until a short while ago the invitation was re-issued; I accepted, and awaited the tasting ceremony with more than a little trepidation. Remember what I said about eat-, ing words? Well, I must admit, I ate some, along with the turkey. It was delicious. Period. No caveats. After all, good is good, right?

True, I didn't touch the skin, which looked like one giant (marvelous) grebene, but that was a nono for me. The meat was moist, tasty, not a bit greasy and a.lot more flavorful than the words I had to eat. Like, "yes, I was wrong. This is really good. No, it isn't at all fat"..etc., etc. • This is not to be mistaken for the idea that I'm about to rush out and buy the equipment to do this same thing on my patio. No, no, no. But I have sort of promised nottospeak ill of deep fried turkey anymore.

As always, just being together with friends was the highlight of the evening, especially after a too-long tune. To catch up on family news, to see pictures of grandchildren, to hear what's new with everyone and to trade both some funny stories as well as opinions on how to heal the world's problems.

Thanks EUy arid Bob. We really had a marvelous evening. I hope to reciprocate some time soon, and I must tell you, I'm already wracking my brain for a menu idea. But don't worry. J won't copy-cat you guys.

Whatever I cook, well, never mind. I don't want to sound like an ungrateful guest. But I'll try to think of something you've never had before!

Jewish humanitarian aid intensifies a£ conflict continues

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English as a second, language for new Americans starts at 10 a.m. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the adult lounge. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the 'YES Talk* discussion group at 11 .a.m.

Following lunch at noon, join us for the Mother's Day celebration with the Rockin' Cloggers. For transportation, call 330-4272.

Deadline for Bluffs Run Casino on May 27 is May 20. Reminder: SeniorFest is on May 19 at Aksarben Events Center. For information, call Maggie at 334-6521. Man Jongg Club will meet Wednesday in room 5. For information, call Charlotte Kaplan at 651-5658.

WALK-IN, DROP-EM Members will meet Thursday at the JCC. Come exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the adult lounge. For those members going on the Magical Mystery Tour, please meet at the JCC at 11 a.m. For transportation, call Maggie at 3346521.

RUSSIAN CLUB Members will meet at the JCC on May 14.

Exercise will begin at 10 a.m. Come for the Mother's Day lunch at 11 a.m. At noon, Frieda Krizelman and Rose Rosenberg from Jewish Women International will give us a lecture on Dolls for Democracy. For transportation, call Lydia Linde at 697-9169. ^ VISIONS Reminder: The Membership Luncheon is Friday, May 14, at Venice Inn at 12:30 p.m.

Local doctor to lecture on energetic medicine Dr. Jay Parsow, a specialist in physical medicine and rehabilitation, will speak on "The Art and Science of Energetic Medicine" on Sunday, May 16, from 2-4 p.m., at the JCC. "Practitioners of'alternative' therapies are of the opinion that illness or disease is considered to be a manifestation of disharmony or imbalance,'' Parsow noted. "Energy medicine encompasses practices that assist or facilitate one's return to a more balanced state of health."

Following the talk, one or two individuals will be asked to volunteer for a demonstration. The event is free and open to the community. Topics covered in the lecture will include acupuncture channels, craniosacral system and chakras, as well as subtle energy bodies.

For more information, call Dr. Parsow at 3331170.

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 7,1999

Part it (Editor's Note; This is the second in a series of articles written by former Child Development Center Director Dinah Raful.

She and her youngest daughter, Leah, are living in Jerusalem temporarily while her oldest daughter, Sarah, spends her junior year abroad at Hebrew University. Middle, daughter, Anna, a freshman at Emerson College in Boston, and husband, Larry, Dean of the Creighton University Law School, have both visited.)

:

The Rafuls in Israel enjoyed a lunch with Omahans Ben Gonsher, son of Rini and Alan Gonsher, and Jeff Katz- man, son of Michael and Carol Katzman, both enjoying their year of study at yeshivas. ' . â&#x20AC;˘' We enjoy Shabbat with Lincolnites Annie and Harry Allen every week at the Agron St. Conservative Shul. They are Mary Fellman's sister and brother-in-law, who graciously welcome newcomers to their home.

An unforgettable highlight was a tour of the Western Wall Tunnels. Excavations have uncovered the entire length of the Western Wall and a model reveals the city as it was-2000 years ago. It's like seeing one of the seven wonders of the world.

As you might understand, much of our time has been filled to the brim. Of course, Leah has continued with her school semester and is doing well, and I, with part-time ESL work, volunteering and taking classes.

The Dotan family welcomed the Rafuls to One day in the Old City, I was walking briskly to Kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar, from left: Liatte go to a store and suddenly felt like I was in a shopDotan, Leah and Dinah Raful, Beth Seldin- ping center. I caught myself thinking, "Oh, my Dotan, Yonatan Dotan and Amnon Dotan, in goodness, I'm in the Old City, dating back thoufront. sands of years." I would never want to take that for We have been to the northernmost point at Rosh granted.

