May 21, 1999

ewish Press

WE HIST SOCIETY 1500 R ST . .'

LINCOLN'WE 68508-1651

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS VoLLXXVT

No. 35" Omaha, NE

6Sivan,5759

Wendy Goldberg, Kim herlyRobinson to receive Spirit of Federation Award

by Rebecca Perelman, Federation Student Intern

Wendy Goldberg and Kimberly Robinson have been named recipients of the Jewish Federation's Spirit of Federation Award.. This honor recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a lifelong dedication to the Jewish Federation and who have worked to make the Omaha Jewish community a better place..

The award is given at the discretion of the Federation President and Executive Committee and not necessarily awarded Wendy Goldberg annually. Goldberg and Robinson will receive the award at the Jewish Federation Annual Meeting on Monday, June 7, 7:30 p.m., in the Jewish Community Center theater.

Goldberg is actively involved in the Jewish community. After enrolling her three children in the JCC's Child Development Center and using JCC facilities, she "wanted to be an active voice of a parent." For more than two years, she co-chaired the CDC project and parent committee.

"My most substantial effort has been compiling* information regarding the CDC building project, including staff and community contributions," she said. . • .• • Goldberg and her husband, David, are the parents of- three children: Joe, MoHy and Sophie.: •*:';•"

Foundation continues to receive donations for Kosovo refugees ~~"

by Claudia Sherman • Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

Robinson has also been actively involved in the Jewish Federation and JCC over the years. She cochaired the Young Women's Division of the Jewish Federation Campaign, and served on the 'Dr. Ruth' Campaign Event Committee, the Yom Ha'Atzmaut Committee and the JCC Board of Directors.

She is currently cochairman of the CDC Committee, along with Goldberg.

Kimberly Robinson "I have made a commitment to the Jewish community, because I want my children to have a Jewish Bense of belonging," Robinson said. "If I don't set the example, who wiiir ' Both Goldberg and Robinson have recognized the importance of a CDC environment which offers the necessary resources for the full development of children in the first five years of life.

Their effort in the expansion project and CDC Parent Committee is aimed at providing a setting, in which the parents and their children can be nourished and supported as families.

Robinson and her husband, Andrew, are also the parents of three children: Sydney, Brianna and •:Brett.•'. •

—

;

. ,

:' - .

- • ••'

-*•:-

.

Israelis vote for dramatic change

by Naomi Segal ' • ' . JERUSALEM (JTA) - Israelis voted for dramat-

ic change this week as they elected a new prime Nearly $30,000 has been sent by the Foundation minister and a very different Knesset. of the Jewish Federation of Omaha to United Ehud Barak, a former army chief of staff, was Jewish Communities, (UJC, the newly named enti- overwhelmingly elected the new prime minister of ty resulting from the merger of United Jewish Israel, returning the Labor Party to power.

Appeal, the United Israel Appeal and the Council Barak received 58.5 percent of the vote to 41.5 of Jewish Federations) to aid in the plight of percent for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, ' refugees fleeing Kosovo, according to Marty Ricks, according to a poll by Israel's Channel 1 Television.

Endowment Director. .

• . "I'm happy," Barak, known as a man of few Initially, in response to a memo sent by the words, said in Beersheba shortly after the polls Foundation office to the .benefactors of the closed. In his concession speech 30 minutes after Foundation's 58 donor-advised funds, $15,300 was the polls closed, Netanyahu stunned his supporters raised in four days. Since then/nearly $4,000 more by resigning as head of the Likud Party. has been sent to the Foundation to ease the sufferIn separate elections for the Knesset, Israelis ing of Kosovo refugees. In addition, the Livingston also sent a strong message that they wanted Foundation has donated $10,000 to be forwarded change. The composition of the newly-elected 15th along with the contributions from the Foundations Knesset may enable Barak to forge a governing donor-advised funds, reported Ricks. coalition based on centrist and leftist parties.

Working through their.overseas partners, the The breakdown of the Knesset seats is not yet Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and the Joint certain. But exit poll's cited the following prelimiDistribution Committee (JDC), "critically needed nary results: ... shelter, food and medical care," being delivered on , •One Israel, the Labor Party coalition, will have a non-sectarian basis "for thousands" streaming between 29 and 33 seats, compared with Labor's 34 across the borders into camps on the borders of in the outgoing Knesset.

Albania and Macedonia. Clean bedding, children's •Likud will have 18 or 19 seats, a drop of 13 or activity .kits and administrative expertise have also 14 seats from the outgoing Knesset; been provided. Relief flights have supplied "more •Shas, the fervently Orthodox party, is poised to than 100 ton of medicine, blankets, tents, clothing, increase its Knesset representation from 10 seats food, baby formula, and,other basics," UJC tol4orl5; spokespersons confirmed.

•Meretz Parly, which has nine seats in the outRicks noted that others interested in helping aid going Knesset, will have nine or 10; the refugees in the war-torn area have been send(Continued on page 5) ing checks directly to the UJC and other organizaCantors Three concert this Sunday tions; He also reported articles in the Jewish Press have generated interest in establishing Cantors Berkovits, Blum and Fettman will sing in donor-advised funds. Those interested jn doing so the third annual cantors concert this Sunday at may call him at 334-6440. ; : • 7:30 p.m. at Beth El Synagogue. '

May 21,1999

Charlotte Kaplan to receive Chesed Award

by Rebecca Perelman, Federation Student Intern

The Jewish Federation has named Charlotte Kaplan as its first recipient of the I Chesed Award, an honor I that recognizes individuals I who have demonstrated I extraordinary kindness or j chesed in the Omaha I Jewish community.

The award is given at I the discretion of t h e !

Federation President and!

Executive Committee, and j is not necessarily awarded j annually. Kaplan will I receive the award during* the Federation's Annual Charlotte Kaplan Meeting Monday, June 7, 7:30 pjn., in the Jewish Community Center theater.

Kaplan's involvement throughout the Jewish community has been widespread and varied over the years. For 35 years, she was the mainstay at Beth Israel Synagogue, keeping all the membership books, sending out tribute cards and yarzheit notices, as well as doing the billing and deposits. She has also been a long-time volunteer with the Chevrah Kadishe, the Va'ad HaKashrut Committee of the Jewish Federation, Amit Women, Hadassah, Y.E.S. and the Jewish Cultural Arts Council. .. -,.

However, it is probably her association with the Chevrah Kadishe, the Jewish ritual burial society, for which Kaplan is best known. Today, she chairs the women's half of this volunteer corps, as a volunteer herself. She and the other women have been trained by rabbis in the careful and respectful tradition of preparing bodies for burial, the Jewish way. She's recruited more than 25 volunteers over the years, but noted there's always a need for more.

"Its a mitzvah to do something for somebody who cannot thank you," Kaplan said.

Kaplan said she is honored to receive the first Chesed Award and intends to continue her active . involvement in the community.

Devastating tornado "blew down the walls"

by Stewart Ain, Staff Writer, New York Jewish Week

NEW YORK, "Please God," Victoria Franklin prayed as she huddled alone on the floor of her Del City, OK, home, "don't let me die in a tornado."

"I was in my nightgown, watching TV when they said the tornado would hit Del City at 7:39," Franklin, 41, recalled in a phone interview. "We get tornado warnings here all the time and I didn't take it seriously. The power went out and I lit 1 some candles in the dining room. As I did, my ears pressurized — you know like they do on airplanes and then I heard a roar and.looked out the dining room window at a black mass* coming towards me.

"I ran into a hallway, sat on the floor and it hit.

The picture window in the dining room blew out and the window in my front bedroom and then the walls fell down," she said. : • "I kept my head down and big chunks of wall blew into me, and then the roof starting falling.

Plaster and.pieces of house were blowing in my mouth and in my hair," she added.

Suddenly, the wind stopped and Franklin said she looked up to see'darkness. But she found a light to her right, crawled toward it and climbed out. , (Continued on page 6)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 21,1999

Sparks from the Word

The core of being human PAUL L. GOLDBERG

by Rabbi Myer S. Kripke

Paul L. Goldberg died in San Diego, CA, at the age of 70. Graveside services were held May 13 at Mount Sinai Cemetery.

Survivors include daughters, Debra Todhunter of Ashburn, VA, Jody Carlson of Palm Springs, CA, Bonnie Smith of Cliente, NV, and Libby Woelk of San Diego; brothers, Milton Goldberg of Fremont, CA, and Louis Goldberg of Omaha; and three grandchildren.

Memorials to the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

DLJENE COHEN Ilene Cohen died May 14 a t the age of 67. . Graveside services were held May 16 at Fisher Farm Cemetery. Rabbi Paul Drazen officiated.

Survivors include her.husband, William (Bill); daughters, Sheri Cohen of Houston and Joni Cohen of New York, NY; sister, Ginger Davis of Silver Springs, MD; mother-in-law, Anne Li Cohen of Omaha; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials to the Kidney Foundation, Heart Fund or charity of choice. ' .

MARILYN MELLEN Services for Marilyn Mellen were held May 16 at Temple Israel. Burial was a t Temple Israel Cemetery. She died at the age of 69.

Survivors include soil and daughter-in-law, Jeffrey and Betty Mellen of Lincoln; son, Douglas Mellen of Omaha; grandchildren, Erinn,' David, Mark, Rachel and Morgan Mellen; sisters, Ellen Goldenberg of Farmington Hills, MI, and Frances Weyerman of Omaha; brother, Dr. Gil Roth of Fresno, GA. Memorials to the Caring Community Fund at Temple Israel or Rose Blumkin Jewish Home.

HARRY M. SPIEGAL Services for Harry M. Spiegal were held May 17 at Pleasant Hill Cemetery.

Survivors include his wife, Merrian of Omaha; son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Devra (Dede) Spiegal of Omaha; daughter and son-in-law, Susie and Stu Weinsteinof Plymouth, NE; sisters, Peggy Chasen of Omaha and Evelyn Victor of Chicago; and sin grandchildren. .

-;.--••;- • • j ' Memorials to tne Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or Temple Israel.

RHODA GUGGENHEIM Graveside services for RhOda Guggenheim were held May 17 at Golden Hill Cemetery. She died May 16 at the age of 95.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Phil.

Survivors include a brother, Keith Peltz; and nieces and nephews. ' .

Memorials to Beth Israel Synagogue, the Rose .

Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice.

Shavuot 5759-1999 Reflecting on Shavuot, we see again the wonderful ability of ancient Judaism to free itselffromthe influence of pagan Nature worship and focus instead on moral issues, religion's aim and concentration.

'• • • • • • • ' .

Who among us, who, for example, among the hosts of youngsters who have special ceremonies on Shavuot, thinks that this is primarily. ,a Holy Day to thank God for the gifts of the field; Every time say HaMotzi, that is precisely what we are me we doing. me But the thrust of Judaism has been to take concentration away from human mater$aTes Tor Your ttome mankind's ial needs-food, clothing, shelter--and.turn to human spiritual needs. For we are nothing if we J.DCK9MITII! are only animals with superior skills. We glory, instead, in our proclamation that we are created in the image of God. We say that we have a dimension that no other animal has, an insight, into our unique relationship with the universe, with the earth, with life itself. We have an innate sense of the sanctity of life, for we only among the animals who inhabit the earth know that we are alive and face death. Thus the years between birth and death present themselves as having a holiness, a sanctity.

