July 2, 1999

ewish Presi

SERVING NEBRASKA AND WESTERN IOWA FOR MORE THAN 75 YEARS Vol. LXXVI

LINCOLN WE A3308-1&51

No. 41 Omaha, NE

Blumkin Home hosts the'Eden'tour

vuijr A, J&99

Community reception planned forEdythe Wolf

New center for neglected children provides Jewish refuge in Moscow

Twenty-six years ago this month, Edythe Wolf and her husband, by Lev Krichevsky Martin, came tot MOSCOW, June 21 (JTA) -Small and painfully Omaha from Sagi-, thin, Dima looks younger than his six years. In a bold, exciting move, the leadership of the iiaw, MI--Edie asf In the past few years, Dima's mother abandoned Rose Blumkin Jewish Home is introducing the the first profession-f his family, his father, suffering from health and finanEden Alternative to its residents, staff and the al librarian of the Jewish Community cial problems, could not take proper care of him. community. This fresh approach to the care of frail Center's Library at This month, Dima joined 27 other Jewish boys elders adopts principles which bring decision-mak- the old ' J ' on 20th and girls between the ages of two and 15 who are ing in line with the needs of residents, rather than and Dodge, and being raised at the Passin-Waxman Center, a new bureaucratic priorities. Marty as Vice-presiJewish children's home in the center of Moscow. The appearance of companion animals, indoor dent and Academic The home, which held its dedication ceremony plants, gardens and children within the walls of Dean of Iowa Westlast week, was established with a $250,000 grant the Blumkin Home also adds a "humanizing" ele- ern Community Colfrom Anita Waxman, a successful Broadway proment, according to Dr. William H. Thomas, founder lege in Council ducer. Believed to be the first such center to open of the Eden Alternative. Bluffs. Edythe Wolf in Russia in 65 years, the home is also supported Dr. Thomas, his wife, Judy, their five children by the United Jewish Israel Appeal of Great Dr. Wolf retired in 1966, and on Tuesday, July and Dr. Thomas' Britain and a number of local donors. 13, at 4:30 p.m., the community will celebrate „ parents will be in All but four of the children here have a living __ Omaha as part of Mrs. Wolfs retirement at a special reception in the parent who cannot care for them because of chronic a 25-city, 10,000- JCC Gallery. A native of Philadelphia, Wolf attended Temple . social, financial and health problems - including mile tour, to speak at a forum University and received her degree in library sci- alcoholism. While most of the children hail from Moscow, at the Jewish ences from Columbia University in New York. She worked as a librarian at Michigan State University several have been brought here from Russia's trouCommunity Center, Sunday, and Temple B'nai Israel Synagogue Library in bled North Caucasus region near the breakaway republic of Chechnya, and three come from famiJuly 11, from Saginaw before moving to Omaha in 1976. During her tenure here, Wolf supervised the cat- lies affected by the 1986 nuclear accident in 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Sponsored by aloging of the original JCC library's 15,000 vol- Chernobyl, Ukraine. "For about a year, we've been looking for Jewish . the RBJH, in umes and supervised the move into the library's kids in trouble," says Rafiel Ben-Yosef, the sturdy, current space on the 132nd Street campus. Today, , William H. Thomas, ere- coop eration with that-collection has grown to more than 35,000 vol- bearded man with a smiling face who runs the home. ator of the Eden Alternative. t n e American. umes and is considered to be one of the finest Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, Judaic collections between Chicago and the West the forum will explore the future of aging and Coast. elderhood. This is Dr. Thomas' only stop in Next year, the library will move into expanded Nebraska. quarters at the entrance to the JCC, dedicated to In addition to Dr. Thomas" and his family, a niece Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke. - who signs for the hearing impaired, nurses for the The reception is being chaired by former Library two Thomas daughters, and "Bud", the bus driver, Board presidents Joyce Cohen and Gloria Kaslow, will accompany the tour. and current president Frances Gottlieb. It is open (Continued on page 10) to the entire community. by Carol Katzman "Life is more than just dying." -William H. Thomas, M.D., founder of the Eden Alternative

JCC and Friedel Academy receive grants from Newman funds by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator

More than $9,000 was allocated to two children's programs and to scholarships for needy families by members of the Esther K. Newman/Carolyn Kully Newman Funds Grants Committee at their meeting in May. J i n the absence of Chairman Barbara Epstein, Rosalie Saltzman conducted the meeting. Other members of the committee who attended included Dani Shrago, Mary Rich, Roxanne Kahn, Robert Kully, Debbie Salomon, Sherri Green and David Pitlor. Foundation Endowment Director Marty Ricks .and Cyrila Kotyza, Foundation Administrative Assistant, also attended the meeting. A g'rant awarded to the Jewish Community Center (JCC) is to be used to hire an Israeli language specialist for the Child Development Center's summer camp this year. The specialist is in charge of planning and implementing summer activities for children two to four years old. Israeli sports and games will be integrated into daily summer camp activities, according to Corey Kirshenbaum, JCC Assistant Director. The purpose of the program is to enhance the Jewish content of the summer camp program, promote the importance of exercise and encourage incorporating exercise into children's daily routines. The program will also help develop the children's knowledge of Hebrew.'

A young girl rollerblades through the courtFriedel Jewish Academy (FJA) requested funds yards of t h e old ghetto area in Vilnius, for a program entitled 'Building the Foundation for Lithuania, one stop on the recent Women's Pre-Kindergarten Jewish Learning.' FJA will Campaign Mission. Complete story and more develop a curriculum for a pre-kindergarten class photos on page 9. for children who arefiveyears old but not ready to He and his wife, Svetlana, live at the center and begin a formal kindergarten program. Funds will be used to purchase materials for the call themselves the children's parents. "We thought it would be difficult to find kids for a pre-kindergarten curriculum in reading, math, science, social studies and social skills. FJA plans to Jewish children's home," Svetlana said. I t turned out criwork in cooperation with the Child Development to be easy, especially now, during the economic : Center to identify children who would benefiTfrW .vSiB^sha-addsj. referring* to.the.financial chao# that. the program, which is scheduled to begin in the fall has gripped Russia since last August As poverty has spread, family problems have of 1999. multiplied and Russia's social support networks Michael Linn, Director of FJA, reported that there are already a number of families interested . have deteriorated. Russia is facing the worst disaster since World War II, when hundreds of thouin the program. In addition, committee members granted funds to sands of children were left without parental care. The situation of Jewish children is usually slightprovide scholarships for needy families. Esther K. Newman Fund allocations are intended ly better, but the economic turmoil has left its to subsidize educational, religious, cultural, social scars on many Jewish families as well. "When a Tfiddishe mama' turns her kid over" to a _ and recreational projects that provide program1 ming for children and young adults through the age home, then "something in the family went terribly wrong," Rafiel Ben-Yosef says. of 23 who are not attending college. Programs for Without the center, most of the children would families whose children are kindergarten age or younger are the recipients of grants from the have probably never ended up in an institution because of the appalling conditions of Russian Carolyn Kully Newman Fund. state-run homes for children, where kids are Both funds are administered by the Foundation exposed to shocking levels of cruelty and neglect of the Jewish Federation of Omaha. (Continued on page 10)

Page 2

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 2,1999 The gender gap

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS L FRIDAY, JULY 2 p Visions Board Meeting, 9:30 a.m.

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MONDAY, JULY 5 YES Program, 9:30 a.m.

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TUESDAY, JULY 6 JCC Board Meeting, 7:30 p.m. WEDNESDAY, JULY 7 Adult B'nai Mitzvah Class, 7:30 p.m., at Beth El THURSDAY, JULY 8 L Walk-in Drop-in, 9:30 a.m.

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Parasbat Pinhas It is worth repeating that it is more or less impossible to tell how old a tradition is, when it finds expression in one or another rabbinic source. Here is one, expressed in BeMidbar Rabba on our Parasha, but ascribed to no particular ancient rabbi at all, but simply told in the Midrash. In connection with the appeal of the daughters of Zelophhad for inclusion in the distribution of land in the to-be-occupied Promised Land, the Midrash offers surprising and pleasing comments on the "gender gap.* By a close and tendentious reading of the text, the rabbis were able to read into the story of the Golden Calf that women refused to participate in this blatant reversion to heathenism. It was left to men to fabricate and worship this golden bull. (Isn't this a put-down by the text to call this idol a "calf,* when it was widespread pagan practice to worship at the feet of bulls, not calves, which were the mount of heathen gods? [Those heathen gods could have won hands-down in our western bullriding contests!)) And now the Midrash goes on to say that the women of the community showed again where the real moral strength of the refugees from Egypt lay. After the debate about the feasibility of entering the Land that came in the wake of the report of the twelve spy-scouts, the community decided not to force entry into the land~and the 40-year delay became necessary. The women, however, who apparently had no vote, refused to accept the decision not to push ahead. They were sure that with boldness and fortitude the land could be entered. It was only they-along with Joshua and Calebwho counseled an immediate assault. This ancient rabbinic opinion about women did not, of course, hold up in later Judaism, including Rabbinic Judaism. Women were relegated to "secondary citizenship," were expected to work to support the family while husbands.were to study Torah and solve the World's problems. In the synagogue, women were even hidden behind the mehjtzah, lest the men Bee them. Male hutzpah run to extremes! If the rabbinic passage referred to accurately reflects ancient views about women and women's rights, our generations and centuries are far behind the ancients! We shall have to give complete attention to this problem over the next generation. It is good that most of our congregations have understood that women rabbis and women cantors are legitimate, and that it is quite proper to have women lead the service and read the Torah. There are more weighty problems which still seek better solutions, especially the right to initiate divorce proceedings and the problem of the Agunah, the abandoned wife still tied by marriage to a missing or stubborn husband who will not grant a divorce. . Reform Judaism, outside the Halakha, has done better than the rest of us? Conservative Judaism ' has done well, but not enough, within the Halakha; and Orthodox Judaism is slow-moving on- these problems.