What a privilege it has been to be here. With an Hanikra, seeing the natural grottos, right on the Lebanese border. We visited our friends, the election this May and Aryeh Deri, the Shas leader, Dotans, on their kibbutz Ayelet Hashachar, near having some legal problems, the newspaper has the Golan Heights. We walked through the wild- kept us informed.

To live a different lifestyle, to learn at every corflowers, had a campfire of potatoes, marshmallows and hot tea, and a delicious Shabbat lunch, dis- ner; and to be a Jew in the majority, leaves you breathless many a time. cussing the problematic future of the kibbutz. ' My personal remembrance will always be celeLiatte, eight, and Yonatan, six, are beautiful, bright as ever and great fun. Amnon was our tour brating Shabbats with 14 people around our table guide, taking us through the Golan Heights with in our little apartment, attending services at differSyria in the distance; we began to understand the ent shuls, walking on Shabbat on quiet and serene difficult decisions that need to be made in the peace streets and yes, resting. What could be better!!

We have missed you all and look forward to process.

Beth shared her workplace at Yad Layeled returning to Omaha but we will come back to Israel Children's.Museum and Memorial, where school again; this city and country has crept into our souls children are educated in the Holocaust, helping and hearts! them to understand and communicate their feelings.

We made a trip back to Haifa to see Alon Mor's second "Dr. Lek's ice cream store," now open.

We also stopped at Caesarea National Park, seeing a Crusader city dating back to 2nd century.

Heading South, we spent a day at the Dead Sea (floating in the sea and covering our bodies with mud!), and climbing to the waterfalls in Ein Gedi, the natural reserve.

We stepped back in time at Massada, once King Herod's summer palace, located on top of a mountain. Nine hundred Jewish settlers took their lives in a heroic resistance after the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in 70 C.E. Our final stop for the day was to the Flour Cave, remains from the Dead Sea, where we walked along the 60-foot high walls of sediments t h a t really feels like flour. Another weekend, we travelled down to Eilat, the southernmost city in Israel, to enjoy the beautiful beach. We have ventured into Tel Aviv and enjoyed the Diaspora Museum and the open arts and crafts fair.

It's now three months that Leah and I have been "living" in Israel. For the past month-and-a-half, we have had family join us, starting about two weeks before Purim.

We went to a shul for the whole megillah reading.

The following day, the Jerusalem Theatre had a carnival with booths, food, music, dancers and even jugglers. We discovered that many Israelis just go to the malls with their costumed children to eat and visit with friends.

It has been our dream, as with many Jewish people, to celebrate Passover in Israel. Our first night was in our little apartment with 14 people: my parents, Larry's parents, Larry's brother and his family, and Sarah's friends from Hebrew University.

We read our own haggadah brought from Omaha.

Though it is not traditional to have a second night Seder in Israel,, it is our cuBtom in the States.

We rented a large room at Hebrew Union College and had 52 of our family, friends and Sarah's university friends. Bruce and Anne Shackman were visiting and they were able to join us, along with Bruce's son and daughter, Bill and Susie Shackman.

Larry put together a 66-page haggadah that was very original and creative. Everyone participated, sang and joined in. It was a magnificent feeling with the beautifully lit Old City as our backdrop.

Larry exclaimed to all, "What an amazing feeling to be here with everyone. Fifty-five years ago, my mother was in a concentration camp, and now she is here with her friends, her children and all her grandchildren!"

Being here for Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day, will provide us with a lifetime memory. Every year at 10 a.m. on that day, the entire country stops for two minutes in silence to remember the six million.

Larry and I were on an ordinary street. We stood outside pur car. Another car stopped on the road and people came out of shops, stopped walking, got off their bicycles to observe for the two minutes.

Omahan Beth Seldin-Dotan invited us to join her for an evening ceremony at the Ghetto Fighter's House Museum's outdoor amphitheater near Akko.

This was the 50th anniversary of the kibbutz, which is comprised of resistance fighters from the war and their families.

Our family, along with former Omahans Menachem and Devora Mor, sat with 15,000 people from the kibbutz community and friends. We watched a ceremony, beautifully remembering the six million, in dance, song, speeches and the lighting of six candles. Larry's Mom bravely-came to say, "Yes, I am alive and living my life as a Jew." Exactly a week later, Israelis observe another two minutes of silence in remembrance for the veterans of Israel's wars, on Yom Hazikaron. It would be wonderful if the United States could make this our custom, too. We went to the Western Wall where the President lit the eternal flame, and, with the military, we all said kaddish.

The very next day is Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day. Beautiful blue and white Israeli flags abound the city even more thaa usual with colorful electrical lights for the festivities. We headed down to Ben Yehuda Street, the popular closed tourist shopping street, and were bopped on our heads with the soft squeaking plastic hammers (patishim), sprayed with silly string and foam, all wishing each other a Happy Independence Day. Our time has been filled with the glorious holidays, but we have managed to sight see in between.

In this little country, where you can drive the full length for some five hours, we continue to learn and experience unique times.

We continue to see We keep feeling that the more we do and see, the friends and dp "sights" in more we feel we know "nothing." There is so much' Jerusalem, sensing our history, traditions and customs in every corner! time, is slipping away. We

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