September 10, 1999: Rosh Hashanah Edition

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Page 2 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 10,1990

Remembering Central High and the "old neighborhoods. There was a time in the life of the Jewish commu- owned stores and nearby synagogues. Those days nity of Omaha when nearly every Jewish teen are gone, hut they're not forgotten. attended Central High School, when Jewish famiTeens still attend Central High School, though' lies lived in .areas like Elmwood Park, Benson, hot in the numbers of the '40s, '50s and '60s. Today, Memorial Park, Dundee and "Bagel", when syjia- they're students at Millard North and Burke and gogues were confined to an area from 16th and Westside. And they still gather at the '<T though Cuming to 69th and Cass. they get there by car and not on foot. And a boy's It was a time when a girl's parents could count on parentfs) can still get to know the parents) of their knowing the parents of her date, when kosher son's date, if they reach put a little and offer a welbutchers and bakeries abounded, when so many coming hand to Omaha. Today, when a child's mother dies or a family is teens gathered at the old 'J' on 20th and Dodge, split by divorce or job loss, the community is there there was standing room only. :.-. Central High was a focal point for the Jewish to help—through the synagogues and Jewish community, as Jewish students led the class acade- Family Service. Today, if a family is threatened by ' mically year after year, and dominated the Debate anti-Semitic acts, the Anti-Defamation League will team, the Register staff and the class plays. investigate and work with law enforcement to Parents knew where to find their kids: at Memorial resolve the situation. Today, teens travel to Israel Park, someone's basement on Dillon Drive or the and Jewish camps to reinforce their Judaism, instead of to AZA basketball tournaments in Sioux ' gym at the VJ.' . ':'-•:; It seemed idyllic: obedient children who respectedCity, IA, or Lincoln, NE. Was it better then? Or just different? (authority, caring adults who were involved with Whatever the view, we can take what was good their children's lives, safe schools, families who were Jewishly-knowledgeable and Jewishly-obser- and try to forget what wasn't so wonderful. We can recreate the "neighborhood* by attending more vant, and a community that worked together. an . But it was also a time when being different communal events in our Jewish community d by .'wasn't acceptable, when divorce or the death of a offering the hand of friendship to newcomers. If our .spouse often put a family in turmoil with stares and children attend schools with only a few Jewish stuwhispers offered instead of grief counseling and dents, we can ensure they meet more through support groups; when wearing a kipa to school was BBYO and synagogue youth groups. If we have a few hours to spare, we can volunteer some time at . as absurd as declaring one's sexual orientation. •':.•••• We can't turn back the clock; we can't create a the Blumkin Home, asking older residents to recall physical neighborhood of Jewish homes, Jewish- their memories, and we can still hang out at the 'J*

The old territorial capitol, left photo, is often mistaken for the current Central High School. Built in 1857, it

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- a larger, newly-remodeled one at that! A community is bound by its memories. But it's up to all ofus.to create newones. An issue this size doesn't just happen. If s created through the efforts of our J e w i s h P r e s s Committee, who came up with the idea and provided leads for interviews, and by writers and photographers: Diane Axler Baum, Joanie Jacobson, Bert Lewis, Morris Maline, Joan K. Marcus, Howard K. Marcus, Rebecca Murow, Claudia Sherman and the dozens of Central High grads who donated photos,. newspaper clippings, documents and yearbooks, as well as the staff of the Nebraska Jewish Historical Society, Dr. George Thompson, Principal of CHS, and the CHS Alumni Committee. We also owe our thanks to the outstanding staff of the Jewish Press: the increasing ad revenue generated by Larry Azelrod, our Advertising Manager; the creative talents of Maureen LaPour, our Managing Editor and her production assistants, Jen Gates and Melissa Katzman; the thoroughness of our bookkeeper, Jenina Sadofsky; the proofreading time given by office volunteer George Schapiro; and the long-time sales efforts of outside salespeople Barbara Frankel and Rocky Stern; We wish our readers, advertisers and Central High School grads everywhere a sweet, peaceful, healthy and happy New Year! L'Shana Tova! Carol Katzman, Editor Miami Palmetto High School, Class of'67 Lloyd Roitstein, Press Committee Chairman Central High School, Class of'64

was razed in 1870 to make way for Omaha's first high school, right photo, on what was known as Capitol HilL

A cattfor -peace and a zuisft for joy on this 9\[ezv year rom <The staff and committee

THE JEWISH PRESS (Founded in 1920) The role of the Jewish Federation of Omaha is to involve Jews in meeting Jewish communal needs locally, nationally and in Israel. Centers of Excellence of the Federation are: Community Relations, Jewish Community Center, Jewish Educational and Library Services, Jewish Family Service, Jewish Senior Services. The Jewish Press is a Constitutional Committee of the Jewish Federation of Omaha, The Jewish Press (USPS 275620) is published weekly on Friday for $26 per calendar year U.S.; $30 foreign, by the Jewish Federation of Omaha. Deadline for copy, ads and photos is Thursday, noon, eight days prior to publication. Telephone 402-334-6448; FAX 402-3346422; E-mail •qshpres8@aol.com> Periodical postage paid at Omaha, NE. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Jewish Press, 333 So. 132nd St., Omaha, NE 68154-2198.

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Carol Katzman Edilor-in-Chiel Maureen LaPour Managing Editor Larry Axolrod Advertising Manager Barbara Frankel Rocky Stem Sales representatives Jenina E. Sadofsky Bookkeeper Jan Gates Production Assistant George Schapiro ' Volunteer

JEWISH PRESS COMMITTEE Fred Tichauer, Vice-Chairman; Joanie Jacobaon, Secretary, Howard Silber, Treasurer, Elyce Azriel; Jill Belmont; Steve Danon; Jean Duitch; Penny Endelinan; Kip Gordman; Gary Kudym; Steve Levinger; Linda Saltzman; George Schapiro; 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.

September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

May The New Year Bring You Joy And Happiness.

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Page 4

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

A history of Central Classrooms in the old building continCentral teachers and students occasion- 1 ""I\TJ ued to be used during the construction of ally encounter visitors to the building who the new one. have wandered in to explore what they Doorways (used as department offices believe to be Nebraska's first territorial today) on the interior walls of each floor capitol. Despite Central's imposing exterir j of the new school provided access to or, though, it was never the territorial classrooms in the old building. Total cost capitol but instead is the site of the first f the new school was $750,000. capitol. The work closed traffic for more than a Central traces its beginning to Omaha's vear and left Central on a cliff with a first all-grades public school opened in '-heer 20-ft. drop. New terraces and 1859 by superintendent of education flights of stairs provided the campus Howard Kennedy. But it was another 12 with its present look. Central's grounds years before the fledgling school district received extensive revamping in 1920. actually constructed a separate high Prompted by complaints from Omaha school. J motorists about t h e steep incline of In 1869, the Nebraska Legislature i*..~ 4*-J Dodge Street, city officials initiated donated the old capitol building at 21st „_ ~"»- i]>lans to lower t h e grade of the buBy and Capitol to Omaha on the condition - "* "v"** ~~ •itreet from 12 percent to seven percent that it be used for a high school. That building never knew service as a school s i .• . ... . . , . . - „ .""T'TT-"!? The school board approved the addition -building, however. It was declared unsafe This i s o n e of t h e most reproduced photos of Central High . , ,.* . . . ,, to «-•—• J t - 1 — by photographer Howard K. Marcus in the fall of 0 I a g y m a n a a u a u o n u m w l n B t 0 t n e in S e T v e ^ n t d a y cafeteria is locat. building faced east and Maylte^erphototunelineofCentralHighSchoolhistory. By-1897, overcrowding and inadequate ventila- ed, and thespians performed on stage in a tiny consisted of a main structure with north and south wings and a 150-ft. spire that dominated the hori- tion became serious problems for the school, and auditorium that has since been transformed into zon. The school had four stories and a basement the board of education approved construction of a rooms 145 and 245. and included 15 school rooms and four recitation new, larger building. The school remained basically unchanged until rooms. The cornerstone for that building, the present- 1977, when a full-size gym was added north and This Omaha High School, destined to become day Central High School, was laid on Nov.16,1900. east of the main building. Then, 1981-82 students known as Central High School, was a source of The builders began with the east side of the new and teachers endured the dust and noise of an much pride to Omahans. Important visitors to the school first, and from 1900 to 1912, the school extensive renovation of the entire building comcity were certain to be given a tour of the school. grew, a side at a time, each section constructed pleted while school was in session. As this renovation project drew to a close, workmen used a heliThat included President William Howard Taft in around the original tower building. 1911, who, according to reports, climbed the tower Finally, that tower building itself was demol- copter to lower supports in place for a translucent for a better view of the city. From its vantage point ished and removed before the fourth side (the dome that would cover the courtyard.. on the hill, Central High School, even then, was at north side) was added. Kate McHugh, Principal at This innovative addition ended the need to close the center of the growing city's activity. the time, insisted on the removal of the old build- the busy hub of the school at the first sign of snow On July 4,1876, for example, electrical engineers ing's heating and ventilating plant to create a and insured its year-round popularity among stuwired the school's tower to give Omaha its first courtyard at the center of the square structure. dents.

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September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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Central students celebrate Friends came together to celebrate Bernie Altsuler's 16th birthday in 1940. Of the 23 who attended the party, 20 are former Central High school students. Back row: Sheldon Kaufman, Beth Kulakofsky, Pete Molder, Joye Greenberg, Shirley Gershon, Buddy Goldstein and Margie Krasne. Second row: Ruthie Rosenstock, Joe Belmont, T^j Harry Lincoln, Bernie Alt-suler, Joe Kirshenjj baum and Connie Meyers. First row: unknown, Jim Lipsey, Betty Soref, Ed Molder, Rhoda Krasne and Ruthie Friedman Altsuler. During the 1930s, '40s, '50s and '60s, Jewish students represented between 20 and 25 percent of the population at Central, dominating such organizations as the Debate team, Latin club, Register and OBook staffs and, later, Math Clubs and school plays. Jewish students could also be found among the top 10 graduating seniors nearly every year.

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They love what they do by Joan K. Marcus Judy Brookstein and Milton Katskee had one He invited her to "march" with him in the ROTC date each year during their years at Central High. Military Ball. "We had practice every morning They knew each other, but didn't go around in the before school and after school at night. I had to same crowd. However, Milton always made sure learn how to draw my sword without skewering that he asked Judy to be '«.' I *»j"'*»**•"* t ^ Judy or cutting her head Vhis date for the important • JM«I.V I off! They all wore these big things—like the Military j dresses with crinoline and Ball. < you wanted to avoid acciJudy Brookstein Katskee > dents," he remembered. grew up at 5136 Seward J Milt stayed in Omaha and St., and she went through, attended Creighton Unit sixth grade at Harrison i versity; he was quite Grade School, she then ' ! pleased when he heard attenfded Dundee School.' -, that Judy had come back At Central, she was in to Omaha. They started to Girls Athletic Association, date more seriously after Home-room Representatheir mothers met. Judy tive, Inter-American Club, graduated with a degree in Junior Honor Society and I Elementary Education in Pep Squad. ' January, 1963, and mar-* ried Milt on June 30,1963. Some of her girlfriends ——were Carolyn Stern Lef- J u d y and Milton Katskee, Class o f 59, then She began teaching in 1963 and Milt received his kow, Barbara Greenberg and now. law degree from Creighton Seglin, Gail Tretdak Kohll in 1965. He went to work and Beverly Bloom Fell, for a law firm which was man. She was an academic > extensively involved in person who was more contrial practice and began to cerned about her grades develop his skills in that than her social life. She area. In 1968, he and three wasn't interested in music ; others began the firm of or extra-curricular activi" Walsh, Walentine, Miles ties, but she did spend , and Katskee. time with friends. Her group rarely missed • In 1971, he left private a football game and they \ practice and joined Mangusually ended up having , elsen's as house counsel. parties and "sleep overs" • He negotiated contracts, after the games. Dating tried cases, and traveled wasn't part of Judy's plan ' extensively for the compaand she chose her dates !. ny. In 1973, he left Mang- carefully. Milt Katskee really wasn't a big part of elsen's to return to private practice. her high school life: In 1975, Milt entered into a partnership with iiJV : In 1959, after1 graduation from Central, she friend and mentor Harry Henatsch. ' ' attended the University of Texas for one year. She "Harry was quite a bit older than I was, but one then returned home and went to Omaha of the most respected lawyers in Nebraska. The University, while she was also a secretary at only argument we ever had was whose name Micklin Home Improvement. should be first. He said that it should be mine and It was shortly after she came back that her I said that it should be his!" Milt said. mother, Fay Brookstein, was out shopping and The two men remained partners until 1997 when accidentally met up with Milt's mother, Mabel Henatsch retired, but remained friends. The firm Katskee. The two women exchanged greetings and is now called Katskee, Henatsch and Suing. They then, Fay mentioned that Judy was back in town. do primarily civil trial practice work and a sizeable Mabel immediately commented, Til tell Milt Hell amount of their work is involved with representing be pleased." professionals. Unlike Judy, Milt was in every organization pos"It's the greatest way in the world to earn a livsible at Central High! The family lived at 1816 ing," he said. "There are a lot of things that I enjoy, Paul St., and he attended Kellom Grade School. but the practice of law is the only thing that I They later moved to 614 South 68th St., and he would want to do to make a living." attended Tech Junior High. Milt describes himself Judy taught first grade at Crestridge Elementary as being an above average student who really School until she began having a family. She stayed didn't apply himself. home to raise her children and then went back 28 "What I did do was have a lot of fun. I was on the years ago to teach at Maplewood Preschool. She O-Book and Central High Register staffs, plus, I has now taught children of former students! was busy with ROTC," he said. He was also a stuFor the past 12 years, she has also worked at a dent conductor of the band, a member of the dance market research company, setting up focus groups band, the orchestra and the ROTC Marching Band. and doing executive interviews. In addition to Occasionally, he even played music for money. holding two jobs, Judy is part of the staff of 1,000 Recalled Milt, "While Judy was busy being an cooks who help edit Taste of Home magazine, repacademician, I was having a really good time." resenting Omaha. She submits recipes, kitchen Some of his friends were Allan Krizelman, shortcuts and food-related items. She describes Marshall Bernstein and Willard Plotkin. herself as, "not a gourmet cook, but a good cook." He was also President of the Jewish Youth Council In addition to enjoying their jobs, the couple and AZA #1. I n retrospect, I wouldn't trade all of attend symphony concerts, the playhouse and sumthe things that I did, but I probably should have mer concerts. They have, over the years, occupied spent a little more time studying!" he said. many volunteer positions at Beth El Synagogue. He remembers the teacher who became his menTheir greatest hobbies now are their children. tor was Noyes Bartholomew. The instrumental Their daughter, Gayle, lives hi Chandler, AZ, with music teacher was called "Mr. B* by his students her husband, David, and two daughters, Emily, 3, and he advised Milt to pursue something other and Molly, 2 months. than becoming a music teacher. Their son, Richard Katskee, has a law degree Milt said he dated fairly regularly in high school from Yale Law School and will soon receive a Ph.D. but Judy didn't show any particular interest in him. from Harvard. He has been a law clerk for two She would ride to school with her father, Irv Federal Court of Appeal Judges and lives in Brookstein, who would drop her off early in the Washington, D . C , with his wife, Rachel morning at the corner of 22nd St., while the band (Midnight), who is also an attorney. was practicing. Milt would strike up the band. Though the band doesn't usher them into "She was the only girl who was ushered into school Central now, Judy and Milt Katskee still have reawith an 80-piece marching band!" he laughed. sons to celebrate.

September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 7

Just a good boy! by Joan K. Marcus

Nebraska Clothing Company and delivered the Grain Report.for the Daily Record. Although he admits to having a good time while attending Central, he said, "We were far from rich and I had to work hard." Mort remembers, "After I was 16,1 would deliver meat to all of the Jewish homes around town." In later years, Shukert's Meat Market went out of business and the Glass family moved up the street into their store at 1619 No. 24th Street. Prom 1954-1957, he was actively involved in the wholesale meat business. Al Glass became ill in 1957, and it was then the family left the kosher meat business. At that time, Joe Bucheister, Dave Richtman and Roman Amster took over the Omaha Kosher Meat Market. "I'm not really sure why I've always stayed in the meat business. It wasn't by design and had I not been born into it, I very probably would have been happy doing something else," said Glass. He started because of the desire to help his parents and, later, getting married and having a family motivated him. After graduation from Central, Glass went on to attend Omaha University. In 1953, he graduated with a degree in Business Administration and went into the United States Air Force with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant. He was discharged about six months later at the end of the Korean War. Mort met Janet Thomas at an AZA dance in Omaha. She was from Des Moines and had come to Omaha to attend the dance at the JCC. He recalled it was very much "love at first sight" for both of them. He said to his friend, Eddie Belgrade, "I'd sure like to know that girl!" They had their first date when she had just Mort Glass, 1953, United States Air Force turned 16 and he was 18. It was a schlep in Anyone who went to the butcher, the baker and those days for him to go all the way to Des the fish store would pass the Omaha Kosher Meat Moines .to date her. Market at 1629 No. 24th St., and see young, darkThey dated for six years before they were marhaired Morton Glass sweeping the fresh sawdust ried in 1957. Rabbi Isaac Nadoff was the Rabbi on the floor. On Jewish holidays when there were a at Tifereth Israel Synagogue in Des Moines lot of bundles, young Mort would be ordered by his when they were married. Their children are: mother, Sadye, to "help these people out fo their Jeff, a Psychiatrist in Irvine, CA, and Lisa, an car." actress in Los Angeles. Mort never argued with his parents, Sadye and Since 1980, he has run Signature Foods, a AT Glass, because he was part of the family. You company which sells ground beef products to didn't ask to be paid. This was just part of your supermarkets all over the country. He has family responsibility. Sadye was one of seven chil- recently sold the company to ConAgra, but will dren and Al was a Latvian immigrant who had continue working. At one point, he also ran always worked in the beef industry. Morton's of Omaha Corned Beef. At an early age, Mort, an only child, felt a strong Glass says that his years at Central High gave responsibility to help his parents in their family him a very strong sense of responsibility. He fell buBinesB. Prior to opening the kosher meat store, into a structured environment where they were Al had worked in packing houses and run other all good kids. . non-kosher meat stores. Members of the Glass fam"In those days, nobody.really did anything ily were no strangers to hard work. They spent bad. We were expected to be good and we didn't many hours stand'ing on the sawdust-covered screw around!" floors—working together. At the same time Mort began working in the meat market, he started Central High School. He remembers this as a wonderful time in his life. His life revolved around school and going to the Jewish Community Center after school. Some of his friends were Ira Epstein, Burt Robinson, Joe Kirschenbaum, Betty Katzman, Blanche Staenberg and Barbara Pink. With sadness, he remembers Eddie Belgrade, who remained his, lifelong friend until Eddie's death last year. Because he was a member of AZA #100, Mort took trips to other cities and had a good time meeting young Jewish people. He also had a good time at Central High playing clarinet in the ROTC band. School wasn't just fun. In addition to his unpaid job at the meat market, he worked during Mort Glass, 1999

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Page 8 Jewish Press Omaha, NE September 10,1999

Central High in the '40s by Bert Wine Lewis

My memories of going to school at Central are probably a little mixed with those of my children, who are also graduates of the big, stately building on the hill. But I do recall many things about my four years there, memories I probably share with lots of other people. I certainly recall many teachers, some with great respect and some whom I thought (at the time) were there for the sole purpose of making my life miserable. Actually, Central then, as now, had a fine reputation as an excellent high school, with a proud roster of good teachers (my teen prejudices notwithstanding). . I remember a Spanish teacher who labored with me for a couple of years, one who I was certain was anti-Semitic, but who knows? I remember an Algebra teacher so well, I still have nightmares where I think I'm sitting in his class, without my homework. I remember an English teacher I loved, a dear little woman who brought the classics to life for me. Of course, I also remember sitting in room 215, a cavernous study hall, surrounded by who knows how many other kids. Seems to me, there was a lot of clock watching in study hall, but maybe I'm not remembering exactly right; It was a good place to get homework done, if a person didn't fool around wasting time, and it was also a marvelous place to ' read a library book. Which takes me to another subject—the library at Central. Oh how I loved that place! I discovered mystery books among others on those shelves and thereafter managed to always have one tucked between the stack I carried around most of each day. I loved to sit at one of the tables there and lose myself completely in something wonderful justrandomly chosen from those shelves. I think now my great love of books may have been born in that very library.

I remember the lunchroom, way at the top of the Victory!" It was, of course, the original, but, to me, steps. There were two, but for whatever reasons, it was a reminder of another place and time. I'm kids chose one and generally ate in that one only. I sure when I was a youngster at Central I had no recall many of the food selections I enjoyed there, idea ours was a replica of a very famous work. in what was really my first experience with food I remember extra curricular activities at Central, my mom hadn't prepared. Oh my, what they such as Spanish Club and Glee Club and Girls cooked and served was a revelation tome, a kid Chorus, etc. I don't remember Math Club for a good from a kosher kitchen home. Yes, my horizons reason. I never had anything to do with it, since it broadened greatly in that lunchroom! wasn't my long suit. But there were some odd groups at that time, I said the lunchroom was at the top of the steps, and steps were a special feature of that old build- which were there only because our country was just ing. Wherever there were stairs, there were two into a war. There was a Red Cross class of some sort, and a First Aid flights-one was for girls class as I recall, with and the other for boys. new emphasis being, The reason for this was, given to such topics, but of course, the restrooms, being normal teens, most which were on the landof us didn't take such ings of each stairway. things too seriously. That was why the girls took the left stairs and My years at Central the boys took the right. represented a happy At least thafs the way I time, and why not? I was remember it now, all only responsible for these years later. I also keeping my grades up remember that's where and behaving myself. My the kids smoked, at earliest parttime jobs fell least the gutsy ones. And that's where they usually into place during those years, but aside from makgot caught, too. It was a far cry from the way ing sure my folks never caught me smoking, I didn't things are today, where students openly light up have a lot to worry about. On the whole, they were as soon as they get outside. But that's another carefree days, with the wonderful JCC right across story. the street! Yes, when I went to Central, the Jewish ' I also clearly remember the statue which stood prominently in a hall (don't ask me which hall)- Community Center was still on the corner of 20th the Winged Victory. It was a landmark, a place : and Dodge, and, in my memory, was an absolute everyone became familiar with, a place where a magnet for the Jewish kids at school. We went kid could say "meet me after fourth hour at the across to the T and did who remembers what? I only know we spent a lot of time there; and I also statue," and be understood. Years and years later, when my room-mate and I know that between school and the 'J', my Jewish were touring the Louvre in Paris, I stopped sud- friend connections were formed. denly and gasped "there it is—there's the Winged (Continued on Page 10)

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September 10,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 9

Loyal and trustworthy by Joan K. Marcus

This is a story about two brothers and of Rayim, Jewish Youth Council Boys their love for their families, their par- Club, and they rarely missed a social ents, scouting and each other. ~ function. They dated, went to all Lloyd and Larry Roitstein weren't at school functions, participated in , Central High at the same time. The school activities, played ball, and did two sons of Dr. Morris and Ann all of the things that Jewish boys did, Roitstein followed their older sister, but most of their lives revolved Lorraine, to high school during a time around the Boy Scouts of America. when ROTC was stylish, the Korean In 1950, Dr. Morris Roitstein became War had ended, and most of the Baby the scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 31, Boomers weren't even born. which still meets at the First Larry remembered being a member of Presbyterian Church at 216 So. 34th. the Central High Crack Squad, "You Larry didn't become a Scout until were special if you were in Crack 1953, but his father had been active for Squad. We couldn't wait for the three years before he became a scout. Military Ball and the Road Show to I t was just something that he did, so perform. We were there every morning we did it. He thought that it was at 7 a.m., and we stayed after school important for us because of the things . until 6 p.m. to practice." that scouting did for a family," he said. The squad delighted appreciative > The most important thing that audiences at their performances with scouting does for a family is to bring it precision and snap of their difficult together, Lloyd noted, "In sports, routines. They also performed at you're on the sideline. In scouting, events throughout the city. you work together as a family. You Both men remember being in the A- open up a book and learn together— cappella Choir, which had a reputa- and camp together. We were always a tion for its excellent programs. All close family and scouting was the tool three Roitstein children were mem- that we used to keep us together. Our bers during their high school careers. whole family has been involved in Lloyd remembers spending time on scouting since 1950. "Bagel Hill" in West Fairacres. "Even back then, scouting wasn't as "We used to go to Memorial Park 'neat' as being the captain of the basand drive around. I can still tell you ketball team," he continued. "However, who lives in almost every house. That we did have a Jewish patrol in our was the place to be on the weekends. troop. Some of the boys who were in We spent time between the Park and the patrol were Jerry Lorhman, Joe Erman, Paul Kaiman, Stewart Forbes, Kings and Tiners." Larry recalled sliding down the hill Joe Greenberg, Phil Greenberg and in Memorial Park on the hood of a Marv Cohen. All of these kids were in the troop because of Dad." Buick with six other boys. 'Both Larry and Lloyd were members (Continued on Page 10)

Lloyd Roitstein and brother Larry participated in a Scout Round-Up in the 1960s.

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Page 10

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Central High in the '40s (Continued from Page 9) We didn't live in a Jewish neighborhood, so I had to wait until high school to meet the kids who would become my buddies; thanks to the fact that ; Central had a high Jewish population, it wasn't dif| ficult. I have friends to this day who go all the way back to those times, and when I say all the way, I mean waaaaay back. We're talking a half-century AK-SAR-BENTV plus, if you'll pardon the expression. AK-SAR-BENTV ©Ralston @93rd I see people from time to time who remind me 8525 Park Drive 3021 N. 93rd St. that we once sat next to each other in this class or that, at Central. It's one of those nice things about living here in this city... . 1000 N. 90th St., Suite 100 PH: (402) 398-1111 Here's a funny side of this Central story; I interOmaha, Nebraska 68114 FAX: (402) 398-1313 rupted myself a while ago to find an O-Book in

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order to look up some fact or other. Well, that was a mistake, because it's well-known a person cannot just pick up a high school yearbook for a minute, and I'm no different. I had to browse a while, leafing through those pages and checking out the faces and names, some I hadn't thought of in ages. But it was fun for a few minutes, and, when I have time, I want to sit down with it and take my time. Actually, I have to be careful to find my own last O-Book, since we have a collection of them. I believe the earliest is 1939 and the latest must be 1973, not consecutive, of course, but still a decent representation of family members who graduated from Omaha Central High School, My graduation year was 1943, when was yours?

Loyal and trustworthy (Continued from Page 10) They were both members of the AHAMO Indian Dancers, also part of scouting. The group was started in 1952, and was formed to perpetuate the ideals and culture of the American and Midwest Indian tribes. Dr. Roitstein was a charter member of the adult committee and the boys each began dancing as soon as they were 12 years old and held the rank of first class. "We just took to it like ducks take to water," Larry recalled. "We both spent hundreds of hours building Indian costumes." They both agree that Indian dancing was a big part of their lives, noting, "Generally speaking, this wasn't something that Jewish kids normally did. We practiced one day a week, every week, and we performed once or twice a week. The rest of the time, we made costumes." As high school boys, every minute of their lives had structure. They loved scouting and Indian dancing. Because they were also involved in other . activities, they didn't have time to waste. At one time, they spent a whole year making a belt. They both agreed, "This was something we did because we wanted to-not because we had to." "Because of scouting, Larry, Dad and I bonded together like no other parents, and children can do," Lloyd added. "We did it together. Our father worked with us and those memories and what it did for our family can never be forgotten. Campouts together, preparing our backpacks, sleeping together for that weekend, learning together. That can never be taken away from a boy!" They both remember they had a scout project every weekend. Their dad was in charge of these projects and they recall that these things perpetuated the closeness of their family. "We worked together and we grew," they said. "Young people today make choices whether it's sports or scouting; it's their choice. Only 2% of young men today become Eagle Scouts so it's not the choice of everyone," said Lloyd. "We never missed anything because we were in BOY SCOUTS scouts." The Roitsteins stayed in Omaha after high school and went to Omaha University. They didn't want tp go away to school because they were so involved in scouting, Indian dancing and family. "A lot of kids went away because they wanted to get away from their families. We had everything we wanted and we didn't want to leave our family. We didn't have the desire or the need to move out of the house. When I went to the Army, I came

back home and moved back in with my parents. If we had girlfriends, we'd bring them to the house and have dinner. When we got married, we moved!" Larry married Betty Cackin in 1971. They have a son, Damn, and a daughter, Jaclyn. Lloyd married Debie Smith in 1970. They have a son, Steve, and a daughter, Carrie. The Roitsteins have been Scoutmasters of Troop 31 since 1950. Dr. Roitstein was in charge until 1965. Lloyd took over from him and served until 1971. In 1971, Lloyd became a professional scouter and Larry took over from him. They noted, "There has been a Jewish Scoutmaster in a Presbyterian church for almost 50 years!" Lloyd began working as a professional scouter in 1971. He worked in Omaha until 1984, when he left to become the Executive Director in Belleville, IL. He remained there until 1988, when he left to work for the national organization as an Area Director in St. Louis. In 1992, he returned to Omaha to be President of the Mid-America Council. He wakes up every morning and can't wait to go to work, because he loves what he does. There are now 27,600 scouts being served. They both find tremendous gratification in scouting. "When you teach a kid to tie a knot and he says, That's neat, thank you,' or when you come back froirr camping and a kid says, 1 had a good time, thank you;'that's what makes it all worthwhile!" They agree that boys are the same, but the faces are different. '.-,.-•: "You can't go up and hug a boy the way we used to. You can't even give a kid a ride home without having someone else in the car," said Lloyd, "Now, you have to be a psychold- : gist, a psychiatrist, a mother and a father. We don't just teach kids first aid and how to build a fire. It's a lot harder being a leader today than it was 20 years ago." Larry received the Silver Beaver Award in scouting in 1978, the highest award a volunteer leader can receive. Morris and Lloyd have also received the award. All three have the Shofar Award for service to OF AMERICA the Jewish community and ; to Jewish youth. Both men credit their successes to their parents. "OUT parents have given their whole lives to their children. They should write a book. They threw out the mold after them because they were better parents than we could ever hope to be," they said. They both agree that their parents/didn't have any more education than anyone else, but Larry and Lloyd Roitstein always knew they had the best parents in the world.

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September 10,1999 Jewish Press,Omaha, NE Page 11

Excerpts from a (Editor's note: Dick Zacharia, class of 1961, gave these introductory remarks at the senior class banquet)

banquet much of it-and the seniors take away so little!" "The theme of this year's banquet has been prop-

erly entitled The Unfinished Symphony. This

"Mr. Nelson, honored guests, Teachers, music reached immortality because it had a good beginning; Central High has offered us that 'good Counselors and Fellow Classmates. "Our graduation day approaches; and we are beginning.' Its teachers have given us the educagathered here tonight to celebrate the completion tional sustenance and necessary encouragement to of four memorable years at Central High. These enable us to reach this graduation period. The completion of the musical score for each of us, indihave been the "good old days," which we will probavidually, is yet to be written. But, bly miss—in about 1981! from all of our scholastic labors, "As we look back on what we we have learned; as Thomas A. learned during our four years at Edison so aptly expressed it, that Central, most of us will proba'Everything comes to him who bly remember some of the folhustles while he waits!' lowing gems: 'That studying "At this time, I believe it approEnglish has enabled us to priate to acknowledge our indebtunderstand the meaning of edness and appreciation for the "poise" as 'the ability to sit calm, guidance and advice given to our with your mouth full "of lather, senior class by the following teachwhile the shine boy hands your ers and counselors who I would new $25 hat to another cuslike to call upon to stand and be recognized: tomer.' . "Mr. Aaronson, Assistant "That in math, we learned the Principal; Miss Eden and Mr. foolproof way to hold your bills Stayer, senior class counselors; down, is to use a heavier paperMiss Luhr, Miss Jensen, Miss weight. Sutton and Miss McCarter, our "That biology teaches that overall senior advisors who have bees express their feelings and given invaluable aid in the prepaintentions the same way many ration of our graduation program. women do—by wiggling their "At one time, I remember I hips! "That Safe-Teens are obliged Dick Zacharia and h i s d a t e , wasn't quite this appreciative of to watch out for school chil- K a r e n Fellman, at t h e 1961 Mr. Stayer's guidance and advice. I had just received a rather miserdren—especially if they are dri- Senior Banquet able grade in one of my bookkeep• ving cars! ing exams. I went in to see him about it and said, "That all work and no plagiarism usually makes 'Mr. Stayer, I don't think I deserved a zero in that a mighty dull speech; and, that as George Jessel last test.' once said, a wise toastmaster is one Who follows "I shall never forget his response, when he said, this advice, 'if you haven't struck oil in your first 'Neither do I, but it's the lowest mark I'm allowed three minutes—stop boring!' to give.' "So, before I become too boring, I shall stop this "I am reminded of our political campaign last reminiscing and hurry on to the more interesting fall. One of my opponents had just finished his part of our program. campaign speech by requesting his listeners to "Our distinguished guest of honor, Dr. Owen vote for him, when one of my fanatical supporters Knutzen, Assistant Superintendent of Schools, rep- jumped to his feet and shouted, 'I'd rather vote for resents the Board of Education. He received his thedevil!' "Quite so,' rejoined my opponent with a smile, Bachelor of Arts at Nebraska and his Master's and 'But in case your good friend declines to run, may I Doctor's Degrees at Columbia University. "Before he came to Omaha, I am told that Dr. then count on your support?* "Our program chairman, Connie Svolopoulos,, Knutzen was principal at an out-state school and he taught both math and history. At one of his his- and her cast, have prepared a series of skits portory lectures he had discussed, at length, the traying our theme song; and I am quite certain advantages of peace and disarmament; and, to that all of you will agree that their offerings will determine whether he had properly impressed the complete our evening's happy event, in much the class, he asked, 'How many of the boys in the class same way as this story I recently heard: "A father had taken his youngest son to the pet object to war?' Up went several hands, and Dr. Knutzen turned to one of the students and said, shop to pick out a puppy as a birthday present; the 'Jimmy, will you please tell the class why you lad spent half an hour looldng over the assortment of pooches in the window. 'Decided which one you object to war?" want?' asked his father. 'Yes,' replied the lad, "'Cause wars make history—that's why!' was pointing to one puppy who was wagging his tail Jimmy's reply. enthusiastically, "the one with the happy ending.™ "Dr. Knutzen tells me, privately, that is why he gave up teaching history... "The next speaker is the one person who has made all this possible. He is known for his leadership, his terseness of expression and his wisdom. All of you have heard his famous expression that 'A word to the wise is sufficient.' But, most of you probably have not heard how he learned to make his remarks so sharp and to the point. "I am told that as a young man, Mr. Nelson worked his way through college as a railroad agent at a small railway station. Several times, he was •bawled ouf for doing things without orders from headquarters. So one day, rather tired of this criticism from the front office, when confronted by a sudden emergency requiring prompt action, he sent the following telegram: Tiger on platform eating conductor. Wire instructions.' 1 said earlier that these have been four memorable years. The one man we will never forget, and the one who has contributed most to making: these years so unforgettable, is our learned and beloved principal—Mr. J. Arthur Nelson... "I hope this class will prove the error in Mr. Eliot's declaration to one of Harvard's graduating classes, when he said: "We're adding more know- Terri Milder Zacharia, Sweetheart of ledge every semester. The freshmen bring us so Mother Chapter AZA #1,1961.