It is that sanctity that is celebrated in Shavuot.

Life may not be lived by instinct alone, without THE PHARMACY THATSPECIALIZES self-consciousness. It must be lived in radicalIN HOME DELIVERY! awareness that life must control instinct and rise to morality. Shavuot places before us the Ten BRUCE GOLDBERG PHARMACIST • • Discount prices, both Words, the Ten Commandments. We are to underFor Home Delivery, call: charged and delivered c'\ stand and celebrate the unifying force in the uni• Medicines, Herbals and<r5Ycr7? 733-3216 metro area verse. We are to recognize the supreme value of Natural Vitamins V — = - / 734-5419 tax human life and the sanctity of our relations with e-mail: •Accepting HMO & \fUl Insuranco Cards -c/??3 PHEXPRESSeaol.com each other.

Thus the Ten Commandments require of us that we raise our lives to a level attainable by no others of the living creatures who share the earth with us.

We are.human r ahd we are not to degrade our. GUP & SAVE,,-. selves. "-~•'•'*""• '• ' - • ;\ •" - .'-. ' Note that the Ten Commandments are addressed to humankind, not to Jews only. Only one of them, FRIDAY, MAY 21 the admonition to keep the Sabbath, is addressed Shabbat Dinner, 7 p.m., at Beth El c to the children of Israel alone. The others are uniGrade 12 Graduation Service, 8 p.m., L" versal. But the Sabbath is so deeply representative at Temple Israel I of the characteristics that make human life human SATURDAY, MAY 22 p -reflection, introspection, the superiority of man as BESTT Graduation, 9:30 a.m., at Beth El thinker over man as laborer, even over man as creHumash Class, 8:05 p.m., at Beth El ator-that it recommends itself without dissension SUNDAY, MAY 23 S to Judaism's daughter religions as well. Thus even Religious School Play, 10 a.m., at TempleA this particularistic Commandment has become Pan Tournament, 11 a .m .

V Community Cantors' Concert, 7 p.m., Beth El well-nigh universal.

Chabad's 41st flight from Chernobyl °E MONDAY, MAY 24 At this point we had better stop the course of YES Program, 9:30 a.m. marks 13th anniversary reflection. It takes us too far from our simple selves Cub Scouts, 7 p.m. and our natural feelings!

Our natural feeling is to Boy Scouts, 7:30 p.m. ' enjoy our Holy Day as a holiday. So let us not hold TUESDAY, MAY 25 back the buoyant need to rejoice! Good Yom Tov! 'Kindergarten Camp Day, 9 a.m.

Hadassah HIES Annual Luncheon Program, CORRECTION Installations & Awards, 11:30 a.m., Tim Zweiback was mistakenly identified as the at Happy Hollow Club Derech Torah, 7 p\m., at Rose Blumkin son of Dr. Eugene (Speedy) and Hermene \ : Conference Roppi Zweiback. He is the son of Judy Zweiback and the Federation Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. late Warren Zweiback..

WEDNESDAY, MAY 26 The Jewish Press regrets: the error.

JFS Parenting Program, 7 p.m.

Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El C Talmud Class, 1 hour prior to Mincha, DID YOU KNOW...

L at Beth Israel First day of Passover.falls on the same day of THURSDAY, MAY 27 •P the week as Tisha B'av! r Walk-in Drop-in, 9: 30 a.m.

Sisterhood Adult Education, 10 a.m., & The second day of Passover falls On the holiday at Temple Israel of Shavuoth!

Religious School Committee Meeting, 6 p.m., A . at Temple Israel Day three, gifnel, of Passover corresponds to V the upcoming Rosh Hashanah (resh)!

All events held at the JCC unless otherwise Indicated. The

SL _.„_ _.„

cp Find out what's.

• going on at • www. Jewishomaha.org!

pharmacy \ lELxpress

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Jewish Press Is not responsible for the accuracy of the events.

To keep calendar accurate or for questions, call Martens Hart at 334-6437., -

COMMERCIAL

CIIYH RESIDENTIAL and

8037 H Street Omaha, NE 68127 (402)593-1242 COMPANY CUP & SAVE

E

The Sixth day of Passover always falls on the same day of the week as Purim in the month before.

The seventh day of Passover is the same day as Israel's Independence Day {ayin stands for Independence).

From the Moss Hagadah, written by David Moss.

Submitted by Mary Felhnan •

Two brothers from Gomel, Belarus, arrived on Chabad's Children of Chernobyl 41st flight, which commemorated the 13th anniversary of the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Since 1990, Chabad has brought 1728 children to Israel from regions contaminated by radiation. The disaster created an increase of. 200% in thyroid cancer and 83% increase in birth defects.

May 21,1999

SYNAGOGUES TEMPLE ISRAEL Member of tho Union of American Tlchcvw C

7023 Caw Strwt, Omaha, NJ3 68132 FttlDAY: Shnvuot services and Yizkor, lfcSO a.m.; Shabbat service, 8 p.m. Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Cantor Blum will officiate with members of the 12th grade graduating class. Oneg Shabbat will be sponsored by LeAnn and Larry Kelberg in honor of the Bar Mitzvah of their son, Matt, and by the parents of the graduates. High school graduation of Morgan Denny, Nikki Flatowicz, Jen Gates, Adam Schwartz and Amy Willensky.

SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An opportunity to learn Torah with the rabbis, 9:30-10:15 a.m.; Shabbat service, 10:30 ajn. Bar Mitzvah of Matt Kelberg, son of LeAnn and Larry Kelberg.

SITTER SERVICE Sitter Service is available Friday evening, Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the worship service, and Sunday mornings when there is Religious School. Cost is $2 per family. Make a reservation through the Temple office.

SUNDAY: Clean up Temple Israel Cemetery, 10 a.m. to noon, is Mitzvah of the Month. Call Susie Cohn, 697-1111, to volunteer.

ADULT EDUCATION WEDNESDAY: Last day of Midrashah, 10 ajn.. noon.

THURSDAY: Sisterhood Adult Education: Rabbi Stiel will teach "A Look at Myths, Rituals and Symbols and Their Role in Our Religion," 101130 ajn.; "Beginning Beyond Midrash, 6:50- 7:40 p.m.; "Beyond Midrash," 7:50-8:45 p.m., led by Don Schwartz.

FRTOAY, May 28: Ann Kibel Schwartz and Don Schwartz will be honored at an Oneg Shabbat following services, sponsored by the Women of Reform Judaism/Sisterhood and Men's Club.

25th (

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.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

afambtr of Oie Union uff " Orthodox J«wi*h Conewgntiont «f Amnrica 1602 No. 62iul St., Omuhft, NE «8104 55W1288 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: Morning service, 8:45 a.m.; Rabbi's class,- 7:55 p.m.; Mincha, 8:25 p.m.

SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m., Yizkor, 10:30 a.m.; Little People service, 10:15 a.m.; Jr. Congregation, 10:30 a j n . ; Kiddush Luncheon following services, by reservation only. Rabbi's class, 7:50 p.m.; Mincha, 8:20 pan., followed by Ma'ariv andHavdalah.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, 9:45a.m.; Mincha, 8:20 pan.

WEEKDAYS: Services, 7 aon.; Mincha, 8 3 0 pan.

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

CHABAD HOUSE An Agilliitn oft hu WortUwliUi <atabiul-j,nli»vilrh Mowmrnl

MWSo.130th St., Omaha, NE 68144 Phono: 330-1600 K-MA.lC-cIiabad@aol.cont WKBSITE:www.cIinbud.o<mlers«i>n>/<unalM Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman.

SHAVUOT FRIDAY: Special 10 Commandments/Torah reading; special program for children; dairy lunch following services; Mincha/Ma-'ariv, 8:20 pjn.

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Yizkor, 11 ajn.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8:20 p.m..

WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 7:30 p.m.

BEYTSHALOW AnASUlateof the.

FRIDAY: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. and 'End of School' service.

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 p.m. Open to all. •

PERSONALS The family of Dr. Daniel Miller, and Louise Abrahamson and family wish to extend their

7:15 ajn.

thanks and gratitude for the outpouring of beautiful words of condolence, cards and flowers in remembering Dan. Special thanks to Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Jennifer Blum of Temple and Rabbi Drazen and Rabbi Kripke of Beth El.

•

SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Rabbi Maximo Shechet, followed by Yizkor. Kiddush following services.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE FRIDAY: Services, 7:30 p.m. Discussion topic will be "How will Israel change with a new Prime Minister?" Oneg Shabbat, prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Knrland, will follow.

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUni STREET 1TMPLI3 Mcmbnr dftho Wi>i«s of Amcrfcw Hfteuw C«j«rti((Hil0im 2061 $. 20th St., Uncoln, NE 68508-4787 435-8004 Services officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser.

FRIDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pan., and Bat Mitzvah of Amanda Shur SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 ajn.; Torah study, 10:30 ajn.

SUNDAY: Hebrew School, 9 a.m.

PageS

CANDLEIIGHTING: 8:23 p.m.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at FRIDAY: Shacharit services, 9:30 a.m.; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 8 p.m. Confirmation of Dee Dee Bowers, Danielle Breslow and Hana Schwartzbach; Oneg Shabbat hosted by their parents.

SATURDAY: Shacharit services, IfcSO ajn.; Yizkor.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

To my dear family and friends: thank you for your kindness and concerns expressed during my recent stay in the hospital.

Phyllis Silberstein A very special thank-you to all of my relatives and friends for the beautiful flowers, cards and donations during my hospital stay. A special thanks to Rabbi Paul Drazen and Cantor Emil Berkovits.

Bette Alloy

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE Member of United Synagogues of Conservative Judaiam 11506 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..

SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 ajn.; Kiddush following; TSS (Torah Study Skills) 10 ajn.; Sitter service, lOajn.; Shabbat Story Time (pre-kindergarten and under) 11 ajn-; K'tantan (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, 830 p.m.

SHAVUOT: Saturday, May 22; Shaharit, 9-.30 a.m., Yizkor and dedication of memorial plaques and Torah mantles for the chapel; Minha/Ma'ariv, 8:45 p.m.

SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.

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

CANTORS THREE CONCERT The Annual Cantors Three Concert is Sunday, May 23, 7 p.m. at Beth El. Cantors Emil Berkovits, Leo Fettman, and Jennifer Blum as well as the combined choirs' of Beth El and Temple Israel, will present classic and contemporary Jewish music. ' USY FINAL BANQUET Thursday, May 27, 6:30 p.m.: new board officers will be installed and retiring board members will be honored.

I'nai Mitzvah David Aryeh Phillips, son of Dr. Eric and Mrs. I Julie Phillips, will celeI brate his Bar Mitzvah on I Saturday, May 29, at I Beth El Synagogue.