L 1 P

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NJOP releasesCD-ROM, "Virtual Shabbat"

The National Jewish Outreach Program (NJOP) has just released Virtual Shabbat, the first p multi-media CD-ROM offering users a completely FRIDAY, JULY 9 Jewish Sabbath experience. Including & Russian Club, 10 a.m.* ... & interactive prayers, rituals, customs and songs associated s " s with a traditional shabbat, Virtual Shabbat is A A designed as an educational resource for unaffiliaty Ml t v i n i t h«ld •( th« JCC unlatt othtmla* indlcaltd. Th« V ed and marginally affiliated Jews in an effort to• _ J i w b A P i w U notra»pon»lbl<lor lh* accuracy ottha events, p c To ka«peal<n<Jnaccumt» or tor quutlons, call Mariana Hart at curb the effects of "The J2K Problem" (Jewish assimilation in North America). Original graphics combined with continual audio/video components offer a wealth of information on various topics. For those who are unable to read Hebrew, the program also offers NJOP's Hebrew Reading Crash Course. PHARMACY & HOMECARE To preview Virtual Shabbat, readers may visit Citywide Delivery 7 Locations NJOP's web-site, www.iyop.org. A copy is also available at the Jewish Federation Library. I

EDWARDKAHN Graveside services for Edward Kahn were held June 24. He died June 22 at the age of 101. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Johanna Kahn. Survivors include his wife, Elsa; sister, Sophie; sons and daughters-in-law, Joseph and Eleahn, Hugo and Ids; daughter and son-in-law, Therese and Sol Stiss; nine grandchildren and 10 greatgrandchildren. Memorials to Rose Blumkin Jewish Home or charity of choice. • HABOLD L FEINTECH Harold I. Feintech, formerly of Omaha, died June 25 in Chicago. •• Survivors include h i s wife, Fiona Wolk Feintech of Chicago; daughters, Sandra Weil of Northbrook, IL, a n d J a n e Batt of Omaha; son, Richard "Skip Feintech of Northbrook, a n d son a n d daughter-inlaw, J i m and Carol Feintech of Arlington Heights, IL; grandchildren, Parker and Lori Weil, Sarah Weil and Jesse Rogers, Jonas Batt, Aaron Batt, Ben Feintech and Samuel Feintech; and a greatgranddaughter, Natalie Weil. Memorials to charity of choice. ELSE RUTH KUTTNER Services for Use Kuttner were held July.l at." Temple Israel. She was 78. . ••• , ; ." 't She was preceded in death by her husband, Cantor Manfred Kuttner. Survivors include a daughter, Naomi Johnson of Greeley, CO; a son, Daniel Kuttner of San Diego1, and two grandchildren, Bryan and Benjamin Johnson of Greeley. Memorials to Temple Israel, Paralyzed Veterans of America or charity of choice.

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July 2,1999

SYNAGOGUES s

! , TEMPLE ISRAEL

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ftfcinlwrof lhetMion of Amerloan Hebrew ""' '*' "• ' Congregation* -,-> - , -

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

PageS

CANDLEUGHT1NG: 8:42 p.m.

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE , Member of tho Union of OrUiodox Jewish Congregations of America

s

BETH EL SYNAGOGUE.

Member of United Synagogues.' of Conservative Judaism v> ' '1502 No. 82nd St. ' ' - 14506 California '>> Omaha,NB68104-S013 t -i' >, Oj»aha,Nfi 68154-1880 492-BS50 WEB--www.bethel-Oniftha.org Office hours: Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. FRIDAY: Shabbat service, 7:30-p.m. Rabbi ; Office Hours: Monday tlirough Thursday, 9 a.m. "Debbie Stiel and Cantor Jennifer Blum will offici- to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Services conducted by Rabbi Howard Kutner. ate. Rabbi Stiel will lead a discussion of the Torah Services are conducted by Rabbi Paul Drazen and FRIDAY: Kabbolat Shabbat service, 7 p.m. : portion for. the week. The Oneg Shabbat will be Cantor Emil Berkovits. SATURDAY: Services, 8:45 a.m.; Little People , '•, sponsored by Joan and Milton Marcus and Maxine FRIDAY: Services, 6 p.m. and Jack Noodell in honor of their 40th anniver- ' service, 10:15 ajn..; Jr. Congregation, Mfc30 ajn.; SATURDAY: Services, &30 ajn^ Kiddush followKiddush sponsored by Sisterhood; Rabbi's class, saries/..;.. .• ..,••.,.;••, /• .. • .:••.:.:.: •••••, ' ing; Sitter service, 10 ajn.; Shabbat Story Tune ,,, SATURDAY: Bagels and Bible: An opportunity 8:05 p.m.; Mincha, 8i35 pjn., followed by Ma'ariv (pre-kindergarten and under) 11 a.m.; K'tantan ; to learn Torah with the rabbis, 9:30*10:15 a.m.; and Havdalah, 9:53 p.m. . . SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m.; Beis Hamedrash, (kindergarten through 3rd grade) 10:45 a.m.; •• Shabbat service, 10SI0a.ni.. , .: . Humash with Rashi study session, 8^5 p.m. (1/2 9:45 a.m.; Mincha, 8:45 pjn. 1, SETTER SERVICE hour before M/M); Minha-Ma'ariv and Havdalah serWEEKDAYS: Services, 7 a.nu; Mincha, 8:45 p,m. ;,: ..Sitter Service, ia available Friday evening, vices, &55 pjn. WEDNESDAY: Rabbi Kutner teaches Talmud : ; Saturday mornings for Bagels and Bible and the SUNDAY: Services, 9 a.m. worship service. Cost is $2 per family. Please make Class at 7:45 p.m. at the synagogue. WEEKDAYS: Services, 6:55 a.m. & 5:30 pjn. a reservation through the Temple office so we may BEYTSHALOM plan accordingly. , • : AttAKUtntaotho , A K U f F«derattoa ADUtT EDUCATION Jewish ReoonrtrucUoniiit How to aid Sacramento-area TUESDAY, July 6: Beginning Beyond Midrash, : ; R O . B O X 241130,: 6:5O-7:40 p.m.; Beyond Midrash, 7:50-8:45 p.m., synagogues hit by arson •. Omaha, NE 68124^130 , led by Don Schwartz. SAN FRANCISCO - A number of civic and comWEDNESDAY, July 7: Midrashah 10 a.m.http^/comcto/beytehalom/ * munity organizations are collecting funds for the noon. three damaged Sacramento-area synagogues. In FRIDAY: Shabbat in the home. SHABBAT IN THE PARK Religious School is over for the semester. addition, agencies are seeking information about ' FRIDAY, July 9: A Bhabbat service will be held at Zorinski Lake at 156th & F Street, main picnic However, pre-registrations are being accepted at the perpetrators: The North American Board of Rabbis, through its area, Shelter 2. Bring a picnic supper at 6 p.m. A 758-9233. . Northern California affiliate, is posting a $10,000 '.", service lead by Rabbi Debbie Stiel and Dr. Michael FRIDAY, July 9: Kabbalat Shabbat, 7:30 p.m. reward for information leading to the arrest and Walts will follow. In case of inclement weather, the conviction of those responsible for the arson service will be canceled. The regular service will be B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE attacks. In addition, Sacramento bounty hunter held in the Chapel at 7:30 p.m. y Leonard Padilla is offering $25,000, and businessSISTERHOOD BOOK SALE CouncU Bloffe, Iowa 81803-0766 man Michael Swebner, an Israeli immigrant, is The sale will take place in the social hall and Phone: 322-470$ offering $10,000. includes nearly-new as well as used hard cover, •To contribute to a reward fund, send checks paperbacks, novels, cookbooks, children's and many more. The sale also includes greatly-loved FRIDAY: David Millward will speak during ser- payable to "KOVR13 Hates Crimes Fund" to Hate '/•- and gently-used Judaic Treasures.- • ;• • • • vices on "An outsider from Britain looks at Crimes Reward Rind^-c/o,KOVR. 13, 2713.KOVR Sunday, July 11, noon-6 p.m.; Monday, July Judaism," 7:30 pan., followed by an Oneg Shabbat Dr., West Sacramento, CA 95605. Information: (916)374-1313. 12, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tuesday, July 13, 10 a.m.- prepared by Peggy Deland and Sandra Kurland. •Those with information about the fires are 8 p.m.; and Wednesday, July 14,10 a.m.-6 p.m. encouraged to call one of two toll-free hotlines: FBI hotline: (800) 435-7883; Alcohol, Tobacco and OFFUTAIR FORCE BASE Firearms hotline: (888) ATF-FIRE. CHABAD HOUSE 25th and Capehart, Omaha, MB 68113-5000 The following organizations are seeking donaOWorMwidoChabad-lUibaMro 2944051 tions: •Checks payable to the Unity Fund can be 120th SU, Omaha, NB 68144-1646 Services conducted by Rabbi Ira Flax. sent to the Jewish Federation of the Sacramento Office hours: Monday-Thursday, 7:30 a.m. Region, 2351 Wyda Way, Sacramento, CA 95825. 4:30 p-m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. (916) 486-0906. www.chabfld.oentetti.coni/omaha •B'nai B'rith has established a fund to help with Services conducted by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. the restoration. Write to Sacramento Synagogues, ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME . FRIDAY: Services, 9:30 aJn. Disaster Relief, B'nai B'rith International, 1640 SATURDAY: Services, 9 a.m., led by Martin Rhode Island Ave., N.W., Washington, DC 20036. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m., followed by Kiddush; Mincha/Ma'ariv, 6:30 p.m., followed by Shukert. Donations or expressions of good will can be sent All services are followed by Kiddush. A memori- directly to the three affected synagogues. Do not. Haydalah. al, in memory of residents who have died during WEEKDAYS: Shacharit, 7 a.m.; Mincha/Matry to call, since+he buildings remain closed. the month, is held on the last sabbath of each 'ariv, 7:30 pjn. •Congregation Beth Shalom, 4746 El Camino month. Avenue, Carmichael, CA 95608. Attn: Rabbi Joseph Melamed. PERSONALS •Congregation B'nai Israel, 3600 Riverside Blvd., CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN Thank you to all my friends and relatives for the Sacramento, CA 95818, Attn: Rabbi Brad Bloom SOUTH STREKT TEMPLE cards, donations, phone calls and food at the time •Kenesset Israel Torah Center, 1024 Morse Ave., Somber <rf the Union ot American Hebrew Congregations of my recent surgery. Sacramento, CA 95864. Attn: Rabbi Stuart Rosen. 2061 a 20th 8 t Julie Schapiro Lincoln, NE 68502-2797 435-8004 I want to thank so many of my friends and relaServices officiated by Cantor Michael Weisser. tives for their assistance before and during my FREDAY: Sabbath Eve service, 7:45 pjn. hospitalization and at the Rose Blumkin Jewish SATURDAY: Sabbath service, 9:30 a.m.; Torah Home. Thanks also for the gifts, flowers, contribuENTERTAIN study, MhSO turn. , tions and cards. Special thanks to Rabbi Drazen, Rabbi Azriel and Cantor Berkovits.

