ewish Pres*
SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS Vol.LXXVI
WE HIST SOCIETY 1500 ft ST : LINCOLN ME 6 8 5 0 8 - 1 6 5 1
I
No. 34 Omaha, NE
28Iyyar, 5759
Kim Noddle and Tim Zweiback earn Federation Young Leadership awards '
by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
'
Kim Noddle and Tim Zweiback have been select- Child Care Fair from 1990-92. ed for the Lois J e a n n e Schrager and J u s t i n Within the Jewish community, Noddle is a memGreenberg Memprial Young Leadership Awards. ber of Temple Israel Sisterhood and has served on These prestigious honors are given to individuals the Caring Committee. She has also volunteered who have demonstrated leadership qualities above as room parent for Temple's religious school. Her and beyond the role of a dedicated volunteer. other community activities include Campaign Nominations were submitted by the community Chair for Future Board Elections for Westside and voted upon by past recipients of the award. School District, Community Club Board at The awards will be presented at the Federation's Oakdale Elementary School and a member of the Annual Meeting on J u n e 7,.7:30 p.m, at the Pacific Pals Board of Directors. Jewish Community Center Theater. Noddle and her husband, Jay, have three chilNoddle was nominated bythe National Council of dren; Rebecca, Sam and Aaron. She is the daughJewish Women for her ]" ter of Mike and Barb Platt. spirit of dedication, Tim Zweiback was nominated by the Jewish enthusiasm and profesFederation of Omaha for sionalism in which she his passion and initiative tackles her tasks. Her . in pioneering the Omaha background as an educaJewish community's new tor has had a tremenera of giving. dous impact on her volFor the 1999UJA/ ' unteer endeavors. She Federation Campaign, has adopted an attitude Zweiback was instruof community trustee-! mental in implementing j (Ship and works to help Kim Noddle the "Jr. Pacesetter" diviwherever she can to improve our community. Noddle has worked on the Federation's Annual sion, which allows doWomen's-Campaign for the past several years, and nors to Men's Campaign has co-chaired the Young Women's Retreat for the who are under 40 to past two^years. Within NCJW, Noddle is currently become a Pacesetter at a . Tim Zweiback (Community Service Vice-president~tjn31)erVed 'as" lower giyingleVel, with a chiairperson for "Kits for Kids," a new project which commitment to move up to the regular Pacesetter supplies materials and ideas for art activities for level within a prescribed amount of time. He has children in low income childcare. committed to continue his upgrade work on the She has also worked on "If s a Wrap" from 1989 2000. Campaign. to 1997, and served on NCJWs committee for the ; (Continued on page 2)
Hose Blum kinJewishHome again given 'superior rating' by. Lenora Lancaster, JSS Administrative Assistant
The. residents, board of directors and staff of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home are pleased to announce that the Home received a "deficiency free report" from its annual unannounced licensure survey by the State Health Department. The survey was conducted over five working days last week. This is the second year in a row that the Home has received this rating. Candice Stevens and Beverly Harper, examiners, stated the Home was an excellent facility and noticed the warm and caring interactions between residents and staff. They added that they were very impressed with the assessments done by the nursing staff and the personal histories maintained by the social services department. These two pieces of information give the professionals a benchmark by which to judge general health changes. Jarold Kohll, President of Jewish Senior Services, remarked, "With nursing homes receiving so much bad press it is rewarding that our Home be recognized as being a leader in the industry. Our community demands the highest quality of care and. therefore, it is our obligation to provide it." "These high ratings are obtained by the staff working diligently throughout the entire year," added Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director. "1 am delighted that the State recognizes all of the hard -work"
Epstein Cemetery Dedication Beth El Synagogue will dedicate its new Harold and Etta Epstein Chapel at the cemetery, 84th and L Street, on Sunday, May 16, at 1:30 p.m.
May 14,1999
Gala Purim dinner to receive Community Service Award by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director
Beth Cohen and Harry Herman chaired the Community Purim Dinner. The Community Purim Dinner, held in March, has been selected to receive the Community Service Award at the Federation's Annual Meeting on June 7. The Purim Dinner was broadly endorsed by Jewish organizations and synagogues and was open to the entire Omaha Jewish community. Chaired by Beth Cohen and Harry Berman, the committee was made up of representatives from Beth El Synagogue, Beth Israel Synagogue, Temple Israel, Chabad, Beyt Shalom, JCAC, YJO, the Jewish Federation of Omaha and the Rabbinic Council. ; The idea for'the dinner stemmed from discussions at the Rabbinic Council meetings, and evolved into an event that included a Megilla reading, a kosher dinner, music, costume contests, children's art activities lead by BBYO, NCSY and OTYG, clowns and mimes, and a rabbinic Purim spiel. (Continued on page 6) ;
Hadassah honors past presidents
Cantors Three to mix music, humor
by Mary Fellman
in concert
Corinne Levin and Helen Brodkey, two past presidents of the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah, will be honored for a lifetime of service and devotion at the organization's HIES luncheon on Tuesday, ; May 25,11:30 a.m., at Happy Hollow Country Club, 105th Street, south of Pacific. Both women have given years of service in a variety of medical programs in Hadassah's work in Israel and in leadership in the Omaha chapter. Corinne Levin The "Happy Hadassah Israel Education Services Happening" will also celebrate the 80th birthday of the founding of Hadassah in Omaha by honoring 18 living past presidents of the local chapter. The HIES program of national Hadassah uses the latest theories of secondary and community college career oriented schooling in the expansion of Hadassah's model education system in Israel. Sybil Katz, regional Hadassah president, will install the 1999-2000 officers. The program will also feature a style show of Hadassah mothers and children, with fashions from She-La and LiF Prince and Princess of Countryside Village. Reservations for the luncheon meeting may be ' made by sending a check for. $13 to: Dory Mawyer, 15651 California St., Omaha, NE, 68118.
by Diane Axler Baum
The third annual Cantors Three Concert will combine classic and contemporary Jewish music with a sprinkling of Jewish humor on Sunday, May 23, 7 pan., at Beth El Synagogue. The program will feature solos and duets by Beth El's Cantor Emil Berkovits and Temple Israel's Cantor Jennifer Blum, plus songs and stories by Beth Israel Synagogue's Cantor Leo Fettman. Also performing will be a choir comprised of members from three area congregations. .•'••... Flutist Tuffy Epstein and pianist Julie Sandene will provide instrumental accompaniment. The three principals expressed their excitement about the program. "Each cantor has favorite compositions and an individual style. Workingtogether in developing a concert makes it so much more interesting," said Berkovits. He favors traditional pieces that are "moving with a lot of meaning." Fettman, who also "likes the old favorites;" promised to interject hrfmor into the program by interweaving songs with comical stories. He especially looks forward to presenting "Chazzan of Shabbos." : Blum particularly enjoys Israeli art music, sung in Yiddish and Hebrew. This is "a rare chance for the community to hear the voices of its cantors in celebration of Jewish music," she said, and "a wonderful ppportunity for me to sing with my colleagues and friends." < (Continued on page 8)
Page 2
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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May 14,1999
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Are the kids responsible? by Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad House Guest Columnist
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CUP & SAVE
CALENDAR OF EVENTS FRIDAY, MAY 14 Russian Club, 10 a.m.Visions Membership Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Venice Inn SATURDAY, MAY 15 Humash Class, 8 p.m., at Beth El SUNDAY, MAY 16 AOL, 10 a.m., at Temple Israel Men's Club Breakfast, 10 a.m., Beth El Jewish War Veterans Meeting,10;30 a.m. Club 56, noon, at Temple Israel Amit Women Luncheon, 12:30 p.m., at Beth Israel Beth El Youth at Omaha Golden Spikes, 12:15 pjn. MONDAY, MAY 17 YES Program, 9:30 a.m. Jewish Press Committee Meeting, noon Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m. TUESDAY, MAY 18 Food for Thought, 11:30 a.m., at Temple Israel NCJW Installation and Award Dinner, 7 p.m., at the Hegericy Marriott Dance Recital Performance, 7 p.m. CDC Committee Meeting, 7 p.m. Derech Torah, 7 p.m., at the Rose Blumkin, Conference Room BESTT Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Temple Israel . WEDNESDAY, MAY 19 Temple Israel TIGGS, noon, at Temple JFS Parenting Program, 7 p.m. Dance Recital Performance, 7 p.m. Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El Beth Israel Talmud Class, 1 hour prior to Mincha THURSDAY, MAY 20 Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m. Sisterhood Adult Education, 11:30 a.m., at Temple Confirmation Service, 7:30 p.m., at Temple Israel Adult Education Shavuot Program, 9:30 p.m., atBethEl All events held at the JCC unless otherwise indicated. The Jewish Pntt Is notresponsiblefor the accuracy ol the events. To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Martene Her! at 3344437.