A seventh grade honor I student at Westside I Middle School, he enjoys (spending time with his j friends and family, and treading. He also plays I the trumpet.

David has two sisters, [Lilly and Eva, and a brother, Jacob.

Grandparents are Paul Forch and Marcia Liska, both of Lincoln.

Amanda Schur, daughter of Karen Schur and Brian Schur, will cele-1 brate her Bat Mitzvah on I Friday, May 21, at I Congregation B'nai [ Jeshuran in Lincoln, NE. An eighth-grader at I Pound Middle School, I she enjoys soccer, basket-1 ball and softball.

Amanda has a sister, | Maggie.

Grandparents a r e | Marge and Alan Ross of Lincoln, David Drake of Fremont and Sam Schur of St. Petersburg, FL. Great-grandmother is Esther Ross of Omaha.

Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 21,1999

Never too early for New Year's Mother's Day just passed, and today is Shavuot. Graduates are planning for college and job searches, but the Jewish Press has already discussed the New Year's issue.

Published on Sept. 10, 1999, it, will arrive in the mail Erev Rosh Hashanah, just in time to have something big and compelling to read during the Yom Tov weekend.

The theme for our 1999 issue is: Bagel and Central: Yesterday and Today.

That translates to an issue jampacked with stories and photos of the days when the majority of the Jewish community lived, worked and went to school east of 72nd Street. Bagel Hill (an area just west of Dundee and Memorial Park to just east of Fairacres) also means an emphasis on Central High School, and the old 'J.' Some long forgotten names might include: Paul Veret,

Road Show at Central, Jewish Philanthropies, AZA #100, Ner Tamid, the Jewish Youth Council, Rayim, the Zionist Council, and the hangin' out at the Townhouse, to name a few.

What does the Jewish Press want for this issue? Lots of photos, stories of Central High, BBYO, cruisin' Bagel, more photos, reunion photos, yearbook photos, stories from teachers and students (current Central High students, too-we haven't forgotten that Jewish teens still wear the purple and white!) and more photos!

Our deadline is August 1; that gives readers (in town and away) plenty of time to scour their memories and their basements for mementos of Road Show and Sweetheart Dances, write a short story about those days (and reunions now!) and get them to us in time to publish-and for all of us to enjoy!

VEAH,SURE TALKTO yoo LATER

'Give me your soul, not your gold!"

Political insights

by Kenneth W. Stein

Tel Aviv-Pre-election Israel provided a potpourri of stories, impressions and scenes; some were telling, others provocative, all interesting. Contrasts and intensity abounded. No one with whom I spoke is without at least one political opinion.

Most pundits agreed that this was a seminal election for Israel's future, a critical crossroads for defining Israel's soul. More people took off from work, participated in getting out to vote, donated money, and lent their cars than in any previous election over the last 20 years.

Among the majority secular Jews there was down-right fear for the domineering rule and growing arrogance of the fervently-Orthodox sectors.

Decades of bowing to their rules and decisions in the spheres of education, divorce, marriage and . burial rites finally came home to roost.

Just as the Sephardi community rose to prominence and helped the Likud unseat the Labor Party in 1977, this election, too, demonstrated a deeply-held frustration and disdain against the privileges the fervently-Orthodox have obtained from successive coalition governments.

On Sunday, in a small fourth floor room in a building overlooking the Museum of the Diaspora on the Tel Aviv University campus, two professors, three secretaries and one former ambassador huddled around the radio listening to the news that Center Party Candidate Yitzhak Mordechai had withdrawn from the race for Prime Minister.

On the grassy knolls below, students talked, hugged and smoked cigarettes in almost total oblivion to the glee and abject joy that was felt around the radio. A day before that, the first-ever Arab candidate for Prime Minister, Ahmed Bishara, withdrew his candidacy.

Then, as if Mordechai's withdrawal was not enough political excitement, Benny Begin, to the right of Netanyahu in the political spectrum, withdrew his candidacy hours later. Three candidates for Prime Minister threw in their towels within 24 hours, their common denominator: avoid another term for incumbent Netanyahu.

Despite the unrestrained eagerness to see Netanyahu's defeat, most remained wary, fearful that somehow Netanyahu's houdini-like political magic would find a way to snatch victory from

impending defeat. Everyone remembers election They compose 15% of the electorate and can offset night in May of 1996, when Israelis went to bed the votes of the religious interests, demanding convinced that Peres had won by several percent- funds and control over ministries that might otherage points, only to wake up to the reality that wise be earmarked for the fervently-Orthodox parNetanyahu had won by less than .5% of the votes. ties.

This election campaign was a referendum on Non-issues in this election were: the peace Netanyahu's record, character and ability to lead process, Arafat, electoral reform and Israel/Diathe nation. spora relations. A visiting American academic, in Virtually every newspaper editorial and the opin- tune with the negotiating process for a quarter ion piece lined up against Netanyahu; merciless is century, noted, "Israelis don't love Arafat, but they the only way to describe the media's continuous realize they need him. and vicious attacks on him. Close friends and "No Israeli went to the polls this time because members of his own party who had not yet defected they thought a candidate was going to be soft in from Likud over the last three years were doing so negotiations with the Arabs," he continued. "The in the weeks and days before the election. peace process is a non-issue."

No etiquette awards would be given for the level When Netanyahu claimed credit for Arafat not of discourse in this campaign. It was gutter-like; declaring a Palestinian state on May 4, few lislocker rooms are friendlier. Little verbal restraint tened. With Latin music and dancing only an ear was found; a virtual absence of accountability for shot away, and a breathtaking sun setting over a ethnic incitement existed. If remarks like this were Mediterranean waterfront eatery, a specialist on made in the United States by non-Jews against Middle Eastern politics asked, "With this setting, Jews, the ACLU and Anti-Defamation League why do we need Hebron?" would be justifiably appalled.

By Israel's election laws, it is the only country in In the dozens of conversations about the elec- the world where a Prime Minister directly elected tions, many other issues central to Israel's being, by the people can be removed from office by a its future and its people, evolved. Some were quite majority of the parliament, not for high crimes and misdemeanors, but simply because a parliamenintriguing.

The wife of a retired Israeli diplomat blurted out tary majority disagrees with his proposed educathat "Zionism is dead; so are gone many of the tional, welfare, or position on whether a cinema virtues that brought this country into being and should stay open on the Sabbath! protected it against several Arab onslaughts."

In my search to round up information and scholarship about current Israel Diaspora-Jewish rela"What did she mean?" I asked.

"It is Israelism" now. . .the collectively to which tions, most agreed that a majority of Israelis see we dedicated ourselves so wholeheartedly does not this as a non-issue as well. Few Israelis know anything about American Jewry, their religious pracresonate liked it used to.

Said another, "MacDonalds are more important tices, or their communal organization. than Maimonides."

Asked the learned editor of a prestigious publish"Thank God for the Chief Justice of the Supreme ing house, "Are Jews in the United States really Court," said a prominent book publisher. Without interested in Israel's history and troubles?"

Aharon Barak, there is a feeling that civil rights By contrast, said a burly immigrant from would have been trampled upon by religious Brooklyn, responsible for his kibbutz's security on authorities, especially with the Israeli parliament the Lebanese border, "Give me your soul not your paralyzed by a very small working majority and gold." the sense that Netanyahu gives the "religious" At Emory University, Kenneth W. Stein is the whatever they want.

William E. Schatten Professor of Contemporary This election saw the coming of age of recent Middle Eastern History and Israeli Studies. This Russian immigrants as a major political force. was Stein's twenty-fifth visit to Israel.

THE JEWISH PRESS â&#x20AC;˘

(Founded in 1920)

The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting

communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. â&#x20AC;˘AJ/?A- Jewish Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish

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

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

Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So; 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154; Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-334-5422; E-mail <gshpress@aol.com>

Steve Levlnger Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chief Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Fronkel Rocky Stem Sales representatives Jenlna E. Sadofsky Bookkeeper Jen Gates Production Assistant George Schoplro Volunteer

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Lloyd Roitstein, Vice Chairman; Fred Tichauer, Treasurer; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary; Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; Linda Saltzraan; 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 21,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 5

Election reflections

Letters to the Editor

by Teddy Weinberger I voted for Barak because we need to move the Dedicated in loping memory of my grandfatherin-law, Abraham Rosenthal, upon the completion of peace process along. Netanyahu's tenure was a the shloshim (30-day) mourning period.

• •• • .. necessary holding pattern in response to Rabin's ' Election day in Israel felt like a good old American assassination, but now we're ready to move forSunday: everyone was off, and yet I was not involved ward. Barak's long years in the military (like in either the observance of or the preparation for a Rabin's) suggest that we will not move forward religious holiday. Much of the country seemed in a recklessly. festive mood, and a whopping 90% of Israelis who Israelis jokingly like to say that their biggest live here cast votes in the elections. decision on election day comes at 10 p.m. when . Of course, given the various religious parties, they have to decide whether to watch Israel religion could not be completely forgotten on this Television Channel #1 or #2.

It is then that both stations reveal the results of day (in fact, one party's slogan equated a vote for Netanyahu with a vote for Judaism). And I must their exit polls. They each use about 90 polling admit that the act itself of voting for the first time places around the country upon which to base thenfor the Prime Minister and the Knesset of the results. In Israel, exit polls are done through the State of Israel had for me some kind of religious use)»f replica polling booths. Voters leaving the real polling stations are asked to step inside the import.

I felt privileged to be doing something important replica polling booths and asked to vote exactly as they had voted. in the life of my people.

Among the things that surprised me going To be sure, the voting itself took hardly any time.

I,was given"two envelopes, one yellow and one through Israeli elections for the first time: the amount of children (grade school through high blue, and proceeded to the voting booth.

I put a yellow slip of paper with the name "Ehud school) out there on the streets and on highway Barak" on it into the yellow envelope, and I put a intersections (some volunteering, some paid a white slip of paper with the word "emet" (truth) on small hourly wage) carrying political banners and it (the voting name for the One Israel Party of handing out leaflets and bumper stickers.

Other surprises included: seeing a Prime Labor, Gesher and Meimad) and put it into the Minister exchange vicious insults with his former blue envelope. .

That was it: no referenda to read, no judges to Defense Minister (turned political rival); the clearpick, no zoning ordinances to peruse. Neverthe- . ly biased news coverage in Ha'aretz (the closest less, I stood in the booth for a minute or two more, thing Israel has to the New York Times) against looking over the array of 31 (!) other white slips of Netanyahu (not to mention the opinion pages of the paper, which occasionally used phrases like party symbols for the Knesset.

Later in the day, Sarah was to pick one of these "stupid idiot? or "lying thief to describe the Prime other white slips (one that stood for the National Minister); beginning election day with the rabbi of Givat Ze'ev reciting a Psalm to pray that the elecReligious Party) for her blue envelope (Barak went tions should be for the good of the Jewish people. . into her yellow envelope).

While the Rabbi, who is a fervent proponent of I t s no big deal here to reveal your ballot choice.