Betty Goldstrom . TIFEBETH ISRAEL

.

Services conducted by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum. Minyan on Monday and Thursday at 7:15 sum. FRIDAY: Services, 8 p.m. SATURDAY: Services, 9:30 a.m.; Birthday acknowledgements. ;

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Editorial

July 2,1999

Independence = responsibility

This Sunday, we celebrate the birth of this nation, born of a desire to create a country the rule of the elected would prevail, not the rule of heredity. Though at first, the vote only belonged to landowners (mostly white males), today any citizen of the United States over the age of 18 is eligible to vote. And how many of us actually use thiB privilege? According to the data from the last presidential election, fewer than 41% of those eligible bothered to cast a ballot for the President of the United States. In less contested elections, like the recent Omaha Public School bond issue, the votes cast represented a mere 38% of those eligible. Here we sit, in the richest, most powerful country in the world, and we can't even be bothered to vote for our elected officials. Oh sure, there are the excuses: 1 forgot to apply for an absentee ballot and 111 be out of town," or "I was busy all day long and couldn't get to the polls."

And the worst excuse of all: "Whoops, I forgot to register!" How dare we complain about the state of public affairs, when we're not even involved in the process! . When we fire up the grill this Sunday, let's stop for a moment to remember what this day is really all about...

AS I ADDRESS THE NATION ON THIS CELEBRATION OF INDEPENDENCE bAV, I WOULD LIKE TO NOTE THE SPECIAL CONTRIBUTION OF JEWISH AMERICANS

test of time (and the threat of those who continually call'for Constitutional Conventions to rewrite it all). And, it's about guarding the freedom that allows us to read anything, move anywhere, and vote for anyone. ' - • So if* you're not registered, this is your reminder; you da have a responsibility! ••••'-'•

It's about our fathers and grandfathers dying in the battlefields of World War II to fight an enemy that surely would have denied us life, let alone the right to vote. It's about a Declaration of Independence, a Constitution and a Bill of Rights that most of us cannot quote; but that has stood the

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Page 4

Political pragmatism ready to yield a Palestinian state by Professor Kenneth W. Stein

Political pragmatism, not ideology, is coming to dominate the Israeli-Palestinian relationship. There are reports of secretly negotiated understanding about the emotionally-sensitive issue of Jerusalem. With American engagement, Palestinian and Israeli security forces are cooperating to thwart terrorism. Palestinians, their Middle Eastern supporters, and advocates worldwide have spared no opportunity to proclaim the right and necessity for Palestinians to have a state. At the end of May 1999, none other than Israel's most powerful lobbying organization, AIPAC, Removed its opposition to the /bunding of such a state. Under certain conditions, Israeli leaders and the general population are prepared to accept a Palestinian state. Israelis do not want to make two million Palestinians Israeli citizens and there is no option to make the Palestinians leave the West Bank. The areas of the West Bank and Gaza Strip constitutes 28 percent of historic Palestine, or Eretz Yisrael. It comprises about 2300 square miles, some place between the size of Rhode Island and New Jersey. Within that area, Israel controls more than half the land and has more than 170,000 settlers living there. Land areas now under Palestinian rule are separated by Israeli-held territories, state lands, or major roadways, thereby negating Palestinian physical contiguity in the area they seek for their state. For thirty years,'Israeli Labor Party leaders advocated "territorial compromise" for the West Bank, but only under conditions that satisfied Israeli security needs. The essence of the 1993 'Oslo Accords is to separate the two peoples physically, but link them in security and economic matters. Eshkol, Allon, Dayan, Rabin, and Peres supported functional or territorial self-rule for the Palestinians. Said Ehud Barak in January, 1999, then only a candidate for prime minister, "A Palestinian state is not our concern. . . but once there is an agree-

ment, I won't presume to tell them what to call themselves. . . They have their rights, and one of these is to call their entity whatever they like." Most significantly, it was the Israeli right that first sanctioned Palestinian autonomy. In hiB numerous writings, Jabotinsky was the father of the idea that Palestinians would not be content to be ruled by Jews. Begin accepted the term, "legitimate political rights* in the 1978 Camp David Accords; Palestinians and Netanyahu conceded political prerogatives and territory respectively in the 1997 and 1998 Hebron and Wye Agreements. All these agreements were ratified by substantial majorities in the Israeli Parliament. During the recent election campaign, Likud Defense Minister Arens said he "would not rule out Palestinian sovereignty in those areas in which Israel won't be interested in providing citizenship to Palestinians." Outgoing Foreign Minister Sharon reportedly told National Security Advisor Sandy Berger last year that a "Palestinian State is inevitable." And Meir Shireet, a candidate to be the next leader of the Likud Party, said in November, 1998, "I am not afraid of a Palestinian state. . . while we are in power. . . we are the ones to initiate.. • it under the best possible conditions of Israel." Recent polling data confirms that among the Israeli public, there is a consensus about the future existence of a Palestinian state. In its monthly survey of Israeli attitudes about peace, the Tami Steinmetz Center for Peace at Tel Aviv University, in March 1999, the question was posed, "What are the chances, in your opinion, that the current peace process will ultimately lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian stater Sixty-nine percent of the Jewish Israelis interviewed responded that the believe or trust that the process will lead to a state, compared to only 25% who believe or trust it will not Since the question was first asked in December, 1994, the percentage believing the Oslo Accords would lead to the estab-