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In the wake of recent horrific events, and the rhetoric' regarding the question of responsibility, we turn to the timeless and timely narrative of our people at Sinai. . The Midrash relates that before G-d gave us the Torah, He required guarantors that we would study and observe it. First, we offered our forefathers Abraham, Isaac and Jacob as guarantors, but this was rejected by God. We then offered, "Our prophets will be our guarantors." This offer, too, was unacceptable. Finally we proposed t h a t Baneinu areivim ba'adeinu~o\ir children—would guarantee the study and fulfillment of the Torah. This offer was immediately accepted, and the Torah was given. The receiving of the Torah by the entire Jewish people depended upon the children. ' This story is as relevant today in Omaha as it was then at Sinai. And today the same "offers" are made to God: "Our fathers may be the 'security' that Torah will be studied." This is reiterated in one form or another by many, nowadays. "I have no. time to study my religion-but TU pay for my retired elders to study Torah. They can use all their spare time for studying Torah." But this is unacceptable, for it does not ensure the perpetuation of lasting and vital Torah life. Others have a different plan: "Our prophets will be our guarantors." The Hebrew word for prophet is derived from the same root as the word "to speak." Hence "prophets" may be interpreted as "speakers." Our orators, i.e. our clergy, will study for us. "I will support a congregation and let the rabbi .delve inta religion while I occupy myself with my business and hobbies. After all, that is his profession; the rabbis will assure the fulfillment of the Torah." How many of us express similar sentiments when we say: "Why should my child study Torah at an advanced level? He/she doesn't want to be a rabbi!" But how incorrect is this view. Judaism iB not for rabbis alone, but for every Jew; its study and observance is for all of us. Finally, our children are proposed as guarantors. "Let them study their religion while they are young," say the parents. "Let them attend Torah classes and/or Jewish camps. With this they will have understood their obligation to Judaism." It is not my intent to reduce Torah to a level where it is merely for children. On the contrary-its depth and breadth have boggled the minds of scholars and geniuses throughout the millennium. Yet without our commitment for our children, there is simply no deal. As we celebrate the receiving of the Torah for the 3311th time, let us mate it a top priority with our children. After all-it's the best guarantee for true Nackas. \ CORRECTIONS Stacie Brodkey's address was incorrect in last week's story on the NCJW installation dinner; the .address to send reservations is: 208 No. 163rd St., Omaha, NE 68118. • Tatyana Demidovich, a recent graduate of UNMC, is also t h e daughter of George Demidovich. The family lives in Omaha, not Lincoln as reported in last week's edition.
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Young Leadership Awards (Continued from page 1) • Zweiback's caring and sense of responsibility span the generations. He serves on the board of Jewish Senior Services and the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, as well as serving as Chairperson of the Princeton University Missouri Valley School Committee, which recruits students from the area to apply to Princeton University, Zweiback's alma mater. • His interest in education also lead him to volunteer for the Bemis Foundation in their Outreach and Education department and is a former Trustee • of the center's board. He continues to work with at risk youths as a Director and volunteer at Omaha's C.W. Youth Resource Center. Zweiback also has' deep roots at Temple Israel, where he is a Trustee and President of the Investment Committee. He is the son of Dr. Eugene (Speedy) and, Hermine Zweiback. . ' • ' . .
White House hosts Millennium Evening
Elie Wiesel, center, was the featured speaker at the seventh annual Millennium Evening at the White House last month with President Bill Clinton and First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. A Nobel Peace Prize winner, author and professor at Boston University, Wiesel spoke on T h e Perils of Indifference: Lessons Learned from a Violent Century."
Watercolors of the Holy Land opens in JCC Gallery A travelling exhibition by local artist John Locke will make its first stop at the gallery of the Jewish Community Center before starting its journey around the United States; the exhibit runs from Mayl9-June 18. "In the Footsteps of David Roberts: an Exhibition of Watercolors of the Holy Land" is sponsored by the Bethsaida Excavations Project a t t h e University of Nebraska at Omaha. Roberts, visited Israel and Egypt from 1838-39 and painted a series of watercolors. They were reproduced as hand-colored lithographs in a book published in England in 1841, The Holy Land. The exhibit will include nine free-standing panels of watercolors of locations visited by Roberts, such as the Sea of Galilee and Jerusalem. Locke revisited the areas, including Tiberias, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Tower of David and the Mount of Beatitudes to create the exhibit. He used a three-step approach: photographs, pen and ink drawings and the final watercolor painting. Locke is a graduate of Central High School and a student in the Fine Arts program at UNO. He has already been involved in redocumenting some of the 19th-century topographies of painter Karl Bodmer along the Missouri River. Dr. Richard A. Freund, Director of the Bethsaida Excavations ^Project, accompanied Locke during the summer of 1998. He will introduce the artist at the exhibit's opening reception on Wednesday, . May 19,7:30 pan., in the JCC Gallery. The reception is open to the public at no charge. Refreshments will be served. The exhibit is cosponsored by a grant from the Nebraska Arts Council.
May 14,1899
SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL Mitnbur of the Onion «f American JMwww CongniftitiSonH
7023 Cnss Street, Omaha, NE 68132 S5g-flB3fl tt'tnplnisrael-paorg FRIDAY: Early worship service, 5:30 p.m. Rabbi Stiel and Jeff Taxman will officiate using the Union Prayer Book. Shabbat service, 7:30 pan. Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Blum will ofTiciate with members of Temple's Family School. Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by Sisterhood. SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis, 930-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat service, 10:30 a.m. Bar Mitzvah of Kyle Joseph Baines, son of Brigitte and Kenny Baines. SUNDAY: AOL, Adult Opportunites for Learning, 10 a.m. Rabbi Azriel will discuss "Maimonides: Nature, History and Messianic Beliefs." TUESDAY, May 18: Food for Thought, 11:30 ajn.-l p.m.: Rabbi Azriel will lead a discussion on current events. Bring a brown bag lunch; Temple will provide the drinks. . . . TIGGS WEDNESDAY, May 19: A special luncheon honoring .the memory of Mollie Delman will be held at noon. Cost is $4. Make reservations with Hilde Gottlieb at 393-6357, or Shelly Fox at 397-1578. ADULT EDUCATION THURSDAY, May 20: Sisterhood Adult Education: Rabbi Stiel will teach "A Look at Myths, Rituals and Symbols and Their Role in Our Religion," 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. ^ SHAVUOT AND CONFIRMATION SERVICE \ THURSDAY: Join the congregation for Shavuot services at 7:30 p.m. and the confirmation of Nicole Cohn, Shane Conn, Matthew Egermayer, Tony Endelman, Cory Epstein, Rachel Flatowicz, Adam Freeman; Allyson Freeman, Jennifer Friedman, Aaron Greenwald, Melissa Josephson, Eddie Kenkel, Bradley Lerner, Diana Manvitz, Tamara Meyers, Aiine Muskin, Adam Rosen, Joseph Ruback, Stephen Sherman, Jamie Skog, Sam Taylon and Stephanie Wilson. Special Oneg Shabbat will follow. FRIDAY, May 21: Shavuot services and Yizkor, 10:30 a.m. High scliool graduation of Morgan Denny,' Nikki Flatowicz, Jen Gates, Adam Schwartz and Amy . Willensky, 8 p.m.
BETH EL SYNAGOGUE
BETH ISRAEt SYNAGOGUE
Muffler of the Union «f OrthixUtt ifovrith Congn>K*ti<iii* irf Amtrfca 1602 No. 52nd St., OmahA, NE 691041 556-6288
Member of United Synagogues of Connorvativo Judalwn 14508 California, Omaha, NE 68154
Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat service, 7 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m., Little People service, 10:15 a.m.; J r . Congregation, 10:30 a.m. ; Kiddush sponsored by Georgia Ann and Seymour Steinberg in memory of her mother, Ruth Mezey. Rabbi's class, 7:30 p.m.; Mincha, 8:20 p.m., followed by Ma'ariv and Havdalah. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45 a.m.; Mincha, 8:20 p.m. WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.m.; Mincha, 8:20 p.m. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches Talmud Class at 7 pjn. at the synagogue. SATURDAY, May 22: Shavuot luncheon following services; make reservations with the office.