Unlike in the States, the question, "Who are you the Greater Land of Israel, was probably hoping voting for?" is not considered gauche (more surpris- that Netanyahu would pull out a victory, I would ingly, neither.is the question, "How much did you like to think that in the coming months he will see that his prayer was answered. pay for your house").

To the Editor: \ I am seeking family of my great aunt Dora (maiden name: Paul), who married and moved to Omaha, NE, circa 1915. A long-lost branch of my family tree, my father's father .Abraham Paul, came from t h e region near Kiev (possibly Vasil'kov, like his wife) about 1904. His was preceded to the U.S. by his brother, Harry Paul, in about 1902.

Harry paid for the ticket of Abraham and his mother, Chaya (Americanized to "Clara"), who waited in England. There was only one other sibling that came to America, a sister, Dora, born about 1880-90. They all lived in New York.

Family lore has it that she married and moved to Omaha, NE, just before World War I; her married name is unknown. "Paul" is a shortening of the Russian Jewish surname. I don't know the original name, possibly something like Pavlofsky or Pavlov.

Her father's name was Sholem Leib; there are family stories that he was a rancher, and possibly ended up in .Ekaterinoslav/Dnepropetrovsk. His sons in this country, Harry and Abraham, were both butchers, so there is likely to be some truth to this story. There were several other sons, but none came to this country—only a nephew of Harry, Dora, and Abraham, who settled on the West Coast with the surname Phillips.

If any of this sounds familiar to you, please contact me. .

• Jay Paul • jpaul@psg.ucsf.edu (e-mail) UCSF-CAPS 74 New Montgomery St., Suite 502 San Francisco, CA 94105 1-415-597-9201 (wrk) 1-415-597-9125 (fax) To the Editor: As Rabbi Raskas' article in the May 14 issue points out so well, the Jewish community has not been immune to millennial fever in the past and probably won't be this year <and next) either.

It was with:such thoughts in mind that we Israelis vote for change planned the 12th annual Klutznick Symposium on Sunday, Oct. 10, and Monday, Oct. 11, around this (Continued from page 1) •Yisrael Ba'Aliyah, the immigrants rights party theme: "The End of Days? Millennialism from the •Shinui, a new party that says all fervently '•.'...'

Orthodox parties should be kept out of the next gov- headed by Natan Sharansky, was estimated to Hebrew Bible to the Present." have won six or seven seats. It has seven in the ernment, will have six seats in the new Knesset; A number of the top scholars in the field, includ. ing several associated with Boston University's •The Center Party, the new grouping headed by outgoing Knesset; ; •The Arab partiestogetherwill have six or.seven seats; Center for Millennial Studies (whose director, Yitzhak Mordechai, who dropped out of the race for •The National Religious Party will have five or Richard Landes, was quoted in the Raskas article), prime minister a day before elections, will have six seats, compared to nine in the outgoing will be here. It is certain to be a provocative, wide-, five or six seats; ranging and informative program.

Knesset; and For more information or to arrange a presenta•The Pnina Rosenblum Party, named for its tion for your organization by one of our speakers, ALOMA PICASSO'S DAISIES Leonard Greenspoon, founder, a cosmetics mag- call me at 280-2304.

By Raloma Picasso, from our collection of Tiffany jewelry.

Chairholder, Philip M. and Ethel Klutznick nate, will get two seats.

"Daisy" designs in sterling silver and eighteen karat gold.

Chair in Jewish Civilization, Creighton University Starting at $125.00

OUR ANNUAL HEALTH ISSUE is 'Nothing to Sneeze About'

Publishes July 9 This issue will feature articles and ads relating to people in the health profession.

Advertisers, please note: We must have your space reservation by June 18.

Call: J

E

W

E

L

E

Established 1888 1408 HARNEY STREET OMAHA 402-342-2611 • 800-888-9542 HOURS y o n , Tues, Wed & Fn 9:30-6pm • Thurs &.30-7pm • Sat 10-3:30pm

Larry Axelrod

Rocky Stern

Barbara Frankel

Advertising Manager

Sales' Representative

Sales Representative

334-6451

393-4952

333-7920

Page 6

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 21,1999

PEOPLE WHO READ NEWSPAPERS ARE

STUDENTS WITH BETTER GRADES It all starts with Newspapers

Readers Are Leaders Position Open for Jewish Program Associate The JCC has a part-time position open for someone who wants to make a difference in the Omaha Jewish community. The ideal person should be enthusiastic about working with a wide range of individuals in the community and providing high quality Jewish experiences for a variety of age groups.

If you are interested in discussing this further, please contact either Corey Kirshenbaum, 334-6418 or Jeff Aizenberg, 334-6417.

Jewish Community Center of Omaha 333 S. 132 St, Omaha, NE 68IS4 .

EJ

SCHOOI IOCML,

An Independent School Dedicated Specifically to Educating Bright Students with Specialized Learning Needs NOW ENROLLING • Summer Programs & 1999/2000 school year • ID/Dyslexia; Gifted; ADD/ADHD • Grades 1-9, COED; 6:1 Student Teacher Ratio • Success Oriented to Enhance Self-Esteem 832 North State St., P.O. Box 467, Elknorn, NE' 402-269-0899

ISOUTIQI/I: W e s t r o a d s Mall 10000 CALIFORNIA ST. 1 ' >OMAHA,NE. 68114 ' Specialty Boutique for Women

(402)397-5633 Change Into Qomdhinq DlUeimi •Schollman's Beautiful Decorative Cabinet, Door & Bath Hardware Supplies ( ; HOURS: Mon-Fri 8-5; Sat 8-noon SchoUmaa's your personal hardware consultant

593-9210 8425 "F" St. (across from Acura) ..•:'.

re-established, 1998

Please give us the following information: NAME OLD ADDRESS CITY, STATE .ZIP (Or, attach your mailing label) NEW ADDRESS CITY, STATE, ZIP NEW PHONE Effective Date__

: •

If moving out of town, please check one: Discontinue Press •,. Bill me full-time college student.

Mall this coupon 3 weeks in advance to: The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd S t , Omaha, NE 68154

Devastating tornado (Continued from page 1) , "The only portion of my house still standing was the wall I had been leaning on. The rest of the house! exploded. It was pouring rain and I thought that maybe I could get to my car that had been parked in the driveway. But it was smashed in, blown over on top of some rubble," she said.

Franklin, the divorced mother^of a nine^year-old daughter who was out of state when the storm hit, is believed to have been only one of 2,400 Jews in greater Oklahoma City to lose a home in the explosive tornadoes. The storms killed,more than 45 in Oklahoma and Kansas and were among the most powerful on record, with wjnds .of more than 300 miles an hour. The largest twister formed about 45 miles southwest of Oklahoma City, stayed on the ground for four hours and cut a path of destruction at least a half-mile wide.

Franklin, a substitute teacher, ran to one of the few homes standing on this block southeast of Oklahoma City, borrowed a pair of shoes, sweat pants and a t-shirt, and joined other neighbors in running from the area because of the smell of gas.

About four hours after the tornadoes hit, Rabbi Ovadia Goldman of the Chabad Jewish Center of Greater Oklahoma City said he received a call from a relief organization asking for materials for displaced children - baby bottles, formula, diapers, blankets and toys. He took what he had in his home and the Chabad Center, called two other families for whatever they could spare, and spent two hours dropping off the articles at five shelters.

Rabbi Richard Marcovitz of the community's Conservative congregation, Emanuel Synagogue, said he opened the synagogue Monday night for anyone seeking shelter. He spent the next morning calling members of his 300-family congregation to see how they were. He learned that Franklin was the only member to lose her home.

"Another congregant said she had literally watched the tornado pass over her house," he said.

Rabbi David Packman of Temple B'nai Israel said he also spent the morning calling every family of his 400-family Reform congregation to make sure they were all safe.

"We had twa families who were.attending a highschool performance with their children when the tornado hit," he said. "The high school was devastated, but they remained in the brick-walled auditorium and were saved. When they came out after the storm had passed, they saw that all 150 cars in the parking lot had been destroyed and that there was a huge dead horse in the lot that had been carried about 20 miles by the storm."

None of the synagogues sustained any damage in the storm. Neither did .the offices of the Jewish Federation of Greater Oklahoma City, according to its executive director, Edie Roodman.

"The tornado was five miles from my home, six miles from the office," she said. "I could actually hear it, but we had no damage. My daughter, and her high school classmates had started a relief campaign for Kosovo, but last night she said they would have to change the focus and provide relief' for our own community."

Franklin returned to her neighborhood but authorities kept her three blocks from her home.

"They won't let anybody in because they said it's a disaster area," she said.

She later met a friend from the congregation, Eileen Chevalier, who invited her to stay with her family. Chevalier said she, her husband and their H-month-old daughter were at a restaurant in suburban Midwest City when the tornado hit.

Franklin said the Jewish federation has offered her money to buy clothes and that others in the Jewish community have rallied to help her.

"Everybody knows [about me]," she said.

"Everybody is asking what do I need. It's a wonderful community.. I have been left with a pair of underwear and a nightgown, but I'm alive. Ifs a blessing." ' Send donations for tornado relief to: • Jewish Federation of Omaha . attn: Edie Roodman, Ex. Dir. 710 W.Wilshire, SuiteS Oklahoma City, OK 73116 "" .

•American Red Cross 601S.E.24St. Oklahoma City, OK 73104 • B'nai B'rith Tornado Relief Fund 1640 Rhode Island Ave, NW Washington, D.C. 20036 ;

Wine, Sukiennik attend Aging Symposium in Washington

Lois Wine, left, and Marlene Sukiennik recently, attended the Associates of Jewish Homes and Services for the Aging Symposium in Washington, D.C. They brought with them a display of Jewish Senior Services activities in Omaha, prepared by Wine and Joan Bernstein. Wine also served as Program Co-chairman and served on the fundraising committee for the symposium; she was elected to AJHSA's national board of directors for a two-year term.

JSSandRBJH to honor volunteers and L.O.V.E. Jewish Senior Services and the Rose Blumkin Jewish'Home will sponsor a volunteer recognition luncheon on Sunday, June 6, at 12 noon, in the Jewish Community Center auditorium. Incoming officers and "board members of L.O.V.E. (League Offering Volunteers to the Elderly) will also be installed.

Residents of the Home will be guests at the luncheon, along with more than 150 volunteers, who are asked to make reservations with Zoe Riekes, chairperson1, at 493-7890. Others may attend by sending a check for $8 to Riekes at 1335 No. 129th Circle, Omaha, NE 68154.

Bright Chicks to perform next month

Though the Five Bright Chicks iB now four, the group will perform "Negative Space: Are You Positive?" on June 4, 5, 11 and 12 at 8 pan. at McFoster's Natural Kind Cafe.

"We decided to explore the meaning of negative space after Lucy moved out of town," said Peggy • Reinecke, referring to Lucy Duncan, one of the original Five Bright Chicks and owner of the Story Monkey Book Store, who recently moved,to Philadelphia. "Whenever someone or something is removed from the world, the space left can be viewed in either a negative or positive way. This is what we examine in our stories: the poignant, surprising and sometimes hilarious ways that loss affects our lives." '. In addition to Reineke, members of the Bright Chicks include Vicki Baines, Ozzie Nogg and Rita Paskowitz. "Negative Space: Are You Positive?" is for mature audiences. Ticket prices are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. For reservations and information, call 558-0864.