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The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. * Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The J e w i s h 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. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3345422; E-mail <jshpress@aol.com> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

Chairman Carol Katzman Editor-in-Chiel Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axelrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frantol Rocky Stern Sales representatives Jenlna E. Sadofaky Bookkeeper Jen Oatea Production Assistant George Schaplro Volunloor

lishment of an independent Palestinian state was the same as March 1999. In other words, from the standpoint of the Israeli public, the answer to the question of the establishment of an independent Palestinian state has already been determined. Consequently, it is no wonder that the large majority - 62.2%- agreed with the claim that "whatever government arises after the elections will ultimately arrive at a permanent settlement with the Palestinians, including withdrawal from territories and recognition of a Palestinian state," compared to 33.6% who believed this claim was untrue: • Distribution of responses per voting patterns for prime minister in the 1996 elections showed that ' there was a majority in both camps of those who accept this claim. As might be expected, the majority is greater among those who voted for Shimon Peres (about 77%) than among those who voted for Benjamin Netanyahu (about 55%). From this and previous surveys, more than two-thirds of Jewish Israelis surveyed, however, opposed such a state in which East Jerusalem and the 1967 borders became the Palestinian state. In other words, Israelis are prepared far a Palestinian state, but one where Jerusalem remains undivided and the 1967 borders are not reinstituted. How and when will such a state come into being? It will evolve; it will be a drawn-out process so that Palestinians can establish judicial, legislative, and executive branches and respective prerogatives that have somewhat equal powers. Between Israel and Palestine, there will likely be economic interdependency but political separation. Palestinian sovereignty will be circumscribed in matters that relate to Israeli security. PalestinianIsraeli steering and monitoring committees, will, as they have done since the Oslo process began, chart the course and the pace of the Palestinian state's establishment, with Israelis all the while focusing on matters of national and personal security. It can only happen with the exercise of political pragmatism. ;, , .. , : . .: JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, V i c e - c h a i r m a n ; Joanie Jacobson, Secretary, Howard Silber, .Treasurer; Elyce. Azriel; Jill Bolmont; Steve Danon; Jean Diritch; Penny Endelman; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudvm; Steve Levinger; Linda Saltzman; Georgo Schapiro; Steve Simon. ••.. • Editorials express the view of the writer and are not necessarily representative of the views of the J e w i s h 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.

July 2,1999 .

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Pages

A crack in Israel's religious status quo? Behind the Headlines by Gary Rosenblatt NEW YORK - While liberal American Jews are pleased with the election of Ehud Barak as Israel's next prime minister, they should not be expecting dramatic movement on the religious pluralism front. The issue remains a major concern here, of course, but was not a factor in the Israeli election. It is low on Barak's priority list as he tries to form a broad but cohesive coalition that can focus on reviving the Mideast peace talks and improve relations ance more with Washington. Still, as a means of addressing the larger issue of religious-secular tension in Israel, there is an intriguing possibility that at some point during the Barak tenure, an effort will be made to offer the Conservative movement recognition in the Jewish state. The scenario calls for an agreement by the Masorti movement, the Conservative organization in Israel, to follow the dictates of halacha, or traditional Jewish law, and agree not to give a prominent role to women rabbis. V ' This would be relatively easy since the Masorti movement follows halacha and is more strictly traditional than the Conservative movement in America. In return, religious ceremonies performed by Masorti rabbis would be recognized by the Chief Rabbinate, until now under exclusively Orthodox control. Such an arrangement would go a long way « more precisely, half way - toward fulfilling Ehud Barak's pledge to American Jewry, made at the General Assembly of the Council of Jewish Federations in November, 1997, during the height of the conversion crisis, to find a compromise "that is fully acceptable to the Reform and Conservative movements."

While such an historic agreement has already been discussed privately on a high level, it is still a long way from actually happening. Religious pluralism is of little practical importance to Israelis, since Conservative and Reform Jewry have only a tiny presence in the country. But many Israelis harbor feelings of anger and frustration over the increasing clout and separatism of ultra-Orthodox Jews, and the level of coercion the Chief Rabbinate has over their personal lives in terms of authorizing matters of birth, marriage, conversion and burial. A newer, and equally significant factor, is the presence in Israel of an estimated 200,000 Russians who, as direct relatives of Jewish emigrants from the former Soviet Union, are full citizens of the country but are not Jewish by any religious standard. There is a growing recognition that some practical means of assimilating these people into the culture, religiously as well as socially, requires some creative thinking to avoid making permanent their limborlike status. ! Of course there is no assurance that the Chief Rabbinate would willingly relinquish some of its authority, but there are some indications that the Orthodox establishment may be willing to soften its position.

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Officials within the Chief Rabbinate are well aware of the growing resentment toward its authority, and note that a small but growing number of Israelis are either defying the rabbinate by conducting non-Orthodox marriages in Israel or going abroad -»' Cyprus, is nearby and popular - to wed. In addition, anti-religious feelings were fueled by the success in the recent elections of Meretz, on the far left, and the new Shinui party, which ran solely on the basis of stemming Orthodox control, and won six seats in the Knesset. A number of younger rabbis within the religious establishment believe that some accommodation must ,be made to offset these growing antiOrthodox sentiments, either for political reasons or because of a genuine concern about the dissolution of the concept of Klal Yisrael, or Jewish unity. One approach is to separate the Reform and Conservative movements which have been working together, and with some success, in seeking to overturn through the judicial system the Orthodox control of religious matters in Israel.

The Supreme Court consistently has ruled in favor of the liberal movements on matters of conversion and representation on religious councils, though the Knesset has been resistant to effect legislative change. By reaching out to the Conservative/Masorti movement, which is halachic in practice, and excluding the Reform movement, which is not, the Orthodox establishment could employ a divide-andconquer strategy that might stem the effort to separate religion and politics in Israel. This approach was evident during the Neeman Commission's workings last year in trying to resolve infra-denominational strife. At one point the Chief Rabbinate asked representatives of each of the denominations, as a pre-condition to meeting with the Chief Rabbis, to agree to six basic points of theology, including the rejection of same-sex marriages and patrilineal descent as a means to determine whether a child is Jewish. The Conservatives signed on, and the Reform did not But the meeting never took place and the compromise efforts broke down over other issues. Even if an arrangement could be agreed on that would allow Conservative rabbis to be recognized in Israel, Conservative leaders are queasy about the prospect of appearing to abandon their Reform colleagues.

Some advocate establishing a set of standards of observance by which rabbis would be judged because it would approve or deny rabbis on the basis of practice rather than affiliation, though the practical result would be the same. For now, these reflections and discussions could be categorized as more theoretical than practical. But they indicate that below the surface there are seeds of change being planted in the hopes of diffusing a Jewish civil war over religion.

Gary Rosenblatt is editor and publisher of The New York Jewish Week.

UJC launches website The web address for United Jewish Communities public site now reflect our new name. It can be found at: wwwocwishcommuiuties.org UJC, which was formed from the former United Jewish Appeal, United Israel Appeal and Council of Jewish Federations, has another website, cited by Netscapes as one of their was one of Netscapes' "Cool Sites". It's their guide for people who are looking for the best and the latest on the web and can be found at: www.generationj.com

How OPPD is getting ready for Y2K Cooperation will be key to OPPD's smooth transition to the Year 2000, because today's electrical grid is so interconnected. For several years we've been working diligently with customers, suppliers and other utilities, coordinating our plans and programming. We've retained several engineering firms to provide support and additional perspectives on the challenge. Internal coordination is a priority.

Here are some of the cooperative steps we've taken: ' • » OPPD personnel are participating in nationwide electric industry Y2K contingency drills. • OPPD is participating in several community Y2K forums and sponsoring presentations for various community, civic and industry groups on Y2K issues. • ' • . .

- • '• OPPD is addressing the Y2K-readiness of interconnected utilities. '

• OPPD is contacting vendors and suppliers to assess their ability to , ' meet the needs of the utility in the Year 2000. • OPPD is participating in several industry Y2K projects to coordinate testing and share information. Cooperation will help OPPD meet the goal of keeping your power on well into the next century. For more information on OPPD's progress on Y2K issues, visit the OPPD Web site at www.oppd.com or contact the project administrator. OPPD Y2K Project Administrator 444 S. 16th Street, 6E/EP Omaha, NE 68102-2247 (402) 636-3031 E-mail: Y2K@oppd.com THIS IS A YEAR 2000 READINESS DISCLOSURE.