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.; Ben Epstein, son of Gary and Lisa Epstein, will become a Bar Mitzvah on Friday evening and Saturday morning. SATURDAY: Services, 9-.30 ajn.; Kiddush following; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 ajn.; Sitter service, 10 ajn^ Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and under) 11 a m ; ICtantan (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; Humash with Rashi study session, 8 p.m. (1/2 hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah services, 8:30 p.m. SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. followed by Men's Club breakfast. Epstein Chapel dedication at Beth B'NAI JESHUBAN El Cemetery, 1:30 pjn. , S O U T H STREET TOMPLE Thursday: Tikun Leyl Shavuot, 8:45 pan. Member of the Union of American Utetn-cw CongregBtioAs 2061 &20thSt^tJKMKfln.NE88502-2797 ' •• ' Friday: Shavuot services, Shaharit, 9:30 ajn.; /43S4004- -, ',,.' ;'-. Minha/Ma'ariv, 6 p.m. Shabbat dinner follows. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 p.m. 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 aim.; Religious School, 10 a.m. THURSDAY, May 20: Conversion ceremony of Kellie Henderson and Confirmation of Ben Kohn, Kellie Henderson and Zoe Meyer, 7:30 p.m. FRIDAY, May 21: Bat Mitzvah of Amanda Shur
OFFUT AIR
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35th and Cnpenart, Omaha, m..: Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m.p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m.
CriABAb HOUSE
4:30
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An Affllialp of the Worldwide Chnbad.kubaviteh Movement . i860 So. 120th « t , Omaha, NB 08144
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Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. FRIDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m. SATURDAY: Services, 0:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mihcha-Ma'ariv, 6:30 p.m., followed by Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Havdalah.. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:15 aan. 7:30 p.m. SHAVUOT FRIDAY: Services, 6:30 p.m. THURSDAY, May 20: Special all night Yeshiva • SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 ajn. Bat Mitzvah of Amy Misle; kiddish luncheon following services, hosted by learning program, 11 p.m. Rabbi Wilhelm of the Saint Paul Yeshiva will lead a discussion of the Four Bryan Misle. of the Torah, followed by one-on-one chevrusa; THURSDAY, May 20: Tikun Leyl Shavuot, 7 pjn. Levels Rabbi Rosenbaum will speak on "The Book of Ruth: Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:20 pjn. FRIDAY, May 2 1 : Special' 10 CommandCaring for the Stranger." Refreshments following serments/Torah reading; special program for children; vices; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8 pjn. dairy lunch following services; Mincha/Ma'ariv, FRIDAY, May 21: Services, 9-.30 ajn. Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:20 p.m. 8 p.m. Confirmation of Dee Dee Bowers, Danielle SATURDAY, May 22: Services, 9:30 ajn.; Yizkor, Breslow and liana Schwartzbach; Oneg Shabbat hosted Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:20 p.m. by their parents. ?f'£8tL9 Sheridan Blv^;, Lincoln; Nffi 68502
Shabbat with a Southern accent '
by Barbara Gottlieb
Shabbat is always a special time, but it will take on a unique flavor on the scecond night of Shavuot, Friday, May 21, following 6 p.m. evening services, at Beth El Synagogue. Celebrate Shabbat Dinner, Southern style, is chaired by "Southern belles" Lenora Lancaster and Lucille White. Cost is $9.50 for adults, $5 for children ages three to 12; no charge for children under three. Reservations are due no later than Monday, May 17. For more information, call the Beth El office at 492-8550.
PageS
CANDLELIGHTING: 8:16. p.m.
Phone; 3304800
FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m., followed by Oneg Shabbat.
Jewish Press , Omaha, NE
Richard Freund to speak at Beth El Tikun Leyl Shavuot The Beth El Synagogue Committee will present Tikun Leyl Shavuot, a Shavuot study session, on the first night of the holiday, Thursday, May 20, at 9:30 p.m. "Shavuot is referred to as z'man matan Torahteiriu," the time of the giving of the Torah," • said Daniel Christensen. "On the first night of Shavuot, it is customary to study late into the evening as a reminder that we are always in the process of receiving the Torah." Dr. Richard A. Freund will speak about the last five of the Ten Commandments. Other speakers will be Rabbi Paul Drazen, Dick Fellman and Karen Levine. Freund will be moving to Hartford, CT, this summer to assume the Greenberg Chair in Jewish Studies at the University of Hartford. The program is open to the community; refreshments will be served. JTor information, call 492-8550.
Mitzvah Matt Kelberg, son of Larry and LeAnn Kelberg, liwill celebrate his Bar iMit'zvah on Saturday, "May 22, a t Temple (Israel. i A seventh grade honor i student at Kiewit Middle School, he enjoys a varie t y of sports, including r ^basketball, baseball, soc'•"'fcer, track. He also colilects sports memorabilia. i \ «. •• Grandparents a r e Betty Kelberg, Janeen Moritz and Bill Moritz of Kansas City. •
SATURDAY: Services, 9 a m , led by Harold Gottlieb. Kiddush following services. DEDICATION f BLUE RIBBON^ SHAVUOT A memorial for Carpet & UpUrbtery FRIDAY, May 21: Services, 9 a m , led by Rabbi Bernice Gendler will be Cleaning Maximo Shechet. SATURDAY, May 22: Services, 9 a.m., led by dedicated on Sunday, 25 Years Experience May 23, 2 p.m. at Rabbi Maximo Shechet, followed by Yizkor. Kiddush ^Stove Snail 558-8617^ Golden Hill Cemetery. following both services.
;8O,0inalw,NK6»l»<l5J3O FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. SATURDAY: Morning services, 9 a.m. RELIGIOUS SCHOOL: Classes Sunday and Tuesday at the JCC. SUNDAY: Rabbi Myer S. Kripke teaches a class on megillot, 12:15 pjn. Open to all. FRIDAY, May 21: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. and "End of School'service.
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References
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Page 4
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 14,1999
Election results This Monday, Israelis will go to the polls to elect a new prime minister as well as members of the Knesset, Israel's parliament. The choices are critical. In the prime minister's race, three contenders (at press time) are vying for the top seat: current Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his chief opposition Labor Party's Ehud Barak, and the man who could be the spoiler, Center Party's Yitzchak Mordechai. If none of the candidates win more than 50% of the vote, there will be a run-off between the top two. Right now, Barak is leading in the polls with less than three percentage points, at 44%; he is followed by Netanyahu at 41%. Mordechai's candidacy resonates with fewer than 8% of the voters with only 5% undecided. With a race this close, anything can— and probably will-happen.
More than 32 political parties are registered to run a list of candidates for the 120 seats in the Knesset. They range from wellknown Likud and Labor parties to religious parties such as Shas (who still has Aryeh Deri, recently convicted of tax fraud, as head of the ticket) to one-iBsue parties like the Casino Party and Men's Rights in the Family Party. Because a party (and therefore, a candidate) only needs a small percentage of votes, even these small parties may wind up with seats in the Knesset, giving them far more power as coalition builders (or blockers) that the votes warrant. It is an imperfect system, but it is a democratic one. It has allowed change in leadership without the bloody coups so familiar in surrounding Mideast countries. We'll all know the outcome in a few days.