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Lee Weiss Wigodsky loves Omaha! by Joan K. Marcus

Lee (Alyne) Wigodsky sits in a Wigodsky, who was born last June. room filled with pictures of her chilLee was administrator of Earl's dren and grandchildren and speaks dental office for 20'years. They are with joy when she recalls her years both retired, but she is still a memat Central High. She continues to ber of the Dental Group Managers help with reunions and receives mail Association, of-which she was a charfrom classmates every day, who still ter member and its first president. recall their years at Central as fun She has been active in Better and rewarding. Halves (Mrs Jaycees of Omaha) She began high school just before which she organized and became its the outbreak of World War II, but first president. She was a member of doesn't remember being affected by the Temple Israel Sisterhood Board the war. Her parents, Vivian and and the National Council of Jewish Irwin Weiss, lived at 4663 Poppleton Women Board. and Lee has happy memories of her closest friends: Elaine Gross Bernstein, Edith Wolfson, Harriet Lorkis Kutler, Pearl Sommer, Ruth Levine Golden and Yale Trustin. Lee's mother was a woman ahead of her time; she was in charge of the gift department' at Herzberg's Department Store in downtown Omaha. Lee emphasizes the fact that she and her family have a long Omaha history. Tm a dyed-in-the wool Omahan and I'm proud of it," Lee noted. "There's nowhere else I'd rather be! I thought then, and I know now, that Central was a super place to be; I loved it." Lee was a reporter for the Register and a member of the French Club. Lee Weiss, Class o f 42 She recalls the open court and separate steps for boys and girls. As a mother, she served as presi"The cafeteria was still on the. dent of almost every PTA where her fourth floor but we were younger children attended school, and she then and it was easy to go up all organized and was the first presithose steps," she laughed. dent of the Talented and Gifted She was also a tutor for a football Program for District 66. She was a player; algebra was her strong sub- den mother or troop leader for Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts and Campfire ject. Lee wasn't allowed to date until Girls. after her 16th birthday, but had fun with friends at the JCC and enjoyed activities at school. Her senior year, she was student director of the senior play, The Man Who Came To Dinner, and remembers working on StagenightattheJCC. During the war, she helped in the Canteen at the 'J.' She recalled going to the movies at the Paramount Theatre on 20th and Farnam where her father came to pick her up, and told her "war had been declared." However, the war seemed too far away for her to understand, and it wasn't until her brother, Charles, was called to serve that she underLee and Earl Wigodsky stood its importance. After graduation from Central, Lee In 1958, Lee became active in the attended Omaha University and American Cancer Society,'serving on joined a group of Jewish students its board, most special committees, from Creighton University and and has been nominating committee Omaha U who formed a club which chairman, residential chairman, cruthey named The University Club. sade committee member and was It was while she was attending one chair of the Celebration of Hope. She of their meetings that she met young was awarded the St. George Medal Earl Wigodsky, a Creighton dental by the National American Society for student from Yankton, SD. Earl fell excellence as a volunteer and distinguished service in cancer control. in love with Lee at first sight. On the other hand, Lee was only This award is given each year to two attracted to Earl's red hair! Earl people from each state. decided on their first date that Lee In 1996, she was diagnosed with was the girl he would marry. When cancer herself and she knew that, he told his friend, Ben Kutler, of his because of her work with the Cancer intentions, he was told, "Lee won't Society, she would recover. She is marry you! You've only had one date now cancer-free. with her!" Lee feels very blessed with her life. Lee and Earl were married on May "I feel fortunate to have had the 11, 1944, at the Blackstone Hotel. husband and children that I've had," Rabbi David Goldstein officiated. Lee said. ' Their.children are Steven, Cathy, "My children and grandchildren are Bruce and Janey. They have seven all good people. Together, Earl and I grandchildren and are very proud of raised this family and they've turned their great-grandson, Jacob Michael out to be great kids," she added. .

September 10,1999 Jewish Press,Omaha, NE

Page 13

Scenes from the neighborhood Far left photo: Kids play in 'Bagel' in front of Willard and Thama Lee Friedman's home: Tom Neuman, left, Tom Friedman, Peter Neuman and Howard Friedman. Photo at left: Pi Tau Pi met in 1939 at the home of Artie Kulakofsky. Back row, from left: Pete Milder, Artie Kulakofsky and Stuart Simon; middle: Pat Gilinsky, Yale Trustin, Ed Malashock, Alan Blank and Bucky Greenberg; front row: Nick Newman, Julie Cohn and Jimmy Robinson.

Attending a luncheon at Harry's Restaurant in 1954 are: Back row: Fayna Manvitz Belzer, Mickey Freed Lesser, Annette Kosowsky, Therese Kahn Sties, Joan Krasne Marcus, Leona Brown Mulherin, Rita Katzman and Rose Richman Lagman. Front row: Rosalie Cohen Saltzman, Matlee Katleman Yadin, Ruth Slavin Potash, Nancy Barron Goldstein-Levine, Marlene Dloogqff Kahn, Shirley Goodman Goldenberg and Marilyn Nearenberg Katz.

e . Rose Richman Lagman, left, and Joan Krasne Marcus partied at a Tikvas Ami slumber party in 1954.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

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"Bagel and Central." What wonderful memories those words bring to mind! Any Omaha baby boomer worth her (or his) salt will smile when those words are mentioned. • . I have been away from Omaha for more than 30 years now, but I still get the Jewish Press delivered every week, and read with interest the special editions. I was very excited to read the subject of this year's New Year edition, and had to sit down and write. I was almost not a freshman at Central, because, at the time, there was talk of extending junior high to include the ninth grade. Everyone in my class was crushed. Not go to Central? That was unthinkable. But, everything turned out all right, and the future Class of '66 spent their freshman year at the "Big School on the bill." Walking up the girls stairs, meeting in front of the third floor study hall every morning, trying to get from the "One" side on the first floor to the "Three" side on the fourth floor in the four minutes we had between classes is just one memory. Others include: Mr. Daly; J. Arthur-Nelson, ("a word to the wise is sufficient!"); Miss Blanchard; getting a date to the Opener and going to the 'Stone afterwards; buying dance stickers for a penny each and covering your notebook with so many of them that it was almost too heavy to lift; and then, after school, meeting at the old JCC; making plans to drive through Todds (and maybe get some of their terrific greasy tacos); or go to Kings (where, from the telephone right at your table, you could order their greasy onion rings!). No wonder my generation has a cholesterol problem. Road Show was one of the highlights of my high school career. The junior girls put together an act called "The Boyfriend." We had shocking pink flapper dresses made, and wore fishnet stockings and lots of feathers. We practiced, and practiced, and practiced, but boy, were we terrible! It was certainly a lot of fun, though, and I do know that none of us went on to careers in dancing or singing. I wish I had a nickel for all the times I announced, "I'm going to Bagel" as I rushed out the door after borrowing my mother's car. Not all of us were lucky enough to have pur own set of wheels (like Larry Room's GTO or Marilyn's convertible). No directions or explanations were necessary. Everyone knew where "Bagel" was, and the parents usually didn't have a problem with our being there. It was safe. After driving up and down Fair Acres several times and going through Memorial Park once or twice, we'd usually end up in front of Janis Friedman's house. That seemed to be where all the action was. There wasn't much drinking going on (of course, most of us smoked at that time, but we've all gotten a lot smarter in that department!) It was just a place to be with our friends, and it was a lot of fun. The memories of those times are wonderful. Most of my family is gone now, so I don't get back to Omaha as often as I'd like, but when I come in from the airport and drive up Dodge Street, the first thing I see is the "Big School on the hill," still looking as stately as it did over 30 years ago. And I must admit that every once in a while, I take that drive up Fair Acres, and just remember..

Class of '55 hosts 40th reunion

Bobbi and Stan Widman celebrate with Stan's classmates from Central.

Jerry Marer flew in from California, for his 40th reunion.

Dr. Eugene "Speedy" Zweiback, left, reminisces with a classmate from the Class of'55. Photo* by Howard K. Marciu

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September 10,1999 Jewish Press,Omaha, NE Page IS

A tribute to Eddie by Joan K. Marcus

Sandra Zalkin Belgrade always lived in the Dundee area with her parents, Sara and Eli Zalkin, her two sisters, Marcia and Linda, and her Bubie, Jennie Katz. She went to Harrison and Dundee Grade School when the family lived at 5416 Izard and later at 650 Nd., 63rd.St. She recalls her high school daysfilledwith fun and warmth, both at home and in school. Sandra was a good student who was involved in many activities — Senior Committee, the Register and O-Book staffs, and the Opera Committee. She belonged to Colleens, Central High Players, French Choir and Club, and was a teacher's helper and a library assistant. '

After several weeks of this reminder, Eddie came one Friday night with an engagement ring. They became engaged on Dec. 14, 1957, and married on March 31 the following year. Eddie Belgrade was born in 1932 to immigrant parents. He worked hard and graduated from Central while he worked in a packing plant and in a bowling alley as a pin boy. Everyone knew him because he always participated in sports at the JCC. He graduated from Omaha University and served in the Air Force in Korea. After he and Sandra were married in 1958, he worked for one year for Eli Zalkin at Peerless Wiping Cloth CO., and then studied to get his

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Above left: Eddie and Sandra Belgrade, 1995; above right: their engagement photo in 1957. Right: Wedding photo of Jim Belgrade and Robyn Epstein , center, in 1997. From, left, Eddie, Sandra, the groom and bride, Bob, and Bruce Belgrade.

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She was a member of Debka Debs, (Jewish girls' group) in addition to all of her school activities. Some of her friends were, and still are; Marilyn Rice Hurwitz, Judy Baker Krantz, Phyllis Steinberg Belzer, Ellen Greenberg Wolff, Macsha Krupinsky Paley, Nancy Farber Noddle, Joan Abraham Subrin, and Ilene Sachs Klein. These are just a few of the girls who began their friendships in sixth grade. "We had parties and just hung around together. It was a good time for all of us. After school, we'd all go to the 'J* and visit," She recalled. "I studied hard but I mostly remember the fun times/There were usually about six of us who would meet and we would always call it a 'party." She remembers that one day as she was walking into the 'J* with Ilene Sachs, Eddie Belgrade was sitting with Joe Kirschenbaum'on the "ugly green couch by the door". Joe and Eddie, both graduates of Central in 1949, were "older men" , five years older than the girls. They introduced each other and began to talk. • Eddie called Sandra the next day for a date and . they continued to date until she graduated from Central. She went away to college at Ohio State for one year, but returned to attend Omaha University because of Eddie. He would always come to the Zalkin home for Shabbat dinner, and Sandra's Bubie couldn't understand why he kept coming when there was no promise of matrimony. Each week, when he would come, she would say, "Without a ring, it's nothing!"

Real Estate License. In 1960, he began Belgrade Construction and Realty Company. He was instrumental in creating the building that is now Beth El Synagogue. He owned the property and was going to develop apartments on it, but decided that it would be a really good place for the synagogue. He came to the building site everyday to make sure that 'his synagogue would be done right." With Sandra at his side, he began a three-year struggle with cancer of the esophagus. There wasn't a treatment that they didn't try, a path he did - not follow, but the cancer eventually took his life in May of 1998 at home with his family at his side. At his funeral, he was remembered as a man who knew everyone from laborers to government officials. In the years since Eddie's death Sandra has tried to carry on his work through her children. Their sons, Bob and Bruce, continue to run The Belgrade Company. Jim, their youngest son works at First Data. Sandra's greatest joy has been the birth of her twin grandsons. Jim and his wife, the former Robyn Epstein, are now parents of Alexander Mark and Zachary Edward Belgrade. She continues to enjoy time with the newest Belgrades. "I have three wonderful sons; a great daughterin-law, and now these two little boys!" she said, Tm so grateful to have such marvelous friends and family!"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 17

September 10,1999

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Central High School today by Dr. Gary Thompson, Principal

Dr. Gary Thompson Central High School opened its doors for the 1999-2000 school year to approximately 2,350 students, very likely the most students ever enrolled at the school. These students, an eclectic mix of students from all parts of the Omaha metropolitan area, are a microcosm of the city. Central, always a school noted for its diversity, is arguably more diverse today than ever. Students from nearly every socioeconomic, cultural, reli. gious,_ethnict and racial group represented in our city attend the school. - r i . In recent years, an international presence has been established in the form of immigrant students from Latin America, South America, Africa, Europe and Asia. Many of these students do not speak

English and are enrolled in our English-As-ASt-cond Language program. Six years ago, these international students numbered a dozen or so. Today, they represent nearly five percent of the student body. Our students will tell you that the diverse student population is one of the things that attracted thorn to Central. They take great pride in the fact that everyone fits in here. You can be yourself, whatever that might be, and it is okayv Academically, Central continues to offer a strong college preparatory curriculum. Courses are challenging and homework is to be assigned in every class, every day. Seventy percent or more of our graduates attend college. Many go off to prestigious universities across the nation, though most attend UNL, UNO, Creighton, and other state colleges. Graduates tell us that the academic preparation they received and study skills they developed at Central served them well in college, especially the writing skills developed through theme writing and the study of classical literature. Several National Merit Scholars are recognized each year. The honors and advanced placement programs at Central High are second to none. These challenging courses are offered in most departments and at all grade levels. During the junior and senior years, college credits can be earned in 13 different advanced placement classes. A recent addition to the curriculum is a technology program we call WINGS 21. This program allows students to learn compute^ programming, multimedia development, electronic imaging and publishing, computer-aided design, computer systems integration and business and marketing applications of technology, . Every freshman enrolls in a course'called-PAHf-" WAYS 21 in which they learn the entire Microsoft

Office software package, learn to navigate the. Internet, and explore the various technology pathways courses available to them. They also spend time on such things as study skills, goal setting, aptitude assessments, career exploration and college planning. The WINGS 21 program was named one of the top six technology initiatives in the country by the Center for Children and Technology. Co-curricular offerings in journalism, drama, debate, speech, chess, music, academic decathlon, and business and marketing as well as clubs of every imaginable kind are offered to interested students. Honor societies of various kinds recognize high academic achievement. Athletics have a storied history at Central High. Many of our teams and individual athletes excel on the playing fields and courts. This is rather remarkable when one considers the decided disadvantage our athletes have in terms of athletic facilities. We are very proud of the number of athletes who are academic high achievers, a fete accomplished through great personal sacrifice. This school year should be a good one for Central High athletes. Our faculty is exceptional. The 139 professional staff members work very hard to maintain the high expectations that have long characterized Central High. Seventeen Central teachers have been recognized in the past 12 years with the prestigious Alice Buffett Outstanding Teacher Award. Three other Buffett winners have joined our staff after winning the award. English teacher Terrie Saunders will be honored as one of 39 Disney American Teacher Award winners this fall. To learn more about Central High School, take a look at our website. Go to the Omaha Public ' Schools' website at www.ops.org and you will find us among the secondary schools, or contact us directly at www.ops.org/central/

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 19

Seaman, journalist, or physician? by Morris Maline

In the ninth grade at Beveridge Junior High School, Joshua (Josh) Milder Cooper and his buddy, Rob Anderson, decided that after graduation they would attend Central High School. While they both did well with their choice, Josh experienced the acclaim of his 440-member student class when he was elected in 1992 "most likely to succeed." "I think the main reason why I wanted to attend Central," Josh said, "was that my grandparents, Jerome and Frances Milder, and my mother, Cheryl, went there.". He added that the architecture of the building, plus the "feeling" that one got by walking into the school along with the good reputation for academics were compelling factors for selecting Central.. Another reason involved the competition for slots on the Central High Register. After serving in editorial capacities, he was designated editor-in-chief of the school paper. A major accomplishment in 1992 was the contacting of all 440 graduates to find out where they were planning to go and pinpointing these destinations in a two-page spread for the paper. "English and journalism were favorites of mine and I received excellent preparation from a number of teachers including Daley, Saunders, Blanke, Gaherty and, of course, Beverly Pellman." Additional activities at Central included varsity tennis and the French Club. After high school, Josh attended the University of California at San Diego where he earned a bachelor of arts in history with a minor in chemistry. Instead of returning home immediately after graduation, Josh took a break to pursue a lifelong love of sailing. He signed onto the Ocean Star schooner as a deckhand and sailed as a member of the six-man crew for a few months. Although the primary objective of the ship was to

teach celestial navigation to sailors, there was time for relaxing witlJ a fishing rod. "At one point, I caught a Mahi Mahi that was big enough to feed the crew and passengers; it was delicious." Josh said tha. sailing with his dad at Branched Oak Lake and i l Wisconsin during his teen years instilled a love cf sailing that most likely will continue in the years to come. His immedia ;e future, however, is tied to the University of N braska Medical College where he is in his third year and currently doing a rotation in gynecology a^id obstetrics. As a physician, he plans to concentrate in the primary care field. Another tie to medical school is another student, Central sophomore Josh M. Cooper at age 16, Emily Larmore of Elkhorn, and a marriage date in front of his home in 1989. has been set for next June. Best man will be Josh's brother, Alex, who has earned a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Texas at Austin, and who hopes to enter medical school here as well. Josh said his interest in writing will continue throughout his medical career, but that helping sick people feel better is his primary goal. He credits his parents and grandparents with turning him on tp medicine. "I still remember pushing residents in wheelchairs at the nursing home that my grandparents owned in Lincoln," he recalled. "That feeling of helping was enjoyable and it never left me." (Author's nott: A side coincidence that emerged during this interview was that his fiancee's father won some money at the MGM hotel in Las Vegas a number of years] ago and decided to go home a winJosh Cooper, CHS *92, with his fiancee, Emily ner. The next day, a major fire broke out at the Larmore, a n d his grandparents, Jerome hotel, and the survivors included Mr. arid Mrs. Milder, CHS '35, and Fran Osoff Milder, CHS Milder.) Class of '38 (Josh's mother, Cheryl Milder Seaman, journalist, physician? Possibly all three Cooper, graduated from Central in 1966.) for the student "most likely to succeed."

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Page 20

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Sweethearts forever by Joan K. Marcus

Howard Vann and Judy Milder

Larry Albert and Paula Katzman 1950 CHS Military Ball Paula Katzman was only in eighth grade when to school-the teachers, the classes. It was just a she went to a Beth El Synagogue Youth Group happy time!" Paula recalled. party with some friends and met Larry Albert, a She still remembers when she met Larry for the freshman at Central High. Though she was attend- first time, he was wearing a beige corduroy sport ing Monroe Grade School at the time, she wanted jacket and a shirt with a necktie. None of the grade to go to Benson High School because most of her school boys wore jackets and it was a big deal for her grade school friends would be going there. to be noticed by a high school boy. It wasn't until her parents, Rose and David It was 1947. She was 13 and he was 14 and they've Katzman, joined Beth El Synagogue that Paula been in love ever since! met some Jewish friends. She decided maybe it Larry Albert was born in Omaha and attended wouldn't be so bad after all that her parents Dundee Grade School. Unlike Paula, he wasn't an demanded she attend Central High School. Some of extraordinarily good student. While attending her friends were Judy Milder Vann, Enid Levy Central he was active in Debate, ROTC and Visual Pollack, Barbara Ringle Black, Nancy Farber Education. He admits that he seldom studied, but Noddle, Barbara Ruback Kushner and Suzanne had a really good time! Some of his friends were Richards Singer. Howard Vann, Jim Farber, Jerry Krupinsky, After she started Central, Paula joined Debka Lawrie Pollack, Alan Nogg, Marlon Somberg, Al Debs, a Jewish Youth Council group. Many of her Ross and Stewart Tully. lifelong friends were members of this group.; Larry He was a member of Pi Tau Pi fraternity, a Albert was already a sophomore when Paula was a Jewish fraternity. It was during his senior year freshman. Although he asked her to go out, her when Principal J. Arthur Nelson said there would parents wouldn't allow her to date—especially not be no more secret clubs, and the group disbanded. someone who was older than she was. The group then reformed and called themselves Paula was very active in journalism, a member of "The Independents." They were accepted into the the Register staff. - •'. ; , ;v Jewish Youth Council. ..'•• "I loved Mrs. Savidge and she loved me. S h e ; His parents, Sarah and Louis Albert, ran a small gave me a 1+ almost every semester. I loved going grocery store and made salad dressing in the back

Larry and Paula Albert in 1999. of the store; by 1946, they built a room just for the production of the dressings. "When I was 16, my fattier came home and showed' me a label. It said, 'Louis Albert and Son Salad Dressing". From that time on, I was a partner!" Louis Albert wasn't kidding, and Larry was expected to be at work every day after school. He went to school, to the Jewish Community Center to socialize, and to 19th and California Street to make salad dressing. "I worked weekends and after school because my Dad told me that any profit would be used for me to go to college." said Larry. He was persistent and asked Paula out every weekend. Although she was allowed to go with him after she started Central, her parents didn't want her to "go steady". ' /' "I went with other guys just so I could go with Larry," Paula laughed. "We went out to eat, to a show, to a dance,.and then out for coffee," recalled Larry. Some of their dates even included a "sing along" with their friends on the Highland Country Club Golf Course. Paula kept a diary which she still reads. She rated their dates from "neat times," to "the greatest time on earth!" (Continued on Page 22)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 21

Extroverted introvert by Joan K. Marcus

Phyllis Bernstein Glazer used to meet all of her Buffet's mother) was her teacher and the essay she she said with a smile. They were married in 1961. friends in Memorial Park. When they couldn't decide wrote was on babysitting. Among her most rewarding accomplishments . what to do, they would all meet by the "U" and disShe jokes about her knowledge of babysitting since high school, Phyllis lists her two sons, Jim cuss their social plans. Some of the girls lived in because she had eight younger cousins and she was and John. Jim and his wife, Jordana, have s "Bagel," but the bunch always did everything togeth- sometimes "forced" into babysitting. daughter, Emily, and a son, David. John and his er. The "girls* were, and still are, friends. "I didn't always do it lovingly," she said. wife, Jennifer, have two sons, Danny and Grant. Laughingly, Phyllis remembers the two librari(Continued on page 22) Some of the members of the group are Nancy Venger Hornstein, Linda Kavich Gordman, Judi ans, Margaret Weymuller and Catherine Ban Goldstein, Nancy Lewis Lazer, Judy Plattner Blanchard. She used to pray to get in Ms. Brodsky, Jeanie Goldstein Neff, Barbara Adler Weymuller's room so she wouldn't get as many Epstein, Barbara Nogg Frankel and Maureen ninth hours for talking. Zevitz Cohn. Some of them went to grade school "I was always talking in the library. I talked together before beginning Central High. wherever I went! I'm still talking!" she laughed. More highlights of her high school were when she Her parents, Muriel (Micky) and Dave Bernstein, lived at 720 No. 57th Ave., so it was easy for the was chosen AZA #100 Sweetheart and when she girls to meet at Memorial Park. Some of their was chairman of the teenage Philanthropies camboyfriends were Marvin and Bob Joseph, Allan paign and someone donated $50! Forman, Bob Epstein, Steve Simon, Howard When she was 13 years old, she met Dick Glazer, Kooper, Arnold Joffe and Mike Canar. who came from Fort Dodge, Iowa, to visit his Phyllis describes her four years at Central High friend, Peter Brodkey. She always "fixed him up" with her girlfriends, but never thought about going as "among the most memorable years of my life!" She concentrated on friendships and building out with him herself. During her senior year, she lifelong relationships rather than her studies. Her needed advice about the University of Wisconsin so father encouraged her sociability, but her mother she wrote Dick a letter, as he had gone there to was less than pleased with her daughter's lack of school. commitment to her studies, as Mrs. Bernstein had Phyllis came back from Wisconsin to go to school graduated college at the top of her class. at UNL and wrote Dick another letter because she Dave Bernstein told his daughter, "listen, Sister! If was bored. He offered to stop in Omaha on his way you can't put it in the Omaha World-Herald and be to law school. Phyiiis Bernstein and Marvin Joseph on a proud of it, then don't do it!" He did, however, encour"When he came, I looked at him with new eyes," date in high school. age Phyllis and her friends to pursue having fun. Phyllis and her friends left Debka Debs, an organized group of Jewish girls, to start their own group-Rohanue. Eight girls decided they wanted a smaller group. "We were just uncomfortable with such a large group so we started our own! That's what happens when you're 15 and unafraid of the world," she laughed. She remembers working for the Register where she and Judy Goldstein were co-picture editors. Probably her funniest memory is when she won the Betty Crocker Homemaking Award. Alice Buffet (yes, that's Warren Phyllis Bernstein, a CHS 1958 graduate. Dick and Phyllis Glazer, 1999.

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Sweethearts forever.— (Continued from Page 20) When Paula graduated from Central in 1952, she wanted to go away to college. She attended the University of Oklahoma at Norman and broke up with Larry; they both had decided to date other people. Larry remained in Omaha and graduated from Omaha University in 1955 with a degree in Business Administration. During the summer of 1954, they began dating each other again, and were married in June, 1955. Larry admits that he knew Paula was the right girl from the beginning. "We just had to get over the obstacle of her parents!" he laughed.' Paula and Larry have four children: Jim, Susie, Steve and Marge, and six grandchildren. They all graduated from the University of Texas at Austin. Jim, Susie and Steve live in Texas; Marge is in Albany, N.Y. Although Larry remains faithful to the salad dressing business, Paula has tried several occupations. She is currently involved in family mediations to help families going through divorce to decide how and when children will spend time with their parents. She has special training and

is certified to work with families. Nebraska currently has a law which requires "parenting plans" for every divorced family. This plan must be in place before the divorce takes place. If the family doesn't agree, a judge makes the decision. Paula said this is the most rewarding thing she has ever done. Although Larry is very involved in his business, he still finds time to study world history. He says he is "a frustrated history teacher," and he particularly enjoys studying the '20's and '30's. He also enjoys gardening and travel. Although he sold his company 10 years ago, and had planned to retire at 55, that plan never materialized. Both Paula and Larry are active in the newlyformed Central High Alumni Association. Larry is on the Historical Committee and Paula is assistant chairman of the Reunion Assistance Committee. ' After 44 years of marriage, Paula and Larry still treasure their memories from Central High. "There's something special about our relationship because we shared such an impressionable, time," they noted. "Our love is more mature, but if s still the same. We've never taken it for granted!"

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(Continued from Page 21) "My dividends!" Phyllis exclaimed, In 1980, she went back to college. As a young Central graduate, a college education didn't seem too important, but the desire for a degree haunted her as an adult. She went back'to school at the College of St. Mary and it was there she was forced to take religion courses; She graduated in 1984. "It was like I had been hit over the head or something," she said. "I was suddenly interested in religion and I started to attend all of the classes at Temple Israel. I became extremely involved because of Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks, and I continue to be active at Temple to this day." All of the teachings of her grandparents, Jake and Ida Bernstein, suddenly became very important to her. In 1984, Phyllis became the second woman president of the Temple Israel Board of Directors. During her tenure, teachers became paid members of the teaching staff. Rabbi Brooks, one of her role models, promised her that she would never leave

his office without learning something. She describes Rabbi Brooks as, "a towering figure in her life." As a young woman she thought, "If God : has a voice, it must sound like Sidney Brooks!" Phyllis classifies herself as an extroverted introvert. She loves parties and her friends, but she also enjoys reading everything she can get her hands on. She can read until her eyes fall on the floor! She thinks her love for Judaism comes from her grandparents, a Catholic college, her parents, and the rabbis that she has known. She cites three men who influenced her life. One is Rabbi Brooks; the other two are her father and Dr. Abe Fellman. She says that any one of them made magic happen in her life. Phyllis,Glazer, grown-up Central graduate,,is,a wife, mother and grandmother. The most important values in her life are honesty and kindness. She wants to be known as a friend, a listener, and a student for the rest of her life!

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Central High in the '30s by Mary Arbitman Fellman

MAY YOU AND YOUR FAMILY BE BLESSED AT THE NEW YEAR

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For almost 65 years, five of us in the Central High School class of 1935 have continued to be good friends, friendships that began when some of us were only 12 years old! We have enjoyed birthday luncheons together, confirmation classes, worked on the Central High Register, and during high school days, some belonged to UT or KT sororities at Central. . When we graduated from Central some of us went to the University of Mary Arbitman Fellman Nebraska and joined Sigma Delta Tau sorority; some attended the University of Chicago; some even got married. So now we are mothers, grandmothers, great-grandmothers-and still friends. Once a month, five of us (and some visitors sometimes) meet for lunch to find out how we feel, to talk about our lives of so-called retirement, to gossip a bit, and once a year we even have a "sleep-over". Yes, strange as it may seem to younger graduates of Central, we have a fantastic time! Boat riding, eating meals together, playing rummy que, getting very little sleep, and talking, talking, talking. Each has her own area of interest and activity. All have been volunteers in the Jewish and general communities; each has made a major contribution to the good, social and Jewish life of Omaha. Once in a while, a friend comes in from out of town and we catch up on each others grandchildren, and our busy lives. It is a time to remember, a time to discuss the news of the day, and certainly a time to talk about aches and pains and the newest medicine each is taking. Arid for all five, Central Class of '35, it is a blessed-time for friendship and for being grateful for being active and alive! Bottom photo: Irv Yaffe, top row, third from right, was a member of the National Honor • Athletic Society, 1936. Other Central graduates of the Class of "35 included Harriet Bernstein, Bess Bernstein, Myron Cohen, Leo Eisenstatt, Herbert Forbes, Joseph Hornstein, Howard Kaplan, Ethelyn Kulakofsky, Albert Lustgarten, Henry Malashock, Lloyd Malashock, Julian Milder, George Shafer, Stanley Slosburg, Maurice Tatelman and Harold Zelinsky. Photo at left: Yaffe, a star forward for the Central basketball team, played for the high school hi the 1930>a

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Page 24

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

The neighborhood by Bert Lewis

When I look back to the time we first moved into the brand new neighborhood, more than 46 years ago, I'm reminded of hundreds of memories. To begin with, as a family we were moving into our first house, a house we had built. I t was small, to be sure, but it waB adequate for our young family, which consisted of a four year old, a 14-monthold and a six-week-old. It was, shall we say, cozy. It got cozier two years later when our fourth child was born, but we managed nicely. The day we moved in, the house was, I believe, only the third one on the entire block, but each day there was more activity; soon, 63rd Street, between Glenwood Avenue and Western, was a block with ranch houses filling both sides. This was post-war construction, and we young people were busy raising the generation that would be known as baby boomers. They are, of course, the bunch now celebrating or anticipating birthdays around that big number 50. It was a wonderful neighborhood, to put it succinctly. Those were days when we wives and mothers were (for the most part) home, occupied with the responsibilities of taking care of our families. We belonged to the PTA, joined women's organizations, did some volunteer work, served as leaders for Cub Scout and Brownie troops and, when the . last kid finally went to kindergarten, we went out to lunch! We watched over our own kids, and to a certain extent, over our neighbor's kids, too. It wasn't hard to do—they were right there, underfoot in our kitchens or yards anyway, playing with our own children. Besides, in most cases, the parents of these kids were people we had known years and years ago, when we all went to Central together. Maybe that was one of the unique aspects of the area, the connection that was already in place as each family moved in. It wasn't that we mothers were always "on duty," but it wasn't hard to know what all our youngsters were up to when we were outside planting flowers or babying those newly-landscaped yards. The day one of my kids (with a brand new driver's license) went barreling down Glenwood Road in my car and somehow missed a turn and lost control, three different women happened to see it. They explained it a little differently than my child ' did, but hey, he was 16 and in a hurry! ;:As the children got beyond the ages where they weren't allowed out of the fenced in back yard, the bicycle began lo take on great importance. Little

'1 1955--From left, M a r s h a Elkon, Lynn Bernstein Rubin and Marty Fogel at a neighborhood party. did I know those would be the easy vehicles to deal with. They rode up and down the streets, going as far as the grade school they all attended (Western Hills), wheeling into each others driveways, dogs running alongside yapping noisily and, in general, doing what kids do. When they began to notice there were differences between the genders, Glenwood Road became an even busier place during the warm, summer evenings. Large groups would congregate, spilling out into the street, talking, laughing, telling eacK other outrageous tales. More than one romance began with those impromptu gatherings, I know. Kids were instrumental in arranging carpools for us parents-and there was always a need for car pooling. After all, there was Hebrew School, tlittle League games, Sunday School, and certainly a lot of just plain, "Mom, will you take me over to soand-so's house?" Or, on occasion, when the weather was bad, a call from school or from nearby Crossroads, with that same plaintive, "Mom, could you come get us? It's raining and I don't have a raincoat or umbrella,

magic powers that would take it almost by itself to various destinations. I would swear it could back out of the garage and head for'Beth El completely on its own, by the time the fourth child in our family was in Hebrew School. On Halloween, our kids would dress in their costumes and go "trick-or-treat" up and down, the block, to the very same houses and families they saw on every other day, but it was great fun to come home (usually) frozen or rained on, shlepping that big grocery bag of candy. While they were out mooching, everyone else's kids were ringing our bell, causing the dog to go nuts every time. In fact, our dog had such discerning ears, she started barking as soon as she heard the sound of little feet walking across the dry leaves, which carpeted every yard by the end of October. I still think of Halloween when I hear that sound. By December, our neighborhood really took on a certain distinction. Why was ourB different? No Christmas decorations to speak of, of course. We were largely a Jewish enclave, with only a few Christian folks scattered here and there between us. There could be (""«( found colorful i, swags in picture f" windows which " proclaimed "Happy Hanukkah," or an occasional decorative

chanukiah (we called them menorahs back then) here and 1955-Jean Elkon and daughthere, but lighted ter, Marsha, at a neighbortrees and nativity hood birthday party. scenes were conspicuous by their absence. Yes, this was a really great neighborhood in which to raise a family. And the proof of that statement is easily found when ticking off the accomplishments and professions of those baby boomers who grew up on and around Glenwood

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The neighborhood (Continued from Page 24)

Attending a slumber party in 1966: Renee Sloan,' Sherri Weiss, Leslie Epstein, Marlys Giventer, Maria Weinhoff, Amy Novak and Lori Kolnick.