Omaha Public Pomr District

@ www.oppd.com

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 2,1999

ARTZA '99 arrives in Israel

Are Reform Jews really Jews? On America Online, there is a popular feature called Judaism Today: Where Do I Fit? (keyword: Judaism Today). People anonymously send in E-Mail letters to the author of the feature, Gil Mann and he selects one letter fi>r a public response in his Jewish E-Mail column. Here is this week's edited E-Mail and stand Judaism and trying to guide your behavior Gil's response: by what Judaism teaches. Now, I want to be very clear here, I think it is Dear Gil: dangerous and difficult to try and measure "how I recently moved to a new area where my religion Jewish" people are. For example, many people use is a minority. The Jews that are here don't consider measurements like: "How often they go to the syname Jewish because I am Reformed and a kid of a gogue," "How much ritual they practice," "How convert. My mother converted before I was born in kosher they are" and so on. In my view, these meaan Orthodox Temple. She did it when she got mar- surements are misleading and unfair. ried. • . - . • ' . •.;. •'•.- '.:/' ..•. . ••.-•-. I heard recently a nice analogy that I am told In the city, where I came from, I was considered a camejOrom the late Lubavitch Rebbe. He said that Jew. Now I don't know if I am. Is there something to be'Jewish is to live on a ladder. It does not matwrong with being a Reformed Jew? I was Barter what step of the ladder you are on.. .what matMitzvahed and still attend temple. Please Help? ters is what direction you are going. To me, the challenge of Judaism is to constantly D e a r A . • .-•• •'••'•..'••' ' •' : ' , • move up the ladder to become a better person. This I am saddened to learn that other Jews do not is also what being a serious Jew is about Only you accept you as a Jew. Right from the beginning, F know for sure if you are seriously trying to become want you to know that to me, you are Jewish the best Jew and person you can be.. .a mench we regardless of what religious movement you belong would say in Yiddish, meaning a person of truth, or do not belong to. In addition, just for good meadecency and kindness. sure, according to Jewish law you are definitely This is what Judaism wants of us whether we are Jewish. Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, Reconstructionist, As you probably know, "who is a Jew?" is part of a Traditional, Liberal, Secular, Hassidic or some big debate in Israel today as the government "other* kind of Jew. argues over the question of legally (according to This challenge to become the best person and Jew Jewish and/or Israeli law) what kind of rabbi has the right to perform this or that. A very hot-and to you can be is hard enough without other's criticizme tragic-debate that we must let the politicians ing you. If you are being a serious Jew-and from and rabbis try and work out. (Can you, imagine get- what you wrote in your E-mail it sounds like you are on your way-then I say to you, keep facing the ting this combination to agree?!) yf" Maybe some of them will readrthis and see how challenge and don't be stopped by what others may these bitter discussions hurt real live people like call you. Good Luck to you fellow Jew! you. In my opinion, there are so few Jews in this Gil Mann is the Author of: How to Get More world, the last thing we Jews need is to tell other Out of Being Jewish Even If: A. You are not Jews that they are not Jewish or Jewish enough! Terms like "good Jew" and "bad Jew" that we use sure you believe in God, B. You think going to to label ourselves and other Jews I think cause synagogue is a waste of time, C. You think keeping kosher is stupid, D. You hated more harm than good and I don't use them. I like much better the term that Dennis Prager Hebrew School, or E. All of the above! He teaches, which IB "serious Jew." He says we should makes no money from book sales (to order call strive to become serious Jews, and I agree. He 800-304-9925), his work on America Online or defines a serious Jew as a person who wrestles this column. He welcomes your e-mail comwith their Judaism. I would add the word "actively* ments and questions. Write to DearGU@aol.com wrestles with their Judaism. By that, I mean you don't just think about Judaism you wrestle with "doing" JewiBh things: trying to learn and under••

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More than 30 Omaha teens and three advisers arrived in Israel for the start of the fourweek ARTZA '99 teen trip. Above: Adam Rosen, left, and Andy Ruback, one of three advisers (along with Gary Shyken and Lisa Shkolnick), show off the dollars given to them by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel for tzedakah in Israel. Below: Lisa Shkolnick, center, is flanked by t e e n s Marina Tsed and Amy Cotton, wearing the ARTZA '99 T-shirts. In the e-mail sent to parents, Smadar BarAkiva of the JCCA Israel office, wrote: "The Omaha group arrived safely in Jerusalem. The next morning the group learned about its history and walked in the footsteps of our ancestors: They spent some time on Ben Yehuda Street, back to the walls of the old City and a special insider's view of the Western Wall tunnels. The tunnels were uncovered several years ago and provide an astonishing insight into the magnitude of the Second Temple. The next day they headed south for an archeological dig to find things at the Beit Goren caves. At night, they participated in a meaningful program to prepare them for a visit to Yad Vashem, the Holocaust Memorial. There, they will commemorate the memory of the six million, and then prepare for their first Shabbat in Jerusalem."

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Oldtimers/ Y.E.S. Review

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

by Art Grossman.

Members will meet Monday at the JCC in -the "Variety's the spice of life* is a truism that the Gordman Center—Friedel Jewish Academy. Exercise with Michelle Streif at 10:15 a.m. in the OT/Y.E.S. programs adhere to when arranging school. Try your luck at bingo with Eileen Reiner at entertainment at our get-togethers. Dr. Milton Margolin, who heads the program 10:30 a.m. in room 4. Bring articles to share for the *YES Talk" discussion group, led by Art Grossman, committee, constantly provides varied entertainers at 11 a.m. in the Henry and Dorothy Riekes whose performances are so enjoyable. As a special Father's Day feature, Suzanne Perry Museum. Following lunch, served in the commons area of the school at noon, John Fullerton from entertained with her hammered dulcimer, an Radio Talking Book will speak. For transportation, antique prototype of the piano, popular over Europe in the Middle Ages. Mrs. Perry was call 330-4272. Reminder: Monday is the deadline for the outlet dressed like a lady of the 1800s. Her renditions mall to Gretna on Thursday, July 1. Cost is $3 for were sounds popular in different countries. The Early Bird discussion class centered on the transportation. Make reservations with Maggie at 334-6521. Deadline is July 8 for the Mystery Tour lessons learned from Kosovo. Maybe they will help on July 16; deadline is July 15 for Bluffs Run prevent a repetition. We discussed a congressional effort to move the Casino on July 22. U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which was overruled. Except in Israel, a democratic WALK-IN, DROP.JN Members will meet at the Friedel Jewish friend and strategic ally, the United States mainAcademy on Thursday.. Exercise starts at tains its embassy in every country's functioning 10:15 a.m. in the commons area of the school. For capital. Synagogue arson in Sacramento, CA, caused those going on the day trip to the outlet malls in Gretna, please meet at 11 a.m. at the JCC. For head shaking. Three were torched, causing about $1 million in damages that included the IOSB of a transportation, call Maggie at 334-6521. 5,000-volume Judaic library. We paused in reverent respect in memorium for VISIONS Reminder: Visions board meeting will meet in Marvin Belzer and Edward Treller. room 4 at the JCC on Friday, July 2, at 9:30 a.m. Membership Luncheon will be held at Caniglia's Venice Inn on Friday, July 16, at 12:30 p.m. Cost is $7 per person. Cantor Jennifer Blum will honor us with an exciting program of musical gems. Send reservation by July 9 to Jim and Esther Wax, 118 S. 88th St., Omaha, NE 68114.

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BREADBREAKERS Rabbi Ira Flax will speak on "Why Be Jewish?". Breadbreakers meets every Wednesday at noon at Pastimes Restaurant, 129th and West Maple. The Program is open to the community. Cost is $8.50.

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EXPERT PICTURE FRAMING Debra Somberg and Dr. Johannes Koch of San Francisco announce the June 3 birth of their daughter, Alexandra Emma. Alexandra has a sister, Mikaela Ruth, 2. Jennifer Rifkin, front, performed at the Grandparents are Suzanne Richards Singer and Summer Arts Festival, along with dancers of Ramon and Susan Somberg of Omaha, and Maria- the JCC Dance Department Waiting at left Luise and Gebhard Koch of Iserlohn, Germany. are Brittany Sukiennik, Robert Mosenkis and Great-grandparents are Morton and Vivian Alex Freeman. Classes start again on Sept. 7. Richards of Laguna Hills, CA, and the late Ruth For more information, call Leslie Wallace at Riekes Richards and Rosaline and Louis Somberg. 334-6406.

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Stuart and Michelle Razor announce the June 9 birth of their daughter, Emily Hannah. Grandparents are Louie and Renee Kazor and Bill and Peggy Kolm of Omaha. Great-grandmothers are Mollie Franklin and Rose Kazor of Omaha, Mildred Kolm of Scbuyler and Alice Kwapiezeski of Panama, Iowa.