The choices facing Israeli voters by Carl Alpert
A number of hopeful new parties dropped out at Haifa- Even the casual observer of the Israel 50,000 shekels to cover government printing costs scene is aware that when Israelis go to the polls on in formally announcing the party. If the group's the last moment. Among them: Yesh, the Party for May 17 they will be asked to choose a Prime goals are found to be strictly legal, the new politi- Equal Rights, which was campaigning for equality for women in every aspect of public life. It ran out Minister and to cast one additional vote for the cal unit becomes a legal reality. party of their choice. The breakdown of the latter Here is a sampling of some of the parties seeking of funds. votes will determine the composition of the electoral support. Messiah the King Party. The end of days is Knesset. The Law of Nature Party proclaims that its goal approaching, the Messiah will soon be coming, and The names of the major parties are well known. is to establish a Garden of Eden in Israel, in the Israel must be prepared by the sounding of shofars There is the Likud, headed by Netanyahu, which Middle East and in the whole world by promoting and the raising of voices. They sought representacontrols the outgoing government. There is the policies which follow the laws of nature in such tion in the Knesset as a fit forum from which to ' party headed by Ehud Barak, formerly known as matters as food, environment and daily life. welcome the Messiah. Labor, and now seeking to create a new image Vegetarians and health addicts are prominent So, on election day, in the privacy of the booth, the among their candidates. under the name of One Israel. . voter will have ample parties from which to choose. '--.[' There is the new party which.calls'itself the The Power to Retirees Party seeks to assure Center, headed by Yitzhak Mordechai, which rights and privileges for senior citizens, Holocaust embraces a wide assortment of candidates most of survivors and welfare recipients. whom are refugees from the two other blocs. And The Negev Party, citing Ben Gurion as an inspithere are the usual smaller parties representing ration, has campaigned on a platform seeking various religious, special interest and leftist encouragement and development of the Negev as a To the Editor: groups. Among them are Shas, the National matter of high national priority. As Chairmen of the Jewish Cultural Aits Religious Party and Meretz. They all have their The Unity of Israel Party spreads a broad meaown following. sure of brotherhood, seeking to bridge the chasms Committee, I was saddened to hear the news of But when the voter goes to the polls he will be between the religious and the secular, between the Gloriann Levy's departure as the Director of the faced with a battery of additional parties that have Sefardim and the Ashkenazim, between Jews and JCAC. Gloriann embodied the very spirit of the JCAC's placed their names on the ballot list. In addition to Arabs. the 13 veteran parties, there are 20 new names on The Casino Party's platform calls for legalization mission in bringing a wide range of Jewish experithe list this year. Two of the new parties may well of gambling in Israel, reduction of income tax and ences and Jewish culture to Omaha. Her responsibility included involving the whole spectrum of the achieve some success. a war against drugs and crime. One is the party headed by Pnina Rosenblum, The Green Leaf Party calls for an educational Jewish community, a community of varying age former model and now a successful business- program against the use of drugs, but clarifying groups and various religious practices not separatwoman. She emphasizes social and economic issues the difference between hard drugs and "light", and ed by synagogue or organization affiliation. Gloriann worked tirelessly seeking funding from and treats of security in general terms. The other seeks changes in the present law so as to permit generous Jewish foundations and individuals to party is One People, founded by Amir Perez, head use of "light" drugs for personal use. of the Histadrut. It remains to be seen if his The Central Progressive Party, founded by immi- bring new and innovative programming. The comnationwide strike will raise his appeal at the polls, grants from Rumania, calls for peace, reduction of munity has benefited from her presence and her or the reverse. inflation, cutting of taxes, increased support for persistence in offering high quality programming. Although the JCAC is not "officially" a Jewish ' As for the others, the chances are slim that any the elderly, separation of church and state--and of them will succeed in electing even a single mem- also, greater representation of Rumanian dim on Community Center program or agency, Gloriann's ber to the Knesset, but they will serve to divert a the political scene, recognition of Rumanian dedication to JCAC help maintain this, building's relatively large number of votes away from the Zionist activity and broadcast of Rumanian televi- Jewish heritage^ Through her work with the JCAC, all JewS felt welcome at the JCC and had the major parties. Yet, that's democracy. sion programs in Israel. An explanation for the large number of new parMale Rights in the Family Party maintains that opportunity to be with and experience a true sense ties is to be found in the relative ease with which a women always get the upper hand in family dis- of Jewish mishpacha (family). We hope that the legacy Gloriann leaves behind party can be formed. All that is required is an putes, divorce, alimony, etc. They want to put a • application signed by no less than 100 citizens, set- representative in the Knesset to fight for the rights will continue. Justin Cooper, Chairman ting forth the goals of the party, payment of a reg- of men. In the last election they got a little over istration fee of 1200 shekels, and an additional 2,000 votes nationwide. Jewish Cultural Arts Council •
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Letters to the Editor
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May 14,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
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Recent remarks revive question: is U.S. meddling in Israeli election? by Matthew Dorf
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WASHINGTON (JTA)-The U.S. State Departments decision to accuse Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of breaking his word and to question his • commitment to the peace process would have been remarkable at any time. But coming only weeks before Israelis go to the polls, the accusations have renewed charges that the Clinton administration is meddling in the elections. The dispute centers around West Bank settlements, which for decades have been a flash point of tension between Washington and Jerusalem. What's unusual is the personal criticism that was leveled from the State Department podium, Middle East analysts Bay. r "Prime Minister Netanyahu has told us at all levels, oh many occasions, that as a matter of policy there would be no new settlements and no expansion of settlements beyond their contiguous periphery," State Department spokesman James Rubin told reporters last month. "Contrary to what we were told, we see an accelerated pattern of Israeli actions that involve both construction of new settlements as well as an expansion of settlements well beyond their contiguous periphery." Rubin went on to Bay: "Both sides have an obligation to do their part to create an environment for the pursuit of peace and the achievement of peace. The issue is whether the government of Israel is serious about doing its part to create the proper environment for peace." By all accounts, Rubin's tongue was unusually and intentionally— sharp. , American supporters of Netanyahu's settlement policy jumped to Netanyahu's defense, accusing the U.S. administration of meddling in Israel's election campaign. The administration denies that it is interfering in the Israeli elections. "It's a fact," Dennis Ross said, referring to Netanyahu's promise not to expand settlements. •
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"I do not believe it is meddling," said Ross, the administration's chief Middle East negotiator. Instead, it is a desire to live up to the promise of the Wye accords, under which the United States' promised to oppose any unilateral acts. "Unilateral actions affect both sides," Ross said. It's no secret that President Clinton, who is counting on a successful conclusion to the IsraeliPalestinian peace process to shore up his legacy, would rather see Labor Party candidate Ehud Barak or Yitzhak Mordechai, the Center Party candidate, beat Netanyahu. Despite the public line, administration officials privately say they would not be unhappy if the increased tension with the United States hurt Netanyahu with the centrist and. moderate voters who hold the key to Israel's election. At the same time, the White House is trying not to alienate Netanyahu too much, knowing that there is at least a 50-50 chance that the Likud leader will be re-elected and the administration will need to continue to work with him. For its part, Israelis tried to downplay the recent statements. The Prime Minister's office said in a statement that "Israel's policy is to enable the development and expansion of existing communities in Judea and Samaria" and the government "has no plans to build new communities" in the area. To be sure, Clinton is not as blunt in his opposition as Russian Prime Minister Yevgeny Primakov has been in his endorsement of Netanyahu. "I don't really want to interfere in Israeli politics," Primakov said at a toast for Netanyahu during the Israeli premier's visit to Russia. "But if I were an Israeli citizen, I'd vote for Mr. Netanyahu in these coming elections." Still, Clinton's rocky relations with Netanyahu have become part of the election subplot. Since Netanyahu took office he haB clashed repeatedly with Clinton. • •
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Hal Senal, son of Lisa and Mark Senal, was chosen to give a c o m - [ ' jmrnmt*. '->i'»* mencement speech at i graduation cere-. monies for Millard North High School on ' May 2 3 . He will attend the University of Nebraska a t Omaha this fall.
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Former Omahan Beth Kaplan has been promoted to Senior Executive Vice-president of Rite Aid Corporation; one of the nation's largest, drug chains. She was recently awarded marketer of the year at the annual Retail Excellence Awards in New York City. She was the first woman to receive this award in the association's 144-year history. Kaplan also received the Kathleen McDonald Distinguished Alumnus Award from Wharton Women in Business for her contributions to the business world, the community and the Wharton School of Business a t t h e University of Pennsylvania. She is the daughter of Marilyn and Yale Kaplan and lives in Baltimore, MD, with her husband, Bruce Sholk, and their two sons. .-'••
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regarding who wrote it and whether it is a factual autobiography or a heavily-embellished novel. The collaborator, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, has claimed the book is a novel, with limited contribution by Isacovici. Isacovici was born in 1924 in Sighet, Romania, which is also the birthplace of Elie Wiesel. Isacovici came from a farming family that traced its roots in the region back to the early 18th century. His proximity to the border gave rise to a small time smuggling operation. In 1940, he went from being a Romanian to a Hungarian. At this time, though, being a Jew was more significant than nationality. Anti-Semitism became more severe and in 1944, the Nazis arrived. Isacovici was sent to Auschwitz and was sent on to a labor camp. Shortly after reaching Auschwitz, his mother died; his father died later of malnutrition, overwork and disease. Salomon recalls horror on a daily basis becoming monotony. Besides physical mistreatment, he was haunted with the sense of being less than human. Most of his eight siblings survived, however. After liberation, he returned to Romania, but it held no future for him. He shunned thoughts of revenge. Besides his mother and sisters, he writes about three women: a girlfriend in Sighet, another in the displaced persons camp after the war, and, finally, Frida, whom he met in Paris and followed to Quito, Ecuador, where they married and had three children. Salomon died in 1998. Salomon's compassion for improverished Indian peons in Ecuador draws a comparison to Nazi slave labor camps. •
Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Dean of the College of Communications at the University 6f San Frandso of Quito. It has been translated.from Spanish by Dick Gerdes of George Mason University. A copy of this book is in the Jewish Federation. Library.