On the bottom of the pyramid: Steve Luttbeg, Richie Jacobson, David Jacobson, Steve Sokolof (head down), Skip Katzman; on top: Stevie Lewis, a neighborhood friend, Bruce Friedlander, 1960, at the Jacobson's.

our roses jvhen I drive by. I guess it's the way it says in the Bible—there's a time for everything, and our time for living in that house was back during those impor? tant days when we raised our family. I still feel a little sentimental when I drive past that house, and once while here on a visit, my youngest had an odd request. She asked that I take her and her little boy back to the house and let them walk to school, then pick them up. The neighborhood in 1979: Harriet Kutler, Rita Novak and Annie She said she wantBelmont. ed to see if it really Road. It would take careful investigation to count felt so-o-o-o-o far away, or if it was a childhood the doctors, lawyers, successful business execu- memory. We did it, and she and Jacob walked from tives, teachers (up to and including professional 1026 North 63rd to Western Hills School, on 66th level), journalism and broadcast journalism peo- and Western Avenue. ple who came out of that small section of west When I picked her up, she laughed and said, "It's Omaha. Those of us who parented them take only a few minutes away." We decided it must have particular pride in those fine citizens. been longer on those short, little legs. There are only a handful of the original ownThere are a thousand things to still remember ers still there—maybe one or two scattered here about that time and place, but these will have to and there, and if you drive around the streets in suffice for this piece. Undoubtedly, there will be December, there are now many decorated others to compare in this edition of the Press. Christmas trees. There's one thing of which I'm certain, however; The flavor of the area has changed, although no matter how memories differ, everyone who lived it's still a very nice place to live. Our old house in the neighborhood will remember it as a great looks much the way it did when we left it 16 place. •'••..'•' years ago, but the people who live there now Trust me on this one. took out my smoke tree, and I and I don't see

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

A success story by Joan K. Marcus

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Harold Kosowsky, a Vice-president of the First National Bank, sits in his plush office and remembers that he didn't have the greatest time of his life while he was attending Central High School. The slender, gray-haired attorney didn't spend time with his AZA friends and hang out in Memorial Park. As a matter of fact, when his friends, Kenny Freed and Harold Friedman, were attending school functions and dating, Kosowsky was working 40 hours a week and studying! Harold grew up at 1541 Willis Avenue in North Omaha and attended Lake Grade School. His parents, Molly and Isadore Kosowsky, worked hard to take care of their family, and things were difficult financially for them. Isadore drove a truck and did manual labor to support Harold and his sisters, Annette and Arlene. Things became even more difficult for the family when Harold was 13 years old. Isadore was driving to the Hormel Meat Plant in Fremont when his truck was hit broadside by a train. The force of the crash nearly killed him and he lost the use of one arm. After a long stay in the hospital, he returned home to his family. "That was the only time I ever saw my father cry," Harold recalled. "Dad didn't know how our family was going to make it because he wasn't getting a paycheck and didn't know how long it would be or if he could ever go back to work. "That was when I decided I would have to go to work to help the family!" Harold didn't have any aspirations to attend college because physical labor was stressed in his home. Attending high school was just something that he knew he had to do; it was unimportant to him to get good grades because he thought he would go on to be a blue collar worker. It was certainly not necessary that he attend school functions and socialize.

He left school early each day in order to carry newspapers and work 40 hours a week at Stanley Shapiro's Drug Store. . ' . : . . ' "I don't remember great wonderful times in high school, but it wasn't terrible. I was just a North Omaha kid, and there were many others just like me!" he said. After graduating from Central in 1955, Harold went to work for the Union Pacific Railroad as a machinist apprentice in the shops. He did well and was even able to buy himself a 1951 Ford. After 11 months at the UP, he was drafted into the Navy and served three years on a destroyer in the Pacific. While in the Navy, he decided he would try college when he was discharged. He had always loved to read and it was this curiosity that led him to college. He liked history so he decided he would make it his major. Again, while he attended college, Harold worked 40 hours a week driving a delivery truck. He adjusted his schedule and sometimes went to work at 2 a.m. During his sophomore year, in Dr. Wilfred Payne's Philosophy class, he met Alice Kurz. Because they were seated alphabetically, they sat next to each other. Later, she followed him to the library. "We had a great conversation because we had lived close to each other," Alice remembered. "We talked for about two hours and then I went home and told my mother that I had met the man I was going to marry!" Harold was not aware of her decision! Alice also lived in North Omaha. She grew up just a few blocks from the Kosowskys at 18th and Willis. Her father, Joe Kurz, sold shoes at Brandeis and her mother, Lillian, worked at St. Catherine School of Nursing. However, her parents stressed education and (Continued on page 27)

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Page 27

A success story—^— (Continued from Page 26) Harold and Alice are the parents of three, and made it clear to their three children that it was grandparents of three! Dr. Arthur Kosowsky is Professor of Physics at necessary to get good grades so they could go on to Rutgers University in New Jersey. Steve lives in college. San Francisco, and Joanna Alice's two brothers, Larry lives in Guatemala, after a and Norman, also graduated '*.'•"* "*7T stint with the Peace Corp. from Central High in 1961 and They are all Central High 1966. Larry is a physician in graduates. Brooklyn and Norman is a In the city of Omaha, Literary Agent—also in New Harold is considered the York. Harold's sisters, Annette expert in federal estate taxes and Arlene, graduated from and trust administration. He Central, too, in 1955 and 1964. is considered "The Lawyer's Prior to her death in 1998, Lawyer" in these matters and Annette was comptroller for is consulted by attorneys from Direct Response Insurance a large area of Nebraska. Administration Service in Commented Harold, "I don't Minneapolis. Arlene and her feel like any big shot, I just husband, Michael, are retired and living in Phoenix. do a job. My background in insurance and taxes and Alice was active on the being a reader just helped Register staff while she was at me! I just read cases and regCentral. She remembers being ulations so that I really get to editor of the second page and know what I'm doing. I just enjoying the work. She was also a member of National Honor like to help people." Society and received an award He is the past president of for her artwork. She belonged to the Omaha Estate Planning Colleens, a service club, and her Council, past president of the best friends were Rozanne UNO Alumni Association, a Siporin, Carole Gomberg and past member of the Omaha Susan Baron. . Symphony Orchestra Board While a student at Central, Harold and Alice Kosowsky, 1999 of Directors, and a member of Alice worked after school at Allen and Reynolds the board of Muchemore and Korshoj Foundations. Advertising Agency. She describes herself as a girl Good thing Central High seated their students who mainly worked and studied. alphabetically! Alice and Harold continued to visit in class at Omaha U. They met in January, 1961, and visited regularly, but, since Harold didn't know about Professor Arthur Kosowsky says "I graduated from Central High School in Alice's intention to marry him, it took until March of that same year for him to ask her out! He finally 1985. Since then, I attended college at asked her to attend a philosophy lecture, and she Washington University in St. Louis, received a began to ride along with him while he was making PhD. in physics from the University of Chicago in 1994, and spent three years as a Junior deliveries in the truck. Rabbi Myer S. Kripke married them in Fellow at Harvard University. I am now a Professor in the Department of December, 1961, at Beth El Synagogue. Their wedPhysics and Astronomy at Rutgers University. ding dinner was at Harry's Key Club. Harold jokes that he took two days off for their I live in Princeton, N.J., with my wife, Theresa honeymoon. They went to Joslyn Art Museum on Brown, and our children, Conrad, 3, and twins, Sunday and spent the rest of their "honeymoon" Milanda and Sophia, 4 months. I have spent all my time since high school in studying for finals! . Alice graduated college with a degree in educa- a college environment and have known scores tion; she began teaching in the Lincoln Public of outstanding students and scholars. I can't Schools after Harold began law school at UNL. He remember a single one who I felt had a high graduated and went to work at Mutual of Omaha school education superior to the one which I in the legal department. He then moved to the received at Central. I still have many vivid •Internal Revenue Service as an Estate and Gift memories of my teachers and friends. I remember the entire English department, Tax Examiner and they moved to Illinois. They returned to Omaha and Harold began headed by Dan Daly, and the math classes of working at the First National Bank as a Trust John Waterman gave'me a big advantage over Administrator. He left the bank for one year to go most of my college classmates. I would be remiss if I did not mention Robert into private practice, and returned to the bank to Wolff, my first physics teacher. Principal head the Trust Department. Alice went on to earn a Master's Degree in read- Gaylord Moller was the steady hand that guiding, and she supervised reading programs that ed the whole operation. I trust and hope that today's Central High is help children with learning disabilities. She now teaches second grade in the Ralston Public Schools. as good as it ever was!"

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Traditions established at CHS Register—Quill and Scroll, an international society for student journalists, in 1986 officially declared the Register, Central's student newspaper/ the oldest continuously published newspaper west of the Mississippi. And the Register's longevity might be even more noteworthy. The Quill and Scroll director admitted the society, which has member schools in all 50 states, had never received a claim from a school newspaper with a longer continuous publication string than the Register's. The first issue of the paper is dated Dec. 2, 1886. That first issue, though mainly a literary publication with writing more flowery than modern standards permit, provided a solid base on which over a century of the Register could build. Military—Central's Reserve Officers' Training , Corps was established in 1892-93 as a battalion of four companies commanded by a Fort Crook officer. ROTC soon became the most popular activity at Omaha High School. Every male student was required to become an active member, and the annual Military Ball was the social event of the year. ,. Road Show—In 1915, the school's athletic department was facing a serious financial shortage. The principal, Clayton Reed, suggested some sort of entertainment program be organized to raise money. The resulting show, an eight-act vaudeville-type presentation, cleared over $200 and was declared a resounding success. In fact, so successful, it hasn't missed a beat from 1915 to the present, annually showcasing the varied talents of Central students. For some of those students, including Lindsay Bloom, Peter Buffett, Lars Erickson, Rick Kuethe, Joanne Schmidman, Inga Swenson, Carol Rogers, to name,just a few, the ability to act, sing, dance and play propelled them to a professional career. And for Henry Fonda and Dorothy Maguire, it brought even international stardom.

National Honor Society—This organization, now a key ingredient for honoring high school students throughout the nation, owes its beginning to Central High Principal, J. G. Masters. Masters carried his idea for an organization to honor graduating seniors for outstanding scholastic records to a national convention of high school administrators where it was enthusiastically accepted. He wasn't able to attend the next year's convention, though, and Central had to settle, in 1921, for the second chapter of the organization its principal was responsible for creating. National Honor Society hasflourishedhere every year since that date. Advanced Placement—Central, in 1956, was among the first schools in the nation to develop a program that would allow high school seniors the opportunity to earn college credit. Math teacher Virginia Lee Pratt and English teacher W. Edward-Clark won John Hay Whitney scholarships for study at Yale to prepare for incorporating the program into Central's curriculum. Both were instrumental in the years that followed in developing material for the school's AP program. Over the years, Central teachers have served as readers for the essay portion of the national Advanced Placement exam, keeping them on the cutting edge of the program. Since 1956, hundreds of Central graduates have been able to enter college well ahead of their classmates, thanks to the credits earned in the AP program. Student Council—This organization, started in 1914 at Central, has enjoyed a long, successful life. It was created, according to its original guidelines, for the purpose of "supplying a means of interchanging ideas between principal and faculty on one hand, student body on the other." English Stylebook—In 1921, Sara More Taylor, then English department chairman, copyrighted her Style Book for Theme Writing and Revision. Her creation provided practice sheets for common grammar problems and established the form for theme writing that has helped generations of

Central students develop their composition skills. Centralites still revise their themes, using the stylebook symbols, and graduates living throughout the U.S. often request copies of the "old stylebook," hoping to further the composition skills of their own children or grandchildren. Clubs—Clubs have long provided an outlet for student diversity and enthusiasm. One club out of the school's storied past, the Titans even had, as its members, red-haired girls only. It has always seemed that where there is a student interest at Central High School, a club usually sproutB to satisfy that interest. || Outdoorsmen Club, for example, enjoyed much j popularity during the '60s and '70s. Members went j! on campouts and promoted an interest in conserva- j tion. They even attracted a little too much atten- j tion. on one occasion when they practiced repelling t off the side of the building. | Greenwich Village promoted the exploration of j art mediums and vocations. These energetic mem-1 bers in the '60s even cleaned out a portion of a j long-closed corridor between the physics and art rooms to serve as a gallery. And, as might bej expected, many clubs at Central have a distinguished past. The Chess Club, for example, first organized in 1938 to encourage students learning |j to play chess or wishing to improve their game. They were known in those days as "Pawnpuahers." j The foreign language clubs can boast of the longest history. Spanish Club started in 1922; French Club followed the year after. By that time, German Club had been around for nearly two decades, having formed in 1904. Junior Classical League, also known as Latin Club, wins the longevity prize, though. It holds the distinction of being the first Latin Club in the United States! It was organized in 1903 ' under the direction of teachers Miss Ellen Rooney and Miss Susan Paxson. All of these language clubs are still very active today.

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Page 30 Jewish Press, Omaha, NB September 10,1999

A journalist then and now by Howard K. Marcus, CHS 79

By the time I arrived at Central as a As I said before, I was never much for folsophomore in the fall of 1976, the number of lowing trends. That doesn't mean that I Jewish students was at an all-time low. In didn't help start one. At about the same my class (Class of 79), there were probatime I became interested in photography, bly 10 at most. my friend, Mike Sloan, did, too. To be fair, he had always been interested in cameras, Most of the kids in my class were born in ever since we met in kindergarten in 1966. 1960 or '61, near the tail end of the Baby But it was at Central that he began learnBoom. We were in high school in the mid-late ing how to print pictures. '70s—a post-Vietnam, disco music-filled, decidedly non-groovy time. Mike and I both had home darkrooms, Apathy abounded, in fact, some kids seemed and took great delight in both talking about . not to have enough energy to be apathetic. photography and processing our own work. Though neither of us has time to do our I, however, was never one to follow a trend. own processing anymore, we still talk By early 1977,1 had a good feel for what high about photography. school was all about, and began concentrating on what had become a new passion—photogBy my senior year, I was the Register's raphy. entertainment columnist, as well as a phoBy adding what I had made from my sumtographer and associate editor. Many of my mer job as a JCC day camp counselor to some 'fellow journalism students had wanted to be funds my great-uncle Irving had given me as a the columnist, including a bunch of guys gift, I was able to buy my first 35mm camera who thought they were real hot shots. It was a huge step up from my previous camAll who aspired to the position were asked era - an Instamatic. to writwrite a sample column and turn it in Central was the perfect place to hone my by a certain date. I wrote mine, submitted it photography skills. Every student was a and thought no more about the matter. potential subject, and the kids loved to mug ' After I had been chosen, I asked journalfor the camera. So did some of the teachers ism teacher Mike Gaherty why he had and administrators. T picked me. "Well, Howard," he said, "you j were the only one who turned in the samThe following school year, I was accepted > ple column by the deadline." into the journalism class and became a phovt*, tographer for the O-Book and Register. I also His brief explanation is as valuable now as wrote stories for the Register on an as-needed Howard K. Marcus in 1979, outside Central's Register office. it was then: The idea that to be competitive, basis. What a deal—as much free film and doThe first time I sold a photo was in 1978, to one of you must come up with what people want, when it-yourself processing as you wanted, and plenty of my fellow students—a girl who had been in a Road they want it. things to shoot. Show dance number. It was a color snapshot which My column, called "On the Go," was a mix of . Ifs not unreasonable to say that I was everywhere cost me about 15 cents to make. I sold it for 75 cents restaurant reviews, record reviews, movie reviews, with my camera: pep rallies, clubs, sports of all sorts. and thought I was charging too much. She paid me in and anything else that would help fill the space. "On You name it, I was there. Though I suspect that a a heartbeat, though, and was delighted to have it. the Go" appeared on the editorial page. Jim Fishkin, few kids thought I was a nuisance, that didn't stop That girl now runs a dance studio, and still has editor of that page, was, by default, my editor. them from wanting me to take their picture. the photo. (Continued on Page 31)

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A journalist then and now (Continued from Page 30) I met Jim when we were both in seventh grade at Lewis and Clark, so we knew each other well. Jim was pretty good-natured as editors go, but I tried his patience on any number of occasions. For example, I often told him, nearly up to deadline in some cases, that I didn't have the foggiest idea about what I would put in my column. At other times, I had too many items, and Jim would threaten to slice out anything that wouldn't fit in- its entirety. He rarely made good on the threat, and instead, chose for himself the more difficult task of trimming a sentence here, a word there, so all the major topics remained mostly intact. What I learned at Central has continued to serve me well-through undergraduate work at UNO, where I majored in journalism, psychology and French, and at the University of Wisconsin, where I earned a master's degree in journalism, and at the Jewish Press, where I was a contributing editor for a short time after graduate school. Those old CHS Stylebook rules are still useful today at the World-Herald, where I've worked since 1986 as the Ad Supplements Editor. My job is an unusual one, not because it requires skills in writing and photography, but because my office is in the advertising department. In addition to my work at the World-Herald, I run a photographic proprietorship, serve on the boards of the Omaha Press Club, Brush-Up Nebraska and the Munroe-Meyer Institute. I'm also a member of the American Heart Association's Field Operations Committee. But all these things have their drawbacks. Writing and photography are by nature solitary activities that have required much of my time. By chance, I've managed not to get married. At age 38, I'm starting to wonder just how far I'll have to go to find the proverbial "nice Jewish girl."

Then again, I've just told you quite a bit about myself. You even have a current picture of me to show around. Spread the word and let me know about any likely prospects. This brazen pitch should surprise no one. After all, I do work in an advertising department. Photos at right, top: Sally Pollak, left, chats with Robert Scherman at the Class of '79 reunion in July. Pollak is now a flight attendant, based in London. Middle: Michael Sloan, left, and Howard K. Marcus at the 10year reunion; bottom photo: Sloan and Marcus at the 20-year reunion in July. Photos by Howard K. Marcus

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Elementary and high school set stage for success in life Edited by Eunice Denenberg

(Editor's note: this article was adapted from Herb Deneberg's syndicated column and appeared in the Central High School Alumni Bulletin.)

"Omaha Central gave me the ability to learn on my own and to edu-' cate myself efficiently in or out of the classroom." In addition to praising Central's strong college prep curriculum, Denenberg lauds the "superior In his syndicated education" he received in Pennsylvania newshis elementary schools, paper column, Herb Columbian and Dundee. Denenberg, Glass of '47, discusses the large monThe column concludes: etary gifts people make "One more observation: to their colleges. GrateI had more top flight ful grads have other teachers at Omaha options, he suggests. Central than in the universities I attended. "Let me make a case for elementary schools "Perhaps that was just and high schools as more a fluke of an earlier era, important determinants when talented women for long-run academic had few opportunities, achievement and success high school teaching in life," says Denenberg. being one. As a result, an extraordinary group Comparing what he of women, and a smaller learned at Central with group of men, achieved what he learned "picking excellence in teaching in up" his degrees—a B.S. elementary and high from Johns Hopkins; a schools^ Ph.D, from the University of Pennsylvania; a "And they were grossly J.D. from Creighton, and underpaid. an L.L.M. from Harvard "My argument may not Law School—he continbe perfect, but I do think ues: it makes the case for "The four degrees gave more compensation, me the 'tickets' I needed credit and acclaim for to teach at the Wharton high schools and elemenSchool of the University tary schools and their of Pennsylvania, to pracdedicated teachers. tice law and teach at a "I'd advise the next * law school, to become Dr. Gaylord Moeller, shown here in 1978, was guy or gal about to make principal of CHS from 1968 to 1995. Pennsylvania Insurance a multi-million dollar,, Photo by Howard K Marcus Commissioner and a gift to a college or unipublic utility commissioner and to work in televi- versity to consider some other options. sion and as a newspaper columnist." "I salute that marvelous crop of teachers back at However, Denenberg feelB that aside from those Omaha Central and in Omaha, Nebraska's elemen: "tickets of admission" plus some maturity and sea- tary schools as well. ' soning, he had the skills and knowledge he needed "They may not have received the acclaim or comfor his professional career the day he graduated pensation of their counterparts in colleges and unifrom Central High School. In his words: ' versities, but every day of my life I take advantage "With all due respect to Harvard, Hopkins, of the excellence of their teaching and the inspiraPennsylvania and Creighton plus the University of tion of their example. And I'm sure there are thouNebraska, Omaha University, the University of sands of other graduates who would say the same Baltimore and Chicago University, where I also thing." studied, I would say my education at Omaha Central was more important and more determina Herb Denenberg and his wife, Naomi, reside tive of my ability to function in the work place and in Philadelphia. in life.

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September 10,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 33

Bert's Eye View

by Bert Lewis

For many years now, ifs been my custom to use the theme of the holiday Press for this issue's column. This year, since I've already expressed my views regarding Central High School and our wellknown old neighborhood, in addition to the views of others, I'm' going to depart from that practice. Instead, because it is holiday time, I'm going back to that which always is closest at this timeâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;my parents. Specifically, my mother. I should begin by telling of recently finding an "unidentifiable," irregularly shaped bundle in my freezer. Wrapped* in plastic, it could have been most anything, but obviously, it wasn't food. After peeling off several frozen layers of plastic, I discovered a lot of linen napkins, which had been dampened for ironing, then hidden away in the freezer. Why? So they wouldn't mildew, of course. Being a professional procrastinator, I always knew about such tricks. Having a rotten memory, my followthrough wasn't always A-One. Ergo, a bundle of frozen linen napkins in the freezer. What has this to do with my mother? Well, if you knew Mary Wine, you know that her prized possessions (after the kids, grandkids and great-grandkids) weren't furs or diamonds or flashy cars..hardly. What she prized highly were the beautiful things it took to set an elegant table, such as fine china, delicate crystal and silver polished until it shone like the sun at noon. Those frozen napkins had come right out of her linen closet, back when I closed up the last place she called home. I took them home and probably put them aside until I could launder them, because they needed some freshening up. I guess I washed them, then no doubt found the prospect of ironing them more than a bit formidable. But still, I dampened them and I probably stored them in the fridge until it became clear (even to me) they wouldn't see an iron in the near future. What next? The freezer, of course. And that's where I found them after don't ask me how long. When I unwrapped them I heard a voice say "oh my God, Mother will kill me," then realized it was my voice. : Unfortunately, she can't scold me for treating her lovely linen so shabbily, but boy would she not like it! You see, those were only a part of an enormous inventory of napkins and tablecloths.she had collected in 69 years of housekeeping. She had every size, color, shape and material ever made, and. many of her own design, decorated with her beautiful handwork. Napkins? If I say there were maybe a hundred, don't think I'm exaggerating. The 171 just finished ironing were very old, some worn quite thiri and more than a few with permanent stains, but you know what? I don't care what ~ shape they're in..those are the ones I'll use for my table on the first night of Yomtov this year. I ironed them very, very carefully, to be sure I Wouldn't tear the fragile cloth. Some are 24 inches

wouldn't tear the fragile cloth. Some are 24 inches square, some only 18, if you can picture such sizes. As I ironed, I could hear Mom say, "Iron both sides, the right way." That was one chore she always did herself, with me scolding that somebody else should be standing on his or her feet doing that job. The truth is, she kvelled as she pushed that iron over the linen, because she loved the elegant look of that napkin. When her dining room table was opened as far as it would stretch, when it was covered with one of her beautiful tablecloths, when her very best-china was in place, each setting framed by gleaming silverware, when she could stand and survey the finished look, then she was ready for yomtov to begin. Then, and only then, would she admit she was tired and maybe she'd like to "stretch out" for a few minutes before the family began to assemble. My mom loved her home, and loved doing everything at all possible to make it festive for those special occasions. I remember when I was a little girl, she took great pride in entertaining her lady-friends for lunch, then maybe some cardplaying, and when she set her table, out came "the Madeira napkins." Those were special, she would tell me, because they were "luncheon size" and only used at such settings. They were very small, edges scalloped with one corner decorated with a flower basket design. They were, in a word, elegant. I have them, though I can't say I've used them often, but I have them. Why? Because while I didn't need them, there was no way I could part with them, my Mom's treasures. The mystery bundle is now gone from the freezer, and 17 freshly pressed (on both sides) napkins are waiting to appear on my dining room table on Rosh Hashanah. As I ironed them, I took note of this stain or that, and wondered who might have been responsible. I could see my Mom noting somebody was dabbing a brightly lipsticked mouth on her linen, but of course she didn't say anything. (I could hear her muttering about such things later, as she worked her magic to remove that lipstick stain.) I remembered many holiday meals, with my Dad presiding at his end of the table, always passing this or that, to "have some more. . .come on, you know you want another helping!" He took such pride in those tables, covered from end to end with the foods Mom had been preparing for days. Of course, he took enormous pridein everything she did, and he, too, loved the elegant appearance of the yomtov table. He didn't know anything about, ironing napkins, but he knew that job didn't just happen by itself. Mother and the linen napkinsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;if I told you where most of her collection came from, you wouldn't believe it, but we'll save all that for another time. This is enough for now. Happy New Year everybody.

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Page 34 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 10,1999

Mother and daughter attend Central by Joan K. Marcus

Nancy Milder Roberts remembers a time of turbulence at Central High. Riots of the late '60s had ended, but racial problems still plagued the school. There were few freshmen when she started as a sophomore. By this time, many of the Jewish students had already come from junior high schools as freshmen. Although her parents, Adrienne and the late Orvel Milder had graduated from Central in 1947 and 1950, the atmosphere had changed. During her sophomore year, school was even canceled for two days because of the feelings of unrest. Although Nancy wasn't allowed to go very often, many of her friends met nightly at the intersection of Glenwood Road and 63rd Street. Most of them had gone to Lewis and Clark together, like Kathy Lincoln, J a n n Liberman, Mark Sanford, Linda Jess, Beth Elkon, Nancy Rosenstock, Mike Rips, Bill Rifkin, Larry Denenberg, Joanie Bernstein andJaneyNogg. Sherry Josin Goldberg was her best friend. The two women remain friends today and send almost daily e-mails to each other. "I still tell her things that I would never tell anyone else!" she said. During high school, she was driving a black and white Chevy Camaro, Rachel passed down to her from her aunt, Ducky Milder. "It was a very 'hot' car with a black and white checked interior. We agreed to paint purple strips on some basketballs for the coach and I had the paint in the backseat of my car. Well, on the way home, the paint can came open and you know the rest. I had a

purple backseat until my Dad sold the car!" There was always a huge group of Jewish kids "hanging out" at "Bagel Hill." Although nothing bad ever happened, Nancy wasn't allowed to go because her mother had a problem with "unsuper-

She was a member of Ediar BBG, but was actually more active in NFTY at Temple Israel. By the time she started high school, most of the Jewish kids went to Central or Westeide. Most of her friends from Temple didn't go to Central, but they were members of Ediar. Nancy was a member of A Cappella Choir, and has fond memories of participating in musicals and roadshows. "Central High wasn't so much fun as it was camaraderie," she recalled. "It was like being part of a group and, to us, it was an elite group. We were all at the same level of education.'None of us were in Honors programs like it is now." They knew that Central was academically superior, but it didn't matter at the time. Many of their peers were really bright, but that didn't matter either. She noted that people in her group broadened their horizons. They didn't always "hang out" with just Jewish kids. BBYO dances were a huge thing, but they also did other things around Central. "Turn Around" or "Vice Versa" dances were a big part of their lives as this always meant choosing the perfect date and Roberts Karen Razor shopping for the perfect dress! CHS Homecoming 1996 After every dance, everyone went vised groups." In later years, it became a family out to eat at Ross' Steak House. The girls always joke because Adrienne wouldn't let her go. ordered steak sandwiches because they were never . "We named Mom 'Mary Tyler Moore' because she sure about the financial situations of their dates. Curfews were always a big topic of conversation. was so prissy!" Nancy laughed. (Continued on Page 35) "Youth grouping was very big during my day!"

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Mother and daughter attend Central (Continued from Page 34) from other high schools. Like her mother, Rachel was a member of A After graduation, she attended the University of Oklahoma and University of Nebraska at Lincoln. Cappella Choir. She played a nun in the Sound of Music, and was teased by Married in 1976, she her classmates because she went to work at the was the chaplain for NFTY! Omaha National Bank as • Rachel's dedication to a receptionist, promoted Judaism became stronger to a loan service assiswhen she began attending tant, and then a personal Olin-Sang-Ruby-Unionbanker. Institute Camp in OconoHer daughter, Rachel, mowoc, WI. was born in 1979, and she then quit working. She "After I went to this was divorced in 1981, and camp, I really realized needed to resume her what it is to be Jewish. The career. She went back to friendships that I formed work at the First were so meaningful, she National Bank in 1982 as said. a personal banker. After In 1995, Rachel spent the three years, she went to whole summer in Israel. work in the advertising She cites this trip as one of department of the bank. the best experiences of her "My boss asked me if I'd life. She and her friends like to work in advertischose to serve in a simulating and I told him that I ed Israeli Army. didn't know anything "Every person in my about it. He said, "You'll fc. group, except me, cried either get it or you Rachel Roberts, CHS '97, and mother, Nancy eV ery night. We shot M16 won't!" she remembered. MUder Roberts, CHS'72. guns and did everything Though she was a "nervous wreck" about the job, that we would have done in the Army," Rachel she needed to support Rachel and herself and was recalled. "I loved every second I had there and I worried about her future prospects. Thrown into knew every person there was Jewish and everyone the managerial position, she was promoted to offi- spoke Hebrew." Later, she even taught Hebrew at cer in 1994 and is now Vice-president of the corpo- OSRUI. rate marketing department. She is one of five Nancy says that humor has been a big part of women vice-presidents out of 5,000 people in that their lives. "My father felt that humor was one of position. the most important things that you could give to Unlike her mother, Rachel found it difficult to your life and to your children. Everything was have only Jewish friends. By the time she began about having a good time. If you don't have a good Central in 1993, many Jewish students were sense of humor, you are lost." attending other high schools. • "What we want to say about ourselves is that,1 Karen Razor was one of her best friends, but because of the fact we grew up together, we have a most of Rachel's social life revolved around very special bond that a lot of mothers and daughTemple Israel and the NFTY Group. During her ters don't have," Nancy added. "It has always been senior year, she and Marci Brookstein planned just the two of us. Number one in our lives has the Spring Conclave for NFTY. • .•». always been our family. We both feel very, very ' • Rachel was a member of an Academic Decathlon blessed and fortunate to have the support and the or Honors group, which met before school in the love that we feel from them. Yes, we are mother mornings. Participants in this group took all hon- and daughter, but we do have a very good relationors classes and competed with their, counterparts ship and we feel very fortunate."

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Page 36

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Now helping others Dundee school Every Sunday is Endless RibDay!

by Joan K. Marcus

As Phil Ginsburg walked through the halls of Central High School at his 20th class reunion, he thought to himself, "If I hadn't screwed around so GIFT CERTIFICATES much when I was a student here, things would CATERING • BANQUET ROOM have been different!" This thought only lasted for a BEST BBQ RESTAURANT SWEETEST O F O M A H A few seconds as he soon realized he is completely Sweet 98 Contest Omaha Magazine satisfied with his life. Winner January Issue Unlike all of his classmates at the reunion, Ginsburg, 38, didn't graduate with the class of 1979. Due to choices that he made while he was in school, he fell behind in his studies and dropped out of school during his senior year. He later ( 0 FAMOUS FOR RIBslT) earned his GED and attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. JUDGED BEST RIBS IN AMERICA Phil grew up in Omaha and attended Temple 132nd & W. Center Road* 330-2800 Israel, where he was consecrated and had a Bar Mitzvah. During his teenage years, his life was more focused on social activities— rather than academics. He enjoyed being a member of AZA and National Federation of Temple Youth. He remembers having many wonderful friends—some of whom were Mike Milder II, Greg Engel, Howard Marcus, Emily Milder and Todd Finkle. As many teenagers in his generation, there was a general feeling of apathy. Children of the '60s were finished with college and this left a void or lack of focus for teenagers. "As many others in my peer group," Ginsburg noted, "I did not always make the right choices • involving my activities." After becoming involved in the telemarketing industry in Omaha, he used his skills to progress into telecommunications and electronics marketing. He is now a partner in an international electronics component distribution firm based in Seattle, WA. His other business interests include import-export projects focusing on markets in Asia and Europe. Although it took a lot of work on Phil's part to get to where he is today, he said, "God has helped me get to the place where I'm supposed to be. Although I may have given Him a little extra work by doing '•NATIONAL BANK things my own way, I'm really happy with where I Member FDIC am. I took a few detours, but Fm in a good place." Serving The CommunityWe Call Home. In addition to business and family activities, Phil spends a great deal of his time helping children 344-7300

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Ginsburg and his wife, Marjorie, 1990 and adults who have addictions. He hopes this work will pay back the people who helped him when he was troubled. "When I became more conscious of God in my life, things began to change. I have a wonderful wife, Marjorie; we have a son, Henry, 10 months, and another child on the way," Ginsburg said. "We live two blocks from my parents, Gail and Robert Ginsburg, and we're very close. I love my work and I'm happy, joyous and free because of my belief in God and the help I got while I was having problems. "And I'm grateful; I've been fortunate to have grown up in Omaha and attended Central High!"

J e a n Levenson Duitch, 1939, Dundee School "Now Jeanie, try to remember when the teacher says to 'put your wraps in the cloak hall', what she means is to put your sweater in the closet at the back of the room." Those were the wise words of my worldly sister, Doris, two years my senior, as I entered kindergarten a t Dundee School. She later told me that since she didn't know what the word "wrap" meant, she wore her sweater the first week of her kindergarten year. Dundee was in many ways the "Bagel" of its eralong before Dillon's Pairacres was built. In those days, grade school went from kindergarten through eighth grade and you stayed with the same children throughout. Somehow, no one seemed concerned if you moved around and met all the children in your grade. I was shocked when my children went to Western Hills and were shifted around each year. A large number of Jewish students attended Dundee, more than at any other school. Thus, it was natural that when Beth El was to be built, it was in Dundee. . I was in the first Talmud Torah class at Beth El, though the building was not ready for occupancy for the first two years. So, merrily we went from Dundee School to The Humpty Dumpty Nursery School on Capitol Ave just west of 51st Street. Some of my classmates were Millard Margolin, Al Fox, Mike Kulakofsky a n d Marty Faier. My Mother, Ethel Levenson (Edgar), was very involved with the Beth El Talmud Torah Board, which was headed for many years by Dr. Morris Margolin. One day, an itinerant photographer caught us as we were leaving Talmud Torah. We were each carrying the book Gelanu and he snapped a picture of each of us. I later saw pictures similar to mine in my classmates'homes We all loved Dundee School-it was a peaceful neighborhood, the underpass on Dodge Street kept us warm in the winter. It was safe to huddle there to get warm. Many of us walked a lot of blocks to school, but our parents never feared for our safety. We lived a charmed life...