May 21,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 7

Shavuot and vegetarianism

by Richard H. Schwartz

There are many connections between vegetarianism and the Jewish festival of Shavuot: Shavuot is described as z'man matan Toratejiu (the season of the giving of our law (the Torah). It is this Torah that has in its very first chapter God's original, strictly vegetarian, dietary law: "And God said: 'Behold, I have given you every herb yielding seed which is on the face of all the earth, and every . tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed—to you it shall be for food." (Genesis 1:29).

To honor the Torah, many Jews stay up the entire first night of Shavuot to study Torah teachings. It is some of these teachings—to guard our health and our lives, to treat animals with compassion, to share with hungry people, to protect the environment, and to conserve natural resources— that are the basis for Jewish vegetarianism.

Shavuot is also known as "Chag Hakatzir" (the Harvest Festival), since it climaxes the year's first harvest. Hence, it can remind us that many more people can be sustained on vegetarian diets than on animal-centered diets. While the Torah stresses that farmers are to leave the corners of their fields and the gleanings of their harvests for the hungry, over 70% of the grain grown in the United States is fed to animals destined for slaughter, as 15 to 20 million people worldwide die annually because of hunger and its effects. < The Talmudic sages also referred to Shavuot as "Atzeret" (the closing festival of Passover). This name implies not only that Shavuot completes the harvest begun at Passover time, but also suggests that the Torah completes the physical liberation celebrated during Passover.

Yet, while the Torah has many teachings on compassion'toward animals and indicates, as part of the Ten Commandments, that animals are also to be able to rest on the Sabbath day, most farm animals are kept in cramped confined spaces where they are denied exercise, fresh air, sunlight and the fulfillment of their instinctual needs.

There are several other Torah teachings that are seriously violated by animal-based diets: a) While the Torah mandates that people should be very careful about preserving their health and their lives (Deuteronomy: 4-9, 4-15), animal-centered diets have been linked to heart disease,, stroke, several forms of cancer and other illnesses. b) While many Torah teachings are concerned with protecting the environment, modern intensive animal agriculture results in soil erosion.and depletion, extensive air and water pollution related to chemical fertilizer and pesticides and the destruction of tropical rain forests and other habitats. c) While the Torah mandates bal tashchit, (Deuteronomy 20:19, 20) that we are not to waste or unnecessarily destroy anything of yalue t livestock agriculture requires the wasteful use of food,' land, water, energy and other resources.

Shavuot is a festival of thanksgiving to the Creator for His kindness. The full Hallel, psalms of praise and thanksgiving from Psalm 113 to 118, are chanted during morning synagogue services;

Since one must be in good health and have a clear conscience in order to fully rejoice and be thankful, the many health benefits of vegetarian diets and the knowledge that such diets are not harmful to hungry people or animals are. factors that can enhance thankfulness.

On Shavuot, Jews read the Book of Ruth in synagogues. One reason is that its barley-harvest setting echoes the.harvest just ending as Shavuot arrives.

One of ftuth'a outstanding attributes was her acts of kindness; Vegetarianism is a way of showing kindness, because it best shares food-with hungry people and it doesn't inyolve the mistreatment and death of animals.

The Book of Ruth begins with Naomi, Ruth's futureinother-in-law, and her family leaving Israel because of a severe famine. Today, major shortages of food in the near future are being predicted by the WorldWatch Institute, a Washington, D.C., think tank, and others, and one major reason is that people in China, Japan, India and other countries where affluence has been increasing, are moving to animal-centered diets that require vast amounts of grain. ' .

The Book of Ruth indicates that Naomi's family suffered the death of her husband and two sons because the family fled in the time of famine rather than using their leadership to help others hi : need.

In contrast to this selfish act, vegetarianism considers not only personal well being, but also encompasses broader concerns, including the global environment, the world's hungry people, animals and the efficient use of the world's resources.

According to the Talmud, Shavuot is the day of judgment for fruit trees^and there is an obligation to pray for them. Yet^tb create pasture land for cattle, tropical forests are being rapidly destroyed.

The production of just one'quarter-pound fast food hamburger can require the destruction of almost 55 square feet of tropical rain forest along with much animal and plant life.

Shavuot involves the highest spiritual teachings (the revelation of the Torah on Mount Sinai) and down-to-earth considerations—the wheat harvest and the offering of the first fruits in the Temple.

This reminds us that, ideally, we should relate heaven to earth and translate the Divine laws to our daily lives. Vegetarianism is an attempt to do this because it applies Torah teaching to our sustenance needs.

In view of these and other connections, I hope Jews will enhance their celebrations of the beautiful and spiritually meaningful holiday of Shavuot by making it a time to begin striving even harder to live up to Judaism's highest moral values and teachings by moving toward a vegetarian diet.

Excellent Quality Construction Residential and Commercial

Dennis A. Turnbull CONTRACTOR 402-331-0888 11045 "O" St. Omaha, NE 68137

EXPERT FUTURE FRAMING Sv7/ Carol A. Llndhlem OWNER Wwirtdg. Shopping Cwitw 132ndftW. Dodg* Rd. 4 9 3 - 3 8 9 3

Bobbi Bobbi Bobbi ..A Name Worth Repeating ..A Realtor Worth Calling

496-7499 BOBBI LEIBOWITZ Prudential Ambassador Deal Estate Mn?| 49.1 irast

SEASON TICKETS 1999-2000 SEASON Adults $95 • After May 31, $111

Richard H. Schwartz is Professor Emeritus, Mathematics, a t t h e College of Staten Island

and the author of Judaism and Vegetarianism, Judaism and Global Survival, and Mathematics and Global Survival.

The Vlng Quartet

Oldttmers/ Y.E.S. Review

Soprano Wednesday, Oct. 13,1999 Tuesday, Nov. 16,1999

by Art Grossman

God could not be everywhere, so He created moth• ers.

:

•

•

EUztbctb Fntral

. • : . ' . - . -

On May 10, the OT/Y.E.S. recognized that blessing and celebrated Mother's Day with more than 100 mothers, grandbubbies and great-grandbubbies in attendance. We honored the mothers with a three-shalom salute. .

The dining room was festooned with balloons and Israeli flags. Apologies were in order because of the necessity of serving on paper plates due to the water supply at the JCC being turned off during building construction that day.

We reinstated the Mitzvah Box, which will be brought out on special celebrations, as it was oh this day. The box is for contributions which will eventually support worthy causes. However, it does not

replace the regular donations for memorable or humanitarian purposes and for which acknowledgments are mailed to donors.

Entertainment was provided by the Rockin* Cloggers, eight senior accomplished ladies who rattled the walls with then- clog shoe dances. .

At the Early Bird group, discussions centered on Omaha's school bond election, the bombing of the Chinese Embassy in Yugoslavia, Israel's forthcoming Knesset election and the -United states Congress locking in on more gun control. .

Also mentioned was the Governor's Conference on Aging, which is to conve'ne May 24-26 at the Ramada Inn in Kearney. There is a need to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. : Shalom. . ,

Midori

Relene Grimand

WoHn Piano Tuesday, March 14, 2000 Tuesday, April 25,2000 •

All Concerts 8PM

JOSLYN ART MUSEUM WITHERSPOON CONCERT HALL 2200DodgeSt.

.

CiUorwrite

TUESDAY MUSICAL CONCERT SERIES : F.0.Box6132

OmahLNE 681064312

Page 8 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE May HI, 1909)

Mary Kay Davis was installed as President of Friends of Planned Parenthood at the organization's recent annual dinner. The auxiliary also presented a check for $57,000 to Planned Parenthood of Omaha-Council Bluffs to support family planning and educational services.

Dr. Benton Kutler of Omaha was elected President of the Nebraska I Dental Association at its I recent annual meeting.

He is a general dentist I and a member of the} Nebraska Dental Hall of | Fame.

Y.E.S. Members will meet Monday at the JCC. English as a second language for new American's 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 Remer at 10:30 a.m. Bring articles to share for the "YES Talk" discussion group, led by Art Grossman, at 11 a.m. Following lunch at noon, Dick Garner from Channel 7, 7 Can Help, will speak. For transportation, call 330-4272.

The following eighth-grade students were honored at the 16th annual scholarship luncheon sponsored by Rotary Club: Lauren Freeman, Dr. Joel Gordon will lecture on "Hollywood on daughter of Robyn and Rob Freeman; Rebekah the Nile: 100 Years of Egyptian Cinema" on June Phillips, daughter of Joan and Richard Phillips; 4, 7 p.m., in the Joslyn Museum concert hall. The WALK-EN, DROP-IN There will be no meeting Thursday. For those and Allison Willensky, daughter of Audi and lecture is in conjunction with Joslyn's exhibit David Willensky. Andrew Halperin, son of Carol Searching for Ancient Egypt and the film series members going on the trip to Bluffs Run Casino, and Howard Halperin, was honored as a 1998-99 Mummies, Curses and Modern Cairo: Egypt on theplease meet at the JCC by 8:45 a.m.

Senior Scholarship recipient.

Silver Screen. Gordon is Assistant Professor of RUSSIANCLUB History at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Members will meet Friday, May 28, at the JCC. David Rennard, son of Barbara and Steven Admission is free for the opening lecture.

At 10:15 a.m., a day trip is planned to see the Rennard, was named to the Omaha World-Herald All-State Academic Team. A 1999 graduate of All About Omaha, an organization aimed at unit- exhibit "Searching for Ancient Egypt" at the Joslyn Central High School, he will attend Harvard ing young leaders through social networking and Art. Museum. Cost of $8.50 includes lunch, admisUniversity this fall. ' civic commitment, will attend Farewell Fillmore sion to museum and transportation. Call Lydia Others honored included: Andrew Halperin, High on Saturday, May 22, 7 p.m., at Stage West. Linde at 697-9169. son of Carpi and Howard Halperin; Mark Javitch, Meet retired Gen. Lee Butler, U.S.A.F., on June 5, VISIONS son of Karen and Gary Javitch; and David Rosen, 1-3 p.m., at the Omaha Chamber of Commerce. For Tour Joslyn Art Museum to see the exhibit son of Margo and Bill Rosen, all graduates of more information, call founder Dana Cohn, 391"Searching for Ancient'Egypt" on June 16. At noon, Westside High School, and Eric Hamburg, a 3615. dine in the Atrium, Cafe Durham (lunch is on your graduate of Burke High School and son of Andrea Friends of the Omaha Public Library will hold itsown). At 1 p.m., tour the exhibit. For reservations, and Marc Hamburg,.

June Book Sale on June 10-12, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., send form by June 7 to Jean Elkon, 1005 N. 63rd Named key staffers were: Melissa Shapiro, at Swanson Library, 90th and Dodge. Proceeds will St., Omaha, NE 68132/Cost is $6.50; $3. if you are daughter of Sherry and Larry Shapiro, and Brian benefit the Omaha a Joslyn member. Make check payable to Jewish Public Libraries.