Purim Dinner wins Community Service Award (Continued from page 1) Each sponsoring organization gave in-kind or financial contributions. More than 25 volunteers contributed to the dinner, and more than 300 people attended. The response was so overwhelming, that some people had to be turned away due to space limitations. "Participants of the Community Purim Dinner represented both a religious and an intergenerational cross section of the .community. Each sponsoring group was represented on the planning committee, and every rabbi of the Rabbinic Council endorsed the event," said Berman and Cohen. The Omaha Jewish community has had large celebrations hi the past, but none surrounding a Jewish holiday with such broad endorsement from the community. The Jewish community was united, coming together as a whole to celebrate Purim. The event not only fostered religious awareness, it was a showing of good will and solidarity by the sponsoring organizations. .',••'.•""•••'! The Community Purim Dinner continued the effort by the community to meet religious, educational and social goals for all Jews in Omaha.
May 14,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 7
The millennium and the Jews--a tangled tale by Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas
• At first glance the millennium, or the advent of the messianic age, has nothing to do with the Jews. Upon a deeper view, however, the Jews have everything to do with it. Arguably, they invented i t The" concepts underlying the millennium are to lie found in the Books of Daniel and Enoch, and in the Dead Sea Scrolh, all written by Jews, and in Revelations 20, written by a Christian Jew. The twin doctrines of apocalypticism and eschatology underlie millennial thinking. Apocalypticism (Greek for "to reveal"), according to Webster, is "the expectation of the imminent end of the present temporal world, the final destruction of the unrighteous in a purging holocaust, and the resurrection of the righteous to a world of bliss." Eschatology, also a Greek word meaning "last things," is basically the same thing, referring to the ultimate destiny of humankind. These teachings are as deeply woven into Jewish literature as they are in Christian writings. The first real reference in Jewish literature to a specific person as a messiah occurred when Rabbi Akiba, one of the greatest rabbinic minds, pro : : claimed Simon bar Kochba the messiah. His colleagues retorted, "Akiva, grass will grow out of your jaw and the messiah will not have come." Interestingly enough, at this same time - the middle of the second century- the first Christian version of a specific meBsianic age was proclaimed by Montanus, who preached in Phrygia, now central Turkey. Montanism persisted until the 9th century. Messianic calculation has been rife throughout most of Jewish history. Abba Hillel Silver's book entitled A History of Messianic Speculation iw Israel documents this fully. Page after page in mystical writings speculates on the year of the coming of the messiah. Men like'Shabbtai Zvi, David Euveni, Jacob Frank, and others induced thousands of Jews to leave their homes and their possessions as they became "convinced" that the messiah had come and it was the end to history. The fact that these beliefs brought disaster to the com-
munity and individual families is well known. Perhaps that is why the sages wrote, "Beware of those who calculate the end of history" (Sanhedrin97b). In a similar manner in Christian history (both Catholic and Protestant), and in the less wellknown history of Islam, there have-always been messianic movements. They constantly interacted and influenced one another. The change from millennial thinking as a theological concept to a calendar construction begins with the work of a monk, Dionysis Exigus, literally, "Dennis the Short." Instructed by Pope John 1, he created the B.C. (Before Christ) and A.D. (Anno Domini, Year of our Lord) system and a regular liturgical calendar, confirmed by the millenniumminded Pope Sylvester, who reigned as pontiff from 999-1003. However, Dennis made some mistakes: the birth of Jesus occurred four years earlier than he had calculated. Moreover, he did not include a year for zero, which has aroused some controversy about the time for the beginning of the next millennium. ~ It is important to note that only a fraction of the world will mark the year 2000. Next year will be 4698 m China, 1421 on the Islamic calendar, and 2390 to Zoroastrians in India. In a diverse world this raises the issue of inclusiveness. Therefore, instead of B.C. and A.D., many scholars refer to B.C.E., "before the Christian era" or "before the Common era," and C.E., Christian, or Common era. The coming Jewish year will be 5760. Begun in the second century, this enumeration of years was based on the symbolic creation of the world and is referred to as A.M. (Anno Mundi). The calculation was based on the biblical genealogical record or the length of lives in the Hebrew Bible and the six days of creation. By the 9th century it had become the standard calendar among Jews. In light of this, it is interesting to note that 350 years ago Rabbi Avraham Ben Mordecai Azulai, in his Kabbalistic (mystic) work, Chesed L'Avraham
(ch. 57) wrote that the year 5760 will see "the Spirit of Impurity removed from the earth" (Zachariah 13:12). The Kabbalistic book Gallei Razaya also states that the year 5760 will see "the end of thegigal (reincarnation) process on earjh." . . A basic difference between Christianity and Judaism is on the coming of the messiah. Jews believe that in the future the messiah will come for the first time, whereas Christians affirm that-the messiah will be coming for the second. The pious, the prayerful, the paranoid, and the publicity hounds, will all focus on the arrival of the second millennium. There will be faith, hope, thought, reflection, and even a measure of violence. The most challenging questions, as always, will bring out the most profound answers. Indeed, we will be pondering one of humanity's most enduring' questions: What is life's place in the universe? Millennial expectations through the ages have been generated by all manner of systems; numerical, hermeneutic, visionary, and supposedly empirical and scientific, and some downright hallucinatory. Richard Landes, a history professor at Boston University and director of their Center for Millennial Studies, offers a powerful argument for the great importance of apocalyptism in history: "True believers about an imminent termination of the current order lead to the break in social traditions, roles, and boundaries that they would never dream of fracturing in normal times." He also points out that millennium movements always fail, and then are left with a host of radical social practices that must be reconciled with an expected and continuing life on the present earth. Perhaps that is why Jewish tradition teaches, "If you are planting a sapling and someone tells you the messiah has come, first finish planting the sapling, and then go out to greet him." Rabbi Bernard S. Raskas is Rabbi Emeritus of the Temple of Aaron, St. Paul, MN, and Distinguished Visiting Professor of Religious Studies at Macalester College. Be is the author of the trilogy Heart of Wisdom.
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 14,1999
Three cantors ASK FOR...
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Mindy and Barry Weinstein of Far Eockaway, NY, announce the March 17 birth of their daughter, Shoshanna Malka. They are also the parents of two sons, Aharon Ya'acov, 9, and Yehuda Leib, 5!_. Grandparents are Dik and Ina Weiner of Omaha, Rhoda Weinstein of Valley Stream, NY, and the late Joseph Weinstein. Great>grandparents are Dr. J. and Ann Margolin of Omaha and the late Edward and Tillie Weiner.