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Page 37 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 10,1999

"Snippets of the constantly moving panorama" by Bert Lewis

More than once, while working on stories about the dark because it didn't have any windows. We called Glenuiood Road neighborhood, I've wished for a magicthe game "Mr. Dark." Fox's was great for hanging out wand. If I had such a thing, I might be able to collect and listening to music. some memories of the people who were kids; back in I remember how high the snow drifted in the winthe '50s and '60s, kids who knew the neighborhood as ter. Snowplows would create huge mountains .of snow no adults did. on the sidewalks and we could make paths and caves There's no magic wand, but I was able to contact in them. "Snow Days" were the best! We got to stay someone who was not only there at that time, but who home from school~a cause for great celebration. I described the location of her family home as "the heart couldn't understand why my mother didn't seem as of Bagel." Where would that be? The corner of thrilled as we did. Glenuiood Road and 63rd, where the Lipsey's lived. Looking out of our front window during the school Janet Lipsey talked to me recently, from her home in year, I watched an army of kids trooping to Western San Rafael, CA, where she lives with her husband, John Hills Elementary. Fd leave my house and join the Harkin, and two little boys, Jesse, 5112, and Noah, 10. Atparade. The island crosswalk in the intersection of the mention of her childhood, she assured me she could Glenwood and 62nd was just dirt for a few years and, recall countless events and everyday happenings, and in the spring, it would be a mess. was more than happy to discuss that time of her life. I If you weren't careful, you were hi danger of getting asked her to jot down some things to give me an idea of stuck in the suction created by the mud. More than her perception, promising to turn the "bits and pieces" one pair of boots was caught in the muck, while the into a story. kid kept going and hoped not to fall facedown in it. Promptly, in the time it takes to sit down at the com- Someone finally had the good sense to pave it at puter and send an e-mail, she responded with what some point and save us from further torture and humiliation. she called "snippets of the constantly-moving panorama." I found those "snippets" to be so delightful, I I remember Western decided to print them exactly as she wrote them. Her Hills Elementary School words, with only a minor edit here and there, follow. vividly: the long, shiny halls, metal lockers, woodI have some vague recollection that a non-Jewish en cabinetry in the classschoolmate referred to our neighborhood as "bagel" rooms and the smell of because of all the Jewish families living there. We wax and poh'sh. The buildthought that was hilarious and the name stuck. Our ing was immense to this family lived on the corner of 63rd Street and student. Somebody was Glenwood Road, which became the heart of "bagel". always barfing in the I remember riding my tricycle up and down the halls, and Mrs. Pollack, sidewalk in front of our house. As soon as I could one of the custodians, cross the street, I joined the other bicyclists and soon would throw sawdust on there would be a bunch of us zooming up and down the offensive evidence. the long stretch of sidewalk on the opposite side. As the years went on, those trikes turned into bicycles; a Who could forget our whole row of them blocked the sidewalk in front of principal, Miss Faulk-the Janet Lipsey, 1961 'Nurse Ratchet' of WestBernstein's house. Eventually, they turned into cars, lining a good chunk of the block on the same stretch ern Hills. I can see her clanging a fork against a glass of Glenwood road. in the cafeteria to get everyone's attention. Someone Pairacres Drive was a kind of lover's lane, and kids had stuffed his or her peas in their milk carton. would bike there on the cobblestone street under the Years later, I revisited the school and marveled at shade of the Elm trees (at least I would!). Memorial how Lilliputian it seemed. Park would sometimes serve in the same capacity. All the dogs in the neighborhoodâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;Greenberg*s .Different driveways had their own specific useful- 'Stud' would greet everyone going to and from school. ness. Kirshenbaum's and Bernstein's were particu- There was a rumor circulating that someone found a larly good for foursquare; Cohn's was good for hand- five dollar bill under his paw. Cohn's had 'Folly;' ball and practicing tennis; ours was good for gaining *Nikki' belonged to the Kirshenbaum's; "Wilhelm' to speed on a bike because it had a little slope. In the Steinberg's; the beagle Tarfel' was Weinstein's; and whiter, basements replaced driveways. Eisenstadt's Lewis had a black standard Poodle named 'Gigi'. The was good for a game called "Gorilla" and "Spin the corner Lewis' had two yelping Poodle's, 'Cece' and Bottle;" Lewis' was great for "Hide and Seek" in the 'Dede'; Fox's had an English Sheepdog; we had our

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darling 'Schatzie'. I remember Marilyn Cohn watering her lawn and spraying speeding cars as they passed by. I remember Mrs. Polonsky calling out to Sonia to remember her lunch money. I remember Beth Elkon and Joanie Bernstein bounding out of their houses, yelling "JOAN E E E E E E E ! , Janet and her sons, Noah, BETHEEEEE!" io, left, and Jesse, 51/2. And I remember Ivory, that lovely man who came around and mowed the lawns in the summer. He would always wave "hello" or stop to chat Perhaps we thought we were doing him a favor. I believe we were the greater beneficiaries of the exchange with that gentle soul. Once, while returning as an adult, I saw him still therewide-brimmed hat and handkerchief wiping the sweat from his brow. I hugged him. Same sweet man .. .our guardian angel. For the longest time, I thought everyone had a childhood like mine and a community like ours. The families and their children in my neighborhood were the same ones I saw in our schools, synagogues and grocery stores. I lived in the same house forever and still know folks I knew hi kindergarten. It's hard to find that anymore, and almost impossible in Marin County, CA We have to work hard to create our own communities, since they're no longer ready-made as ours was. It's not the case for everyone in "Bagel," but it was an idyllic time for me, filling me with a sense of safety and abundance, and the importance of family, friends and tribal bonds. Having read Janet Lipsey's own words, you can understand my reluctance to change them in any way. She shared with us a small part of her childhood, and what it was like to be one of the kids who were busily growing up in tltat particular section of the city. Thanks Janet...you probably took more than a few people right back to Bernstein's driveway and the wonderful time when the most important item on the agenda was a date for the Sweetheart Dance. Think about this: if you're going to go back to a spe? cial place at a special time, what better choice could you make? One last "snippet" - Janet said she'd be glad to hear from anyone who wanted to say "hi." Her e-mail address is: jgl@nbn.com

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Page 38

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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Eunie Denenberg was an only child, born to Louis and Ruth Belzer Newberg. Because her father died when she was only seven years old, she attended four grade schools: Lothrop, Saunders, Washington and Rose Hill. She and her mother lived with relatives for her growing-up years, but they moved to 5309 Blondo when Eunie began Central High. There were only three Jewish students at Rose Hill: Eunie, Carol Bercovici Greenberg and Ed Zorinsky. Everyone from her grade school graduating class went to Benson High—except these three Jewish Friends get together in 1944. Above: Dundee Dell, Steve Schwartz, Sally Marer Jonisch, Eunice Newberg Denenberg students. "My best friend almost fainted and George Wright. Below: 1947—Eunice Newberg when I told her that I was going to Denenberg, Al Galpert (C.B.), Bernice Sommer Bromson Central," Eunie recalled. "I told her and Herbie Weiner. that every Jewish kid in Omaha had to go to Central!" School was very important to Eunie and she was always a "joiner." So she joined the Lininger Travel Club, A Cappella Choir, Latin Club, Junior Honor Society, National Honor Society, and was a member of the Central High All Girls Party. Eunie remembered getting all " I V for grades except for the time that she got a "2" in gym. She considered this to be a huge blight on her high school record. She particularly enjoyed being on the Register staff. She interviewed She and her girlfriends named themselves The people for human interest stories and still has a story that she wrote from an interview with Naive Nine. They were Carol Bercovici Greenberg, Eleanor Roosevelt. She calls her "one of my hero- Charlotte Katzman Zipursky, Delores Cohen Fox, Judy Albert, Eleanor Bernstein Alexander, Joan ines!" It was during World War II that she participated Robinson Rips, Kathleen Vann Meyerson and in school activities that helped with the war effort. Phyllis Wohlner Schwartz. Some of these "nine" Teenagers had scrap metal drives and saved remain friends today. stamps in books in order to buy War Savings (Continued on Page 39) Bonds. Money from the sale of these bonds was used to fight the war. Bonds cost $18.75, and paid $25 at maturity, Because of the war,-she says that she had the feeling that she was living in a "special" time. "We were breaking new ground. The 'A' bomb went off and things like this impacted my high school class," Eunie recalled. "We knew people who enlisted and died. "As a young Jewish person, I was very active in Zionist activities here. It was also very scary to hear about what happened to Jews in the Holocaust. We didn't begin to know what we know now!" Her favorite teachers were F.H Gulgard, who the students affectionately called "Mr. G.," Pearl Judkins, and Alice West, an English teacher. "Ms. West totally, totally influenced my life," Eunie said. "She was the most difficult teacher I have ever encountered and I adored her. It was because of her that I was an English major in college and I became a teacher! • "I think teachers were better because women didn't have access to law and medical schools so they became excellent teachers. There is no question about the fact that these teachers absolutely molded people's lives," she added. Each day after school, Eunie went to the Jewish Community Center to "socialize, network and flirt," and then she went to work at her mother's grocery store on 24th and Seward, until her mother closed the store and they would go home together. "We were very close because there was just the two of us. It wasn't sad because we were very close and we were a team," Eunie noted. She remembers North 24h Street as being a great place to grow up; it was a rich environment for Jewish people. "I'd walk by a store and a Jewish merchant would yell, 'Eunela, why are you wasting time. You know your Mom is waiting for you!' There was never any fear for a young girl to walk down the street alone," she said, recalling wonderful memories of delivering groceries to to apartment buildings. Eunice Newberg Denenberg, 1944

September 10,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 39

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From left: Steve, Larry, Eunice, Debbie and Norm Denenberg. When Eunie was a senior, the boys were coming home from the war. There was a dance at the JCC one night, and she was there with two of her girlfriends. Two handsome sailors approached with Arnie Lineman. They asked her two girlfriends to dance and Eunie was left standing. . â&#x20AC;˘ One of the sailors was Norman Denenberg, a 1943' Central graduate. Norman saw Eunie in the Central Roadshow sometime later. He thought she looked like Sylvia "Babe" Blumkin Cohn so he decided to ask her out. Eunie 1945-From left: Audrey Wolf Kirshenbaum, Caryl Bercovisi fell madly in love, but her Greenberg, Eunice Newberg Denenberg, Phyllis Wohlner Schwartz mother wouldn't let her go and Eleanor Bernstein Alexander. "steady" until she was 18! Eunie proclaims that it has been a wonderful life Eunice and Norman were married in 1950. since Central High. "Norman graduated from Creighton University and Tve been lucky in having all of the things that you became an attorney. can't control, like decent health and an intact perEunie graduated from Omaha University in 1951 sonal family," she said. with a degree in English. She also received a teach"Norm and I have always agreed on things, and we ing certificate, then started the nursery school at have wonderful kids. We've never had problems Beth Israel Synagogue. She takes full credit for the success of some of her first nursery school students: with our kids," she added. "Everybody wanted to go to school and nobody wanted to do drugs or leave Larry Kavich, Rusty Nogg and Linda Koom. . home and bum around." After graduation, she became a kindergarten She attributes some of her success in life to yoga, teacher at Comenius and Castelar Schools. She physical arid mental exercises which involve contaught mornings in one school and afternoons in centration. It has taught her how to handle probthe other. lems that she cannot control, and Judaism has "In those days, you had 40 kids in your class and enriched her life because it has always given her it was so easy," Eunie said. "I loved it because you the desire to learn. . .. . had 3,000% support from the parents." Eunice loved Central High and has always enjoyed In later years, she and Ozzie Nogg, also a Central living in Omaha. graduate, ran Gemmi Advertising, Ink. They sold "You can't be a Jew and be anonymous in Omaha. the agency in 1994. . It is such a supportive, loving communityâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;such a She and Norman also helped start the Firehouse special place to live," Eunie added with a smile. and Upstairs Dinner Theatres. "All you need to do is get into this same conversaShe quit teaching when her three children were tion in other communities, and you see what we've born. Larry, now living in Boston; Debbie, who got and what they lack. . lives in New York; and Steye", a doctor in Omaha. This is such a special place!"

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Page 40

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 41

Central High School Hall of Fame honors two by Suzanne Richards Singer

The Central High School Alumni Association has named two former members of Omaha's Jewish com? munity as inaugural inductees into Central ' High School's Hall of Fame. Lawrence R. Klein, class of 1938, and Saul Kripke, class of1958, are among 15 to be honored a t an award ceremony and dinner on Sept. 30 in Central's courtyard. Kripke, son of Rabbi Myer S. and Dorothy Kripke, recently retired as the McCosh Professor of Philosophy a t Princeton University. A summa cum laude graduate of Harvard, he has been awarded honorary doctorates by both Haifa Saul University and Johns Hopkins. According to Haifa University's commencement notes, Kripke is "amongst the greatest analytical philosophers of our day." The author of numerous publications from mathematical logic to meta' physics, Kripke has had two international scholarly conferences dedicated to his contributions to philos; ophy. A Fullbright Scholar, twice Kripke has been named a Guggenheim Fellow. He is a member of the editorial board of seven philosophical journals, a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and

| sented Klein with an | honorary doctorate in 1983, the commence-: I ment notes stated, "He [.is known for his pio j neering work in the development of statistical models of the national economy, which have become indispensable tools in both business and government for making I forecasts and formulating policies." During his long tenure at the Wharton School of Economics at the University of Pennsylvania, Klein. | founded the Wharton Econometric Forecasting Associates. He; was an economic adviser to President Jimmy Carter and to I businesses and govKripke Lawrence Klein ernments throughout the world. Sciences and a Corresponding Fellow of the British • While the Klein family left Omaha- for California Academy. -. ' .'in the early 1940s, two cousins, Betty Laser and Klein, who. received the Nobel Prize in economics "- Helen Frank, still reside here, Other graduates being inducted into Central in 1980, was described in Central'syearbook as the High School's Hall of. Fame are Susan Buffet, most intelligent student in the senior class. After receiving his B.A. degree from t h e ' Brenda Council, Henry Fonda, Carlton Goodlett, University of California at Berkeley in 1942, he Peter Kiewit, Dr. Jack Lewis, Gale Sayers, Robert was awarded his Ph.D. from the Massachusetts Spire and Rodney Wead; educators being honored Institute of Technology in 1944. It was noted that are Joseph Masters, J. Arthur Nelson, Sara Vore he earned his doc rate faster than anyone in the Taylor and Jessie Margaret Towne. history of the MIT« 'onomics department. Nancy Noddle is chairman of the Hall of Fame dinWhen the Unive Sity of Nebraska at Lincoln pre- ner. For more information, call Ten Price, 556-2828.

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Page 42

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Friends at first sight byJoanK..Marcus Dick Fellman and Beverly Bloom didn't know each other while they were going to Central High School. However, they both grew up on 53rd Street. He lived at 301 So. 53rd, and attended Dundee School; Beverly lived at 53rd and Lake. In 1953, when Dick graduated from Central, he • was voted "best speaker" by his classmates. It used to be the tradition for outstanding students to be honored by members of the senior class. Students from speech, expression, vocal instrumental, art, and journalism departments were also honored by their peers. During his years at Central, Dick was most active in debate and public speaking programs. He was on the Debate Team for most of his high school years, and participated in National Forensic League and was the winner of many debate tournaments. Education was always stressed in the Fellman home. Frances and Dr. Leon Fellman raised their four children, Dick, Jane Fellman Pickus, Nancy Fellman Rips, and Tom, to respect learning, to read, and to be grateful for the opportunity to have an education. Frances had been a second grade teacher at Vinton School prior to. having children. She told her four children they needed to appreciate the fact that their mother had been a teacher and spoke English without an accent. The Fellman children were always kept busy with activities and things to do. Dick was a Boy Scout, attended Beth El Synagogue Hebrew School, and belonged to many other organizations. He was always a "joiner," and, even now, enjoys being in organizations and attending meetings. His childhood was a happy one. He has fond memories of walking down Farnam Street on the High Holy Days and visiting with other Jewish families. "Our family used to walk to Beth El. It wasn't that we were so religious, but the parking was so bad that it was easier to walk from home," he laughed. "And, the street was full of other Jewish people who were walking. They were coming all the

way from the Happy Hollow area—up Farnam Street. It was fun because I saw all of my friends and their families. As a kid, the services and the walk were more social than religious!" There were a large number of Jewish kids in each of his grade school classes and they all went on to Central. His grandmother, Esther Fellman, who lived with them off and on, insisted he cover his Hebrew school book so that the gentile kids wouldn't know they were Jewish! "Those kids used to ask, 'Do you have to go to Hebrew school tonight'?" he recalled. He doesn't remember any anti-Semitism in his neighborhood. Some of Dick's friends from Dundee School who went on to Central were Barry Veret, Jerry Turner, Murray Belman, Lois Shapiro Kneeter, Doris Raduziner Marks, Bill Novak, Mason Steinberg, Sandra Fisher Kohll, Fred Segal, Ozzie Katz Nogg and Barbara Bialac Krantz. Dick played drums in the ROTC Marching Band, Dance Band and the Central High Band. He was also active in Central High Players and was honored by the Omaha World-Herald as "Teen of the Week." He was one of the organizers of Rayim, a group of Jewish teenagers. He became the first president of the group. "I spent a lot of time organizing and running the group," he said.

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"I was also very active in Debate during high school. When I was a junior, I won the State Debate Tournament and I was eligible to go to the National Debate Tournament.'' J. Arthur Nelson, who was Principal of Central, wouldn't let him go to the tournament. The following year, he and Warren (Horsey) Zweiback.were partners and they won the tournament again. J. Arthur allowed them to attend the national tournament in Denver, and he took the two boys—in his 1943 blue Nash! "As I recall, it was a very pleasant trip," Dick noted. "J. Arthur was nice to us and he explained his system of helping kids get admitted to college. In those days, J. Arthur had a tremendous amount of influence with the college admissions systems. He discussed it openly with us and told us how he made recommendations to the best schools in the country." Dick admits to not being as frightened of J. Arthur as most students because his father, Leon Fellman, was Mr. Nelson's dentist! Although Dick always knew he wanted to be an attorney, his feelings were even more secure

(Continued on Page 43)

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He received tremendous pressure from his mother to finish law school. After seeing the hard life of newspaper reporters, he decided he would go with his desire to be an attorney, and graduated from law school in 1959. Dick has always liked politics and has been a faithful Democrat. T h e only time I ever skipped school was to watch the Eisenhower-Nixon inauguration in 1953," Dick recalled. "I went to the nurse and made myself sick enough to go home." After law school, he was in the Army and then returned to Omaha and has been in private practice. He has the law firm of Fellman, Moylan, Natvig and Kelly. Over the years, he has been involved in politics. He was elected County Commissioner in 1976 and served a term as a State Senator. He ran unsuccessfully for the Second Congressional Seat in 1980 '82 and'83. He says his only political desire right now is to be president of Beth El Synagogue! In 1961, at an engagement party for his sister, Jane, he met Beverly Bloom. "At that party, Mrs. Bell Katz and Libby Sachs

Dick and Bev Fellman in their home, 1999 literally had me in a corner and they wanted to know who I was; dating. I couldn't honestly answer that I was dating anyone," he laughed. "I didn't tell my own mother who I was dating—let alone the rabbi's wife!" Libby Sachs said to him then, "There's a wonderful young woman named Beverly Bloom who has come back to go to Omaha U, and you need to ask her out." Mrs. Katz added, "Dickie, will you promise me to call Beverly?" He had no choice but to promise he would call Beverly. He thought he would be making a "cold call," but Libby and Beverly's mother, Dina Bloom, had the same cleaning lady, who told Beverly about her

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Bev admits that she and Dick became friends at first sight." She had grown up at 2502 No. 53 Street, the house where her parents, Harold and Dina Bloom, still live. She attended Rosehill Elementary School. Although she says her older twin brothers, Bruce and Bernard, were her best friends, she remembers Ilene Sachs Klein and Susie Sachs Silverma, who lived across the street, and Lynette Forbes and Ardeen (Deenie) Forbes Meyerson, who also lived in the neighborhood. Some of her other friends who went on to Central were Judy Wohlner Segal, Bennett, Michael and Frances Hornstein, Barbara Bercutt Fishkin and Carolyn Stern Lefko. Beverly remembers carpools to Central and stopping for gasoline at 290 a gallon. Since her father was in the car business, she had access to a car as soon as she was able to drive. She recalls there were always six kids in every car. She belonged to Debka Debs, a Jewish group at the Jewish Community Center. She remembers being at the Rayim formal dance when her younger brother, Brent, was born. "I left the dance with my date to go to the hospital and see my new brother," she recalled. "We all loved having a new brother." . Brent is now an attorney in Omaha, and a 1976 graduate of Central. Beverly was a cheerleader and was on the staff of the Register at Central. She. wrote several columns for the newspaper. She was kept very busy as a teenager because she worked downtown at Brandeis Department Store. She was known as a "floater" in the store and worked wherever she-was needed. She also has fond memories of downtown Omaha and eating at Harkert's restaurant.

(uSTOM^Eilfl is,

Happy New Year from

Page 43

impending call from Dick. .., : At their first date, Beverly walked down the steps, turned around, and went back upstairs to change her shoes. She discovered that Dick was too short for her to wear high heels! ' .....

(Continued from Page 42) when Roy Busch, a science teacher said to him, "I hope you're not thinking about being a doctor or a dentist like your father because you won't enjoy pre-med or medical school; you might enjoy your psychiatric residency. Have you thought about being a lawyer?" Dick has always been involved in scouting. He was an Eagle Scout and served as a Public Speaking merit badge counselor for many years. He remains on the board for the Mid-America Boy Scout Council and has been chair of the Jewish Relations Committee. After graduation, he went to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His major was Political Science, and his desire to be a lawyer was almost sidetracked when he became interested in Journalism. He was editor of the Daily Nebraskan, the university newspaper, worked at the Lincoln Journal-Star, and worked as a state capitol reporter for the Associated Press.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1090

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She tells of the recent replanting of "J. Arthur's (Continued from Page 43) She always enjoyed Hebrew classes at Beth Garden" at the school. It seemed as though J. Israel Synagogue, but she didn't realize until later Arthur would come to school on weekends, in overthat the muscles used in speaking Hebrew were alls, to plant flowers. The flowers were mowed the same ones used in speaking French. She did down, but the garden was replanted this past sumwell in French and believes most Jewish students mer. She remembers J. Arthur as being a fair perdo well in foreign languages because of the training son—although he was not terribly warm. When she they receive in Hebrew, She was always interested was a new teacher, he would peek through the in foreign languages, but majored first in psycholo- crack in her door in order, to monitor her teaching. "He demanded a lot and he got it!" gy when she went to Ohio State University. She is, as far as she knows, the only Jewish She changed her major to French because of a professor at Ohio who spoke flawlessly. He became teacher at Central. She maintains that academic excellence is still what teachers her mentor and she returned to thrive on and strive for at Omaha University to finish her Central. • • . - • • degree in French and Education. Before she graduat"We have had more National ed, J. Arthur Nelson contacted Merit winners at our school her and asked her to teach at than all of the other schools Central. combined!" she said. Instead, she took a job in the Bev loves what she does and American Embassy in Paris in she marvels every single day at the office of Deaths and the architecture of the school. Estates. She helped translate She is the advisor to the French for families of people who died Club and serves as advisor to abroad. Because she was; many other groups and commitalready engaged, she returned | tees. to Omaha in November, 1963. Her days begin at 6:30 a.m., and don't end until she arrives Beverly and Dick were marhome at 6:30 p.m. ried on Jan. 13, 1964, at Beth Israel Synagogue. Rabbis[ Her interest in each one of Benjamin Groner and Myer S. her students is extraordinary. Kripke officiated at their wedShe speaks of a recent contest ding. held at the school and the students whom she nominated in The couple have four childifferent categories. dren: Susan Witkowski, a medical student at UNMC; "One student had been abanBev Bloom Fellman, 1950 Deborah, a marketing execudoned by his parents when he tive in Los Angeles; Jonathan,- who works in was five or six years old and he had still managed finance in Chicago; and Daniel, a rabbinical stu- to achieve academic excellence, even though he had dent at Hebrew Union College in Cincinnati. struggled from foster home to foster home," she Beverly taught at Central until 1966, when she said. "I nominated him to be the student who had quit teaching to stay at home with her children. overcome the most!" She later returned to teaching and taught at Each one of her students is "special" to her Beveridge and Lewis and Clark Junior Highs because they come from all parts of the city and before returned to teach French at Central in 1990. they have all kinds of backgrounds. She enjoys teaching there because of the academic "I try to help kids focus on academics so they can standards and the quality of the education. improve the rest of their lives!" ^ ••••.'-'

News from the Youth Council and Kibitzer The April 15, 1954, edition of This edition of the Kibitzer, the Youth Council News, reported the newsletter for AZA conclaves, following: appeared on AZA's 30th anniver-

HAPPY NEW YEAR

"Barbara Jdffee and Larry Epstein, co-chairmen of the 21st annual Stage Night, were assisted by representatives from each of the clubs: Harriet Soskin, Councilettes; Judy Rosen and Phyllis Rubinow, Debka Debs; Nancy Barron and Shirley Goodman, Tikvas Ami; Jack Oruch and Dave Widman, AZA #1; Kenny Freed, Aza #100; Jerry Marer, Ravim. "Stage production was under the supervision of Jerry Margolin and his crew: Mike Denenberg, Bennett Kutler, Hank Pollak and Allan Abramson. Elaine Krantz was in charge of publicity...Sari Shukert, Elaine Janger, drew posters. ' "Thanks to Ed Smith for the nice job on the tickets and to Sherm Poska and Dave Belzer for selling tickets at the door. Programs were made by the two chairmen and Howard Kooper. "Marilyn Rice and Deanne Markowitz will head the Philanthropes Committee this year. : "Jean Cutler is in charge of this year's conclave. "The AZA #100 boys will be hosts to their annual King Dance at the Fontenelle Hotel on May 15. Candidates are Kenny Freed, MarBh Denenberg, Larry Schwartz and Art Schwartz."

sary in 1954. "The big event held this year was the Sweetheart Dance in September at the Fontenelle Hotel. Candidates for AZA #1 Sweetheart were: Toby Okrent, Jean Cutler, Harriet Soskin, Ruthann Chudacoff and Judy Cohh.. .Jean was the recipient of the title. Music was (provided by) Eddy Hadad. Art Schwartz and Larry Epstein did a terrific job as co-chairmen. "Another big event. . .was a benefit basketball game-mixer between Mother Chapter and HiY, a youth group at the YMCA. AZA #1 won by a small margin. After the game, everyone went to the "J" auditorium for a mixer, featuring the Rayim Travelling Troupe, with entertainment. "At the mixer, Mike Meyer and Stan Kaiman were awarded with Best Aleph of the Month. . .A grand total pf about $50 was raised for the national AZA community service project, "A roller-skating party was held during November. Afterwards, all of the alephs and their dates went to the 40-Bowl to eat. Our annual hayrack ride was another success. "A gambling party was held at the JCC in Council Bluffs in March. The CB Alephs planned the event.

Susie Gilinsky Cooper was a member of the Teen Fashion Board at Brandeis department store, representing the freshman class at Central, 1969. "Alephs have, provided help whenever needed.. .at the Blood Center...the tuberculosis drive... helping out at the 'J' stuffing envelopes and mimeographing flyers. • "This committee thanks all those deserving alephs responsible for their outstanding work."

September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 45

Growing up together by Joan K. Marcus

Gary Kudym sat behind Robbi Kolnick in anthropology class at Central High; he kept kick. ing her lunch under the desk. She thought he was flirting with her. He says that it was because he has such long legs and her lunch got in his way! Robbi, daughter of Betty and the late'Martin Kolnick, attended Western Hills and Lewis and Clark Junior High School. She was in Drama Club, Forensics, Anthropology Club, Foreign Language Club and was page editor for the Central High Register. Some of her friends were Barb Fraid-enraich, Debbie Schwartz, Janet Schwartz, Diane Wintroub, Ronna Cooper, Bob Spitzer, Bluma Karpman, Charlie Fishkin and Barry Epstein. Gary, the son of Fred and Ruth Kudym, was captain of the Central Golf Team, was interested in Anthropology Club, and was second in command in ROTC. He was named "Cadet of the Year" by the Omaha World Herald. He worked at the Highland Club Golf Course and later at McDonalds. Gary went to Beals Grade School and George Norris Junior High. He was shy in high school and didn't date much. He was a junior when Robbi was a senior and he had no plans to attend the prom that year. He didn't even have a driver's license when she stopped him in the hallRobbi, Gary, Seth and Molly Kudym. way and asked him to attend the senior prom. Rose Blumkin Jewish Home. His answer was, "I just started a new job and I theWhile Robbi was away at school, Gary would don't know if I can go!" Betty and Marty Kolnick and he soon "I lacked social graces," he recalled, "and, visit although I was flattered, I didn't know what to became an accepted member of the family. "My family said marrying Gary was the only say or do!" A few days later, he arranged to take thing I ever did that made sense!" Robbi her to the dance. laughed. Although Gary did drive to Robbi's house, he Gary remained in Omaha and attended the felt uncomfortable driving all the way to the Carter Lake Ballroom, with his new driver's University of Nebraska at Omaha and worked license. When Stuart Kolnick, Robbi's brother, full-time at Baker's Super Markets. He graduatand his date offered to drive to the dance, Gary ed with a degree in Business Administration and went to work as a management trainee at graciously accepted his offer. Brandeis Department Store. Robbi recalled it was just a whole group of girls While they were froth doing volunteer work for who wanted to go to the dance. Opera Omaha, Gary proposed during the opera, "We all decided we probably weren't going to The Magic Rabbi Isaac Nadoff married get asked to the dance because the senior guys them at BethFlute. Israel Synagogue on June 26,1983. all asked younger girls," said Robbi. "So we Marriage seemed so natural for them that they decided to ask guys who we thought we'd have a good time with. It wasn't going to be a big deal; giggled during the ceremony! Gary had won a car they weren't going to rent tuxedos. We weren't from a radio station and he sold it to use the going to rack up $200 bills for these guys. I money for a honeymoon trip to St. Thomas. They say their marriage has been an adventhought I'd see Gary at my 20-year reunion and ture in growing together. Gary's family was more we'd laugh about going to the prom together." familiar with travel and Robbi's family had never She knew she would soon be going to the done much traveling. Robbi introduced Gary to University of Kansas at Lawrence, and this opera and he helped her experience polka music! dance would be a good way to end her high Eleven years ago, Gary became an agent for school career. She thought Gary would be a "fun State Farm Insurance. He started solo and has a date" for the evening! reputation for taking care of his customers, letGary had such a good time that he asked her ting his clients know they can contact him. He out again and again. Soon, he was bringing flow- thinks his success is due to his patience. He doesers each time he came and they were talking n't believe in high pressure sales and he always about what they would name their children. wants to be available. Robbi went away to college as planned, but she His background at Central has helped him in soon returned to Omaha and received her degree in Social Work from Creighton University. Later, his business success. "Role models and learning to follow through • she worked as Supervisor of Social Services at were more important than material things," he noted. Gary says life is more complicated than it was at Central High. Tour life changes with children, but we always try to make time to go out together," he added. They have two children: Seth, 10, and Molly, 6. Seth is a member of the Nebraska Children's Chorus, an actor, basketball player, Cub Scout and was a finalist in the Oscar Meyer Weiner Contest. Molly is an avid iceskater, artist and a member of a Brownie troope. Sadness entered their lives when their nephew, Joel Kudym, was murdered in a drive-by shooting on July 18, 1997. Robbi says this loss caused the biggest change in their lives. "Sometimes, when couples have problems, they become farther apart," Gary said. "We have become closer and our priorities have changed. Our family has become more important .L _..'':. -. • and every day is a gift! We can't wait to do things 1978--Gary Kudym and Robbi Kolnick at the or tell our children we love them. Everything is important right now!" prom.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NB

September 10,1999

Kaslow brothers recall a more innocent time by Claudia Sherman Foundation Public Relations Coordinator •

"Seventy second street was the edge of the world" and became Bar Mitzvah there. Howard, who lives in the 1950*8 when Howard Kaslow and his broth- in Omaha with Gloria, his wife of 38 years, is a lifeer, Richard, were students at Central High School. long member of Beth El. "Kids came from a variety of neighborhoods and a Sons of the late Ben and Sophia Kaslow, the boys wide sociological and economic spectrum" when lived at 55th and Harney on the south edge of .Howard Kaslow attended Central High from 1953- Dundee when they were growing up. They both 1957. He estimated there were about 400 Jewish attended Dundee Elementary School. , students at Central High at that time. "We walked to school together," said Richard. "He "From a Jewish perspective, it was a great way to (Howard) walked very fast. It was hard to keep up meet each other. BBYO groups were very strong with him." Richard explained that he was "in awe" then," he added. "There was a lot of interaction of Howard. "I tried to emulate him." between Jewish students. It didn't matter which According to Howard, "We had a pretty normal synagogue they belonged to, where they lived, or if nuclear family. It was a comfortable sheltered they were rich or poor," according to Kaslow. home life. My parents were devoted to me and my The Jewish Community Center (JCC) was right brother." He recalled taking family summer vaca^ across the street, and it provided a gathering place tions and celebrating Jewish holidays with extendfor large numbers of Jewish students. After school, ed family members. Ben Kaslow was an attorney 100 or more teenagers would gather there to "hang and "worked long hours," while his wife stayed at home raising the boys. out and meet each other." Richard, who attended Central High from 1957In memory of their father, Howard and Richard 1961, said, "It was a great place. The teachers were established a scholarship endowment fund with great and so was the diverse environment. We The Foundation of the Jewish Federation. tended to square off with our own groups. Jews did "We felt it was something he would have wanted tend to mix, especially in after-school activities." us to do," said Howard. Both brothers were good students. "I loved high In light of their strong sense of education, school," said Howard. "It was great and I had a Richard noted that they wanted to provide "opporwonderful time." He was a member of the National tunities for those who would have to struggle finanHonor Society and graduated second in his class. cially" to attend Jewish summer camps, participate Richard also graduated high in his class - "one in group trips to Israel sponsored by Jewish organiof the top two or three," he said. Both were active zations, and attend Jewish youth organization conventions and leadership development programs. on the debate team. Howard was also sports editor of the Central "In retrospect," Richard continued, life was "ideal. High Register and president of his senior class. He Everything went along smoothly. The neighborhood was on the track team, and Richard was on the golf was a place that middle class people dream of. It team. Richard belonged to ROTC and participated really wasn't, but it seemed like it." in Boys State. • Kids were protected by their parents from events ' Both of the Kaslows served as president of AZA and information they didn't want their children to 100. Howard was region and district president as know about and issues they didn't want to deal well. Richard recalled going to AZA national and with, Richard explained. regional conventions. "There were a number of Jewish families nearby," They spent considerable time at the JCC, meet- Howard said. He didn't recall any overt antiing friends and participating in sports such as bas- Semitism' but "there was a pretty clear separation. ketball and swimming. We ^tended to socialize with other Jewish kids but The Kaslow family were members of Beth El we had a lot of friends who were not Jewish. It was Synagogue and the boys attended Talmud Torah typical to date only Jews."