Joseph, son of Sharon and Les Joseph. Herzog Senior Services. ' also received a Kiewit Distinguished Scholar Baseball and B.B.Q. on Thursday, June 24. Cost Award; Halperin was named Outstanding Scholar. is $11 and includes dinner and ball game ticket.

Dinner at the Stadium View Club at 5:30 p.m.

Eli Lewis, a ninth-grader at Fuchs Bet Sefer Following dinner, cheer on the Golden Spikes as GOODMAN/LAYErN Mizrachi School in Cleveland, was the first-place Andrea Goodman, daughter of Arlene Cohen and they play the Edmonton Trappers at 7:05 p.m. For winner of a community-wide art and creative writreservations, send form to Harry Alloy, 11317 Robert Goodman of Oma-I ing contest for- Yom Harney Plaza Circle, Omaha, NE 68154. Make ha; and Bently Laytin,I HaShoah on the themeU check payable to Jewish Senior Services. son of Eileen and Richard I "Out of Darkness and int Join us at the Brownville Concert Hall to see Laytin of Scotts-dale, AZ, I the Light." His drawingl Mary Cleere Haran with Richard Rodney Bennett have announced theirj was displayed at B'nail on Sunday, July 25. Show starts at 3 p.m. Depart engagement. , Jeshuran Congregation! from the JCC at-1 p.m. and return approximately The bride-to-be is a I where, the Holocaust! at 8 p.m. Cost of $35 includes show, coach transgraduate of the Universi-1 Remembrance Commem-| portation, dinner at Farmer Brown's Steak House, ty of Kansas and is an [ oration was held. tax and tip. For reservations, send form to Rosalie insurance agent with I and Maurie Meiches, 5036 Parker St., Omaha, NE He is the son of Dr. I Flagstaff Insurance in | 68104 by June 11. Make check payable to Jewish Justin and Ann Lewis of I Flagstaff, AZ. Senior Services.

Cleveland, OH, and the[ She is the granddaugh- • grandson of Sarah Lewis of I ter of Geri and Iraf HADASSAH Omaha and the late Lou [ Tractenbarg and the late Delma and Sam The Omaha Chapter of Hadassah will honor Lewis, and Uszer and Goodman.

Her fiancee graduate cum laude from Salve Corinne Levin and Helen Brodkey at its annual • Ryfka Warszawski of Cleveland.

Regina University in Newport, R.I. He is an HIES Luncheon and fashion show on Tuesday, Rita Paskowitz will tell a series of stories in adjuster-in-charge with Crawford and Company, May 25, 11:30 a.m., at Happy Hollow Country which the audience plays a part on June 5,11 a.m.,> also in Flagstaff.

Club. For reservations, call Dory Mawyer at 493at the Joslyn Museum as part of the Show Me a • He is the grandson of Regina Miranda and the 9510.

• Story exhibition. Admission is free. late Fred Miranda, and the late Dorothy and Sonny Laytin.

Jordana Nissen graduated from the University A Sept. 5 wedding is planned at the Marriott of Nebraska at Omaha with an M.A. in English.

Hotel in Omaha. .:

Engagement

Jordana and Bart Nissen announce the April 9 birth of their son, Joshua David.

Joshua has two brothers, Brett and Aaron, .and a sister, Sydney.

Grandparents are Ellie and Stan Kurtzman of Sunrise, FL, and Barbara Poldervaart of Orlando, FL.

CUSTOM FRAMING - ART GALLERIES Framing Specialists and more...

Original Works Lithographs Limited Editions Etchings Poster Art

REPRESENTING: •Greenwich Woikshop •Mill Pond Press •Hadley Companies •P. Buckley Moss & many others

• 2770 S. 129 Avo. tlontclalr Shopping Ctr.

the Women of Reform Judaism, Omaha Section & Temple Israel's Men's Club •

•

.

•

•

'

.

/

•

.

-

•

•

'

•

'

invite you to an Oneg in honor of I Ann Kibel Schwartz and Don Schwartz

. Friday, May 28, 8 p.m. at Temple Israel

May 21,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9

1500 attend 45th annual B'nai B'rith Sports Banquet

Jiin Farber, right, read the inscription on the Community Leadership Award before'presenting it to Don Leahy, Assistant Athletic Director for Special Projects at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Judd Davies accepted the 1999 Bert Render Memorial Award as Outstanding Male Athlete in the Metro Conference. He will attend UNL.

Ja'Nae' Mosley accepted the 1999 Earl Siegel Memorial Award as the Outstanding Female Athlete in the Metro Conference. She will attend Drake University on a basketball scholarship.

Special guest Roy Firestone entertained the crowd of more than 1500 with a fantastic array of impressions, ranging from Frank Sinatra to Mike Tyson. Firestone is host of ESPN's Up Close Prime Time show.

David Goldstein served as Roastmaster for the evening. Proceeds from the annual event benefit B'nai B'rith projects and BBYO. Photos by Howard K. Marcus

Rockbrook Dist 66 — 2324 S. 102nd

ELECTION 1999 INFORMATION

Alan & Marty Cohen CBS HOME Real Estate

for the Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Center of Excellence

JOINT ANNUAL MEETING

"Continuing a Tradition"

Monday, June 7,1999,7:30 p.m.

690-1591

Jewish Community Center, 333 South 132nd Street

or

677-2524

NOTE: Nocniralloiur^iiddlilorirucnndlilniHrtwrf^ byilkullSFedcratitinrncrnbcnnrHjrilcd with theItijcrntlim Sccrelnry nti Inlcr thnn Mny2R. 19W. Itecnndidntes mutt endorse the JWlion.

•

•

•

.

.

.

,

•

•

-

.

Nominees u presented by the Federatlim mid Ccnlcr i.f Excellence Nomlnallng Cummlllccs: JEWISH FEDERATION OFOMAHA

The renowned Omaha architect John Offutt created this incredible modern home in 1962, when the revival of the Frank Lloyd Wright style of home was at its height... a time when one could afford to build a home with truly expensive materials and unique features such as: flagstone floors, beamed wood ceilings, walnut paneling, spiral staircase, 16' ceilings, ceramic baths, skylights. There's over 650 square feet of bilevel cedar decking with the most spectacular view of woods & nature. This almost4000-square-foot 5BR 6BA extremely livable home is realistically priced at $279,950

Paul Kottich, Dan Birgeand Ed Jones Invite You To...

Eagle Men's AN EXCITING Apparel MEN'S STORE In Store Tailoring & (treat Service

FEATURING BUSINESS AND ACCESSORY ITEMS

2nd YEAR CELEBRATION THE EAGLE IS IN OUR SECOND YEAR Come Celebrate Our Second Year In Business

STORE HOURS: Mon & Th, 10 o.m.-8 p.m.

T-W-F, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.

Sat, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.

EAGLE RUN SQUARE

129th & Maple 431-1810

KINGSRIDGE SUITS

R6G. *450°° NOW, $ 359 M !

B I L L BLASS SPORTCOATS

REG. I 3 2 5 G ° NOW » 2 5 9 M !

NICKLAUS GOLF APPAREL

20% OFF!

PALLESCO ITALIAN DRESS PANTS

2 0 % OFF!

ADDITIONAL SAVINGS STOREWIDEI

OFFICERS Ik CHAIRMEN) PmUcot ....'.

Pruldent Qiecl....Vk« Praldert ..

-

HowMd KIK.|W •• IH'ireit Knillrr .Dnhhle Fplcin Riihert l^rp y . _ .JmSchnelderman Fid Pnrldenl T.im Feltam Campaign Chairmen i....JIBCI Alpercnn Jain Kelman* Nancy Noddle PxHjndalJoa Chairman,...~...~ '• .....__......,.»

Michael l!rm!n Budget and Allocaltona Chairman Amikl Weltr.

BuMog and Oroandi Chairman ....

-...: Sorin J j«ler Marketing Commlllee Co-Chalrmen. Mergn Rlrkci A Jtn SclinrltWinnn YDUflfltwbhOmihiClulinlin...:..: .'tUclcnriKlkcy In»lCoOulnn«i • DnhMe l!|»uln * ftrml Knjllcr JnrUi Pnu dulmin :..-...Uoyd Rnlmcin Pluuilnl A BvaliuUan Co<Hiainnen Martin Shukerl A Rnhcrt Un> JEWISH COMMUNITY CENTER OFFICERS: RreiWtot.

Miik Saiif.inl PmldcnlEIecl...

Rlchwt] ]sit.l>H>n Vk» Pntkknl ~ ..-.

"My 1'f «kln Vk» Prc.kJ.nl ; Rmnne Kihn VkwPmkkRt.: lttt Klnhcnhauni PHI Pniiiknl SJtr> I'iiU.r ELECTED BOARD MEMBERS! • ' (Tmnt Mdlfll 2000) Dob Belgrade, D>vU J>n)hlon. Ctn>l I W i w . lalU PbUllia, Muy Rldi. Tan Vun. (Tennl <0dlD| 2001) Tom Biker. Ben BetauM.Wenly (Wclhti,. IVn OoldiKin, Soda Jntw, Liny Kelton., Sieve U«b|er. Jinle Murtiw.

M n U FlUor. Xinberir RoMnon, Ssunna Slniti. Nancy Wolr. Jtmk Zacbarla.

(Ttrau cndlnl 2002) John Lchr, Bruce Shackmin.

(Appointed Botrd Memhcn) Taut Ccihen, Dchhl Dmwn. Maiv Ivliknv.

Norm Sheldon.

AUUCRC OFFlCHRSi Pmldal. .

W » PraU.nl VkaPraVkn

Ann tlokliteln 'iiraJinlcr Mlml Wildliaum .

Urry RaTuI IrvYarte rTerra aodlng 1999) Jill Belmont. Joe Erman. Larry Oendler. Rmame lloberman. Miuric Kitiman. Boh Kolly, Su>an Uhr, Denny U « k Btrnlt Merer.. Bob Niwmin. Unda Novak.

(Terra tndlni 1000) Mark Belmont. Al Crounie. David Klllmky.

Bocky Omnherf. Oary Javltch, I Jia Uwl.. Migila Feck. Anne Soackovu, Syhla Wagner.

JP.WISII FAMILY SERVICE OFFICER!!: rreiklenl „ Prink Plltowici Secieliry '.

Slin Milcbell Immtdlue r»t rreiUenl Glori. Kukm ELECTED BOARD MEMBKRS: (renni ending 1999) FJyce Aaiel, Doh Oerellck, Donna Oreenderf, Zoe Rlikei. Shell! R o m Sink Sh)ken. Andl Wlllensky.

(IVrini tixlinj !I»KI] Vtckl Flu, Jo Ann Hill. S m Jluler. Steven Xohn.

Scnll Ullky. Vicki Sintntd. Slide .Spiea-Mau. JEWISH EIIUCATIONAI. AND LIBRARY SERVICES OFFICERS! Preikknl MIUIDclrnm Vice PreiUenl-l Jhrary Service!