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Where do you eat lunch? Or maybe I should ask, Cantors Berkovits, Blum and Fettman pre- I do you eat lunch? pare for the May 23 concert 1 That*s a legitimate question, since I know several Photo by Howard Marhus I Let Us Add That Special Flair people who skip it altogether. The people who and Touch to Your Entertaining One duet highlighting Berkovits and Blum, an watch every bite of food we Americans put in our arrangement of "Adon 01am for Two Voices and mouths, tell us that"s not a wise thing to do. JACKIELAW Personally, I'm not a maven on the not eating Flute," will be enhanced by the flute of Tuffy PRESIDENT Lincoln . Omaha department, but I will say that in those days when Epstein. The arrangement, which emerged' from Bus.(402)467-4151 Bus. (402)339-3707 I only had coffee or a cold drink and called it lunch, the "Melody from the Isle of Djerba," is one of sev5620 S. 72nd Street» Omaha. NE 68127-3974 I was a lot thinner than I am now. Draw your own eral "moving compositions of central European origin" Berkovits selected for the program . 2700 North 27th Street » Lincoln, NE 68521 conclusions. He also chose a beautiful arrangement of "Sim _^ Anyway, that's riot the point here. I've decided Shalom" by his late uncle, Cantor Leopold there are three ways to have lunch: alone, (in a restaurant or at home); with only one other person, Edelstein, a Holocaust survivor, and a piece by or with a group. My schedule these days often Kenny Karen, who was known in the New York means I'm at home around the noon hour, and as a advertising world for writing and singing thouresult, there are seldom leftovers in my refrigera- sands of "jingles" before he turned his attention to . composing Jewish music. tor. The less said about that, the better. Karen and Berkovits both grew up in Montreal The idea of lunch with one other person conjures 1 up several pictures - that could be a romantic two- and sang in the same synagogue choir. (Back then, some, more interested in each other than food. Or, Kenny Karen was still 'Chaint Teicher, the rabbi's it could be a business meeting, held over a chef son, Berkovits noted.) Twenty-five voices from the three synagogues salad. Or maybe two very good friends simply enjoying a quiet, pleasant hour without outside . make up the concert choir: Doris Alloy, Jim Anderson, Tuffy Epstein, Tom Friedman, Donald interruptions. Then there's the third type mentioned above: Gerber, Hilde Gottlieb, Lonnie Graul,David lunch with a group. I don't mean a huge room full Lercher, Sheldon Masnek, Jon Meyers, Maxine of people at ^ Hadassah luncheon meeting. I mean Noodell, Marvin Parilman, Eileen Reiner, Miles 4 or 5 or even 6 people who responded to a phone Remer, Jeff Schweid, Sharon Sobel, Marty call asking if you can "join us for lunch Thursday, Shukert, Phyllis Silberstein, Eadie Tsabari, Patey Wallace, Will Wallace, Kathy Weiner, Stan since we haven't gotten together for ages?" Now that's the kind of lunch for which I happily Widman, Nancy Wolf and Leslie Wolpa. Lisa Epstein and Judy Josephson are co-chairing rearrange my schedule. I did that just a few days the concert. Proceeds will benefit the Beth El ago, as a matter of fact, and can't remember when ENTERTAIN I've enjoyed myself more. I was amazed to look at Scholarship Fund, chaired by Joye Wees. Admission is $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. the time when we dispersed, and realize we had sat long enough for the restaurant to charge us Sponsorship is available on several levels. For WITH y@ "rent! information, call Beth El at 492-8550. What made it such a delightful couple of hours? Mostly just visiting and exchanging news with H&ePanty Place each other and of course, there are nearly always £5 FOR THE FINEST IN ENTERTAINING ACCESSORIES, ' pictures to look at. . .1 mean of somebody's grandHOWCAN YOU THROW A PARTY AND NOT INVITE VS?f of • Tables • Chairs • Linens • China • Silver • Glassware ' P u n c h BowU child, of course. • Fountains ' ChaTing Dishes • Party Canopies • BBQ Grills All but one of us was native born, an Omaha * Wedding & Church Displays • Portable Bars • Dance Floors • Skirting The State of Israel has announced an interna• Coat Ricks • Cottee& Tea Servers • Candelabras Sabra, so to speak, which means we know many of tional illustration competition for all religions, . the same people, so there's always a certain nationalities, and people, designed to bring the 11226 Wright Circle „. pBbckSaolumtCentsr) ^'"v/ amount of what I call "Jewish geography." Book of'Books into every home throughout the Questions that are asked and answered like this: world. The competition is open to all children from "I saw Itzie Goldfarb the other day. What ever around the world, ages 8-16. happened to his sister, Chana?" The children who create the winning drawings • "Who?" '•..; will win a free week's trip to the Final Awards Then starts the explanation, which might sound Ceremony to be held in Jerusalem during Last call for like this: "Remember, they used to live on 21st • Hanukkah, Dec. 3-10,; 1999. Families/friends are '99 Street, right behind the Finkelvitz family." eligible for discounted tourist packages for hotel [ . "You mean the old man who ran the grocery and plane fare. HIGH • ' •. .\ store?" The rules are as follows: within each of three age SCHOOL "No.. .you're thinking of Kapplestein." categories (8-10,11-13, and 14-16) each participant deadline is May 24 This exchange can go on for IS minutes before may enter one illustration only on a single Biblical GRAD if s straightened out to everyone's satisfaction. But theme of his or her choice, accompanied by two-to The Jewish Press will who knows what happened to Chana? three sentences of explanation; each entry must be feature "A SALUTE TO '99 The subjects of discussion are varied, and there's accompanied by the participant's name abd GRADS" in the June 4 issue. Photos are due by always something of interest to mention, whether address, age category, and name and address of May 24...no exceptions! All Jewish graduating it's the opening of a new restaurant or who is cur-. sponsoring organization or synagogue; maximum high school seniors are urged to send their senior rently recovering from a hip replacement. size of entry is 14x20" in any medium. pictures along with the following: Somehow we don't run out of conversation. More Organizations, must'select the. single best illuslikely, somebody notices the time and,announces > tration :from.j)sach oftlie thteeiage-categories;;flie Name ; _ _ _ _ _ _ she has to get going, and after another 10 minutes top three wintaers will eacji have a.treetplahteclin Parents — —• ——— of last minute tidbits, we adjourn. . their honor in Israel;-The winning illustrations High School '. _— — What does.that mean? That means walking out, should be mailed to: the.Consulate General of together, then standing around the parking lot jab- Israel, 111 E. Wacker Dr., Suite 1308, Chicago, IL, Plans after graduation _ — bering just, a little more, then, finally, each going 60601, no later than June 10. Winning submissions to her own car and leaving. will be entered into the national competition; For Please send to: Jewish Press Now that's my idea of lunch. You can't argue more information, call Kim Cooper at the 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154 with that, can you? Consulate, 1-312-297-4803. ••"<•',: • ,
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SENIOR PICTURES
May 14,1999
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
Page 9
Belief in God is foolishness On America Online, in the Jewish Community Y.E.S. area, there is a popular feature called Judaism Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English Today: Where Do I Fit? (keyword: Judaism as a second language for new Americans starts at Today). People anonymously send in e-mail letters 10 a.m. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. to the author of the feature, Gil Mann, and he in the adult lounge. Try your luck at bingo with responds publicly in Jewish Email of the Week. Eileen Reiner at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share 'Here is this week's edited letter and response: for "YES Talk" discussion group, led by Art DearGil: After all, we are called the people Israel which Grossman, at 11 a.m. I have always been an atheist, all 71 years of my Following lunch at noon, Beverly Rodloff from long and very happy life. Lean imagine that it means to wrestle with God. This is not a cute word Nebraska Prevents Blindness, will speak on "Life game but a huge theological statement about would be even better if there were a benevolent Deity taking care of things in general, and me in Judaism. To me, being Jewish means wrestling Sight—Growing Older with Good Vision." Please particular. Life after death would be entertaining, with our doubts and our choices. Wrestling with bring used eyeglasses to the meeting. For transand reincarnation a gas! But these wistful long- God also means struggling to understand whether portation, call 330-4272. Deadline is May 20 for Bluffs Run Casino on May ings-of us relatives of the gorilla and the chim- we are the masters or victims of our fate-or both. With all of these struggles in mind, I would like 27. For those members going to SeniorFest at panzee-are not true! From my point of view, anybody who switches to suggest an interesting test of your personal faith Aksarben Events Center on Wednesday, May 19, allegiance from one religion to another is making a or lack of faith in God. The test is posed by author please meet at the JCC at 10 a.m. pilgrimage from the Sahara desert to the Gobi. Dennis Prager in the following question: Do you WALK-IN, DROP-IN He's covered a lot of ground, but he still winds up beh'eve that Mother