Howard Kaslow (left) and Richard Kaslow in May, 1999. Glen Cunningham, Mayor of Omaha at the time, "lived down the street," Richard reported, and he was a friend of Cunningham's son. Howard enrolled in Yale University after graduating from Central High and then attended Yale Law School. He has been practicing law for 35 years in the firm started by his father and Milton Abrahams. Richard also attended Yale. Although he admitted to trying to keep up with his older brother, he took a different turn than Howard after Yale and went to Harvard Medical School. He also earned a masters degree in public health and spent 23 years in public health service at the Center for Disease Control and at the National Institutes of Health; (Continued on Page 47)

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September 10,1999

Now and then by Rebecca Murrow

As an eighth grader in the Omaha The Matzah Table, where many Public School district, I had an enor- Jewish students ate their meal, does mous decision to make; not exist anymore one that would greatly because the majority of impact my future. I students at Central had to choose where I are no longer Jewish. was going to attend Obviously, times high school. have changed and many things are differIn the mail, I received ent, but some things a form that required a have stayed the same. decision of which high Central students still school I wished to use the Stylebook to attend. Out of the help with any correcseven OPS high tions in their themes schools, five of them for English class, just were available to me. like the three generaFrom those five, I tions before me also Rebecca Murrow had limited my list down to two. Central High School did. Students continue to sit through was one of them. Many of Central's long hours of classes, sweating qualities impressed me greatly—its through their clothes because high academic standards, outstand- Central High is still not an air-condiing college preparatory program, the tioned building. uniqueness of the building and the Although there are many aspects of ethnicity of its students. Central which can be labeled botherBut there was one aspect of some by some students, such as the Central which I ; found to be very challenging instructors, difficult remarkable. I could attend the same coursework, and long, tiring nights of school in which 50 years ago my homework, these are the qualities grandparents "ran for classes." The that have continued to make Central same school where my great-uncle High School unique throughout the refused to join one of two very elite years and stand above and beyond dubB for Jewish men. I could eat in all other Omaha high schools. the same cafeteria where my grand-, As I reviewed these distinctive feaparents ate at the "Matzah Table". tures of this particular school, I careOf course, because of advanced fully placed a check mark on the line technology, Central students no near the word 'Central'. I did not longer are required to run four want to miss the opportunity to be flights of stairs to register for class- the third generation to attend this es. Instead, they receive computer- prestigious school; it was becoming a family tradition. . piuitnl ih''lull mi I tie first day. * I

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

(Page 47

Kaslow brothers ' * (Continued from Page 46) After medical school, Richard lived in various cities, including: Boston, San Francisco, New York, Atlanta, the Washington, D.C., area and, for the past four years, in Birmingham, AL, where he is on the faculties of the School of Public Health and the School of Medicine. He teaches and conducts research on human genetic factors involved in infectious diseases including HIV-AIDS. Recently, Richard was named Distinguished Faculty Investigator at the School of Public Health. Richard and his wife, Leanne, have been married 29 years and have two children. Their daughter, Jessica, lives in New York City; their son, Daniel, just graduated from Colorado College. Howard and Gloria Kaslow's son, Aaron, lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife; Allison, and their two children. David/Kas-low, Howard and Gloria's second son, lives in St. Louis; their daughter, Joanna Spiyak, a newlywed, lives in Wilmette, IL, with her husband, Howard. Out of all the children, only Aaron Kaslow attended Central High School. Richard Kaslow remarked that his children attended a high school similar to Central in that it was large,

diverse, in the center of an urban area and had a relatively large Jewish population. For children today, life is "a lot more complicated" indicated Richard. "There are more choices—good and bad." "Outside influences on kids' lives are so different today," agreed Howard. He mentioned drugs, violence and sexual pressures. Ours was "a much more innocent time," he commented. It wasn't typical to have after-school jobs. "It astounds me to see how much these kids do today." Central High had a reputation for being one of the "premier high schools in the country," said Howard, a former president of the Jewish Federation. "It was just a great experience for hundreds and hundreds of kids, even before me. Maybe it has something to do with the cohesion in the (Omaha) Jewish community today." • Central High was ranked as one of the top 20 high schools in the country, according to Richard. Looking back over the years, he remembers growing up "in a wonderful environment that was .calm and tranquil." '".' 'We probably didn't appreciate it at the time," said Howard. "It was a magical experience." .'

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dent. Best club awards went to Councilettes, Rayim, AZA # 1, and Debka Debs. New officers are Larry Schwartz, president; Suzanne Richards, vice-president; Ruth Cudacoff, secretary, and Joan Krasne, reporter. From the Omaha World-Herald

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Page 48

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Father and son by Joan K. Marcus

Basketball star: Ben Jacobson, Class of 2000 Ben Jacobson is an extraordinary athlete who does well at football, baseball and basketball. However, the 17-year-old Central High senior has given up all other sports and worked hard to focus on basketball and his schoolwork. As a junior, he is second in Nebraska in scoring and third in rebounding. As the star player of the Central basketball team, Ben averaged 22 points and 10 rebounds a game last year. He was intent on returning the team to the level it was two seasons ago when they went to the Class A state tournament during his freshman yeari This year, he was chosen to be All/Metro, one of the five best players from Omaha's 17 high schools. : This summer, he played on a Godfather's team that toured eight different cities. The team consists of the 10 best players from all of Nebraska who play against the best players from all over the country. He averaged 22 points and was the best player on the team. . â&#x20AC;˘ Although he is just a normal boy who likes to "hang out" with his friends, he will probably be the top basketball player in Nebraska this year. He will most likely finish in the top one or two in scoring. ' ; He played varsity as a freshman (a rare occurance) and was a starter during his sophomore and junior years. If things keep up as they are, he could very well end up being the leading scorer and rebounder in the history of Central High! Jacobson is considering a career in coaching or basketball and has worked hard to develop his academic and physical skills. At least 20 colleges and universities have already approached him; several have already offered scholarships. Ben spent this past summer working on his game, lifting weights and conditioning his body for the coming school year. '

Ben Jacobson in 1999 Photo by Rudy Smith I World Herald

David Jacobson'66 You never know where basketball might lead. David Jacobson speaks with pride about his three children who have attended Central. Ben's two sisters, Rachel and Sara, graduated from Central in 1996 and 1998, and they were both members of National Honor Society. Although he was involved in French Club, O Club and the Stamp and Coin Club, he lists his favorite activity as basketball, just like his son. He admits he wasn't even close to being as good a player as Ben. "I played varsity, started for the team, and did a lot of things, but there's no way I had the talent and tenacity that Ben has," he said. He belonged to Rayim, and some of his friends were Richard Jacobson, Bill Ginsberg, Bruce Hoberman, Alan Muskin, Paul Landow, Marsha

Jewish Academy

Gould Stone and Linda Eisenstatt Luttbeg. His crowd would meet at Richard's house on Sunset Trail and "hang out" on the island in "Bagel." Dr. Gaylord E. Moller, Principal of Central from 1968 1995, said the class of 1966,was the last "innocent' class." He had never heard the word "marijuana" until 1967. After graduation, he attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln for undergraduate and law school and graduated law school in 1974. While still in law school, he became involved in the Legal Aid Society's desegregation case against the Omaha Public Schools. Because of his experiences at Central, he thought, it was necessary that all schools have diversity of students. He worked at Legal Aid for two years. It was during this time that they lost the original desegregation lawsuit, but won it on appeal. In 1977, he began working for Kutak Rock, at that time, a small, growing Omaha-based law firm. He was named na-tional chairman of the firm in 1997, and head of the Omaha office, located now in 12 different cities. The firm employs 260 lawyers nationally and their major offices are in Omaha, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., Denver and Phoenix. After Ben started Central, David began attending athDavid Jacobson letic events, and noticed that little attention had been given to renovation of the school. When he asked Principal Dr. Gary Thompson why the school wasn't air con(Continued on Page 50)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 49

The Jewish ethnic areas of Omaha; Old Jewish section through "BageF' by Charles R. Gildersleeve, Professor, Department of Geography/Geology at UNO

When I, as an ethnic geographer, think of "Bagel" Map of ethnic or Dillon's Little Tel-Aviv, I envision an in-between "core a r e a s by ETHNIC QORE AREAS of OMAHA ethnic area in the historical geography of the Jews C h a r l e s Gilin Omaha. d e r s l e e v e , is , Hearkening back to the earliest period of Jewish based on censettlement in Omaha, followers of Judaism came in sus documents, significant numbers from the very late 1900's to- field research, 1930, with the largest numbers arrivingfrom19.00 school census through 1920. Most were from Eastern Europe in and numerous and around the area of the Ukraine—thus,- comes research docuthe term 'Ukrainian Jew,' who dominated the m e n t s by Omaha scene during the great migrations. scholars on the These early Jewish immigrants found homes in Omaha area. several areas of what was then Omaha City, and a few landed or moved to South Omaha. However, as at 31st and Cumwith so many immigrants to U.S. cities, they tend- ing (two of the ed to group together in a core settlement, rather buildings still than one which was geographically dispersed, in stand). Over time, with the development of their communities. Most of the Jewish immigrants were craftsmen, merchants, a c c u l t u r a t i o n tailors, printers/typesetters and carpenters, among and assimilation through rising other skilled and semi-skilled occupations. It is estimated that 5,000 to 7,000 Jews settled in incomes and the Omaha over the 40-year period. Today, Jewish so called "Upnumbers have grown a bit, but most estimates the-economicrange from 7,000 to 9,000 within Omaha at pre- ladder of sucsent, representing but a modest growth. According cess," large numto scholars, some rural Jews attempted farming in bers of Jewish Nebraska, but most gravitated to Omaha and other people moved westward within Midwestern cities after a short period of time. The major area of early concentration that devel- the city, building oped was called "The Jewish Section" of Omaha- new synagogues an area from roughly 14th and Davenport to 31st and purchasing and Cuming, and, north along 24th St. to about homes nearby and in more upLake St. (see Ethnic Map). scale neighborhoods. Still, unlike many European generally west of Happy Hollow Boulevard to 65th They grouped closely together in an area we geoimmigrants, the Jews continued to cluster near St., and from Cass/Underwood to Western Ave., graphers- call the European Flats, north of downtheir synagogues, as was the practice until very just a bit north of UNO (see map—end of migration town, which ranged north to Ames Aye. and west of recently. Thus,as»they. slqwly^ab'ahdone'd thei^OlQ ••'•" ; arrdw for Jews}.' :•''•'•'• ~:^.'- ;: -.Wi •::.-•.•- ';y"!'-f; 116th St: to about 34th St. ^V'" - r i . ' V .-•• "•;j6W!8h5ectioa}";^the}^ continued to exhibit a clusj | Tiff} JJws^eg&njgi d|j3ii^at?;ifft|ie sbiitherp'por- r% tel-ed .'patteT^riguSlike iGeiJmans, Scandinavi ans, >- In a study done in one of our UNO urban geogra-.tion'bf'flie'r&rel^ closeFte downtown and along the ••'Scots^irish.-Northern Italians and others who for- phy glasses, ife^was.diSCoVered that as late as 1 9 ^ , •tnajpr transportation routes of thS.^ayrMany mefly dominated the European Flats area, along ' 83 percenFof the residents in the above area weaHe •! teased small homes; a considerable number built "with their Jewish" counterparts. Culture, especially registered' as Jews with a synagogue. Likewise, j*n ' theirowtf'homes, and some ordered pre-manufac- rthe role of religion, kept Jewish people relatively the late 1970's, a study by a professor at UNO indi• Jured houses from the Sears Catalog to create this concentrated (clustered)-in ; Omaha until.after cated that'ZIP Code 68104 was the leading Jewish area in .the entire city (much of the southern por; area of Jewish concentration, which lasted for. V.1975. . ' ; 'r; W ^ v V ; ' ^ : # . . r 'j ;many years. Along Cuming. St., the area was .'By the 1960's and early,,1970's, the highest con- tion ofZIP Code 68104 includes "Bagel")." *. ,' After the 1970's, with the development of the Jew• "anchored" by the former Jewish Funeral Home at centration of Jews was found in an1 area; foridly 1912 Cuming (now at 45th and Cuming), a syna- named "Bagel," or Dillon's Little Tel-Aviv, an area (Continued on Page 50) t ' gogue just north of the downtown, and a synagogue

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Jewish areas

Father and son (Continued from Page 48) Foundation that ditioned and why there wasn't a gym where games provides scholarcould be played on campus, he was told, "Central ship money. They was renovated far earlier by a different administraprovided legal sertion and the money just wasn't there!" vices to set up this Jacobson thought that needs at Central deserved foundation. immediate resolution, so he contacted Central Tve done all of graduate Susie JJuffett and they developed a plan these things befor fundraising to bring the school up to date. cause of the wonDavid is co-chairperson of the Central Restoration derful experience Campaign, along with Buffett and Dr. Thompson. my children and I "This building is more than an architectural have had at Cenlandmark in Omaha; these walls are more than a tral," David comcapital investment. They continue to shelter the mented. "I think very spirit of education that has developed leaders it's important to in all facets of life since 1900," noted members of keep the physical the committee. plan up to date The Restoration Committee also helped pass the because we need recent School Bond Issue that will furnish funds for to keep it competirenovation of Central's electrical system, air-conditive. It's a totally tioning and a new cafeteria. Possibilities still exist unique school and that the Restoration committee might build a new it's going to be the science and technology center and a new athletic largest school in facility. Omaha. If you T helped tform the restoration plan because I look across the love Central and I want to see it stay the extraordicountry for a narily strong academic and athletic school it was when I went there! We are focused on getting pri- David Jacobson still plays downtown school to have remained vate and public money to bring Central up to the basketball! standards of the other Omaha Public Schools." as strong as it is, it's an absolutely remarkable Kutak Rock also incorporated the Central High story!"

Central Graduates date back to 1892

Above: Renee Franklin and Ronna Halperin at their graduation party in June, 1961. Right: Karen Kazor and her mother, Renee Franklin Kazor, at Karen's graduation in May, 1997.

(Continued from Page 49) Jewish Community Center complex, south of 132nd and West Dodge, Jews for the first time have become more of a dispersed ethnic community as they have assimilated over the past generations into Omaha society. Such is the same in numerous American cities. Today, the bulk of Omaha's Jewish population is more scattered throughout the western half of the city (west of 60th for the Jews). But as with so many dispersed ethnic communities, the church/synagogue • and community .center continue as a focus throughout the Jewish ethnic group in Omaha.

Dr. Gilder sleeve lectures to a high school class, on the ethnic geography of Omaha, at the Durham Western Heritage Museum's education program. It simply took the Jews, as an ethnic group, a bit longer because of their much stronger sense of cultural/community awareness embraced by generations of Jewish immigrants to become a most important part of the making of our city.

"fa^ The Central Class of 1892 included Sam Friedman, first row, third • wr Jk from right. His great-granddaughter, Jennifer, will graduate hi 2001; 1 her .father, Scott, graduated in 1967, and his father, Lloyd, in 1933. HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 51

Richy's great American bagel schpiel by Joanie Jacobson

Ever since iTnoved to Omaha (that would be 24 years ago), my husband and I have walked our dogs through "Bagel." Actually, I remember the neighborhood from high school. The "Des Moines" kids knew a lot of the "Omaha* kids through BBYO, and we'd take the train in for dances or weekends ("Oh the Rock Island Line was a mighty fine line")\ Paula Bercutt and I were best friends (still are), and I remember Gail Brodkey, Susie Katzman, Judy Turner, Terri Nogg, Gail Levine. . .and the boys-Bob Gould,< Johnny Bank and Marv Polikov (always together), Harley Schrager singing his way into my heart in "Fiorello" at Central, Bob Weinstein and his beloved dog Farfel, Barry Goldware (he belonged to Paula), and that Sandy Friedman and Arnie Weitz (Arnie: very funny and wore saddle shoes.. .there's something about a guy in saddle shoes) and yes, Arnie, you're still funny! Oops. Got a little carried away. Back to,Richy. Point of information: "Richy" was the childhood name given to my never-a-dull-moment husband, Richard Jacobson, who formerly (and, at times, infamously) resided at 705 Sunset Trail, deep in the heart of Bagel! He was the only child of Walter and Edith Jacobson, who were on a first-name basis with the principals at both Western Hills and Lewis and Clark, and the favorite child of Helen Reese who looked after him (and, later, me and our children) and insisted Richard could do no wrong (love is blind). Oh, yes, and Bridgette, the family's smaller-than-standard white poodle was Richard's loyal companion for 16 years. Okay, enough background information. Life in Bagel must have been memorable for Richard because every time we walk the dogs, he lapses into this door-to-door accounting of who lived where, adding an occasional anecdote or editorial comment for local color. As many people who lived in Bagel will understand, some of that color could not appear in print, but we thought we'd take you on a walk down Memory Lane just the same.

Our walk starts on Cuming Street~66th and Cuming and heading east. Oh. . .and Richard apologizes in advance for any errors, misspellings or omissions, but maybe you can fill in the blanks! Okay, here we go... "A guy named Jeff Mayper used to live in this house (I don't know what happened to him). Ike and Roz Friedman raised their family in this red brick ranch (Janice and I were friends). . .and this was the home of Herman and Shirley Weinstein and their lively sons, Robert, Dale and Jimmy (their home provided entertainment for a wide variety of ages)! The Doctors Steinberg (Mo and Muriel) lived here (still do). The Falks were transplants from Western Street. . .the Bernsteins lived there. . . Sheryn and Marvin Cohn grew up in that big white house on the corner. . .and the house up on the corner of Fairacres was the Riekes' (a great party house with a huge basement)." We pass by Hillcrest. "Muskins' house was up there (a frequent hangout for sporting events). . . Kenny Hoberman. . .Harry B., Alberta and Bob Cohen. . .Jerry and Sheila Rosen next door (their son, Steve, and Bob grew up together. . . I think they're still good friends)."

Now we're on Glenwood Road. "The Newbergs lived here (friends of my parents who had three sons, Marvin, Bernie and Alvin). Janie Smeerin grew up in this white brick house with the black shutters, and twins grew up next door, Joe and Phil Greenberg. . .didn't look alike, didn't act alike." We hit Sunset Trail. "NOW, we're really getting into the thick of it!" He points toward Underwood. "My buddy, Slusky, lived right up from the corner (Annie Slusky was my mother's best friend). . .next to Slusky was the Foxes-Ricky, Marsha, Sally and Michael. . .and then the Ferers, Harvey and Jackie Ferer (she was Bagel's answer to Ursala Andress)! "Ah, yes, the Rosenblatts. . .since my bedroom

Richy Jacobson and Mark Saunders in 1959. window was right next to his driveway, it was only natural I would monitor Steve's comings and goings. Then, right next door, we have the happy, little 'Leave It To Beaver' household of the Jacob-

continued on Page 52)

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Page 52

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Richy's schpiel——— (Continued from Page 51) sons!" He laughs. "Rosenstocks lived across the street (they had a pool), Charles, Jay, Nancy, Skipper and Susan. That was Chudakoffs (two kids, Barb and Rick. . .he played in a band, bass guitar. . .never associated with them. . .or maybe they never associated with me\ "Next up, the Zevitz's, our next-door neighbors to the north, who met with mysterious misfortune. One day, some 'strange ranger" opened their basement window and aimed a hose right at the basement floor. Quite mysteriously, the water came on and stayed on for about an hour. Even more mysteriously, they thought I had something to do with it!" He laughs again. "Dan and Esther Gordman lived here. . .Leo and Babe Nogg's house. . .Lester Marcus (he was an executive with Brandeis). . .somebody Jewish lived here but I forget who, and the next house was the Noddles. Sidney and Helen Novak lived here. . . another house I don't know. . .then the Marantz house. Randy, Susie and Mike Endelman grew up in this white house (their folks still live here), and the very corner house was Delmer Klein's (he had a son, Mark)." Burt Street. "This was Chris and Peggy Krasne's (Penny was dating Randy, as in Endelman, who, as you can see, lived a half a block away, which made things very 'convenient')." We stop at Burt and Parkwood Lane. "A workman was killed when this corner house was being built. Leo and Rose Weitz lived down on Parkwood and owned the Rose Bowl. . .Arnie drove a white Olds convertible. . .all the girls liked it." (More on Parkwood Lane in the article by Marty Ricks and Johnny Bank)!

Cohen, son of Dan and Ethel, brother to Judy). We turn right. "Jerry and Fran Mildews house... Kooms. . .and'David and Gail Levine grew up over there. Ron Frank lived in the house on the corner by Western, and the Rothkop girls, Sonja and her natural-redheaded sister (very pretty) grew up right there." •' We make a right onto J.E. George Blvd. "My aunt and uncle, Rose and Louis Sokolof, lived in this house, and, of course, their son, Phil, went on to become the country's most noted cholesterol fighter!" He makes a point of telling me that some Bagelites lived south of Underwood.. .Bill and Paul Rosen. . .Jerry, Bobby, Johnny and Joanie Bridgette grooving in "Bagel', 1962. Lohrman. Now we backtrack north to 63rd and 64th Streets and the names keep coming... "Richard Bernstein, the plumber. . .Murry Adler . . .the Shragos.. .Bill and Shirley Fogel.. .Millard and Shirley Rosenberg.. .Cory Richards on the corner..." He stops. "And whose house is this?" "The Lewis' " I answered, passing the test, "as in Leonard and Bert. Their son, Stevie, and you used to get in trouble together!" '••;-• "Very good. That's Paul Giventer's," he notes as we head back to Glenwood Road, "his parents were in the carpet business. Keith and Elaine Saunders lived here, parents of my friend, Mark... very artistic (he'd draw things on the back of sweatshirts.. .also very smart.. .still is). "Dolgoffs, as in Carolyn, Harriet and Judy. . . Raznicks.. .Goldwares.. .Hockenbergs . . .Ross'... Steve Rosen BobCohn and Schragers lived up there on the corner..." •;'' We end up back where we started, back to the Dillon Drive. "A girl named Kathy Davis lived in that house with the big stars on the garage. . . beginning. Or was Bagel the beginning? The truth; Elmo grew up in the house up there, another house Bagel was the beginning and and of an era', so I with a pool." (Elmo is Richard's pet name for Alan asked Richard about the following: WESTERN HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL: "A melting pot. . .the principal, Ruth Falk. I couldn't get an ice cream cone until I ate my beets, and I've hated 'em ever since." LEWIS AND CLARK JUNIOR HIGH: "Brand new, we were the first kids to go there. . .all Bagel .went there. That's where Cousin Dave defended my honor and beat up Bill Vice, the school hood. Mr. 'Fudsy' Pillster was the shop ; teacher." CRIS' DRUG: "It's where kids went when they wanted to skip Hebrew School! Cris' had the best clown sundae and the best magazine rack in town!" ,. MEMORIAL PARK: "All the tough hoodlums hung out there in those days.. .1 kept away." Like so many who lived outside the boundaries, Richy's first cousin, Steve "Smoggy" Nogg, was a Bagel Wanna-Be. "It's true," he said. "I always wanted to live there. When things were a little slow south of Dodge, you could always go over to Bagel for Delicious some action. We'd just drive over (if you weren't Noodle 16, you'd walk over through Memorial), park your car on the streets and wait for things to Kugel happen. And they did. You'd always be entertained. The thing is, my parents finally moved to Bagel- after 1went to college!" Cruising. Street parties. Basketball. Streetparties. Hangin' out. Street parties.. .Street parHomemade X ties. . . Street parties. That was "Bagel According Potato to Richy," and most likely, for a hundred or so other Jewish kids and their families who were Latikes lucky enough to live there in its heyday. So, you see, I don't actually mind hearing Richy's schpiel from time to time. It reminds me of the good old days. Ifs as simple and wonderful as that!

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Aug. 24,1969: Richard and his mom, Edith Jacobson Cohen (now of Palm Springs, CA).

September 10,1999

The Dundee Sun, a weekly paper in Omaha, ran a column called "Taggin' the Teens." What follows are excerpts from those columns, written in the 1960s... "On Saturday night, the Rayim Fraternity held its annual dinner dance at the Highland Country Club; at this affair, a new Dream Girl was chosen: Ellen Bank. "Now what you've been waiting for. . .the date news! Seen romping around at the usual places were Terri Nogg 'n Dick Zacharia, Holly 'n Buddy, Sue 'n Mike, Gloria 'n Sam,, Judy Turner 'n Jimmy Abrams, Paula Bercutt 'n Jeff Noddle, Carol Rosenbaum 'n Bud Marcus, Des Moines 'n Arnie Weitz, Sue Katzman 'n Larry Batt, Penny Krasne 'n Ricky Mann, Ellen 'n Stuart, Carol 'n Harley; "Janie Smeerin 'n Billy Ginsburg, Frankie Harding 'n Lloyd Roitstein, Janie Feintech 'n Jerry Lohrman, Harriet Dolgoff 'n Jeff Simon, Mallory Gbldware 'n Jerry Schneider, Jill Slosburg 'n Bruce Friedlander, Sandy Singer 'n Richie Jacobson, Gail Ruderman 'n Barry Zoob, Marilyn Breslow 'n Carl Cohen.. .now last and least, Helene 'n Buddy. From another issue: seen screaming on roller coasters, walking through cornfields, riding in trucks and doing other interesting summertime activities were Ann Kennedy 'n Don Goldstein, Rozzi Bordy 'n Barry Goldware, Gloria

Couples danced the night away at the Royal Grove in Peony Park in 1946: Jerry Freeman, left, Audrey Greenberg, Betty Lincohi and Justin Horwich.

Attending the AZA #1000 in 1959 were: Sandy Gross, left, Howard Martin, DeDe Fogel, Arnie Altsuler, Susie Gilinsky and Mike Sadofsky.

Thank you for your continued generosity to our Omaha Jewish community. We wish you and your loved ones a sweet NewYear.

Jewish Federation Board of Directors *'

CENTER OF EXCELLENCE PRESIDENTS Mted Ddman •Frank Fbtowicz 'Ann Goldstein • Sivi Rofiman • MarkSanford CONSTITUTIONAL COMMITTEE CHAIRPEOPLE Stade Brodkey.YJO • Michael Erman, Foundation • Sonn Juster, Building & Grounds • Jane Rips, Planning & Evaluation • Margo Riekes, Human Resources • Zoe Rlekes,lsrael Overseas • Lloyd Roitsteinjewish Press • Paul Sh/ken • AmieWeitz, Budget & Allocations

CAMPAIGN CHAIRPEOPLE Joel Alperson, Men's Campaign • Joan Kaiman & Nancy Noddle, Women's Campaign SENIOR RABBIS Rabbi AryehAzriel • Rabbi Paul Drazen • Rabbi Howard Kutner STAFF

Raznick 'n Richard Diamond, Carol 'n Cuddles, Barb Herzog 'n Howard Hahn, Suzi 'n Marshall, Gail Levin 'n Ronnie Kaiman, Paula Ziegman 'n Rick Engel, Skippy Cohen 'n Jeff Schwartz, Saudi Feintech 'n Larry Greene, Leslie Forbes 'n Al ROBS, Claudia Cohen 'n Nashville, Barb Kimmel 'n Bob Yager, Sharon Bernstein 'n Tom Fellman, Judy Ratner 'n Phil Itkin. "Appearing as witnesses to the misdemeanor of fun were: Cheryl Friedman 'n Bob Slutzky, Judy Nogg 'n Paul Giventer, Rocky Lipp 'n Kenny Tretiak, Aileen 'n Ronnie, Carol Sherman 'n Bruce Hoberman, Diane Jacobs 'n Chet Staler, Esther Maurer 'n Gary Lewis, Izzy Hurwitz 'n Sheldon Perelman, Penny Krasne 'n Harrison Fisher, Francine Magzamin 'n Jeff Mayper, Sandy Schapiro 'n Dan Katskee, Joanie Sacks 'n David Litt, Francine Hornstein 'n Randy Endelman, Janice Meiches 'n Gordon Laser, Janie Schrier 'n Mel Cohen, Donna and "Little" Steve, Sheryn Cohn 'n Larry Garrop, Bev Wiseberg 'n Larry Kirke. "Seen out celebrating the end of school were: Tiger 'n Hunter, Barb Chudacoff'n Fiorello, Irene Sabes 'n Roger Friedman, Kathy Adler 'n Larry Kavich, Sharon Cohn 'n Allen Cohen, Sherry Koom 'n Rusty Behr. "We, Helen Weinberg and Cindy Bartlett, have set our hand and seal hereto for the purpose of protection and assistance to the populace and hereby proclaim this to be the end!"

Throughout Jewish history, in small towns and big cities, our people have created communities to build traditions, and community pots to care for the weak, support the needy and nourish the spirits of everyone.

Howard Kooper, President • Forrest Knitter, President Elect Bobble Epstein.Vice President • Bob Lepp,Treasurer Jan Schneiderman, Secretary • Tom Fellman, Past President

•

Page 63

Taggin' the Teens

Dances, Peony Park to Sweetheart

Sweeten the Pot.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

"

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Jan Perelman, Executive Director • Marty Ricks, Endowment Director • David Kampschnelder, Controller, Carol Katzman.Jewlsh Press Editor • Julee Katzman, Executive Assistant • Pam Monsky, Communlcatlofci Kathy McGauvran,Women's Campaign Dlrector/FRD • Sharon Kirshenbaum.YJO Director

Page 64

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

The Katleman sisters by Joan K. Marcus "If you're taking the Dodge bus, we can ride together!" That girl was Matlee Katleman. I was envious because she was so sure and confident of herself. She seemed to know everyone because she had gone to Dundee Grade School. She didn't appear to be afraid of talking to any of the young people at the gathering, and I was jealous! I had never had a Jewish friend and I was cautious of her offer to ride the bus together. That day at the JCC began a friendship which has lasted almost 45 years. Matlee seemed so confident as she walked the halls of Central. After all, her mother, the late Rose Wilfson Katleman, and her sister, Feme, had both gone to Central. I didn't realize it then, but Matlee was a little apprehensive because Feme had graduated with many honors. I didn't know much about siblings because I was an only child and the concept of having a sister was more than I could handle! Matlee Katleman (Yadin) holding Shirley She tells me now that she most remembers Ed Goodman (Goldenberg) and Fayna Manvitz Clark, an English teacher, who taught us that the (Belzer) holding Therese Kahan (Stirs). word "sophomore" meant, "wise fool." She rememI remember well that hot summer day in 1951.1 bers Virgene McBride, who really seemed to be a was invited to a "rush" luncheon at the old Jewish witch as she read Shakespeare's words, "Double, Community Center on 20th and Dodge. I had tried double, toil and trouble, fire burn and caldron bubvery hard to convince my mother, the late Betty ble." Krasne, that I should go to Tech High School. Our favorite place was homeroom, before school "After all, Mother, I could walk to school. And Tech is such a pretty building." My begging fell on deaf ears and, before I knew it, I was registered at Central High. I would have to take the Dodge Street bus downtown every day to school. Mother wasn't impressed with my whining and she told me I could practice taking the bus when I went to the JCC to a "rush" luncheon, sponsored by the Jewish Youth Council. This luncheon was for new students to get acquainted with Jewish kids from other grade schools. At this program, we would learn about the various Youth Council groups which we would later be asked to join. I tried to position myself at the back of the auditorium because I didn't know anyone. I hadn't gone to Hebrew Bchool and there were very few Jewish kids who attended my grade school. I sat down at what seemed to be a harmless table of girls. We introduced ourselves and I remember thinking to myself, "If I can just eat lunch and get out of here, I can be on the bus headed West in less than an hour!" • The luncheon went on for what seemed like hours Fern Katleman, Rose Katleman, Matlee and, afterwards, a tall girl came up to me and said, Katleman and Sidney Katleman.

Happy, Healthy New Year

!

Feme Katelman in the mornings. That was where Fayna Manvitz Belzer sat on top of the desk in Irma Costello's homeroom and we all caught up on the latest gossip. We hadn't seen each other for a whole day! (Never mind the fact that most of us had talked to each other on the phone for hours the night before!) Unfortunately, Miss Costello's love of Geography didn't transfer to Matlee until she had the opportunity to see Pompeii. Matlee's school activities were limited to Colleens, Central High Players and make-up. However, after-school activities kept her busy, and included Tikvas Ami or T A , Senior Young Judaea, the Jewish Youth Council, bowling, and cheering on AZA baseball and basketball teams. We would slide right down the hill from the "C" into the JCC. On Sunday mornings, we would go to the bowling alley to keep score for the AZA boys, (like they couldn't keep score for themselves!) During Feme's Central days, the Katleman house on Dodge Street had become a hangout and drop-in place. Matlee would go to the JCC after school on Friday and find a sheet on the bulletin board announcing "Party at Katlemans tonight." . She would call home and tell her parents, Rose and Sidney Katleman, to bring home some pop and c h i p s .

..;

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I would spend almost all weekend at Katlemans. My parents would drop me off early on Friday night. (Continued on Page 55) :

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Page 55

The Katleman sisters (Continued from Page 54 They were married on Dec. 18, Matlee's big sister, Feme! I would have my overnight bag 1960, at Beth Israel Synagogue, and At first, I was jealous packed when I got home from school, they've lived in the Greater Wash- because they seemed to and I could hardly wait until our ington, D.C., area for almost 39 years. have a special relationship Shabbat started. We would walk to They own and manage several apart- that can only be shared by Beth Israel or Beth El for services ment complexes and a few strip shop- sisters. Later, after I was and someone would drive us home. ping malls. Their children, Naomi, introduced as "Matlee's The party started when kids drove by and her husband David, and Elliot new best friend," I felt and saw the lights. Sometimes, we and his wife, Lori, live within 20 min- comfortable with being would stay up to visit with Mr. utes of their house. They have seven called "Joanie" by my new Katleman when he came home after grandchildren. acquaintance. This is a closing their bar. Since age nine, Matlee has contin- nickname that I continue My parents always knew that I was ued to volunteer her time and talent. to hate to this day, but tolsafe as long as I was with Matlee. She was the Washington liaison for erate from "special" peoAfter she got her driver's license, we the Women's League for Conservative ple. Feme Katleman is would stay up to pick her father up at 1 Judaism, former National. Vice-presi- truly one of those people. the bar. Sometimes, we would fall dent, and chaired Ways and Means, Feme graduated from asleep waiting for him; many times, I Israel Affairs and Program commit- Central in 1950, the year didn't go home until Saturday after- tees. She was also the Washington before Matlee started. She Soviet Jewry liaison and chairman of graduated from Jackson noon. Grade School and the famThere were always informal "slum- the World Affairs Conference. ber parties" at the Katleman house. She has held several offices in her ily moved to the house at Some of the girls who slept over were own Sisterhood, B'nai Israel of 6014 Dodge when she Therese Kahn Stiss, Rosalie Cohen Rockville, as well as in her congrega- started high school. Saltzman, Fayna Manvitz Belzer, tion where she has the distinction of That house became a Nancy Barron Levine, Annette being the first female chair of the con- "hangout" for Jewish kids Kosowsky, Rita Katzman and Annie gregation's Ritual Committee. She of all shapes and sizes, Cohen. Some of the guys who visited served as a vice president of the from all parts of Omaha. Matlee Katleman Yadin were: Arvin Cohen, Jack and Morris Seaboard Region of United Syna- Rose Katleman rarely She was a countess in the All Girls' Shrago, the Denenberg twins, gogue from 1979-1987, and as knew whom she would find sleeping Michael and Marshall, Larry Epstein, Regional Youth Commission Chair in her bedrooms. The house on Dodge Party, received a commercial award, Larry Schwartz, Stan Widman, Stan from 1981-1985, was almost a JCC West for the eight and was active in Quill and Scroll. Feme has'memories of science; Plotkin, Joel Katleman and the After being president of Seaboard years Feme and Matlee were in high Turkel boys, Buddy and Bernie. ' teacher. Esmond Crown, whd'supposBranch of Woman's Leaguefrom1984 school. pulled a car.uphill with his teeth. She had been an excellent student edly The "slumber parties" went on into -1986, she was honored with the first He also used to' walk down the halls the night. Matlee's Bubie, Esther Zelda D. Dick Leadership Award for at Central and was involved with the on his hands with change falling out Wilfson, would come downstairs very her continuing leadership and service Register and O-Book staffs, Central of his pockets! She remembers' Colleens, Central High Players. Journalism teacher Anne S'avidge, early in the morning and comment to Branch and community. that it was so nice that we all got up She presently serves on boards of Greenwich Villagers, Inter-American and the two Clarkes, Wentworth and to help her daven. What she didn't MERCAZ, the World Council of Club, National Thespians, Titians W.Edward.. know was that none of us had been to Synagogues, Masorti, and Women's and Pep Squad. (Continued on Page 56) bed! Division of the U.J.A. Federation of Our Central days were special for Greater Washington, and is a past all of us. We didn't misbehave, but we president of the Henrietta Szold had our share of fun, and seriousness. -Group of Hadassah. In her spare Rose Katleman was a mother to all of time, Matlee drives Meals on Wheels us. I learned from her and shared and is a member of a Havurah that is secrets with her that I didn't tell my devoted to gourmet cooking. own mother. Matlee's big sister, Feme Matlee went to the University of It was winter of our freshman year Iowa and earned a B.A. in education. when Matlee and-I were crossing 20th at She taught fifth grade at Harrison Street on our way to the "J". I rememSchool in Omaha and at Oakland ber that the streets were icy and we Terrace Elementary in Silver Spring, were wearing galoshes when she MD. Upon her return to Omaha, she started to scream and run across the Partial list of our course offerings: met and married Mort Yadin, who street toward a young woman. Before • Literature of Judaism said he was "the Mashiach who came' I realized what was happening, the from China via Israel to take her two girls were embracing and kissing. • Ways of Western Religion away from Omaha." This was my first encounter with • History of Comparative Religion • The Religion of Late Western Antiquity • Jewish-American Fiction 1999-2000 • The Jewish Idea in Modem Literature • Ancient Civilizations of the Middle East • The Holocaust • Israel: The Holy Land SUPER STARSI • Introduction to Jewish History • Ancient Israel SAMUEL RAMEY • Jews in the Middle Ages • Jews in the Modern World ."•*..••.. in concert • .•••'•. ' • Geology and Resources of the Middle East "A Date with the Dwil", One-Night Only! • Modern Hebrew • Biblical Hebrew December 7 - 1999 • Philosophy and Religious Beliefs ; , •Philosophy of Religion GRAND OPERAI Camilla Salnt-Saens' , • Sociology of Religion

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Page 66

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

The Katleman sisters (Continued from Page 55) Of course, everyone remembers Miss McBride and her crossed legs as she perched on her stool! Mrs. Savidge let Feme leave school early in order to go to the JCC to do Jewish Youth Council work. ; "I was friends with everyone who was a member of B'nai Brith Girls from 1946-1950," she recalled. "I hate to leave out any names as I have such fond memories of our whole 'crowd' and, as I recall, it was quite a crowd. A few of the people I remember are Barbara Cohen Parker, Rita Rosen, Diane Bogdanoff, Renee Plotkin Handleman, Rene Rundell, Morrie Handleman, Benny Nachman, Ed Parker, the Dandy brothers, Wayne Siegel, Marine Abramson, Phillip Abramson, Marlene Chesneau Bernstein, Blanche Staenberg Wise, Dee Siegel Brown, and many more!" She was president of BBG for two years and was one of the people who started Cornhusker Region of BBG. She was treasurer of District 66 of BBG. In 1950, she was "Queen of Merit" of the Jewish Youth Council with Arnie Kaiman as her king. The "J" was a second home for Feme, and it was Youth Council Director Jokie Kleiman Solomon, who influenced her eventual choice of careers. She decided she would really like to be a youth director in a JCC program. So, she went on to college and graduate school in social group work and took her first jobs in the 'Center1 movement. "Growing up in Omaha and experiencing the melting pot that was Central High have had a major impact on me and on many of the choices that I've made, both professionally and personally," Feme noted. "My involvement in Jewish life (family, synagogue, and Paul Veret's Jewish community in all it's aspects) have impacted significantly on whatever accomplishments I've made." After receiving her undergraduate degree at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, she returned to Omaha to be Children's Activities Director for the Federation. She then moved to Milwaukee, where

Rose Lagman Richman, Matlee Katleman Yadin and Sandra Zalkin Belgrade at a class reunion in 1955.