France! OotlHeh Vice PreiUtnlPJuciUnnal Service!.. „ ...JeirSmedlrad I'ail I'rKldcnl ~....: Spencer Brookltein KLECrEDBOARDMEMIIER-S: .

(Term! ending 1999) ]oyre Cohen, Mil7i Delman, Eliane Freund, Mary (JnKWnan. (llnria Kailnw, JcIT Smedlund.

(Tmn. cialing 2WIII Ju.lin Conner, ludl l U l e . Murray Fmil, l.lmla .Cnntinin. KatinIxvlne. UuraIxe Needclman.DehhlcSalomnn.. .

JKWIRI1 SENIOR SERVICES OFFIlrKS Preildciil Silvia Roumin l!iril Vice Prnklrnl Joan Denulern Sccnnd Vice Crcildcnt Ylle Richard!

Senctuy ' Mortaiin Trt.rarn JohnUhr r.tl rrt.iJ.nl . JnoldKobll ELECTED IKIARDMEMIIERS: .

(Ternu ending 2n«) Suun Drazen. Druoa Uoldherg. Shbley Ooodman.

Myra Oherman. Jay Tannw, llm Zwtihack (Tcnni ending 2mi).SarKlyP^neln.aaryJavilch.ilaroM Mann.

Marcla ridor. Nnrmm Smcerln, Sylrt. Wagner, Andl WUkndry.

(Temu ending 20O2) KUit Rdclneln. tlnlca Frkdlanrkr, Smly Friedman.Marcel Kiln, Mail™ Klnhcnluum, Dave Meyen.

Page 10 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE May 21,1999.

Works of Faridun Negmat-Zoda and Carol Cantrell in JCC Gallery next month •.•- For Faridun Negmat-Zoda, painting is a way to intensify reality and bring ancient themes and images into contemporary perspective.

Originally from Tajikistan, one of the former provinces of the Old Soviet Union, Negmat-Zoda began his painting career when he was 11.

Showing promise as a painter, he was admitted in 1970 to the prestigious Moscow High School for the Arts of the U.S.S.R. Academy of the Arts. He graduated Bix years later and was then admitted to the V. J. Surikov Institute of Art in Moscow.

Since graduating in 1982, Negmat-Zoda has had exhibits in the United States, Syria and Lebanon.

He is an artist for the Noyes Art Gallery in Lincoln, Nebraska.

Each of his works either stems from a story or tries to tell a story. Most of his story inspiration

GET THE SCOOP ON ,.,.. JEWISH O M A H A AT 'JEWISHOMAHA.ORG!

Jade Garden Chinese Restaurant CARRY OUT AVAILABLE

498-8833 Beer and Wine Available 2068 N. 117th Ave. North Fmk (117th ABIondo) M • Th: 11-9:30 • Fri. & Sat 11-10:30 • Sun. 12-9:30

at Spirit World 7517 Pacific Omaha, NE 68114 391-8680 and 11424 Davenport St. Omaha, NE681S4 334-7123

Our Kitchen Can Prepare Your Favorite Box Lunch to Your Any Occasion Party!

(BAR AND BAT MITZVAHS) luncheons-parties ( Call and Ask for Our Catering Department

comes from a n c i e n ti Greek or Oriental Myth- J ology.

Carol Can-1 trell will I share the gal-1 lery with Negmat-Zoda and will exhibit painted "Fight for Vanity Fair" furniture. by Faridun Negmat-Zoda Gallery hours are: Monday-Thursday, 8 a.m.-lO p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.; Saturday, 1-7 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. 6:30 p.m.

Temple Israel Sisterhood and Men's Club host reception for Schwartz's An Oneg Shabbat honoring Ann Kibel Schwartz and Don Schwartz is scheduled for May 28, following Friday evening services at Temple Israel, which start at 8 p.m.

Sponsored by the Women of. Reform Judaism/Sisterhood and Men's Club, the reception will honor the couple for their many years of dedication before they leave for Baltimore, MD. Kibel Schwartz has served as Director of Education at Temple Israel since 1986. She will become Educator at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, the largest Reform congregation of Maryland, headed by former Omahan Rabbi Eex Perimeter. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel of Temple Israel spent five years, at Baltimore Hebrew Congregation as an assistant rabbi before coining to Omaha.

During her tenure at Temple Israel, Kibel Schwartz focused on family education and helped found a Family School, which meets weekly. She has served as National Chairman for Family Education for NATE, National Association of Temple Educators and is now in her second term as a member of the NATE board of directors.

Prior to her becoming Director of Education at Temple Israel, Kibel Schwartz was Director of Jewish Cultural Arts for the Jewish Community Center of Omaha, from 1980-86. She has a master's degree in fine arts.

Don Schwartz, an Adjunct Professor at Peru State College, teaches a weekly class at Temple Israel on "Beginning Midrash" and "Beyond Midrash." Their son, Mordy Schwartz, married last year to fellow rabbinical student Esther Reed, is a rabbinical student at the Jewish Theological Seminary in Israel. The couple will return to New York City this summer to continue their education.

The Oneg Shabbat reception is open to the community.

ABOVE&BEWND

Iris Ricks joins staff at Temple Israel Iris Ricks has joined the professional staff as fulltime Program Director at Temple Israel.

In this newly-created' position, she will coordinate social, educational and religious activities for all age groups.

Ricks will work with the professional staff and various committees in the implementation of I programs, events and f special projects.

Her responsibilities I also include integrating I new members, involving I more members through Ricks volunteer activities and helping to publicize Temple events.

Born in Chicago, Ricks received her Bachelor of Arts degree in the Teaching of French from the University of Illinois. She left Chicago in 1973 and moved to California where, in 1983, she met native Omahan Marty Ricks.

The couple moved to Omaha in 1993, moved back to California at the end of 1994, and returned to Omaha in June, 1998, when Marty "Ricks assumed the position of Director of the Foundation of the Jewish Federation of Omaha.

Ricks' first career was as a French teacher, followed by several years at Air France. She spent 13 years in human resources management and has extensive experience in public accounting.

In Los Angeles, she worked at Kenneth Leventhal & Company for 10 years, and while in Omaha in 1993-94, was the Human Resources Manager for Coopers and Lybrand.

Prior to leaving California, she was the Human Resources Manager for Pacific Holding Company.

Since returning to Omaha, Ricks worked as a Loaned Executive on the United Way of the Midlands/CHAD Campaign.

In California, she was active in Women's American ORT and at Temple Adat Elohim in Thousand Oaks, a congregation of 700 families.

She held several board positions with ORT and served on the Temple Adat Elohim board as Personnel Practices Chairperson and on the Sisterhood board as Treasurer, Financial Secretary and Chairperson of Oneg Shabbat.

Ricks also worked on many special events at TAE and was a solicitor for the campaign to build the new sanctuary and social hall completed two years ago. She was recently nominated to the board of National Council of Jewish Women, OmahaSection, as the Membership Secretary. ,. The Ricks have four grown children, located all across the country. Portland, OR, Thousand Oaks; CA, Chicago and New York.

Coro(me?s AN • KXCKPTIONAL • KKSTAUKANT

Join Us For Lunch & Dinner • Excellent Salads and Entrees LUNCH DINNER 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

6 p.m.-10 p.m.

OPEN SUNDAYS

"the premier Jine~dining spot..!' -)•„'in Dclimmt, Omaha WorU-i itmU Hlct Migaon - hroilcd m perfection and topped with Mcvcilcc'* hah bmicr

GUnl Porterhouie Steak - l\ <•/„. the kiii|< of sirilu: for ilic ncrimu sink lover

NY Sirloin Strip Siemk - USI>A Choice, aged ilirn broiled and ti>p|*c%l with Beverleei hcrh huiier

I'rime Rib *nd Scampi - K •./. ul'mir iltiw UNtkrd prime rib served wiilt a pflite potliim of our slit imp uatnjii

Slow Routed Prime Rib - served wiih natural tu jus, boneless

Cruteaubrixnd for Two - carved table iUcj center ctil tenderloin tif beef with a lx>U(|Uct of (Volt vegetable*, pmatoc* and hfamaiic saute

Steak and Lobster - 6 lit. Met am) a S oi. cold water Innitcr tail

Broiled Stuffed Pork Chop - ((iifTctl with ninrarella tiicne. sage anil |irn*cimiii, with misled par Ik dctui glair wine •' • '

•

Droilcd Salmon Filet - hcib crtutcd filet tif salmon wiili a *ny ginger sauce

uiuty' Buffet Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 \\m.

Dinner Umrccs Starting At

$1150

m

Chicken Oscar - winced hrcait of thicken with cfrh meat ai>d asparagus, topped wiilt numb wine mushroom sauce

Rrtrrv.irions Rrrotuiiinulnl • 7I2-.*21M7(M> 12th Hour

12129 W. Center Road in Westwood Square / 330^3320

GRHr W/HL 1318 So. 72nd St. 393-6811 1013 Farnam 346-2161 Including 7 Express Locations

• North American Fare Available • We also offer a menu with heart-healthy choices "380 North 114th Street 330-5707 7555 Pacific street 399-8006

May 21,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 11

Shavuot and shrimp?

(Good yontif, ya'll)

by Erica Meyer Rauzin

A local rabbi we deeply respect When I learnedtocook in Georgia, teaches frequent adult education we didn't know much about quiche or classes. His lectures, which are schol-' cheesecake, although "we knew lots • arly and fascinating, invariably follow about brisket (after all,' Mother didn't the same format. First he refers to, start off Southern; she started off and explains, three things: facts, inci- German. She learned to cook by followdents, Talmudic decisions, that seem ing step-by-step meal plansfromher totally unrelated to each other. Then mom and by experimenting on Dad.) he knits them together seamlessly.

On the Southern side, we have Well, here are my three references: some dairy dishes"that melt in your ' Shavuot, cheese grits, and Rita, my mouth and so I thought I'd share two sister-in-law. of them with you for Shavuot: , Shavuot, as you know, is a dairy hol- Vidalia onion pie and cheese grits. (I iday. The usual holiday fare of roasted adapted these recipes for kashrut chicken and brisket gives way to and simplicity from Perennials: A quiches, noodles and cheesecake. This Southern Celebration of Food and transition brings out my Southern Flavors, published by the Junior foots, because cooking dairy for com- Service League of Gainesville, pany calls for some familiar dishes I Georgia, my home town.) loved "back home."

VIDALIA ONION PIE .CHEESE GRITS (The Vidalia onion, for those of you 1 cup grits (not those instant who spent the gourmet'80s in kollel, is things, either) a very mild onion, like a Walla Walla, 1 tsp. salt, fresh ground pepper or a Texas Sweet. This works with to taste any onion, but a sweet one is better. 4 cups boiling water The original recipe calls for a pie crust 1/2 cup butter made of soda crackers mixed with 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese, margarine and pressed into place, but divided in these low-sodium times, I.use a pre- 1 cup milk 4 eggs, beaten. pared crust or none at.all, and the pie 1 tsp. Worcestershire works fine either way. This is, in fact, Add grits to boiling, salted water. a quiche, but who knew?)