Teresa and the barbarian Nazi There will be no meeting on Thursday, however, medical experimenter Dr. Mengele had the same exercise is still scheduled at 10:15 a.m. in a sterile place, a desert. I have never—not for a moment, or a nanosecond- fate after they died? BREADBREAKERS Your answer to this question and the level of cerbelieved in Jesus, Krishna, God, Jahveh, prayer, Henry Mosky Lodge will honor Rabbi Richard angels, heaven, hell, reincarnation, Original sin, tainty you have when answering says a lot about Freund on Wednesday, according to chairman karma, religious dietary rules, fasting, pilgrimage, your faith in God or a power above. Personally, I don't want to believe that Mother Steve Riekes. Dr. Freund, Professor of Philosophy priests, rabbis, gurus. . .I've reached the age of 71, and done very well without wasting any time, Teresa and Dr. Mengele had the Bame ultimate fate and Religion at the University of Nebraska at money, or emotional energy on church, synagogue, and have difficulty believing that they do-but I will Omaha and Director of the Bethsaida Excavations Project, is moving to Connecticut where he will Krishna-consciousness raising sessions, masses, confess I am far from 100% certain. prayer meetings or Yom'.Kippur. As to your question about prayer, you might assume the Maurice Greenberg Chair in Jewish I've been happily married for 43 years. We've think of prayer as a time of self reflection. The Civilization at the University of Hartford. Breadbreakers meets at Pastimes Restaurant, lived in the same beautiful house for 40 years word in Hebrew to pray is Vhitpalel.. .which means (mortgage paid off), our children are grown up and to judge oneself. Personally, I have yet to meet the 129th and/West Maple; cost for lunch is $8.50. on their own, we have $3,000,000 in our pension person who feels they could not be a better person. JEWISH WOMEN INTERNATIONAL For me, this is part of what my prayer includes. funds, we're in reasonably good health. JWI will host an open board meeting on One need not believe in God for this type of selfWhat would I pray for? Thursday, May 20,. 10 a.m., at the home of Betty judging prayer. B Fisher, 770 No. 93rd St., in the club room. Additionally, you need not believe in God to be President Frieda Krizelman will evaulate the year DearB: thankful for your good fortune and recognize that and chairpersons are expected to bring dates for . Thank you for a most thought-provoking letter. You are not the first person to contact me saying others have less than you (like less than $3,000,000 upcoming 1999 projects. "I do not believe in God." If you are- looking for an in pension funds and good health.) Self reflection 39-FOREVER argument—you are not going to get one from me. such as this, to me, is a noble purpose for prayer Thirty-nine Forever will visit Joslyn Museum to Not because I agree with you, but rather because I with or without faith in God. Thanks for writing! Gil view the Egyptian exhibit on Sunday, May 23, stay away from these kinds of faith debates.. .they 2-4 p.m., followed by dinner at Angie's Restaurant, *• are unproyable and un"win"able. : ; I don't pretend to know with certainty about God, ' Gil Mann is the'Author of. How to Get More .'4.0th •and'P.acifiCi .Fot.morei;inforjnation, contact . angels, miracles, karma, heaven, hell, etc. And I "Out of Being Jewish Even If: A. You are not Maxine Noodell, 493-7483. am leery of people who claim they definitely know sure you believe in God, B. You think going to HADASSAH that any of the above exist*. At the same time, I synagogue is a waste of time, C. You think Stan Widman and Harold Zabin will entertain don't think you can prove that any of the above do k e e p i n g kosher is stupid, D. You hated residents of the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home with a Hebrew School, or E. All of the above! He not exist. . , musical program Saturday at 2 p.m.; followed by Rather than try to convince people to believe one makes no money from book sales (to order-800- tea in the main.dining room. The monthly event is 304-9925,) his work on America Online or this thing or another, I try to convince people to serioussponsored by the Omaha Chapter of Hadassah./ i. column, but welcomes e-mail comments and ly wrestle with their Judaism. . questions. Write to pearGil@aol.com
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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 14,1999
Omaha businessman visits Israel 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 3 1 . 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.
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They also visited Masada Long-time owner of which is situated above the Omaha Door and Window, Dead Sea. This was one of Leo Murnan, has visited Isthe fortresses which were rael twice. As a non-Jew, he built and fortified by Herod has gone because of his relithe Great. The few survivgious beliefs as a Catholic. ing Jewish patriots who He and his wife, Claire, took part.in the Jewish decided to visit Israel in revolt met here to make 1993. their last stand. They didn't think they "I think God played a saw enough on that trip, so trick on the people' of they went back to Israel in Israel," Murnan said. "With 1996. Both times, they all those rocks and all that stayed on a kibbutz, a setbad land, you wonder how tlement where people live the people can even make a and work. Their hotel was living." run by the kibbutz. Although the food was always Some areas in Israel look good, the Murnans carried like lakes, but when you some kind of food with examine them more closely, them, "We weren't going to it is land that has been covtake any chances!" ered with plastic in order to catch water which is later The kibbutz overlooks the Leo Murnan used to take care of plants. Sea of Galilee, t h e KinHe said that Israelis don't waste their water and neret, which, according to Murnan, is "just a big lake." Children from the kibbutz go to school and materials like Americans. He spoke of the people spend the whole day working and learning. They and of the difficult work. come home to be with their parents at night. "They work hard. They've got their little shops Murnan spoke of the city of Nazareth which is and you wonder how they can make a living," he •;. located in a valley in Southern Galilee. According to said. "They work hard, long hours." Catholics, Joseph and his wife, Mary, lived in this He said that many Israelis live in apartments city and Jesus spent his childhood there. In the first and walk to work. '••• ''; centuries, Nazareth was populated only by Jews, When he spoke of the farmers, Murnan said that but with the strengthening of the Roman Empire, every bit of land is being used and described' the the number of Christians living there grew. "huge machines" used in t>rder to clear rocky areas Today, the population of Nazareth is mixed in order to make more farmland. between Christians, Moslems and Jews. There are Murnan said that he always felt safe in Israel. churches, monasteries, convents, hostels, hospitals "I was never afraid to walk around at night. The and schools which are maintained by the various Israeli soldiers are everywhere and they're watchdenominations. ing the country." Murnan would like to go back to Israel again. He The area of the Via Dolorosa was of particular interest to the Murnans. Catholics believe this is admires the fortitude of the Israeli people. When the exact path where Jesus walked. It winds along he visited the Holocaust Museum, Yad Vashem, he narrow streets in Jerusalem's Old Cjty and leads said, "It's still happening'all over the, world. I've from the Ecce Homo Convent to the Basilica of the visited concentration camps, but I still learned from visiting the museum; we should never forget Holy Sepulcher. • The tourists were told by their guides not to what happened." enter the Via Dolorosa area because it was not Murnan recommends that everyone make the safe. However, the Murnans toured the area for a trip to Israel. "It's such a marvelous experience to whole day and were not bothered. see how the Jewish people live." . .:.••'•,••,. .'>.<
Aid continues to Kosovar refugees ._
by Norman Eisenberg, United Jewish Communities
New York - With no quick end in sight to the Kosovo crisis, Jewish leaders and relief organizations fear continued fighting there will further exacerbate human suffering. That, says Carole Solomon, National Chairman of the UJAFederation Campaign for United Jewish Communities (UJC), puts added pressure on humanitarian aid efforts mounted by Jews in North America. Spearheading the international effort since the second week of fighting are UJC's two overseas partners, the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAPI) and the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC) and the Israel government. Jews both here and in Israel have responded to the plight of refugees with donations of food, clothing, medicine and other assistance through relief
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mailboxes created by United Jewish Communities and its member federations; and by supporting relief flights from Israel servicing camps in Albania and Macedonia and bringing Jews and non-Jews back to Israel for safe haven. '•; •. Israel, the Jewish Agency, and JDC have provided more than 100 tons of humanitarian aid, as well as medical facilities staffed by Israeli doctors and nurses. In Budapest, temporary home to increasing numbers of Jews fleeing Belgrade, she described conditions as "extremely tense." At a hotel housing refugees, women and children greatly outnumber men of army-age, reflecting their inability to leave Yugoslavia. Many have seen their homes and villages destroyed in the fighting engulfing Kosovo and other parts of the former Yugoslavia.