Matlee and F e m e Katleman in 1954. she was Youth Director. In 1958, she became Director of Group Work Services Division in the Milwaukee Jewish Community Center. She served as Vice-president and Director of Special Programs of the Wexner Foundation. In this capacity, she oversaw the Wexner-Israel Fellowship Program. She retired in December, 1998, and is currently a consultant in personnel, training, management and leadership development.' "Ferne joined The Wexner Foundation in 1989 as Director of Institutional Grants. She was Assistant

Director of the Council of Jewish Federations with responsibility for professional and lay leadership education and training. She was Director of the Council's Department of Continuing Professional Education. She has been a consultant to federations on in-service training and staff development and was responsible for coordinating staff development programs for the council itself. Teaching positions have included instructing social work practice and supervising students at Hebrew Union College's School of Jewish Communal Service, the University of Southern California and the University of Wisconsinâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; Milwaukee's School of Social Welfare. . She has been President of the Conference of Jewish Communal Service, and is an honorary Vice-president of the World Conference of Jewish Communal Service. The Association of Jewish' Community Organization Professionals honored her in 1996 with its Distinguished Service Award.: (Continued on Page 57)

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The(Continued Katieman sisters from Page 56)

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 57

Memories of Central High School days

(Continued from Pace 56) The award is given to only.one person each year. Ed Shafton, CHS 1925 When the award was presented, members of the "I was a young man and my mother sent me to association said of Katieman, "She is the first Central and that was the beginning... All the boys woman to receive this award, which is presented to in my family went to Central. Milton Abrahams was my friend-he was two years older. Prom Central, I followed my friend to Creighton. "Of course, I worked during my high school years. If I didn't have a job, I wouldn't be able to go to school. I worked in the picture-framing department at Brandeis. Everybody in the family worked. One day, I went' to my supervisor at work and told her that she didn't pay me enough and I quit. When I got home, my mother asked what I was doing home in the afternoon. I told her I quit my job. She said, 'Go back to work, now!' I went right back and never considered not working again."

*# Elaine Bernstein CHS 1942 "My happiest moment of high school was graduating, and my saddest moment of high school was graduating, because a lot of the boys were going off to war. "I took business courses, typing and bookkeeping."

J

Gordon Cherwitz CHS 1941 Cherwitz remembered Central in the 1940's being written up as. one of the best schools in the country. "I remember the matza table—the fourth story lunchroom—on Pesach. We called it that because you could recognize the table by the abundance of crumbs. "Jews were segregated by choice and antiStan Diamond, CHS 1948 "I graduated in 1948fromCentral. All the Jewish Semitism. "My favorite teacher was Miss Engel, who kids went there. I really i taught Latin. She went to Rome every year. liked mathematics. Cen-1 She didn't just teach Latin, she taught history tral had a great Math I and political science. She was a wonderful department. After! teacher. . ' school, I worked with I "My saddest moments at Central revolved my dad at the meat | around Hitler's movement, when Chamberlin market. sold Czechoslovakia out. Everyone else was "The best part about I playing football, life went on but we talked going to Central was! about it at home. Our parents were involved meeting Myrna—my I high school sweetheart! and devastated." and my wife for 50 f (Continued on Page 58) years."

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tjewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Memories of Central (Continued from Page 58) Ida Forbes, CHS 1939 "I lived in Minne Lusa, out north, and went to Central because of the Jewish kids. My father's business was downtown,, so he drove me to school. I still remember walking up the east steps everyday. "After school, I walked over to the JCC.to watch my boyfriend, Irv, play basketball. He looked darling in his shorts, he had such a cute tush. "I loved art classes. Mary Ann Good was my art teacher. I specialized in watercolors, and belonged to the Greenwich Villagers Art club. "I don't really remember what was going on in the world, I was too busy to notice. "Dating in high school often meant going to the Top of Omaha' the necking spot at 33rd and Wirt; "My happiest moment was after school when I saw Irv. He went to Tech High. "My best friend was an Italian girl, Tina Virginia Santi, who transferred to Central from North High to be with me. We're still friends today.? • Both daughters graduated from Central."

Sylvia Stein, CHS 1939 "I was promised by my uncles that if I went to Central they would see to it that I went to college, but things didn't work out like that. "I didn't belong to after school clubs, because I had to help my widowed mom, who had a boarding house and a grocery store." Art Goldstein, CHS 1925 "Central had a reputation for high standards. "I was a tenor in the glee club. "I liked mathematics, music and English. I just took it for granted that my children would graduate from Central, and they did."

Schooldays Jaunda Thompson, CHS 1944 "As a- black berson., coming from an intelligent e n v i r o n m e t—my I home—I learn* 1 to deal I with prejudict Whatever I wanted ya do in I life, I did rega -dless of the prejudic around j me. I didn't 1 prejudice be a blo< L to my success. At entral, there was no less or more discri nation than was in th society at the time. "If you were ack and a woman in th 1940's, you had two strikes against you. "I have alwi ys been I thirsty for kno ledge and it was always there for me at Central nd beyond. Most people have to be motivated and encouraged to succeed. I had the personality th didn't need external motivation— it was within m "I was on the committee for our 50-year reunion. Eunice Denehb rg was also on the committee." tntinued on page 59)

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Memories of Central High (Continaedfrompage 58) Millie Lipsey Greenberg, CHS 1931 "Central was the best school for college prep. I Ruth Goldstein attended the University of Illinois after high CHS 1931 school. I continued at Creighton and attended "I lived in Minne UCLA. Lusa—North High was "Our English, assignment freshman year was to brand new. I wanted to. | go to the Riviera Theater (the Theater with stars be with more Jewish stuon the ceiling. I remember writing a theme on the dents. My mother, Leah new movie theater; I thought that was a very cre- Frieden, went to ative assignment. I remember that theater because Central. I saw my first talking movie there,, staring Al Central was a whole Jolson." new world for me. There were so few Jewish kids Gertrude Brodkey at Minne Lusa. Central CHS 1930 was a school you went to "The teachers were if you wanted to go to wonderful. I was a good college and be someone. student, perfect grades, "I loved journalism. I was on the school newspaalways. They encourper—The Central Register. They sent me down to aged me to go on with the World-Herald and the editor asked if I would be my education." interested in being a stringer part time. They paid (Brodkey was only 16 me eight cents an inch, pictures included. . years old when she "My happiest moments at Central were induction This 1908 photo of Central High School graduated from Ceninto the National Honor Society and getting shows the tower dating from the original tral. She earned a B.A. Journalism awards. Omaha High School, built in 1870. The tower from Creighton Univer"My social life blossomed my senior year, I got a was eventually demolished after the fourth; sity and graduated from rush: I started dating ZBTs and Sammys at UNL— side of Central was completed, making way Omaha University Law School in 1940.) I was discovered, a late bloomer." : for the central courtyard..

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1990

Two generations by Joan K. Marcus

Phyllis Klopper Schwartz and Janet Schwartz Klein, mother and daughter, are very different, but they have many things in common. They both married doctors from New York; they both have red hair; they both love children; they both graduated from Central High School! Phyllis is a quiet person who describes herself as "introverted" during her years at Central. She went to Webster Grade School, but her family moved to 58th and Hamilton before she started high school. Some of her friends were Florine Cohen Bernstein, Margie Gendler Alperson, Sylvia London Doron and Beverly Bernstein Frank. She remembers being a member of Titians, one of Central's best-known service clubs. It was an exclusive organization, but membership was not based on money or social position. The only requirement for membership was that a girl had to have red hair. Titians was founded in 1924 by Mrs. Irene Jensen, senior girls' sponsor. The group was named for the painter Titian, who was famous for his portraits of beautiful red-haired women. Members performed various duties for the school, such as ushering and running the checkroom for entertainment that was held in the auditorium and helping Mrs. Jensen. The group disbanded in the middle '50s. Phyllis was also a member of Latin Club and National Honor Society. Although she enjoyed her high school years, she describes herself as just a quiet person. "I didn't date much and I read a lot," she said. "I was too busy studying to go out much." As most of her class, she went across 20th Street each day after school to socialize at the Jewish Community Center. Instead of "hanging out" and visiting, she would sit and do her homework or read. She did belong to Councilettes, a group of Jewish girls, sponsored by the National Council of Jewish Women. Her favorite place at the JCC was the library because she could spend time reading while she waited for Hebrew High School to start. She enjoyed Hebrew and was valedictorian of her graduating class. After graduation, Phyllis was determined to become a doctor. She began Omaha University with a pre-med major, but her mind soon changed after she met Maure Schwartz, a young Creighton University medical student who had come from New York. They met in January, 1951, at a meeting of IZFA, an international Zionist organization. It was after they met that Phyllis decided to become a medical technologist instead of a doctor.

Phyllis and Maure Schwartz

Phyllis Klopper graduates college

They were married in July, 1954. Maure became an obstetrician-gynecologist in 1956, and they moved to Cincinnati for his internship. They moved to Alexandria, LA, for two years and then back to Omaha in 1964. They had three children: Meyer, Sue and Janet. Phyllis worked for 20 years in Maure's office and spent much time working for Beth Israel Synagogue. She was Ssterhood President in 1985, and served as chair of the preschool from 19621964. The family joined Beth El Synagogue in 1993. Phyllis and Maure have seven grandchildren and, when they're not spending time with them, they travel all over the world. In addition to spending time traveling in the United States, they have visited Europe, Egypt, Israel and Japan. Janet Klein, "the epitome of motherhood" Janet attended Harrison Grade School and Lewis and Clark Junior High. She jokingly says she never

learned to cook because she was scheduled to fix dinner for her Lewis and Clark Home Economics class when the tornado of 1975 hit the school! Some of her friends a t Central were Susie Fishbain, Sally Pollack and Laurie Schwartz. Unlike her mother, she always went to all of the school dances and activities. She belonged to Journalism Club and was editor of the O-Baok for her class. She was also active in Ner Tamid, a BBYO organization. She belonged to German Club and was a member of National Honor Society; she played racquetball and enjoyed swimming with friends. Her chemistry class was one of her funniest experiences because the Bunsen burners would make things "explode and bounce around. â&#x20AC;˘ Janet recalls one time when all of the Journalism students came to class with copies of the National Enquirer. When Mike Gaherty, the instructor, (Continued on Page 61)

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Page 61

Two generations (Continued from Page 60)

However, like her mother, her plans changed when she met Harry Klein, also a medical student from New York. They were married in 1983, iNational En- after Janet's graduation from 1 quirerV she said. College. Since there was After her marriage, Janet I no Jewish Com- went on to get a Master's Imunity Center Degree in Public AdministraI nearby for Janet tion from the State University land her friends of New York at Rochester. I to visit after Their first child, Sara, was I school, they born in 1989. Daniel was born (would usually go in 1991, Laura in 1993, Andrew ) to each other's in 1996, and Jacob in 1998. Janet enjoys her life as a * •' '" ' - C ^ * I houses. Diane t,,-,- »•*.* '**r, ~ ~\fy J Wintroub lived mother. She volunteers as Phyllis Schwartz W t h J ^ c o b and nearby and the much as possible, but has had girls would visit to cut back because of the Daniel. after school. smaller children. She also came into the room, Janet went to the University enjoys friends, an early childthey all held them up of Pennsylvania. Her major hood committee at Beth El, and Janet and Harry Klein with their children, from left: and began to read. was Modern Western European her family. ' Daniel, Laura, Sara and Andrew. "The teacher was Civilization, and she wanted to She and Phyllis enjoy an less .than pleased, eventually work at the United enviable closeness between two after he had tried all Nations. adult women. They both agree, Professional custom When You Have To • packaging semester to make Her degree is a combination "Life has been good since • Up to 1000-pound good journalists out of foreign language, history Central High!" shipments Including of us! The weekly and political science. turnilure • assignment for •the class was to I read the Omaha I World-Herald for la quiz—not The

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Page 62

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Another Central High School story by Bert Lewis

.There are probably as many stories to be told about Central High as there are graduates. My brother, all my brothers-in-law, my husband and children all join me on the list of Central graduates, which really means I have access to lots of 0Books. As most people probably know, O-Books are comprised basically of photographs. For somebody studying those photos, it becomes'apparent there always was a preponderance of Jewish kids making up the student body, no matter the year. On closer observation (reading the legend after each grad's picture), it's also clear those Jewish students were, for the most part, very bright, very active in many facets of high school life and often excelled in at least one area. For example, following the name of one handsome 1940 graduate who went on to a career as a respected urologist here in Omaha, it says: "National Honor Society, Register Staff, Sports Editor, O-Book staff, Press Club, ROTC, Junior Honor Society, Senior Play, Road show, Speakers Bureau, Golf, Wrestling, Bowling and Math Society." And, that isn't a complete listing, nor does it include which year or years he was involved. (Boy Eddie, you were one busy student!) One particular group, which always claimed the attention and interest of many children from the Jewish community, was the Debate Squad. As luck would have it, one of the members of both the Squad and the prestigious Debate Team, happens to be a man with whom I am personally acquainted -very personally acquainted. He is, of course, my roommate, Leonard Lewis. From such a reliable source, in addition to the 1939 and 1940 O-Books, it was easy to gather material regarding Jewish kids and Debate at Central High. To begin with, my reliable source remembered that Elmer Mortensen was Coach until his senior year, when faculty member Don Warner took over the position. What is clearest in his memory is probably the group of youngsters who really were the Debate Squad. If you think it's an exaggeration to claim the Squad was marked with a kosher sign, please read the following list of names: Yale Richards, Leonard Lewis, Lazier Singer, Marsha Lee Civin, Ray Simon, Richard Kalmonsohn, Marvin Davis, Sam Cooper, Margaret Rundell, Robert Fromkin, Annette Klein, Marvin Camel, Erwin Witkin, Arthur Pinkovitz, Lincoln Klaver, Harvey Burstein, Marcia Finer and Milton Guss. There were three other members of that particu-

Left photo: The1925 Central High.School. Debate Team: (Front) Paul Enger, Byron Dunham, Harry Wise and Sam Menken. (Back): Henry DeLong, Leona Pollak and David Fellman. Below: The CHS Debate Team in 1939 included: Leonard Lewis, Justin Wolfson, Paul Crounse and Lazier Singer. lar Squad, who happened to not be Jewish. In view of that information, it seems fair to claim the Debaters always seemed to be the students who wrote "Jewish" in the blank which asked "Religious Affiliation." (In those days, it was still legal to ask that question.). In other years, youngsters who were also involved included Justin Wolfson, Morrie Kirshenbaum, Leonard Morgenstern, Paul Crounse and Joe Soshnik. I know there were many others, but I must ask to be forgiven if your name should be listed here, but isn't. In spite of my excellent resources, I know there are some omissions. I apologize and will be happy to print your name later if you contact me. What it boils down to is fairly simple. Our kids were smart, articulate and even though very young, possessed of enough confidence to be given a topic and the opportunity to research and study that topic, before debating the pros and cons. The debate was done extemporaneously. As a nondebater (but a professional arguer) I find that most impressive. Way back, all those years ago, Yale Richards and Leonard were Debate Partners. Yale tells me they were the First Team during the 1939-1940 school year, and they both fondly remember winning a trophy. Yale has had custody of the trophy for the 60 years since they were so honored and is happy to recall details of the event, which was during their junior year. Leonard remembers part of their preparation for a tournament was to study what the opposing team would likely use as their argument, thereby better protecting the ability to be convincing. I'm also reminded this same strategy is useful today,

whether trying to negotiate a bumnebs transaction or trying a criminal case in a court of law. From this, it seems fair to conclude that early experience in high school as a debater might stand anyone in good stead throughout daily life. I can personally attest to the validity of such a statement, having lived more than a half century'with a former high school .debater. An argument, or should I say discussion, can go on and on and on, when a person has had debating experience! , Levity aside, this is a good place to quote a remark from some of that O-Book public relations: "Central's Debate team completed one of the outstanding seasons of recent years. Throughout the year, the debaters maintained one of the country's largest chapters of the National Forensic League, the national honorary speech society." (Continued on Page 63)

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Page 63

Another Central story (Continued from Page 62)

CHS Debate Team in 1943: Back row, from left, Levenson, Gendler, Steinberg, Thomas, Peterson and Gray; front row: Landale, Perimeter, Witkin, Coach Richards, Pool, Eastlack and London. Curiosity led to a search of a 1970 O-Book to see how many changes were made over 30 years. Interestingly, 12 of the 16 young people on the team were Jewish, a statistic which wasn't surprising. There was no explanation, but the caption on the photo of the team referred to "novice debaters," indicating they were a young group without too much experience. That information notwithstanding, it also said they entered various debate tournaments and was the only team to win trophies at every tournament. A nice-looking bunch of kids was pictured (no first names), and identified as Richtman, J. Crounse, M. Crounse, Zeiderman, Faier, Frank, Fox, Simon, Wees, Lehr, Guss and Kirshenbaum. The only other noticeable difference between these students and the group in 1939 was their very casual mode of dress and the very long hair so popular in that year. Oh yes, twice as many girls by 1970 as the generation before. It's a fact that demographics have greatly changed the balance of Jewish

kids/non-Jewish kids at Central since those past years. There are other high schools and far-reaching neighborhoods, which claim many of todays youngsters, kids who once would have surely attended Central. It's still a fine school, without question, but a former principal, recently made a remark to a friend of mine—a man whose kids (today successful professionals) were students. He said he thought, as an educator, Central would ,be a far better school now, in 1999, if the Jewish population was as great as it was when he sat behind the desk in the principal's office. I consider those words an unsolicited testimonial. If you're an alum, maybe you agree. Maybe it's fair to say the children we have sent to Central High School in Omaha, NE, from the Jewish community, have generally excelled, whether in debate or some other discipline. As parents, we have a right to be proud.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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The Congregation of Temple Israel wishes its friends in the Jewish community many long years filled with involvement, good health, happiness and peace. Sisterhood Men's Club Jr. and Sr. Youth Groups . Outreach Religious School Parents

roifi rucr?. BETH ISRAEL SISTERHOOD

Besl wishes for a happy and healthy New Year

V

Beth El Synagogue Sisterhood KadimahUSY BESTT

Men's Club BILUUSY • TSS.:--'

Wishing all our friends a "Shana Beyt Shalom Tova U'metuka." May G-d grant us Reconstructiohist all our most fervent wish - A Synagogue glorious year in which we will 3012 S. 119th Street, Omaha An affiliate of the merit the coming of fAoshiach. Jewish Recoratructlonlst Federation

Call 758-9233 or visit our Web Site at http://come.to/beytshaloin/

Sincere Wishes for a Happy/Healthy . NEWYEAR

BETH ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

"Rabbi fAendel Katzman, Chabad of Nebraska

B'nai Israel Synagogue Council Bluffs, Iowa "The little Synagogue OffBroadway"

A Liberal Jewish Tradition For AH

September 10,1999 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE Page 65

Candlelighting Friday, Sept. 10 Saturday, Sept. 11

BETHEL SYNAGOGUE

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EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept. 10 Morning service.... 6:30 a.m. Mincha ......;.7:25 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept. 11 Morning service '. 7:30 a.m. Torah reading 9:15 a.m. Sermon 10 a.m. Musaf. 10:30 a.m. Mincha 7:15 p.m. Candlelighting. 8:22 p.m. Rosh HaShanah Sunday, Sept, 12 Morning service .7:30 a.m. Torah reading. 9:15 a.m. Sermon ............10 a.m. Shofar. :.. 10:30 a.m. Musaf..... 10:45 a.m. Tashlich (Ehnwood Park)............. .........6 p.m. A walking group will leave Beth Israel at 5:30 p.m. Mincha 7:25 p.m. Havdalah 8:19 p.m. Anyone who is elderly or homebound who would like to hear the sounding of the shofar, please contact Rabbi Kutner at the synagogue office. FAST OF GEDAOAH Monday, Sept. 13 Fast begins 5:50 a.m. Morning service.... ...................6;30 a.m. Mincha..... ...;.. .....7:10 p.m. Fast ends...... ...8:11p.m.

MEMORIAL SERVICE Rabbi Azriel, Rabbi Stiel and Cantor Blum will conduct a Memorial Service at the Temple Israel Cemetary, 6412 No. 42 S t on Sunday, Sept 12 at 1 pan.

B'NAI ISRAEL SYNAGOGUE

CHABAD HOUSE 1866 So. 12Olh St., Omaha, NE 68144-1616 Phone: 330*1800 E-MATL-chabad@aoI.com WEBSITE: wAvw.cliabau.coaters.com/omaha EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept 10 Selichot........ .......;.. 6:30 a.m. Shacharit .........7 a.m. Hatoras Nedorim. ......8 a.m. Maariv. 7 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept. 11 Shacharit :.;..;....;.....'.......'.................9 a.m. Sepcial children's program, kiddush to follow services; analysis of Talmudic Tractate Rosh Hashanah by Rabbi Mendel Katzman. Maariv...; .8:20 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH n Sunday, Sept 12 Morning service ...9 a.m. Children's program, shofar service..... 11 a.m. Tashlich with children's special program at the home of Leonard and Shirley Goldstein, 11217 Woolworth Plaza, 5 p.m. Monday, September 13: Shacharit Selichot

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.8:15 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Morning service 8:30 a.m. Alternate service ......................9:45 a.m. Minha-Ma'ariv 7:30 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Sunday, Sept 12* Morning service 8:30 a.m. Tashlich service 6:30 p.m. Minha-Ma'ariv 7:40 p.m. *Main Sanctuary only Note: services end at approximately 1 p.m.

ROSE BLUMKIN JEWISH HOME EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept 10 Services :.........;....7 p.m. led by Alan Shulewitz ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Services ...9 a.m. led by Andrew Greenberg ROSH HASHANAH II Sunday, Sept 12 Services -9 a.m. led by Phyllis Hoffman

CONGREGATION B'NAI JESHURAN SOUTH STREET TEMPLE Member of the Union of Amnrieun Urbrew Congregation!!

EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept 10. Services..

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EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept 10 First service ; , .......6:15 p.m. Second service .8:30 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Morning service... ............10 a.m. Family youth service ...........2-3 p.m. Young children's service ...........3-3:30 p.m. Sitter service is available each Friday evening, Saturday mornings when there is a Bar/Bat Mitzvah and for some Sunday morning programs. Please make a reservation through the Temple office, so we may plan accordingly. The cost is $2 per family. We are sorry, but there are no facilities for infants. Sitter service is available for most High Holy Day Services. Please call the Temple office for information and reservations.

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ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Services... '. ..........\ 10 a.m. Services will be conducted by Dr. Michael Yablonski with a sermon by Dr. Guinter Kahn entitled "The Reaction and Response of German Doctors to a Discussion of Their Role in the Holocaust." Sunday, Sept 19: Memorial Service,1 Council Bluffs Jewish Cemetery, 11 ajn. Monday, Sept 20: The congregation will host a Break-the-Fast, following Yom Kippur. Concluding Services, 5:30 p.m.

EREV ROSH HASHANAH Friday, Sept 10 Services.......... 8 p.m. ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Services..,...;........... ;...; .10a.nv Children's service 2:30 pin. ROSH HASHANAH Sunday, Sept 12 "Learners" Service 10 a.m.

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ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Schachrit (Morning Service); Children's service; Tashlich, followed by a potluck dinner. Call 7589233 for times. All services will take place at the Unitarian Church, 3019 So. 119th St., Omaha.

Services ROSH HASHANAH Saturday, Sept 11 Morning Services..... Jr. Congregation Evening Services.. ROSH HASHANAH H Sunday, Sept 12 Services Jr. Congregation Mincha-Ma'ariv.

..8p.ni. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 p.m. 9 a.m. 11 a.m. 7:30 p.m.

Page 66

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

A look back at the "old neighborhood" by Rabbi Paul Drazen, Beth El Synagogue

The institution we today call a synagogue has a long history and myriad purposes. It is a belt tefillah, a place for prayer, some 730 times a year (732 in leap years). It is a shule, a belt midrash, a place to learn. It is a belt kenesset, a place to gather. Through the years, Beth El has » served all those roles. Through t h e ' days when Beth El met at the 'J* on ' 20th street, the years on 49th Street,' to the years when we used the new 'J1 • for classes, so much happened. Services, rites of passage, classes and clubs all are remembered fondly for the good times they represented. So many in this community as well as former Omahans throughout the world can remember what it was like: families begun, traditions studied and put into practice all were part of the "old neighborhood home." But there must be more than memories. Recognizing the importance of all three aspects.of being a synagogue, it is the responsibility of a community to create a place where all members will be able to enter. The Torah tells us that the Patriarchs and Moses had physical disabilities. Still, they were our leaders, teachers and role models.

How can we not provide for our members, and our families and friends who, today, face such challenges? Especially in places of worship, physical accessibility issues, issues of being able to see and hear, abound. It is our responsibility to provide i such a place. i At Beth El, we are proud of the | steps we have taken to be sure that 1 members can participate in all areas of Jewish life, all three areas of a synagogue's mandate, without worry for obstacle or obstruction. Just as our Dundee building provided the backdrop for memories, our home allows new ones to be created. Omaha has a long Jewish history with different areas of settlement, each with its own flavor and style. While we no longer have one close concentration of Jewish population, we do have Am Yisrael, the people, the true core of community. It is up to us to create a modern community, no longer physical neighbors, but still connected one to another. Whether it be through virtual neighborhoods or gathering in communal locations, we are building tomorrow's "good old days." Shana tovah.

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The Torah reading for the first day of Rosh Hashana tells of-the birth of a son to Abraham and Sarah in their old age. Alarmed over Ishmael's negative influence upon Isaac, Sarah insists on the banishment ofHagar and her son, Ishmael. Sarah was very concerned about any harmful effect on Isaac's moral development. Although Abraham takes issue with Sarah's decision, G-d sides with Abraham and tells him to listen to her advice. What is obvious from this story is that environment plays a major role in influencing a person's development and personality. Once upon a time, Jews lived primarily among other Jews. In that kind of society, it becomes the norm to be Jewish and to live Jewishly. When Jews are fully integrated with Gentiles, it becomes more of a challenge to maintain our unique Jewish identity and way of life. Once upon a time in Omaha, there were sections and neighborhoods which were primarily Jewish.' Our children had other. Jewish children to play with on the block and our socializing with Jewish friends was usually right down the block or next door. But times have changed. The majority of our Jewish population has shifted from East Omaha to the West. The "new* parts of the city aren't so hew any longer and, as a result, there are no longer neighborhoods that we can single out as being Jewish. Nevertheless, despite being scattered all over the city, we must work at creating a sense of community. The concept of Kehilla (Jewish community) is a historic one and an ancient institution in Jewish life. The term is derived from Exodus 35:1 Vayakheil Moshe—"Moses assembled the entire congregation of the children of Israel." The word for congregation in Hebrew is kehal. ^ (Continued on Page 68)

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 67

Answering the crisis of societal values by Rabbi Stanley M. Rosenbaum, Tifereth Israel Synagogue, Lincoln

America of late has been convulsed by events that have sent a shock throughout the body politic. Shootings and bombings in schools and public places, wanton murders expressing bigotry and hatred of minorities, and continuing involvement of youth and adults in addictive behaviors, have caused society to question whether we are seeing the breakdown of civilized values. Lack of discipline and the absence of a solid set of moral values have been attributed, rightly or wrongly, to any number of sources: the influence of the mass media, the lack of training in religious values, the neutrality of the public schools with regard to religion, and the breakdown of the traditional family, to mention a few. . To be sure, the situation clearly has complex roots. A common denominator in many of the proposed sources of the problem is a lack of adequate development of a mutual set of general social values basic to civilized living. The teaching of such moral valuesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;by precept and by personal example-through consistent, loving discipline is indispensable. As noted in our Torah over 3000 years ago, and as our Sages bade us repeat every day, v'sheenantem I'vanecha, "and you shall teach them (the words of Torah, God's commandments) diligently unto your children, speaking of them when you are sitting in your house, when you are going on your way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." Our tradition has always emphasized that the home is the most important focus of values education. The synagogue and religious school provide additional venus for teaching and living out the values embedded in the way of life of Judaism.

As American Jews, however, we live as a tiny minority within a vast, non-Jewish majority, but in a unique multi-cultural, multi-religious, and multi-ethnic society with a revered tradition of separation.of church and state. The public schools should be free from the teaching of religion and those values specific to a given religious system. Public morals, however, are necessary for the development of civilization itself, and that much more so for a free and democratic society. The common moral values which comprise the basis of good citizenship may have specific sanctions within a given religion, but are generally acknowledged across all religious and social systems. These general principles can and ought to be taught publicly. In a democracy, in particular, the following shared group values must be fostered: rule of the majority; respect for minority views (no "tyranny of the majority"); and the use of persuasion rather than coercion or indoctrination. In addition to these group values, a more basic set of moral values related to character must also be encouraged and strengthened. Using the terms from our own Tradition to illustrate, these include: personal responsibility and accountability as an individual and as part of a group (Achrayut): fairness, honesty, and justice (Tzedek), compassion, caring, and sensitivity (Rachamim), trustworthiness and reliability (Ne'emanut), respect for others (Derech eretz, Kavod ha-briot), and reverence for life (Ahavat ha-briot). These general principles can be affirmed by all, and thus taught and emphasized in the public school setting as values in their own right. At home, in synagogue, and in religious school,

we can affirm, as Jews, a deeper, spiritual basis for them beyond that of the good of the social compact, for Judaism sees them as inherent in the very nature of Creation itself. Noting that of all creations in the Torah's account, only the human being (Adam HaRishon) was created in God's image, with free moral will, and with only one representative, the ancient Rabbis of the Talmud learned that every human being is precious beyond measure, that we must have reverence for life (one's own and that of others), that we have the right to be different, that the individual is the basis moral unit, and that we are accountable for our own moral choices. For Jews, then, these truths are axiomatic to the very nature of humanity. In conclusion, it can be seen that a given religious tradition can provide a deep, consistent, philosophical, theological, and spiritual perspective on both general and specific moral values. Because of their different perspectives, however, different religions may come to decidedly different moral conclusions about specific situations. Nevertheless, there are some general values which can be affirmed by all. And in a democracy grounded in a pluralistic society, those general values basic to character development, good citizenship and mature, responsible participation in society must be actively fostered by the public institutions for the common welfare, while yet retaining neutrality toward any specif-; ic religion. The task may not be a simple one,' but it is crucial to the survival of a vital democracy. As we begin the new year of 5760, let us search our very souls to find the way to share and implement these insights for the common good.