STERN/KUTLER Pam Stem, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Myer of Redondo Beach, CA, and Mr. and Mrs. HarAaron Kaslow and Allison Zieve of Washington, D.C., announce the birth of their son, vey S t e r n of M a r i e t t a , Benjamin Sol Kaslow-Zieve, named in memory of CA, and Bruce K u t l e r , his great-grandparents, the late Ben and Sophia . son of Dr. and Mrs. Ben Kaslow. Benjamin has a sister, Emilia, 22 mon- Kutler of Omaha, were m a r r i e d May 30 a t t h e thes. Grandparents are Gloria and Howard Kaslow of Stephen Wise Temple in Los Angeles. Rabbi Neal Omaha and Elaine and Phillir Zieve of Baltimore. Loevinger officiated. The bride is a graduate Robyn and Jim Belgrade announce the June 17 birth of their twin sons, Alexander Mark and of California State University at Long Beach with a degree in Marketing. She is employed as Senior Zachary Edward. Grandparents are Sandra Belgrade and the late Print Buyer in the Russ Reid Advertising Company in Pasadena. Eddie Belgrade and Dr. and Mrs. Gary Epstein. The bridegroom graduated from the University of Great-grandparents are Sara Harding and the late Albert Harding and the late Molly and Morrie Arizona at Tuscon with a degree in Judaic Studies Epstein, Sara and Eli Zalkin and Max and Jennie and is an electrical contractor in Valley Village, CA. He is t h e grandson of t h e late Mr. and Mrs. Belgrade. Joseph Lorkis and the late Mr. and Mrs. H a r r y Kutler. Best men were Gordon Watanabe of Omaha and Maury Friedman of Los Angeles Maids of honor were Karen Stern of Denver, sister of the bride, and Corina Masoni of Alhambra, CA. Following a honeymoon in Western, Canada, the

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Page 8

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 2,1909

Plain folk by Bob Wolfson

In recognition of their academic achievements since arriving in the United States, 114 Jewish refugees from the Former Soviet Union (FSU) were awarded $1,500 scholarships from HIAS, the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society, the oldest international migration and refugee resettlement agency in the United States. Among them is Fiorina Moeenkis, daughter of Anna and Igor Mosenkis of Omaha, who emigrated from Kiev, Ukraine, in 1991. Last fall, she started studies at the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University, from which she expects to graduate with a double major in finance and accounting and with a Certificate of Proficiency in Information Management. An outstanding high school student with a GPA of 4.67, Fiorina earned a GPA of 3.94 and participated in numerous volunteer programs. She works weekly at a local nursing home, serves as a Cooking Captain at a campus soup kitchen and is a mentor for a first-grader in an inner-city elementary school. She preserves her Jewish values by active involvement in the campus Hillel, participated in such events as Hillel Freshman Weekend Retreat and the 24-hour Holocaust Name-Reading. In 1999, HIAS granted a record amount of $216,900 for scholarshipsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;more than a.43% increase over last year's awards. Peggy and J a y Chascn recently celebrated I their 50th wedding [anniversary with relaItives and friends in 1 Omaha.

Andrea Collis was recently inducted into Phi Beta Kappa honorary society at Johns Hopkins University where she received her B.A. degree. She is currently a Fellow with Khulisa Management Services in Johannesburg, South Africa. She is the, daughter of Elisse Stern and granddaughter of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Stern. Consultant*? in Gastroenterology, L.L.C., announced the opening of a new office at 1730 So. 70th St., Suite 110, in Lincoln. They will also add on-site endoscopy in the new Lincoln Surgery Center Endoscopy Services unit, next to their office in Suite 120, starting later this summer. Kaplan Educational Center will offer a seminar on the ACT tests on Tuesday, July 6, 6:30 p.m. and an SAT seminar on Wednesday, July 7, 6:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held at the Kaplan Center, 1020 So.74th Plaza in Omaha.

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Grubb & Ellis/Pacific Realty announced that Barry Zoob has joined the company as a Transaction Professional. Zoob will focus primarily on the office, retail and investment segments of the market. He previously served as President of r Cellular Linking and in senior executive level positions at both Sitel I and ITI Marketing | Services. He is the former owner of Zoob's, a fivestore chain of women's specialty stores. The National Society of Collegiate Scholars will induct Maxwell Calvin Newman, a junior at Indiana University, thiB fall in a ceremony at the university. The NSCS is a highly-selective, national, non-profit honors organization, founded in 1994 to recognize first- and second-year undergraduates who excel academically. He is the son of Bob and Phyllis Newman. The Doubletree Hotel has announced the I appointment of Maria Czechut as their new j Director of Catering. A ! graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, she is responsible for catering sales and service for the hotel. Her husband, Gary Hoffman, is executive chef of member dining at Happy Hollow Country Club. Andrew Kirshenbaum of Newton, MA, was awarded the Senior Cup from Newton South High School. The son of Dr. Jim Kirshenbaum of Waban, MA, and Judy Kirshenbaum of Newton, he is the grandson of Kevee and Myrna Kirshenbaum and Esther Dolgoff of Omaha. The award is made to the graduating senior boy and girl who have demonstrated exceptional ingenuity, character, service and leadership during their four years at the high school. Valedictorian of his class, Kirshenbaum also was Vice-president of Programming of his USY chapter at Temple Mishkan Tefila, volunteered at a homeless shelter, was photography editor of the school newspaper and won a Boston Globe Award as well as a Scholastic Arts silver medal for photography. He will attend Skidmore College in the fall.

Jim and Elaine Wolf are an; The PlainB States office of the Anti-Defamation League has been and continues to be the beneficiary of their wisdom, their dedication and their leadership. Earlier this year, the Wolfs set up the Omaha ADL Endowment Fund, which is designed to make the Plains States office financially stable. _ And the leaderBob Wolfson ship they have provided has already borne fruit. Not content to just give money, the Wolfs issued a challenge. They are matching, dollar for dollar, any donations to the Endowment, up to an additional $100,000 beyond their initial gift in the same amount. Several people have generously donated to the Endowment. We thank them all. And there are many more ways to contribute. Uncle Sam favors the gift of appreciated securities to charitable institutions. 'Most recently, particular thanks goes to Wanda Blotcky for honoring the memory of her husband, Alan J. Blotcky, with a gift to ADL of appreciated securities to the endowment of more than $10,000. With the matching gift from the Wolf family, that gift will eventually be more than $20,000 growing in ADL's endowment. ADL has raised $31,000 in the matching program to date. Our area of the world has so many hidden secrets.. .not the least of them is the abundance of people who are teachers. They teach by the deeds they perform day in and day out. . .not by grand theories or high philosophies, but by the power of their contributions. We are blessed with many contributors: workers, volunteers and donors, real leaders who do what they do because of deep commitment and love for this work and for our community. Another secret, (sometimes lost on our friends and colleagues in the East and West Coasts), is the old adage: "you can't tell a book by its cover." Jim and Elaine are not folks who put on airs. They are proud of treating everyone they meet with the same grace and kindness they extend to everyone. Status and wealth do not impress them. Character and good deeds make a mark in their world-view. The depth of their example and the wisdom of their character combined with their actions make it clear that we are blessed. Blessed are such plain folk.

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July 2,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 9

Omaha represented on annual Women's Campaign Mission by Pam Monsky, Federation Communications Director

Note:. This story is my personal account of the Women's Campaign Mission which I offended June 20-28 with Omaha's 2000 Campaign Women's Division Co-Chairs Joan Kaiman and Nancy Noddle. The mission participants visited Vilnius, Lithuania; Minsk, Belarus and Israel. [ > June 21: Standing at the edge of a pit in Ponar Forest, Where 100,000 Jews were murdered in 1941, an owl hoots, birds twitter and the trees are green and lush. It is 58 years to the day of the start of World War II in the Baltics. A man whose grandfather perished there recited the kaddish; I closed my eyes and could almost see the blood seeping into the ground.

Nancy Noddle stood silently in the rain, listening to the memorial service at P o n a r Forest in Vilnius. The 160 people from our Campaign Chairmen's Mission who circle the pit are silent. It seems as if each one feels the pain and suffering of people who could be our own grandparents. The Jewish population of Vilnius, Lithuania, was a vibrant 250,000 before the war. It was a cultural and intellectual center known as "Jerusalem of Lithuania." Now there are only 4,800 Jews left, but the city is beautiful, very European with not a McDonald's in sight. Dinner that first night at the Vilnia City Hall was1 festive and spirited. Even though most of us hadn't slept in more than 24 hours (from Omaha it took four planes and about 22 hours of traveling), we enjoyed singing and performances by local Jewish groups. June 22: The next morning, we visited the local JCC run by the Joint Distribution Committee (JDC). Located in an ancient building, the center is a labyrinth of-hallways and small rooms where social, welfare, medical and children's youth groups hold programs and offer services to the Jewish population of Vilnius. Before leaving the Children's Youth Group, we were instructed by the kids (mainly ages 14-17) to trace our hands on construction paper and write our names and cities on them for display in their room. Some of us still have the permanent marker stains on our hands to remind us of these eloquent and very typical teens. That afternoon, we divided into small groups for a walking tour of the Jewish Ghetto with our guide, Rachel. We all were very interested to hear her