Cook until very thick, about 40 minutes. Stir often to prevent sticking.

1 tbl. margarine or butter Add remaining ingredients, reserving' 2 large onions, thin slices 113 of cheese to sprinkle on top, Pour (2-3 cups) into buttered baking dish, sprinkle 2 eggs, beaten . with reserved cheese. Bake at 350' 8 oz. sour cream or ricotta for an hour. or 1/2 cup each r 1-2 tbl. fresh dill y ^' And, so, you might ask, how does Rita, my third element, connect to 3/4. tsp salt and 3/4 tsp pepper this? Well, in his pre-ba'al yshuva 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce days, my husband's favorite Sunday 1/2 cup grated Cheddar cheese supper was his Atlanta-raised Mom's (milder Mozzarella works too) Sauti onions in butter until translu- delicious Shrimp and Grits Casserole. cent. Place in pie'shell or pie pan pre- We've kept kosher now for nearly pared with non-stick spray or butter).20 years, but to satisfy this yen, I Combine eggs, sour creamIricotta, once tried to make Mom's recipe dill, salt,.pepper and Worcestershire.using a completely kosher, pressedPour mixture over onions. Bake at fish product called It's-Not-Shrimp.

350'for 30 minutes.

I served some to Rita, who grinned, shook her head sadly, and said, "I know how you did this. You used It'sNot-Grits."

Visions group visits Branson

RESTAURANT^ Creatively prepared dishes that celebrate the 'season.'8 bounty and the rich diversity of American cuisine.

^AMERICAN

Omalia/J^arriott Hold.

10220 Regency Circle 399-9000

Angles Restaurant 1001 Padfic • Only 20 minutes from most anywhere • Featuring a complete, moderately priced menu .

• U.S. Choice steaks • Seafoods • Poultry • Delicious Italian dishes • Party rooms—up to 260 capacity • We accept major credit cards

hezChonj CUISINE Lunch iS Dinner Grouper, Sea Bass & Duck i 1421 Farnam

341-8800

Chu's 6455 Center Dally dinner special* $2 off Cantonese and American dishes are both featured. Complete Chinese food carry-out service is available.

Mon.-Sat. 11 (o 10:30 Sun. and Holidays: Noon to 9:30 dosed Tuesday

553-6454

342-4786

>

KITCHEN HOURS:

Mon.-Sal;, 10 a.m.-10 p.m.

Sun. Noon-lOp.m.

BAR & GRILL

SMdallitna In Good FoSdind Good Paopl* 2007 N. 72nd

554-5821

I Restaurant I and Lounge I Berrlng Onuha'a H u n t ateak I primerib,lobetoand crab leg..

I Located at 173rd and Mercy Road I OPEN 7 NIGHTS A WEEK & Mon. thru FH. for lunch I Reservations honored 391-7440

WE MOOSE Of tfUMXV SPECIALIZING IN: •MANDARIN -SZECHUAN •CANTONESE • HUNAN •COCKTAILS7DAYSAWEEK

334-5382

2405 8.132nd ORCHARD PLAZA SUN.-THURa • 11:30 AM -10:00 PM ^fihgffi^AMi'O

1010 Howard St.

•r.

OldUarbt

fteslamnl&Bar

342-4856 Weekly S p e c i a l s New L u n c h M e n u

King Fong Cafe

132nd & Arbor • 330-2110 13th & Howard • 345-6921 SOth & Fort • 572-5223

VOTED #1 BURGER

315 South 16th Chinese and American Dishes Specializing in Cantonese Foods ' and Chinese Family Style Dinners Open daily 11 a.m.-9:45 p.m.

Closed Sunday and Holidays

341-3433 or 341-3437 PASTA AMORE SERVING LUNCH a DINNER ' Reserve PilverfijRoom •forPortta'

Breakfast & lunch daily 17th & Vlnton' 449-9112 Lunch & dinner cfa//y«331-6419 Downtown Paplllion - So. 84th St. We Deliver Paplo & I A WSM |

Piccolo's T i i e r i hi Stealo, Chlckco. Seafood and - ltilUaDlakt>* M-FllOTAM-lJOPM M-HLHUFM-IIHIOPM TO * SAT! 430 PM - UfflTM

( X X W 8 0 O K VIOAGE 108lh a C t f 3JI-25W

LUNCH SPECIALS SERVWO MEXICAN FOOD * •Faptaa •Enchaladas •Tacoi •Tanakn

Nineteen Visionaires visited Branson, MO, for four days seeing shows, cruising on Lake Tablerock and touring the area. Front row, from left: Ann Schloff, Edythe Krasne, Ruth and Harold Fox, Mary Lou Walker, Betty Rubin and Sara Schreiben Back row: Abe Schloff, Lloyd Krasne, 'Sam and Rosaline Epstein (Trips and Travel chairmen); Jackie, tour leader, and Jim, driver; Mavin and Dorothy Suvalsky, Bus Rubin, Mickey and Tootie Simon, Maggie Conti, Adult Program Director; and Julius Schreiber. (not pictured: Frances Kimmel).

FULL AMERICAN MENU •Staaka .Pnme R * <Saa Food CtvWero Menu Avaiaua LKMrOMMtfaOtMlMd

n •

90lh&Atb«-391-0191 Fox 391-1086

Trovato's 5013 Underwood (6 blocks north of 50th'& Dodge)

556-9505 Steaks and Italian Cuisine Finest Homemade Kalian Cooking .Open 7 days a week

ZIO'S PIZZERIA 7924 Dodge* 391-1881 13463 W. Center •,330-1444 Omafia'i 1213 Howard St-Old Market 344-2222 Aa. /

Rated

SntaM wmiif

Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May 21,1999

People of the Byte

East Coast band promotes group, album on musical Internet site

by Michael A. Levine, Special to the Jewish Press

This week, I am taking a look at a new way of Without having listened to a lot of contemporary Packed with 421 pages of synagogues; mikvaot promoting Jewish music on the Internet as well as Jewish music in the past, I was pleasantly sur- (ritual baths),'Jewish newspapers, kosher restaua unique guide to Jewish sights around the world. prised at how much I enjoyed Yom Hadash's sound. rants, Jewish Federations, hotels, Hebrew schools First, the Massachusetts-based band, Yom Hadash, It's very easy to see that they are influenced by and other Jewish organizations, this travel guide is has their own Web site at: www.yomhada8h.coin. such Jewish artists as Craig Taubman, Debbie a must have for the serious world traveler.

The site is designed to. promote the band as well as Friedman and the Beatles. Additionally, Yom The information is thorough, but lacks accuracy the music they create (complete! with Real Audio ver- Hadash personifies their sound on "Modeh A'ni" - in some cities, such as ours (Doesn't Omaha have an upbeat remake of the weekday morning prayer. sions of five selected songs). more t h a n two synagogues and a Jewish : Billed as "anew day in contemporary Jewish After a busy 1998 of'playing universities, syna- Community Center?). music," Yom Hadash hit the ground running with ~~ gogues and benefits there's no telling where the fab From my other spot-checks throughout the book, its 1997 debut CD "When We Were Young." The four may turn up to play a gig. You can be sure to most of the European and Middle .Eastern sites band is made up of master musicians who, when enjoy their music by picking up a copy of the CD. appear to be listed correctly — by no means is this a they combine their talents, form harmonious All you need to do is e-mail Yom Hadash's Jon definitive book: If you have questions, call the sounds infused with Jewish thoughts and some Nelson at: jnel6on@yomhadash.coin and let him tourism office first. Perhaps a starter to your Hebrew lyrics. . worldwide (or even in the U.S.) Jewish travels, but know you are interested. It's that simple.

According to their Web site, the band is made up While I normally just do Web site ratings, I had to1 by no means definitive. of brothers Joshua (keyboards, rhythm guitar and give their CD a **** and-a-half out of five stars! ''•'•••• You can find and purchase.the Jewish Travel lead vocals) and Jonathan Nelson (bass, acoustic For more information on the band arid their CD, Guide and o t h e r uniquely J e w i s h books a t : guitars and lead vocals) as well as David Lefkowitz check out their Web site or call Jon Nelson at (508) www.vmbooks.com. ' . (drums, percussion and vocals) and Adam Dehner 996-1645. Good luck, guys!

Coming soon-A look at Israel's various political (lead guitar and backing vocals).

Is there a Reform synagogue in Belgrade? Can ' •parties on the Internet.

Their Web site is a great marketing tool because you get kosher, pastrami in Ireland? Is there a Let me know what you think. Have you. seen an . it promotes both the group members and their CD Jewish newspaper in Caracas, Venezuela? What ; interesting Judaic Web site or software package? at the same time. From who they are to what they about a mikvah in Moscow?

E-mail m e . a t l e v i n e @ s o u n d . n e t , subject: do to what they sing; the Yom Hadash Web site is These are the questions that you can answer if JUDAISM.com, I may include your comments or the complete package. !•;'.••'• you have the latest edition of the Jewish Travel suggestions in a future column!

It's very refreshing" to continue to see musicians ; Guide 1998--International Edition ($14.95,' . Former Omahan Michael Levine is keep their Jewish heritage and involve it in their Vallentine-Mitchell) published in association with everyday lives. As far as the music is concerned, the London Jewish Chronicle, the oldest Jewish Communications Coordinator for Village Shalom, Inc., in Overland Park, KS. ^ that's another story! newspaper in Europe.'

Barak defeats Netanyahu in overwhelming victory

New summer hours for Federation Library The Jewish Federation Library will begin summer hours on Monday, May 24, as, follows: .Monday: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

7-9 p.m. .

Tues. thru Fri: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Sunday: 1-5 p.m.

i

*

^1

For information

onthe prevention and; control of lung disease, call:

ASSOCIATION.

1-800-LUNG-USA

it,*

FREQUENT IfeS^LM GEtJB

Gen. Ehud Barak, the most decorated officer in Israeli history, cast his ballot for the One Israel party, a coalition of Labor, Gesher and the moderate Orthodox Meimad party.

; EL AL and American Airlines proudly ' ' annDimoe.tneir frecrUent flyer agreement. .,',_ As of May 1,7,199^jnejmbersttf EL ALVT^tmid'' and "Loyal') Frequent Traveler Qubs'Can earn*points when flyirig American Airlines, American Eagle*, and all of the following codesharingparfi^eiis.* EL?ALrs club members can also exchange poihtsfor1 any 'Attw!ricaijAir|UiesfUj^H And, American Airlines A^\dvantage® members cart redeem mifeageibrUckets on any EL AL flight > If s a relationship bwugW tpgeiherio serve you above and beyond.

EL AL has the^oruy frequent traveler^clubs with no blackout dates or sealiting restrictions pnfughbTtp IfiraeL" For more information, call your travel agem or Et; Ap at 800-223-6700

Benjamin Netanyahu conceded defeat in the Prime Minister's election and resigned as leader of the Likud Party.

Photos by JHM and ISSUN Photography

-i j

i ' J ' I j