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Page 68

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

An important milestone by Rabbi Debbie Stiel, Temple Israel

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Good Yountif! Here we stand on the verge of a new year, and not only a new year, but almost (in a little over a year), a new century. Granted, the milestone is according to the Gregorian calendar and not the Jewish one, but it still provides us with a wonderful opportunity to stop and take stock. Who could have imagined the hideous horrors and the heady highs that our people have experienced in this last 100 years? Who can dream of what the next century will hold? We stand like Moses on Mount Nebo looking into the future but, as yet, unable to touch it. What can we learn from that time over 3000 years ago when our community considered how it should proceed? What did Moshe Rabbeinu do as the Jews stood ready to enter Canaan, ready to leap into a new time? What resources could he equip them with? We do not hear from Moses—take your Tabernacle with you (though it had been a staple of their spiritual existence for 39 years), or take my body with you (though he had been their leader for 40 years). It is the abstract, the nonmaterial that Moses urges the people to hold fast to. In Deuteronomy, Moses taught our people that our values and beliefs would guide and sustain us. That is how we have survived for over 3000 plus years. This has been our incredible secret~to hold fast. . .not always to the land. ...not always to a particular religious ritual. . .not to a particular charismatic leader.. .but to our ethical and spiritual moorings. They ground us despite the sea of

Kehilla (Continued from Page 66) We of the Omaha Jewish community, with it's illustrious history and many accomplishments must realize that we are fully functioning Kehilla with all the amenities necessary for building an exemplary Jewish community. The synagogues, day school, Hebrew schools, adult education programs, VAAD Hakashrut, mikve, Blumkih Home," Federation and its centers of excellence, Jewish Community Center (JCC), etc., help us live Jewish

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change we often find ourselves in. • Today, American culture seems to be one of quick changes. Fashions come and go.. .before some of us can even make it to the store! The heroes of one day are often the pariahs of the next. Much of the pop psychology embraced last decade is seen as antiquated today. Amid all these vicissitudes, more and more people are looking for continuity and lasting meaning. How do we keep the wild winds of the world from blowing us over? In Judaism, as in nature, the answer is deep roots. Rabbi Larry Hoffman said, "spirituality is the sense that things all fit together despite the momentary fear that things are falling apart. It posits connectedness where there seems to be none: The search for spirituality is the yearning for shape when old contours have eroded, for meaning in a world so fragmented that we ask again and again what it's all about." Judaism helps us to live in our wild and crazy world by giving us eternal values and guidelines, a rich heritage and pathways to God. Let us move into the future hearing Moses' words still echoing in our ears, "Hear O Israel the Lord is our God, the Lord alone. Ypu shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and all your might. Take to heart these instructions... and impress them upon your children. Recite them in your home and on your way." May it be a good year, a good century and a good millennium for all of us.

lives and gives us a sense of community, unity, and togetherness, even while living far apart. We need that, because we need to encourage, inspire and strengthen one another to maintain the glorious heritage which we have inherited, and to live'up to our historic mission of the past, while facing the -challenges of the future. i Our best wishes to the entire Kehilla tibia'Shana f Tova Vmetuka, a blessed, enriching and fulfilling * newyear.

Positive thinking by Rabbi Mendel Katzman, Chabad of Nebraska

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While it is most certainly a holiday, and most significantly our New Year, its celebration bears no resemblance to the "holiday spirif of the secular New Year. In fact, Rosh Hashanah is the beginning of the 10 Days of Penance, which climax with Yom Kippur. Together, these days are known as the Days of Awe. They are serious days, a time of introspection. It is a time, too, of fervent hope and prayer for a year replete with blessing and goodness. The person of some integrity and faith will then be forced to take stock of his actions in the past year, and consider how deserving he really is of all he asks for. Looking squarely at oneself can be a sobering and humbling experience. If this is true regarding our personal lives, it is all the more poignantly reflected in our national stance. At this time of the year, we pray for the peace and welfare of Am Yisroel, the entire people of Israel. Once again, a reckoning of where we stand as a nation is in order. • A hard look at the state of our people exposes paradoxical elements. All of us have heard much about the devastating toll assimilation and intermarriage has taken on our "family." This is a natural by-product of apathy and lack of proper education. The steady stream of statistics being generated points to alarming trends in Jewish life we dare not ignore. There is legitimate cause for a sense of foreboding.. Yet, simultaneously, there are wonderful things happening. Significant numbers of Jews of all backgrounds, in all movements, are actively seeking to strengthen their bond with God and inculcate Torah observances into their lives and the lives of their children. I realize I run the risk of being perceived as overly optimistic at best and simplistic at worst-but let me tell you about a famous rabbi called Reb Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev. He was a great Tzadik, a brilliant,

righteous man, who lived in the city of Berditchev.' His salient trait was his endless ability to see the positive in his fellow Jews. He would then act as their "defense attorney" and bring his findings to the attention of God. On one Yom Kippur, Reb Levi Yitzchok noticed a Jewish man smoking a cigarette as he walked down the street "Are you aware that today is the holy day of Yom Kippur?" the Rabbi asked the Jew. "But of course!" was the swift reply. "Are you aware that smoking on this day is a flagrant violation of this sacred day?" queried the rabbi. "Do you take me for a fool? Everybody knows that!" came the quick rejoinder. "Then your doctor must have ordered you to smoke," the rabbi pressed on. "No," came back the reply. "I simply feel like smoking." "God in heaven," Reb Levi Yitzchok cried, "Do you see how special your children are? Even '1 under duress he wouldn't tell a lie!" This story is only one of the many told about this unique and beloved of hassidic. masters; it showcases his essential attribute at its best Reb Levi Yitzchok was the arch advocate of the people of Israel in the heavenly court, but the true implications of his life's devotion far surpassed even this lofty goal. Through his perception of merit in each person, he effectively activated their potential for goodness and brought it to fruition. The positive energy he radiated did more than just alleviate possible harsh judgment of his people. With his love and devotion and implicit belief in the virtue of all Jews, he drew on their' essence, their neshama, their Godly soul. We must adopt Reb Levi Yitzchok's perception as our own. Let us recognize our God-given strength and inherent ability to engage in goodness. This recognition and reflection will inspire us to greater heights and fuller realization of our collective potential.

September 10,1909

Relationships by Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Temple Israel

In human relationships, you never appear unchanged from our last make up for lost time. When you meeting, 20 or more years ago. In my meet after a long separation, the gap eyes, we still look young. remains. You simply pick up from We had a meeting with friends the point you left off as if there were from long past years recently. What no space in between the' a delight! The nostalgia present time and of so over yesterday's fond long ago, when you said experiences, exchanged goodbye. in the moments of renewed togetherness, All relationships are thrilled us with deeply dynamic. They contain joyous meaning. movement in some ways and to some extent. Reflections about the When there is an abtruly significant dimensence, a gap, the relasions of life confirmed tionship slips into a sort my definition of friendof vacuum, and becomes ships that can sustain static. I guess that is the gap of separation, okay; it's a way of preserving pre- and are infinitely precious beyond cious realities. most material benefits. Real enriching friendships are Having moved several times, we have made wonderful friends in trusting relationships infused with many different cities. Circumstances an abiding confidence that the friend have brought Elyce and me together will be there in time of need. The with these friends, and others, going warmth and acceptance of one anothback to childhood years. They are er sustains life as each seeks confirreally deeply satisfying moments of mation of self in the exchanges of devotion for one another. renewal. • When, during such encounters, we Friendship helps both participants have moved beyond the first few in the relationship because, in each moments of warm embrace arid the other's presence, you can make exchange of the most dramatic news human errors, mis-speak, or reveal about our perspective families, I then torturous self-doubt that, neverthebegin to look for the physical changes less, does not undermine the grace of time has wrought. friendship. The inevitable grace of friendship Most of the changes are usually superficial. A little more gray, or a is in mutual respect and mutual little less covering of the scalp, with affirmation. This is the key to what male friends. Women seem to change real friendship is all about. much less in the middle years then The separation of friends from one do men. another cannot be made up. The gifts A friend once told me that in of friendship are, in a way, absent Florida at 60, you take out a 30-year -during that separated time. But it's mortgage on a "condo." You are con- so good to experience bonds renewed sidered youngsters at this point. At despite time's passage. When God 7Q, you enter the middle years. You gave out the gifts for life, the best one of all was friendship! begin the "latter days" at 80. • When I see my "young friends," L'Shana Tova! Happy and meaningdespite some complaints, they ful New Year.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 69

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Page 70

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Beth El Synagogue

Beth Israel Synagogue President -. Vice-president/Administrative Vice-president/Financial Vice-president/Membership Treasurer. , Secretary......

;

.....Donald Gerber ..............Dennis Paley ;.ÂŤ J. Michael Ferenstein David Kohll ...................;........ ...........Jack Kozlen Susan Shyken

President .....;.................;..............,............. ;..,Michael Abramson Vice-presidents.... Howard Epstein, Karin Levine, Michael Linn Secretary Richard Fellman Treasurer ..Ron Feldman BESST ...,,,Hyman Sukiennik Executive Board Member ...Bruce Shackman

Board of Commissioners

Board of Directors

Harry Berman, Donald Cohen, Sheldon Cohen, Sheldon Coren, Howard Gendelman, Allan Gonsher, Michael Katzman, Barry Kricsfeld. Marvin Parilman, Alvin ROSB, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Tibe Stoler.

Daniel Christiansen, Paul Cohen, Harvey Cooper, Justin Cooper, Gary Epstein, Dr. David Finkle, Glen Fineman, Beth Friedman, Carol Gendler, Rob Goodman, Caryl Greenberg, Larry Hasslinger, Sarah Hasslinger, Sara Juster, Dr. Fred Kader, Myron Kaplan, Les Kay, Dene Klein, Dr. Allen Morris, Kim Novak, Marcia Pitlor, Phil Ratner, Rhonda Saferstein, Mary Rich and Sylvia Wagner.

Sisterhood Financial Secretary.... Recording Secretary Corresponding Secretary.... Publicity Membership Treasurer

..;

...Leah Siegal Sandy Kohll ........Mary Sue Grossman Helen Schwartz Bernice Cohen Charlotte Kaplan

Cabinet Members Beverly Franklin, Charlotte Kaplan, Sandy Kohll, Susie Shyken, Georgia Ann Steinberg, Tibe Stoler, Annette Fettman, Nadine Kutner and Jeanetta Nadoff.

B'naiMitzvah Daniel Davidson, Robert Ferer and Benjamin Gerber

Men's Club President...... Vice-presidents Treasurer...

; Glen Fineman Larry Hasslinger and Harry Weiner Andrew Friedman

USY President Programming VP Membership VP.... Social Action/Tikun VP Religious/Education VP Communication VP

Sarah Hasslinger Talya Greenspoon Michael HeUman Rebecca Murow .YoniDrazen Ariel Shukert

,

Births

Elected Board Members

Joshua Michael Polack, son of James and Susan Polack Joshua David Nissen, son of Bart and Jordana Nisseh Binyamin Moshe Leib, son of Rabbi and Mrs. Howard Kutner Chana Lieba, daughter of Rabbi and Mrs. Howard Kutner

Aaron Rich, Noah Priluck, Brandon Rich and Michelle Hellman.

B'nai Mitzvah

Brian Altaian, Daniel Ocanto, Michael Easterday, Bradley Abramson, Ian Fried, Ben Epstein, David Phillips, Samuel Edelstein, Joel LeMaistre, Aleksander Salkin, Harrison Brand, Brittney Eshelman, Marissa Epstein, Deaths Jennifer Finkle, Kate Josephson, Jill Canfield, Stephanie Lehman, Marissa Ita Don, Dorothy Ringle, Bernice Gendler, Ida Giller, Leon Gorlicki, Abner Rubin, Sadofsky, Aliya Katskee and Laura Shkolnik. Henry Weiner, Sylvia Ross, Bertha Pessen, Nate Kraft, Shirley Passer, Rubin Ratner, Stuart Lefkowitz, Harry Spiegal, Edward Kahn, Sol Mann and Harry Marriages Noodell. Charlotte Slutzky ......'....; .....Morris Koom Kim Levine ..;.. ..Robert Goldberg Stacey Riekes ; Brett Atlas Nicole Lerner Todd Schachtman '. Isaac Witkowski Co-Presidents ..Dr. Jerome Bleicher and D. David De Land Susan Fellman .; Howard Spivack Secretary/Treasurer Peggy De Land Joanna Kaslow .'. ; , Edward Gornish Religious Chairman Mendal Kurland Naomi Mitchell :, : LynnPolonski Publications Chairman Eugene Freund TamaraKnox J .'. ;.....:...:...v::... :...:...j..'..; .'. Scott Gordon Oneg Chairperson Sandra Kurland AmyZoob ;..'. â&#x20AC;˘....'. Thomas Lawley Board President Allen Kurland Keri Juro Rachel Schacht : ,.J '. ; David Schwalb Board Members . Deborah Baron .- '. ."....., '. ." Gregory Greenberg Lee Eveloff, Sam Eveloff, Yvonne Freund, Brent Bloom, Rebecca Bloom, Sissy Rachel Toker '. Richard Katskee Silber, Howard Silber and Ruth Weiner. FranRemer ."..' Chris Bieberly Keri Saltzman ;: Phillip Bahar Judy Curry. :.... ..........:.... .'. Jeffrey Swartz Bar Mitzvah Canil Cantor ; '...".......Robert Adelstein Alex Bloom Julie Tahimi ;..'. Jeffrey Cooper Andrea Friedlander '. Anthony Scioli

B'nai Israel Synagogue

Congregation Tifereth Israel President..;. Vice-president Secretary Treasurer Trustees

Births

.............Gerry Schuchman Allan Kenyon Nancy Coren .....Howard Feldman Albert Weiss, David Brockman, Alan Hersch

B'nai Mitzvah Aly Bowers, Iva Fabrikant, Maya Fabrikant, Joshua Geffen, Daniel Hersch, Anna Hutkins, Amy Misle and Benjamin Wallick.

Tomer Palmon, son of Ophir and Roni Palmon Micah Dov Bresler, son of Scott and Barbara Morrison-Bresler Jacob Aaron Meyerson, son of Scott and Jennifer Meyerson Bennett Widman, son of Larry and Julie Widman Benjamin Chamberlin, son of Tony Chamberlin and Jennifer Kay , William McGauvran, son of John and Kathy McGauvran Alexander Mark and Zachary Edward, sons of James and Robin Belgrade Brooke Nicole Shulewitz, daughter of Alan and Cindy Shulewitz Suzanne Libi Goodman, daughter of Robert and Deborah Goodman Rebecca Leah Novak, daughter of Larry and Kim Novak

Marriages Suzanne Rouse Elizabeth Friedman

."".

Births Jonah Bradley Payne Daniel Benjamin Sommer

Deaths Laurie Misle, Selma Bernstien

Beyt Shalom Synagogue

DanSchlissel ...Eric Elbogen

Deaths Steven Abrams, Esther Belmont, Marvin Belzer, Isadore Bernstein, Robert Bernstein, Louis Canar, Ileane Cohen, Merriam Cooperman, Daniel Denenberg, Lillian Ferencz, Shirley Fisher, Hans Frenkel, Ruth Friedman, Lena Grossman, Edith Hurwick, Louis Hurwitz, Gene Richard Kaplan, Evelyn Kaslow, Jacobo Kaufman, Nathan Kimelman, Leona Klotz, Alfred Kolasky, Jack Lee, Louis Lercher, Judi Lerner, Herman Loewenstein, Ida Mann, Josephine Martin, Sidney Meisner, Daniel Miller, Laurie Simons Misle, Haskell Morris, Sayde Newman, Howard Irving Raznick, Dorothy Ringle, Sylvia Ross, Lillian Shachman, Anna Shulewitz, Evelyn Simons, Louis Solomon, Harry Spiegal, Arnold Stern, Dorothy Sinton Steuer, Elian Rosen Thurmond, Allan Turchin, Judy Weiner, Cecil Weinstock and Rebecca Wolf.

President..... ...1........;;....Lynn Salmi Vice-president Lynne Jensen Secretary. . .........Sharon Allen Co-Directors Religious Education ...Alice Weiss and Michael Salmi President.. Ritual Director............... .Marti Nerenstonev Treasurer Trustees...................... .Deanna Liddy, Hpllis Glaser, Patrick Jensen Secretary......

Congregation B'nai Jeshurun ...Elaine Monnier ..Dave Rosenbaum Maureen Lobb

;

Trustees B'naiMitzvah Wil Goldfein, Inga Konfisakhar

Audrie Berman, Linda Emery, Peter Hoffman, Jeff Kirkland, Brian Nelson, Randy Reinhart, Deborah Swearingen, Amy Zlotsky Honorary Trustees..; ;.. .......Bonnie Lapin, Paula Storch Williams and Jim and Elaine Wolf

September 10,1099

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 71

Jewish Federation of Omaha and its Centers of Excellence Jewish Federation of Omaha

Jewish Community Center

Jewish Senior Services

President.... ^Howard Kooper President elect.. ,.....;.,...............Forrest Krutter Vice-president <.. .Bobbie Epstein Treasurer Bob Lepp Secretary.. Jan Schneiderman Past-president .....Tom Fellman Agency Presidents. Mitzi Delman, Frank Flatowicz, Mark Sanford, Silvia Roffman and Ann Goldstein. .. • • Constitutional Committee Chairmen Margo Riekes, MartyShukert, Arnie Weitz, Sonn Juster, Lloyd Roitstein, Michael Erman, Slacie Brodkcy. Senior Rabbis Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Paul Drazen and Rabbi Howard Kutner Women's Campaign Chairmen Joan Kainian and Nancy Noddle Men's Campaign Chairman Joel Alperson

President Mark Sanford President elect... Richard Jacobson Vice-presidents Gary Epstein, Roxanne Kahn, Jeff Kirshenbaum and Steve Pitlor.

President Silvia Roffinan Vice-presidents.......;....;....Joan Bernstein and Yale Richards Treasurer.............;..,.. ........................John Lehr Secretary Morton Glass Past-president Jerry Kohll

Jewish Federation Foundation

Board members

Tom Baker, Bob Belgrade, Ben Belmont, Debbi Brown, Paul Cohen, Wendy Goldberg, Don Goldstein, David Jacobson, Sorin Juster, Larry Kelberg, John.Lehr, Steve Levinger, J a n i e Murrow, Carol Parhow, Julio Phillips, Marcia Pitlor, Murv Polikov, Mury Rich, Kimberly Robinson, Bruch Shuckman, Norm; Sheldon, Susie Singer, Tom Vann, Nancy Wolf and Jamie Zacharia.

Jewish Family Service President ...............Frank Flatowicz Secretary Stan Mitchell Treasurer...............................Dr. Stacie Spies-Matz Past-president Gloria Kaslow

Chairman........ Michael M. Erman Board members Vice-chairmen ..Elaine Y. Roffman, Steven Block Sheri Abramson, Vicki Flax, Bob Gerelick, Tracy Board members Grinstead-Everly, Barry Grossman, Jo Ann Hill, Henry Davis, Barbara A. Epstein, David L. Sara Juster, Scott Littkey, Sandy Passer, Zoe Friedland, Morton Glass, Joseph Kirshenbaum, Riekes, Sheila. Rosen, Thor Rosenquist, Susie Forrest N. Krutter, Robert I. Kully, Martin J. Lehr, Shyken, Todd Simon, Andi Willensky and Nancy Robert L. Lepp, Murray H. Newman, Jay Noddle, Wolf. Ted M. Seldin, Harley D. Schrager, Stephen H. ADL-GRC Board of Directors Simon, Suzanne Singer, Richard Slosburg, Norman President....... ..........Ann Goldstein Veitzer, Arnold Weitz and Martin C. Ricks. Vice-presidents Sara Juster, Mimi Waldbaum Jewish Press Committee Past-president Larry Raful Chairman Lloyd Roitstein Member-at-large .....Irv Yaffe Vice-chairman Fred Tichauer Board members ' Treasurer Howard Silber Jill Belmont, Mark Belmont, Al Crounse, Joe Secretary .Joanie Jacobson Erman, Larry Gendler, David Gilinsky, Bucky Past chairman. Steve Levinger Greenberg, Jim Harris, Gary Javitch, Maurice Committee members Elyce Azriel, Jill Belmont, Katzman, Bob Kully, Susan Lehr, Denny Lewis, Steve Danon, Jean Duitch, Penny Endelman, Kip Lisa Lewis, Gary Nachman, E. Robert Newman, Gordon, Gary Kudym, Steve Levinger, Linda Saltz- Sharee Newman, Magda Peck, Kevin Saltzman, Anne Shackman and Sylvia Wagner. man, George Schapiro and Steve Simon.

Board members;

Susie Drazen, Stanley Edelstoin, Sandy Epstein, Bruce Friedlander, Sanford Friedman, Bruce Goldberg, Shirley Goodman, Gary Javitch, Marcel Kalm, Maxine Kirshenbaum, Harold Mann, David Meyers, Myra Oberman, Jay Parsow, Marcia Pitlor, Norman Smeerin, Marlene Sukiennik, Sylvia Wagner, Andi Willensky, Tim Zwieback and Toby Kagan.

Jewish Educational and Library Services Presidenti........ VP-Library Services VP-Educational Services Past President

Mitzi Delman Frances Gottlieb Jeff Smedlund Spencer Brookstein

Elected Board members

Joyce Cohen, Justin Cooper, Judi Finkle, Jeff Ferber, Murray Frost, Gloria Kaslow, Mary Grossman, Linda Gordman, Karin Levine, Laura Lee Needelman and Debbie Salomon. Representative Board members Michael Linn, Scott Littky, Michael Salmi, Alice Weiss and Ann Kibel Schwartz. Senior Rabbis.. Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Rabbi Paul Drazen and Rabbi Howard Kutner ,

Friedel Jewish Academy Corporate Board

Jerry Gordman, Joel Rich, Maggie Gerber, Karin Levine, Lynne Saltzman, Marty Shukert, Joe Kirshenbaum and Oliver Pollak.

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Page 72

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Temple Israel President. Vice-presidents Secretary Treasurer Honorary Vice President Past President

...Paul Epstein Dennis DePorte, Sally Kaplan, Michael Walts ..AndiWillensky Spencer Brookstein Ajon Farber Larry Roffman

OTYG

President ».... ..........Whitney Taxman Programming VP Mendel Kurland Religious and Cultural VP.......... :..:.... ....Adam Rosen Social Action VP Shayna Denny Treasurer .Ally Freeman Board of Directors Co-Secretaries Steve Sternberg and Stephanie Wilson Thomas Baker, Marc Delman, Mitzi Delman, Robert Freeman, Larry Gendler, JYG Liaison Samantha Friedman and Ben Taxman Phyllis Glazer, Wendy Goldberg, Debbi Josephson, John Lehr, Lisa Lewis, Jon Membership Chairs Rebecca and Emily Sternberg Meyers, Howard Needelman, Jeffrey Passer, Barbara Rips, Jane Rips, Margo Advisors Stephanie and Barry Grossman : Rosen, Rosalie Saltzman, Jeffrey Smedlund, Whitney Taxman, Tim Zweiback. Assistant . Jen Gates Supervisor Cantor Jennifer Blum

Men's Club

President Vice-president and Publicity Treasurer Membership Vice-president/Social Justice and Community Service Past President , '.

Marc Delman Steve Danon Alan Fredricks Harry Gates ..Dr. Howard Needelman .' Jim Clark

Sisterhood President .Wendy Goldberg Vice-president Membership and Leadership Elyce Azriel Vice-president Religious Living Keri Workman Vice-president Education Cindy Goldberg and Lori Miller Vice-president Development and WRJ Projects Stecey Br'odkey Treasurer .Nancy Wolf Recording/Corresponding Secretary .' Julie Martin Gift Shop Treasurer Debra Sherman Gift Shop Manager. Sandy Nogg Nominating Chair Stacey Rockman Advisors Phyllis Glazer, Dora Goldstrom, Sally Kaplan and Jane Rips Past President Diane Graul

Births Sons

.

Mr. and Mrs. Marc Brodkey Mr. and Mrs. Mark Bernstein Mr. and Mrs. Mark Chesen Judge Lawrence Gendler and Tamara Field Mr. and Mrs. Bruce Goldberg Drs. Michael and Debra Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. Brian Hughes Mr. and Mrs. Kenny Jacobs Mr. and Mrs. Dave Militti Mr. and Mrs. Jay Noddle Mr. and Mrs. Matthew Ray Mr. and Mrs. Michael Poscover Mr. and Mrs. Thor Rosenquist Mr. and Mrs. Rick Schrager Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Schrier Mr. Steve and Rabbi Debbie Stiel Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Wigodsky Mr. and Mrs. Brian Wine

Daughters

Mr. and Mrs. Matt Boggust , Mr. and Mrs. David Cohen Dr. and Mrs. Martin Ellenby....-•-.,• Drs. Michael and Debra Goldstein Mr. and Mrs. David Greenberg Mr. and Mrs.-Mace Hack Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Kavich Mr. and Mrs. Stuart Kazor Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Platt Michael Rips and Sheila Berger Mr. and Mrs. Mark Robinson Mr. and Mrs. Martin Roos Dr. and Mrs. Dave Rosinsky Mr. and Mrs. Richard Siegal . Mr. and Mrs. James Simon Dr. and Mrs. Bruce Sobel Dr. and Mrs. John Vann ; Mr. and Mrs. Ted Zetzman ;

BatMitzvah Janet Baack, Amy Bresel, Talia Eisenberg, Alexis Freeman, Megan Jodis, Deaths Stephanie. Millward, Rebecca Moshman, Emily Muskin, Molly Needelman, Sara Rips, Samantha Shrier, Sasha Skulsky, Rebbeca Smedlund, Margaret Pauline Abrahams, Shirley Altsuler, Abe Baker, Rosagene Baron, Lenard Barron, Bess Becker, Robert Bernstein, Ida Bloch, Milton Bloom, Susan Terry, Hannah Wolf, Kyle Zacharia. Brewer, Rabbi Sidney H. Brooks, Louis Canar, Valerie Carp.Harriet Cherniack, Celia Cohen, Jean Schwartz Cohen, Phillip Constans, Ike Danon, Bar Mitzvah Mollie Delman, Helen Adler Diamond, Rochelle Drelson, Edward Dworkin, Kyle Bainos, Alex Bloom, Ryan Blumkin, Jacob Friedman, Jeff Gates, Daniel Virginia Lee Earp, Harold Feintoch, Edith Feldman, Shirley Fisher, Leon S. Gutman, Matthew Kelberg, Forrest Parker Rogers Marcovitz, David Martin, Frankel, Ginny Green, Lena Grossman, Charles Heifer, Jeanette Herman, Joseph Herskowitz, Thomas Hickey, Jay Horiigblum, Edith Hurwick, Louis Aron Neesman, Nicholas Newman, Steve Patton, Jay Searson, David.Smoler. Hurwitz, Mary Hurwitz, Edward Kahn, Earl Katz, Evelyn Katz, Mickey Kline, Herbert Michael Kotzen, Dorothy Kovnar, Hershal Krasnow, Shulamis "Toni" Marriages Kutcher, Ilse Kuttner, Dennis Lampert, Judi Aizenberg Lerner, Louis G. Julie Corbin : Timothy Kushner Lohrman, Josephine Koom Martin, Carlos Martinez, Norma Maurer, Marilyn NikkiCirco Adam Kirschenbaum Mellen, Rakail Mezhanskaya, Howard Milder, Dr. Daniel Miller, Laurie Jane Jennifer DiMartdno ! Travis Cohn Misle, Hubert W. Monsky, Aaron Naron, Sidney Novak, Robert Osten, Shirley Passer, Max Paykel, Bertha Pessen, Beverly Pesses, Divera Propper, Barbara Sharon Grunkin '. BoBargas Wolfe Rips, Leonard Rofey, Rose Rosenblum, Abner Rubin, Rose Rudoy, Gail Handleman Peter Lobin Lillian Shachman, Sima Shapiro, Lois Skog, Constance Smart, Harry Spiegal, Colleen Kennealy Will Wallace Henry Stern, Isadore Joseph Sussman, Edward M. Treller, Lester Waxman, Amy Monolascino .-. Tim Zweiback Judy Weiner, Moe Whitebook and Rebecca Wolf. Debbie Rips .-. PaulNager KeriSalzman '. : Phillip Bahar Jill Shrier .' James Folsom JodiSlusky .'. .Yoav Gershoni Loye Sweeter. : Stan Jaeger Stephanie Volkman David Yudelson Kunberly Weaver Mark Schwartz

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Jewish Press, Omalia,NE Page 73

Organizations AMIT Women Kalah Franklin/Hatikvah Chapter

President

Charlotte Kaplan Vice-presidents

Program ..Annette Fettman Mother-Father-in-Israel..... Sarah Landsman Contributions........ : .......Ruth Babendure Luncheon .Georgia Ann Steinberg Secretary. ....;.... ....Jean Epstein Treasurer ; RevaRuderman Advisor ...Jeanette Nadoff B'naiB'rith Henry Monsky Lodge

President. Adam Jacobs Executive Vice-president... ....Ed Joseph Vic©-presidents......Spencer Jacobs and Richard Diamond Guardian/Warden........... Gerald Meyer Trustees

Alvin Abramson, Mike Abramson, Richard Diamond, Frank Goldberg, Richard Juro, Myron Kaplan, Larry Kelberg, Howard Kutner, Steven Riekes, Eddie Rosen, Ira Trachtenbarg. B'nai B'rith Youth Organization Advancement Board Chairperson , Debbie Brown Vice Chairperson LdBa Epstein Treasurer/Scholarship Chair ; Justin Cooper Secretary....;..... Larry Shapiro At-large Representative Judi Finkle Monsky Lodge Representative ..Marty Cohen JCC Representative/Fundraising Marv Polikov CRC Representative.. ....Carol Parsow AZA Representative Andy Finkle BBG Representative Erin Malashock AZA#1 Advisor. Mark Schwartz Chaim Weizmann Advisor. Scott Tatehnan Ediar Advisor Lisa Epstein MZ Yoshanah Advisor. ...........Kim Schwartz BBYO Regional Director .....Julie Kushner

AZA Mid-America Council Officers Godol ..........................Andy Finkle S'gan..... David Pitlor Maz/Giz ...Adam Rosen Moreh...... Shane Cohn Shaliach..... ..„.. Andrew Shefren BBG Mid-America Council Officers N*siah.: Erin Malashock S'ganit Michelle Malashock Maz/Giz... Jennifer Friedman Mit/Mom Diana Manvitz Shaliach...... Jamie Hamburg

Jewish Women International President.. Frieda Krizelman Vice-presidents................ Rosali } Greenspan and Beth Friedman ;EstherWax Treasurer >.... Financial Secretary. Dora Goldstrom Recording Secretary..... {....Shirley Brody Corresponding Secretary....................Corinne Levin Counselor...... .....Goldye Goldberg Historian ..Marine Noodell Committee Chairmen

Rose Rosenberg, Rainbow House and telephone; Lila Jacoby, Rainbow House; Betty Goldstrom, publicity; Corinne Levin, bulletin; Beverly Franklin, Omaha Chapter of Hadassah Children's Home; Beth Friedman, children's film President... Beth Gaynes Ginsberg festival; Elaine Tepperman, courtesy card; Allison Vice-president, Education Sandra Kohll Latenser Pachman, Dolls for Democracy; Rosalie Vice-president, Membership. .Joye Wees Greenspan, donor and Mah Jongg Tournament; Vice-president, Membership Carol Parsow Sylvia Davis, Rose Blumkin Sweetheart day and Vice-president, Fundraising..........Beverly Franklin Mah Jongg Tournament; Betty Fisher, life memberVice-president, Fundraising. Georgia Ann Steinberg ship; Frieda Krizelman, JCAC representative; Vice-president, Local Services... Mimi Rogers Rosalie Greenspan, Barbara Bernson and Babe Treasurer Esther Wax Aronoff, donor luncheon; Esther Wax, direct soliciAssistant Treasurer..... Gail Hendrick tation. Secretary.. ...Phyllis Fried L.O.V.E. Auxiliary Hadassah Associate ....Ervin Simon Co-PreBidents Marlene & Hyman Sukiennik Advisors Mary Fellman and Corinne Levin Fundraising Vice-presidents.... Julie and Tim Kushner Board of Directors Programming Vice-president Carol Parsow Etta Epstein, Mary Fellman, Ellen Fine, Rini Membership Vice-president...... -{Judy Brookstein Gonsher, Pauline Guss, Madeline Katzman, Recording Secretary. .Sheryl Friedman Charlotte Kaplan, Bette Kozlen, Gail Kohll, Dory Corresponding Secretary. ...........Phyllis Zabin Mawyer, Pam Monsky, Faye Ruback, Doris Treasurer. Eileen Reiner Shukert, Judy Simons, Sally Venger. Gift Shop Treasurer. 1..........Ellen Platt Past Presidents.... Patty and Steve Nogg Elected Board Members Omaha Center for Torah Learning Rabbi Shlomo Levin Lois Herman, Carl Herman, Debbie I rookstein, Kathy Chairman .Allan Gonsher Weiner, Nora Zoob, Ellene Echlstein, Joanie Vice-chairman Robert Oberman Bernstein, Rose Pitlor, Joann Blatt, I ynn Rubin, Leon Secretary.. .......Leon Shrago Wintroub, Dory Mawyer, Marvin Gei >er. (Organizations continued on Page 74) Treasurer ....Michael Katzman

Questions and Answers about Higher Education for the New Year

. Why Creighton University? A. Creighton has an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, ranked #1 in the Midwest by U.S. News and World Report. Creighton students learn in small classes taught by renowned faculty. B. Creighton graduates enjoy an admissions advantage in gaining entry to the Creighton schools of medicine, dentistry, pharmacy and allied health and law. C. A Creighton education is "values-centered." Service to others, the importance of family and appreciation of ethnic and cultural diversity are core values. D. Creighton offers scholarships especially for academically talented Jewish students. E. All of the above. . "

"

'

"

'

'

,

,

. Why Omaha? A. There is so much to do in Omaha! Concerts, museums, sporting events, megaplex movie theaters, excellent shopping malls, restaurants representing nearly all the world's major cuisines, cross-country skiing, hiking, swimming, biking and boating are available. B. Omaha has one of the nation's lowest unemployment rates, making job opportunities and internships abundant and ucrative. C. Omaha is a major midwestern city, easily accessible by car, plane, train or bus. D. Omaha has a vibrant, caring Jewish community with a world-class JCC and five synagogues. E. All of the above.

. " .

'

•

For more -information, call us at 1-800-282-5835, or visit our website: www.creighton.edu-

Creighton University. The correct answer

for all of the above reasons!

CREIGHTON UNIVERSITY A Jesuit university.

Page 74

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Visions Oldtimers/Young Energetic Seniors .....,..........Wally Elkon President... Art Grossman Executive Chair. National Council of Jewish Women .....Harry Alloy Vice-president.... ....Sarah Lewis Advisor. Omaha Section . Jean Elkon ..Millie Altman Cultural President Beth Friedman Recording Secretary Irving and Mildred Chudacoff Treasurer ....;Ann Margolin Historians..... Vice-presidents ...Frieda Krizelman Membership.. .-. Selma Sadofsky Community Service Kim Noddle, Susie Norton Membership Dues Chairpersons Fundraising. Deb Marburg Mitzvah Marcel and Llse Kahn Milton Margolin Publicity. Membership Jennifer Meyerson Program.... Dee Fox *.....:. Kay Ferer Recording Secretary...... Public Mails/Education Karen Levin, Ann Moshman Telephone Doris Alloy Reva Oruch and Julie Schapiro Social Programming...Maurice and Rosalie Meiches Public Relations..... .......Pam Monsky Contributions Dan Greenfield Trips and Travel Treasurer Eoxanne Kahn Maitre D Sam and Rosaline Epstein Charlotte Kaplan Treasurer Financial Secretary ..Sally Zipursky Historian ................Marilyn Sacks Kate Ferer Luncheon Co-Chairs.: Member Services Secretary..... Iris Ricks Hospital .Jim and Esther Wax Sally Venger Recording Secretary.... Beth Cohen Hospitality. Advisors , .......;....A1 and Reva Oruch Directors NonnanZevitz Jill Belmont, Kate Kirshenbaum, Kim Novak, Heidi Sergeant of Arms Schneiderman, Nancy Tetenbatim, Cheryl Lerner Nominating Chair .. .......Cindy Goldberg Parliamentarian & by-laws..............Carol Katzman Jewish Federation Library Committee Section Awards Pam Friedlander Rabbi Aryeh Azriel, Temple Israel; Mitzi Delman, Jean Ann Krupinsky, Nadine Rutner, Rabbi Finance Chair.... .................Debbie Friedman Past President................ .....Cindy Goldberg Joyce Cohen, Rabbi Paul Drazen, Beth El Syn- Howard Kutner, Beth Israel Synagogue; Scott State Public Affairs Sara Juster agogue; Joanne Freeman, Murray Frost, Linda Littky, Stanley Mitchell, Nancy Rips, Ann Kibel National President Jan Shneidennan Gordman, Frances Gottlieb, Ellie Greenspoon, Schwartz, Temple Israel, Susie Drazen. National Board Member Carol Bloch Frances Juro, Gloria Kaslow, Marsha KJeinberg, Organizations (Continued from Page 73)

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Page 75

Proud to be Central graduates by Joan K. Marcus

Ross, Janet Zipursky and Janet Kirschenbaum.