story, because she spoke with such emotion; we felt she must have had personal experience of the ghetto. Towards the end of the tour, we found out that she and her mother ran away right before the ghetto was enclosed, but she remained reluc- T f a e f a t h e r ^ tant to talk about w rf fl ^ ^ ^ SeJa p r o . much more. g r a m ^ Israel welcomed u s

wonderful place where children and elderly alike can come for help, support, food and human kindness. We were serenaded by the Senior Choir who were later joined by the kindergarten children. They deliver food packages to elderly Jews who cannot leave their apartment due to illness and have no other family for support We visited the home of one such man, Sam Paley. With a monthly pension of $16 per month, Pale/a needs are few. His outlook is refreshingly optimistic, even though he lost his wife and three-yearold daughter in the war and never remarried. As we sat in his tiny apartment, he expressed his gratitude to us over and over again. The food packages and medicine that he receives from Hesed Rachamim make the difference between eating and going without food, With his warm smile and bright green pants, our visit with him was one of the most poignant moments of the trip. To finally see the people on the receiving end of our Campaign dolthe ghetto, we could still see where the gates had been and it was- lars is moving beyond words. n't hard to imagine what life was like there. For (Continued on page 12) two years, thousands of Jews were enclosed in a very small area, but Jewish life there continued. The apartments that housed the Jews are still occupied by the people of Vilnius, and most overlook a courtyard where children rollerblade and clean laundry hangs overhead to dry. The windows date from the ghetto days, and there has been no renovation on the outside that we could detect. During our overnight stay in Vilnius, armed guards always accompanied us, and everywhere we went, it was with a police escort. That afternoon, we departed by bus for Minsk, Belarus, which is still under Communist rule. We were told to expect a long delay when crossing the border between Lithuania and Belarus, and we were not disappointed. It took approximately two hours, and apparently this was "normal." The atmosphere in the city of Minsk, which was almost completely destroyed in the war, was depressing. It was not what I expected. All of the buildings are cement block and there is no color in the city. But Minsk is a large (600,000) city with plenty of activity. Our police protection also increased in Minsk Again, each bus was accompanied by an armed police officer, but the arsenal was much more intense. Each officer carried an AK-47, a side arm and a baton. Again, we were escorted by police cars complete with flashing lights, and at every stop, we were surrounded by the police. It was sometimes unclear as to who was being protected. Those of us who lagged behind were quickly herded in by the escorts. J u n e 23: The next morning, we headed for The area which once was home to the Jews of Yama, another memorial for 1,000 Jews who were the ghetto in Vilnius hasn't changed much rounded up and massacred in WWII. The woman since the days of World War II. Most of the • who spoke there lost her entire family. We laid a residents there now are non-Jews. wreath and, subdued, we boarded the bus again for ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ our next stop, Hesed ! ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Rachamim. p • Run by the Jewish Joint Distribution Committee, Hesed Rachamim is a

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

July 2,1999

Refuge in Moscow (Continued from page 1) CENTRAL AIR, S A Q 95 They would have struggled for survival on the fHE GREAT AMERICAN TUNE-UP &CLEAtr;s*+y,v i; streets, in alcoholic homes - or they would have Hani s What W« t * Hook'Up freon o been confined to living with elderly relatives who * Clssn & (nip *Cl«andn" are barely able to support themselves. * Test c In addition to serving the children's social, edu•»IJ Voted the cational and psychological needs, the center focusr l i a t opt ration _...aunmentioned es on creating a Jewish environment for them. Rfan CITIZENS $44.85 In Omaha The children - who like most Russians have hot • 2nd Opinion BAGEL OF had a Jewish upbringing - e a t kosher meals, celeFLOYD'S FURNACE & AIR brate Shabbat and attend services at the Moscow THE MONTH fe^sf* 556-9706: Choral Synagogue, which is within walking disRaspberry tance from the home. The boys wear white silk wilh yarmulkas. Reduced fat Blueberry They will spend the summer at a camp outside Cream Cheese the city. And, starting this fall, the children will Key. i n t o attend classes at one of the Moscow Jewish day Jewish schools. Omaha a t The center is temporarily housed in a six-bedroom apartment in a duplex in downtown Moscow. www. Next year, the center will move from this apartJewish ment, which is rented from a private owner, to a building of its own that the city of Moscow will proomaha.org vide. ' 20 varieties of bagels 16 cream cheese The seed for the center was planted two years spreads ago when Waxman, the mother of three adult chilCappuccino/Espresso dren and two stepdaughters, came to Russia to Great soups and salads adopt a two-year-old boy. During the adoption Dell sandwiches process, Waxman, who had earlier established a Catering family foundation for needy children around the THE GREAT world, met with Moscow's chief rabbi, Pinchas Goldschmidt AMERICAN BAGEL "We decided to start a home specifically for 802?W,JDpdgaRd«a,_ Jewish kids—not knowing exactly what we were ^393-8400 talking about," Waxman said. 3661 N. 129th St. Now dozens of children are already on a waiting 431-9999 list, including several from state orphanages. "The new building will also have space for infants, which will give more opportunities for adoption," Waxman says. Goldschmidt believes the center will be an important part of the Jewish revival taking place in Russia, noting, "These kids will be part of a community that can be proud of them, a community that will take care of both adoptable and unadoptl'Restaurant able children." • • • About 200 children live at three Jewish homes joiiiZlsfrrLwicfi ani&Dimterand for children that were opened in Ukraine during Codfctftfour the past three years. €st In our Garden Patio But Goldschmidt says the demand for such instiopen every day tutions in Russia should be even higher because \i2129 W. Center Road In \NestwoodSqJ330332o/ the Russian Jewish community is larger than Ukraine's. "Ultimately, the idea is to have a home to be an alternative to abortions," says Goldschmidt, referring to the high rate of abortions in Russia. According to statistics, Russian women have between three and eight abortions in their lifetime. As one of the guests at last week's dedication looked at the children playing, he reminisced about Balebusta of the Month his experience at a Jewish orphanage. Anatoly Dun was one of dozens of children who came through the Moscow Jewish orphanage, which existed between 1923 and 1933 - until it was closed by Stalin. "I was happy there," Dun, 84, says. "I hope these EASY kids have the same memories about their home when they grow up." TZIMMIS Waxman, who has visited dozens of orphanages around the world, says they all have one thing in 1 large can sweet potatoes common. 9 prunes "Be it in China, or in India or here - there is 1/4 cup bottled lemon juice always deadness in children's eyes," she says. 1 can sliced carrots The home she helped to establish in Moscow may Chop potatoes and p'riines-into small be the happy exception to that rule. pieces; add lemon juice and canots. "Can I stay here forever?" six-year-old Kristina Put in 8x8x2* pan. asks in a very low voice. "People here are so kind, Bake at 350' for one(tour." not like in my old home."

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Eden tour (Continued from page 1)

Darlene Golbitz, left, and Janet Herman represented Omaha's Ro's,e felumkin Jewish Home at a conference in upstate New York to learn about implementing Eden'Alternative. During the forum on July 11, several questions will be addressed by Dr. Thomas, in hopes of sparking a debate within the community on the following issues: •What roles should elders play in our society? •What are the misconceptions we hold about aging? •How do current attitudes toward the elderly stand at cross-purposes with what we all want for our elders? • •What might elderhood be like in 10 years? •What role can holistic approaches and reasoning play in developing alternatives to conventional practice? . Darlene Golbitz and Janet Herman, Registered Nurses at the Home, have been trained in the Eden Alternative at the organization's headquarters in upstate New York. Golbitz sees her primary role as an educator of "staff, families, residents and the community" as she directs the Home towards this type of nursing facility. ';•.<, "I look forward to welcoming the Thomas entourage," she added. "It was so exciting to learn they were coming here to add a spark of inspiration to our staff, residents and their families as we implement Eden." On the road to changing the Home, the board of directors and professional staff came to understand that loneliness, helplessness and boredom account for the bulk of human suffering. One of the 'ways to alleviate loneliness, according to the Eden Alternative, is to provide access to companionship. Here at the Blumkin Home, this is accomplished with daily visits from the children of the JCC's Child Development Center and the Friedel Jewish Academy. In addition, those residents who are able • are escorted to the JCC for weekly meetings, programs and lunches of Young Energetic Seniors and other cultural and social events. "Utilizing the Eden concept will enhance the lives of our Jewish elders by giving them opportunities for meaningful experiences on a daily, ongoing basis," said Barbara Gottlieb, Executive Director of Jewish Senior Services. "We are very honored that Dr. Thomas and his family are utilizing our campus for one of only 25 visits at communities across the nation." . In addition to the interaction between the Home and the rest of the Jewish Community Campus, the Eden Alternative has allowed the Home to imbue daily life for its residents with variety and spontaneity. Supervised walks around the campus can be injected into the Ufa of a resident when the weather permits, instead of programming such activities into a rigid weekly schedule. "Whether it's elders, family members, staff or visitors, every time I see the sparkle in their eyes and the smile which fallows', I know Eden is the right thing to do," added Janet Herman about the change she has seen in many of the residents, as well as in family members. "Hopefully, I can help us grow into an elder-centered facility," she added, "to make life worth living for us all." For more information about the Eden Alternative, Dr. Thomas' visit, or services provided by the Rose Blumkin Jewish Home, call 334-6512.