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May 14,1999
Recipes for Shavuot -A vegetarian's delight
Page 11
Lynne M. Popp, M.S. in L.D. learning Disability Specialist
by Linda Morel
"NEW. YORK (JTA) -- Famous for dairy foods, : Shavuot favors vegetarians. . TOMATO & OLIVE SALAD ' .."It's a big relief to browse around a table and 4 beefsteak tomatoes, sliced into wedges know I can eat everything," says a 2Q-something 1 onion, cut into rings editorial assistant who hasn't touched red meat in 18 fresh olives, pitted 10 years. At other holidays, her main course con1 tsp. fresh basil, minced sists of side dishes. : 1/2 cup olive oil ; . "Shavuot is the one occasion thafs guaranteed to 1 tbsp. lemon juice • be brisket-free." 1 Mix ingredients in a bowl. Marinate for 12 hours. . While fish may be served, meat is rarely on the menu. Although ifs not clear why, dairy dishes preKALE DIJON vail on this holiday, for centuries several theories 1 large bunch of kale, cleaned and trimmed have circulated. Shavuot commemorates Moses receiving the 3 tbsp. butter 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard Torah and Ten Commandments, and some scholars Steam kale for five minutes, or until wilted. believe that the whiteness of milk is a symbol of the Torah's purity. Others claim that the dairy tra- . Drain well. Melt butter; add mustard, whisking well. Gently dition began because the Israelites abstained from fold kale into mustard mixture, stirring until coatmeat on the day before they received the Torah. Practical-minded scholars speculate that after ed. Serve immediately. the Children of Israel returned from Sinai, they ZITI&FETA CHEESE were'too tired and hungry to prepare meat. 1 pound ziti Another explanation maintains that because the 1 tbsp. olive oil '. Israelites had just received the laws of kashrut, they had to make their utensils kosher before eat1 pound Feta cheese, crumbled ing meat. ;•'•.. 1/4 cup fresh parsley, minced ' As many vegetarians know, the laws of kashrut Cook ziti according to package directions, adding teach that meat was given as a concession, not as olive oil to the water. Drain. an ideal. On the holiday honoring the Torah, peoTransfer to a large bowl, covering with cheese ple should aspire to the ideal. and parsley. Serve immediately. While scholars debate the dairy issue, Shavuot always falls in May or June, seven weeks after LEMON TART Passover. In Israel, this is the end of the barley 1/2 cup butter, room temperature harvest and the beginning of wheat season. 1/2 cup sugar Because fields are lush for grazing in late spring, 3/4 tsp. lemon rind, grated cows, goats and sheep produce more milk, resulting 3/4 ciip flour • in abundant cheese. Ifs possible that the Israelites 1 egg, beaten began eating dairy foods at Shavuot because they 1/8 tsp. lemon juice had too much milk. 1/4 tsp. vanilla Late spring is also when first fruits were brought ^Preheat oven to 400 degrees.' Grease an 8-inch to the Temple in Jerusalem. As one of the year's springform pan. . three harvest festivals, Shavuot not only celebrates Cream first three ingredients. Blend in flour, barley and wheat, but grapes, figs, pomegranates, egg, juice and vanilla. Spread in pan. Bake about olives and dates. 20 minutes, or until lightly browned. Cool.Honoring Shavuot means indulging in. dairy Serve with Whipped cream and two pints of products, fresh produce and grains, which are easimixed berries. er to digest in warm weather than meat. The folPlace 8 ounces heavy cream, 1 tsp; sugar and lowing menu bows to vegetarians, although people •114 tsp. vanilla in a bowl and beat two minutes or preferring a heartier main course can add poached until stiff peaks form. salmon. (Recipes serve six)
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On arising in the morning and thanking the Remer asked for volunteers to, be Braille tran- Almighty for. the daily renewal of life, there are a scribers. She can be contacted at the JCG. series of prayers, among which is: Baruch Atah We are pleased to announce that Sara Lewis Adoshem, Elokanu, Melech ha-olam poekayach has been appointed Vice-president of our group, evreem, Praised are You, Lord our God, King of the • filling the vacancy since Tony Kutcher's sudden universe, who gives sight to the blind. passing. Another change-Bess Rothberg is retiring With that opening, Eileen Remer enlightened us as Contributions Chairperson. Reva Oruch and in her address, regarding the dedicated volunteer Julie Schapiro will share duties. work responsible for the development of the At the Early Bird, we discussed the violence Omaha Volunteer Braille Service, previously going on in schools. A number of significant comments brought forth that in our day effective disciknown as the Beth El Synagogue Braille Group. Torah tells us there are 613 mitzvot. One would pline was accepted willingly from both parents and be hard pressed to list any more vital than helping teachers. Obviously, pretty much lacking today. Shalom. the visually impaired.
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Page 12
Jewish Press, Omaha, NE
May 14,1999
Former Nebraskan teaches Tai Chi in Israel by Joan K. Marcus
wanted "better You can look use of her legs. into Arieh Lev By learning the Breslow's eyes exercises, she is and see that he able to shift is peaceful and some of her serene. He is weight and balrelaxed as he ance," he added. speaks of Tai '< "Studies have Chi, Chinese shown that senhealth exercisior citizens fall es, teaching his 47% less if they students how to learn Tai Chi." relax, to improve their posTai Chi origiture, to breathe nally came from properly and to the martial arts strengthen their and today it is bodies. His taught to graduwork allows him ally change to improve and lifestyle, or for maintain his health reasons. VJU. . . physical Arieh Lev Breslow The exercises do own and mental health while he helps not require exorbitant fees, special clothing, or equipment. They can be others. He now lives in' Israel and is the practiced in a small place, anyplace founder of the Jerusalem School of where the room is quiet and the air is Tai Chi where he teaches students fresh. from all over Israel and Europe. Tai Chi is quite complicated and is Many of his students are Orthodox composed of between 60 to 120 moveJews, as well as the elderly and stu- ments. Breslow also teaches Chi dents with special needs. Kung which is a more simplified verHe has written two books, Beyond sion, but uses the same principles. It the Closed Door and When More is uses fewer movements and requires Less. Both books and videos are less concentration. Sometimes, it available at Barnes and Noble book- uses eight or less exercises and is stores in Omaha. As the last stop on used as a warm-up for Tai Chi. a three-week lecture tour, he spoke At first, Breslow used the Tai Chi for last week at the Jewish Community his own relaxation until he went to Center in Omaha. Jerusalem in 1981. Many people there Breslow grew up in Lincoln and wanted to learn, so he began to teach. received his undergraduate degree in In 1984, he founded The: Jerusalem history and economics and went on to School of Tai Chi, the year after, he get a master's degree in European met his wife, Anne, who was one of his history from the University of students. They were married in 1986 ' Wisconsin-Madison. He had planned and now have three daughters. to go on for a doctorate and teach, He has taught Tai Chi to people of but he decided to first travel for a all ages. His youngest student was 16. year. However, there is no upper limit for In 1971, while he was living in learning the skill. He says the idea is California, he was invited to attend a that of using the middle path. Japanese Tea Party. The host made "The idea of the middle path is that green tea in a ritual ceremonial way it's different for each individual. for the guests and helped them Everyone has to find the moderation become more focused and meditative. in his own life. The beauty of Tai Chi The host of the party was a friend is that everyone can fulfill their own who also happened to be a Tai Chi needs," he explained. teacher. Previously, Breslow knew "Your ehi is like a bank account. nothing about this time-honored We're all born with a certain amount Chinese way of wellness and well- of energy (chi) in the bank. being. Gradually, as we get older, we drain Tai Chi is a philosophy that from that account. emphasizes balance and harmony in "If we don't make deposits, we run daily choices. It does this by using out of our inheritance and we overmeditations, visualizations and exer- draw. This means we get sick or die," cises. Breslow said. "We need to deposit by "It's really an exercise for all sea- exercising, breathing properly, taking time to relax and forming loving sons!" Breslow explained. I had an 80- year-old student who relationships."
Amit National Board Member to speak at Sunday luncheon Eleanor Greenberg, a national Board Member of Amit Women, is the featured speaker at the Amit Women's luncheon this Sunday, honoring Jeanette Nadoff. Greenberg has served as president of the Chicago Council of Amit. She is currently a Judaic studies teacher in the Chicago area with professional work in adult education and volunteerism. Joe Kirshenbaum, a past-president of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, will bring greetings on behalf of the community a t t h e event, which
begins at 11:30 a.m., at Beth Is- i rael Syn- ; agogue. En- ,• fertainment is [ provided by! Donald] Gerber and Dr. Howard L Gendelman. Eleanor Greenberg Reservations may still be made by calling Reva Ruderman at 553-6344. Cost is $12.50.
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