George Shafer, CHS '35 George Shafer smiles as his daughters, Patty and Bunny, ask him, "So, what did you do at Central, Dad?" He quips back at them and says, "I did the same thing you did!" And it goes on and on! George was born in Omaha and grew up at 3809 Davenport St. His parents were Isadore and Bertha Shafer; he graduated from SaundersKennedy Grade School. He started at Central High in 1931—right in the middle of The Great Depression. He was active in ROTC, but mostly participated in sports. He says that he wasn't exactly a football "star," but he did play tackle and defensive fullback. He recalls playing one game on the Technical High School field in snow and ice. One of his friends, Herman Goldstein, was a center. Other friends were Henry Malashock and Harold Zelinsky. George also played Softball and was on the track team. He threw the shotput and tried his hand at wrestling. He admits to not having a lot of time to study. Unlike his daughters, his grades were "so-so!" He was active in AZA 100 (they won a regional championship), but didn't have time for dating because of sports'. He admits choosing to go to Central because he wanted to go to the JCC and play handball and basketball after school. He would sometimes stay and play ball until his father picked him up on his way home from work. Although George knew Central was a good school academically, he was more interested in sports. He attended Omaha University and enlisted in the United States Air Force during World War H. After the war, he worked in the clothing manufacturing business. He then went into the wholesale plumbing and heating business and worked at Robert's

Patty Shafer Sherman, CHS '69 Bunny Shafer Rothenberg, CHS '73 Supply for almost 50 years. He still ly and everything would be fine!" does plumbing, heating and air condiMike and Patty were married in tioning work for newly-built apart- 1972 at Beth Israel Synagogue with ments. Rabbi Barry Weinstein officiating. During a visit to Chicago, he met They were both 21. "It's been a beauMickey (Miriam) Pildes. They were tiful marriage because we got our married in Chicago in 1942, and divorce in high school," Patty said. returned to Omaha to live after WWII. Their children are David, 22, and Patty Shafer Sherman said her Alison, 20. mother always stressed academics. Unlike her sister, Bunny Shafer Patty, who graduated in 1969, rode to Rothenberg doesn't remember any school in a car pool. "At first our dads ! talk about pantyhose when she rode took us, then we drove, and our moms in her carpool to Central. Her years at got stuck without cars for one day a Central were during a time of change. week." Hers was the only senior class that Some of the car-poolers were Mary Jo didn't have a senior prom. "It just Slosburg, Beth Wintroub, Karen Gould wasn't cool then because it was 1973 and Joanie Abramson. Other friends and we were the last of the hippie era. were Diane Jacobsen and Myra The kids were totally apathetic about Gordon. One of the hot topics in the car almost everything, and nature and was a discussion about pantyhose, earth were the big things!" which had recently been invented. Bunny was active in Student She enjoyed the diversity, and had Council, French Club, Ecology Club, many friends other than Jewish kids. Girl's Choir, and played girl's intra"Central has maintained its academic mural flag football. Some of her reputation, even now," she said. friends were .Kenny Fishbain, David Patty remembers her Central High Finkle, Lisa Shapiro Lewis, Joyce years as being "really fun." She was secretary of the Student Council, homecoming queen candidate, a member of National Honor Society and many clubs. She attended the University of Texas and graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. She is Special Events Coordinator for the National Conference for Community and Justice. Probably her most vivid memories of dating were those of her high school sweetheart/Mike Sherman. "We started dating in 9th grade and we fought all through high school. I spent a lot of time crying, and my mom would call his mom and they wouldn't allow us to see each other! Then, we would see each other secret-

;

During her sophomore year, the dress code for Central was changed and jeans could be worn to school. From jeans, it evolved to torn jeans and overalls. It became stylish- to wear men's workshirts and boots. Although Central maintained academic levels, this was a time of intellectual searching for most students. Also during this time, many Jewish families began to move West, which meant that not everyone who was Jewish went to Central High. "Because we still lived in Bagel Row, we were all still really tight even though many Jewish kids had started to go to Burke and Westside," she said. Bunny attended the University of Texas and UNO before graduating from UNL as a Special Education teacher. She has a Master's Degree in Learning Disabilities and is a resource teacher for children who experience Learning Disabilities. Rabbi Isaac Nadoff married Bunny and Steve Rothenberg at Beth Israel Synagogue in 1982. Their children are Alexis, 14, and twins, Max and Ian, 11. The Shafers feel very proud to be Central High graduates. They are glad for the experience of going to school in such a unique situation. They say, "You really had a true microcosm of the City of Omaha. We met and became friends with kids from all different parts of town from different ethnic backgrounds. We were never afraid to be there and: we were always very proud to be Central High graduates."

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Page 76

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

Growing up in "Bagel" on 'Parkwood Lane by Marty Ricks and Jonathan Bank, CHS '61

The summer between my junior and senior year at Central High, my parents, Morris and Sally Ricks, and I moved from a rented duplex at 58th and Lafayette to 821 Parkwood Lane. To me, moving to "Bagel Hill" was something special; so many of my Central classmates lived there and it "appeared" to represent a certain level of affluence. Although our new house was fairly small, this was our first with a finished basement so it was a great house to hang out with my friends. My sister, Jan, was already married to Les Schneiderman by this time, so it was just the three of us living at Parkwood Lane. However, sometimes it was only me living here. My parents had a grocery store and scrap yard in Missouri Valley, Iowa, where, as was typical in small farm towns, Saturday was the busiest day of the week. They kept the store open until 9 p.m., and rarely came home on Saturday nights. They had kept a small house in Missouri Valley. Can you imagine in today's world leaving a 17-year-old to live by himself? I recall winter storms dumping so much snow that I might not see my folks for up to a week at a time. Needless to say, my house was the logical gathering place for my friends. Not that I had a lot of wild parties, but I remember

Marty Ricks, Jonathan Bank, Jimmy Cohen, John Frieden and Marv Polikov in 1964. one Saturday night in particular where a friend got drunk and very sick. Although I cleaned the house by the next morning, the smell was still very strong. Being an ingenious teenager, I took several slices of bread, turned the oven on high and burned the bread to a crisp, eliminating the "yuk" smell of the Saturday night party. Of course, I apologized to my mother for creating the burnt smell in the house and confessed to her about the whole story.. .30 years later. I feel fortunate that I grew up in "Bagel" with my neighborhood buddies: Jimmy Cohen, Alan Cohen, Jonathan Bank, Jon Freiden, Harlan Priesman and, from way out west on 74th and Webster...Marv Polikov, the kid with the "high polluting" '55 Ford. I also have wonderful memories of frequent Sunday family dinners with my parents, along with Jan and Les and their three kids, Robin, Debbie and Scott and my aunt and uncle, Rose and Nate Gimple. The Gimples, by the way, owned Grand Central Market on Saddle Creek Road where I worked during most of my years in high school. They treated me like the son they never had. Parkwood Lane ran from Underwood Avenue on the south to 60th Street near Western Avenue on the north end and consisted of 35 residences. The only street intersecting Parkwood was Burt Street. Of the nine homes on the east side of the street from 60th to Burt, seven were occupied by Jewish families: Litt, Sidman, Richman, Moskovitz, Ricks, Wintroub and Rubin. On the west side, out of nine homes were Bordy, Shiff and Raznick. On the southern portion of Parkwood Lane from Underwood to Burt lived Gross, Platt, Bank, Weinberg, Fellman, all on the east side, and Weitz, Abrahmson, then Kutler, Cooperman, Wolfson, Friedman, Guss and Krasne on the west side. Jonathan Bank, who resides in Los Angeles, moved to the southern portion of Parkwood Lane in 1954. Not only did we graduate Central together in 1961, but we both graduated from University of Oklahoma in 1965, and were roommates during our senior year. We then both graduated from Creighton Law School. We have similar small town roots in Iowa in that Jonathan's mother, Florence, spent her first 18

years in Woodbine, 15 miles from Missouri Valley, where I Bpent my first 14 years. It was ironic that Jonathan and I met for dinner with our spouses in Los Angeles last July to discuss collaborating on this article. The following Sunday, while Iris and I were at the movies to see "Election," I observed a portion of the movie was filmed two houses north of the Bank residence on Parkwood Lane. The actual filming was 675 Parkwood and was the former home of Dr. and Mrs. Abe Fellman, my family physician in the '60s and whose son, Arnie, waB in our class; siblings Bob and Alice also attended Central. In the movie, you could see Jonathan's house in the background. My friend, Jonathan, was one of those guys all the girlB wanted to date. He had all the right attributes: handsome, smart and funny. I was happy to date his rejects. With this introduction, I say to you, heeeeeeere's...Johnny! (Bank, that is) Now he tells me I was popular. Where waB he when I needed the boost-spending Saturday nights in his basement? Marty hints at the risks of leaving a 17-year-old boy home alone, but if you know Marty, it was safer. than leaving the house vacant. Sad but true. When we moved to Parkwood Lane, there were very few homes. In fact, George's Lake was still a

nal investor). I first met Marty at JCC Camp. Alan Cohen always referred to Mm as "Bully Marty." But by the time he moved to Omaha from rural Iowa (sounds better than Mo Valley), he had matured, i.e. he was shaving. The most sought-after kid in the neighborhood was John Frieden. This had nothing to do with his personality, but rather he was the only kid to have both the doodlebug (a little motor scooter with a one horsepower Briggs and Stratton motor) and a gorgeous sister. He let me ride the doodlebug. One day, Joey McKenna (the son of the token Catholic), was sitting in his dad's 1959 Cadillac. (I think that was the year of the huge tail fins.) The car was in their sloped driveway, and he moved the gear from park to neutral. The Grosses (Bobby, class of'62, now my doctor in L A ) lived across from the McKennas, in the green comer house. In Nebraska, horseflies are not unusual, but car flies are, and you should have seen that Cadillac take off. The next thing the Grosses had was a new fixture in their bathroomâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;a 1959 Cadillac fin. Luckily, no one was hurt. The Bagel Hill gang was pretty tame. The only possible event that could have landed us a minor role on "Cops" occurred one summer evening. We

Marty Ricks, J a n e t Pritzger, Dorene Nash and J o n a t h a n Bank a t a Phi Delta Gamma party a t UNL. on April 23,1965.

1978--Marty Ricks and date and Carmen and J o n a t h a n Bank in California

r

1965-John Frieden, left, and Johnathan Bank visit with the Schneiderman girls: Debbie (Trenton) and Robin (Baer). lake, and we actually fished there, (although no one had the guts to eat what we caught). Then Dillon Realty drained the lake, and christened the new street Dillon Drive. The development took off. Unfortunately, it blocked my view of Susie Brodkey's house, but that's progress. On the corner of Parkwood Lane and Underwood was a huge pink house owned by the token Catholics, the McKenna's. Of course, I didn't know then what a Catholic was, or that 30 years later I'd be happily married to one. Shortly after we arrived, the Weinbergs moved next door. Mike and Helene were both popular, and not just because their dad was a prominent lawyer. Across the street were the Coopermans; the Wolfsons were next door, and Susie was a cheerleader at Central. But, the most popular family was Iner Abramson. He and his partner, Tiny, owned a drive-in called Tiners. The first thing any teen did upon getting a driver's license was "cruise" through Tiners. Knowing Iner and his three kids, Benny, Danny and Rosemary, was better in those days than being friends with Tom Hanks, Pamela Anderson, Michael Jordan and Warren Buffet (unless you were an origi-

probably should have gone to Irvington for ice cream, or maybe even Playland, but instead we took the low road and decided to taunt a friend. Six or so of us got in the back of a pickup truck (before seat belts) and parked in bis driveway, under the window, where we taunted and yelled! The reaction was neighborly-they had us all arrested. No handcuffs. No police brutality. Just a pleasant ride down to the station. When we explained the harmless, yet affectionate, nature of our act, the sergeant was really good at keeping a straight face. We were released-no hard time and no community service! The happy memories are pervasive. But other thoughts creep in once in awhile. Carolyn Nevins, the older sister of our classmates (for me, going back to Dundee), Lynn and Noel, was slain at Omaha University, only a few blocks from our neighborhood. It was a tragic and shattering loss, and a crime that has never been solved, m never forget it. Over another weekend, Charlie Starkweather, and Carole Fugate went on a murderous rampage and, for a few hours, the radio suggested they were heading for Omaha. Something that embarrasses me to this very day is Peony Park-where we had the "all school" parties. I was oblivious to the fact that the whole school was not allowed to attend the "all school" parties. Peony was not integrated. And except for the "O Ball" and maybe the "Military Ball," "negroes" were not allowed. Probably 25% of the school was black and could not attend school events, and I didn't give it a thought. Shame on me. My Uncle Norman Smeerin and his wife, Shirley, still live in Omaha, although his daughter, Jaynie, is in L.A.,'living near me. His other daughter, Laurie, lives in Chicago; my sister, Ellen, lives in Charlotte and visits me often. I miss Omaha, and have nothing but cherished memories of my family, friends, schools and the city. In fact, I often reminisce about it with my other exOmahans: Brando, Fonda, Nolte, Brokaw, Carson and Pomerantz.

September 10,1999

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 77

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Page 78

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 81

Shelly and Joyce Cohen by Diane Axler Baum

Direction and discipline are two concepts that . surface repeatedly when Shelly and Joyce Cohen look back on their years at Central High. That's not to say their reminiscences leave out good friends, Jewish activities, favorite teachers, and humorous incidents - j u s t that they keep coming back to authority issues. In the 1960's, Principal G. Arthur Nelson embodied authority. "When he walked into a room, he commanded attention," Shelly said. This happened, for example, whenever Nelson entered a study hall to announce that a particular college representatiye.had-just; arrived in the building. Each of thege occasion's became another opportunity for him to emphasize the importance of careful college selection. Of his experience in the Class of 1957, Shelly said, simply, "I enjoyed it." He had positive feelings about playing violin in the orchestra, which was comprised of "a nice bunch of people," and he related well to the conductor, Mr. Bartholomew. He especially liked being a member of the Jewish youth organizations that met after school in the JewiBh Community Center across the street. His remembrances of regimentation were equally vivid. For example, boys and girls had to use separate stairways, a system based on the locations of the girls' and the boys' restrooms. Occasionally, a student would defy the stairway rules, and would, indeed, get into trouble, he said. For the most part, however, students accepted the direction and discipline imposed by the administration. "Students back then weren't as aggressive then as they are now," he suggested. Joyce made a similar point. "When I went to school, the teachers were always 'right' in my parents' eyes," she said. "A lot of parents these dayB fight the schools because they think their kids are 'righf." She continued with a related thought. "From 19601964, when I went to Central, girls were not permitted to wear jeans. But they didn't make it an issue. Those were the rules; we were accepting of the rules." "There was no justice," added Shelly, but students were accepting of that, too. To illustrate the point, he recalled an incident that occurred one winter day: He'd come up from orchestra into the corridor east of the auditorium. A couple of guys had opened a window to bring in snow from outside, and he walked right into the middle of their snowball fight. Moments later, a teacher happened by, and every student on the scene — even Shelly, the innocent bystander - had to stay after school. He didn't consider arguing with the teacher. Joyce and Shelly both believe that the loss of teacher, authority over the years accounts for less learning today than decades ago. During "his day" at Central, teachers weren't called upon to justify themselves to parents, and "teachers devoted their time to teaching, not policing," said Shelly. There were other strict expectations. "We had to write themes every week," said

T h e c l a s s of 1964

celebrated friendships at reunion by "closing up the place," according to one Central grad. On hand were Judy Turner Ginsburg, Diane Halperin, Linda Graetz Eng, •J Susie Slutsky Bud" wig; J a n Janger, Susan Katzman, Gail Brodkey and Joyce Render Cohen.

Joyce. "We wrote them by hand." Jewish activities, especially United Synagogue The classes and the teachers offered Central stu- Youth arid B'nai B'rith Girls. But she also was' dents "a terrific preparation for college," Shelly involved in the Greenwich Villagers Art Club, the noted. (He believes that's still true.) French Club, and she founded the International He recalled several excellent teachers, including Relations Club, where they discussed politics and Mrs. McCarter, who taught math; Mr. Taylor, geog- international relations at the meetings. raphy; and Mrs. Turpin, English. Joyce recalled that the Jewish high-school stuJoyce shared a few specific memories. There was dents "stuck together," and that they were "a very; English teacher Edwin Clark, who possessed an cohesive group." "interesting voice" and was extremely theatrical. "There was a stronger sense of Jewish identity; There was a favorite art teacher, L. Zenaide Luhr, who than today, I think," she said. She attributes this, would not tell her students what the "L" represented. partly to a non-Jewish world that was much less In her senior year, Joyce made a bet. If she could accepting of Jews. guess what the "L" stood for, she'd receive an extra She also believes that a greater number of Jewish "A" in return. Luhr is still an artist in Omaha, and parents expected, or demanded, that their the two occasionally run into each other at art teenagers refrain from interfaith dating. And the events in the city. They can kids, for the most part, still' smile about that longaccepted their parents' ago bet. direction. In Joyce's junior year, Shelly interjected that 1963, the new French there were several wellteacher made a huge imdefined groups among stupression; She'd been living dents then. "The Blacks in Paris, and now she was stuck together; the back in Omaha. "We all wealthy Protestants went thought she was the most to Brownell; the wealthy beautiful, the most chic Catholics went to Prep and teacher we'd ever met!" Duchesne," he said. It was Beverly Bloom, One of the most imporMark, Shelly, Joyce and Bert Cohen who's now Bev Fellman. t a n t aspects of being a (She's still teaching French at Central, but these Jewish student at Central in the 1950's and 1960's days, she and Joyce are most likely to see each had to do with quality rather than quantity. "Even other at Beth El Synagogue.) though we were small in numbers, we Jews were Shelly and Joyce agreed that their Central friend- always top of the class," said Joyce, "and there" was ships were as important as their studies. "I guess the always a Jewish president of this or that." Jewish friends I remember most were the men in the Perhaps that's one reason Shelly took time from AZA Chapter with me," said Shelly. "What a nice his busy schedule as owner of The Travel Company bunch of guys! We had parties of course, and we'd agency to help with the mailings for his 40th help in the community. And there was a formal reunion, which took place in 1997. dance every year,, for which we dressed up in suits." The reunion turned out to be quite the event, he No tuxedos back then, he remarked, as an aside. said. There's nothing like reminiscing about old Joyce, too, Bpent the majority of her time in times.

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Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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The Central High School Foundation The Central High School Foundation headed by Dr. Raymond (Rusty) Crossman III (CHS '66), is a non-profit fundraising organization whose purpose is to improve the education of present and future Central students. The Foundation was formed in 1966 because the organizers realized that for Central to survive, it would need help from the private sector. Although the school's location and physical plant may have some negatives, its tradition, diversity and academic excellence are giant positives and well worth preserving. The Foundation is proud of its accomplishments, for which there is an on-going need for funds. Some key activities are: scholarships to graduating seniors (17 in 1999); grants to teachers, including such diverse equipment as computer software, record players, a video camera and a tennis ball machine; helping the Alumni Association with mailing costs, a computer, software for tracking graduates, plus a paid administrative secretary. A detailed budget outlining all expenses and projects is available upon request. "Although The Foundation is endowed, only the interest on that endowment can be spent and it is earmarked for scholarships, "stated Dr. Crossman. "Meanwhile, the day-to-day operating requirements are in dire need of financial aid." Among the members of the community who volunteer their time on The CHS Foundation Board of Counselors are: Sandy Epstein, Bev Fellman, Sandy Friedman, Larry Kavich, Marc Kraft, Rocky Lewis, Betty Sanford, and Dick Slosburg. Questions and tax-deductible donations may be sent to: The CHS Foundation, c/o Dr. Crossman, or c/o Terry Price, Administrative Secretary, PO Box 31610, Omaha, NE 68131-0610.

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

Page 83

The CHS Alumni Association The Central High School Alumni Association was organized in 1996 to' "keep Central Central." Its goal is to ensure high quality education by supporting the needs of Central's faculty, students and the building in general. Under the leadership of Merrillee Moshier Miller, class of '66, the Association currently has over 1800 members. Annual dues start at $10, and all Central graduates are urged to join. "When I realized Central was the only area high school without an alumni group, I called a meeting of about 12 people, representing classes from the '30s to the '90s," said Merrilee. "Our first project was to locate 70 years of graduates." The one-and-a-half years of research resulted in the Alumni Directory, published in 1998. A limited number of directories are still available from B.C. Harris Publishing (1-80O-877-6554) at $79.95. When ordering, use Central's ID code, PSY. The alumni board, a lively, active group, meets the second Monday of each month at Central. Meetings are open to all who are interested. Board members include Paula and Larry Albert, Francess Batt, Tom Bernstein, Eunie Denenberg, Bev Fellman, Howard Marcus, Joan Marcus, Nancy Noddle, Nancy Milder Roberts, Yale Trustin and Lee Wigodsky. A partial list of Alumni Association projects follows: Hall of Fame: Fifteen graduates, chosen for their contributions to society and their fields, will be honored on Thursday, Sept. 30, at a dinner in the Central High Courtyard. Two of the honorees are Saul Kripko and

Lawrence Klein. The evening is open to the community; tickets are $25 per person. For more information, contact Nancy Noddle, or a member of the committee, which includes Eunie Denenberg, Sandi Epstein, Bev Fellman, Scott Friedman, Sylvia Jess, Don Nogg, Sylvia Roflman and Suzanne Singer. History: Among the intriguing projects are microfilming old Registers, conducting oral histories and collecting archival materials. Got any dance stickers or old style books to contribute? Newsletter: The Alumni Register will be published three times a year. Alumni Library: Ongoing efforts are underway to collect published books authored by Central graduates for a prominent display at school. Reunion Assistance: Chairman Paula Albert offers files of reunion ideas plus an invaluable database to help classes locate their people. The Iris Garden: Bev Fellman is chairing the efforts to restore the flowering, purple "C" on the Dodge Street lawn to its original design, as cultivated by former Principal J. Arthur Nelson. ' Centennial Event: A commemoration is planned to mark the centenary of Central High's cornerstone, which was laid in November of 1900. The Alumni Association, primarily project-driven, works in tandem with the CHS Foundation, a fundraising group of Central supporters. Both organizations welcome the ideas and participation of everyone interested in supporting Central. â&#x20AC;˘

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Page 84 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 10,1099

"Meetcha at Koopers" by Carol Katzman

That was the weekend battle cry for Central's Glass of 1957. After all, the Hooper's basement was the center of the world for Jewish teens in Omaha, according to three best friends: Bob Epstein, Arnold Joffe and Howard Kooper. The year these three became freshmen at Central, their parents (along . with other concerned Jewish leaders) hired Dave Belzer to "beef up" the teen program at the old 'J' on 20th and Dodges: Epstein, Joffe and

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Kooper responded. Instead of joining Rayim, one of the boys' Jewish clubs, as expected, the three, along with classmates Howard Kaslow, Jerry Rosen, Marty Sophir, Alan Forman, Marvin Freeman and Howard Lipton, joined AZA #100. Though still functioning, AZA #100 was down to only four members; the injection of a new crop offreshmenrevived the group. The rest, as they say, is history. Kaslow went on to become Regional President of AZA; the group's basket-

ball team competed in tournaments from Des Moines to Sioux City, even Sioux Falls, S.D. Their lives were full: a heavy load of classes at Central, after school stops at the Music Box for "curly q" fries, running the mimeograph at the old 'J', big dances at Peony Park, lunch at the Highland Town Club, dinner at Gorat's and a movie or floor show at the Colony Club. "If we were all together," Bob Epstein said, "we couldn't get into trouble."

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Swanson, the choir director, pushed the teens in directions they never dreamed, even taking them to Kansas City to see the movie Oklahoma on Todd AO wide screen." "Our parents created an atmosphere where we knew we could be mischievous, but we still had to tow the line," Epstein noted. The boys would pull 'all nighters,' playing Poker in Hooper's basement," Epstein recalled. "And the girls would fight to see who would get to clean up!" added his wife, Bobbie,

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How: •per Arnold Joffe "Paul Veret Director of the Jewish who graduated two years after Bob. Federation and the Jewish Com- "We didn't have a care back then," munity Center in those days), she added. "Our biggest problem was Sherman Poska (who ran the youth if we had a date for Saturday night!" program), and Dave Belzer (who later The two dated briefly in high school, became director of the Kansas City but not seriously until after Bobbie JCC), ran everything," added Arnold went away to Ohio State. They met Joffe, "at least in pur Jewish lives." up again in Chicago in the summer of At Central, however, the command- 1960. ing presence was Principal J. Arthur "He said he'd show me the town," Nelson, who ran the school his way. Bobbie said, "it was the first time "Whatever he told us to do, we did," we'd spoken in two years!" A year Joffe continued. "There was still an later, the two were married, and Bob was working with his father, Sam innate respect for adults then." Joffe, whose father died at a young Epstein, in Omaha Paper Stock, a age, was mentored by three men he local business started by Bob's grandremembers with great fondness: father, Henry, in 1922. Robert Kooper (Howard's father), Ed By 1966, his other friends were Rosen and Sam Epstein (Bob's father). married, too. Kooper and Sheryn Other parents influenced the teens, Cohn (CHS '63) went out on New too. Bobbie Epstein recalled the time Year's Eve of 1964, but by the followwhen Iz Tretiak "taught the class of'59 ing spring, she met Joffe and they the conga. John Schimmel's father were married in November. In the owned the Blackstone Hotel and meantime, Kooper started dating allowed us to rehearse in the ballroom." Sharon Bernstein (CHS '65); they, Teachers like Norm Kirshbaum, the too, married within six months. (Continued on page 85) drama coach, and Elsie Howe

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"Meetcha at Koopers" — and will marry Wayne Schwarz, a software engi(Continued from page 84) The men remained friends through their college neer, next month. The Epsteins are the parents of a eon and two years at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln, again doing the unexpected by joining 'Sammies' daughters: Jeff, a fourth-generation .member and President, of Omaha Paper Stock, and his wife, (Sigma Alpha Mu), instead of Zeta Beta Tau. Now grandparents, Joffe and his wife, Sheryn, Ellie, are parents of Alec, 2, and Cali, one month; are the parents of daughter, Andrea Siegel, and daughter, Melissa, is Associate Director of ADL in her husband, Michael, who recently moved here Chicago and is married to Michael Schop, a comfrom New York with their two children, Tyler, 4, puter consultant; daughter, Elizabeth, recently married Stuart Bohart. They live in New York and Monica, 11/2; and City, where she JB a consultant daughter, Suzanne Pofor Credo Consulting and he is a cras, and her husband, principal with Morgan Stanley Hap, from Lincoln. Dean Witter. Joffe, who worked for Both Epsteins have served in Robert Kooper at the major volunteer positions-Bob Harry A. Wolf Company as President of Highland, (later Overland Wolf) Chairman of the Pacesetter alongside his friend HowDivision for the Federation ard Kooper, formed his Campaign, and on the Beth El own insurance company Board. Bobbie is currently a in 1978, Joffe Kully Grossman. The firm Federation Vice-president, a merged with Grace Mayer The Joffe grandchildren: Monica member of the National in 1981, and Joffe was and Tyler Siegel. Women's Campaign Board, and soon named CEO. (Continued on page 87) Kooper, too, formed his own company, Broadmoor Development, with longtime friend Tom Fellman. The two have often worked in tandem on volunteer projects, as well, serving as co-chairmen of the recent JCC Building Campaign, and back-toback terms as President of the Jewish Federation, a position once held by Robert Kooper from 195860. Kooper and his wife, Sharon, are the parents of two daughters: Robyn, Manager of Successories at Oak View Mall, and Lori, who "works for The Joffe family, from left: Hap and Suzanne Pocras, Sheryn and Market Data in Denver Arnold Joffe and Andrea and Michael Siegel.

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Page 86 Jewish Press, Omaha, NE September 10,1999 it

A fun time" by Diane Axler Baum

Opening a Class of 1958 yearbook is all it takes for Steven Riekes to recapture his four years at Central High. The school engendered "a sense of purpose, a sense of what learning should be about," said Riekes, and provided "a wide circle of friends to interact with in a healthy, positive way." Many of his life-long friendships began with the members of his class. A number of them moved away, but returned last October to attend a hugely successful 40th Reunion. The academic foundation he received a t Central became the basis for continued scholarship, at Brandeis University followed by the Harvard Law School. Today, he's a partner in the Omaha law firm of Marks Clare & Richards. "Everybody was a 'superstar' at Brandeis, but I was prepared. I could hold my head up with anybody," he said. But Central wasn't j u s t about academics. According to Riekes, the very atmosphere of the school "pulsed with creativity and dynamism; you could feel it; it was in the air." An outstanding faculty merged with an equally outstanding student body to fuel Central's remark, able creativity. Many Central students developed their skills as actors, artists, singers, musicians and debaters. The school's theater productions were always of superior quality. Sometimes the "creativity" took a mischievous slant, which occurred in his junior year. During the unit on Elections, the teachers used to divide the students into Federalists and Nationalists. A small group of students in his class, however, decided on their own to form a third party—the Monarchists— and they came to school dressed for the role, carrying signs. The assistant principal, not impressed by this particular form of creativity, put a quick, firm end to their efforts. Many of Central's most accomplished students were the products of the area's Jewish families who, like Riekes, had attended the Dundee School through 8th grade. At Central, they were active in the Jewish youth groups which met at the JCC, located in those days on 20th and Dodge, across the street from the school. Riekes was a member of AZA 100, a chapter

Henry, Dorothy, Carl and Steve Riekes, 1958. which benefited from the dedication of "two wonderful advisers," Dan Gordman and Lou Canar. "They made such an impression on me, that when I returned to Omaha (after law school), I knew that the only way I could repay what they'd done was to become an AZA adviser, which I did." Several of his Central teachers also made a tremendous impression on Riekes, including Josephine Frisbie, who taught a senior creative writing class, and Irma Costello, who taught history and social studies. A number of the brighter students would try to monopolize discussions, but in Costello's class, she made a point of calling on everyone and of waiting patiently for the slower students to formulate their answers. A small group of the brighter students became frustrated by this and complained to Costello that she was wasting class time. She made them understand that all through life they would

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need to interact with the slow as well as the bright; she told them it was important for them to start now to learn how. Steve Riekes was still at Central when his sister, Nancy, started there; Nancy was a senior when their brother, Carl, entered as a freshman in 1960. 1 had heard so much about Central High for so long," said Carl Riekes, "that there was this awe about it." The family tradition, he noted, started with his parents, Henry and Dorothy, who also were Central graduates. The faculty lived up to his expectations. "There were so many good teachers at Central," he stated. One was English teacher Dan Daly who, at that time, was only in his 20's. "He waB young, good looking and, as we said then, he was a real 'cool' dresser. It was great that he could relate so well to the kids." , Another of his favorite teachers, Mr. Sorenson, taught American History and Government. "I just adored the man, and I really got into American History," he said. ' . Except for the Spanish Club, he didn't spend too much extra-curricular time within the school, opting, instead, to be extremely active in AZA. Like his older brother, he looks back on the Jewish Youth Council with special warmth. "One of the popular things we did was Stage Night. Each youth group would put on a skit. It was just hilarious. I don't remember ever having so much fun!," he exclaimed. It's a memory that triggers others, such as "cruising through Bagel Hill," initially on foot, and later in cars. Bagel Hill, the area on the north side of Underwood between George's Boulevard and Fairacres Road, was the "action spot of Omaha" for Jewish teenagers, he said. "There was always a parly, always a gathering, particularly in the summer." Some of the socializing continued for him when he attended the University of Nebraska, where he majored in Political Science. The pledge class of MB fraternity, Sigma Alpha Mu, included 18 or 19 other Jewish freshmen who had graduated with him in Central's Class of 1964. Today, Carl Riekes is president of Ryco Pack(Continued on Page 87)

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"Meetcha at Koopers".

"A fun time"

(Continued from page 85) Chairman of the Midwest Region 2000 Conference in Chicago next summer. She has twice chaired t h e Federation's Women's Campaign, and chaired t h e Midwest Consortium of | Partnership 2000. "It was a simpler time," Joffe said about their teen years at Central. "The pull of friendship is still very strong," he added, noting that the three, along with others, still see one another socially and do business together. Tiners is gone; "cruising Th e Epstein family, from left: Stuart and Elizabeth Bohart, Jeff and EUie" Bagel" is a thing of t h e Epstein with Alec, Bobbie and Bob Epstein and Melissa and Michael Schop. past; the Music Box is now a parking lot and the old '<F has been demolished. . .along with| its small meeting rooms, packed with teenage girls after school,! Steve Biekes; 1958 CHS graduation photo. and the gym where boys couldn't throw a long shot without hit-| (Continued from Page 86) aging Corporation and looks back on his days at ting the running track. But the '<T is still the center of the Jewish community, even I Central with nostalgia. "High school was a fun. though it's "out West." The JCC has grown, physically and pro-1 time," he smiled. Although Central held positives for both broth- gramatically, to meet the changing needs of Omaha's Jewish! ers, Steve Riekes admitted that he felt Central community-boasting childcare facilities and a fitness center,] "was, perhaps, a little too authoritarian." In his and soon, a state-of-the-art library that weren't even imagined ] " opinion, the administration was "afraid of any kind as these young men entered the halls of Central in 1954. of perceived threat from the student body, a bit too "You can't turn back the clock," Kooper noted. "But the bestl - cautious, not sufficiently open to student dissen- part of growing up was Central," Epstein added with a smile. sion or protest." For example, expectations about appropriate dress were rather rigid. He recalled the day the senior boys decided to be "very daring" and all At right: The Kooper family: Howard, Sharon, Lori a n d Robyn, and Lori's fiancee, Wayne Schwarz. came to school in Bermuda shorts. The administration would have none of that, not even from the seniors. "We were met at the door by the principal, who told us to go home and get properly dressed." Come and experience the True Two other minor negatives for Steve Riekes were Middle East and Dine With Us! ROTC, which he "detested," and the fact that ' Central was a'rather old building, lacking some of the facilities of more modern schools. Nevertheless, he summed up his overall recollections in one very positive sentence: Central High School in the 1950's was "a wonderful place."

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Page 88

Jewish Press, Omaha, NE

September 10,1999

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nun New Year