July 2,1999

Bert's

sew

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 11

by Bert Lewis

I recently read a very interesting article about a customer service and tell them how lousy their help woman.who has made a successful business out of is" but, well, you know how it is. I just think 111 do letter-writing. Not ordinary letters, mind you, but it, then I go on to the next aggravation and forget generally speaking, letters registering complaints about it. or expressing anger. The kind of letter which might There are so many irritants in this world, and so 119 So. 40th S t • 558-5623 be described as "telling somebody off. many times when somebody really ought to register Greek American Cuisine She has clients who have been offended by treat* a valid complaint, it's no wonder somebody could Full Bar • Lamb, Pastltslo, Mousaka ment in a certain restaurant, or who feel a retail really start a business of nothing but writing letMon-Thurs: 11-9 p.m. • Frt-Sat: 11-10p.m. store haB perhaps misled them regarding a pur- ters for other people. Smart lady, wouldn't you chase. . .that sort of thing. She says she's buBy all agree? the time, because there are so many folks who have When all is said and done however, and I really something to complain about, and who always think about it, I'd have to think it would be more intend to write a letter of protest but never get beneficial for a person to write their own letter. around to actually writing. Thatfs where she comes in. Think about it-after expressing oneself regarding a I related instantly to the entire concept, because I real or imagined gripe, after "venting one's spleen,' couldn't begin to count the number of times I have doesn't it seem like the writer should feel better? sworn to myself "I'm gonna write that so-and-so I'm wondering if that same relief comes when and really let him have it!" Times when I felt I had somebody else does the venting. The finest Chinese cuisine in Omaha been treated badly and wanted somebody to know I guess 111 never know, but by gosh, I'm going to WEST EAST exactly how I felt about i t A couple of examples come remember all this and next time I won't just threat2859 S. 168th St. 3515 Center St. to mind without much digging around in memory. en, 111 write! TEL 770-9322 TEL: 342-9226 The first happened nearly 11 years ago, on an airFAX: 348-9223 FAX. 778-9515. plane between Omaha'and New York. The roomby Lois Friedman mate and I were traveling with our daughter and her six-week-old baby. We spent the first leg of the Read it and eat, Flavors of America-by Jim Coteman journey (between here and Chicago) kvelling over our beautiful grandson, then things took a turn for the worse. For some weather related reason, we You don't have to wander far to discover and enjoy GREEK GYROS • STEAKS were kept on the ground in Chicago, in the plane the many and varied "flavors of America*. The PHILLIES • BURGERS | for so many hours that if I told you, you'd think I author, host of the PBS series of the same name and Home of Oiiinliii's Original (iyrci was exaggerating. executive chef at Philadelphia's five-diamond First it was weather, then it was something about Rittenhouse Hotel, introduces home cooks to regional Our Daily Luneli & Dinner Specials arc #1 the plane, then it was the number of hours the American cooking. #/ Food in the Midwest crew had been on duty and on and on. There was Each of the 30 sections of the book, which accompaOpen 7 Days a Week no food, no drink, no nothing... only a plane full of ny the television series, has a brief introduction, miserable, angry and unhappy passengers. description of the food and history. The goal was to 4409 Dodge St. • 553-3326 Thankfully, our baby didn't have to depend on create recipes to inspire but not overwhelm home United Airlines for his food, since his mother han- cooks, use easy to find ingredients and especially to dled that efficiently, but everybody else w a s make cooking an enjoyable experience. incensed beyond description. From acorn squash curried soup to Yorkshire I must have mentally written a dozen irate let- Pudding, the foods of the Mid-Atlantic area that mirters to the president of the airline, expressing my ror the country's cultural melting pot are featured. feelings, and I promised myself I would really write "Morsels" in the chapters give additional tidbits of and send mail when all was back to normal. Of information relating to the one hundred plus recipes. course, I didn't, but if I had known about that lady In the Jewish-American Comfort Food section, the who does it for a living, well, do I have to say more? featured recipes are for brisket, chicken soup and Actually, in the more than 50 years I've been fly- kugel. Enjoy a delicious journey and try this recipe ing, various airlines have made me mad enough to for the 4th of July. want to write and "tell them off." The delays, the hours sitting in airports waiting for who knows ROASTED CORN COLESLAW what plane or crew to finally arrive, the anxious 2 ears of fresh or thawed frozen corn, kernels cut from the cob wait for an alleged "part" to arrive, which they swear they must have for the plane to be safe. Oh 4 cups thinly sliced red cabbage yeah, those friendly skies have given more than 1/2 cup finely chopped onion one poor shnook a migraine, or at the very least, 1/4 cup julienne-sliced red bell pepper salt and pepper t o taste acid indigestion! 1/2 to 3/4 cup mayonnaise Of course, the airlines aren't the only ones who 2 tablespoons cider vinegar : -' . abuse us-let's not forget busy restaurants, the kind • Northern Indian Roast the corn kernels in a 375 degree oven for 10 ' which take reservations and then make the patron Tandoori Cuisine minutes. Allow to cool. ; • . wait, and wait, and wait some more. I've lost count • Regional Specialties Combine the corn, cabbage, onion, and bell peppers of that number. Or maybe they seat you immedi• Vegetarian Favorites and chill thoroughly. Just before serving, add salt, ately, then you wait, this time for service. The late pepper, mayonnaise and vinegar and-toss tightly. • Lunch & Dinner comedian, Henny Youngman, was quoted as asking Serves4. ;v '. .'.'•':•'. the headwaiter for "a table near a waiter." Henny was corny, but right on target! Those are the • restaurants I always think 111 do something about, like a letter maybe, but who actually gets around to

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Page 12

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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July 2,1999

Campers 'giddyup'

Omahans represented on Women's Campaign Mission (Continued from page 9)

Children in the JCC's Horseback riding camp learned proper riding habits at Shady Lane Ranch. Openings are still available in some camps; for information, call 334-6400.

Liat Mashawy, the JCC's summer shaliach (Israeli counselor), spends her days teaching campers about Judaism and Israeli culture.

I I I I •

•

Left:. Sam Paley, center, meets with women from the Campaign Mission, including Nancy Noddle, second from right, and Joan Kaiman and Pam Monsky, back row, middle and right. He is a recipient of food packages and medical assistance provided by the Joint Distribution Committee with funds raised by the Federation Campaign. Right: Joan Kaiman, right, listens to the children and seniors of Hesed Rachamim. The marvelous thing about Jewish life in the for- a month). The parents told us they had never had mer Soviet Union is that after almost total annihilation, there is a renaissance. The Jews we met are Americans in their home before, and had lots of questions about our life in the U.S. The father kept living and building a Jewish life. That afternoon, we visited the home of families filling our glasses with vodka, and the grandmothwhose children are studying in Israel on the er never stopped eating. We took Polaroids because Naaleh and Sela programs. These programs are the next evening in Israel, we could present these run by the Jewish Agency for Israel (JAFI) and are photos to their daughter and other participants, also funded by the Campaign. Russian teens who with whom we would be having dinner. pass a test are given the opportunity to go to school At our last dinner in Minsk, everyone was ready in Israel. The result is that the children bring home to leave; there was a festive atmosphere that in newly-discovered Jewish identity, and often the less than 12 hours we would be in Israel. I have never felt so uncomfortable about being Jewish in entire family makes aliyah (immigrates) to Israel. The family we visited hadn't seen their daughter my life as I was in Minsk. in more than eight months. The mother is Jewish There is much anti-Semitism in the former Soviet and the father is not, and we found that this is very Union and we could see it in the faces of the waitresscommon in Minsk. The maternal grandmother also es in the hotel that night No matter what we asked . lives with the family. They had obviously gone to a for we were told "nyet" or that they didn't understand lot of trouble for us and laid out a spread of food English. They stared at us and whispered to each (which we later found out had been supplied by other. We all couldn't wait to get to Israel. JAFI—otherwise this family wouldn't have eaten for To be continued... *

I I

Once again, the <J<awi^k TV&^ will observe Rosh Hashanah with a beautiful special issue on September IO, 1999. This year, the theme for our annual New Year edition /s < C&ntail Hjgl* S 6 ^ 0 ^ Y ^ W d a y and Today. yye will highlight stories and photos including AZA/BBG, Central students and graduates, the neighborhoods • of Dundee, Country Club, Memorial Park, "Bagel" 6/mwood and more.

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